Tips

The Complete Guide to Scout’s tips and advice for FPL Gameweek 25

Welcome to a slightly earlier than normal Fantasy Football Scout Gameweek Guide ahead of Saturday’s 11:30 GMT deadline

After a divisive Double Gameweek in which many suffered from Triple Captaining Sadio Mane, we’ve had wise words from several of our Pro Pundits. In his Meet the Manager interview with Joe, Utkarsh Dalmia (aka Pro Pundit Zophar) reminded us:

Evaluate the decision, not the outcome.

– Pro Pundit Zophar

Clearly Mane was an excellent choice and it’s extremely unlucky he went off injured after just 33 minutes against Wolves.

Referencing Poker in his latest piece Lateriser cautioned that it would be very easy to go ‘on tilt’ after facing a bad beat. He echoed the words of fellow Pro Pundit Simon March, who has spoken in the past about the “What the heck? Effect” – where we are more likely to take risks following a loss:

Keeping your temperament in control is incredibly important.

– Pro Pundit Lateriser

This week, in his article discussing the ‘sunk cost fallacy’, former FPL winner Simon brought us more thoughtful advice:

Literally, the only thing that matters in this game are the points you score going forward so we’d do well to ensure that we make our decisions on that basis, no matter how loudly our past decisions might continue to echo in our ears.

– Simon March

So what moves should we be considering ahead of Gameweek 25?

The Scoutcast trio of Joe, Az, and Lee were unanimous in their recommendation of switching Mane to Salah, if you don’t already own the Egyptian.

Joe and Lee both feel that with a crunch Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid following hot on the heels of their Gameweek 26 trip to Norwich, Mane is unlikely to get many minutes even if he is fit to play.

However, for managers who already own Salah, the options to replace the Senegal international in our squads – in the words of Pro Pundit Ash – look bleak.

Raheem Sterling is similarly priced but is lacking in form. While Son Heung-min has had the second-highest number of goal attempts (14) this calendar year among midfielders but embarks on a poor run of upcoming fixtures, with the exception of Aston Villa in Gameweek 26.

Shifting funds to our front lines may be the way to go.

Pro Pundit Holly Shand points out that Aguero is making a compelling case to be included in our Fantasy squads when she cast her eye over the goal threat, creativity and clean sheets for January. While Aubameyang is tempting Pro Pundit Andy. The Arsenal forward faces Burnley (away), Newcastle (home), and Everton (home) in his next three matches.

And a cut-price striker has caught the attention of several managers. Pro Pundit Tom Freeman highlights Chris Wood in his differentials article:

With Arsenal, level with Burnley on 30 points, due at Turf Moor on Sunday, Wood’s aerial ability could be key. His five goals from set plays are more than any other player this season, whilst only Newcastle United have conceded more attempts from dead ball situations than the Gunners.

– Pro Pundit Tom Freeman

Community member Luv4rotties agrees, as he told us when he considered Mane replacements earlier this week. While Top Gun Luke is hoping the New Zealander will kick start his surge up the ranks.

And Pro Pundit Zophar also talked up the Kiwi when disclosing his plans for his FPL team.

Finally keep an eye on the moves of The Great and The Good. Greyhead was in pun-tastic form as he brought us a light-hearted look back on the Double Gameweek. Many of these managers boast excellent track records, and it’s somewhat reassuring to know that they suffered like millions of others.

Armband Candidates

Mohamed Salah is the runaway leader in our captain poll following his Double Gameweek heroics with over 56% of the vote.

But as David reported in his usual in-depth Captain Sensible article, Liverpool’s upcoming opponents could provide a stiff examination of their attacking credentials:

Southampton have been in fantastic shape, which may cause some slight concern for those hoping to trust Salah with the armband. Over the last four matches, when the Saints have faced Spurs, Leicester, Wolves and Crystal Palace, Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men have conceded just 22 shots in the box, just 5.5 per game. Considering that Southampton will be away from home against Liverpool, this data suggests that if they, as suspected, park the proverbial bus, it could limit Liverpool’s attack.

– David

He offers up Aguero as a viable alternative for our armband affections:

Aguero comes into this weekend in better statistical shape than the Egyptian (as far as goal threat is concerned) with superior figures for shots in the box, big chances and shots on target. Furthermore, the defensive data of recent matches suggests that Spurs could actually be easier to penetrate than Southampton at Anfield.

– David

However if the threat of Pep Roulette makes you feel uneasy, Salah is undeniably a good option. He comfortably tops this site’s Rate My Team and his prowess can be explained by his home form. Neale’s analysis of the key underlying stats revealed:

45 attempts on goal, 38 shots in the box, 22 efforts on target, 13 big chances and ten goals recorded by Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) at Anfield this season. No FPL midfielder can surpass any of those totals in home fixtures. Liverpool face Southampton on Merseyside this weekend.

– Neale

Salah is also one of the three ‘players to watch’ in Pep Pig’s Gameweek 25 preview and Liverpool are miles ahead in the latest DS stats, fixtures and clean sheet odds provided by G-Whizz.

Looking ahead

The FA Cup and League Cup results are beginning to shape the landscape for FPL managers. 

David reviewed the current permutations for Blank Gameweek 31: two matches will definitely be postponed while the FA Cup replays due to take place on February 4th and 5th will lead to further fixture disruption. 

The League Cup final will be contested by Aston Villa and Manchester City, meaning their fixtures against Sheffield United and Arsenal will be rearranged. Therefore highly-owned players such as Kevin De Bruyne, John Lundstram, Dean Henderson and Jack Grealish will all blank in Gameweek 28.

Of course these same players will also benefit from a yet-to-be-announced Double Gameweek.

Team News

Among this week’s press conferences was the news that Willy Boly is ready to return to action. 

The Scoutcast trio found his price of £4.7m enticing. The Wolves defender could be a good replacement for Soyuncu or possibly Lundstram, should the Sheffield United star find his starting role under threat.

To add to his appeal the Frenchman scored three goals from headers last season. Tom Freeman highlighted the importance of set-piece threat in his latest article. Newcastle United offer a few budget options ahead of fixtures against Norwich and Arsenal.

To view all our discussions please visit our Hot Topics page, and if you’ve got some analysis, scout reports or features brewing, be sure to visit our community section to submit your article.

If you’re a member and are yet to get to grips with the custom statistics tables, you can view this movie for an explanation of how they work. Also, remember to tag them so that people can find the tables with ease.

Fantasy Football Scout Memberships are now available for a reduced price of £9.99 for the remainder of the season. Rolling monthly subscriptions are also available for £2.99 per month. Click here to sign up or upgrade your account.

Community Competitions

For an update on all FFS Mini-Leagues and Community Competitions, please click here to read the latest round-up.

For those interested in the Head-to-Head Leagues, the main page can be linked to here. The fixtures for Gameweek 25 can be found below:


Use the drop-down menus to show your league and division. To find out which league and division you are in, follow the instructions on the main Head-to-Head page.

Once the Gameweek starts, if you click on your opponent’s name you will be linked to their team on the FPL website.

May your arrows be green!

TopMarx Fan of Fantasy Football and Monty Python. "Archimedes out to Socrates, Socrates back to Archimedes, Archimedes out to Heraclitus, he beats Hegel. Heraclitus a little flick, here he comes on the far post, Socrates is there, Socrates heads it in! Socrates has scored! The Greeks are going mad, the Greeks are going mad! Socrates scores, got a beautiful cross from Archimedes. The Germans are disputing it. Hegel is arguing that the reality is merely an a priori adjunct of non-naturalistic ethics, Kant via the categorical imperative is holding that ontologically it exists only in the imagination, and Marx is claiming it was offside. Follow them on Twitter

3,434 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which one? Also is martiAl gonna be better with ighalo & fernandes

    A) Son
    B) Martial
    C) Son

    1. Kane Train
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Lol. C is suppose to be Grealish

  2. ZTF
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is starting Soy over Greenwood the wrong choice? Really just can’t see Greenwood starting vs Wolves.

    1. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      He's injured isn't he? Greenwood?

      1. ZTF
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Not flagged for me but I didn’t catch Ole’s press conference earlier, so maybe

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

    Hey!

    I did a early transfer with soy + vardy to Aguero + lascelles. Which gives me this team:

    Guaita - Button
    TAA - Robbo - Lascelles - Rico - Lundstram
    Salah - Mahrez - KDB - Hayden - Grealish
    Ings - Aguero - DCL

    I had Jimenez, but as the fixtures was so bad i threw him out for DCL for a few weeks before i was gonna get him back.
    But the problem is then, who shall i get for mahrez? And should i do it now for -4 or just hope he playes 90 and delivers and then do 2 transfers next round instead?

    Those that pops up in my mind to get is

    Perez
    Traore
    Fleck

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

      You have a strong bench, no need to take the hit this week and probably not next week either.

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

    Captain one:

    A) Salah
    B) KDB
    C) Vardy

    1. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. Roy Rovers
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Salah's points in the three games where Mane hasn't started: 12, 13, 14 ... A all the way

    4. Roy Rovers
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      What would you do if you had Auba as well?

  5. Roy Rovers
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Would you do Soy to VVD for a hit?

    Ryan
    TAA Soy Rico
    Salah (c) KDB Traoré Grealish
    Vardy Auba Ings

    Martin Cantwell Lund Kelly

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

      Nah. Play Lund. Do it for free next week.

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

    Guys how’s this WC looking? Any changes?

    Dubravka (McCarthy)
    TAA Robbo E. Stevens (Williams Stephens)
    Salah KDB Martial Traore (Fleck)
    Auba Jimenez Ings

  7. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I'm all for local rivalry but even as Arsenal fan I would not begrudge Giroud if he had joined Spurs.

    He served us well during his time - not many players score 100 goals for Arsenal. He never was as prolific as a Henry, Wright or Sanchez, but he was never going to be. Always immensely professional, even when he had to only come off the bench.

    His decision to agree to join Chelsea allowed us to land Aubameyang too! Don't think Auba will be a 3-time FA Cup winner anytime soon.

  8. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hey guys, have 2 FT and 0.7 ITB, but can't decide which transfer to make this GW.

    McCarthy
    Soy - Lund - TAA
    Salah - Maddison - KDB - Grealish - Mane
    Vardy - Ings

    (Button, Greenwood, Stephens, Simpson)

    If Mane doesn't play then it wouldn't be ideal because I would have Greenwood/Stephens coming off the bench for him.

    I am also considering to do 1 FT and bring Richarlison in for Maddison.

    What do you guys think?

    Cheers

  9. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Pick one?

    A) Martial
    B) Son
    C) Grealish

    1. Roy Rovers
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      C for me.

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

    Start
    Fleck
    Or,
    Traore

    Have Jiminez in starting too if that matters.

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

      Traore

  11. Chilli2k
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which one of these three should I *NOT* start:

    A) Traore
    B) Maupay
    C) Calvert-Lewin

    1. ZTF
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Toss up between A and C

    2. shady4revr
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

  12. rodragon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Mane+Sidibe to Bruno/Traore/Grealish+ Robertson
    Or
    Vardy to Auba
    Have 2ft

  13. shady4revr
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    2 Free Transfers.

    Mccarthy/Button
    Sidibe TAA Aurier Kelly B. Williams
    Grealish KDB Mane Salah Cantwell
    Vardy Ings Greenwood

    Mane replacement, plus should i get Aguero or stick to Jamie the Redbull Vardy??

  14. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Any of these worth a -4?

    Mane, Greenwood > ...
    1) Fleck, Auba
    2) Alli, Jimenez
    3) Donck, Aguero
    4) Nope - sell Mane only

    Ryan, Button
    TAA, Aurier, Lunds, Soyuncu, Rico
    Mane, Salah, KDB, Grealish, Cantwell
    Vardy, Ings, Greenwood

    1. In Bale We Trust
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Weighing up 1 myself currently. Think I may pull the trigger

  15. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    How Alli, Martial and maupay owners feeling?

  16. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Lundstram last start tomorrow?

    Who is better replacement Stevens or Baldock?

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Probably. Hopefully. Stevens for me but both v good options

    2. The Albatross
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I've gone for O'Connell for price

  17. King Megnus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Play 1 and place 1 first on bench:

    Rico (AVL)
    Lundstram (cry)
    Sidibe (wat)

    1. Halia00
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      play lundy
      bench sidibe

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

    Play Lund or Soy? Got Henderson

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

      Lund imo

  19. Roy Rovers
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which 2 from this 4 would you play?

    A - Soy
    B - Rico
    C - Lund
    D - Kelly

    Ryan
    TAA
    Salah (c) KDB Traoré Grealish
    Vardy Auba Ings

    Martin Cantwell

    1. shady4revr
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Lund Kelly

    2. King Megnus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      C and D for me

      1. Roy Rovers
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Will Ward not start ahead of Kelly?

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

          Rico 2nd bench then and hope for an assist.

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

      CD

    4. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I've gone with CD with the same options

  20. Chilli2k
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Start

    A) Maupay

    Or

    B) Calvert-Lewis

  21. shady4revr
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Choot ka moot

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

    Play Traore or Snoddy?

    1. shady4revr
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Traore

    2. Roy Rovers
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Traore

    3. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Traore

  23. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Any help appreciated guys...currently on a -4 with the team below

    Henderson
    Robbo/Lund/Kelly
    Salah(c)/KDB/Grealish/Cantwell
    Auba/Ings/DCL

    Button/Rico/Soy/Mane

    Do I...

    A: GTG and keep Mane
    B: -8 and ditch Mane (who for?)
    C: WC

  24. Halia00
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    GTG ?

    McCarthy
    TAA Digne Lascelles Lund
    Maddison Grealish Salah KDB Cantwell
    Jimmy

    Button Ings DCL Dunk

    cheers 😀

  25. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Bring in Aguero for Vardy and captain in GW26? A good punt?

  26. Ray In Bruges.
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Ryan (McCarthy)
    Robertson Holgate Soyuncu (Lundstram, Kelly)
    Salah KDB Martial Grealish (Dendoncker)
    Abraham Jimenez Vardy

    1FT 0.6ITB

    What's the priority here? Roll or any priorities? Any help appreciated!

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Save. Start Lunds ahead of Soy maybe?

      1. Ray In Bruges.
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers!

  27. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Would you do Mane & Greenwood> Traore+Auba (-4)? If yes which 2 to bench for them?

    Ryan
    TAA, Lascelles, Lundstram, Sidibe, Williams
    KDB, Salah, Martial
    Vardy, Ings

    Button, Mane, Greenwood, Hayden

  28. nerd_is_the_werd
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Who to start out of Lundstram v Hayden?

  29. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Bruno to haul tomorrow, I'm among 0.6% that own him

  30. osceola31909
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    WC team. GTG?

    Ryan - Button
    TAA - VVD - Stephens - O'Connell - Lascelles
    Salah - KDB - Martial - Grealish -Traore
    Aguero - Jimenez - Ings

    0.1 left itb

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      V good squad but I do not like benching headaches.

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

      Downgrade Traore to Fleck
      Get another playing GK of you still have BB chip