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. Rik Waller
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Tricky one this:

    Play 2 of...
    a) Chilwell (AVL)
    b) Taylor (SHU)
    c) Justin (cry)
    d) Walker-Peters(WHU)

    Cheers

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

      That is tricky, probably A and B

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

      A and B

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

      A B. Will chilwell play??

    4. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      C D for me

  2. 99Redbaboons
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Start Antonio over Soucek?

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

      Soucek

  3. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which BB team for dgw19?

    A)
    Mendy - Johnstone
    Robbo - TAA - Dallas - Balbuena - Coufal
    Salah - Bruno - Son - Maddison - Soucek
    Bamford - Rodrigo - Adams

    Or

    B)
    Meslier - Johnstone
    Robbo - Dier - Justin - Balbuena - Coufal
    Salah - Bruno - Son - Raphina - Soucek
    Bamford - Vardy - Adams

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

      B

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

      A

  4. Saka_me_sideways
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Play Grealish over Soucek?

    Or transfer Raphinha in for Grealish and play him?.. plan was to always move Grealish on to free up funds for DGW.

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

      Think I'd move on Grealish if you were going to do so anyway

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

    Matip to PVA - any thoughts.?

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

      Hard no

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

      No, maybe dier??

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

    I love Grealish but I think he will have to go for the dgw

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

    *Repost* Afternoon all! Quick advice needed...

    I have Giroud... he hasnt played a second in last two games! However do I keep him for one last week? Surely good chance of starting?
    And...

    Start one:
    A. Dallas
    B. C Taylor

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

      I'd get rid - you never know when he will play. And C.Tay

  8. Rbyrne95
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Nearly there. debating whether to take a -4 or keep.

    A) Biss to Raphina
    B) Wilson to Martial

    Starting team atm

    Martinez
    Robertson, Dias, Taylor
    Salah, Son, Soucek, Bruno
    Wilson, Kane, Bamford

  9. Gregorini
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Bench DCL or Justin?

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

      Id play Justin

  10. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Predicted Salah EO?

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

      125

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

      I think a lot will stick...

  11. adstomko
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    For next 2 gameweeks:
    A) Grealish
    B) Maddison

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

      B looks great atm

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Hard call, Maddison is in good form currently, Grealish has been away from the points but the teams Villa are facing now might suit their attackers more

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

    Took -4, have 1.2ITB, GTG ?

    Martinez
    Robo/Cancelo/Dallas
    Salah(c)/Bruno/Son/Grealish
    Vardy/Adams/Bamford

    Martin/Coufal/Stephens/Mitchell

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      gtg

  13. acidicleo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    who is better option for next 2 GW?

    A) Barnes
    B) Wood

    Not sure who takes pens if both are on pitch...

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

    Lost at the bottom of the last page:

    Who would you bench here?

    A) DCL
    B) Soucek
    C) Watkins

    Thanks

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

      Soucek

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

    Very low SV/TV -- which route would you go?

    A) TC DGW19 Team:

    Martinez (4.0)
    Robertson -- R.Dias -- Dier (C.Taylor) (Balbuena)
    Salah -- Bruno -- Son -- Soucek -- Raphinha
    Kane -- Bamford (Brewster)

    ---
    b) BB DGW19 team:

    McCarthy / Meslier
    Dias / Dier / Justin / Coufal / Taylor
    Salah / Bruno / Son / Soucek / Raphinha
    Kane / Bamford / Adams

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

      B

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

      B

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

        Thanks guys

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

    Finally I sorted my WC team and relaxed. I can try to give my 2 cents if you need 2nd opinion for your dilemmas under this post.

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

      Thanks for the above, best of luck!

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

        thanks you too, finally got myself a WC team that I am happy with.
        I am going Saka instead of Soucek and switch them pre 19

  17. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    McCarthy.
    Robbo, Stones, Dallas, Coufal.
    Salah, Son, KDB, Fernandes.
    Bamford, DCL.
    Forster, Lookman, Brewster, Ferguson.
    1ft, 0.6m ITB. FH 18, TC 19- Have 8 DGW'rs atm and hoping for 9/10.
    Stones, KDB + Son are my single weekers in 19 for now..

    KDB-> Mane or save the transfer?

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

      Save this week

    2. cyberspace
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      If you have faith in Kevin dont transfer him as he already lost 0.1 of price.

      If not than you should have transfered him yesterday.

      I did KDB > Maddison and now I have 5m itb

  18. cyberspace
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Pick 2 between b, c and d.
    I dont think Chilwell will start at all.

  19. Timon
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Best 4.7 mid option to own? Really stretched with funds

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

      Anguissa

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

      To play or as a bench fodder? I wouldn't buy anyone at that price with the intention of playing them most weeks. Find some money elsewhere to upgrade to Saka/Soucek depending on your plan or if it's bench fodder just go with someone 4.5 or less that plays.

  20. fpl_tp95
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Kdb to Son or rashford?

    1. Timon
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Keep him

    2. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      He dropped in price already, might as well hold for one more game.

      1. fpl_tp95
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Price change didn't affect me.

        I want rid in order to get Robertson in, in preparation for dgw...

    3. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Son for next two lovely games

  21. el polako
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Pages are flying, Still debating my captain pick which comes dow to
    - safe option - Salah
    - more aggressive option - Kane

    Guess most will leave it on Mo and Spurs too uninspiring to be confident of Kane's haul.

    1. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      salah

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Salah, Fulham are much improved while Spurs have fallen away a bit. Fulham only conceded 2 in last 4 while Spurs have only scored 3 in their last 4, not saying it can't happen but I don't see it

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

      Salah

  22. 272MK
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Triple captain Salah DGW 19. Pros cons??

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Pros

      - TC historically seems to be more effective played in the first DGW
      - 2 home fixtures for Pool
      - More likely to play both than later in the season (if title already secured etc)
      - Can keep focus on your XI and build team value throughout the remainder of the season to better deploy BB further down the line

      Cons

      - Maybe biggest DGW of the season, implying BB could be more effective

  23. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Team and subs look ok this week? anything you would change? Thanks

    Meslier
    Dias TAA Taylor
    Salah (c) Bruno Son Grealish Raphinha
    Kane (vc) Bamford
    Justin Coufal Brewster

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

      Gtg

  24. Mighty Banana
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I had a spot for a chelsea mid as a punt, and I'm struggling to pick one.

    Anyone seen their games recently and have an idea who's looking good?

    1. 03farmboy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Pulisic or mount but could get rotated for next game

  25. Tazah
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Im struggling on which 2 to bench:
    dias, walker peters, james, justin, robertson

    1. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Justin and KWP

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

      James Justin 😉

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

    Bench order GTG? Stick Podence on the bench or play him over Dallas or Justin?

    McCarthy
    Taylor TAA Justin Alioski
    Son KDB Salah (C) Fernandes
    DCL Bamford

    4mill Podence Coufal Brewster

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

    Rashford likely to start this week?

  28. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Play
    A) soucek
    B) justin
    C) raphinha

    1. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      C

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

    DCL or Bamford?? Bamford allows for me to get Son

    1. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Bamf

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

      Bamford

  30. Big Hands Barry
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Raphina or Soucek?

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

      Raph