Scout Picks

Gameweek 25 Scout Picks built on premium forwards

The Gameweek 25 Scout Picks harks back to Fantasy Premier League days gone by with plenty of money spent on strikers.

Ahead of this weekend’s fixtures, two premium forwards have been included in the line-up and just one midfielder priced over £10.0m.

We spent much time deliberating over the Scout Squad submissions made by David, Neale, Paul and Geoff over the last few days before coming up with the final team.

As ever, we shape up in 3-4-3 formation and at £83.6m are £1.4m inside our budget of £85.0m.

Goalkeeper

Differentials emerging in defence ahead of Christmas period

Vicente Guaita (£5.1m) was the most popular goalkeeper in our Scout Squad selections for Gameweek 25, chosen by three of our pundits. Crystal Palace may be without a clean sheet since Gameweek 16 but this weekend they face a Sheffield United side that sits in the bottom five for shots in the box and attempts on target in their last four matches. Furthermore, in that time, just four Premier League goalkeepers have made more saves than Guaita.

Defenders

As already mentioned this week, you have to go back to Gameweek 16 for the last time Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.6m) blanked and even then, it was a match he didn’t start. If we factor starts into the equation, the last time the Liverpool man did not register a clean sheet, assist or goal having featured from the beginning was the Gameweek 13 win at Crystal Palace – that was in November. A Gameweek 25 meeting with Southampton certainly seems unlikely to end that run.

Enda Stevens (£5.1m) was tipped by three of our pundits ahead of Sheffield United’s trip to Crystal Palace. Selhurst Park has produced fewer goals than any other stadium this season while only Liverpool have kept more clean sheets than the Blades. Meanwhile, Stevens, now more assured of starts than John Lundstram, is second only to Oliver Norwood for chances created among Sheffield United players over the last four matches.

There was plenty of support for a Newcastle defensive asset in the Scout Squad but, as ever, the January transfer window messed with our plans. Matt Ritchie was originally pencilled in for a spot in the Scout Picks XI but the signing of Danny Rose from Spurs put paid to that. Instead, we’ve gone with the nailed-on centre-back and extreme budget option of Jamaal Lascelles (£4.2m). Away from home, Norwich have the worst attack in the Premier League, by some considerable distance. They have scored just six goals on the road this season, four fewer than joint-second-worst sides Bournemouth (10) and West Ham (10).

Midfielders

Fresh from his 16-point haul in Double Gameweek 24, Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) is now the standalone key Liverpool midfielder for the meeting with Southampton. Sadio Mané’s injury has ensured the spotlight remains firmly on the Egyptian, who has averaged 8.2 points per match since Gameweek 16.

Buoyed by booking a place in the EFL Cup final, Jack Grealish (£6.7m) faces an obliging Bournemouth defence on Saturday afternoon. The Cherries have allowed 11 big chances in their last four matches, the fourth-worst in the Premier League while Grealish himself has a total of 23 points across his last two away trips.

While Jamie Vardy has struggled to rediscover his early-season form, Ayoze Pérez (£6.2m) has played a big part in carrying Leicester. The former Newcastle man has three double-figure hauls in the last five matches and has topped the charts among his colleagues for shots in the box, big chances and shots on target in that time. Furthermore, if Vardy is unable to start or has to be substituted off, we now know that Pérez will be on the penalties.

Harry Wilson (£5.8m) has had more shots on goal than any other Bournemouth player this season, making him the most likely to capitalise on any defensive issues in Aston Villa’s defence this weekend. Dean Smith’s men remain in the bottom two for shots allowed in the box and big chances conceded over their last four matches.

Forwards

Sergio Aguero (£12.0m) looks in incredible form coming into Gameweek 25. The Argentinian is top or joint-top of the league for shots in the box, big chances and shots on target over the last four matches and is set to face a Spurs side with only one clean sheet at home since Jose Mourinho took over. Furthermore, in their last four, when they faced Norwich, Watford, Liverpool and Southampton, Spurs conceded 39 shots in the box – only Burnley and Aston Villa allowed more than that.

The Clarets’ ongoing obliging nature is one of the key reasons why Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.7m) gets into the Scout Picks. He was name-checked by all four of our pundits having found the net three times in the four matches leading up to his Gameweek 22 suspension.

Raúl Jiménez (£7.6m) has punished his recent doubters by scoring three goals in his last two outings, against the relatively high-performing defences of Southampton and Liverpool. With that in mind, and some impressive underlying numbers to match, it seems likely that Jiménez can continue his impressive record against the big-six when he travels to Manchester United on Saturday. The Mexican recorded an assist on his last league visit to Old Trafford.

Substitutes

Martin Dubravka (£5.0m) is an alternative route into the Newcastle defence for their appealing meeting with Norwich. No goalkeeper has made more saves than him this season (97).

Jack O’Connell (£4.6m) is a cheaper route into the Sheffield United defence ahead of their trip to Crystal Palace. The over-lapping centre-back has actually created the same number of big chances as Stevens since Gameweek 21.

Matt Targett (£4.4m) has a decent chance of some attacking returns against that obliging Bournemouth defence this weekend. Since Aston Villa started playing with a back-three he has the same minutes per shot in the box as Grealish and is top among all colleagues for minute per touch and minute per pass received.

Adama Traoré (£5.8m) has played more key passes that led to big chances than any other player in the Premier League over their last four matches.

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 is usually known only to those who have signed up to Membership for the 2019/20 season and revealed to the public only when the deadline has passed.

However, as we are running a Members Articles Unlocked promotion this week, this section will be FREE for everyone to view for Gameweek 25.

Here’s how we voted:

  • David: Aguero, Salah, Grealish
  • Neale: Salah, Aubameyang, Aguero
  • Paul: Salah, Aubameyang, Aguero
  • Geoff: Salah, Aubameyang, Aguero

Here are the results:

  • Salah – 11 points
  • Aguero – 6 points*
  • Aubameyang – 6 points
  • Grealish – 1 point

Therefore, Salah is handed the captaincy for Gameweek 25 with Aguero wins the tie-breaker to be selected as the vice-captain, with more top votes than Aubameyang.

Community Champion

Representing the community against the Scout Picks in Gameweek 25 is gwitbrock.

They have gone for a 3-5-2 of Fabianski; Alexander-Arnold, van Dijk, Ritchie; Snodgrass, Salah (c), H Wilson, Grealish, Son; Vardy, Aubameyang.

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 Rude Reviewer was defeated by the Scout Picks in Gameweek 23, losing by a 39-33 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.

Which FPL assets topped goal threat, creativity and clean sheets this month?
1,425 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Play:

    A) Lundstram (cpa)
    B) Fleck (cpa)

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

      1. Next year
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        B

    2. reeceon
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. ritzyd
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

  2. Next year
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Mané to Almiron....? A swimmingpool full of stupidness, or is it worth a wild gamble?
    Don't really like any other available mids, and feel he could get some points with the new guys in
    and favorable fixtures. And he's such a fun player to watch...

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I do read some weird shite at times on this forum

      1. Next year
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Ha ha, true. Sorry, my brain is working overtime. Have been overthinking Mane out for too long:)

    2. JelliedSpark968
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      You got courage, more than most people. Almiron is a decent pick in my eyes, and he enables you to get better forwards

      1. Next year
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks, but once I read what I wrote I realized how stupid it was. It leaves me options, yes, but there have to be other ways:)

    3. Treadstone
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Don't dive in.

      1. Next year
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I went with Son. Boring, but probably the safer bet.

  3. JelliedSpark968
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Jorginho is on 8YC, should I drop for Mooy or Cantwell?

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Mooy

      1. Next year
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I'd go Mooy out of those two. Or Almiron:)

  4. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Firmino Soyuncu > Jiménez VVD
    A. This week for -4
    B. Next week for free

    1. reeceon
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Free, can't see the need for a hit

    2. Next year
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. Reiger
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I think you can wait until next week on that one

  5. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Why are Utd interested in Ighalo?

    Not a Ronaldo, Van Persie.......

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      The deal has been done

      They have signed him on a 6 month loan

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Loan only.....how longs Rashy out for?

        1. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I suspect it could be 3 months

    2. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Pretty sure Ighalo is better than Van Persie, who I have a sneaking suspicion may be retired 😉

  6. reeceon
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Common dilemma

    A) Mane & Tammy > Grealish & Kun
    B) Mane & Tammy > Grealish & Auba
    C) Tammy > Jiminez (play Rico)

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

  7. afs2239
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I have lunny since he was 4.0
    Im on WC should I keep or sell

    1. reeceon
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I'd keep, can always switch to a 4.5 with ease

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I would sell. On wc you don't get voluntarily rotation risks. Injuries do happen and every transfer may be needed.

  8. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is Stevens safe now SU have signed. New CB?

    1. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      He's a wing back so yes

      1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Course he is

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Stevens is a FB no?

  9. Concrete
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    So Mane has 2 week recovery time before Norwich to get over a minor tear?

    Think I’ll keep

    1. reeceon
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Same thoughts here, lots of £ in him too

  10. Mufc202020
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Really want an arsenal player to bring in. Any one got any suggestions other than Auba??

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Nope

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Pepe is expensive, Saka is cheap, Laca is central.

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Martinelli?

    4. lugs
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Pepe, he's been playing well recently without getting any returns, i'm eying him and Kola, but i wouldn't be surprised if Kola has lost his place to Saka who has been exceptional but is unfortunately playing ROOP

      1. Long ago I drew a walrus
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        *POO

      2. Mufc202020
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Was thinking Pepe but he is very expensive. Do we reckon Martineli will start??

        1. lugs
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          he will get plenty of minutes, but i don't think he'll start against Burnley after starting in the cup with Laca rested

  11. el polako
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I own LFC defensive double up and Mane.
    Is there any reason not to go Mane to Salah tonight ?

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      None whatsoever

    2. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      do it

    3. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Do that move

    4. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Easiest transfer ever.

    5. el polako
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers guys - I cant understand myself why I am reluctant to pull the trigger ?
      🙂

      I just do it and go to sleep.

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        You have feelings for Sadio after long journey together 😉

  12. Going To Win This Year
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    A) Jimmy + Aggy
    B) Vardy + Auba

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Jimmy and Auba?

      1. Going To Win This Year
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Could do, thanks

  13. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    My team is

    Ramsdale (Ryan)
    TAA, Rico, Clark, Lundstram (Soyuncu)
    Salah, KDB, Grealish (Mane, Longstaff)
    Vardy, Ings, Greenwood

    A: Mane and Greenwood to Traore and Jimi -4
    B: Mane and Greenwood to Traore and Auba -4
    C: Do nothing and keep Mane for next gameweek

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      D) Mane to Son or Martial for two gw:s.

      1. Hybrid.power
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        See I was thinking that but neither of them are really jumping out at me. Spurs are a bit dire lately and United are very inconsistent

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Pogba back soon and new signing with creativity might change things.

    2. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

  14. milanista10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Those on WC, are you planning the BB chip GW from now or are you just getting 15 “playing” players with decent fixtures & wait on BB till later doubles, etc...?

  15. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Points predictions?

    a. Holgate
    b. Lundstram
    c. Son

    1. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      1
      2
      7

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

      2
      2
      2

  16. Alexis Nonsense
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Fleck or Douglas Luiz this week

    I don't know much about Luiz, buy he's been leaving a lot of points on my bench lately...

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

      Fleck

  17. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is Martial worth 2m more than Adama Traore?

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      No

    2. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      No, their price tags will prob be opposite next season

    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      It depends on other players, imo yes, for my team at least. For me it is him or probably Son to Mane later.

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Same boat. Was on Son earlier in the week but he closes off a lot of future transfers.

    4. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Worth about 2M less.

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers lads!

  18. Johnny Drama
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    The armband on Auba just feels so much more fun than on Salah.
    And this game is about fun so 🙂

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      It won’t be fun if salah gets a hattrick whilst Auba blanks

      1. Johnny Drama
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        And you think that will happen against a solid Soton defence?

        1. TheDragon
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          It’s Liverpool , like city, there is always the chance regardless of who they play

        2. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Soton has never conceded more than two goals away, expect once or twice perhaps(?)

  19. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Igahlo.... have United hit rock bottom?

    1. For Fuchs Sake
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      6 month loan, nothing to lose and in good form for his current side.

      1. TheDragon
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I’d be in good form if I played in that league.

        The fact he is the best they can get is desperate

    2. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Ighalo should be 15 goals a season at his best...?
      Why don't they find a nr. 10 instead of a striker ?

      Martial, Greenwood, James, Lingard for goals

      For supply they have none

  20. MysticMac17
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Play Soyuncu or Kolasinac?

    1. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Kola for attacking threat imo

      Both should concede

  21. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on this WC? 10 changes
    Out would go Ryan Button Rico Kelly Lundstram Söyüncü Cantwell Haller DCL Vardy

    Dubravka
    TAA Stevens Van Dijk
    Salah (c) KDB Grealish Traoré
    Aguero Jiménez Ings*

    McCarthy Egan Hayden KWP

    * might keep DCL one more wek

  22. Mr_Barbs
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    A) Maddison/Martial > Grealish
    B) Maddison/Martial > Traore
    C) Martial & Maupay > Traore & Jiminez (-4) - Exact cash before rise
    D) Save

  23. For Fuchs Sake
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Too early to get Bruno in?

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Think so.

      The inform Lingard likely means only 30 or so mins for Bruno tomorrow.

  24. Burger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Who to bring in for Mane:

    A. Son
    B. Perez
    C. Grealish

    ?

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      C

      1. Burger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks!

  25. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Why does the RMT tool have Richarlison as 0 for this week? Ruining my score when I’m looking at WC teams, any mods about?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Update might be in progress.

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      not sure why people use RMT.

  26. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Final dilemma...

    Henderson
    TAA Lundstram Dunk Soyuncu
    Salah KDB Grealish Traore
    Vardy DCL

    McGovern Rico Greenwood Dendoncker

    0 FT, 8.9 ITB

    Best option:

    1. Rico >> VVD [-4] (LIV double defence)
    2. Play Greenwood (WOL)
    3. Play Rico (AVL) (possibly injury)
    4. Play Soyuncu (CHE)

    Thanks all

  27. Wardinator
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Who should i start?

    A) Lund
    B) Hayden
    C) Cantwell
    D) Rico

    1. MARVELLUS
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

  28. MARVELLUS
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    How exciting to go with my transfer? :
    Ryan
    Soy TAA Lund (Kelly, Stephens)
    Mane Salah(c) KDB Traore (Dend)
    Vardy Abraham DCL

    BORING A) Mane to Grealish
    INTERESTING B) Mane/Kelly to Grealish/VVD (-4)
    EXCITING C) Mane/Abraham to Grealish/Auba (-4)
    TOO EXCITING! D) Mane/Kelly/Abraham to Grealish/Auba/VVD (-8!)

    1. ritzyd
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Do the -8!! Looks awesome!!

  29. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Ighalo to Man United. How the mighty have fallen.

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

      Ighalo wasn’t bad for a season but I wouldn’t say he was ever mighty

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

      United will be in the market for Benteke next... Deary me

  30. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Spurs why no striker,shoulda taken Defoe. Better than nothing 🙁