Scout Picks

FPL Gameweek 12 Scout Picks: Three double-ups as Ronaldo is preferred to Kane

After Sam, Az, Neale and Tom submitted their Scout Squad selections earlier this week, we have chosen our best Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players for Gameweek 12 ahead of Saturday’s 11:00 GMT deadline.

We line up in a 4-4-2 formation and, as ever, are limited to an £83.0m budget for our starting XI.

GOALKEEPER

Gallagher the most-bought FPL player of Gameweek 12 after latest haul 1

Vicente Guaita (£4.6m) is our chosen goalkeeper for Gameweek 12, having now kept back-to-back clean sheets against champions Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Crystal Palace’s impressive underlying defensive numbers during the opening months have been well documented, with Patrick Vieira’s side ranked second for expected goals conceded (xGC) despite a tough opening schedule which has seen them visit all of the current top five. Their new possession-based approach, which you can read more about here, boosts the bonus points (BPS) potential of their backline, while Guaita will also surely benefit from BPS-increasing ‘recoveries’ this weekend as he is forced to deal with Burnley’s aerial bombardment.

DEFENDERS

The FPL players who are most underperforming their xG ahead of Gameweek 12 10

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.7m) sits second in the defender standings after his fourth double-digit haul of the campaign in Gameweek 11. The England international has now produced a goal, four assists and 12 bonus points in nine appearances, along with five clean sheets, and as a result, is averaging an impressive 7.1 points per match. Notably, his 4.91 expected goal involvement (xGI) total is only bettered by nine other players across all positional categories, which suggests there is plenty more to come from the right-back ahead of this weekend’s Anfield encounter against Arsenal.

A home tie against Everton means that Man City have an appealing match-up at both ends of the pitch. That could be good news for Joao Cancelo (£6.5m), who has started every single Premier League fixture this season, and remarkably leads the way amongst all teammates for goal attempts. Added to that, he is also seeing more of the ball in the final third than any other player, including the likes of Jack Grealish (7.7m) and Bernardo Silva (£7.1m), while his 37.6 minutes per chance total can’t be beaten by any other defender.

While there is much hope in the FPL world that Tottenham Hotspur’s attacking assets can thrive under Antonio Conte, the Italian’s three-at-the-back formation also raises expectations for the wing-backs. Sergio Reguilon (£5.0m) got forward plenty against Everton last time out, and probably should have scored from a Harry Kane (£12.2m) cross, while it’s also worth noting that the Spaniard’s 12 successful crosses from open-play this season is a figure no other player can match. Following those comments about “more goals and assists”, Reguilon looks like an excellent defensive option for Gameweek 12.

Having been seemingly handed a clean bill of health by Ralph Hasenhuttl on Thursday, following his withdrawal from the England under-21 squad last week, Tino Livramento (£4.6m) returns to the Scout Picks XI ahead of this weekend’s trip to Norwich City. The Canaries have failed to find the back of the net in seven of their 11 Premier League matches this term, scoring just five goals in the process, which has included two Teemu Pukki (£5.8m) penalties. As for Livramento, the young full-back has now provided either a goal, assist or clean sheet in seven of his last eight appearances, and could be set to add to that in Gameweek 12, given that Norwich’s left-back area has been a problem all season.

MIDFIELDERS

Who are the best FPL captain options for Gameweek 10?

Despite failing to make it onto the scoresheet in either of Liverpool’s last two Premier League outings, Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) has continued to tick along, with assists against Brighton and Hove Albion and West Ham. As a result, he has now produced 10 goals, eight assists and 16 bonus points across the opening 11 Gameweeks, averaging an unbelievable 10.6 FPL points per match. Jurgen Klopp’s side saw their unbeaten run come to an end prior to the international break, but their attack remains the one to back, and while Arsenal’s defence has improved, they have benefited from an easier schedule. Kieran Tierney (£4.8m) or Nuno Tavares (£4.8m) could also leave space in behind for Salah to exploit, due to the nature of their set-up which often sees the left-sided full-back push on in possession.

Son Heung-min (£10.3m) has already produced three double-digit hauls in five home appearances this season, despite Spurs’ lack of goal threat under Nuno Espirito Santo. Now, with Antonio Conte installed as head coach, the South Korean international is expected to kick on, with Leeds United up next in Gameweek 12. Marcelo Bielsa’s side have tightened up since their 3-0 loss against Liverpool back in September, but have benefitted from a kinder schedule which has seen them face only two top-half sides in their last seven. During that run, they have only conceded seven goals, but have managed just the one clean sheet.

Conor Gallagher (£5.9m) – who is top for transfers in ahead of Gameweek 12 – has been Palace’s best player so far this season, contributing four goals and four assists in his 10 starts. Thriving in his box-to-box role, he is the Eagles’ leading shot-taker and chance creator, and ranks in the top 10 midfielders for shots in the box, efforts on target, big chances, expected goals (xG) and xGI. He should get chances to add to those totals, too, given that Burnley have managed just one clean sheet all season and rank 19th for non-penalty expected goals conceded (non-pen xGC).

Bryan Mbeumo (£5.6m) has been a little unlucky not to get on the scoresheet more often this season, having hit the woodwork a massive six times, while also having a goal ruled out by VAR in Gameweek 12. However, his underlying numbers remain encouraging, as he ranks sixth amongst all midfielders for xG. With Eddie Howe’s Newcastle set to adopt a more attacking approach, there could be space in behind for Mbeumo to exploit, who has already bagged two goals in four away trips this season.

In truth, it was the doubt over Phil Foden’s (£8.3m) game-time that saw the ‘out of position’ midfielder and Son finally make the cut – something that also put paid to the inclusion of Reece James (£5.9m) as we upgraded the Manchester City man to the Korean.

FORWARDS

Kane and Wilson enter FPL differential conversation ahead of Gameweek 9 3

There was a split in the camp in regards to the premium forward spot this week, with Sam and Tom backing Harry Kane as their top pick, whilst Az and Neale opted for a certain Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.4m). However, the latter comes through here having been selected in all four Scout Squad entries. In all honesty, it does feel like a 50/50 call between the two, though the Portuguese does arguably have the better match-up, at least on paper. Watford are yet to keep a single clean sheet since their return to the Premier League, with Claudio Ranieri failing to enjoy much of a ‘new manager bounce’, winning just one of his four Premier League matches in charge. Across that period, they have conceded nine goals, while only Mohamed Salah has produced more goal attempts and shots in the box than Ronaldo since his second United debut back in Gameweek 4.

Joining Ronaldo up front is Callum Wilson (£7.4m), who has scored 16 goals and assisted a further six in his 33 run-outs since signing for Newcastle. Now, reunited with his old manager Eddie Howe, who may instill a more attacking approach, he looks like a solid option for this weekend’s St James’ Park fixture against Brentford. Thomas Frank’s side have struggled in recent matches, losing four on the bounce, which has included 3-1 and 2-1 defeats against Burnley and Norwich respectively. Despite weaker opposition, they conceded six big chances across those two games – no team allowed more across the same period – which bodes well for Newcastle’s attackers on Saturday.

THE CAPTAIN

We choose the Scout Picks captain using a four-way vote between our Scout Squad pundits.

Our panel voted as follows:

  • Az: Ronaldo, Salah, Son
  • Sam: Salah, Ronaldo, Son
  • Neale: Ronaldo, Salah, Cancelo
  • Tom: Salah, Ronaldo, Son

It’s a dead-heat so we’ve gone with the RMT pick, Mohamed Salah, for the Gameweek 12 captaincy. Cristiano Ronaldo is selected as vice-captain.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION

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.

Holmes, who triumphed 59-34 in Gameweek 7, has set the target to beat.

Our champion this week is Miguel Sanchez, who has gone with a 3-5-2 of McCarthy; Cancelo, Chilwell, Reguilon; Son, Foden, Havertz, Zaha, Bowen; Ronaldo (c), Wilson

The Scout Picks are 8-3 up on the community this season.

822 Comments Post a Comment
  1. GW12 Fixture and clean sheet odds
    G-Whizz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    GW12 fixture odds can be found here:
    http://prntscr.com/202tdtw
    (Provided by Betbrain)

    GW12 clean sheet odds:
    MCI: 54%
    MNU: 40%
    CHE: 39%
    LIV: 36%
    TOT: 36%
    SOU: 35%
    AVL: 33%
    CRY: 32%
    BUR: 31%
    WHU: 31%
    NEW: 29%
    BHA: 28%
    BRE: 28%
    WOL: 27%
    NOR: 23%
    LEI: 20%
    LEE: 18%
    WAT: 14%
    ARS: 12%
    EVE: 9%
    (Provided by Betbrain)

    Clean sheet totals:
    Chelsea: 7
    Manchester City: 7 (+1)
    Liverpool: 6
    Arsenal: 5 (+1)
    Southampton: 5 (+1)
    Brighton: 4
    Crystal Palace: 4 (+1)
    Tottenham: 4 (+1)
    Aston Villa: 3
    Brentford: 3
    Everton: 3 (+1)
    West Ham: 3
    Manchester Utd: 2
    Norwich: 2
    Wolves: 2
    Burnley: 1
    Leeds: 1
    Leicester City: 1

    Apologies for my absence but better late than never I suppose...

    May your arrows be green, hope you have a good'un!!!

    G

    1. HVT
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Watford don't figure?
      Does that put Ramsdale ahead of Foster?

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        0%

        1. HVT
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          But who will score more or both drab?

      2. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        lol

        Lemme get that fixed 😆

        1. HVT
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          It's the small things in FPL that keep us happy ain't it!
          Watford dam close to a Cs too!

      3. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        WAT: 14%

        1. HVT
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Appreciate it G, what were the odds on him getting an assist?
          🙂

  2. Eastman
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    WC thoughts please. Think this may be my final draft...

    Ramsdale Foster
    TAA James Cancelo Mitchell Johnson
    ESR Gallagher Raphinha Salah Foden
    Kane Antonio (Davis)

    .2 itb

  3. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    big question:

    A havertz to jota for free
    B foden to jota for free and next week havertz to foden
    C duffy to reguilon for free

    1. upforgrabs
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      C means benching ESR (liv)

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

        A

  4. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    % chance Raphinha starts?

    I see a lot of people on here suggesting to bench him in your team?!

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      200%

    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I’m playing.
      Spurs defence without Romero
      Possibly Hojbjerg too

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Ok cool, I’m going to play too

        I just can’t decide which one to play out of Jimenez Mbeumo Livramento

        1. Jimmers
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Jimi

  5. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Wilson or Jesus?

    1. Patron
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Im getting both. But out of these two it has to be Jesus isn’t it?

    2. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I went Wilson as no one has convinced me enough to get Jesus.

  6. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Who’s in charge of team line ups?
    Poor show

    1. Horlicks esq.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Por qua?

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Quite a few not updated for a week

  7. Horlicks esq.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    A weird question. Looking for consensus on hits.

    In the context of hits. Which is better to take.
    -12 one week or
    3 x -4’s in following 3 weeks

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      3 x 4’s
      The -12 has more chance of injury issues

      1. Horlicks esq.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        But missing instant points? That’s the driver behind the -12.

        I don’t have Cancelo or James or Jota.

  8. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    What to do?

    Guaita
    Chilwell James Cancelo Dias
    Salah Mbeumo Havertz*
    Kane Antonio Toney

    Foster Toney Livra Brownhill
    2ft and 0 in the bank

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Dias, Havertz -> Jota, Trent
      If money allows

  9. upforgrabs
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    2 FTs
    A) Antonio + Raphinha -> Kane + Jota
    or
    B) Toney + Raphinha -> Kane + Gallagher

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Neither

  10. FantasyClub
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Wow how critical it can be to leave your transfers for the last day…with Foden flagged now and Howe to miss the first game…

    1. Horlicks esq.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Are you losing Foden then?

      1. FantasyClub
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I don’t have him, I contemplated him over the whole IB, only thing that stopped me is him possibly being rested for the Champions league game against PSG, he could definitely be rested now dunno

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

      Howe missing the first game? Why?

      1. Horlicks esq.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Ronnie Corvid

      2. FantasyClub
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        COVID

    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Foden trained apparently, but I’d worry he’ll be saved for CL

      1. FantasyClub
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah that’s what I’m thinking

  11. Nando7
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Is -4 worth it for grealish to jota , or do I just start ESR? Got salah and TAA ofc…

    1. OleBall
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Jota be a long term move, i'd go for it

    2. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      -4

    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Get Jota next week

    4. FantasyClub
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I want Jota too for a -4 but only thing I’m thinking is it might not be the best time this GW vs Arsenal. They’re doing well atm

  12. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Final dilemma… play one:

    1. Jimenez (WHU)
    2. Mbeumo (new)
    3. Livramento (nor) [would be 5 at the back]

    Thanks

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Jimmy
      West Ham are playing well, but they do concede

    2. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Jimmy

    3. krawiecus
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      2-1-3

      1. krawiecus
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        For the slight risk Jimenez gets rested + Mbeumo maybe best attacking fix of the week

  13. Footieboot
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Sanchez
    TAA Cancelo Marcal White Livra
    Salah Foden Havertz Raph Gilmour
    Vardy Antonio Toney

    2 FT

    A) Havertz --> Jota
    B) Marcal --> Ben Davies/Brighton defender
    C) Sanchez --> Guaita
    D) Both A and C

    1. krawiecus
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Who is your backup goalie?

      A do next week.
      C if you have no playing goalie this week. Otherwise, B for Brighton or Foden to Jota

  14. rokonto
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    What's up with the Team News page?
    Half the teams are missing any news!!!!

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Exactly

    2. Patron
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Neal usually completes the team news on saturday before deadline, if not on friday.

  15. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    A) Henry & Raphina -> Gallagher & Reguilon (-4)

    B) Play Henry and do the move next week for free next week?

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      C. Play Raphinha

      1. Connor's Calling
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Sorry - yes - that’s part of B too

  16. OleBall
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Start Foster or Ramsdale?

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Is even for me, so going with better player

    2. Patron
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Foster for me

    3. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Never play Foster out of choice

  17. I Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Steele
    TAA, Cancelo, James, Livramento
    Salah, Son, Jota
    Antonio, Jimenez, Toney

    Sanchez; Raphinha, Brownhill, White.

    Good to go?

    1. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      All good.

    2. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I'd play Raph rather than Toney

  18. Patron
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Any love for Bernardo? Or even Gundo?

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Think I'm punting on Bernard

      1. Patron
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Me too, with all these lads being injured/sick, and he was kind of nailed anyways. Plays good which Pep seems to respect.

        Cheers!

  19. Footieboot
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Is Havertz to Jota a good move or wait a week?

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Wait
      Leicester defence worse than Arsenal defence imo

    2. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Wait

  20. Radzio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Bench 2:

    a)Mount
    b)Livra
    c)Foden
    d)Raphinha
    e)Rudiger(have James in the squad)
    f)ESR

    Currently on Rudiger and ESR with Rudiger 1st sub, what do you guys think?

    1. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A, F

    2. krawiecus
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A, E (one coming in for Foden likely)

  21. tabby98
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Right Starting 11?

    Guaita
    TAA, Cancelo, Rudiger
    Salah, Havertz, Gallagher, Raphinha
    Kane, Toney, Antonio

    Foster | Veltman, Tsimikas, Sissoko

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

    Hope everyone had a nice break.

    Came back all ready to get Ronaldo in and Aubameyang dropped last night to leave me 0.1 short haha.

    Kane it is….

  23. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    This Foden "injury" reminds me of the time Son was "injured" and I sold him right before he hauled against United.

  24. rozzo
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Ramsdale
    TAA Cancelo Chilwell James
    Salah Son Gallagher Bowen
    Jesus Antonio

    Gunn Dias Dennis Allan

    Have I got the bench order right? Dias in for Chilwell possibly?

  25. Suwoo
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Guaita
    Taa Cancelo James Reguilon
    (Vs)Salah Bernardo Jota Gallagher
    (C) Kane Antonio

    What do u guys think on wc?

  26. FantasyClub
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Guys I’m doing it so just tell me which option is better please ?

    A) Vardy ➡️ Ronaldo (C) -4 (He will be replaced in GW13 vs CHE so a bit Hokey Cokey)

    B) Vardy ➡️ Kane -4

    1. Suwoo
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B
      Kane for hattrick

      1. Jimmers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        No - he had his hat-trick quota during the international break

    2. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Out the two, Ronaldo is the safer bet. But why didn't you do it a couple of days ago before Vardy price dropped? Seems pretty pointless doing it now - might as well wait until after Chelsea match and get him in for free.

      1. Jimmers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        The price drop may not have affected his selling price

  27. Super John McGinn-
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on this one, considering waiting another week for Spurs assets and only using one transfer this week.

    A) Raph > Jota
    B) Mbembo > Gallagher
    C) Toney > Wilson
    D) Use 2 transfers get Son
    E) Use 2 transfers get Kane

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Cancelo, Chillwell, Jame
    Salah (C), Foden, Mbembo
    Vardy, Antonio, Toney

    Foster, Livramento, Raphinia, Brownhill

    2 FT 1.0 ITB

  28. Saintjack01
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Is bringing in Gabriel Jesus too risky?

    Or could it pay off

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

      Not too and yes. But a bit risky of course.

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

    I will have two premium players from club that scored last time a month ago. Yes, Kane & Son.

    3 reasons:

    1. I happen to have 2ft to get Kane and burning a transfer is worse than this crazy attempt to differentiate.
    2. I somehow trust Conte's brutality already.
    3. Fixtures.

    1. krawiecus
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Ok

  30. TheYogaDaddy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    What to do here?

    Ramsdale (Foster)
    TAA Cancelo Chilwell Livramento (Duffy)
    Salah Foden Raphinha Mbuemo (Brownhill)
    Vardy Antonio (Maupay)

    1.1 itb, 2ft

    a. Maupay to Wilson
    b. Vardy and Foden to Kane and Jota
    c. Vardy and Mbuemo to Son and Armstrong
    d. Vardy and Raphinha to Son and Wilson
    d. Something else?

    1. donbagino
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      d) for me, as believe Wilson can take advantage of nice fixtures

    2. krawiecus
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B not even close