Tips

The Complete Guide to Scout’s tips and advice for FPL Gameweek 4

Welcome to the Fantasy Football Scout Guide to Gameweek 4, the final round of fixtures before the October International Break. It’s another 11:00 BST deadline before the action gets underway with Chelsea hosting Crystal Palace in the early kick-off.

This week’s Guide focuses on Manchester City’s enticing encounter with Leeds United, and offers advice from a selection of Fantasy Football Scout contributors on the best players for our FPL teams.

STOP PRESS: Sadio Mané (£11.9m) has been ruled out of Gameweek 4.

Diogo Jota (£6.3m) is Neale‘s tip to replace the stricken Senegalese in the Liverpool starting XI. The doyen of the Team News has made his informed line-up predictions ahead of the weekend matches.

Elsewhere, Jose Mourinho has been keeping FPL managers guessing. Having originally ruled Son Heung-Min (£9.0m) out with a hamstring injury until after the international break, the Portuguese later opened the door to an early return:

I don’t believe [he can play]. But because he is so optimistic and always trying to give us positive feelings and hopes, I don’t want to say he is completely out – because maybe he can surprise us.

– Jose Mourinho

Son replacements were discussed on the Scoutcast. Commenting on the South Korean’s awkward £9.0m price tag, Pro Pundit Holly Shand suggested managers have an opportunity to reshape their attacks::

It makes sense just to go right down and if you’re in a 3-5-2 like we are Az, or if you’re not happy with your strikers anyway, you can get yourself a whole new forward line, get a load of attacking penalty takers.

– Holly

It’s been a high-scoring start to the season but without doubt the headline over the first few weeks has been the number of spot-kicks awarded. Should we all be stocking up on penalty takers and turning our FPL teams into ‘Penalty FC’?

Neale took an in-depth look at the players we might consider targeting should the present rate of spot-kicks continue. However, a Premier League meeting on Tuesday resolved to allow referees “greater subjectivity within the existing rules” in regards to handball decisions.

Although the controversial penalty awarded against Eric Dier (£5.0m) would still have stood.

Penalties were also a topic touched on by Pro Pundit Lateriser this week. Following a disappointing start to his Wildcard in Gameweek 3, the three-time top 200 manager is considering saving a transfer ahead of the international matches. 

As fellow Pro Pundit Zophar highlighted in the latest installment of The FPL Wire, some national teams are playing three times in the upcoming break, therefore saving a transfer could be a sensible decision.

And with three Manchester City players in his side, Lateriser is hoping for a green arrow to propel him up the leaderboard.

Pep Guardiola’s troops travel to Leeds United in what promises to be a high-scoring match. G-Whizz informs us that the Whites have just a nine per cent chance of a clean sheet but even that feels slightly generous given what we’ve seen so far.

Goalkeeper Illan Meslier (£4.5m) made a string of impressive saves to keep Sheffield United at bay, after conceding four to Liverpool on the opening day. 

Writing in Captain Sensible, Jan Sienkiewicz notes:

Unless Bielsa decides to play in a more defensive fashion against Manchester City, which I think is quite unlikely, we should expect to see plenty of goals in this game.

– Jan

As a result, Jan feels that Kevin De Bruyne (£11.6m) and Raheem Sterling (£11.5m) can offer better explosivity this week than Salah and Mané.

Speaking in the Captaincy Video, David feels that it’s the Beligan who can deliver the bigger points tally out of the two:

I don’t think Man City are as dangerous when Sterling has to play the centre-forward role. So I also don’t think Sterling is as dangerous when he has to play the centre forward role because it’s not really what he’s used to… De Bruyne is playing this advanced role, his stats so far have been more rounded than Sterling – he’s created more chances than him: nine chances that he’s created and four shots on target, Sterling only with two.

– David

Outside of the armband dilemma, Pro Pundit Tom Freeman has singled out Riyad Mahrez (£8.4m) as his headline differential pick.

Following his return from a positive COVID-19 test, the Algerian has completed 90 minutes in three successive matches. And he has the potential to deliver points as a goalscorer or creator, having registered 11 goals and 14 assists last year.

While an insight from Neale in his big numbers article offers further encouragement:

Fifteen chances conceded by Leeds United from their left flank this season, the highest total in the division from that side of the pitch. The Whites are up against Manchester City this weekend, and that possible weakness will be of interest to Riyad Mahrez (£8.4m) and, depending on the formation, Kevin De Bruyne (£11.6m).

– Neale

The excellent form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.5m) makes him the most popular acquisition for the second successive Gameweek.

Zophar consulted the stats after three matches before making his transfer decision: the Evertonian joining for the yet-to-impress Timo Werner (£9.4m).

Fellow Pro Pundit Andy has a similar decision to make with German occupying a spot in his side, but is considering a move for Raul Jimenez (£8.6m) instead. While for Career Hall of Fame No 1, Fábio Borges, there’s no question of selling him just yet:

Werner is a world-class forward with two excellent home fixtures ahead of him. I think these two factors overshadow all the possible reasons to lose faith in him so soon.

– Fábio

Concluding his research into the available forwards, the six-time top 5,000 manager, Zophar, agreed with Holly’s sentiment that 3-4-3 will be the successful formation this campaign:

The forward area certainly has more options than it did in previous years and I guess the only silver lining to the new handball rule is that it has made budget strikers more viable. I certainly plan to stick to my 3-4-3 formation going forward.

– Zophar

Meanwhile, during her foray into the numbers, Pro Pundit Sam Bonfield has decided to give underperforming striker Che Adams (£5.9m) a stay of execution. She suggests that his expected goal involvement (xGI) of 1.52 makes him worthy of some loyalty. West Brom should offer further opportunities to score.

However on FPL Black Box, Fantasy Football Scout founder Mark revealed that he has shipped out the Southampton forward in favour of the popular Calvert-Lewin.

And using stats from the Members Area, Mark revealed how much Wolves have struggled this season – only West Brom have a worse minutes per expected goals (xG) tally.

Nonetheless, this hasn’t dissuaded him from adding Jimenez to his squad.

Earlier this week, the Best of the Community feature focused on Chelsea and player value to find the perfect squad. It’s also rounded-up all FFScout Mini-Leagues and Community Competitions.

And finally, for those interested in the Head-to-Head Leagues, the main page can be linked to here. The fixtures for Gameweek 4 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

1,707 Comments Post a Comment
  1. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    1FT, 1.0 ITB

    A) Vinagre -> James chelsea, WC next week
    B) Save FT
    C) Othet

    McCarthy
    TAA, Justin, Vinagre
    Salah, KDB, Hamez, Podence
    Werner, Martial, Adams

    Steer, Bissouma, Dallas, Ferguson

  2. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Rival has Salah but no KDB

    I have both

    Better to captain Salah then or?

    1. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      KDB.

      Don't worry about your rival it's early days

      1. FPL-Albion
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I agree just pick who you think will do best. Can defend rival later in season

    2. ZakyJ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I like captaining Salah here

  3. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    GTG? Bench ok?

    Ramsdale
    TAA KWP Taylor Justin
    Salah(C) Sterling Jota
    Vardy Werner DCL

    Steer Romeu Bissouma Mitchell

  4. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Taylor or bissouma 1st sub

    1. thattreblefeeling
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Taylor

  5. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    So have all Pool players now been tested and ok for Monday? Makes me a little uneasy re Salah captaincy as there is going to be a bit of unrest in the camp

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      They get results back regularly. Could well be more positives.

      1. Muchentuchel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        the game is tomorrow

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Yes it is.

      2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yes that Mane news came out of nowhere and still 3 days till that game

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

      Monday ?

      1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Ah sorry its Sunday pm my bad

  6. living the dream
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Time to take a little punt on the captaincy me think. No runaway favourite in the polls makes it a good shout. Jimenez for C here. Surely got to get at least 1 against that leaky Fulham defence

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Agreed

    2. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Me thinking also. Head saying Salah but Villa look like they have improved and no idea what players are available for Pool. Gut says Jimenez vs a woeful Fulham defence really appealing. Always go with your gut right??

      1. living the dream
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yep, go with the gut for sure

    3. Jimbo-Jones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Never a better week for it.

  7. ZakyJ
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bench one:

    1Justin
    2James
    3Saiss
    4Podence

    1. Dirty Harry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Justin.

      1. ZakyJ
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Appreciated

  8. lindeg
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I capping sterling and i feel good

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not for too long 😉

    2. nadman89
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      hes always good away from home

  9. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Switched armband from Salah to Jimenez. Jimi v Fulham could be gold right? or is it just plain Crazy??

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Could be a gold 9 pointer.

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Or could be a blank.

        1. Danstoke82
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          It’s a real tough call. Only just switched to Jimi

    2. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not much in it. I’ve gone Salah for the generally higher ceiling

  10. thegame983
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Are peeps playing Walker - Peters or Justin?

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      KWP here V WBA

    2. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Justin

    3. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Imagine having a defense of:

      Walker Pieters James Justin

      4 players for the price of 2!

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

        lmfao

    4. Orion
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Justin

  11. Oldie99
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Foden and DCL

    OR

    Jota and Ings

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

  12. nadman89
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Allen saint maximin double digit haul incoming lads

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

  13. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    On wc

    Best choice for Gk fodder?
    Nylans Steer Button

    1. Khark
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      the one with the lowest ownership. that way you're unlikely to lose anything.

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Forster

  14. owenread
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    who do I bench?

    Justin, Saiss, Podence, Bruno Fernandes, James Rodriguez

    1. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Podence. Even if fit I’d be amazed if he starts

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Pod or Justin

  15. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bench one:
    A) Holding vs SHU H
    B) Taylor vs NEW A
    C) Podence vs FUL H

    1. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Taylor

    2. 111SWFC111
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Sounds like podence is out

      1. ZakyJ
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Is he?

  16. 111SWFC111
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Struggling here... on WC and can't decide. A or B?

    A. Bruno & Bamford
    B. Kane & Klich

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. Cookie Kid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B just

      Also easier to run away from, Bamford trickier to do that

    3. Magic Box
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B imo.

  17. hannesdela
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Werner out and DCL or Jiménez in? Or hold on to Werner? (I know it's a late decision).

    1. 111SWFC111
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      It's now or never for Werner. If it was me I'd hold and save the FT

      1. hannesdela
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks man. 1.4 M in the bank and having Mitrovic, Che Adams and Podence.

        Any advice on what other transfer I should do?

        (got Auba, Salah, Rashford and Bissouma as other mids).

    2. hnmfm
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Wait this GW

      1. hannesdela
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks man. 1.4 M in the bank and having Mitrovic, Che Adams and Podence.

        Any advice on what other transfer I should do?

        (got Auba, Salah, Rashford and Bissouma as other mids).

    3. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Last chance

  18. ZakyJ
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    1. Chances Podence starts?
    2. Chances Podence doesn't start but still plays?

    1. Pinky Blinders
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’m starting him over a 4th defender since the fixture from an attacking standpoint is strong enough to risk him coming off the bench if he doesn’t start

      1. ZakyJ
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Appreciate it, that's what I'm doing

  19. It's his Job.
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Help! Captain whom from these two Gems.
    A.Jiminez
    B.DCL

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    3. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

      1. It's his Job.
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thank you and good luck to all.

  20. FPLMarc
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Starting to doubt a few Wildcard decisions:

    - Should I go Coady over Saiss?
    - Is Bissouma really the safest 4.5m midfielder?

  21. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Good luck to all!

  22. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Cold feet now might switch captaincy to Jimenez

    1. It's his Job.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      That's it now I am also locked into Jiminez

      1. It's his Job.
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        And the Wolves stats against Fulham fully justify this.

  23. Ibra
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Which one?

    A) Werner -> Jimenez
    B) Save ft

    1. hnmfm
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Save

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Save

  24. PB-THE-VET
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Going Vardy captain!! Screw the stupid stats!!!!

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      West Ham only conceded 4 and have improved, albeit hit and miss.

  25. Fantasy Pig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who to start?

    A. Saïss
    B. James

    Thanks!

  26. i_am_bha2
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Ings + Mahrez / Vardy + Foden?

  27. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Captain KDB or DCL?

    1. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      KDB

    2. Fantasy Pig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      KDB

  28. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Head says KDB captain but heart says Salah.

    Which one to go with?

    1. Ribus
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Salah me

  29. Dirty Harry
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bought Ings in for a hit after a rage WC failure. Worth slapping the armband on him over KDB/Salah?

    1. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ings will score. Depends if you fancy a punt over the safe choice

      1. Dirty Harry
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        PuntINGS it is!

  30. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    pants down