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

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

    Any tips? Considering getting Pope? Sensible bench order?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Son captain is brave.

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

        You’d pick Bruno? Or Antonio?

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Not going to talk you out of it tbf. Just that Spurs look awful atm. Coming from a fan "(

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

      I would play Maguire instead of Justin. Pope FT makes sense

  2. konrad.sygula95
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hi, how would you use these 2ft?
    Who is the first one to go?

    Martinez
    Dier/Justin/Coufal
    Gundogan/Fernandes/Salah/Grealish
    Watkins/Antonio/DCL

    Bench: Forster/KWP/Anguissa/Cancelo
    2ft 6.6 itb

    1. Garfield1001
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Forster to Pope

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

    Bench 2 of
    A Dias
    B Dallas
    C Digne
    D Lowton
    E Coufal

    Leaning towards Dias and Digne myself.. what would you do here?

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

      AC or CD

  4. Teahupo'o
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Predictions for Liverpool v City final score?

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

      1-1

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      0:4

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

      1-1

    4. TheAbear53
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      1

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

    Which combo for DGW?
    A) Ederson + Mee
    B) Pope + Cancelo

    Currently own Ederson, Dias and Gundogan

    1. Teahupo'o
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

      B - greater upside

    3. Big Test Icles
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cancelo may not play both games

  6. Spurrsy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Dallas, Dias, Coufal
    Salah, Bruno, Sterling , Soucek
    DCL, Bamford, Antonio (C)

    Forster, Gundo, Mitchel, Bednarek

    2FT 4.6m in bank. Can't see much to change. Upgrade mitchel to Mee for better bench or Forster?

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

      I think Mitchell -> Mee is the better move there. Keep playing Martinez every week

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

    Always been curious about WC to BB strategy - feels back to front to me

    Ideally isn’t it preferable to BB then WC so you don’t end up carrying redundant bench players from your WC?

    Other point is that you aren’t pushed in the same way to use your WC to hit one weeks returns.

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

      Why do the bench players suddenly become redundant after the BB week?

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

        You want your money on the pitch - we live in strange times.

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

          These strange times is when you need a decent bench.

          1. Yank Revolution
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Your starters -no matter what time of the season it is- should be nailed on, always. Covid isn't hitting these clubs hard so...no real reason to worry about random benchings. And the best players never get rotated really either.

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

      Feels like there has been a shift in recent years - the "ideal" DGW BB team (WC week before) is less likely to be a success nowadays. I could be wrong though ...

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

      Usually it is impossible to use ft:s to get ideal BB team. Therefore people have used WC before it.

  8. Hangman Page
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I’m surprised Son comes out as the captain pick when Spurs look devoid of ideas. Baggies are capable of just parking the bus as they proved at Anfield and the Etihad. Granted they are also capable getting destroyed like.

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

    Help needed for my draught team. Who is likely to be Sanchez' backup at Brighton?

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

    Play which one of these two?

    1) Dallas v CPL
    or
    2) Coufal vs ful

    Currently on 2

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

      I’m in the same dilemma. Think Coufal more chance of a clean sheet & Dallas more chance of a haul.
      I’m starting Dallas

  11. FusionFC
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench 1:

    Cancelo (@Liv)
    Cresswell (@Ful)
    Gundogan (@Liv)
    Saka (@Villa)

    Planning to also start Martinez, AWB, Dier, Bruno, Sterling, Son, Wilson & Bamford. Thanks for any help!

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

      Saka

  12. Jon Snow
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    No idea who to prioritise for this week
    A) GK >>> Pope
    B) Mitchell/Coufal >>> Shaw
    C) Vardy >>> Antonio
    D) Save FT

    McCarthy, Johnstone
    Dias, Cancelo, Justin, Coufal, Mitchell
    Gundogan, Salah, Bruno, Grealish, Saka
    Vardy, DCL, Bamford

    1. JelliedSpark968
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. SharkyT
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Pope

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

    Best pick for 2 weeks. Gonna be wildcarding so need a 2 week pick:

    Salah
    Rashford
    Maddison
    Raphinha
    Havertz
    Pullisic

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

      Rash

    2. JelliedSpark968
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Mount or Maddison

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

      I like Rashford

    4. SharkyT
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Salah. Short memory some people, leading scorer & Mane due back

  14. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench one:

    Dallas
    Coufal
    Justin

    Thanks!

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

      Dallas

    2. JelliedSpark968
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dallas

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Justin

    4. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Justin just to reduce his ownership by 0.00001%

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

      Justin

  15. JelliedSpark968
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who are people choosing between:

    A) Tarkowski/Mee

    B) Rudiger

    C) Shaw/AWB

    1. fplking14
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm choosing between Alonso and Tarkowski. But idk if Alonso is nailed so leaning towards Tarkowski

    2. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Mee or AWB

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

        Shaw or Rud

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

      Alonso looks nailed in the 3-4-3. Chilwell can't offer the attacking threat in the box that Alonso does, and given Tuchel said he's watched lots of Alonso in this system under Conte and actually tried to sign him for PSG, looks like he's a big fan.

      Of course, the caveat is if he switches to a back 4 now that Thiago is back.

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

        Sorry - now that Thiago is out!

    4. SharkyT
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Mee as DGW next

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

    With Martinez and McCarthy as my goalkeepers I was planning using 1 of 2 free transfers on McCarthy to Pope and play this week and then double in 24 and WBA week 25. Then Martinez should have week 26 double followed by Wolves, Newcastle in 27, 28.

    Given Southampton also may have run of doubles is this a move you would make? McCarthy to Pope

    A Yes
    B No keep McCarthy

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

      Yes (well i did it)

  17. fplking14
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is Alonso nailed?

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

      I think he is. It's his postion to lose. Watching the game last night, he was getting into the box looking for the cross to come from the right. Huge aerial presence and also offers a free kick option which is something Tuchel has mentioned.

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

        Chilwell is a very good left back, but doesn't offer the attacking threat of Alonso in a LM role.

    2. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      it's not clear

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

    2FT and thinking of making two of the following FT's but not sure which. Leaning towards A and B with Meslier out as Southamton could have DGW's in 25 and one of 26/27. Thoughts? 🙂

    A) McCarthy / Meslier --> Pope
    B) Brewster --> Antonio
    C) Holding --> Mee

    Meslier
    R.Dias -- Justin -- Coufal
    Salah -- Fernandes (c) -- Son -- Gundogan -- Soucek
    DCL -- Bamford

    McCarthy -- Stones -- Holding -- Brewster [2FT + 5.1m ITB]

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

      A and B (pope) you could keep McCarthy

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

        Thanks, appreciate it

  19. JohnnyRev7
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Still lovely to look at my GW history and see my benched points as -7.

    Two words: Jan. Bednarek.

    I'm now a fully qualified Exorcist authorised by the Catholic church, a professional Voodoo Doll practioner and a qualified Reader of Dried Chicken Bones in Haiti.

    Thanks to the Internet and a credit card.

    I think my season is just starting.

  20. Erez Avni
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    play DCL or Chilwell for the chance he would start? can’t see Alonso playing 3 full games in one week

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

    McCarthy
    Stones, Cancelo, Chilwell, Coufal, Mithcel
    Salah, Son, Fernandes, Grealish, Gundogan
    Antonio, Kane, Brewster

    2ft 0.2m itb

    A. Chilwell to Mee (roll other ft)
    B. Chilwell, Mithcell to Mee, Shaw
    C. Chilwell, Mitcell to Mee, Rudiger
    D. Chilwell, Mccartyh to Mee, Pope

  22. Crunchie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    McCarthy to Pope done.

    A. Chilwell keep and play

    or to

    B. Rudiger
    C. Shaw
    D. Mee

    Have Dallas and Coufal

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

      and one of Dias, Cancelo

    2. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Would keep chilwell this week

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

      A

    4. MASTER ROSHI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I think im going for B, to allow me to afford son to sterling next week

  23. GoonerSteve
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Thinking Davis to Antonio but will give me bench headaches.

    Current squad:

    McCarthy, (Nyland)
    Justin, Cancelo, Coufal (Stones, Mitchell)
    Son (C), Fernandes, Salah, Grealish, Gundogan
    Bamford, DCL (Davis)

    2ft and 4.8m in the bank.

    Anybody got any better ideas?

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

      Nope Antonio it is 🙂

  24. HollywoodXI
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench and captaincy right? Tricky this week!

    McCarthy
    Cancelo AWB Creswell
    Salah Son(c) Bruno Grealish Gundogan
    Antonio(vc) Bamford

    Areola DCL Maguire Stones

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

    Martinez (Meslier)

    Cancelo - Cresswell - Coufal (Stones, Mitchell)

    Grealish - Fernandes - Salah - Gundo (Romeu)

    Bamford - Antonio - DCL

    1 FT and 7.7m itb.

    Im stuck with deciding. Any advice will help.

    Should I:
    A) Coufal to Shaw
    B) Coufal to Mee
    C) Coufal to a Chelsea defender?
    D) Save FT

    Bench
    Martinez or Meslier
    DCL or Stones

    1. Gc58926
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Personaly DCL over stones who might not start

      1. Camino Aleatorio
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Stones might not start, but he won't Cameo.

        But I think he does start for a pivotal match. It would be strange to sit a key player in a "6-Point" game.

    2. MASTER ROSHI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      D
      bench Martinez and Stones

  26. Gc58926
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    My team

    Cancelo Justin azp
    Salah Fernandez grealish soucek
    Bamford Watkins Antonio
    Bench - gundogan stones Mitchel

    I like the mixed def but should I start gundogan over grealish?

    1. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes. Who are you capping?

      1. Gc58926
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Bruno. Was close to capping soucek.

  27. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Would you BB Guiata, Watkins, Targett and Mee?

  28. SharkyT
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench 1:

    A) Coufal
    B) Dallas
    C) Cancelo

    1. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

  29. T0H2
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    shall i play
    A: salah
    B: watkins

  30. BusbySwede
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Im in a bit of bench-headache here and need som help and input.
    So, easy question;
    Who to bench, and in which order?
    And who to Cap?

    Pope, Martinez
    Cresswell, Cancelo, Digne, Rudiger, Mee
    Salah, Bruno, Maddison, Gundogan, Saka
    DCL, Bamford, Antonio

    Im thinking it stands between Cancelo, Digne, Gundogan, Saka? Feels like I did a mistake to get Rudiger instead of Alonso right now..