Scout Picks

Gameweek 23 Scout Picks built on Man United and West Ham assets

Manchester United and West Ham players form the spine of our Gameweek 23 Scout Picks XI.

In a side chosen by David, Neale, Tom and Andy, we have included five players from the two clubs ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.

We line up in a 3-4-3 formation this time, which comes in at £73.8m, a staggering £9.2m inside our budget of £83.0m.

GOALKEEPER

Salah and blanks again as Brighton defensive assets shine ahead of good run 3

Robert Sanchez (£4.4m) was a relatively simple inclusion in the Scout Picks this week as Brighton continue to prove the doubters wrong. They have kept a clean sheet in each of their last four matches, including against Liverpool and Spurs, while Gameweek 23 opponents Burnley are the lowest-scoring Premier League team this season (13 goals).

DEFENDERS

Salah and Fernandes blank again as focus shifts to defensive assets 8

Aaron Cresswell (£5.6m) is the first of our West Ham triple-up as they travel to face Fulham on Saturday afternoon. The left-back has created more chances than any other Hammers defender over the last four matches while six of his eight assists have come on the road this season. Meanwhile, Fulham have failed to score in three of their last five.

Long-term owners of Luke Shaw (£4.9m) were finally rewarded when the Manchester United full-back delivered two assists against Southampton, before being dragged off at half-time. After delivering the most crosses and creating the most chances out of all defenders in the last six Gameweeks, we are backing Shaw to deliver the goods again when Everton come to Old Trafford.

Antonio Rüdiger (£4.5m) has well and truly forced his way back into contention at Chelsea. After starting each of the last two league matches under Frank Lampard, the German international has played every minute of Thomas Tuchel’s reign as Blues manager. Chelsea are yet to concede since the appointment of their new boss and, in Gameweek 23, face a Sheffield United side second-bottom for goals scored this season (14).

MIDFIELDERS

In Gameweek 22, Bruno Fernandes (£11.4m) punished the majority of Fantasy Premier League’s top 10,000 players who chose to captain Mohamed Salah (£12.7m) with a 17-point haul, equalling his highest score this season. Even after a couple of blanks, Fernandes has had the most shots on target and created the most chances in the last six Gameweeks.

Son Heung-min (£9.7m) earns a place in the Scout Picks mostly on account of his favourable fixture in Gameweek 23. West Bromwich Albion have conceded at least twice in each of their last seven Premier League matches.

No Premier League midfielder can better Jack Grealish‘s (£7.8m) 10 assists this season, with one of those coming against Saturday’s opponents, Arsenal in Gameweek 8. After Bernd Leno’s (£5.0m) red card against Wolves, the Gunners could be forced to field their third choice keeper, Alex Rúnarsson (£4.4m).

It is getting harder and harder to ignore Tomas Soucek (£5.3m) after the big Czech international scored his eighth goal of the season against Aston Villa. Soucek has scored the most headed goals out of all midfielders this season and faces a Fulham team who have conceded 20 headed attempts in their last six.

FORWARDS

Newcastle stick with back five for relegation six-pointer against Sheffield United

Callum Wilson (£6.8m) has been the one shining light in an otherwise awful season for Newcastle. He comes up against Southampton on Saturday who, as well as just being hit for nine by Manchester United, also have an injury crisis at the back.

The in-form West Ham striker Michail Antonio (£6.6m) has hit attacking returns in four of his five last games. With the highest expected goals rating (xG) of any forward in the last six Gameweeks, we are backing Antonio to continue his impressive form against a Fulham side whose recent defensive improvements have stuttered.

Patrick Bamford (£6.6m) is becoming a very reliable Fantasy asset this season adding improved creativity to his goal threat of late. In the last four matches, only Fernandes has created a higher number of big chances than the Leeds’ centre-forward, who has produced three assists in that time.

Substitutes

  • Nick Pope (£5.5m)
  • Matt Lowton (£4.4m)
  • Dan Burn (£4.2m)
  • Raphinha (£5.3m)

THE CAPTAIN

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

We choose the Scout Picks captain using a four-way vote between our Scout Squad pundits.

Because we use Fantasy Football Scout data so heavily in this process, the skipper we choose each Gameweek is known only to those with a valid Fantasy Football Scout subscription and revealed to the public only when the deadline has passed.

Here’s how we voted for Gameweek 23:

1,095 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Etern007
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Struggling for this week. I've got one FT, thinking maybe bringing Bamford in?

    Current line up looks a bit like this:

    Pope
    Cancello / Justin / Stones
    Salah / Bruno / Grealish / Gundo / Soucek
    Antonio / DCL

    Subs:
    Johnstone / Dallas / Coufal Watkins

    Thoughts?

    1. The White Pele
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I’d save ft and play Watkins ahead of DCL

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah you may as well get in Bamford now.

      1. Etern007
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Who would you bring him in for from:
        DCL / Antonio / Watkins?

        Budget isn't an issue, I've a few £m in the bank.

  2. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Funny how after a string of blanks most people were put off captaining Salah against West Ham and what happened - 15 points.

    I'll happily take my Son haul when others flock to worse options after he blanked against some of the best defences in the league.

    1. Sid1891
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I would captain but non owner...

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I think the difference is liverpool try and score goals but haven't been very good at it.

      We'll see how bad the baggies are.

      1. JJeyy
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Whole season Son's stats have not been great, but he just needed a few chances to score which Im sure Brom will give him

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Kane's vision has been a big part though.

          There was a great example in the 1st half last night where son was free on the left, vinicius broke into Chelsea half and just didnt have the vision.

          Without lo celso and reguilon, there's a massive dependence on ndombele and he has been inconsistent.

          Lamela had a good cameo. Maybe he can play the part on sunday.

          1. Uncle Gamst
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Lamela is too greedy...thinks he's Ronaldo!

            1. how now brown cow
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              True, but better than another sideways/backwards pass.

    3. nadman89
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      salah was due got 15
      bruno was due got 17
      son is due will get : ?

      1. Benjustjamin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Surely 16

      2. JJeyy
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        if the trend continues, 33.

    4. liner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      U are using data from arount 100+ posters and Son is owned by 4+ mil. He will be C by large amout of people. So no, u wont be only "smart guy atound" if Son do well against WBA

  3. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Meslier (steer)
    Cancelo Justin Dias (Dallas KWP*)
    Salah Grealish Bruno Gundo (Soucek)
    Kane* DCL Bamford

    A - stick and start kane
    B - stick and start Soucek/dcl
    C - kane to antonio (bench soucek/dcl)
    D - kwp to lowton (bench dias)

    Confused

  4. Tempestic
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench DCL(mun) or Saka(avl)?

    1. Sid1891
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Same dilemma
      Anyone?

      1. Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        tough decision isnt it, currently benching DCL

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Saka

    3. DannyDrinkVodka
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Easy DCL for me

    4. Spoox777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Same problem here too. Think i'll sub Saka

    5. gomez123
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL

    6. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'd bench DCL. Villa look tired

    7. Miro
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL for sure

    8. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'd want to be playing Saka

    9. Dank Squid
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Villa conceded 3 vs West Ham and Burnley (!), quite lucky vs Southampton. I´m benching DCL, would play Saka if I had him.

    10. mrelpea
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL

  5. luke
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Thinking 0-0 not feeling the Mo magic, might bench him for Stones

  6. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I feel conflicted in playing Stones, Cancelo & Salah. If Salah scores he neutralises both city players, so i'm tempted to play coufal in replace of either Salah or Stones.

    Any logic there?

    1. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I am playing Salah and Cancelo and Bench Stones and 2 defenders from (Coufal/AWB/Chilwell). May do Chilwel to lowton and Play him.

      1. Forgetmeknot
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Same here

  7. mr_jones
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Azpilicueta or Alonso? (not sure if Chilwell gets a start)

    1. Jimmy Boy
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Alonso more fun

  8. aborg
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Am I right to say that Spurs (especially Son) miss a player like Erikson when Kane is not around?

    We say that Son used to score lots of goals too without Kane in the team, but we are forgetting the quality services that Erikson used to provide to him.

    Turn the clock to these past few weeks and we can see the difference without Erikson in the team and the few touches that Son is getting in box or the lack of quality counterattack passes he is receiving !

    Thoughts?

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Spurs at their best under poch had high goal involvement from eriksen and dele. That is sadly lacking.

      1. aborg
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yes it is lacking a lot. They also do not have a player that dictates the midfield well.

    2. Das Boot
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      yes, You are bang on the money. I had this thought a few weeks back and looked to see what was happening with Eriksen and it turns out Spurs were apparently trying to resign him but there were issues with Milan and coming to a deal for him. In my humble opinion he is exactly what they need

      1. aborg
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. Oh did not know that.
        Pity they can’t bring him back then.
        I do not know the reason why he might have wanted to leave but they should have NEVER let him go in the first place.

        1. Das Boot
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I still think it's a deal to be done, knowing Jose he will get what he wants. Either that or they will try to find a younger version of him.

    3. Das Boot
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Spurs are really lacking in midfield creativity and as such Kane is having to drop back too deep and too often, It is costing them and surely not something is missed by Jose

      1. aborg
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yep you are right too there.
        Is it possible that management is not realizing this?

        Strangely enough I am still thinking to captain Son this GW just because WBA are so hopeless 🙂

    4. Uncle Gamst
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I was thinking the very same thing last night!

      Kane and Son combo is the only offensive threat atm for Spurs. The rest don't look confident in receiving the ball and the defenders not capable of making a forward pass

      1. Das Boot
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        yeah at their best they had Walker and Rose causing all sorts of issues going forward,

        1. Das Boot
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Spurs should try to build their team around Kane. The lad is quality

        2. aborg
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Oh yes, forgot Walker too ! He was more useful for Spurs than he is now for Man City !

      2. aborg
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Exactly. Such a shame. :/

  9. Boyhowdy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who to start this week?

    Cresswell, Robbo, Cancelo, Stones, Dallas

    ATM I have Cress, Dallas, Cancelo in.

    1. gomez123
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      PERFECT

    2. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Think that's it.

      Tough call though.

  10. Spoox777
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Are these subs correct?

    Shaw / Cancelo / Justin
    Salah / Son / Fernandes / Gündogan
    DCL / Watkins / Bamford

    SUBS: Saka / Holding / Stones

    Thank you

  11. LucasPodolski
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench Robbo for Justin?
    Thanks

    1. Spoox777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Robbo

  12. CFC1990
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    2FT's and unsure what to do. Planning to not WC until sometime after GW26.

    Is James to Rudiger/Lowton a good idea?

    Its either that or I get rid of Stones. Not sure he will start consistently with all the games Man City have (Champions League too) and Laporte back.

    Pope
    Cancelo, James, Coufal
    Grealish, Salah, Fernandes, Soucek
    Bamford, Antonio, DCL

    Martinez, Barnes, Dias, Stones

    Thanks

  13. matiakez
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Kind of stuck here with the two frees

    DDG forster
    Cancelo Dallas Coufal
    Gundo Salah Bruno Soucek Son
    Watkins Bamford

    DCL TAA Forster Neco Williams

    I can do Neco to mee but it creates some horrible bench headaches?

  14. BigKeith
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    2ft 7.1itb
    Martinez
    Dallas, Cancelo, Coufal
    Son, Salah, Bruno, Gundo, Soucek
    Antonio (C), Bamford

    Steer, Stones, Mitchell, Brewster

    1. Start Dallas or Stones?
    2. Should I waste a free transfer or do something?

    Cheers

    1. Saint Tim
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      1. dallas
      2. why wouldn't you upgrade mitchell or brewster? what are you saving your 7.1m for?!

      1. BigKeith
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        i know im looking too far ahead but i dont want to miss out on kdb or kane when they are back

  15. ajk1211
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any changes needed? 2fts and 4.2itb

    Martinez (McCarthy)
    Coufal Cresswell Dallas (Stones) (Dias)
    Gundo Bruno Salah Son (Biss)
    Bamf DCL Antonio

    1. nadman89
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      martinez to pope is the logical one here

      1. Sid1891
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Exactly same move l have done last night

  16. nadman89
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    is it really that tough to choose between dias and targett or should i stick to dias . with salah playing it kinda feels weird

    1. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      any other city defenders?

      If not I'd play Dias.

    2. The White Pele
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dias

    3. Saint Tim
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      dias

  17. tuturututu
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Mendy
    Rudiger, Shaw, Justin/Coufal/Stones
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Sterling, Maddison
    DCL, Antonio

    Who to play as third def and who to captain?

    1. Sid1891
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Justin
      C Bruno

      1. Saint Tim
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        this

    2. Spoox777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Justin vs WOL

      1. Spoox777
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Son(C) vs WBA / Fernandes (VC)

  18. The White Pele
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Playing Coufal atm. Double up with Fab or play DDG?

    1. nadman89
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      ddg

    2. frenchfries
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Save the FT

      1. The White Pele
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I have both. To start not to buy

    3. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DDG

    4. Saint Tim
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      ddg

  19. frenchfries
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    2ft
    A) Ederson -> Pope
    B) Taylor -> Mee

  20. The Frenchie
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who is your captain?

    I’m going on Bamford, what do you think about that choice?

    1. frenchfries
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Currently on Antonio

    2. nadman89
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      im on son but it does make the monday game so much more interesting. leeds did lose 4-1 to cp earlier this season but bamford scored and had another called off for offisdes by a mm

      1. The Frenchie
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks for your explanation.

        I was on Son as well but I changed my mind. Spurs are not in a good shape..

    3. Saint Tim
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      bruno

  21. Fantasydreamer
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Werner worth a punt with the two easy fixtures or play it sensible and get in a Burnley defender?

    1. frenchfries
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Better value in Bamford, Antonio and Watkins imo

      1. Saint Tim
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        agree, way better choices than werner right now

  22. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    How much more gambling related posts we need before the Scouts finally update the ticker?

    1. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      not a fan of all the gambling plugs but they bring home the bacon

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bet365 are offering odds of 2/1 it will be updated before the next gambling article.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Those are decent odds. Link please 😉

  23. Saint Tim
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    G2G? Right bench?

    Pope
    Justin, Coufal, Dallas, Cancelo
    Bruno (C), Salah, Soucek, Gundo
    Antonio (VC), Watkins
    Bench: Meslier, Ziyech, DCL, Stones

    1. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Play Ziyech and drop Justin.

  24. 7shadesofsmoke
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Ill re-word the question 🙂

    Who is Matty Lowton competing for a place with and who is generally considered first choice RB for Burnley?

    1. nadman89
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      phil bardsley and lowton are the right backs , charlie taylor and pieters the left backs . lowton is first choice rb , taylor first choice lb

      1. 7shadesofsmoke
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        i love you x

  25. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Eric Dier owners, are you starting hun this week?? Also, is he a keep because Spurs have to fixtures to be rearranged?? Or should we sell for better options???? If so, whom???
    Cheers folks!!

    1. Chrisitis
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Startig and keeping
      Unless hes not a sure starter

    2. nadman89
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      he sucks but if youve had him this long gotta play him vs west brom

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers folks!!! Yeah I think your right held him this long will start this week and then makes sense to hold to hear about the 2 games to be rearranged!!! Thanks you both!!

  26. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Thought on this lineup? Madness to bench city defenders?

    Martinez
    Cresswell Justin Mee
    Salah Bruno Son Maddison Gundogan
    Ings Bamford

    (McCarthy DCL Dias Stones)

    1. nadman89
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      i dont think its madness , its a calculated risk . im debating playing dias or targett

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        All in!

    2. Ninjaa
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Could be genius, could be a disaster??? Liverpool have to win imo or it's all chances of the title gone. But there again Citys defence has been in outstanding form . Toss a coin?

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Something like that, yeah!
        Cheers 🙂

  27. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Current squad, 2 fts and 5.2m itb

    McCarthy Forster
    Stones Justin Coufal Targett Taylor
    Salah Son Bruno Gundogan Saka
    DCL Antonio Bamford
    ..
    Any ideas how to strengthen, possibly looking at bringing in Jesus, Digne, Cavani, but not sold on any of them. Thanks in advance for opinions. ..

    1. nadman89
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      well grealish eventually ... forster to pope maybe?

  28. Davros
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Thinking of GK replacement for Johnstone (my other is McCarthy)...
    A) Sanchez (BHA). Great fixtures
    B) Pope (BUR). Double GW
    C) Martinez (AVL). Solid defence

    1. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Has to b) pope as DGW

    2. The White Pele
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

      1. Davros
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

  29. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    My team/bench looks so wrong any thoughts? Have FT still and 1.1 mil in the bank
    Richarlison v Watkins
    Robertson v Stones
    Are my dilemmas

    Pope
    Stones Coufal Dallas
    Salah Sterling Soucek Gundogan Bruno(c)
    Bamford(vc) Watkins

    Sanchez Richarlison Robertson Konsa

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Can’t bench Salah, Bamford, Bruno, Gundogan as all on pen duties
      Does this mean the same for Richarlison?

  30. mr_jones
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A:

    Pope
    Cancelo, Coufal, Dallas
    Salah, Bruno, Maddison, Gundo
    Watkins, Bamford, Wilson

    Subs: Bowen, Robertson, Tierney

    B:

    Pope
    Coufal, Dallas + Azpi or Alonso
    Salah, Bruno, Maddison, Gundo
    Bamford, Wilson

    Subs: Watkins, Robertson, Tierney

    which one?

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      The one with Cancelo

      I need him but stuck