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. tissae
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Bench one:
    A) Dias (EVE)
    B) Dallas (wba)
    C) Cresswell (sou)
    D) Bednarek (WHU)

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      C

    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      D

  2. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    This is the game week of the entire year where the bench is lost important. Massive rotation incoming

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

      I've almost got no bench.

      1. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Rip in peace

    2. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Actually, this is the week bench fodder like Mitchell could get a start

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

    Last spot for WC. Vardy or Kane? BB19 too.

    McCarthy
    Justin - Robbo - Taylor
    Bruno - Son - Salah (C)- Soucek
    Adams - Bamford - ______

    Johnstone - Raphinha - Dallas - Coufal

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

      Kane and switch to vardy pre 19

    2. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I did Vardy a few minutes ago, but didn’t had the funds for Kane anyway (also Son owner).

    3. SoShy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Vardy likely out this GW

    4. VinMar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Kane then switch to vardy probs

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

    Play 2 Bench 2:

    1. Justin
    2. Dallas
    3. DCL
    4. Dier

    1. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Play 2 and 4

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

      B
      P
      B
      P

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

    Having not played against westham is James gonna start today? 5 days rest before Chelsea especially when lamp needs a reaction? Planning to do kdb James to son Robbo -4 ? Is it worth?

    1. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Think so

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

    Best mid option under 5.3m besides soucek?

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Lookman

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

        Look where?

    2. Calculated Risks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Saka, March or martinelli if you want to be really punty

  7. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Play Johnston (LEE) or Martinez (che)?

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

    Chances of Mitchell starting today? Palace have been rubbish, and only 1 day of rest

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

      Very likely I'd say. He's much better for their defensive line but it always needs a smart manager to see that.

  9. KDB4PREZ
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Do we know the extent of Matips injury?

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Sounds painful, hope you're alright!

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

      Don't know man... It looked pretty serious as if he'd lost his ballsac on the pitch. Hope he's well very soon 🙁

    3. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      More Klopp on Matip: "It's like a 'wandering' injury. He had a problem with his ankle but could play on. He then got a back problem.

      "Everybody knows he was limping from time to time and then he got a back problem..."

      1. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Sounds like he should do some core training...

      2. KDB4PREZ
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yikes he sounds done out here

  10. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best of luck to everyone this gameweek!!! Can you help me, captain Kane or Salah????
    Thankyou

    1. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Salah for me

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

      If you're on top captain Salah because this is what everyone else does.
      If you're chasing captain Kane, he'll score a brace.

      1. Saka Punch
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Not sure what gives you this hope

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

          I'm just feeling it 😀

      2. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Hahaha well I’m top of my league but I’m pretty sure everyone below me will captain Harry!!

  11. King Kun Ta
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    GTG? Benchorder okay?

    Martinez
    Robbo Chilwell Justin
    Bruno Salah (c) Son Grealish
    Vardy Adams Bamford

    Martin Soucek Coufal Ayling

    0 FT & 0.1 ITB

    Ta for the feedback lads!

  12. Ray Kinsella
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Please help, I am totally stuck and going backwards. I have Robertson, Mo Salah, KDB, Son, Calvert Lewin, Bamford, Wilson plus a load of cheaper players. my team is doing nothing, who should I get in this week and who should I lose?!

    1. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      My head hurts

      1. KDB4PREZ
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Post you’re team mr 9 year vet!

        1. Ray Kinsella
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          how do i do that?!

          1. King Kun Ta
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Write it down

            1. Ray Kinsella
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              McCarthy / Forster
              Targett/robertson/justin/cancelo/walker-peters
              salah/de bruyne/ soucek/son/raphina
              calvert-lewin/bamford/wilson

              1. King Kun Ta
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 3 months ago

                Money in the bank?

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

      No need to find out. It's KDB. He blocks all your money for much nicer players and won't do anything.

  13. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What is the main strategy people are adopting for GW 18 & 19?

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      FH 18 BB 19

      1. Abra Dubravka
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        This

      2. King Kun Ta
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        This

  14. C'mon the Fylde
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who would be a good replacement for Lookman/Zaha?

    Martinez
    Dias Coufal Taylor
    Salah Son Bruno Lookman Zaha
    Bamford Kane

    Button Bednarek Lamptey Delap

    1.9m itb

    1ft

  15. Abra Dubravka
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Play one:

    A) Grealish?
    B) Soucek?
    C) DCL?

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

      b

    2. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

    Firmino as a placeholder for Vardy sounds good enough for me 🙂

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

      Fun differential, like it

    2. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Minamino will start.

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

        ... stop scaring me 🙂 he came off last game early so doubt it

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

          Like a few minutes early thought

  17. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Guys what do i do here??? PLZZZZ REPLY

    Mitchel Zouma Dallas Lewis Matip

    Sell Matip for a hit or just play Mitchell/lewis and hope they play?

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

    Start Soucek or Watkins?

    1. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Soucek

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

        Thanks

  19. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martínez
    Stones | Dallas | Taylor
    Salah | Fernandes | Son | Grealish
    Kane | DCL | Bamford

    Forster | Coufal | Mitchell | Burke

    1.8 ITB.

    What do you think is the best combination for a BB in gw19?
    Forster, Mitchell & Burke are the players that I would be trading out + 1.8 equates to 14.0 ITB for 3 players, a GK, defender & midfielder.

  20. LarryJunior
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martinez-Steer
    TAA-Coufal-Dias-Taylor-Kilman
    Salah-Bruno-Grealish-Rafinha KDB*
    Bamford-Brewster-DCL*

    1FT and 1.6 ITB.

    a: Save
    b: -4, Kane and Son for DCL and KDB

    Plan is to play GW18 with 6-7 players and TC in 19.

  21. Calculated Risks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Ugh hate having loads of the scout picks, always seem to flop when that happens

  22. BEEZUS
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Son or Mane for this week only?

    1. Calculated Risks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Son

    2. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Mane for sure

    3. Heisenberg W. W.
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Son

  23. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    1 hour till deadline and i still didnt set up my WC

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Don't need to. Just wait and copy the 'pros'.

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

      Still using public conveniences then.

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

    I already have Coufal and Taylor, and want to double-up on West Ham or Burnley for the next 4. Who would you go for?

    Balbuena: (Sou, Eve, BUR, WBA)
    Lowton: (SHU, FUL, Whu , Liv)

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

      lowton

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

        Thanks

  25. G Banger
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is KDB to Mane (-4) crazy town?

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

      For a hit I'd say so.

    2. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Considering the same but don't think it's worth the hit either. Mane could blank and KdB could easily get something against a rotated Everton

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

      I did it last week and capped him...worked out pretty well 😉

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

    A) KDB to Son
    B) KDB to Make
    C) Save

    1. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B or hold

  27. Saka Punch
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Chilwell ->

    A) Cancelo
    B) Stones (allows me to upgrade Burke to Soucek next week)

  28. 272MK
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Really thinking about TC Salah in DGW19.

    Not convince I can field 15 good DGW players to BB. Feels like Im wasting it.

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

      If you are not BB then yes I'd heavily consider the TC Salah, seems a good decision in theory.

  29. Davekitson
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    GTG?

    Johnstone (Nyland)

    TAA - Dallas - Taylor - (KWP - Mitchell)

    Salah (C) - Fernandes - Sterling - Son - Raphinha

    Bamford - DCL - (Brewster)

    1 FT carried over, then -8 next GW for Sterling + Mitchell + Brewster + Nyland --> DGW19'ers?

    Sterling likely to start?

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

    On a WC

    A) Lowton, Dallas, Coufal, F.Silva
    B) C.Taylor, Alioski, Balbuena, Rodrigo
    C) Lowton, Dallas, Struijk, A.Barnes