Scout Picks

Gameweek 1 Scout Picks XI features double-up on Arsenal, Liverpool and Saints

Arsenal, Liverpool and Southampton are the key source of investment for the Scout Picks in Gameweek 1.

Ahead of the new Fantasy Premier League campaign, we have selected two players from each of these clubs in our first XI of the season.

Chosen by our Scout Squad panel of David, Neale, Tom and Andy, our lines up in the traditional 3-4-3 formation and comes in bang-on our £83.0m budget.

GOALKEEPER

Alex McCarthy (£4.5m) gets the nod as our first Scout Picks goalkeeper of 2020/21. His upcoming opponents Crystal Palace were the lowest scorers in home matches last season, while only Norwich found the net fewer times than the Eagles during Project Restart. Meanwhile, McCarthy managed to make 2.73 saves per 90 last season.

DEFENDERS

Premium midfielders with appealing matches headline Gameweek 26 Scout Picks

Does the selection of Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) require any explanation these days? Not really. A minor injury kept him out of Liverpool’s pre-season games but the right-back was in action for England twice during the international break. Alexander-Arnold was chief among his colleagues for assists, key passes and big chances created last season, and we see no reason why that can’t continue in 2020/21, especially with newly-promoted opposition in Gameweek 1.

James Justin (£4.5m) comes into Gameweek 1 as one of the most nailed-on starters in Leicester’s defence. They may be short of some key personnel but a trip to newly-promoted opposition is enough for us to comfortably include a man with potential at both ends of the pitch.

Rob Holding (£4.5m) is our chosen representative from the Arsenal defence, who face Fulham in the 2020/21 season opener. The Gunners defence has been slowly improving under Mikel Arteta, showcased perfectly in their Community Shield meeting with Liverpool. Holding was a key figure in that performance, offering a budget route into a top-six defence against newly-promoted opposition.

MIDFIELDERS

A switch to midfield and a meeting with Fulham when both Manchester clubs are fixture-less mean Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12.0m) is an easy inclusion in the Scout Picks for Gameweek 1. Chosen as the best midfield option by all four pundits, 19 of his 22 goals came against teams outside the so-called big six. And in five meetings with newly-promoted opposition, Aubameyang found the net five times and added an assist for good measure.

Despite a growing number of doubters, Mohamed Salah (£12.0m) earns a place in the Gameweek 1 Scout Picks team. No player classified as a midfielder in 2019/20 scored more goals at home than the Egyptian last season (15) and his goal involvement tally of 19 was beaten only by Kevin De Bruyne, the game’s top-scoring player. Salah started last season by registering a goal, assist and double-figure haul at home to the reigning Championship winners. With the joint-highest number shots on target during Project Restart, Salah is sure to start 2020/21 in a similar fashion.

Jarrod Bowen (£6.5m) is our chosen representative from the West Ham attack to face Newcastle. The Magpies conceded more headed attempts than any other team during Project Restart, which plays into Bowen’s hand as a set-play taker for the Hammers. Meanwhile, his positional classification gives him a slight edge over Michail Antonio, who he outperformed during pre-season by two goals/one assist to two assists.

Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.5m) was the pick of the midfield options below £6.0m, with three of our Scout Squad pundits selecting him their line-ups. West Ham clearly still have defensive issues of their own as they lost 5-3 to Bournemouth in a recent pre-season friendly. During Project Restart, Saint-Maximin had the second-highest number of touches in the penalty area among Newcastle players.

FORWARDS

Why FPL Managers Should Focus on Premium Forwards in 2020/21

Harry Kane (£10.5m) appears to be the key man for anyone looking to invest in the Spurs attack for their favourable run of games at the start of 2020/21. During Project Restart, he was chief among his colleagues for touches in the box, shots there, big chances and shots on target. In fact, his total of 13 accurate efforts across that period was bettered only by four other Premier League players.

Already at 48% ownership, it seems to be a rather popular opinion to think Timo Werner (£9.5m) will have a great season for Chelsea. The former RB Leipzig forward was involved in nearly 40 Bundesliga goals last season and has already scored against Brighton during pre-season.

Che Adams (£6.0m) could offer excellent value this season based on Southampton’s form and fixtures. In Gameweek 1, they face a Crystal Palace side that conceded 18 times during Project Restart, more than any side that survived relegation. Meanwhile, across that same period, Adams actually outperformed Danny Ings for shots in the box per 90, big chances per 90 and shots on target per 90, registering more FPL points than his esteemed colleague in the last three Gameweeks of the campaign, once his starting place was assured.

SUBSTITUTES

Aaron Ramsdale (£5.0m) gets a spot on the Scout Picks bench after David and Neale selected him for their Scout Squad submissions. Martin Dúbravka (139) was the only goalkeeper to make more saves than Ramsdale (128) last season, who now turns out for a Sheffield United side that conceded the joint-highest number of big chances during Project Restart.

Romain Saïss (£5.0m) is one of the more assured starters in Wolves’ defence this season. In the last nine Gameweeks of 2019/20, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men boasted the best expected Goals Conceded (xGC) score in the whole division.

Despite Palace’s defensive issues at the beginning of 2020/21, Tyrick Mitchell (£4.0m) remains the most viable bargain-bucket defender. It is unclear how long his run in the team will last considering the Eagles’ injury absentees will have to return at some point but, as things stand, nobody spent more time at left-back for Roy Hodgson than him during pre-season.

James Ward-Prowse (£6.0m) represents and even cheaper alternative route into the Southampton attack, with a possible share of penalties. Between Gameweeks 30+ and 38+, the Saints’ captain whipped in 72 crosses, more than any other player, while his 20 shots ranked joint-ninth amongst midfielders.

THE CAPTAIN

Who are the best captain options for FPL Gameweek 36+?

The Scout Picks captain is chosen using a four-way vote between our Scout Squad pundits.

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 Premier Membership and revealed to the public only when the deadline has passed.

Here’s how we voted for Gameweek 1:

THE COMMUNITY CHAMPION

Each week, one of the Fantasy Football Scout community takes on the Scout Picks by pitting their chosen XI against ours.

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 Moderators and Contributors League for the following season.

Boleyn Boy is the first to take us on this year. They went with a 3-5-2 line-up of Fabianski; Robertson, van Dijk, Egan; Mané (c), Alli, Zaha, H Barnes, Bowen; Kane (vc), Ings.

Best players by position:

GET IN-GAME DATA AT LIVE FPL

Check your own rank and in-play FPL stats on LiveFPL.net every Gameweek

1,898 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Legohair
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How do i look?

    McCarthy
    TAA-Tierney-Vinagre
    Salah-Auba-Son-ASM
    Werner-DCL-Adams

    Steer, KWP, Michell, Alzate

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      7/10 missing Lei coverage

      1. Snevitz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Did that boost it from a 6?

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Solid but watch Vinagre. Bench needs work maybe.

    3. Legohair
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I still dont have clue how to fit manu player in my team

    4. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Take a photo and put it as your prof pic then I can comment.

      Anyway, good team. Captain?

  2. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I went down this road:

    Ramsdale
    TAA Justin KWP Mitchell
    Salah(C) Auba(v) Son Bissouma
    Vardy Werner

    Nyland Romeu C. Taylor Davis

    Will try to wait for gw3 to do mini wc. GL all.

    1. fpl_austria
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I wouldn't be confident in playing Bissouma & Mitchell.

      1. iL PiStOlErO
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Like Vardy better then all 6-9m forwards. Mitchell is a fodder so if he plays that can only be plus.

    2. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nice team, 5 solid attackers

      1. iL PiStOlErO
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers, that was the plan. Think it could work out good with 5 of tem+TAA. Defence was always cheaper so it is not that big difference.

  3. Ludde
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Crazy to double up on ASM and Wilson?

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe a little bit but both nice priced so go for it if you feel like it

      1. Ludde
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        The rest of the team for the two first GWs.
        Mccarthy
        TAA Davies Egan
        Salah Auba Son ASM
        Werner Wilson Adams

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Looks fine! GL

    2. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No, they’re the best at their prices

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        This, I can't see better for the price.

    3. DannyDrinkVodka
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Go for it, amazing value

  4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Updated BB, how's this?

    Leno McCarthy
    TAA Robbo Saiss Vinagre Justin
    Salah(C) Havertz Barnes ASM Soucek
    Werner Ings A/B

    A) Adams
    B) Nketiah

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Adams

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

  5. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do you think Doherty starts GW1? Thanks

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      50/50 for me

    2. Ohhhhh Gary Macca!
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Definitely, Aurier is a liability and Jose knows it

    3. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not sure. As an ROI fan and outside FPL, I think Doherty struggles as a traditional RB but maybe Mou can make it work. Also playing with better players.

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Or maybe spurs will play a back five with son and Kane up front and Alli just behind

    4. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No

    5. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

      No point getting Doc if he isn't an immediate improvement to the team. Could have gotten someone else and blended him in over time or just stuck with Aurier

      Everton is the kind of game where you wouldn't want Aurier's issues to show up, so something has to be a bit off about Doc for Aurier to start... Note: something CAN be a bit off. We wouldn't know beforehand

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        * Mostly supposition

    6. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      50/50 - can't be sure as he hasn't trained much and Spurs fixtures .... may need the better defender for the knock out EL matches

  6. Tarzan
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMT
    McCarthy - Nyland*
    TAA - Robertson - C Taylor* - Johnson - KWP
    Salah - Alli - Son - ASM - Soucek
    Vardy - Mitrovic - C Adams

    2.5 itb for Son to KDB
    *not playing in GW1

    1. fpl_austria
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Johnson was subbed during the 1st half of WHU's final pre-season friendly game.

  7. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Would you say that Son is worth that 1.0, over Dele, that could be used to make upgrades around the team?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      easily

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Depends if it's the real Dele or his brother

    3. Boz
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      My dilemma atm. I'm thinking he's worth it. 11G 13A vs 8G 6A

      1. zotter
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Agreed. And it seemed abit of a lean season for him too. Dele isn’t getting the 2016 stats any more

    4. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes and he’s a genuine captain option. Also could keep hold of him for 8 weeks

    5. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I worry here. You know he's been playing up front in pre-season, and only did well last season when Kane was injured? 9m for a Mourinho attacker isn't great.

    6. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It will be a lot easier to swap out Son than Alli .... I've gone for both

  8. UnitedFan
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on Boly set and forget at 5.5?

    Got 4 goals the season before last and seems good for bonus?

    1. fpl_austria
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good choice, but Saiss for 0.5 less could match him.

      1. UnitedFan
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Think Saiss could be rotated every now and then with that Marcal fella.

    2. zotter
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don’t think so tbh.

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Strong pick.

    4. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I decided to get him as his 97 points where scored in 1980 minutes - expecting 150+ points this season

  9. Boz
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Son worth the extra mil over Alli?

    A) Son + ASM + Egan
    B) Alli + Pereira + CTaylor

    Thanks

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I decided yes it is.....

    2. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

  10. zotter
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A. Gtg?
    B. Right defenders starting?

    Thanks and good luck all

    McCarthy
    Trent. Mitchell. Bellerin
    Salah. Soucek. Auba. Son
    Dcl. Wilson. Werner

    4.0. Davies. Lascelles. Romeu

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Most weeks will be 433

    2. Apollo Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Start Davies or Lascelles over Mitchell

  11. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Adams, CWilson or Antonio for the 3rd for slot?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      CW

    2. zotter
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      W

  12. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    My whole life revolves around FPL. Anyone else?

    1. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Only during gameweeks

    2. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Adults collecting fantasy points...but pick your poison as they say

  13. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone here going without Spurs players?

    1. Fudgy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Me

    2. Ohhhhh Gary Macca!
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yep, can see everton finishing higher than them this season

    3. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I have son, but only as a placeholder for Rashford

    4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

    5. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Got triple Spurs so no

  14. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Watching this spurs all or nothing.. gonna end up with trip spurs by deadline aren't I?!

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Doherty
      Son
      Kane

      🙂

  15. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best 5.0m defender?

    A) Saiss
    B) Davies
    C) Egan

    1. zotter
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Ohhhhh Gary Macca!
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      C

    3. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      im on B.

    4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  16. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    KWP or Justin more nailed?

    1. fpl_austria
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      KWP for the long term.

    2. zotter
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Kwp defo

    3. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      KWP

  17. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Pick one please:

    A) Mitro
    B) Che

    1. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      The more nailed one and on penalties

  18. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    can't decide on Bellerin vs Coleman - can probably bench GW1 which makes me lean Coleman, but he could be a proper turd pick and I'm blinded by the fixtures

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      better options out there

    2. fpl_austria
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Coleman seems a bit like a nostalgia pick, but the fixtures are looking good.

  19. Pep bites Kun
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    From the article, based on preseason: Bowen over Antonio?

    Y: Yay
    N: Nay

    1. Fudgy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ive gone bowen

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Reckon he's got more points in him than Antonio or team structure fit? Fixtures aren't great. I'd prefer Anto for gw1&2

  20. Godfrey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I struggle with the final 2 4.5 defenders. Already have McCarthy. They need to rotate as well...

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      There's a good hot topic on this and possibly an article - Sou & Shu pair well - don't take my word; check them out

  21. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Captain choice.
    1. Sensible - Aubamayang
    2. Good second- Werner
    3. Out there - Robertson

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      4. Kane

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Dont be silly now.
        One cant captain, if one does not own him.

        1. Pep bites Kun
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          🙂 best post of the evening

    2. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      1,2 & 3 in that order. *1 imo

  22. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Kane + JWP
    B) Alli + Ings

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      b

    3. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  23. Cynical
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Pick 2 please!

    A. Davies
    B. Egan
    C. Saiss

    1. Ohhhhh Gary Macca!
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      C

      1. Ohhhhh Gary Macca!
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Meant B

    2. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A+B + Vinagre

  24. Bambi
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Vinagre - worth a shot or not?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      take a shot everytime you see vinagre post

  25. ItOnlyTook9Years
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Here she is, good luck all

    McCarthy
    TAA, Davies, Egan
    Auba, Son, Pulisic, JWP, Soucek
    Werner, Wilson

    Nyland; Martial, Justin, Douglas

  26. zotter
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best 4.5?

    A. Lascelles
    B. Dallas
    C. Justin
    D. Kwp with McCarthy
    E. Kenny

    Don’t need to start them this week

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A C

  27. Transferred Out
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Looks like Brewster is moving to SHU so thoughts on the below team?

    McCarthy
    TAA James Egan
    Auba Alli Havertz Salah Soucek
    Adams Werner

    Nyland Taylor Brewster Mitchell

    1. Our Tiny Windows
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ooh interesting

    2. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      transfer confirmed?

      1. Transferred Out
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Not confirmed but some itks at SHU have been tweeting about it tonight

    3. Our Tiny Windows
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      James starting?

    4. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ooh just asked about this. Don't think James is nailed with Chilwell and Azpi as FBs.

  28. Our Tiny Windows
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I still might Bench boost GW1!

    Ryan McCarthy
    TAA Davies Holding Justin KWP
    Salah Aubameyang Alli Saka SaintMax
    Werner Antonio Adams

    1. Transferred Out
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good team but I think I would save the BB

  29. UnitedFan
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    @Berbs

    Brewster getting a PL loan or what?

    1. Transferred Out
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Looks like SHU more to be confirmed over the weekend

  30. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anything in the Mourinho presser about Doherty starting?