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. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any news from the pressers on Doherty missing the gw1??

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Why would he miss wk1?

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

      I asked this earlier, it still has Aurier in the predicted lineups right??

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

    Having changed my team a thousand team, now settled and not gonna log in again until tomorrow evening. Remember folks, it’s a marathon not a sprint. Good luck everyone.

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

    What do you think?

    Leno
    TAA Robbo Saiss Vinagre
    Salah(C) Havertz Barnes
    Werner Ings Adams

    Benchboost activated
    (McCarthy ASM Soucek Justin)

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Vinagre will play?

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

        Nuno said something about the new LB/LCB will be eased in

        1. Eleven Hag
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Ok mate

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

      Double Wolves? Havertz nailed to start?

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

        Solid defence, Shu not scoring a lot
        He should

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

      Leno not nailed.

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

        Martinez going to Villa it seems

      2. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Martinez not in the squad against Fulham

    4. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Why not save BB for the doubles?

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

        Just want to be done with it!

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

      Very good team mate. Can you try to find 0.5m to convert Adams to Wilson ??

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

        Cheers!

        Hmmm...
        Barnes -> Bowen
        Robbo -> VVD
        Leno -> Johnstone/Ryan

        Those are the obvious options for that. Not sure I like any of them. What do you think mate?

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

          Robbo to VVD won't bother me tbh

          GL

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

            Thanks Amey! Good luck

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

    Thanks to @Maximus Bonimus Pointimus earlier for your detailed comment on Barnes!

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

      Conclusion? Barnes a good shout?

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

        Yes, I’m still toying between him or risking Greenwood.
        Certainly just between them 2 for me anyhow

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

          Alright, GL!

    2. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Link please?

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yes link please

          1. Coys96
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Cheers

          2. Pep Roulette
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Cheers mate

  5. MarcusAurelius
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Martínez and KWP
    B) McCarthy and Saliba

  6. mjh92
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Does Mason Mount start on Monday?

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

      Should do

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Is one of Lampards fav players. Dont see why not.

    3. mjh92
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers guys, was 2nd guessing myself after all the transfers

    4. Takedog1
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like this punt. doing this also

  7. Boydinho
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    KWP & ASM or Shaw & Soucek?
    Which pair looks like the best bet? Justin will play instead of Shaw in GW1 if so

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Team acronym!

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

    Also wanted to say what a great job Andy is doing with his YouTube content and on here, such a natural.

  9. Kudo Warrior
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    This is my GW1 team (WCing in GW2).
    It's currently -0.5m...whats the best way to claw back 0.5m?

    McCarthy
    Michell Doherty Holding
    Bowen Salah Son (C)Auba Sain-Maximin
    Kane Werner

    Button, Brewster, Douglas, Bernado

    1. Pedram
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Downgrade Doherty

  10. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    We all ditching ryan then?

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm holding tight for now

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nope.

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

      Wait, what? Why?

    4. Dybala10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not now

  11. mrodgers91
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Just seen Armstrong is flagged, do we know how serious? Will everyone have ASM now?

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He came back from international duty with 'an injury' is all we know. Ita inrhe scout tweets.

  12. buzdo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any ideas if che's a starter?

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

      not sure imo on the Chelsea starters bar the defence.

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

        Think he means Che Adams, I think he’s preferred but not nailed

    2. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You'd imagine he plays (non owner)

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

        yeah meant adams sry 🙂 the not nailed has me worried

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

          Probably more his spot to lose, he’s clearly better than Obafemi/Long. But he also gets subbed early often

  13. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA | Davies | Vinagre
    Salah | Alli | Auba | ASM
    Richarlison | Adams | Werner
    Nyland | Shaw* | Mitchell | Burke

    good to go?

    Thanks!

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Is Vinagre staying mate?

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        looks so .. rumors cooled down

        1. Eleven Hag
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Perfect

    2. MOZIL
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Richarlison to DCL, DCL is on pen, Nyland to Steer?

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Siggy & James will be on penos .. DCL is not first choice

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

          Siggy still being on pens would be hilarious

        2. MOZIL
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          can save extra 1m for dcl tho

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

      Suggestion
      Rich -> DCL
      Adams -> Wilson
      Alli -> Havertz/Pulisic

  14. Gaffa914
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is lamptey going to play ahead of velt man?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      thought veltman was a cb?

    2. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He looked really good post lockdown, but not sure of nailedness

  15. Zola
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How's it looking gents?

    Mccarthy, Peacock-Farrell

    TAA, Davies, Holding, Thomas, Mitchell

    Aubameyang, Salah, Son, ASM, Bissouma

    Werner, DCL, Wilson

    Not daft on the Newcastle double up but 2 good fixtures then would shift one on.

  16. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Rip this apart

    McCarthy
    TAA - Davies - Holding - Justin - Mitchell
    Salah - Auba - Havertz - Alli - ASM
    Werner - Adams

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

      7/10 missing EVE coverage.

    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Havertz and Werner both unproven. Chelsea is a wait and see for me. Also I'd have Kane and Son over Alli personally.

  17. MoSalalalalalalalalah
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is black box worth the watch?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Very much so- recommend it

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

        Thanks, I think I'll check it out this evening.

    2. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Night b4 gmwk1:o

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

        ?

    3. Takedog1
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      no

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

      If you are bored like I was. Otherwise nah.

    5. Dybala10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Dragged a bit last night

  18. Pogboom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Suggestions? Think I'm almost done.

    McCarthy ✷ Ramsdale
    TAA ✷ Justin ✷ Lascelles ✷ Mitchell ✷ Taylor
    ASM ✷ Son ✷ Auba(C) ✷ Salah ✷ Bissouma
    Werner ✷ ??? ✷ ???

    A. Ings + Davis (Martial IN GW2)
    B. Adams + Mitrovic (1m itb)

    1. polis
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Too much on keepers.

      McCarthy to a 4.0, Mitchell to KWP.

      and A

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

      Really feel ramsdale should start over mccarthy

  19. polis
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Can we please put coverage in the bin. It's simply hedging.

    Two players from the same team who both return v the player you've picked who returns zip because coverage is needed.

    Zero sense.

    1. Disco Volante
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      THIS!! Finally somebody has said it. This “cover” business has driven me mad for years there is no logic to it whatsoever.
      PICK THE PLAYERS THAT YOU THINK HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO SCORE THE MOST POINTS AND THAT’S IT!l

  20. adstomko
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    2 Everton players too much?

    1. polis
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nope

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

      Which two

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

    Good luck all. I can't wait for the season to start already.

  22. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Getting nervous about no mane/Salah
    A) son, keita, martial (+1.5)
    B) mane, bissouma, ings

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Prefer A.

  23. aryadicaprio
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA Justin Davies
    Auba ASM Alli Salah
    Werner Ings Mitrovic

    Nyland KWP Mitchell Bissouma

    good to go?

  24. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Had a tinker, thoughts please, 1.5itb

    McCarthy
    Taa Justin holding
    Salah auba havertz asm soucek
    Werner ings

    Button Mitchell buur Davis*

  25. Rigid Digit
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Rodriguez or Sigurdsson?
    Was going Rodriguez, but doubt he'll be involved much until GW3 - Sigurdsson seems safe placeholder.
    Daft idea?

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      James once has in. I would rather JWP or an other instead of Siggy though.

      1. Rigid Digit
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Hopefully James doesn't clock up assist points in cameo appearances until a fixture in the team

  26. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Reed a nailed 4.5 mid?

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

      yes I think so

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

      Yes a 4.5 DM

  27. Harn1
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone else playing bench boost?

    Guaita McCarthy
    TAA KWP Bednarek Ward Mitchell
    Salah Mane(C) Aubameyang ASM Soucek
    Antonio Wilson Mitrovic

    Plan is overall rank #1 by Saturday night and then just hold on for the next 37 weeks. Wildcard next week too obviously.

  28. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who would you rather have from GW2 if you could only have 1?

    A: Bruno
    B: Martial

  29. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How many weeks do Holding and James Justin seem like they’re nailed on for?

  30. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Doherty likely to start?