Tips

The Complete Guide to Scout’s tips and advice for Double Gameweek 26

Strap yourselves in for the biggest Double Gameweek 26 of the season, with 17 matches and 14 teams playing twice. The next six days promise to be another rollercoaster ride of unrelenting (Fantasy) Premier League action.

With potentially season-defining decisions to be made ahead of today’s 11:00 GMT deadline, the feeling among the Fantasy Community is that we are spoilt for choice.

The roll call of potential armband candidates ranges from the reassuringly expensive to enticing differentials. And for those with a selection of chips at their disposal the choice is made even trickier.

A Double Gameweek is the perfect time to deploy one of our four power-ups with the points ceiling raised for Bench Boost, Triple Captain, Free Hit and Wildcard thanks to the extra fixtures.

Indecision is final.

– Alan Hansen

Famous words from the king of pundits and decorated centre-half Alan Hansen. Although, strangely, the former Liverpool captain wasn’t referring to his Fantasy football team. Given the furore surrounding Aston Villa and their players this week you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise.

But we’re not about to hesitate at the crucial moment when it comes to FPL decision-making. And you can’t fault the effort, attitude and commitment of our very own pundits and experts. 

Divisive Kane

The captain poll favourite heading into the bumper round of fixtures is Harry Kane (£11.1m). A vote that left David and Joe somewhat perplexed. Never ones to dilly-dally when presented with an opportunity, the pair aren’t convinced of Kane’s credentials, despite the support among Community members.

The fixtures on paper do look nice but both Burnley and Fulham are very capable these days of chucking everyone behind the ball knowing full well that Spurs are having problems breaking people down … Both of these teams will take a point against Spurs, so they’re not going to overstretch themselves to go and win the game.

Over the last four matches, Burnley have the third-best expected goals conceded in the league, 3.18, the only two teams better than that are Chelsea and Man City. Fulham are in the top five, 3.23 goals they should have conceded, and they’ve only actually conceded the one goal. Their defence is doing much better as well and they’ve both got fantastic goalkeepers too … These are teams that can frustrate Spurs.

– David, Captaincy Video

Alan Hansen once said that for Tottenham to be a successful side they will need to get away from the philosophy of ‘pretty football’. Well, with Jose Mourinho in charge they’ve arguably done just that. Except without the success.

But what does Alan Hansen know about Fantasy football? We need a real expert, a man with three top 10,000 finishes and a best-ever rank of 817. Step forward Az

According to the FPL Black Box co-host, Harry Kane is the best captaincy pick. The handsome and dashing Az backs up his opinion with some impressive stats: citing Twitter user FPL_Swede he pointed out that in 10 games against the bottom eight teams, Kane has delivered an attacking return in every one, averaging 9.2 points a match. 

And the trio of wise Pro Pundits appearing on the latest episode of the FPL Wire, Zophar, Lateriser and Tom Freeman, all have the armband placed on the top-points-scoring forward in FPL this season. 

More heavyweight backing for the Spurs striker came from FFScout founder Mark Sutherns. Perhaps not that much of a surprise given that “Mark loves Kane”, to quote AZ, but Mark was worried he was being blinded by his own bias.

The best person to help us understand the flaws in our thinking is Pro Pundit and behavioural economics graduate, Simon March.

Expected Yakult

Stats are probiotics for gut feelings, reasoned the former FPL winner is his latest offering. 

Instinct may help you see opportunities that other managers don’t, or avoid the traps that others will fall into, but it may also create such traps if followed without sufficient interrogation. This is why it is important to sense-check decisions with some form of objective data or a second-opinion.

– Simon March

Jan Sienkiewicz noted in his Captain Sensible article that the form stats don’t favour Kane and co:

Both [Kane’s] and Spurs’ attacking statistics have been somewhat underwhelming in recent weeks. Only Crystal Palace have recorded fewer shots inside the box than Jose Mourinho’s team in their last six matches.

– Jan Sienkiewicz

So was Mark able to find a healthy dollop of Bifidobacterium Statisticalus to support his gut instinct?

The expected data is a problem, but with expected data, you’ve got to bear this in mind – that Kane and Son are just complete outliers … Son and Kane are the top two players in the Premier League [for xG Delta], they have exceeded their expected data by the biggest margins for goal involvement … they don’t need a lot of good quality chances to score goals.

– Mark Sutherns.

So convinced is Mark that he’s using his Triple Captain chip on Harry Kane.

But, as ever, other options are available. 

Mohamed Salah (£12.6m), a player who’s perhaps been slightly overlooked by the masses, is Jan’s top pick. The leading goalscorer in the Premier League with 15 goals, Salah boasts impressive underlying stats: second only to team-mate Sadio Mané (£11.8m) for shots in the penalty box over the last six matches.

In the first of their two fixtures Liverpool take on a Sheffield United side down to the bare bones in defence. Their three first-choice centre-backs that helped them reach dizzying heights last season, John Egan (£4.7m), Jack O’Connell (£4.7m) and Chris Basham (£4.6m), are all ruled out for Chris Wilder.

But it’s their second fixture against Chelsea that, along with Liverpool’s poor form, is putting many off the Egyptian. However, Jan did unearth some encouraging news for Salah captainers:

Klopp holds an impressive head-to-head record against Thomas Tuchel. Out of the 14 meetings between the Germans, Klopp came out victorious on nine occasions. Additionally, those matches have produced as many as 43 goals, which makes it over three goals per game on average.

– Jan Sienkiewicz

Meanwhile, city rivals Everton are top of the fixture ticker when looking at Gameweek 26 in isolation: the Toffees host Southampton before a midweek trip to West Brom. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.7m) therefore comes into contention.

And once again the stats make impressive reading. The forward has been particularly threatening on the road in recent times, accumulating 4.32 xG in his last six away matches – more than any other forward in the Premier League.

But the list of armband contenders goes on. Let’s not forget the Manchester teams with the in-form Bruno Fernandes (£11.6m), İlkay Gündoğan (£6.2m), Raheem Sterling (£11.6m), and the returning Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m).

If only we could fit them all in.

It’s Mo Sacrifice

Karam, Tom, and Zophar are all using their Wildcards and face several tricky selection dilemmas. 

On the Scoutcast Karam was given a hard time by Joe and David over his omission of Mohamed Salah.

Joe argued that it was easier to run from Salah than it was to run to him, explaining that because of Salah’s lofty price tag, downgrading to the likes of Son or De Bruyne is easy, whereas upgrading would be harder without sufficient funds in the reserve.

However, Tom Freeman is also sacrificing the most expensive FPL asset in order to benefit from a more balanced squad. A particular concern for Tom given that he plans to Bench Boost in Gameweek 27. 

One intriguing pick in his side is Jesse Lingard (£5.9m). West Ham take on Leeds United next Gameweek and Tom feels the direct running of the on-loan Manchester United midfielder could trouble Marcelo Biesla’s side. 

Ricardo Pereira (£5.9m) is another differential to catch the eye, featuring in both Tom’s and Karam’s Wildcard XV’s. 

Karam is going all-in on Leicester City – tripling up with Harvey Barnes (£6.9m) and Jamie Vardy (£10.2m) coming in alongside Pereira. He’s even trusting the evergreen Englishman with the armband.

Manchester City-fan Karam has decided to abandon his conservative approach and take a few calculated risks in the hope of surging up the ranks. Encouragingly, the Foxes are on a par with Man City when it comes to shots on target (21) over the last four Gameweeks. 

Another forward to consider is Mbaye Diagne (£6.0m). The Senegalese has been on the end of five big chances in his four and a half games since joining West Brom, and is included in the Scout Picks, Tom’s Wildcard team, and was talked up by Lateriser.

Interestingly, all three Wildcarders still have their Free Hit chip available but none have committed to using it in Blank Gameweek 29.

When planning ahead in his usual meticulous fashion, Zophar identified Gameweek 33 as a better round for the Free Hit. The League Cup Final takes place between Spurs and Man City, meaning they will blank along with their scheduled opponents Southampton and Fulham.

The six-time top 5,000 manager sees greater potential for a big score compared to the four-match Gameweek 29.

Finally, Neale frisked the upcoming fixtures. The Team News compiler included a look at Gameweek 30 and beyond for those considering “dead-ending” their squads in Gameweek 29 and Wildcarding straight after.

Community Competitions and Head-to-Head Fixtures

This is the last chance for Premium Members to enter the FFS Members Cup with qualifying for the first round taking place in Gameweek 26. Click here for details on how to enter.

The draw for the first round of the Fantasy Football Scout Cup has thrown up a real ‘David vs Goliath’ clash with the highest-ranked team, The Fighting Cock (273rd overall), taking on the lowest-ranked manager in the competition, Ahmed Eid, who is not far off the five-million mark.

A total of £300 in prizes is available across the two tournaments.

Elsewhere, RedLightning rounded-up the rest of the Community mini-leagues and competitions. And the Head-to-Head fixtures for Gameweek 26 can be found below. 

The scores and tables update each night on the Head-to-Head Leagues main page, so you can keep track of the action as the Gameweek unfolds. 

May your arrows be green!

TopMarx Fan of Fantasy Football and Monty Python. "Archimedes out to Socrates, Socrates back to Archimedes, Archimedes out to Heraclitus, he beats Hegel. Heraclitus a little flick, here he comes on the far post, Socrates is there, Socrates heads it in! Socrates has scored! The Greeks are going mad, the Greeks are going mad! Socrates scores, got a beautiful cross from Archimedes. The Germans are disputing it. Hegel is arguing that the reality is merely an a priori adjunct of non-naturalistic ethics, Kant via the categorical imperative is holding that ontologically it exists only in the imagination, and Marx is claiming it was offside. Follow them on Twitter

3,547 Comments Post a Comment
  1. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone worried not owning Salah?

    1. Jimbo-Jones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No way I'd take him out - his stats are great, top scorer in the league, and a DGW including the worst team in the league.
      I know Liverpool are off the boil, but still hugely dangerous.

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cannot have them all

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Considering Son >> Salah for a hit!!

      1. Cruz88
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Considering the opposite!

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

      I DO own Salah but would rather I didn't. He's not showing many signs of doing much. I just hope against hope that with a kind run of fixtures to the end of the season Liverpool get their act together sooner rather than later. Not expecting much this DGW though.

    5. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Very but you can't have everyone.

    6. Mattador
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      No. Liverpool's form means it's not worth getting him in and DGW means he's not worth transferring out. He's like Schrodinger's cat this week.

      I have him. I wish I didn't but i'm not transferring a dgw player out so I'm stuck with him this week.

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

    Salah and Antonio -> Kane and Barnes for no hit?

    A) Madness
    B) Genius
    C) Meh

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

      I would get only get rid of single game week players.

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

        That would be my first thought too. Looks like I'm going to have to go without Kane

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

    Mee to Digne yay or nay

    (other defenders Saiss, TAA, Cancelo, Targett)

    2.3 ITB

    1. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Yay if no hit

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

    I should easily get my 19th consecutive green arrow this week.

    People who played WC can't use BB or TC.

    People ripped their team into pieces to get Kane for -8s and -12s while taking out Salah, Bruno, Son etc.

    I've used 1 FT and no hits and playing TC on Bruno.

    I love having a head start before a ball has even been kicked.

    https://imgur.com/a/mrJp0nQ

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

      Nice run there, congrats

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

        Cheers pal, good luck this week.

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      You sound nervous.

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

      You were sh*t to begin with to be fair!

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

      Damn that's impressive

    5. seanie3
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Bully for you, yawn

    6. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      I love how humble you are....

      Example to others.

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

    Thoughts on which pair is best to replace Antonio and Mee for a -4 :

    A) Watkins + Reguilon
    B) DCL + Konsa (0.1 off affording Targett)

    ?

    (no FH so building to BGW29)

    Cheers all!

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

    Is Bamford to Watkins worth a hit if you are bench boosting.

    1. Blens
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      I was debating the same - decided on keeping Bam - AV without Grealish was the decider.

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

    Which is the best to have and B with Whom ?
    A- Burno + Watkins
    B- Foden / Traoré / Pererira + Vardy

  8. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Vardy not to start both in 26??

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Now they're out of Europa, I expect Foxes to go hell for leather in the PL. If he's fit enough, Vardy should play every minute from here on in.

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

        Agree

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

      Pondering exactly this

      He missed one start over Xmas. Think it's sadly likely. No Perez and Maddison though means that Iheanacho may be number 10 anyway so no natural replacement.

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No way Vardy can play 3 games in a week. His minutes will be managed.

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        They are in the top 4 race. No Madisson and No Vardy would be bad for them. I see him starting both

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

    Morning all. Really tough one, would really appreciate some votes
    A: TC DCL and save FT
    B: BB Tete (cry/TOT), Dallas (AVL), Antonio (mci) and Areola (will likely be the only time I play him)

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

      Can you do Antonio to Watkins ?

  10. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Son >> Salah (-4) crazy?

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

      Yes

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

    A) Shaw + Raphina
    B) Digne + Smith Rowe

    Both Raph and SR will be benched in the next weeks.

    Please advise.

  12. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    TC ? last decision

    A. Kane
    B. Salah

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

      A

    2. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Kane - slightly better fixtures

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

      A is the only correct answer

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

    Do we really expect Villa to roll over this weekend?

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

      I don't I think they'll have a masterplan

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Eh? See no reason why they would.

  14. fridge
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Morning all. I’m on bench boost and have used my FTs - Any hits required or GTG?

    Pope. McCarthy
    Dallas. Dias. Stones. Lowton. Digne
    Salah. Bruno. Rash. Gundo. Raphinha
    Bamford. DCL. Watkins

  15. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Pick one on FH

    A Richarlison Barnes
    B Vardy M.Pereira

    Have DCL

    1. 1895Reds
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

      A

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        B has pens. Any reason you have gone A?

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

      A

  16. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which one is better?

    A: Digne (DGW26 and possibly DGW28)
    B: Pereira (DGW26, then bha, SHU)
    C: Raphinha + 4pts
    D: Bamford +4pts

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

  17. The Senate
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    How nailed is Coleman?

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

      Not.

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nah.

  18. Mr Wolf
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    On Wildcard and preparing a BB for Gw27. Which 3 to play this gw:
    A) Dias, B) Cancelo, C) Digne, D) R. Pereira

    1. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      ABD

    2. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Would play them all

      1. Mr Wolf
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Then H. Barnes on the bench?

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

    Gundo TC this week or next?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Id be worried about mins

    2. Mr Wolf
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Risky

  20. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Currently on Stones and Dias with money ITB.

    Worth upgrading Stones to Cancelo on my WC now?

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

      I'd do if I was on WC.

    2. Mr Wolf
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Do it

  21. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Also TC Kane, Bruno or Salah (if I buy)?

    1. Mr Wolf
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      All good options but Kane for me

  22. ..RL..
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Trailing my ML by 40 points. Is Bale a good differential going into this GW?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes but mins are still a worry.

  23. United20
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    BB or TC? Thoughts?

    Martinez*
    Digne* Stones* Maguire*
    Bruno* Son* Salah* Barnes* Gundo*
    DCL* Bamford*

    Pope*Antonio Dallas Dunk

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

      TC

  24. Donny_Rover
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Triple captain activated but keep flip flopping between DCL & Kane. Kane seems like the safe option and I’m wary of DCL burning me - Everton losing at home to Fulham, Newcastle etc is at the forefront of my mind... Salah and Fernandes can’t be discounted either - anyone else in a similar dilemma? Which way are you leaning?

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

      I would definitely go safe with kane

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

      I'm on kane.

    3. Kane and Ablett
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      If you’re chasing DCL, Kane the more obvious and common choice

  25. Siegfried Sassoon
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I appreciate its not everyone's concern right now, but does anyone have any idea when the GW32 games that will be cancelled for the FA Cup semis might be rescheduled? Could it be the same week or is it more likely there will be another DGW?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      It's my concern because my BB option is either now or GW32. I accept I'm not going to know before today's deadline so I'm not dwelling on it.

      1. Siegfried Sassoon
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Ta. Just hadn't seen it mentioned. No last minute panic change from TC to BB for me then.

  26. Amans94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play Bamford or Raphinha?

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

      Raphina

  27. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Folks, is Amartey expected to start the next few games ?

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

    Dallas -> Reguilon for a -4?

  29. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Start one:

    1. Grealish (for the Sheff. game)
    2. Raphina (Villa)
    3. R. James (Man Utd, L'Pool)

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

    Thoughts? Love having them big hitters.

    Martinez Fabri
    Cancelo Konsa Rüdiger (two defenders max 9.1m)
    Salah Bruno KDB Gundo Lookman
    Kane DCL Brewster