Scout Picks

Gameweek 23 Scout Picks includes Liverpool and Chelsea double-up

We have double-up on Liverpool and Chelsea assets for Gameweek 23 in our latest Scout Picks XI.

Every week we chose our optimum line-up for the upcoming round of Fantasy Premier League action.

We spend some time deliberating over the Scout Squads submitted by David, Neale, Paul and Geoff earlier in the week to find the best selection.

For Gameweek 23 we are lining up in a 3-4-3 formation and come in at £83.0m, £2.0m under our budget of £85.0m.

Goalkeeper

Recent improvements at Arsenal have opened new options for Fantasy managers including goalkeeper Bernd Leno (£5.0m). During Mikel Arteta’s time in charge of the Gunners, only three teams have conceded fewer big chances than them, a far cry from how they looked at the back under Unai Emery. Furthermore, during that same period, upcoming opponents Sheffield United are second only to Burnley for shots on target.

Defenders

Liverpool have kept six clean sheets in a row now and sit top of the Premier League for fewest shots in the box conceded during that time. Meanwhile, no player has fashioned more big chances than Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) during that period.

Chelsea’s trip to Newcastle could produce returns at both ends of the pitch for Reece James (£5.0m). Having started each of the last two matches, the right-back put up 10 crosses in Gameweek 22, more than any other defender. Meanwhile, only four teams have allowed fewer goal attempts in the box than Chelsea since Gameweek 19, a period in which Newcastle sit inside the bottom four for shots on target.

There was plenty of interest in the Brighton defence for Gameweek 23 in our Scout Squad submissions. Lewis Dunk (£4.8m) is the man who makes the final selection. Upcoming opponents Aston Villa have blanked in two of their last three away trips so there is clean sheet potential for the Seagulls this weekend. Meanwhile, given how poor Villa’s defence is, it could serve Dunk well that he has had more headed attempts than any of his colleagues in 2019/20.

Midfielders

Another big Salah haul asks tough questions of FPL managers

Liverpool do often struggle when they face Manchester United but their attacking assets come into Gameweek 23 in fine statistical form. We’ve gone with Mohamed Salah (£12.3m) as our chosen representative as he has been displaying goal threat and creativity in equal measure over the last four Gameweeks.

Kevin de Bruyne‘s (£10.7m) creativity has made him a hugely reliable asset of late and the return to form of those around him has only boosted him further. Having fashioned three big chances in the last four Gameweeks (the joint-second-highest in the league), we expect more returns against Crystal Palace. The Eagles may prove hard to break down but they are still without a clean sheet on the road since Gameweek 16.

James Maddison (£7.7m) comes into the Scout Picks as a late change following Richarlison’s reported injury on Friday afternoon. We thought about replacing him with a fellow Everton colleague but the Brazilian missing out on Gameweek 23, as well as Gylfi Sigurdsson, may well reduce their attacking potential at West Ham. Instead, Maddison comes in ahead of a meeting with Burnley’s obliging defence. In the last four Gameweeks, only two sides have conceded more goal attempts from set plays than the Clarets.

Todd Cantwell (£4.9m) and his Norwich colleagues are fortunate enough to face Bournemouth at their lowest ebb in Gameweek 23. The Cherries have conceded 10 goals in their last four matches while Cantwell has registered a 10-point haul in each of his last two starts at Carrow Road.

Forwards

 1

We expect Jamie Vardy (£10.1m) to get back to his earlier season form in a Gameweek 23 trip to Burnley. While he has struggled recently, the Leicester man’s last three outings were against Manchester City, Liverpool and Southampton, who it turns out are now one of the best defences in the league. By contrast, Burnley have given up 23 goals in seven matches against last season’s top-six in 2019/20, more than any other side. While that mantle does not technically apply to Leicester, they have played like a team of this quality for much of the campaign and should make life very hard for the Clarets.

Tammy Abraham (£7.8m) has been creeping under the radar to some extent recently, producing attacking returns in each of his last three outings. This weekend he faces a Newcastle defence that has conceded the second-highest number of big chances over the last four Gameweeks.

No player has had more shots in the box than Danny Ings (£6.8m) over the last four matches, suggesting his incredible run of form is sustainable. Gameweek 23 pits Southampton against a Wolves side flagging a little as their relatively small squad struggles to compete on so many fronts this season. We are expecting Ings to extend his current run which stands at five goals in as many matches.

Substitutes

Mathew Ryan (£4.9m) is an alternative option in the Brighton defence with 13 saves in the last four Gameweeks.

It’s three clean sheets in the last five for Everton so we’ve included budget option Mason Holgate (£4.4m) on our substitute’s bench.

Jack Stephens (£4.3m) is a cheap route into the Southampton defence which has impressed recently.

Leandro Trossard (£5.8m) makes it onto the Scout Picks bench ahead of facing that hugely obliging Aston Villa defence on Saturday afternoon.

The Captain

The Scout Picks has a captain for the 2019/20 campaign.

This skipper is chosen using the conclusions of the latest Captain Sensible article and a four-way vote between David, Neale, Paul and Geoff.

Because the use of Fantasy Football Scout data is used so heavily in this process, the captain we choose each Gameweek will be known only to those who have signed up to Membership for the 2019/20 season.

It will be revealed to the public only when the deadline for the Gameweek has passed.

Here’s how we voted for Gameweek 23: 

Community Champion

Representing the community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek 23 is Rude Reviewer.

They have gone for a 3-4-3 of Schmeichel; R James, Mendy, Dunk; Sterling (c), de Bruyne, Son, Richarlison; Abraham, Vardy, Maupay.

The community member who beats our picks by the biggest margin over the campaign will win a £100 Amazon Voucher and a place in our Contributors and Moderators League for the following season.

Community Champion Pep Pig was defeated by the Scout Picks in Gameweek 22, losing by a 72-64 score-line.

The current winning margin of 17 points recorded by irfansheikh in Gameweek 7 and AK in Gameweek 10 remains the score to beat.

3,938 Comments Post a Comment
  1. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best Richarlison replacement? Maddy? Mahrez? Martial? Thanks

    1. Pdrpro
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Martial if Rash out mid term

      1. irun1bissaka
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Absolutely disagree, neither is the same without the other on the pitch.

        1. Harper (No more Penandes)
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Looked decent enough in the cup with no rash

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      mahrez is tempting. but ultimately id keep

    3. puhd
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      What happened to Rich?

      1. Yank Revolution
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Injured

    4. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Tricky week to make that call

      Have Maddy but he’s on trial really and wouldn’t want to be buying him in

      Also have Martial but Rash potentially out may not be great - do love his consistency though

      Mahrez is where I’d go - obvious risk

    5. Bored Bear
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Unless on a wildcard, just keep. He'll be back for the midweek better fixture home to Newcastle.

  2. Pdrpro
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Deeney or DCL for Rashford?

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Troy

    2. puhd
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      DCL

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Consider maupay

      1. Pdrpro
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Does he always play?

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Yea

    4. fantasyfog
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      deeney

  3. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    When Laporte returns could that impact City midfield freeing up Fernadinho for that role? Thinking KdB with defensive duties less probable.

    1. sminkypinky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      On course it impacts the whole team. They’ll go on a wild hunt for Pool.
      Just for Laporte to get injured again and Fernandinho dropping back giving easy goals to City opponents.

    2. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      It was mostly Rodri playing in that position rather than Fernandinho before Laporte got injured.

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yep - good point - think that’s right on reflection. Suspect the impact may be fairly restricted on attacking assets

  4. puhd
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Play Lundstram Rico or Willems?

    1. puhd
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No one?

    2. Lecky Legs FC
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Willems also own him

    3. irun1bissaka
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      This week I'd go for Lundstram. Taking out Auba robs Arsenal of their biggest goal threat and as much as has been made of their newly trustworthy defence... I'm not buying that. Sheff Utd will put up a good fight.

  5. Obi Wan Elokobi
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Should I start A or B? Really not sure.

    A) Cantwell
    or
    B) DCL

    Thanks

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

    3. puhd
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

    4. irun1bissaka
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Have captained Cantwell, this is his best fixture of the whole season.

      1. Kun Tozser
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        He’s still not going to score more than Vardy though, just heightens your risk

  6. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Need to decide on triple captain for DGW as will be up a mountain (Kilimanjaro) during the week with no internet.

    A) Trent
    B) Salah
    C) Mane
    D) Save chip

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Currently on A

    2. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

    3. puhd
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mo

    4. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      C) for away stats

    5. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      D

      I dont see Pool scoring many.

      A if you really want to.

    6. irun1bissaka
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Love the D.

    7. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B or D for me
      Undecided

  7. Polar_Bear
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best sub 5 midfielder?

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Cantwell

    2. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Still Cantwell for me, with Fleck a close second. Hayden if you need bench fodder enabler.

    3. puhd
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’ve got Fleck

  8. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    On a WC and have exact cash to do Mane >>> Salah. Would you?

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Nah

    2. puhd
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    3. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Salah over Mane yeah, but you want both

      1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I don't.

    4. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    5. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      DEPENDS ON YOUR RANK. iF OW YES, IF YOU NED A SHIELD NO.

    6. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No

  9. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Start which one?

    Holgate (whu) or Kabasele (TOT)

  10. Klaren
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    No Aguero and only 1 City in the Scout Picks is a joke.

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Agreed

    2. Lecky Legs FC
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Can't wait to throw the armband on Aguero again me 😉

  11. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Pope
    VVD Soyuncu Lundstram
    Salah KDB(c) Maddison Cantwell
    Vardy Rashford Ings

    Button Grealish Rico Kelly
    2.3itb 1ft

    Was going to do rashford to DCL to free up money to do Maddison to Mane(TC) next week. But Everton injuries may dampen their attacking threat.

    Rashford to
    A) DCL
    B) Maupay
    C) Deulofeu
    D) Deeney

    1. itsmeguneet
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

    3. puhd
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

    4. battlecat
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      D

  12. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Appreciate some advice.

    Bench one
    A - Martial
    B - Cantwell
    C - Perez

    Martial seems logical right?

    1. puhd
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I would bench Perez

    2. Klaren
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Definitely not B. A and C are pretty close, obviously Martial has the difficult fixture but at least he is nailed. If you own Perez, you might as well play him in this fixture though.

  13. battlecat
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Had a barn storming festive time but stalled last week. Been holding transfers and funds to get in Salah or Firmino next week but should I play Grealish or Sarr? Don’t want to waste a transfer either.

    McCarthy (Pope)
    TAA, Soy, Lundstram (Rico, Kelly)
    KDB, Mane, Sarr, Cantwell (Grealish)
    Vardy (c), Ings, Abraham

    2FT 5.2 ITB

    Next week Abraham is out and one of Sarr or Grealish.

  14. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Transfer Sterling in for one week punt and captain him and after get Salah in for DGW? Or get Salah straight away?

    Sterling top10k ownership 6%, Salah 25% and growing

    1. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Get Salah straight away, Sterling has been quite pants at home all season

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Cue hattrick

      2. puhd
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Agree

  15. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Pope
    TAA - Soy - Aurier
    KDB (C) - Moura - Cantwell - Traore
    Vardy - Kun - DCL

    Button - Lundy - Rico - Pulisic**

    A) Pulisic > Salah or Mane
    B ) play Salah/Mane over Traore, Cantwell or DCL?
    C) Pulisic > any midfielder

  16. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    who is everyone captaining this gw ?

    vardy for me

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Switching between KDB and vardy, still not sure

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Same.

    2. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Leaving it on Aguero ... think VC will be Ings ahead of Vardy

    3. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      On KDB at mo.

      Wouldn't be surprised at a Burnley win.

    4. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      KDB

  17. itsmeguneet
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Shuffled my team, shall I confirm this WC??

    Allison
    TAA- Dunk -Soy
    Salah- KDB- Grealish- Sarr
    Vardy- Ings- Maupay

    Ryan, Lund, Dendo, Kelly

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      If that’s Palace Kelly surely you go Ward

      Allison has so little upside - Gomez or VVD by saving on Dunk in my book

  18. hawkeyorigin
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Richarlison to Son on a FT or save and play Cantwell?

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Save

    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Save

  19. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Damn Richa injured too,could end up with 9 or less playing.
    Must hit (C) or huge OR drop

    1. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I had same issue hence decided to WC.

  20. RealVirg
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Keep or sell Simpson (plays for Bournmouth)?????

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      What are the upsides of keeping him?

  21. CONNERS
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Decided to bite the bullet and WC.
    Went for something quite balanced, what do you think?
    Anyway, GL for the weekend everyone.

    Ryan
    TAA - Robbo - Sidibe
    Salah - KDB - Son - Cantwell
    Vardy - Maupay - Ings

    McCarthy - Grealish/Lund/Williams

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'd be scared going in to that double game week without mane. I'd double up on midfield with a plan to go back down to 1.

    2. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Who will u bench when Lunds fixtures get better after city?

    3. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I like it, apart from Ryan

    4. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not fussed about Mane. Feel the defence double up offers best value overall.
      Will play Lund some weeks when Sheff U's fixtures improve. A decent bench is a nice problem to have IMO.

  22. Bubbles1985
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I'm bringing in Pukki for Deeney for a quick punt - Kane to Deeney paid off last week!

    I have 2ft so is Martial to Mahrez worth a go or should I stick now Rashford is out ?!

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Thinking the same (re Pukki)

  23. LordEllison
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    2 FT and 0.0 ITB, abit stuck on what to do with Rich and Rashford, any ideas? thanks.

    Henderson Button
    TAA Kelly Soyuncu Dunk Lundstram
    Salah Maddison KDB Richarlison Dendoncker
    Vardy Rashford Ings

    1. shawry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Very similar team and same problem.

      I used FT to do Guaita to McCarthy earlier in the week with 1 FT left.

      Thinking of going Rashford to one of;
      1. Maupay
      2. DCL (got Richarlison but losing next week to enable Mane in
      3. Deeney

      Or... swap out Rich and Grealish to Mane and 4.3m?

      What are you thinking?

      Current team:
      McCarthy - 4m
      TAA - Soy - Lundy- Holgate - Rico
      Salah - KDB - Rich - Grealish - Cantwell
      Vardy - Ings - Rash

  24. Podorsky
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Dificult to decide between Grealish and Cantwell. One is the talisman, if theres a goal he will most likely have something to do with it. The other is playing Bournemouth, left wing, and right now Bournemouth are awfull. Leaning towards Grealish simply because he is the better player. What do you guys and gals think.

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'm benching Grealish for Toddy.
      Brighton are no pushovers at home they would want 3 points from this game.
      It could backfire but on paper it is the right call imo.

    2. battlecat
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Same conondrum but also got Sarr in the mix. Definitely playing Cantwell though.

      1. Podorsky
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Really, Grealish has been brilliant in the last 3 4 games. Todd seems accidentally to show up at the right place at the right time.

  25. Crunchie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What to do with this lot / mess (WC possible. Rank around 500k)

    Fabs (button)
    TAA, Digne, Lunds, Kelly, Rico
    Grealish, Zaha, Alli, Salah, KDB
    Vardy, DCL, Jiminez

    Either

    A) WC (Rip it up and start again)

    B)To Fabs to McCarthy
    Zaha to Trossard (-4)
    then Alli and Jiminez to Richarlison and Firminho next week (-4) (GW 24)

    C) To Allison
    Zaha to Trossard (-4)

    then Alli to Son,and Jiminez to Ings GW 24 (worried about Ings rotation a little, may be dropped against Palace if played this weekend)

    WC team

    McCarthy
    Taa, Digne (Robertson in GW 27) Lunds, Lascelles, Williams
    Trossard, (Dacoure gw 29) Son, Salah, KDB, Fleck,
    Vardy, DCL, Pukki (then Firminho GW24 then Ings GW25 or 26)

    Obviously barring injuries as was planning Richalison instead of Son but need differentials

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Just the keeper, lots will be taking hits so don’t.

      1. Crunchie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks witch one, Risk the limited ceiling in Allison or go McCarthy

      2. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Agreed

  26. HonestBlatter
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Salah price won't rise yet today?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Looks like he could

  27. 7shadesofsmoke
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Aurier and DCL out
    Williams (as a 5th def) and Ings in for FREE

    Already got Mane Salah and TAA for the DGW

    what are we saying?

    Bonus Q: Alli to Mahrez for -4 as a long term swap?

  28. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Will Mahrez play this GW?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Hope so

    2. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      scout predictions say yes

      Pep says flip a coin, heads he chooses based on the spirit of the wind, tails he enlists yuri geller to pick the team blindfolded

  29. fridge
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Pls pick 2 to start out of Aurier, Lundstram, Martial?

    1. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Bench the lord

  30. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    First on bench?

    A- Lundstram (ars)
    B- Traore (sou)

    1. POLSKA GOLA
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B