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

    How has TAA still not had a price rise? Seems odd.

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

      Him, Duffy and Bamford should rise in price soon

    2. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Gone up only few procents, wasnt he always little above 30%

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

      They will tonight after wildcards lock 100%

  2. Nedvěd11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bamford for Antonio -4 worth it...?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No, who have you got first sub this GW?

      1. Nedvěd11
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Dennis NOR
        Duffy LEI

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Fine play either of those

  3. Henning
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Best attacker for max 6.6 m?

    1. FPL Hitman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      ASM

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Odsonne Edouard

  4. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    On a WC, get Traore instead of Raphina then just to be safe?

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

      Nah, if Raphina has travelled cant be that bad. Will want him going forward.

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

        Hardly setting the world alight and now a setback n all

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          This, and if there is more covid in the team, it isn't good news.

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Could get some more news just before deadline.

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'd go with Raphinha if he's your preferred pick.

    4. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      What happened to raphinha?

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Rumours are that he's 50/50 to start...

  5. M2.0
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sorry, trying again! What would you guys do here?

    ————-Sanchez———————
    — Semedo - Reg - TAA - James -
    Salah - Jota - Raph - Torres - Sarr
    ————— Ronaldo —————-

    4.0, Livra, Antonio, 4.5

    a) Reguillon > Marcal
    b) Something else
    c) Save FT

    1. GoonerGirl
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I would do Reguillon> Marcal.

      1. M2.0
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks!

  6. Bad Kompany
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Start
    A. Sanchez (LEI)
    B. Bachmann (nor)

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

      B

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

    What's the reason why Harrison can't play with covid? Pretty sure he'll still be fit.

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      LOL

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

      Huh?

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

        Fit athlete like him is probably asymptomatic so surely he's okay to play? If it was serious they'd abandon they game and make the whole Leeds squad isolate.

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

          Have you been living under a rock during this entire pandemic or something

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

            No? What part of what I said was wrong?

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

              Literally all of it

        2. Well you know, Triffic
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Asymptomatic can still spread infection. Several footballers and dozens of athletes have had long-standing covid related health issues. The other Leeds players will have tested negative so the game goes ahead...

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

            You can catch the virus and go a few days before you register as positive.

            1. Well you know, Triffic
              • 13 Years
              2 years, 6 months ago

              The staff and squad most likely do daily tests.

        3. Stupendous
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Yup

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

          You're a knob

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

      Genuine question Bounce?

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

        can't be. troll

    4. Oi! Shadders!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      1. It's an infectious disease
      2. that's caused literally hundreds of thousands to be hospitalised or lose their lives.
      3. No one wants to catch it from Harrison
      4. and be hospitalised or die
      5. so he's not allowed to play.

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

      Right i realise you're probably gonna be trolling, so i shouldn't even be replying but I can see these replies getting a little nasty if were not careful so I'm just gonna say it.

      If you're not trolling, you're clearly anti-vax - which is okay by the way. No judgement for either side, people can have their opinions on the pro's and con's.

      But with that being said you're completely missing the point, it's literally the law of the land. He's tested positive, he isolates - i imagine the others have tested negative, and the game goes ahead. This is regardless of whether they test positive in 24/48hours time. At present they're negative, they play. It's really not difficult.

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

        It's difficult for a knob with a micro, clearly.

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

        I've had 2 Moderna vaccines.

    6. cjhewitt92
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Where story of him having covid come from, he has named in squad, thought that would be changed by now

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        All over Twitter atm...

    7. Bouncebackability
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I'm not related to him.

  8. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is it worth punting on starting Tsimikas? Only worry is he might come on for a cameo

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Can't see why he'd start.

      You may get a cameo tho.

    2. One Man
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Why do you think he’ll start ?

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

    what's the deal with Scarlett?
    Why is he on every WC draft?

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

      He's an enabler for 4.5

      That's it

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Kane is walking round on the pitch with his socks down.

  10. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Not sure if asked yet...

    Do you think there will be any CONCRETE news regarding Raph before deadline?

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Nope imo

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      No.

      It's just rumours and this wil build it up...

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

    On a WC.... what to do with Raph?

    A) change to Torres (could be benched)
    B) stick with Raph (could be injured) and 1st sub Sissoko

    1. One Man
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Go with Gray or Decoure or willock.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

    3. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I still have no clue. I'm trying to bench antonio so don't think i want torres vs che liv next 2

  12. One Man
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I’m I the only person on a free hit, this week ?

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      With some other(?) managers who have made poor transfers, so nope. WC is better idea.

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

      Why did you use that?

      1. One Man
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Bored. I need a gf.

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

      What made you free hit can i ask? Should always be saved for half gameweeks in my opinion

      1. One Man
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Trigger happy. I’m inpatient. But to be fair always saved it fir the double gw in recent years.

    4. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, seems like you're the OneMan

    5. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      How is yours looking?

      1. One Man
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Krul
        TAA, Robertson, Matip, Dias, Cancelo.
        DeBruyne, Dououre,
        Ronaldo, Jimi, Bamford.

        Gray on bench along with fodder.

        Had Salah & Jota, but rumour one will be rested.

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

    1FT, 0 ITB

    1. Shaw to Semedo
    2. Antonio to Jiminez
    3. Antonio to ASM?

    Cheers...

    Team:
    Schmeichel
    TAA, Shaw, White, Ayling, Livramento
    Salah, Jota, Gundog, Raphinha, Brownhill
    Ronaldo, Toney, Antonio

  14. KANTEnders
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Hello everyone.

    Sanchez,Gunn
    TAA,Shaw,Williams,Livramento,Duffy
    Salah,Sarr,Bruno,Harrison,benrahma
    Lukaku,Antonio,perica

    1 FT, 0.3 ITB

    A) Antonio > Jimenez for free (allows me to do Bruno & perica > CR7 & 4.5 mid in GW6)

    B) Bruno & perica > Jimenez & Jota (leaves me 1.7 ITB)

    C) Save FT
    D) others?

    Cheers!

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

      Harrison is out with covid pal

      1. cjhewitt92
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Source

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

          Sky I think

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

          Last page

  15. Pegilagi
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Do you think Matip is risk of rotation this week?

    If so.. How would you replace him? no extra money ITB so 5,0 price limit

  16. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Periera or Walker for the next 2 gws ?

  17. GCM0803
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bruno, ings > Torres, Ronaldo?

  18. Hiiler
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What's the news on Raphinha? Heard someone talking he is doubtful for GW5. Is this true or false?

  19. KKluigi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Coady + starting 4.5 mid, or Marcal + non-starting 4.4 mid? The midfielders will be 2nd on the bench. On WC.

  20. Djemba-Djemba
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Long term who do you prefer to have
    A) greenwood
    B) Jota

    Greenwood seems to get more minutes overall

    1. nadman89
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      jota

  21. C_G
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    am i gtg? took a -4

    Sanchez

    Marcal White TAA Shaw

    Salah (c) Raph Jota Benny

    Ron Bam

    Steele Allan Williams Antonio

  22. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    So is Harrison out with Covid?

  23. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Leed's matchday post is of Raph. https://twitter.com/lufc/status/1438800564620517377?s=21

    Unless he's injured his thigh while walking around Newcastle with the team lol

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      To be fair I’ve been there, the streets are quite cobbled and un even chance of an injury for sure

    2. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Where are the rumours of him being injured coming from?

    3. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Posted before the rumours broke out though?

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I think the point he is making is that Leeds wouldn’t have put him on the picture if he was a huge doubt and the only thing they’ve done between the time of the post and now is walked around Newcastle

  24. xHaTr
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Which sounds better? 4.4 ITB

    A: Scarlett to Bamford

    B: Tsimikas to Semedo, Gilmour to Jota (-4)

    1. Müller Light
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      A

  25. TheYogaDaddy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Sanchez (Steele)
    TAA Shaw White (Livramento) (Amartey)
    Salah Jota Greenwood Barnes (Brownhill)
    Ronaldo Toney Antonio

    1 ft, 0.5 itb

    a. Save FT and play livramento/brownhill
    b. Something else

  26. A Moon Shaped Pool
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is Grealish nailed?

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

      No

      1. A Moon Shaped Pool
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thank you my guy

    2. nadman89
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      hes started every competitive game . definitely is

      1. A Moon Shaped Pool
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Maybe I will just take a punt on him

      2. A Moon Shaped Pool
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thank you by the way

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

      As far as any City is attacker it seems.

      1. A Moon Shaped Pool
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thank you for the reply

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

        Torres would be as well then, as much so if I am being fair. Started every match

  27. Raf
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Play Sanchez or Bachman?

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Bachman

  28. nadman89
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    a little help here lads still have antonio chillin , which move is best

    a) benrahma -> raph
    b) odegaard -> gray
    c) odegaard + benrahma -> gray + raph -4
    d) play benrahma and odegaard and save ft

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      D

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

      ugh, get rid of ödegård!
      keep benny boi

    3. Footieboot
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      B

  29. cjhewitt92
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Best attacking options in Watford or Norwich game for one week punt under 5.7

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Sissoko

    2. Footieboot
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Dennis, Tzolis

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

      Nope

  30. -GK22-
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    GTG?

    Sanchez
    TAA, Shaw, Semedo
    Salah (c), Traore, Raphinha, Benrahma, Bissouma
    Ronaldo, Bamford

    White, Ayling