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

    Parker Vs Fa about to start.

    Full house in the arena but New Zealand going into lock down tomorrow after 1 Covid case

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

      Where can you watch it? Doesn't seem to be on the UK and Ireland channels

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

        DAZN

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

          Nice one

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

            Have it myself. Only €2 a month. Canelo on later too

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

              Oh, didn't no Cancelo was fighting later, cheers

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

                *Canelo 😀 FPL on the brain

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

                  Brilliant

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

                    If only i could TC Canelo

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

    Chances of MItchell starting?

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

      100% tomorrow. All depends on result for Wednesday

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

    Captain:

    a) dcl
    b) runo
    c) salah

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

      A

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

      A

  4. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which keeper this week?

    A. Lloris

    B. Johnstone
    ?

    Thanks

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

  5. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Best option for this DGW & GW29?

    a) Aina (cry, TOT) + (LEE)
    b) Targett (shu, lee) + (TOT)

  6. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Everyone should be set by now.
    You have had a week.

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Richarlison or Watkins?

      Just for 26

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

      Let people do what they want to do FFS.

      1. fr3d
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Don't tell me what to do

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

      But we need those last minute panic decisions, accompanied with instant regret.

      That’s what makes this so much fun 🙂

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

      Ok sir

  7. Bishopool
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Richarlison (C)?

    Would you do it over Sterling, Son, Gundo and Bruno?

    Dont have DCL nor Kane.

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ballsy

    2. zotter
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Risky

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

    Have a funny feeling Gundo Cappers will have Absolutely Nowhere To Hide

    Would love to see it oh yes i wd

    1. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Ah... your trademark "Nowhere to Hide" comment.

      I look forward to reading it every week.

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

    Mee to Shaw or hold FT?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Hold

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

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

      Meant to say already have Lowton.

    4. zotter
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Do it

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

      I wouldn't make that move because of Shaw's fixtures after 26.

      Either hold, or (if in that price range) go for Targett/Aina etc.

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

      Really great help. Much appreciated.

  10. Tango74
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Spent whole week mass debating on captain

    It has to be Kane

    Not Bruno or dcl

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Agree

      1. Tango74
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Are u capt or TC?

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

    Son and Antonio -> Kane and Lookman for no hit
    Yes or No?

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No

    2. zotter
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

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

    Which one lads?

    A) Pereira (-4)
    B) Play Bamford
    C) Play Raphinha

    Thanks

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

      Or indeed D) Play Dallas

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

      A

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

        Cheers Bemba

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

          only because it's dgw madness. not saying it will work out 😀

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I went Raph

    4. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C

    5. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C

    6. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      c

    7. zotter
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

    8. Mork calling Orson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C

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

      Going to be goals in Villa game either B or C

    10. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C

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

        Thanks all, legends

  13. jeff09
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Was hoping Maddi’s injury wasn’t too serious but will be out this weekend. What are peoples thoughts:

    Pope
    Stones - Digne - Dias (Dallas, fodder)
    Sterling - Bruno - Son - Maddi (soucek)
    DCL - Watkins - Bamford

    A) Maddi > Barnes & play Bamford
    B) Maddi & 3.9 def > Shaw & Barnes (-4)
    C) -8 to get in Kane

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

    KDB tc surely?

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

      If he starts both that's what I'd do but worried about Peptation

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Risky bit could pay

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

      Rumors have it GW KDB tcappers still have nightmares to this day.

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

        *GW19

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

      Benkete has scored more goals this season from approx half the minutes

  15. lewis1290
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Sterling or DCL captain? someone pls
    reply

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dcl

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

      neither

  16. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Pope->Schmeichel for a hit?

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

      not for me

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

        cheers

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No

    3. tm370
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I am looking at this in a way, by contemplating Lowton to Soyuncu for a hit with a wc planned in 30.

      Leciester have much better fixtures over the next 4 but, that said, Pope will earn plenty of save points.

    4. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      thanks all

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

    Raph or Lowton? (Have Mee)

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

      To start

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Raph

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

      Wondering the same...

  18. jernej93
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Diagne or Watkins

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      D

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

    Dier or Targett?>

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      D

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

    Which defensive double up?

    A) Fulham - Areola + Aina

    B) Villa - Martinez + El Mohamady

    1. KEN YA DIG IT
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

  21. adstomko
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    DCL TC anyone?

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

      A few i'm sure

    2. aardvark22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      tempted

    3. Birdman77
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I feel like TC only belongs with the premium guys. Kane when Spurs v Southhampton for mine. It’s a punt on the other fixture but it’s a punt this week anyway

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

    What is latest update on Watkins injury rumours? best to not bring in if there is small chamce of truth like Grealish one?

  23. niaz1982
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Need advice

    G2G or one of the options below?

    Pope
    Dias Mee Shaw
    Bruno Son Sterling Barnes Gundo
    DCL Watkins

    A. Keep
    B. Sterling, Watkins > Kane, Foden
    C. Sterling, Watkins > Kane, Traore

    I would TC Kane if I brought him in but if I don't I am torn between DCL/Bruno/Sterling/Son

  24. JoeJitzu +42
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any preferences, thanks?

    A. Bamford to Kane (-4)
    B. Sterling & Raphinha to Salah & Barnes (-8)

    Martinez
    Shaw Cancelo Lowton
    Fernandes Son Gundogan (B.Sterling Raphinha)
    DCL Watkins (A.Bamford)

    1. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

    Any early Man City team news out there??

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

      we never get that news unfortunately

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

        Probability of hunda starting 2 games??

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

          Gundo

  26. Teomi
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Think I’m settled with this WC. (FH 29)
    Any obvious problems?

    Martinez
    Digne stones pereira
    Salah Bruno son Barnes gundo
    Kane dcl

    Fabri struijk Mitchel Brewster

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

    Okay, am I G2G? TC and Bench order locked?

    Martinez
    Stones - Dias - Shaw
    Salah - Gundo - Bruno - Raphina
    DCL - Kane (TC) - Bamford

    Bench: Pope - Dier - Soucek - Coufal

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

    Salah TC will either make or ruin my season

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

      Only a couple of players that go large,

      Kane
      Son
      Salah
      Bruno
      KDB

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

      I wouldn't, but that's just me.

  29. JAYPEE
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    BB ACTIVE!
    thoughts on this squad?

    Martinez
    Dias Stones AWB
    Salah Fernandes Gundogan Rodriguez Barnes
    Kane Watkins

    Areola, Bamford, Dallas, Lowton

    I’ve already taken -8, with 0.1 ITB... should I do one more transfer?

  30. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Am I GTG?

    Martinez
    Stones Dias Dier
    Salah Barnes Son Gundo Bruno
    DCL Kane(TC)

    Bench: Meslier Bam Mitchell Mee