Captain Sensible

The best FPL players to own, sign or captain for Gameweek 16

Liverpool, Leeds and Burnley are the key teams for the Gameweek 16 Scout Picks.

We have included a double-up from each of these clubs as they prepare to face Newcastle, West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United between now and Thursday.

This team was chosen by Scout Squad pundits David, Neale, Tom and Andy – and includes a longer-than-usual captaincy segment considering the lack of turnaround time for one of Jan’s excellent Captain Sensible articles.

We line-up in the 4-3-3 formation, coming in £82.0m, £1.0m inside our budget of £83.0m.

Goalkeeper

Alex McCarthy (£4.7m) remains one of the best value assets in FPL this season, offering 13.2 points per million spent, third among goalkeepers. Fresh from a 0-0 draw with Fulham, Southampton host a West Ham side who, aside from Tomas Soucek, spent large parts of Sunday afternoon offering little going forward.

Defenders

Ahead of travelling to Newcastle, Andrew Robertson (£7.3m) is joint-top for chances created among defenders over the last four matches. Meanwhile, the Magpies have failed to score in each of their last two meetings with top-six opposition this season.

João Cancelo (£5.6m) looks likely to get another start for Manchester City as they face Everton at Goodison Park. Kyle Walker remains sidelined following a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test while Guardiola hailed Cancelo’s “regeneration and physicality” as “incredible” in his pre-match press conference. Manchester City’s defensive capabilities continue to inspire confidence. Ahead of meeting an Everton side still without Richarlison and James Rodríguez, the Citizens have conceded just one goal since Gameweek 10.

Stuart Dallas (£4.7m) is another rather locked-in defender due to absences elsewhere in his team. Leeds are still without Liam Cooper (abdomen), Robin Koch (knee) and Diego Llorente (muscle), leaving Marcelo Bielsa no choice but to keep the Northern Ireland international at right-back. While West Bromwich Albion stifled Liverpool at Anfield, we expect them to come out of the traps a little more against Leeds, leaving more spaces for exploitation than we saw on Sunday. That should benefit Dallas, who sits behind only three defenders for attempts on goal in the last four matches.

The inclusion of Charlie Taylor (£4.5m) in the Gameweek 16 Scout Picks is a relatively routine one. Burnley have kept a clean sheet in each of their last three meetings with a bottom-eight Premier League side. Meanwhile, winless basement boys Sheffield United have the worst goals per game ratio in the division after 15 Gameweeks (0.5).

Midfielders

Salah building up massive power in top 10k after Gameweek 14 haul

Despite a reputation for only delivering at Anfield, Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) has registered either a goal, assist or both in each of his last six away matches. The Gameweek 2 win at Chelsea was the last time the Egyptian blanked on the road for Liverpool, averaging 9.8 points in that time. In fact, 62 of Salah’s 120 points this season (51.7%) have come away from Anfield. So facing a Newcastle outfit with one clean sheet since Gameweek 2 looks very favourable indeed.

Fresh from another away-day double-digit haul, Bruno Fernandes (£11.1m) retains his Scout Picks place despite the short turnaround. The Portuguese international is too pivotal to Manchester United’s fortunes for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to rest him for a big clash with Wolves and his posted a double-figure score in two of his last three home matches.

Jack Grealish (£7.8m) was desperately unfortunate not to get some assists against Crystal Palace as Aston Villa managed to roll the Eagles over despite the man-disadvantage. Seeing Chelsea crumble under an out-of-form Arsenal attack suggests Grealish can continue his decent form even at Stamford Bridge, where Frank Lampard will almost certainly have to break up the back-four that has provided so much defensive stability this season.

Forwards

We expect an improved Fulham defence to park the bus at Spurs on Thursday night, but we also fancy Harry Kane (£11.0m) to make a breakthrough. He has scored or assisted in all six of Spurs’ meetings with bottom-eight sides this season. Crucially, Kane found the net in each of his last two at home against such opposition (Brighton and Arsenal).

As already mentioned, West Bromwich Albion are a lot more likely to venture forth at home against Leeds than they did at Anfield, opening up space for Patrick Bamford (£6.5m) to exploit. The Leeds forward has been excellent away from home this season, netting seven times on the road since promotion.

Chris Wood (£6.2m) is top of the league for expected goals (non-penalty) over the last four matches. That bodes well ahead of facing Sheffield United side that is yet to keep a clean sheet in 2020/21.

Substitutes

  • Sam Johnstone (£4.5m)
  • Serge Aurier (£5.2m)
  • Anwar El Ghazi (£5.7m)
  • Raphinha (£5.4m)

THE CAPTAIN

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

As there was no time for a Captain Sensible article between Gameweeks 15 and 16 today, we have condensed it into the armband section of this piece.

As this section uses data from the Fantasy Football Scout Premium Members Area, only those with a valid subscription can see it in full.

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 team by the largest margin will win a £100 Amazon Voucher and a place in our Moderators and Contributors League for the following season.

Rupert the Horse helped the Community Champions to their seventh victory of the campaign in Gameweek 15, winning by a 47-36 score-line. The Scout Picks lead 8-7 for the season.

Forever In Our Shadow takes us on for Gameweek 16 going with a 4-3-3 formation of Pope; Robertson, Alexander-Arnold, Tarkowski, Dallas; Salah (vc), Fernandes, Raphinha; Kane (c), Bamford, Wood.

AA33 is the current leader, defeating the Scout Picks by a 53-point margin in Gameweek 2.

4,776 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Park the bus
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Bench 1:

    Cancelo Reguilon James Taylor Grealish Bowen

    1. The Senate
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      James but it could go any way

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Bowen

    3. Casual Player
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      James would be my choice

  2. chaser123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is Rashford likely to play? Not sure whether to have him in my wildcard...

    1. The Senate
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I sold him, can’t afford as well as Salah Bruno Son Vardy

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

    Anyone know what the Last Man Standing cut was?

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

      Not really helpful but was 39 pre spurs match I think

    2. Casual Player
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      WIthout double checking think it was 43

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

      Cheers!

  4. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Rip my WC team apart please?

    McCarthy Johnstone
    Robertson Taylor Coufal Dallas Justin
    Salah Bruno Son Soucek Anguissa
    Kane Bamford Adams

    Anything glaringly obvious? Or G2G?

  5. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Diaz, Dallas, Coufal, Lamptey, Mitchell

    Worth do Lamptey -> CTaylor?
    And bench Coufal?

    Cheers.

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

    Lads what you guys think?

    Bellerin
    Dier

    1. That Fantasy Guy
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Quite a tough one maybe Dier

    2. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Dier

    3. Casual Player
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I went Bellerin. Probably a bit more risk - lower floor but potentially higher ceiling if Arse getting into gear

    4. MASTER ROSHI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Dier

  7. That Fantasy Guy
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Wil Card take 2. Thoughts please

    Forster - McCarthy
    Dallas - Robertson - Coufal - Dier - Justin
    Salah - Saka - Bruno - Son - Soucek
    Vardy - Bamford - Wood

    0 itb

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

    Torn between Kane and Bruno for captain - don’t own Salah

    1. Drogo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I got Salah and Bruno, I still don't know.

    2. That Fantasy Guy
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I think its Kane

  9. AC Me Rollin’
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Still in two minds of who to captain, Kane, Salah or Fernandes? : /

    Anyone worried Salah might not start?

    1. Just_Ty
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Same dilemma, on Kane for now

    2. That Fantasy Guy
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Im going Salah

  10. Drogo
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Bench one:

    A) Justin (Away) cry
    B) Dallas (Away) wba
    C) Soucek (Away) sou

  11. Johan Queef
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Please rip it to shreds: WC, FH18, BB19 (poor TV)

    McCarthy, Johnstone,

    Robbo, Cancelo, Coufal, Dallas, Taylor

    Salah, Son, Fernandes, Soucek, Rafinha

    Bamford, Adams, Martial

    About to teach for 2 hours, then I have 30 mins to tinker...any help much appreciated for when I return to it!

    1. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      nothing wrong

  12. thegaffer82
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Quick captain poll.... Think I'm just gunna captain the winner

    So who are you putting the armband on this week chaps?

    I'll start:

    Bruno (c) Salah (v)

    1. Casual Player
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Salah c Kane vc

    2. MASTER ROSHI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Salah C Son VC

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

    Richarlison and Kevin out

    A. Kane (C) & Rashford
    B. Firmino & Fernandes (C)

    For a -4

    Leaning B as I already have Son?

    1. MASTER ROSHI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B but maybe cheaper fwd than bobby

  14. THEKID_88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Tricky one deciding who to bench.

    Dallas or Watkins

    1. MASTER ROSHI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Dallas

  15. sminkypinky
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Right! Mother of all formations:

    Marty
    Zouma Kwp Dallas Robbo Dias
    Son Mo Bruno Grealish
    Bamford

    Steer Soucek DCL Brewster

    Good to go?

  16. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Play Cresswell or Ayling? Already have Dallas.

  17. Weilong7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Targett out for dier or kdb out for son this gw? The other one probably next week.

    Have kane

    1. That Fantasy Guy
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Targett out

  18. konrad.sygula95
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What would you change in that team?

    Martinez
    Dier/Coufal/Cancelo
    KDB/Fernandes/Salah(c)/Grealish
    Watkins/DCL/Bamford

    Bench: Forster/KWP/Kilman/Bissouma
    2ft 1.1 itb

  19. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Any suggestions? 2FT and 1.5ITB

    McCarthy
    Taylor Dias Justin
    Son KDB Salah Podence Fernandes
    DCL Bamford

    4mill Coufal Targett Brewster

    A) Targett + Podence to TAA and 4.5m
    B) Targett + KDB + DCL to TAA + Bowen + Kane -4pts
    C) Anything else

  20. Kane and Ablett
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    First time poster - long time reader seeking wisdom as I’m struggling due to my GW19 bench boost preparations.

    Advice on two to play from Wood, Dallas, Dier and Soucek?

    I’m leaning towards the first two as my Spurs bias is costing me at the other end of the pitch recently before today’s haul from Harry and Son

    1. AgentRed
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I assume you need to play one of the attackers and one of the defenders, in which case I'd go for Wood and Dallas

      1. Kane and Ablett
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Five at the back does look tempting this GW

    2. MASTER ROSHI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Dier and Wood

  21. AgentRed
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Play Justin or Dallas this week?

    1. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm on Justin

    2. Casual Player
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I’d go Dallas, but could be bias cos I sold Justin a few weeks ago

  22. MASTER ROSHI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martinez (forster)
    Dier Coufal Ayling (Lewis Lamptey)
    Salah Bruno KDB Son (Anguissa)
    DCL Adams Bamford

    A) leave as it is, if DCL is rested anguissa comes on (against spurs)

    B) Anguissa > Soucek (-4)

    C) Lamptep > Taylor (-4)

    1. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

  23. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A) Robo or TAA
    B) Firmino, Vardy, Aguero or Cavani (one week)

  24. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    i have stones and dcl.

    and my subs are cresswell asm and lamptey..

    should i do a -4 to get someone so i can play 3-5-2 by benching DCL?

    or hope DCL starts?

  25. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Kane or kdb for the next few gws? Son owner.

  26. Mr_Barbs
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Wildcard tweaking. Think i'm on C or D. Thoughts?

    A) C.Taylor, Dallas, KWP, C.Jones, F.Silva
    B) C. Taylor, Dallas, Struijk, Martinelli/Saka, F.Silva
    C) C.Taylor, Alioski, Balbuena, C.Jones, Rodrigo
    D) Lowton, Dallas, Struijk, C.Jones, Barnes

    McCarthy, Johnstone
    Robbo, Cancelo, XXX, XXX, XXX
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Soucek, XXX
    Kane, Bamford, XXX

  27. LLoris
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC team w BB in 19
    Any Changes?
    Pope Johnston
    Robbo Justin Dallas Taylor Coufal
    Moh Bruno Son Soucek Anguissa
    Kane Bamford Adams

  28. thegaffer82
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Play one this week;

    A) Justin (cpl)
    B) Holding (bha)

  29. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    WC team, BB19

    Mccarthy, Johnstone
    Dallas, Robbo, Balbuena, Taylor, KWP
    Son, Grealish, Salah, Bruno, Raphinha
    Adams, Martial, Bamford

    Grealish and Son for DGW players

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good - just worried about Martial's minutes.

      1. Nespinha
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        same, worth a punt though

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

      Very safe looking team but it's pretty good.

      1. Nespinha
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks Camzy, maybe some surprises closer to the gw19, still 3 games to go

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

    GTG all?

    Johnstone
    Dallas Coufal Bednarek
    KDB Bruno Salah(C) Son
    Bamford Adams DCL

    Martinez Taylor Bissouma Matip