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. Ludde
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Option A or B?
    A. Ings, brewster and Davies. 4-4-2
    B. Mitro, Adams and Doherty. 3-4-3

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

      B for me

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

    People are ignoring Michy Batman. He comes back from a 2 goals performance with Belgium. He will be the main man in attack with Zaha. I can see many goals in him.

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

      Ayew forgetting someone?

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

        At your own risk

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

      I see him being a sub at the start

  3. alexh87
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this pls:

    McCarthy
    Justin TAA Davies
    Son Auba Salah ASM
    Ings Werner

    Button KWP Mitchell Davis Ceballos

    1. alexh87
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Sorry Ceballos starting

    2. Al-Chemy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like it. Hadn't really looke day ceballos but for his price he could be a good shout!

  4. Al-Chemy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any changes people would recommend?

    McCarthy (Nyland)
    TAA Holding Vinagre Justin (Ferguson)
    Salah Auba Son ASM (Bissouma)
    Werner Adams Nitro

    Keeping 2.0m ITB to swap Son to Bruno after this GW.
    Was also looking at arsenal defenders but think Holding seems the most nailed other than Tierney?

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

    Almost there with my draft but not settled on 1 pairing..

    A - Vardy havertz
    B - Werner son?!

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

      B

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

      a

    3. Al-Chemy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

      B for me

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

      Have you ever seen Havertz play? Feel people are picking him blindfolded.

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

        Not going to lie no! Just going on stats and what people are saying

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

          Exactly. Never seen him play myself. Think I'll just wait and see. Not certian he'll even start. With so many new faces at SB 8 can see Lamps easing a few in.

  6. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which Burnley 4.5m DF? Will be on my bench till GW3

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

      Taylor

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

      Taylor

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

    Do you think The Knights Template would be upset if I put Mark Noble in?

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

      Two-foot tackle incoming with a sliding shield

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

        That's wot I thought

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

      Worst player (by several miles) to have completed the number of games he has in the premier league.

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

        Lol not a huge fan, but highest point scorer last year for his price range I think, and potential for a penalty against a weak Newcastle defence? Bench after. 90 mins bench fodder. No?

        1. ThisPostsOnFire
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I thought he looked out on his feet for a lot of last season and was in their on reputation.
          Really wouldn't be surprised if he loses a lot of mins this season.

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

            Why mess with my head at 9 O'clock on kick-off eve???? Cruel

  8. Sahil Dodhiwala
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    JWP is 6 and not 5.5

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

      True

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

    So one last decision fam! Hopefully!

    Need one of Saliba/Holding for 2 gameweeks and then I'll be switching him to Saiss/Coady/Marcal in GW3.

    Which one should I go for? Saliba or Holding?

    1. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You’d need insider knowledge here mate!

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

      Saliba

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

      holding

    4. Al-Chemy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I've gone Holding. With Luiz injured I think he'll start him for the next couple.

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

      Cheers everyone

  10. JoeJitzu +42
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any news on Villa’s starting keeper?

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

      Down to the GW2 wire, it seems

      Martinez or Steer

    2. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Personally I believe Steer this week with Martinez signing Monday for about 20 Mill then first choice..I'll be impressed if I am right.. lol

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

        But they aren't playing this week...

        1. PompeyUpNorth!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Ha ha! Good point doh! In a nutshell my villa fan mate says they’re getting him Monday for 20 mill? We will see I guess ..

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

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

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

      1

  12. good biashara
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed... I'll repost

    I was about to rejoin FF after a three-year hiatus... but then I saw things like Auba and Rashford as MF and it totally put me off. That's just ridiculous isn't it? Like, it's now really disconnected from how the game (of football) is played. I mean come on, there's got to be something wrong with it if you can put 6-7 forwards in your starting 11. I know most of you don't mind because you're total addicts, I was one too in the past.

    1. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Modern game - Salah started all this off.... (or maybe Ronaldo)

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

      I agree.

      1. good biashara
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I always thought there should be an extra category - defensive MF (bigger goal bonus, gets CS point) and then offensive MF. Have to have at least one of each. No way Rice and Auba should both get 1 point for CS. Also, I'm probably getting grumpier with age - in my forties now! But something doesn't feel right about this system.

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

          The Rice Auba CS point is a good one

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

    vassilev or wickham?

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

      When it comes to this, you know you're set

      Vassilev is fit, at least

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

    Could anybody help me here I have a problem with the team link on my profile. I’ve done pretty well at FPL in recent years but if you go on to my profile and click on “website” then apparently I am a Malaysian Arsenal fan that has never finished in the top million? Any advice on how to fix this would be much appreciated.

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

      Change your FPL ID - the number in the link - to your new number for this season. Or just got to your GW history on the FPL site and copy that page's address

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

        That’s done the trick thanks very much mate have a good season.

  15. Werner Bremen
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Alli worth the punt over Havertz?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No

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

        This reply demands respect

      2. Werner Bremen
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I respect your opinion good sir

  16. tim
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Why Davies over Doherty on every team?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      1m cheaper?
      Are we 100% sure Doherty starts? Aurier is still there

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

      Ye it's the price. 1m is a big difference.

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

      I’m confused by this too. I feel like up until today. Everyone was sure Doherty is starting... Now everyone has flipped? Did Jose say something in a presser?

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

      Same guarantee of clean sheets.
      No guarantee Doherty starts GW 1.
      Frees up 1m for the likes of Ings/Jimenez to Werner.

      1. Nando7
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        personally think doherty will start... if anything aurier will start europa on thursday

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

    A: Son Mitro ASM
    B: Havertz Wilson Docoure

    1. Werner Bremen
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  18. wattalowz
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone on JWP?

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

      On. Then off. Then back on. Currently off but I do fancy him as the best 6m option

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

      Yes, never disappoints on set-pieces

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

    Best value player for 5.5m in any position??

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Will be a defender. No idea which

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

      Lloris

    3. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Tierney.

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

        Interesting. I’m currently on ASM in a 352. Would you switch to Tierney and a 442?

        1. George Sillett
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Yes.

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

      The keepers

    5. Better Call Raul
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Could see Saka having a big season

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

      Sorry should have said excluding keepers!

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

      If he can keep his yellow count down and liverpool shut up shop as they have done for the past couple seasons then Gomez could be a cheeky shout. Tierney may be the better shout though. In terms of midfielders its ASM or out for me (which is why eradicated that price range from my squad).

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

        Yeah I agree with you it’s ASM or no one in midfield. Iv just realised if I do go for a 5.5m defender instead of ASM then it means I would have to pick a 4.5m mid (none of which I want in my team) and I would have to lose either one of Vinagre or Justin so I’m gonna stick with ASM.

  20. Denniezy
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thanks guys, wish y'all the best fpl season ever! 😉
    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/baiaia

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

    Salah/Mane a must-have?

    Should I double up on Pool defence and spread elsewhere?

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

      A lot of the experts are recommending a well balanced squad over as many premiums as possible. I tried doubling up but couldnt balance my squad well enough.

  22. Better Call Raul
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Mitchell nailed? Considering starting him so I can have Taylor on the bench as I prefer him to the likes of Justin/Vinagre

  23. james 101
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Gtg?

    McCarthy.
    TAA Robbo Egan
    Auba Son Alli SaintM
    Werner Ings Mitrovic

    (Nyland Saiss Stephens Mitchell)

    1. Salah_Fingers
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Great team

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

      What's your United plan, mate?

  24. Jems Reds
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Last choice for my team...

    A) Ramsdale and KWP
    B) McCarthy and Egan

  25. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What do you think about this plan:

    Since I am not sure that Doherty will start from the off because of Aurier, and I have extra 0.5 ITB, I could get VVD to double up with TAA for that Leeds game and then go for Doherty when I am sure he will play.

  26. Fernandito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA Davies Justin
    Auba Salah ASM Pereira
    Kane Werner Adams

    Nyland Mitchell Ayling Bissouma

    Gtg? Worth changing Justin to Vinagre or Holding?

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

      No sell Davies and 4.0 M
      And get two 4.5 M

  27. Nando7
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    ASM differentials??repost *

  28. Livinginapool - Top 100 Any…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Both to play:

    Doherty/Vinagre or Saiss/Tierney

    Or Dier or Davies in there?

    Any thoughts? I'm pretty set on the rest...

  29. jimmyabs1987
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ali and Werner

    Or

    Son & Ings