Scout Picks

FPL Gameweek 5 Scout Picks features Liverpool triple-up

A Liverpool triple-up forms the spine of our Gameweek 5 Scout Picks for Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

After Sam, Az, Neale and Tom submitted their Scout Squad selections earlier this week, we have chosen our best players ahead of tonight’s 18:30 BST deadline.

We line up in a 4-4-2 formation and we’ve used every penny of our £83.0m budget.

GOALKEEPER

With our expensive purchases further forward, we needed a £4.5m option for goalkeeping duties this week. Aaron Ramsdale (£4.5m) fits the bill after a debut that earned huge plaudits from his manager, and it was no surprise that the Gunners finally recorded their first clean sheet of the campaign when they had their first-choice back four all available for the first time. The rotation risk can’t be eliminated, especially after this match, but a clash with Burnley doesn’t seem like the time to reinstate Bernd Leno (£4.9m) give his inability to handle crosses.

DEFENDERS

Thomas Tuchel’s Blues have had the best backline in Europe since January and are yet to concede from open play this season. Weekend opponents Tottenham Hotspur offered very little in the final third in Gameweek 4, registering just two shots, and are a lowly joint-18th for big chances created in 2021/22. That lack of goal threat, plus an injury crisis in north London, makes us keen on Chelsea representation at the back. It’s always a nerve-wracking game trying to second-guess Tuchel’s line-ups but Reece James (£5.6m) at least had a ‘rest’ last weekend thanks to suspension and his tallies of four shots and five key passes in just 161 minutes of pitch-time really catches the eye.

On the subject of solid defences, Manchester City’s often doesn’t get the attention it deserves thanks to their exploits further forward. The reigning champions are on a run of three clean sheets and have remarkably only conceded one shot on target since the opening weekend, with even Ederson (£6.0m) smothering that effort at source. With injuries to other centre-halves and concern over possible rotation at full-back, mainstay Ruben Dias (£6.0m) is the safe play.

A home match against Palace might have looked like a stonewall banker for a clean sheet under the dour Roy Hodgson but Patrick Vieira has got the Eagles playing with a bit more attacking verve since his appointment. But shut-outs are only a small part of the reason why we love Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) so much, and the Liverpool right-back is in red-hot form: over his last 14 matches, the prolific chance creator is averaging 7.8 FPL points per match.

Marcal (£4.6m) delivered the goods for us last week but we’re changing flanks for Wolves representation against a Brentford outfit who look solid at the back but who are struggling up top. Marcal has generally been providing service from out wide but Nelson Semedo (£4.9m) is the one who has been more regularly drifting infield into threatening goalscoring positions and had two of the six big chances that Wolves created last weekend. Semedo’s 11 penalty box touches is a tally beaten by only two FPL defenders this season.

MIDFIELDERS

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 2? 6

The solid centre-half pairing of Marc Guehi (£4.5m) and Joachim Andersen (£4.5m) look like they could really improve the fortunes of Palace’s backline this season but after Liverpool racked up 52 shots against Leeds United and AC Milan in the last week, we can’t look past the Reds on home soil. Serious consideration was given to a rested Sadio Mane (£11.9m) after he registered an eye-catching 10 goal attempts against the Whites but it was unsurprisingly his two attacking comrades who instead received the bulk of the votes in this week’s Scout Squad.

Mohamed Salah‘s (£12.5m) totals of 16 goal attempts, 14 shots in the box and 12 chances created all rank among the top three players in the Premier League this season, while his points-per-match average of 9.5 is the best among FPL midfielders. And Diogo Jota (£7.7m), as he did for much of the previous campaign, is right up there Liverpool’s premium midfield pair for underlying stats: a total of 0.99 big chances per 90 minutes is even better than what Salah is managing this season. Had it not been for Mane’s wastefulness in Gameweek 4, the Portuguese – who carved out six chances last Sunday – would have dodged a blank.

With slight concerns over Ferran Torres’ (£7.2m) minutes after five successive starts for club and country over the last fortnight, we’ve opted for a relatively rested Ilkay Gundogan (£7.3m) as our not-entirely-risk-free route into a potent Manchester City attack. Gundogan evoked memories of last season’s purple patch with his stats against Leicester last weekend, racking up six shots and four key passes.

We have yet to see the best of Leeds this season but as luck would have it, along come Newcastle United. The Magpies are woeful at the back, bottom of the table for goals conceded and big chances allowed. They also shipped seven goals to Marcelo Bielsa’s side last season across their two meetings. Raphinha (£6.5m) has yet to catch fire but still sits 14th among FPL midfielders for expected goal involvement (xGI) despite facing fairly sturdy backlines in Manchester United, Everton and Liverpool.

FORWARDS

The best FPL forwards to consider as Calvert-Lewin and Antonio replacements 7

On the subject of the Friday night game, Patrick Bamford (£7.9m) was cleared to play by his manager to quieten the social media frenzy around a possible ‘pinged’ hamstring. Among the top five Fantasy forwards for penalty box touches and shots in the opposition box despite the tricky start to the season, the striker averaged 5.89 points per match in away fixtures last season and four of his five double-digit hauls came on the road.

It was a toss-up between Romelu Lukaku (£11.6m) and Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.6m) for our premium forward slot. With little to separate their own credentials, it’s as much about the opposition this weekend. Nuno Espirito Santo’s counter-attacking Spurs look like they will fare better against the bigger teams this season but are ravaged by injury going into Sunday’s game. West Ham, meanwhile, have registered just two clean sheets in their last 15 Premier League fixtures (both against Southampton) but may well set up in a more defensive shape in east London, as they did in both league meetings with the Red Devils last weekend. The Portuguese gets the nod, marginally, with the Hammers’ loss of an out-ball in Michail Antonio (£7.9m) likely to invite more pressure and the form of Craig Dawson (£5.0m) iffy.

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.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION

FPL Gameweek 2 round-up: Sunday goals, assists, bonus and injuries 4

Each week, one of the Fantasy Football Scout community takes on the Scout Picks by pitting their chosen XI against ours.

The community member who beats our team by the largest margin will win a £100 Amazon Voucher and a place in our Moderators and Contributors League for the following season.

BobMcMayday, who triumphed 74-68 in Gameweek 4, has set the target to beat.

Our champion this week is Boleyn Boy.

The Scout Picks are 3-1 up on the community this season.

1,419 Comments Post a Comment
  1. JollyGoodYellows
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What are peoples thoughts on Barnes > Bernardo? I know it's out there but home against City and rested in UCL suggests points?

    1. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Not for me.

    2. Clay Davis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No

    3. Super AL9
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Good move, he seems to be playing and returning some nice numbers…..I’ve gone for him in WC

    4. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      thats so narrow minded approach

      1. JollyGoodYellows
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I have a habit to over complicate transfers so just suggesting an alternative view to a transfer - wouldn't go as far to call it narrow minded.

  2. SoShy
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Hello for the first time this season.. so where are we with the Harrison and Raph rumours?

    1. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      What rumours?

      1. Iwantmorepointsthanks
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Those rumours 😉

    2. Iwantmorepointsthanks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Are you talking about the first rumour or the second one?

      1. SoShy
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        How many are there

        1. Iwantmorepointsthanks
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Rumours are Covid for Harrison, possible Rapha injury.

          But maybe a lot of Covid there in general.

        2. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          First or second? That sounds like 2 to me.

  3. Miniboss
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Ayling for
    A) Marcal
    B) Semedo

    1. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Clay Davis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Both good options. Perhaps Marcal though as he's cheaper

  4. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Don’t understand these Leeds rumors, did all these injuries/illness occur in the few hours since yesterday’s press conference?

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

      What are you hearing?

      1. Salarrivederci
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Harrison Covid (OUT) and Raphinha Thigh Strain (Doubtfull)

        On WC and this really makes me wanna get D. James, but could be so wrong..

      2. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Harrison apparently has covid and Raphinha has a thigh or quad strain from what has been said online. Strange as it’s doing the rounds online, but coach mentioned nothing of the sort yesterday

    2. Khark
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Erm. what....

    3. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Could have withheld the info for many reasons, or it could be completely fabricated.

    4. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If the video they tweeted yesterday was really from yesterday, I'm not worried about Raph. Wasn't looking out for the others

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

        Sigh. I've got them both and have done my transfers. I'm sure Livramento and Bissouma will do me proud off the bench 🙁

        1. Thomas Magnum
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Harrison has been such a pain all season long

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

            I know, i was hoping he'd turn a corner tonight.

        2. Salarrivederci
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          One of those (maybe both) will likely turn out wrong.
          I am just questioning if D.James is the best pick on WC now.
          If either Raph or Harrison is out, then D.James looks set to take over. If nothing is wrong with Harrison and Raph, then D. James will be a horrible pick on WC

    5. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      which rumour?

    6. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Would ignore them unless you've got a credible source.

  5. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is this the right order for my bench:

    1. Tsimikas
    2. Brownhill
    3. Antonio

    Sorry terrible question

    1. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      doubt tsimi will play so 2,1,3

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

    Tempted to captain Torres. Madness?

    1. SoShy
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

    2. Thanos
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Salah at home to Palace is just too tempting.

      Personally, would have captained Torres if only his starting was confirmed.

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

      So Salah then.... I'm riding high and wondering if this is my chance to play bold. If he starts could be huge?

    4. tangtastic
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No. I'm seriously contemplating it now.

  7. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is Harrison out ? Have him in my WC as a place holder for Gallegher for the next few weeks

    1. Salarrivederci
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      We don't know. Someone wrote he has Covid

  8. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Open Google maps and write ‘empty seats’

    Google knows.

    1. Thanos
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Eh?

    2. SoShy
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Bing knows as well.

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

        Ha ha!

        1. veedub1989
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Brilliant 😀

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

            Who the heck thought to enter that into the search anyway?

  9. Rbyrne95
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Play Allan or Williams?

  10. Bainesill
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    On WC, any good?

    Ramsdale
    James TAA Cancelo Duffy
    Salah Jota Gray Townsend
    Ronaldo Lukaku

    Steer Livramento McArthur Scarlett

    1. Miniboss
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'd swap Townsend to Callagher, and upgrade Livramento to Marcal/Semedo.

    2. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Too much Everton

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

    any LKK captain here ?

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Lukaku v.s Spurs would score two

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

    Need a bit of help here. Team doesn't seem in great shape. Anything worth -4pts?

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Armatey (Wont play so Reg)
    Salah (C) Jota Raphinha Benrahma Bissuoma
    Bamford Ronaldo

    4m Reguilion Liveramento Antonio*

  13. Danno - Emre Canada
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Looking forward to the Traore/Semedo dbl team on Henry. Really rate Rico, will be a great test for him.

  14. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Thanks for the final help on keeper, RMWCT 🙂

    Sa
    Trent, James, Semedo, Tierney
    Salah, Greenwood, Torres, Gray
    Bamford, Lukaku

    4.0, Sissoko, Williams, #ANTONIO#

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Tasty!

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers

    2. veedub1989
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Don't think Torres starts - he's played a lot recently. Gundo more likely to start.

      1. Threat Level Midnight
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        LOL

    3. Salarrivederci
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yo Steve.
      What about Schmeichel/Ward?

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Off to look

    4. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Would turn Tierney and Torres into Cancelo and a mid personally. Other than that looks great.

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Possibly only leaves 6m, Gallagher or Sarr.
        Already have Gray

  15. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bamford likes a Friday night game…

  16. Devos
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who should I captain?

    a) TAA
    b) Jota
    c) Fernandes
    d) Lukaku
    e) Bamford

    1. caldracula
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      D

  17. Khark
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    So after a quick google, the world of twitter seems to be talking about Harrison and Raphinha having covid.

    1. Rbyrne95
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If true then looks like I'm keeping FT and Mount then.

    2. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Really don't need this when I'm planning my wildcard team! Lol

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

        Lucky you. I've got both, banked my transfers and am stuck with the outcome.

  18. NobodyF*cksWithTheJesus
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is James a better option than Alonso? (long term)

    1. Rbyrne95
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

  19. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Meslier
    Trent Shaw Dias Semedo Duffy
    Raphinha Salah C Traore
    Ronaldo Bamford

    Bissouma Gilmour Antonio

    On a -8

    Gtg?

  20. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Oof, Raphinha is gone for me now. Forget getting in Bamford too.

    1. Pukkipartyy
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Lol, what are these rumors...

    2. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Have you seen a reliable source?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        None yet.

    3. footballfreak
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      why's that?

    4. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      source?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        None.

        1. tibollom
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          just trolling then...

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

            Seb Wassell Rainbow flag
            @SebWassell
            ·
            19m
            Re. Raphinha and Harrison out rumours.

            I've not seen a reliable source yet. There's no edge to be found in guessing yet. We have time to wait and see. Guess at 18.25.

            Football Intelligence Unit
            @unit_football
            ·
            3m
            A Leeds source says he has not heard Raphinha is out. Doesn’t mean he isn’t, just that he hasn’t been told the news yet if so

            Hopefully incorrect, but not trolling.

    5. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Fake news surely..

    6. Khark
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      All i can see is random twitter accounts mentioning it. I can't see anything even remotely concrete. Obviously not to say its not true but im gonna pretend i've not seen it until something reliable comes up.

  21. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who would you play?

    A- Sissoko (nor)
    B- Williams (WAT)

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

  22. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Time to play WC! Oh wait, who will I bring...

  23. Bounce
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Think I'm all set on this. GTG?

    Ramsdale
    TAA | Shaw | Rüdiger | Laporte
    Salah | Raphinha | Benrahma | Gray
    Ronaldo | Lukaku
    _____________________________________
    Foster | Sissoko | Livramento | Scarlett

    1. veedub1989
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Not the strongest bench IMO but the result of a x3 premium team. Personally, I'd ditch CR7 or Lukaku and spread the cash but it's not my team!

      Go well.

  24. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Whats wrong with raphinha ?

    1. Thanos
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Twitter in overdrive saying he is doubtful for today + Harrison has covid 😕

  25. Tomsk
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who to bench?
    Barnes away at Brighton
    or
    Bowen home to Man Utd ( and prob playing centre forward)

  26. Michelle Davin
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Jimenez anybody?feel like he will start scoring soon

  27. WHUFCSmith23
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I sort of secretly hope Raphinha is injured. My WC looks so tame, the template is strong I want at least one punty player. At least it gives me the opportunity to look for one.

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Not going to backfire even if you go for someone else, he isnt explosive

      1. WHUFCSmith23
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Too true Mr Holmes.

  28. tangtastic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I think I've grown the balls. I'm gonna captain Torres.

    Who's with me 😎

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Don't cry when he is benched

    2. Ross Geller
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      To risky if you ask me. It's enough owning him for now

    3. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Nope, they're just small tomatoes.

    4. ClassiX
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      They must have grown so big that all the blood intended for your brain flowed to them... 😉

  29. bazbestos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Which one of Salah or Jota gets rested tomorrow?

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Rested for the carabao cup? Uh yeah good one

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Lol, people just love to talk rubbish, don't understand it

    2. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      neither..

    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      zero

    4. Ross Geller
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      And who will play instead? Origi? Minimino? I think Klopp will not underestimate Palace. Sating that wouldn't mind a Jota benching as a non owner...

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

        He just praised Origi in his presser and stated that he was fit for the weekend. 100% one of them rested.

        1. Threat Level Midnight
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          yOU'RE A PLEB

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

            Just because you don’t want it to happen doesn’t mean it isn’t going to happen baby.

  30. FPLMarc
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    WCer here.

    For the next few GWs I can only have two of Jota, Bamford, Antonio.

    Which two?

    1. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      jota + tonio