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. Ibra
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Captain:

    A) Salah
    B) KDB
    C) Vardy

    I don't know why but I'm very tempted to go with Salah.

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

      C

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

      B

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

      I’m very tempted by Salah too. Just have a feeling but think I should go Vardy ... hmm last minute decision I think.

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

      vardy

    5. Richd
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Im on Salah, so .. Salah!

      Good luck

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

        0 goals, 0’assists vs United

    6. MaRooney 5
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      C

    7. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’m on C atm but KD B is scaring me

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

    Play two:

    A) Hanley

    B) Ayew

    C) Willems

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      a b

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

        Cheers

  3. woodsy1970
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Leicester have been rubbish for weeks, surprised maddison and vardy are in scout picks.
    been poor since Norwich would not be surprised if burnley beat them.

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

      Burnley are horrendous

      1. woodsy1970
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Hope so

    2. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ndidi is missed

      1. woodsy1970
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Correct

    3. Nailed Jesus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Burnley has also been rubbish for weeks though. It doesn't matter who wins, we just need lots of goals....

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

        Burnley going South

    4. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Even Harry Kane scores against Burnley

    5. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Leicester have been very average but Burnley are right down there with Bournemouth and Villa in terms of form

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        As a Vardison owner and Vardy captainer, a nice 4 or 5 returns between the two of them would do wonders

        Early Maddison through ball for Vardy chip over Pope to get the ball rolling

        1. woodsy1970
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          that would be good

        2. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Wouldn’t be surprised! Seems to be pressing teams that Leicester are really struggling against - Burnley just aren’t capable of pressing to the extent needed. Think I’d be looking to move Maddison in on few weeks though when fixtures turn (albeit I think they only turn for 3 or so games)

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

      They haven't been that bad. They beat Newcastle 3-0 and Burnley are worse than them.

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

        This 🙂

    7. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      How they do against Burnley will tell us if it was just a blip for Leicester or if the wheels have truly come off the wagon. Am happy holding Maddison and Vardy if they do take advantage of how bad Burnley are and score well.

      1. woodsy1970
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        desperate for a haul

  4. The Prophet
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you folks bench this week from Grealish, Cantwell and Martial??

    I’m leaning towards Martial but no idea.

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

      Tony

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

    G2G guys? 😎

    McCarthy
    TAA • Soy • Aurier
    KDB • Salah • Mané • Mahrez • Grealish
    Vardy(C) • Maupay
    (McGov. Lunds. Rico. Greenwood)

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Looks great Rafa

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

        Thanks mate & GL

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Nice

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

        Cheers boss. GL

  6. MaRooney 5
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Could Community Champion change Richarlison?

  7. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is considering Almiron the 1st sign of madness??

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

      Yes

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

      There's a very fine line between madness and genius.

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No

  8. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bottomed 🙁

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Big?

  9. Yoshioka
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    (Bottomed)

    So which do you reckon, lads?

    (A) Rashford > Firmino -4pt
    (B) Rashford > Maupay & Richarlison > Salah -8pt

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

      A

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

    The third try, I know it complicated, I hope I have explained it OK.

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

    C) Fabs 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, (Doucoure 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. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Brain spillage

      Too many variables for anyone to comment

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

        OK Thanks

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

    Foster 4.9
    TAA Rob Soy Lund Simpson
    Salah Kdb Mad Grealish Cantwell
    Vardy Ings Jim

    2FT, no money. Pretty happy with the team and got no idea really what to spend a transfer on. Any advice?

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

      4.9 or 3.9?

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

      Good team. Roll transfer

  12. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Which would you rather for week 24- Team A or B? Only 2 differences marked * but big ones so set out full teams as asking Son and Robertson v Mané and Kelly would
    not give full context. (Sarr could be Grealish or Trossard- undecided)

    A Ryan
    TAA Lundstram Robertson*
    Salah Son* KDB Sarr
    Vardy Ings DCL

    Button Cantwell Söyüncü Rico

    B Ryan
    TAA Lundstram Söyüncü
    Salah Mané * KDB Sarr
    Vardy Ings DCL

    Button Cantwell Rico Kelly*

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. MaRooney 5
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

  13. Sotamendi84
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    play one:
    a) rico (nor)
    b) targett (bha)?

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

  14. COLLIN QUANER
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Does anyone know why Tomori hasn't been playing recently? Injured or out of favour?

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Was injured. Now out of favour

      1. COLLIN QUANER
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks. Should I look to get rid then?

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

      Got injured, now can't get back in team.

      1. COLLIN QUANER
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks, Talent

    3. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      He was only playing because the 1st choice CBs were injured

      1. COLLIN QUANER
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Didn't realise. Luckily my bench of Grealish and Cantwell have been stepping in for him recently. Will ship next week with my FT

  15. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Henderson
    TAA Soyuncu Lundstram Rico
    KDB Mane Salah Grealish
    Vardy Ings

    McGovern Greenwood Dendoncker Kelly

    1 FT, 2.1 ITB

    Best transfer this week...

    1. Greenwood >> DCL [play 343]
    2. Kelly >> Dunk [play 442]

    Wondering whether I should keep Greenwood as could play v Burnley with Rashford injury, or not.

    Whoever comes in will replace Rico in the lineup.

    Thanks

    1. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’d probably do B. Defence needs sorting either way and depending on Rash’s recovery Greenwood could be a great player to hold in coming weeks

  16. drughi
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Jimenez and traore >

    A. Trossard and DCL
    B. Moura and Maupay

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

  17. rdamjan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is Dunk worth 0.4 more than Webster?

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

      I'd say no. Both have attacking prospects.
      Wouldn't be relying on either of them though.

      1. rdamjan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Better options for max 5.0? I`m moving Targett out...

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

          One of the SHU guys or Cathcart maybe.
          But dunk and Webster are decent shouts though

    2. MaRooney 5
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      no

  18. Heiro
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Evening all.

    Stuck Williams in to free finds up to get VVD in next week.

    With Rashford injured. Is he worth keeping or moving out for -4?

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Keep as got a great fixture midweek

    2. rdamjan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I`m keeping.

  19. Ode
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    2FT 0.3itb. Any improvements I can make?

    Ryan
    Soy Lund Taa
    Salah Mane Kdb Traore
    Ings Vardy Abraham

    Button Noble Rico Kelly

  20. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    WC adjusted due to rich injury:

    McCarthy (Foster)
    Taa Robbo Dunk (Lunds williams)
    Mane KDB Sarr Grealish (Dendo)
    Vardy ings Aguero

    Any changes?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Looks fine

  21. B Sharp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Would it be daft to bench Jimenez for Trossard leaving me with a lone Vardy up top? Got a nice defense and midfield dont fancy sticking Jimenez against McCarthy

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Who is the person you are playing instead? Can’t you play both trossard and jimmy? Surely bench a defender instead

      1. B Sharp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Playing 4-5-1
        Pereira James Digne Gomez

  22. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Would you do this for -4 or wait till next week?

    Martial and Tammy to Salah and Deeney/deulefeu

    Team:

    Gazza
    TAA, soyunco, Lundstram, Rico, Kiko
    Mane, Kdb, martial, Traore, hayden
    Vardy, Ings, Tammy

    1. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’d wait until next week

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Wait. Deeney

    3. MaRooney 5
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      next week

  23. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Who to bench?
    a. traore
    b. lundstram

    1ft 6.6itb
    ryan
    evans TAA dunk
    maddison KDB(C) mane traore sarr
    vardy ings

    pope lundstram connolly rico

  24. Hodg55
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Rashford >> ??

    A: DCL
    B: Maupay

    Already have Vardy and Ings...

    1. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’d punt on Maupay with those next 2 fixtures - easy swap if you change your mind either way

  25. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Richarlison to
    A. Mahrez
    B. Noble (dgw prep)

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A - mostly because of the extent to which I’m not rating the alternative

  26. TAT
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is it worth doing Grealish > Salah for a hit? Might be priced out of the move.

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not really a comparison

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

        Of course not, but there's always the chance Grealish gets a goal against Brighton.

        But Villa aren't doing well right now, so…

    2. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Wow, you must have some amount of free cash! I would do it

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

        Rashford > Ings helped a lot! Had a plan of doing that transfer even if Rashford was fit though.

        Hate taking a hit, but DGW with both Salah and Mané is tempting.

    3. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      If you think you can't hold out another night then do it

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

        Have 0.2 to spare, but have other transfers planned next GW as well, where those 0.2 will come in handy.

    4. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

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

        Looks like making the transfer then! Hate taking hits though.

  27. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Any reason not to bring Ings in? I mean he will stop scoring of course, but any legit reason?

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No

    2. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Talk of rotation again with a quick turnaround of fixtures - that’s not to say it’ll happen though. If I had a spare ft I’d be bringing him in

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

      Rotation and then pool. Not ideal timing

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

    earlier in the day I made 2 changes and confirmed them.

    i now want to play my free hit but leave these 2 changes in permanently, if I play my free hit will my 2 earlier changes be reset following the gameweek or will they be kept in?

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      yeah they will be reset

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

        that is not ideal

    2. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      They won't stay.

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

      they get reset

  29. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on Pope out for a hit?

    Options are -

    A....McCarthy

    B...Ryan

    C...Leno

    Never going to have a spare ft and he has poor fixtures ...thanks

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

      A

  30. Bob McMayday
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Play Grealish or Cantwell?

    1. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’d play Cantwell just to target Bournemouth really