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. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Start 2

    A Dias ( starting Cancelo)
    B Coufal
    C Dallas
    D Robertson

    1. zdrojo187
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      AC

    2. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Really tough..I’m struggling below too. I would prob go B and C but A and D could easily do better.

    3. Kane and Ablett
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      AC

    4. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      AB

    5. Ian J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B & C
      They have higher ceiling & you have Man C covered

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

    Any confirmed news on taylor?

    A) keep for the DGW
    B) sell for mee/lowton

    1. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If nothing else pressing go for it or if you have good cover I’d wait and see

  3. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Really struggling...Who to start?

    A. Justin (wol) or Dallas (CRY) or Coufal (ful)

    B. DCL (Man Utd) or Adams (New)

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

      DCL for sure. First one is harder . . .likely A

    2. zdrojo187
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dallams

  4. Pablitto
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hello Guys

    How to get Luke Shaw in?
    choose from:

    A Robbo
    B Stones
    C resswell
    D iaz

    have no ManU cover

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

      A

    2. zdrojo187
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

  5. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Sounds like a decent chance Kane is back this weekend

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

      Sauce? Yes that was deliberate.

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

        Quotes from mourinho

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

          "We have to fight with what we have, and against West Bromwich - with Harry Kane or without Harry Kane - we have to go and win that match."

          1. Granville
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            That pretty much indicates the opposite. He's not back this weekend.

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

              How does it

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

                Yeah I took it to mean no chance, especially with him mentioning the other two games previously as his possible returns.

            2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Heung-Min Son will be "out for a while" after suffering a hamstring injury in Tottenham's 1-1 draw against Newcastle, says Jose Mourinho.

              Son was substituted for Steven Bergwijn at half-time during Sunday's game, after hitting the woodwork twice in the first 45 minutes.

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I haven't seen any quote that suggests that. Not sure how people are seeing that from what he said unless there is somthing i missed

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

        It’s suggests they could be with or without him, sounds like a chance he’ll be there or there about. And mourinho has form.

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

    Say Hello to Bamford El Capitano

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

      Cojones

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

        Ha!!

  7. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is anyone gonna captain Pope or Mee in DGW24?

    1. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Reels off Shane Duffy a few seasons ago

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Would rather go Diaz

    3. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm thinking Mee

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

    Is Alonso now worth considering?

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

      Bold but could pay off

    2. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Chilwell will get get gametime, and with no doubles till GW26, there might be better options for the next 2/3

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

        Ok cheers will hold off for the timebeing then

  9. Kane and Ablett
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I’m an early boarder on the Captain Mee train for next week, feels good to have got rid of Dier even with Big Sam’s Baggies this week

  10. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Unsure what to do with my chips...

    1 FT, £2.4 ITB.
    WC, BB and TC left.

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Coufal
    Salah Bruno Sterling Maddy
    Antonio DCL Bamford

    Fraser, Taylor, Mitchell, Bissouma

    1. Lilac Breasted Roller
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      if in doubt, you can save FT for pre-deadline GW24 when we'll hear more about the schedule

  11. Harper (No more Penandes)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Does Alonso play this weekend, what you guys think?

    1. Free Hat
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Think Alonso now gets the nod, BUT with quick turn around of matches not impossible Chilwell starts this one I think.

      1. Harper (No more Penandes)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Hmmm, may just go Rudi. Not like he can't score anyway.

        1. Free Hat
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Maybe wait and see a week. New at home will be the better fixture anyway.

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Could well be Chilwell

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Doesn't matter what we think. Id guess yes , just because i think Chilly will play in cup but 3 games in a week could mean he's rested. I am thinking about taking the risk but it is a big risk

    4. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I don't think so, that would be probably too harsh for Chilly. But he might, very close to coin toss.

  12. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Last decision

    Play one?

    Gundogan
    Trent
    Calvert

    Currently playing Gundogan but tempted to play Trent over him? Any thoughts..

    DCL also tempting to start, not sure MU will keep Everton out

  13. Free Hat
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Seeing highlights of West ham lately is very frustrating.
    Soucek almost every time in the box with every attack. Scores for fun.

    But dgw, two easy home games... Barely left the mid circle and collects 4 points in total.

    What are the chances :D!

    1. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Seems to attack more away from home. No idea why.

  14. Lilac Breasted Roller
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Benching decisions haven't been this hard in a long time

    Play one of
    1) Salah
    2) Raphinha

    Play one of
    C)ancello
    D)allas

    1. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      1 d

      1. Lilac Breasted Roller
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        that's the opposite I was leaning toward, but it makes sense.

    2. Pandastar5
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      personally like raphinha and dallas for this week just because palace defense is sus and I've felt the big six games this season have been pretty uneventful (maybe because I was bored out of my mind watching spurs v. chelsea)

      1. Lilac Breasted Roller
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        yeah. although when looking at form, one could argue I'd have to play Cancelo (MCI def and offensive output and terrible liverpool form) and raphinha and leave expensive Salah on the bench.

        1. Pandastar5
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          agreed, i have cancelo on my bench atm with a heavy heart because I know he could definitely punish me this gw... i benched son for justin last gw so ig all i have to say is don't be afraid to bench one of the big boys if your gut tells you to

  15. Pandastar5
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any changes?

    Current XI:
    Martinez
    Coufal, Cresswell, Justin
    Grealish, Gundogan, Bruno, Salah, Son
    Bamford, Antonio

    Current Bench: Peacock-Farrell, Shaw, Cancelo, Brewster

    Thanks in advance, gl to everyone this week

  16. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Worth taking a 4 point hit to do Johnstone to Pope?

    Have Martinez and no BB chip

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

      Nah

    2. Lilac Breasted Roller
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Same boat, did it on a FT.
      For a hit, I wouldn't do it just for this week, but I would consider it if you need to take a hit to get in shape for DGW24 or 26

      1. George Agdgdgwngo
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Just can’t see him scoring bigger than Martinez

        1. Lilac Breasted Roller
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          then I'd say keep your FT and use it for other transfers

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Pope is going to be the ultimate villain on here soon. Burnley have been awful , can see them conceding in both games.

      1. Lilac Breasted Roller
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        That is a possibility. Kept Martinez for a long time and he gets the occasional 10 pter which is not to snuff at

        1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I am glad people are losing Emi but i wouldn't be making that move for just one extra gw. Bit daft really, especially if they have value tied up in Emi

  17. ZAWAd25
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who to transfer out to get Son and Bamford? 2FT, 1.5m

    Martinez
    Dias Robo Coufal
    Sterling Salah Bruno Gundogan
    DCL Watkins Antonio

    (Justin Mitchell bissouma)

    1. Pandastar5
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      easy way out would be sterling --> son and dcl --> bamford cuz man city and everton don't have the best fixtures this week... long term not sure how good of a decision this would be though

      1. ZAWAd25
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        not really looking to transfer Sterling and DCL as they both have a double in GW24

  18. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else swapping Salah to Son?

    Even though Son and spurs not great I would still back Son to outscore Salah this week

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

      will be WCing soon too so can get Salah back

      1. Harper (No more Penandes)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Exactly my thinking, been burned selling Salah in the past but it is city...

    2. ZAWAd25
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      thinking about it. I still have my WC in hand as well

  19. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    McCarthy
    Cancelo, Justin, Coufal
    Salah, Son (c), Bruno, Coufal
    DCL, Antonio, Watkins
    Johnstone, Gundo, Maguire, Stones
    2 FT, 3.6 itb.

    Any tips? Considering getting Pope? Play Gundo maybe?

  20. Kane and Ablett
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else captaining Kane this week? Vice on Bruno should be safe enough

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

      I think there is a decent chance he makes the squad

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

        Unlikely imo, but even in that case unlikely to start. 10 min. cameo perhaps.

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Feel free, it's your team and many others will. Not many here though.

  21. Dog and Fox
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Areolq
    Cancelo Coufal Ayling
    Bruno (C) Son Salah Gundo Grealish
    Bamford Antonio

    DCL Digne Holding

    G2G?

  22. Granville
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I've seen much talk of getting in Son. Form v fixture but Spurs and Son are so completely out of form even if they were playing Accrington Stanley I wouldn't consider.

    1. Free Hat
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Indeed. I have him but not getting near the cpt armband right now.

      Wouldnt sell or buy this gw.

    2. DeadStarComing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm a West Brom fan. I can tell you that we are worse than Accrington Stanley so I don't get your point 😉 . You really not considering the best attacker from the team playing the worst defence in the league?

  23. FPLMACKEM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    McCarthy,
    Robertson, Cancelo, Coufal
    Salah, Gundogan, Bruno, Son(c),Soucek
    Antonio, Bamford

    Forster, DCL, Stones, Mitchell

    1ft 2.4itb

    Already used one ft. Brewster > Antonio. I simply couldn't go the next two gw without him.

    A Robertson > Shaw/Rudiger
    B MCarthy/Forster > Pope/Sanchez
    C hold second ft to have 2ft next week.

    1. Pandastar5
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      getting pope now for mccarthy seems worth it esp with burnley's future opposition

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

        Yes it does. Southampton potentially have three doubles in a row coming up with players returning.

  24. tinear
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Cancelo
    Stones
    Digne
    Coufal

    Bench 1. Go

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

      Stones

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

        Glad I’m on that too

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

    Who would you go for this week only (will have both mee and pope next week)?

    A. Martinez and Mee
    B. Pope and holding

  26. Heiro
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Evening all,

    Looking at either Watkins or Calvert Lewin out for Antonio.

    Whoever I keep won't play this game week anyway.

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dcl has a dgw

  27. ZAWAd25
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    2FT

    Salah + Watkins >> Son + Bamford

    still have WC in hand

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nah. Spurs not looking good. Salah not worth dropping

  28. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Currently have Stones and Sterling. For the city DGW would you get in

    A. Gundo
    B. Cancelo
    C. Dias
    D. A and B/C and remove stones -4. If so, b or c

  29. Professor Abel X
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    When will the ticker be updated?

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

      We really need before dgw 24. But if it isn't updated then, I know how to save some cash next summer.

  30. Dosh
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench 2:

    A. Salah
    B. Gundogan
    C. DCL
    D. Digne

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      That really your worst 4 players!?

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

        Barnes Antonio Wilson all have to start