Scout Network

Who are the best goalkeeper picks from now until the end of the season?

Over the course of the 2020/21 campaign, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez (£5.4m) has become the go-to goalkeeper for legions of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers. However, with Liverpool and Manchester City as Villa’s next two Premier League opponents, and matches against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Everton to come in their run-in, is Martínez still the best goalkeeper pick from now until the end of the season?

We asked the Scout Network for their views on the best set-and-forget goalkeeper as well as the top rotating pair depending on your strategy for the run-in.

Set and forget

FPL BlackBox – Az

 1

I’ve always been a fan of a set-and-forget keeper and for me, there are two choices that I’m considering on my Wildcard.

Edouard Mendy (£5.2m) seems the most solid choice. Before the West Bromwich Albion game, Chelsea had not conceded a big chance in their previous four Gameweeks. Chelsea also have a decent run of fixtures until the end of the season. He’s not the most “exciting” option, however, as, despite featuring in nearly every match since Gameweek 3, Mendy sits bottom for total saves from the regular goalkeepers with 46.

I’m also considering just sticking with Emiliano Martínez (£5.4m). He racks up the save points and even managed four FPL points this week despite conceding to Fulham. The games couldn’t be tougher, but if Villa can keep a couple of clean sheets between now and the end of the season, I’d expect some monster hauls from the Argentinian.

Az – FPL Blackbox

El Statto

If you base it solely on the remaining fixtures, I believe the best option would be to go for Alisson Becker (£5.9m). With no Blank Gameweeks left, he can be an ever-present. Couple this with Liverpool’s fixtures: aside from Gameweek 34 at Manchester Utd, all their remaining games are against mid-table or below sides, and Alisson looks a smart pick. Liverpool have picked up defensively, especially during their Gameweek 30 win at Arsenal, and will be pushing for the top four so will have something to play for during the run-in.  

El Statto

FPL Family

Were it not for their blank fixture in Gameweek 33, Manchester City’s Ederson (£6.1m) would look like a great set-and-forget option. However, taking this into account, Wolves’ Rui Patricio (£5.3m) could be a decent option for at least the next five Gameweeks. During this time, all of their opponents are in the bottom half of the table. Sheffield United and Fulham are bottom and second bottom respectively for goals scored and all of their opponents bar Fulham, are in the bottom eight for attempts in the last six Gameweeks, making clean sheets look likely.

FPL Family

FF Titans

For me, Emiliano Martínez is still the best set-and-forget goalkeeper for the rest of the season, even after the Wildcard. He is currently the highest-scoring goalkeeper (157) as well as being the most highly owned.

His fixtures may be somewhat against him in the run-in, having to face Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City, but he does have one game still to be rescheduled against Everton, so I will stick with the Argentinian for the remainder of 2020/21.

FF Titans

FPL Froggies

We don’t see any reason why Emiliano Martínez couldn’t remain the standout option for a set and forget goal keeper strategy until the end of the season. The difficulty of fixtures might be a concern for clean sheet potential, but this will most probably be balanced by the number of saves, not to mention that he has one more game to play than most of the other goalkeeper options as his fixture against Everton still has to be rearranged.

FPL Froggies

Rotating pairs

FPL BlackBox – Az

My Own Strategy to select 'Set and Forget' Shot Stopper for the rest of the Clean-Sheet-less Season

If I was going to rotate my goalkeepers, I’d find it hard to look past the Leno-Martínez double up. While this will set you back over £10m, the two compliment each other perfectly. In the majority of games, however, you’d be playing Bernd Leno (£5.0m), who has no clean sheet in his last nine Premier League matches. I’d be fuming if I played him and he conceded, while Martínez racked up a monster haul on my bench.

Areola/Meslier could work, too. Alphonse Areola (£4.6m) faces a blank in Gameweek 33 when Illan Meslier (£4.7m) plays Manchester United, but tough Fulham fixtures in Gameweeks 34 and 37 are covered nicely by Meslier, who has Brighton and Hove Albion and Southampton. This would allow you to save a bit of cash and get in two goalkeepers who should accumulate plenty of saves from now until the end of the season.

Az – FPL BlackBox

El Statto

If rotating, you’d be looking at two cheaper options. Two that rotate well are Leeds’ Illan Meslier (£4.7m) and Fulham’s Alphonse Areola (£4.6m). It’s not ideal for the next few Gameweeks, but it does cover the blank. FPL managers might have to hope for save points as Meslier plays Manchester United in Gameweek 33 but generally, this gives you one good fixture a week for the run-in, with two teams capable of clean sheets and goalkeepers who pick up save points.

El Statto

FPL Family

Even after the shock defeat to West Brom in Gameweek 30, Chelsea’s fixtures are really nice and as such Edouard Mendy continues to be a great pick. Mendy has three difficult fixtures between now and the end of the season, against West Ham United in Gameweek 33, Manchester City in Gameweek 35 and Leicester in Gameweek 37. Brighton’s Robert Sanchez (£4.5m) rotates with Mendy to cover two of those three fixtures, playing Sheffield United in Gameweek 33 and Wolves in Gameweek 35. Together they make a perfect playing pairing for the rest of the season.

FPL Family

FF Titans

Baggies defence allowing budget goalkeeper Johnstone to rack up FPL save points

A second goalkeeper must be cheap and, if possible, playing regularly. 
West Brom’s Sam Johnstone (£4.5m) meets both criteria. The Baggies play Southampton and Leicester in Gameweeks 31 and 32 respectively at a time when Aston Villa have tougher fixtures, providing perfect cover for Emiliano Martínez. Johnstone has the most saves (120) in FPL and also recently provided an assist in Gameweek 30. Thus the Johnstone/Martinez double-up seems wise.

FF Titans

What’s happening in the Scout Network?

Scout Network: Thinking ahead to the blank and double Gameweek in 18 and 19

Last week FPLFamily’s Sam was joined on “Scout the Gameweek” by Greg, Adam and Nick from the FPL Experiment Podcast.

This week she will be joined by the Scout Academy’s FPL Focus to discuss Gameweek 30 and look ahead to Gameweek 31.

El Statto

Over the international break, El Statto introduced a new weekly feature looking at Wildcard squads for the Gameweek and released the final article in a series looking at targeting teams for clean sheet returns. This week also saw a guest writer using xG data to look at finishing as a skill.

FPL Family

Lee and Sam both appeared on the FPL Show, while Lee was a guest on the Official FPL podcast. This week, they will be releasing the next part of the Women in FPL series, in conjunction with the Premier League. In the next part, Sam will be joined by key female members of the FPL community: Pro Pundit and FF Community’s Holly, the Scout Network’s very own FPL Nymfria and KylieFPL from the Three Amigos podcast. Sam will also be guesting on this week’s Official FPL Podcast ahead of Gameweek 31.

What impact will Jonny’s injury have on Wolves clean sheet potential?

Sam FPLFamily <p>Fantasy Football Scout's General Manager. Half of the FPLFamily. Pundit on the FPL Pod, Fantasy Show and Sky Sports News&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

97 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Flair
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Surprised that Mendy is mentioned so little here. Plays for by far the best defense, Chelsea far more trustworthy than Arsenal/Wolves.

    Fixtures are mixed but having cleaned three times in CL knockout rounds, Liverpool, United and Leeds I'm not particularly concerned. Only drawback is lack of save points and bonus.

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Form keeper atm as well

    2. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah seems like a no brainer

    3. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      If I was on WC he’d be the one I’d go for so agreed.

    4. WHUFCSmith23
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think its deciding who scores more points over Mendys 8 games until the end of the season and Martinez 9. Mendy might get more clean sheets but less points when you factor in saves and bonus.

    5. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'm surprised Schmeichel isn't mentioned at all in the article too. Think there's a lot of potential for clean sheets and saves with him too.

    6. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Kepa will likely get a game or two.

    7. Fpl_elstatto
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      We try to offer different suggestions as to not all say the same person. Mendy is a good option but you could also pick up a cheaper Chelsea defender to cover Clean Sheets which would enable you to pick a different teams keeper.

  2. The Suspended One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Areola/Martinez!

  3. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC team, chasing in my league. Will try to go without Salah and also going only Kane from Spurs, good luck to people who are doubling up. Any other changes here?

    Mendy 3.9
    Robbo Dias Castagne Coady Mitchell
    Bruno Jota Gundo Neto Raphinha
    Kane Vardy Lacca

    1m itb

    1. FPL ElasticO
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Target more premium Mids than Forwards.....
      If you're looking to be different from the pack, you still need to cover the bases first... i.e, your shield picks such as Salah / Son will be heavily owned in the top 10k, so I would take the cash out of forward.....
      Vardy is not in form & Laca ( don't trust Arsenal)

  4. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Emi/Lloris then dump the latter after 32. For Chelsea D, will go for defenders. Never known Mendy to get any save points.

  5. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How are these transfers for -4?

    Targett / Bale / Antonio >>> TAA / Salah / Davis

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looks pretty good

  6. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A) Antonio > Vardy -4
    B) Antonio > DCL -4
    C) Play Antonio with Raph (MCI a) 1st on bench

    1. Sid07
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      B

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A if you don’t need the funds elsewhere

    3. Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Thank you both. Vardy feels more risky but with could have a great end to the season.

  7. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Lots of talk for Jota but why none for Greenwood? Is it because Jota is just there as Liverpool cover for Salah sellers?

    1. Flair
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Because Jota has the better fixtures, underlying numbers, has been a much better asset this season and looks the strongest part of Liverpool's front three/four.

      1. House Frey Wedding Planner
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        This 100%

  8. Sid07
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Will you wc this lot, have 2 fts this week

    Martinez meslier
    Azpi dias cancello Dallas coufal
    Salah gundo lingard fernandz son
    Bamford kane Brewster

  9. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Alonso likely to play on the weekend?

  10. Denis Tueart on the wing
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On WC
    A) Salah & Nacho
    or
    B) Vardy & Jota

    1. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Salah is a must

      1. jimbe4mXL
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        2, 7, 7, 2, 3, 2, 2, 3, 8 - Salah points in last 9 GWs, 12.4m. Far off from a "must" imo....

  11. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Forster
    Alonso Dias Stones
    Auba Lingard Raphina Bruno Son
    Antonio Kane
    (martinez watkins burn struijk)

    1FT 1.2ITB NO CHIPS

    Any suggestions?

    1. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Alonso and Stones are not sure starters, I suggest Stones > Shaw...

      1. Bavarian
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Auba > Salah also an option

        1. DAZZ
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Auba> KDB maybe

    2. Flair
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Really tricky, Antonio looks out and Auba is the weakest link but Stones/Alonso can't be assured of a starting place - bench can't do much either as Burn and Struijk have seemingly lost their places. Can't get rid of Auba before SHU surely...

      Would consider Antonio -> Iheanacho (if he's out) at the least with how vulnerable West Ham looked against Wolves, though I'm not 100% certain he's nailed.

      1. DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        All nice options thanks. Appreciate it. Saying that, have you seen Auba recently? Ive sat through his benching against Spurs, his dismal WestHam + LFC performances. KDB (C) is so tempting!

        1. Flair
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          KDB is by far the best cap if he starts, but it's also a risk with CL 2nd leg and FA Cup semi-final right after Leeds. Only in 2/8 predicted lineups here - https://forums.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk/threads/guess-the-team-score-compy-session-5-game-1-leeds-h.350209/#post-13641998

          Auba has been crap for sure, can't blame you if you want to get rid - how about a swap to Salah? Scored against Madrid and Arsenal, great fixtures, looks like Jota makes the attack better with his energy.

  12. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any thoughts mates on this WC Team?

    Mendy (Forster)
    TAA-Rudiger-Shaw (Coady-Coufal)
    Son-Salah-Jota-Lingard-Gundogan
    Kane-Vardy (Brewster)
    0.1 itb

    1. Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Regulion for the double I reckon...

  13. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Regulion for the double I reckon

    1. Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      whoops

    2. Flair
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Spurs are just awful defensively, anytime a team attacks them they look much more vulnerable. He also has a blank in 33 that you have to compensate for and the fixtures don't look particularly great for clean sheets.

  14. Flair
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    How nailed is Masuaku? Started his first game on return from injury, brought off early, and played the previous ten games before his knee gave out. Wondering if he'll play consistently, looks decent value at 4.3 despite no Rice/Ogbonna.

  15. Jonesfromthere
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any news on Antonio yet? Part of me feels like getting rid just to be done with the guy and his injuries

  16. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hi...interested to know if people think Rob holding is nailed?

    If he starts in Europe tonight, is he still likely to start at Sheffield on Sunday?

    Think I prefer his as option to coady - but only if confident he is going to start regularly, starting this weekend. Thanks

    1. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      With Luiz injured he should be nailed. I suppose Mari could also play so it’s a bit of a gamble.

    2. Flair
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Holding started every game when Luiz was out and was back as soon as Luiz got his injury so I think he's good to go for now.

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks. At 4.2m hebseems good value - better thwn coady

        Means I can upgrade my konsa to castage too if I want. Cheers

  17. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Am I missing something with Iheanacho or is he not about to be benched again with Maddison back and Barnes shortly?

    I know he’s cheap but everyone is pinning their hopes to him...

    1. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A few bad games and he’s out of the team. But their next few fixtures are great so I can see the appeal.

    2. Gegen press
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      When is Barnes back? Think Nacho starts until Barnes comes back.. Which I think is still a few GWs away

  18. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Best option?

    A. Ayling >> Robbo (free)

    B. Ayling, Gundo >> TAA, Neto (4pt hit)

    C. Ayling/Veltman, Watkins/Antonio >> TAA, Iheanacho (4pt hit)

    D. Stones, Ayling >> TAA, Saiss (4pt hit)

    FH still available.

    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Anyone please?

  19. jimbe4mXL
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Soooooo. About Gundog. Would you get him on WC? Or keep Raphinha for GW34 onwards? Any better midfield options for 6m or less?

    1. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I would still get Gundo with good benching

  20. Mondeo
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Why is Salah essential but no-one considering Mane for 0.6m less? Stats look very comparable over last 4 matches for a lower price.

    1. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Mane has not had a good season FPL wise and does not offer value for his price.

      Salah is still one of the top scorer this season despite patchy form over the last 10 or so games, is proven to be an explosive FPL player, is on penalties, and is looking like coming back to form.

      There's far more trust in Salah coming good than Mane imo

  21. Flair
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    https://forums.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk/threads/guess-the-team-score-compy-session-5-game-1-leeds-h.350209/#post-13641998

    Dias is not in a single predicted lineup out of eight so far... now I know nobody can predict Pep and all that but for there to be this strong of a consensus from engaged and dedicated fans despite him starting every game he's been fit for is rather worrying for owners - and surprising.

  22. as33
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Cancelo>Azpi? 1ft
    or keep Cancelo against leeds

  23. Bavarian
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    would you start with Auba in WC for his match agains SHU and switch him Salah the week after?

    1. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      against*

  24. OLD Rafiki
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    nacho is likely to be benched Maddison to start where he would be subbed 70-80 min.

    1. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      source ?

    2. Gegen press
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not until Barnes is back I think..

      Nacho must be ahead of Perez in the pecking order.. Nacho Vardy up top with Maddi in the hole until Barnes is back

    3. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      He's played well so I can't see why Rodgers would bench him.

  25. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mendy Forster
    Shaw TAA Rudiger Holding Lascelles
    Salah Fernandes Son Jota Lingard
    Kane Iheanacho Vydra

    0.0 itb

    Hows this WC draft please - feedback appreciated.

    Thanks

    1. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Very nice

    2. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      have same starters except Gundo-Vardy instead of Bruno-Iheanacho

    3. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      scared about pep roulette?

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        yes, only safe player is Ederson

  26. drughi
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you WC this lot ? Cant decide if its really worth it

    Martinez
    Cancelo Dias Cresswell
    Gundogan (C) Son Bruno Jota
    Bamford DCL Kane

    johnstone raphinha targett ayling

    1. Gegen press
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      100%

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        what would you change ?

        1. House Frey Wedding Planner
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Personally I'd drop the Leeds players, move away from triple City, maybe bring in TAA or Chelsea defence, and bring in someone better than Targett

          1. drughi
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            cheers

    2. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      yes i think so

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        cant see to many changes other then defense and maybe dcl and bammy out

        1. FCSB
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          for me, triple city is a risk with pep roulette, bamford and DCL too, and martinez has a tough run

          your bench looks upgradable too

          but it is of course your decision mate

          1. drughi
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            cheers mate

  27. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Morning All

    I am Wildcarding this week and have Dias in my draft, got a feeling though he wont start this week, do you think he willl start most other games?

    Looking for an alternative I already have in my draft these defenders.

    Rudiger | Shaw | TAA | Holding

    Don't mind downgrading to free up funds if necessary?

    Thanks Guys

    1. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think the only solution is to stay away from city assets or maybe have them on the bench and have a 100% player who you are sure about.

    2. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think that's a solid back 5. It's the back 5 I'd like to have if I'm wildcarding.

      Even if Dias doesn't start there is still sufficient cover across the back line

      1. DavvaMC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks

        And for this game week I wanted to ideally have a back 3 who would you start from the below?

        Rudiger | TAA | Dias | Shaw | Holding

  28. Casual Player
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    It’s still going to be Martinez IMO

  29. Mane Mane Mane
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    What are the chances Mahrez plays this week?

    1. Flair
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      In 2/8 predicted lineups from the Bluemoon forums so... not great. My guess is that it'll be Jesus and Sterling as part of the front three with Foden/Torres as the third.

      1. OLD Rafiki
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        so no show for gundog??

        1. Flair
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          He's a midfielder... in half the predicted lineups so who knows, up to Pep roulette that.

      2. Mane Mane Mane
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Brilliant, looks like I’m gonna have to change my wildcard around again

  30. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Reposting due to no response

    Best option?

    A. Ayling >> Robbo (free)

    B. Ayling, Gundo >> TAA, Neto (4pt hit)

    C. Ayling/Veltman, Watkins/Antonio >> TAA, Iheanacho (4pt hit)

    D. Stones, Ayling >> TAA, Saiss (4pt hit)

    FH still available.

    1. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      C with Ayling and Antonio making way.