Scout Squad

The Scout Squad’s best players to own for FPL Double Gameweek 19

The Scout Squad are back to pick their best players for Double Gameweek 19 – fresh from the recent changes to the fixtures.

The assets listed will then be narrowed down to a squad of 15 (with the starting XI not exceeding a total cost of £83.0m) for the weekly Scout Picks selection ahead of the FPL deadline at 11:00 GMT on Saturday.

In each writer’s squad, there are requirements for at least:

  • One goalkeeper costing £5.0m or less
  • One sub-£5.0m defender
  • One midfielder listed at £6.5m or below
  • One forward priced at £7.5m or lower

Each panelist is also restricted to no more than three players from the same team, as is the case in FPL.

We will again be adding a captaincy to the Scout Picks, with details of that revealed on Friday.

TomAndyGeoffDavid
GKLukasz FabianskiEdouard MendySam JohnstoneSam Johnstone
Edouard MendyDavid de GeaEmiliano MartínezAlphonse Areola
Bernd LenoEmiliano MartínezAlissonIllan Meslier
DEFRúben DiasAndrew RobertsonTrent Alexander-ArnoldRúben Dias
João CanceloJoão CanceloJoão CanceloAndrew Robertson
Andrew RobertsonRúben DiasJohn StonesJoão Cancelo
Ben ChilwellBen ChilwellVladimir CoufalVladimir Coufal
Vladimir CoufalVladimir CoufalAaron Wan-BissakaReece James
MIDKevin De BruyneKevin De BruyneMohamed SalahKevin De Bruyne
Mohamed SalahBruno FernandesKevin De BruyneBruno Fernandes
Bruno FernandesMohamed SalahBruno FernandesSadio Mané
Ademola LookmanChristian PulisicTomas SoucekTomas Soucek
Hakim ZiyechTomas SoucekAnwar El GhaziAdemola Lookman
FWDJamie VardyJamie VardyJamie VardyJamie Vardy
Harry KaneMichail AntonioCallum WilsonMichail Antonio
Patrick BamfordEdinson CavaniOllie WatkinsHarry Kane
Michail AntonioRoberto FirminoMichail AntonioPatrick Bamford
Anthony MartialOllie WatkinsAnthony MartialEdinson Cavani


Most popular picks: João Cancelo, Vladimir Coufal, Kevin De Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes, Jamie Vardy, Michail Antonio (four), Rúben Dias, Andrew Robertson, Mohamed Salah, Tomas Soucek (three).

TOM SAID…

I’ve doubled up on Manchester City’s defence again this week, ahead of back-to-back home games against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. Pep Guardiola’s side have now given up just three goals in their last 14 matches in all competitions, and are yet to concede with Ederson, Rúben Dias and John Stones in the line-up. João Cancelo is also given the nod, and though he isn’t assured of two starts, is worth the risk given his attacking numbers. 

West Ham United also get a defensive double-up from me, via Lukasz Fabiański and Vladimír Coufal. The Hammers have proved difficult to break down in recent matches, while their double includes games against Burnley and West Bromwich Albion, two of the worst attacking teams in the league.

Keepers Edouard Mendy and Bernd Leno, plus defenders Andrew Robertson and Ben Chilwell complete the picks at the back.

Further forward, it’s hard to overlook Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, Bruno Fernandes and Jamie Vardy, and their inclusion needs little explanation, so I’ll focus on some of my other picks.

Ademola Lookman is something of a left-field inclusion given his fixtures, but if Fulham are going to get anything from this double, he’ll be involved, while West London rivals Chelsea are perhaps being overlooked. They’ve come in for some criticism after a run of one win in six league games, but overall performances haven’t been too bad. Hakim Ziyech has now started back-to-back games, and when fit is the one who can make things happen.

I’m also backing Michail Antonio. Though he looks short of match fitness, he needs games, and as West Ham United’s only recognised striker, should see enough minutes across the two fixtures. However, including him means there is no room for team-mate Tomáš Souček, which is a little unfortunate. It goes without saying I think he’s a quality option though.

The squad is completed by Harry Kane and Patrick Bamford, who despite having just the one fixture have the potential to outscore most other forwards this week, plus Anthony Martial

ANDY SAID…

It is not often you come up with a squad to submit and find yourself trying to put in more than three West Ham players. They arguably have the best set of fixtures in Gameweek 19 – Burnley (home) and West Brom (home). 

Michail Antonio is a bit of a favourite of mine and now he’s fit and got through 90 minutes I can’t leave him out. He’s averaging 0.47xG per 90 minutes so fat this season. It’s down on 2019/20, but still excellent given his price. The fixtures are too good to ignore defensively as well. 

No-one has scored fewer goals than Burnley’s nine so far, with West Brom only scoring two more with 11. A double-up on defence is certainly an option but with Tomas Soucek taking up a cheap spot in midfielder I’ve only picked Vladimir Coufal

In their last six matches Coufal has created 11 chances, that’s six more than Aaron Cresswell.

We’re still waiting on news of a potential injury to Anthony Martial after limping off against Burnley, but if he does miss the next couple of games it would seem very likely that Edinson Cavani will play as central forward. 

We’ve seen limited minutes from the Uruguayan so far but he’s shown promising numbers with 0.59xG per 90 minutes. The Liverpool game is tough for anyone but if he could nick a goal there he’d then look to top up the FPL points for the week against Fulham.

There is obviously a risk with picking Aston Villa players because we don’t know who may have tested positive and won’t be available but given they are now playing Newcastle I’ve added a couple into the squad for consideration with Emiliano Martínez and Ollie Watkins

No regularly playing goalkeeper has a higher points per match than Martínez at 5.5, and with save potential against Manchester City followed by a Newcastle fixture you’d expect a clean sheet in there’s lots to be gained from him.

Despite only scoring one goal against Brighton it’s difficult to not triple up on Manchester City again with Kevin De Bruyne being the only attacker I’d be confident of predicting a start for. They are showing no signs of stopping when it comes to defensive returns and I think Cancelo owners will be hopeful of an attacking return soon enough. 

Interestingly he only created one chance against Brighton and had one shot in the box, but seeing his positioning from the eye test, he’s sure to be involved soon.

GEOFF SAID…

Barring any future Double Gameweek 19 fixture changes, my selections come from teams with two fixtures in the round; whether or not my picks will start both fixtures is, as always, unclear.

I continue to look for value in my goalkeepers to enable a stronger attack: Sam Johnstone and Emiliano Martinez are therefore my top picks before I look to Alisson, who has the highest points potential.

Trent Alexander-Arnold looks the best option in defence with hugely promising underlying stats, particularly over the last 4 games. João Cancelo continues to look threatening and should see attacking returns soon, and City have two strong Double Gameweek 19 fixtures. John Stones, Vladimir Coufal, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are also worthwhile options.

Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne are the top midfield picks this week, slightly ahead of Bruno Fernandes and his four yellow cards. Tomas Soucek is a strong pick and will insultingly be called a ‘no-brainer’ by many pundits, while Anwar El Ghazi is another budget enabler.

In attack I first look to Jamie Vardy, who I expect will be fit and will score well – while not a captaincy option for me, as I’ll look to my midfield, he may be a shrewd armband contender for those looking for a punt. Callum Wilson, Ollie Watkins, and Michail Antonio look a nicely-priced trio, while Anthony Martial is a differential for those looking to United for a double in the Double. 

DAVID SAID…

I am expecting Sam Johnstone and Alphonse Areola to use their respective pair of fixtures to rack up the saves in Double Gameweek 19.

The two goalkeepers are both inside the top five for stops this season (74 and 59) and face opponents that are sure to create chances against them.

I will be keeping my eye on injury updates from West Ham on Friday though. If David Moyes rules out Lukasz Fabianski then I will be very keen on the kindly-priced Darren Randolph.

Manchester City have conceded three goals in their last 13 matches in all competitions which is why a defensive double-up of Rúben Dias and João Cancelo is so appealing, especially as I’m not particularly taken with attacking options outside of Kevin De Bruyne.

Vladimir Coufal has incredibly kind home fixtures against low-scoring Burnley and West Bromwich Albion. He has also created more chances than any West Ham player over their last four matches.

Reece James looks set for a return to the Chelsea starting line-up ahead of facing Fulham and Leicester. Over his last four matches, he is joint-top among Blues assets for big chances created, the most of any Chelsea defender in that time too.

De Bruyne is an obvious inclusion considering his nailed-on role in the Manchester City team for those appealing home matches.

The fact that Raheem Sterling missed a late penalty against Brighton, in my view, reinforces the Belgian’s place in the spot-kick pecking order.

Speaking of penalties, Liverpool and Fulham have both given up five each this season – only Leeds (six) and Brighton (seven) have conceded more at the time of writing.

The fact that Bruno Fernandes faces both of those sides in Double Gameweek 19 makes his credentials seriously worth considering, especially as he is set for two road trips. The Portuguese international has pulled in 54.5% of his FPL points away from home this season.

Considering Mohamed Salah’s problems in front of goal recently, I am going for his team-mate Sadio Mané in my selection.

Over their last four matches, the Senegalese international has outshone Salah for touches in the box, key passes, big chances created and shots in the box.

Crucially, Mané also has matched Salah’s output for attacking returns over the same period (three) for a cheaper price and has fewer blanks during that time too.

I am very willing to take a risk on Michail Antonio ahead of West Ham’s appealing fixtures considering their decision to sell Sebastien Haller to Ajax on a permanent deal.

I also really fancy the single Gameweek fixtures of Harry Kane and Patrick Bamford and will be taking them both into Double Gameweek 19 to face Sheffield United (away) and Brighton (home) respectively.

1,490 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Bobby's Teeth
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    First

    1. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Definitely worse than ‘play up Pompey’.

      1. The Fantasy Doctor
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Less annoying.

  2. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Cavani in 3 of those teams.
    Better option than Antonio?

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

    Son to KDB gives me the team below
    Probably won't play any chip.

    Thoughts ?

    Martinez
    Justin/Cancelo/Robo/Coufal
    Soucek/Bruno/KDB(c)/Salah
    Vardy/Bamford

    Martin/Dallas/Adams/Stephens

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Gtg. Not going to TC Salah or Kdb?

    2. Bobby's Teeth
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Comfortable about having no Spurs?

  4. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    GW19 has the potential to go down as the craziest gameweek in FPL history

    Highly likely numerous fixtures are cancelled / rearranged after gameweek deadline meaning different teams to the ones we think will have single
    / double gameweeks.

    I hope you like gambling as GW19 is shaping up to be a literal lottery

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wouldn’t say it’s highly likely, Christmas was probably the peak of the whole pandemic and there was a small handful of games cancelled

      1. TheDragon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Disagree - it’s getting worse still

  5. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane, Rashford > Cavani, salah -4?

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cavani will probably just start against Fulham, so.

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

      What’s wrong with rashford?

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Nothing, already on triple, will probably hold

  6. mackan
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Dcl Walton Walker-Peters to
    Antonio Max 5,4 Dias -8?

  7. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who gets more minutes in the double?
    Pogba or Cavani?

    1. jammie26
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pogba

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

      Pogba

  8. Nemanja Vidic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    BB or TC KDB?
    Doing -4 Regulion Brewster -> AWB Antonio
    WC FH BB TC available

    Martinez Mendy
    AWB Saiss* Stones Justin Coufal
    KBD Fernandes Son* Gundo Saka*
    Kane* Bamford Antonio

  9. Nemanja Vidic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Can anyone guess when the next DGW will be?

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      GW19 looks likely

  10. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Ideas please? 1ft

    Ederson
    Robbo Targett Coufal
    Salah Bruno Rashford Maddison Benrahma
    Bamford Vardy

    Forster Dallas Neco Brewster

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Team looks good but obv a KDB shaped hole and no obvious way to get him

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Guess your not Bench Boosting.
      Do you want another City player?
      Dallas > Stones if you can afford .

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Can't afford but maybe Dallas and Ben to Stones and Soucek -4

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

      Money ITB?

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        0.1

  11. Captain Vantastic™
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    This feels like a kick in the nuts for us Gw16 WCers 🙁

  12. CobraKai
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Phew I almost bought Ings, Bullet dodged.

  13. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez
    Coufal Dias Dallas Taylor*
    KDB Bruno Salah Son
    Bamford Antonio

    Johnstone Adams Bednarek Bissouma

    Which is better folks?

    A. Taylor -> Cancelo/Stones -4
    B. Bissouma -> Soucek -4

    1. Captain Vantastic™
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B for me.

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

      Probably A

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

      A. I'm doing the same to stones

    4. Baron Penguin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I've done A to Stones.

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers all. I am even thinking of both.

  14. Apwilkin
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Johnston (Mcarthy)
    Mee-Castagne-Robbo-Cougar (Dallas)
    Son-Bruno-Salah-Soucek (Anguissa)
    Kane-Bamford (Adams)

    1- Save chips and roll FT
    2- TC - probably Salah
    3- BB and Castagne to stones and Adams to Antonio for -4

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Why do you have a Cougar in defense?

      1. TheDragon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He has a thing for older women

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          😉

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

        Cougar’s are top tier talent defensively... Coufal...

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          4. Adams ->. Antonio

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

        As i am keeping the cougar. Thoughts on the team/plans?

      4. Rhodes your boat
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Agreed I’d put them in attack

  15. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane and Smith Rowe to Werner and Barnes for -4? Not overly keen but would get me 15dgw players

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wouldnt be surprised if Kane scored more in one game than Werner over two.

    2. jammie26
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No from me.

    3. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Do you think Barnes and Werner score more than the -4 plus Kane and ESR?

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Possibly yes. Maybe will just to kane to vardy

    4. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy and El Ghazi?

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Good idea thanks Holmes.

    5. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks all. What about Kane to vardy and keep Smith Rowe ?

  16. Lilac Breasted Roller
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Goddamn Leeds not playing. Going to BB, so I'm getting rid of DCL at long last.

    A - DCL -> Antonio (probably not of big benefit during DGW, but investment for later)
    B - DCL -> Watkins

    doing a 4.0 -> Johnstone for a -4 (at worst it's 0-0 operation, but with 0.5 less ITB)

    1. Baron Penguin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m just getting it out the way. YOLO! I’d punt on Antonio.

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

      They are playing BHA

      Prefer Antonio if he is fit

    3. Lilac Breasted Roller
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks. Going to give Antonio a shot.

      Will mull over the johnstone move a bit and my lack of city

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

      Dcl to Antonio (many on here did it inc me)

  17. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Should I be worried as a Sterling owner and should I be trying to get rid?

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

      Surely bigger fish to fry this week?

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No not really. He might just be dropped altogether as opposed to rested.

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’d never have the Easter in the first place but I imagine you’d be ok to keep considering he got a rest last game

  18. Sickboy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Sell Rashford or Son for Salah?

    Thanks in advance.

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Do you have Bruno / kane ?

      1. Sickboy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I have Bruno and Kane but I’m selling the latter as well to get to help generate funds for Salah. I appreciate it’s risky.

  19. Baron Penguin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Shall I BB? Risky with Covid...

    Martinez Areola
    Dias Stones Coufal Ayling Dallas
    KDB Bruno Salah Soucek Son
    Antonio Bamford Watkins

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You could BB that. Not bad.

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

      Yep

    3. Baron Penguin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks both. Going to go for it I think!

  20. Pep's Money Laundry
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play one:

    A. Bamford (BRI)
    B. Maguire (liv, ful)

  21. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pogba + Vardy
    or
    KDB + Antonio.

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      KA

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

      B.
      Pogba + Vardy or Sterling + Werner ???

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        thanks.
        I hate the Sterling ,Werner combo but could work out for you.

  22. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How on earth do all you bench boost wizards have no Southampton or Leeds and somehow have Vardy and the West Ham lads

    How have you done it?!?!?!

    1. Baby Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Personally considering BBing a team with the Southampton, Leeds and Spurs boys on. Fixtures still good enough to BB I think

  23. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Andy’s team doesn’t have a GK 5.0m or under? Not following the rules huh? 😉

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I meant squad in the article above

  24. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    @andy....any comments on your firmino pick?

  25. All about the galacticos
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Not sure about the picks. Can't see Vardy playing both

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Why not ?

      1. All about the galacticos
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        3 days between games, could be rested

  26. The Handsome Hunk
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Choose 1: Both for (-4)

    1. Adams + Dier to Antonio + Stones

    OR

    2. Adams + Kane to Antonio + Vardy

    Thanks.!!!

  27. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If you can have 14 players to play is it better to TC or bench boost?

    1. CroatianHammer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Are you counting anyone twice? Is it 14 getting two games, plus (c)? Or is your team all red?

      1. Saka Rice
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        it would be 7 playing double, and 7 one game only, no injuries

        1. CroatianHammer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          So 23 all told, assuming you captain a DGW player. Close. But better than most DGWs from years past... TC I would only use if you have access to a big hitter player with great fixtures.

    2. All about the galacticos
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      BB

      1. All about the galacticos
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        BB, if you have 10+ DGW players

  28. CroatianHammer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    DGW19 all set_ -4 to start, 12 DG players, 3 single (Son, Alioski, Bamford). Bench Boost activated, '29' players ahoy!!!

    Antonio, as he's fit, to be the (C)

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      *until more fixture changes / cancellations in the next 48 hours

  29. ASOUSA12
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Guys, any help appreciated:

    Johnstone
    TAA Robbo Dias Coufal
    Salah Bruno Son* Lookman
    Wood Bamford*

    Meslier* Adams* Raphinha* Balbuena**

    I think i'll commit to BB, which option would be better:

    A) Adams + Balbuena -> Antonio + Dawson (-4)
    BB Meslier Lookman Raphinha Bamford

    B) Balbuena + Adams + Raphinha -> Antonio + Soucek + Stones (-8)
    BB Meslier Son Lookman Bamford

    C) Balbuena + Adams + Raphinha -> Watkins + Soucek + James (-8) .
    BB Meslier Son Lookman Bamford

    Any other suggestion?

  30. Party mode
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play one this week along with Bamford:
    A: Dallas
    B: Rodrigo

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dallas