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

    A) Dallas, Adams (3-4-3) - Dallas bench
    B) Cancelo, Rodrigo (4-4-2) - Rodrigo bench

    B is a Leeds tripple up but as written, Rodrigo will be on the bench

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

      BB GW19.

      If A I have enough money to do McCarthy -> Fabianski for GW19 too

    2. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B. Rodrigo on bench so triple up not a major issue imo

  2. jorgenoj
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who do I take out for Robertson?
    A) Chillwell
    B) Targett

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

      B

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

      B...

    3. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

    4. Mcster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      If cash no issue then of course B

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

    Rashford likely to start?

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

      Yes.

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

        When does he not lol?

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

          Because of his shoulder

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

            Yeah but that's been an issue for like 2 months now and he's still been playing so should be fine. Ole loves him.

    2. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I think so, the shoulder has been a long standing niggle for some time and he has played

    3. Mcster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I reckon, yeah. Utd have one of the bigger breaks between fixtures.

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

      Thanks!

  4. nico05
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Finally more settled on my WC. How's this lot looking?
    McCarthy
    Justin Reguilon Cancelo
    Salah Neto Bruno KDB Grealish
    DCL Bamford
    Taylor Alioski Brewster
    Any advice at all would be appreciated?
    Is Neto a decent pick or some one else 5.9 and below?
    Thank you in advance

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

    moves i wanna make over the next 2 weeks:

    KDB + Mendy + DCL ---> Vardy + Son + Johnstone

    thoughts?

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

      great

  6. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Johnstone
    Dalas dias dier (target kilman)
    Bruno son salah grealish (lokman)
    Dcl vardy bamford

    Which ?

    A) target to taylor
    B) kilman lokman -4 to taylor 4.4 mid. (Free up some money)
    C) vardy lokman -4 to kane 4.3 mid.

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A. B would be a good move but not for a -4

  7. Bishopool
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Would you?

    a) stay with Mane
    b) replace him with Bruno

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

      B.

  8. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Mane or Vardy for the DGW?

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

      Vardy if you have Salah too ?

    2. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Both

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

      I have vardy but have considered the switch to mane and double up with salah

  9. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which 2 would you start?

    A) DCL (MNC)
    B) Watkins (che)
    C) Soucek (sou)
    D) Struijk (wba)

    Cheers

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

      Stjuik will play ?

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

        He played yesterday and they kept a clean sheet so maybe?

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

      B and one of A/C. Maybe C

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

        Thanks

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

    Play Two

    A) Adams
    B) Dallas
    C) Soucek

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

      AB

  11. F_Ivanovic
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    KDB is like a really expensive Lamptey this year. Looks great... underlying stats good. But because the City attack is terrible he's just not getting the returns he deserves.

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

    Even though he might only play 20 minutes, I can still feel a Jamie Vardy party coming today! Who's with me?

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

    Advice massively appreciated thanks all.

    KDB and Lamptey -> Mané and 5.1 defender
    KDB and Lamptey -> Son (have Kane) and Robertson (have Trent).

    1. DonBenzema
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Mane and the 5.1 defender

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

      I love the 2nd one.

  14. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Bench two of the following!!

    A - Zouma v Aston Villa
    B - Bednarek v West Ham
    C - Dallas v West Brom
    D - Justin v Crystal Palace
    E - Coufal v Southampton
    F - DCL v Man City

    Thanks.

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

      EF

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

        this

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

          Agree

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

    Need to play 2 our of the below;

    a. DCL
    b. Soucek
    c. Grealish

    Thanks in advance 🙂

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A&C dcl can score against city

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

      thanks thats the 2 I'm on atm..

  16. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Transfer suggestions? 2FT's 0m

    Martinez Forster
    Robbo Chilwell Cancelo Coufal Dallas
    Salah Bruno Son Grealish Soucek
    Ings DCL Bamford

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

      Ings > Che or Abraham

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

    WC team, BB19

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

    XXX is...

    A) Rashford + Wood
    B) Grealish + Martial

  18. Abaddon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A) wilson to wood -4
    B) play soucek

    A also a preparation for the DGW

    1. Matt Sk
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      This is a tough one but I go with A

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

    Bench strujik or kwp?

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

      Struijk.

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

        Thanks! 🙂

  20. Matt Sk
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Saw a photo from the Man United match and was thinking, didn't Solskjaer and Evans actually play together back in the days?

    1. Homer21
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Could have done

  21. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Would you rather have Adams in a 3-4-3 or Cancelo in a 4-4-2?

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

      Cancelo

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

      Oh sorry, my question got through above. Never mind, see my comment on top

    3. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Hmm cancelo

    4. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers both

  22. Blue Moon Rising
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    McCarthy Johnstone
    Robbo Coufal Justin Dallas Taylor
    Salah Son Bruno Souceck Bissouma
    Bamford Kane Adams

    Wildcard ready?

    Previous post got lost

  23. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    On wildcard - does anybody think Bardsley is a threat to Lowton?

  24. AdamJ91
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Hi all. Good to go?

    Martinez
    Robbo, Cancelo, Dier
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Raphinha
    Kane (c), Bamford, Watkins

    (P-Farrell, C.Taylor, Coufal, Anguissa)

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

    Bench 1
    Coufal
    Dallas
    Zouma
    KWP

  26. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Does anyone know how long is out Matip ?

    1. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yoda is that you?

      1. Homer21
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Lol

  27. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Play Amartey over Cresswell as I have Adams?

  28. C_G
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Mane or Son, I have Kane.

    Bringing Son in enables Vardy instead of DCL

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

      Son + Vardy

  29. karsworde
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A or B?

    A) Vardy & Soucek (Both about to rise in price!) http://www.fplstatistics.co.uk/
    B) Son & Wood

    On WC!

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

        Cheers

    2. Blue Moon Rising
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      This week B) then move to Vardy/souceck week after

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

        Cheers mate! Think that's a better move

  30. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Lamptey -> CTaylor

    Yes or no?
    Dias, Dallas, Coufal, Mitchell