Scout Picks

Double Gameweek 26 Scout Picks built on Man City and Everton assets

Players from Manchester City and Everton form the spine of our Double Gameweek 26 Scout Picks XI.

In a side chosen by David, Neale, Tom and Andy, we have included two players from both clubs ahead of a bumper round of fixtures.

We line up a in a 3-4-3 formation again, which comes in bang on our budget of £83.0m.

GOALKEEPER

Gameweek 21 Scout Picks features another Man City triple-up

Fulham’s Alphonse Areola (£4.5m) regains his place in goal for the Scout Picks XI. Fulham face-off against two of the worst attacks in the league on recent form, with Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at the bottom of the expected goals (xG) table for the last six games. Fulham’s defence has also improved in recent weeks, with the Cottagers only conceding five goals in their last six games.

DEFENDERS

Ruben Dias (£6.1m) is the Manchester City defender most immune to Pep Guardiola’s rotation, so he makes the Scout Picks. The Portuguese international has been at the heart of City’s defensive improvements, with them only conceding 15 goals in 25 games. Their recent numbers are just as impressive, with only two big chances conceded in their last six games.

Full-back Lucas Digne (£6.1m) makes his return to the Scout Picks ahead of a juicy Double Gameweek for Everton. Only Aaron Cresswell (£5.8m) has created more goals than Digne this season, and has had nine more starts. The Toffees also face off against West Brom, who have conceded the most goals this season, and Southampton, with no recognised first team right-back available.

Budget player Ahmed El Mohamady (£4.3m) takes up the final spot in defence. Due to an injury to Matty Cash (£5.0m), Aston Villa manager Dean Smith confirmed El Mohamady will be getting a run of games at right-back. At a rock-bottom price and with his place assured in the team, El Mohamady should bring in a decent haul from games against Southampton and Leeds.

MIDFIELDERS

Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) continues to produce some of the best attacking numbers in the league, despite Liverpool’s slide down the table. The Egyptian has had the most big chances of all midfielders in the last six games, scoring four goals in that time. With two fixtures in Double Gameweek 26 including one against bottom of the league Sheffield United, Salah looks set to add more attacking returns to his impressive tally.

A staple in the team of nearly every Fantasy manager, Bruno Fernandes (£11.6m) retains his place in the Scout Picks. Fantasy Premier League’s highest scoring player has the most assists of any midfielder in the league, and Salah is the only midfielder to score more goals. Manchester United’s second game sees them travel to Palace, who have the worst expected goals conceded (xGC) rating of all Premier League teams in the last six matches.

The in-form Harvey Barnes (£6.9m) takes up the third slot in our midfield. Barnes has taken his game to another level this season, scoring an impressive nine goals from midfield. Salah and Sadio Mané (£11.8m) are the only midfielders to have had more shots in the box than Barnes this season, so we’re backing the Leicester star to continue the form which has seen him deliver double-digit hauls in his last two games.

Ilkay Gundogan (£6.1m) takes up the final slot in our midfield. The German still offers incredible value in midfield, getting on the end of six big chances in his last six games, as well as having the highest xG and expected goal involvement (xGI) of all midfielders over that time period.

FORWARDS

Harry Kane (£11.1m) returns to lead the line for the Scout Picks in what could be a make or break Gameweek for Spurs’ season. Even after missing several games through injury, Kane is still joint-top goalscorer for forwards and has also had the most attempts on goal. Since returning from injury, the England international has also had the most shots in the box in the last three games.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin‘s (£7.7m) return to fitness sees him take up a spot in the Scout Picks. Calvert-Lewin has two plum fixtures against the league’s worst defence in West Brom, and against a Southampton side who have conceded 19 goals in six games. The England international had scored in consecutive games before his injury and will be a strong captaincy option for some.

With an ownership of just 0.5%, West Brom striker Mbaye Diagne (£6.0m) is a cracking differential option for Double Gameweek 26. Strong early displays have seen Diagne get on the end of five big chances in five games, and he has the highest xG rating of all forwards from the last four Gameweeks. If Diagne can start converting his impressive numbers into more goals against Brighton and a leaky Everton defence, then he will prove to be a powerful differential.

Substitutes

  • Sam Johnstone (£4.5m)
  • Luke Shaw (£5.1m)
  • Ola Aina (£4.5m)
  • Pedro Neto (£5.7m)

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 Double Gameweek 26:

1,587 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Erez Avni
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I’m Bench Boosting and trying to figure out if I need to take a hit here:

    Martinez
    Shaw Stones Lowton
    Salah Barnes Bruno Gundogan
    Kane DCL Bamford

    Areola Raphinha Dallas Burn

    1 mil ITB. Maybe Burn to Target or is it too boring?

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

      Dallas to Pereira or Dias?

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

        Great ideas but I don’t have FH so Dallas stays for GW 29

    2. Ayling Buyers Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      What's your plan for BGW 29? Burn and Dallas both have fixtures, so I'd be inclined to move Lowton to Targett/Konsa. Also gives you another player in 29.

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

        I like it a lot thanks!

  2. Leeds-Utd
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I have Finally decided it's Treble Captain week...But Who would you pick ??

    1- Salah
    2- Bruno
    Plz Help

    1. E25
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Salah feels like a decent "differential" but Bruno the safer bet

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

      I'm going with Salah I think, getting massively overlooked imo.

    3. Michu stole my mojo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bruno. Just can’t trust pool at the mo

      1. In a Rush
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I’m currently on Dcl tc

  3. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Fulham defence much improved and Burnley no pushovers either.... is Kane(c)/(tc) really the way?

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

      Salah is the way. Trust me

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      and forgetting the main thing, spurs have been rubbish

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        No faith for you then?

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

      I don't see 3/4-0s in both games. But over the 2 games, Spurs are certainly capable of scoring 3/4 goals. With Kane's GI, he is likely to be involved in most of the goals as well. He gets good BAPs for his goals as well. So, 8/9 pointer in each could still mean 16-18 over the DGW. If he returns in onge game only, that's still a 9-10 pointer GW.

      It may not seem as exciting, for TC especially. But very rarely are we going to have someone TC when they score 20 odd points. I look at whichc player will give me the higher floor with a potential high ceiling when choosing to TC. Kane certainly ticks that box.

      Having said all that, since I'm on BB. I am not TCing him. But I have switched my armband for the 3rd time this GW. It's back on Kane, from Bruno.

    4. EWH2020
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I don't know if you saw WBA v Burnley but WBA ripped through them and only had 10 men. Should have scored 2 or 3

  4. E25
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I'm taking Soucek out for a hit on BB. 6.5 budget:
    A) Pereira
    B) Lookman

    Pereira higher ceiling on pens but Lookman has a gw29 fixture.. struggling with this one.

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If you need a GW29 player then Lookman is the option that makes most sense

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

        B - thinking of this myself

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

    What looks best below?

    BB26, no FH left

    Martinez
    Cancelo Shaw Dier Rudiger
    Salah Bruno Gundo Barnes
    Kane Ings

    McCarthy Bam Raphinha Dallas

    Planning Ings to Watkins and then one of below for a -4:
    A)Raph to Lookman
    B) Dallas to Aina
    C) Bam to DCL (one less player for 29 but may have double in 28?)

  6. Jindaljain
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is it worth taking -8 for Bamford to Watkins or Ings to DCL for this week??

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      The latter

    2. E25
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      ings for DCL I'd say yes

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

        This

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

      Ings to DCL deffo

  7. tahoe don
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Captain pick
    A) DC-L
    B) Bruno
    C) Salah
    D) Son

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

      A

      1. tahoe don
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        that's my current pick , but I'm just worrying

    2. Leeds-Utd
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Same as I have
      Tough decision..Im think Salah (tc)

    3. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      On DCL but may change to Salah because of these injuries for Shef and he’s more proven of a hauler

  8. Pep's Money Laundry
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    BB26 & FH29

    A. Dunk(wba) to Reguilon (BUR, ful) (-4)
    B. Dunk(wba) to Pereira/Soyuncu (ARS, bur) (-4)
    C. Keep Dunk

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

      C

    2. M C4
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      definitely b and pereira

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

    Hilarious the amount of Kane (c) and (tc)'s but don't own Son. Where's the logic???

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I own both

    2. tahoe don
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      so many good, point scoring mids?

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

        Do if you think Kane is the best captain option this week how do you think he's going to get the goals? The ball is magically going to appear at this feet?

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Got KDB in place of Son. I believe he scores more from now till the end of the season.

    4. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If you watched any recent spurs game, you wouldn't ask

    5. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Would be great if Son outscored him

  10. methos
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Current team is:

    Martinez-Areola
    Lowton-Coufal-Cancelo-Dallas-Mitchell
    Salah-Gundo-Sterling-Soucek-Fernandes
    Bamford-Antonio-Ings

    Which moves do you guys prefer
    1 Ings to DCL (no hit) (no Spurs)
    2 Sterling/Ings to Son/Kane (-4) (no Everton and only 2 ManC)
    3 Sterling/Ings/Coufal to Son-Kane-Stones (-8) (no Everton but double Spurs and triple ManC again)

    Any thoughts are appreciated!

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

      What about 2 but with DCL instead of Kane?

  11. M C4
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Can anyone tell me about Watkins injury rumour, I've just bought him in and am BB with him, Sanchez (gk), konsa and raphina. Thanks.

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

      Hindumonkey on twitter the only source, but deleted now

    2. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      It’s rubbish

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

        That's what they said about the Grealish rumour. Just saying.

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

          Any training pictures this time?

        2. PompeyUpNorth!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Different situation imo and more info last time. Much more..

    3. M C4
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      yeah, and they have watkins in one of there bb teams, so I think it is rubbish

  12. STONEROSES
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Antonio & McCarthy -> Watkins & Lloris for free

    OR

    Salah, Antonio, McCarthy -> Kane, Rashford, Johnstone (-4)

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

      Out of those 2 I'd go with 1st one only coz of Rashford really. Tough few gws in EPL and cups

  13. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Captain pick this GW is so tough.

    Kane: Plays a tough defense in Burnley and an ever improving defense in Fulham. Spurs poor.
    Bruno: Has a defensively solid Chelsea
    Salah: Same
    KDB and Gundo: No guarantee they will play both
    DCL: great fixtures but can we trust him and his fitness?

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

      Utd Chelsea will most likely be 0-0 but I’d expect the game against Liverpool to be very high scoring. When Tuchel and Klopp have played in the past there’s been plenty of goals. Klopp knows Liverpool need to score at least 2/3 to win considering their defence

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Are you then suggesting Salah captain with him playing Sheffield also?

    2. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL for me 100% and he’s locked in no dramas

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Injury concerns?

        1. PompeyUpNorth!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Who? DCL?

          1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Yes

            1. PompeyUpNorth!
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Oh right. I’m under the impression he’s fully fit n raring to go but I’ll contact my Everton contact and check it out then thanks..

              1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                Great. Do well!

  14. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Does DCL have a chance of a DGW in 28?

    If so it could make Bamford out for a -8 (needs funded) for DCL worth it...

    1. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes there’s a decent chance

  15. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Raphinha >> Lookman/Pereira worth a hit?

    1. M C4
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      no

    2. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No way

    3. Leeds-Utd
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Definitely NO

  16. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is this likely to be the biggest DGW left?

    1. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      It's the biggest DGW in FPL history, yup.

    2. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes defo

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

      Yes

    4. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes by far.

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

      Yes 100%

  17. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Right.. I’m itching on the trigger.

    Bamford and Shaw to Kane and fodder (-4)

    Kane becomes TC instead of Bruno and Dallas starts as my only SGWer

    Press the button?

    1. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Honestly not for me

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Could bite you in the arse but go for it. I’ve brought in Kane already and tempted to TC.

      Contemplating Bamford Mee(bench anyway) to DCL fodder (-8) here....

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

      Dunno if I'd drop Shaw tbh

    4. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Shaw and Bamford are great, not sure it’s worth it

  18. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Seems so wrong to own Diagne on WC...

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      On a WC its probably worth a punt

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I like Watkins more but....

  19. Kryptonite666
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I was planning for Bamford to Watkins for a -4. I suppose it doesn’t make sense now ?

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

      Yep

    2. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Why doesn’t it make sense?

      1. Kryptonite666
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Injury rumours

        1. PompeyUpNorth!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          One random person who has now deleted the post means nowt to me if I’m being honest. I don’t believe he is

    3. Arlo2103
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Why??

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

    Bench Bamford or Raphina?

    1. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bam

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

        Bam got a hattie against Villa last time, Raph is in form. Tough choice

    2. Leeds-Utd
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bamford and hide

  21. MrCloppity
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone using triple captain this week?

    1. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Tons of people

    2. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Lots on here and im sure plenty in the game

    3. Leeds-Utd
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah...Not sure if its Salah or Bruno getting it thou..Tossing a coin later to decide lol

      1. In a Rush
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah on Dcl at the moment

  22. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Repost. Could do with some thoughts on this

    For -8, Tarko, Bamford, A.Barnes to Digne, DCL and Kane, set me up like this for the DGW. G2G or do I need to get Gundo in for Foden? Also thinking of Son to Maddison instead of the defensive move.

    Martinez (Meslier)
    Dias Cancelo Digne (Cresswell Holding)
    Son Bruno Foden Barnes (Raphinha)
    Kane DCL Watkins

    Thanks

    1. Arlo2103
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Maddison defo out of first game possibly second

      1. Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Missed that, rules that one out. Thanks

  23. RWB_1991
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any Palace fans on here know if Mitchell will play both dgw26 games? Or at least the Fulham game...

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

      Possibly 1 game..

  24. NULL-X-VOID
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Salah is going to haul like crazy this GW, just an intuition I'm having.

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

      I'm feeling this too. Kept him in on my WC for these fixtures so I'm hoping so

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

    Alright guys just catching up on everything after a busy week.

    Why on earth did Ollie start Bruno last night?! I hope he came through unscathed!

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

      He was fine ; needed the practice because he's been playing crap for weeks.

    2. Arlo2103
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      So he could get a blank out of the way

  26. acidicleo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Was considering Watkins..
    Put off by rumours..
    Cant see another option below 6.5 that can score more than Bamford..

    So looking at MF upto 5.6...

    A) Buy El Ghazi
    B) any other MF upto 5.6
    C) Just play Bamford..

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C

  27. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any mids with a dgw that could match Barnes this week?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      With a 6m price tag* left out the important part.

    2. Geordie19
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Lookman potentially?

    3. Ayling Buyers Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Pereira or Traore.

  28. Geordie19
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What you prefer?
    Martinez and Bench Fodder
    Areola and Konsa...

    2nd one gets 2 players but Fulham play some tough teams from 27-29.. thoughts appreciated thank you

  29. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Really struggling here, first to three wins...

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Robertson
    Salah Fernandes Gundogan Raphinha
    Bamford DCL Kane

    Pope Soucek Coufal Ferguson

    1FT, 0.8itb

    1. Ferguson >> Konsa [10DGWs] (play Bamford, bench Raphinha)
    2. Robertson >> Digne [9DGWs] (play Bamford and Raphinha)
    3. Save FT

    Thanks

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

      Coufal to Reguilion? Or Coufal to Targett?

    2. Ayling Buyers Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      1

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

        Ok thanks, who would you play between Bamf and Raph?

  30. LC1
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Would you do Pope to Martinez for a -4? Would be planning on bringing him in soon before bgw29 anyway..

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

      Good point. Need to think about it.