Scout Picks

FPL Gameweek 1 Scout Picks: Four double-ups

14 August 2025 469 comments
avfc82 avfc82
Share:

With Fantasy Premier League (FPL) 2025/26 getting underway tomorrow, it’s time to finalise our Gameweek 1 Scout Picks.

As usual, our Scout Picks selection is influenced by the Scout Squad submissions made by Neale (Editor), Tom (Deputy Editor), Sam (General Manager) and Marc (Staff Writer).

There are certain restrictions for our picks, however:

  • An £83.0m budget for our starting XI
  • An overall squad limit of £100.0m
  • No more than three players per team

GAMEWEEK 1 SCOUT PICKS

GOALKEEPER

Robert Sanchez (£5.0m) gets the nod in goal after being chosen by two of our Scout Squad pundits. The FIFA Club World Cup champions, Chelsea, are set to face Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon. Oliver Glasner’s troops have plenty of firepower, but the Blues enjoyed the third-best home record in the Premier League last season, conceding just 18 goals. The Club World Cup was a clear mark of progression, too, with Paris-Saint Germain among four clubs shut out.

With Marc Guehi (£4.5m) and Eberechi Eze (£7.5m) both linked with moves away from Selhurst Park this week, we’re hoping Palace are sufficiently disrupted to allow Sanchez to bag us a clean sheet as well as save points.

DEFENDERS

FPL notes: Why Porro was benched, in-form Chelsea, Martin sacked

 

1



The rest of this article below is completely free to read but requires a Fantasy Football Scout user account for access – you can get yours at no cost here

1

469 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Heavy Cream
    • 10 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    G2G on a bench boost??

    Sels
    Konsa RAN Porro
    Saka Palmer Reijnders Gakpo
    Watkins Bowen Pedro

    Dubravka Ndiaye Diouf Milenkovic

    Open Controls
  2. hoeckma
    • 2 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    I think I finally settled on a team.
    1) I'm liking the Salah + Haaland + Watkins. Some people are moving away from Salah, but think having all 3 here could be a great differential.
    2) Recently just added Tosin over Diouf. He rotates well with Richards over the first 6 weeks and is a nice way into the Chelsea defence.
    3) Starting with Ait Nouri, but willing to move to another DEF (Gabriel, Frimpong, Virgil, etc) depending on form / fixtures.
    4) Might rotate to more LIV and ARS in week 4.

    Thoughts?

    Sels
    Ait Nouri / Murillo / Tosin
    Salah / Semenyo / Reijnders / Dewsbury-Hall
    Haaland / Watkins / Fullkrug

    Dubravka / Anderson / Richards / Esteve

    Open Controls
  3. BoroPhil
    • 4 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    How's this looking

    Verbruggen
    Diouf, Porro, Williams
    Salah, Saka. Palmer, Rutter, Reijnders
    Watkins, Bowen

    (Dubravka, Esteve, Guehi, Guiu)

    Open Controls
    1. DARE TO BISCAN
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Guehi could be sketchy for starts, if/when he moves to LFC

      Open Controls
  4. DennisTheMenace
    • 3 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    Thoughts?

    Sanchez Dubravka
    Gabriel RAN VVD Neco Richards
    Salah Bruno Wirtz Reijnders King
    Watkins Bowen Guiu

    Open Controls
  5. Cheeky Reijnders
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    Think this is it for BB1.

    Verbruggen, Sanchez
    Konsa, Milenkovic, Murillo, Porro, Diouf
    Palmer, Wirtz, Reijnders, Gakpo, Fernandes
    Watkin, Pedro, Wood

    Squad should keep me going for a few GWs without FTs

    Any howlers?
    Thanks in advance.

    Open Controls
    1. dabber7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Looks like a great side !

      Open Controls
  6. DARE TO BISCAN
    • 7 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    Not groundbreaking, but:

    Sanchez
    Porro, Milenkovic, Diouf
    Salah, Palmer, Reijnders, Wirtz, Rogers
    Watkins, Pedro
    (Dub, Dorgu, Guiu, Esteve)

    The 3 cheapie defs, I'm not set on.
    Wouldn't mind Richards, but probably getting Muñoz at some point.
    Diouf and Dorgu are fun picks. Could be more sensible with Andersen.

    Constructive input appreciated.

    Open Controls
    1. Cheeky Reijnders
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      If I weren't punting on BB in GW1 I'd have similar, perhaps with MGW/Anderson instead of Rogers, only due to his fitness doubt.

      Open Controls
    2. Bluetiger1
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      DTB

      If not 100% happy with Defenders.

      Possible move Milenkovic to Aina (keeping forest) gaining 0.5 (ITB)
      Upgrade Esteve (4.0) to (4.5) defender giving more squad
      rotation.

      De Cuper
      VDV
      Guehi (possible wait to GW3 as appears to be sold to Liverpool)
      Konsa

      Open Controls
      1. DARE TO BISCAN
        • 7 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        I like having a 4.0 fodder def, especially in a back 3 squad.
        Aina is probably the worst Forest pick. I was on Williams, but upgraded with 0.5 I had left over.
        I think the 5.5s give flexibility to move to Muñoz later, or a 6.0 if one pops off.
        VDV - not really after Spurs double.

        Open Controls
        1. DARE TO BISCAN
          • 7 Years
          3 months, 22 days ago

          Guehi - mins risk if he goes LFC. Prefer Richards, if he stays.
          Konsa - maybe, Villa seems to find a way to concede, despite good defence stats. Konsa isn't great for attacking or DC.
          DeCuyper - not sure on Brighton def

          Open Controls
          1. Bluetiger1
            • 3 Years
            3 months, 22 days ago

            I have been the most unsettled before an opening season ever so many options
            & which way to go knowing I'll kick myself in first weeks draft.

            GW4 International Week possible looking at WC depending on how squad goes.

            Open Controls
            1. DARE TO BISCAN
              • 7 Years
              3 months, 22 days ago

              Yeah, similar. I'll sleep on it, have another look tomorrow.
              I was planning to put less time into it, this year. Easy to get sucked into the minutiae.

              Open Controls
        2. Bluetiger1
          • 3 Years
          3 months, 22 days ago

          I keep chopping & changing / currently gone with Roden (Leeds United) (4.0m)

          I prefer Aina over Williams - last season 128 v 109 points

          DTB - I like your thoughts on flexibility to move from a 5.5m def up or down.

          My current team which I keep making adjustments - decided to go BB GW1
          but decided against Haaland so options to move different ways

          Sels
          De Cuyper Frimpong, Rodon Dorgu
          Salah, Palmer, Reijnders, Wirtz,
          Watkins, Pedro
          (Verbruggen, Diouf, Malen, Fullkrug)

          Open Controls
  7. Prisoner FC
    • 14 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    I think it’s rather funny that having both Salah and Haaland in your team is a differential. Hopefully people will be scrambling to get them both in their squads after the both have major hauls this gameweek!!

    Open Controls
  8. OMAW123
    • 3 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    Hi,

    Please rate my team. Long day at work tomorrow So Any help for quick changes before the early deadline would be greatly appreciated.
    NB: BB Week 1, Free hit Week 2 & Wild card international week.

    Verbruggen, Perri
    Williams, Ait Nouri, De Cuyper, Gudmundsson, Diouf
    Wirtz, Dewsbury-Hall, Palmer, Salah (c), Baleba
    Ekitike, Joao Pedro, Solanke

    All spent, now't int bank

    Open Controls
    1. Cheeky Reijnders
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      I'm BB1 too, so think it best to be without Salah or Haaland just now and spread the $. Here's my current.

      Verbruggen, Sanchez
      Konsa, Milenkovic, Murillo, Porro, Diouf
      Palmer, Wirtz, Reijnders, Gakpo, Fernandes
      Watkin, Pedro, Wood

      GL

      Open Controls
      1. OMAW123
        • 3 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        Thanks for the advice, good looking team you've got there.

        I'm a Liverpool fan Problem with me is that I'm a Liverpool fan and could not live it down if Salah hauls. Might go with Halland draught after the international break. I've decided to take out Ekitike and replace with Watkins. Reijnders for Baleba. Just left with 6.5m for a forward but they all look a bit drab

        Open Controls
        1. Bluetiger1
          • 3 Years
          3 months, 22 days ago

          I think the price bracket at 6.5m in midfield opens up lots of chances

          Sarr
          Mitoma
          Szoboszlai
          Rice
          Kudus

          Open Controls
          1. OMAW123
            • 3 Years
            3 months, 22 days ago

            I agree but I only have a slot for a forward. Any suggestions for £6.5m forward? Need a guaranteed starter for BB tactic

            Open Controls
        2. Cheeky Reijnders
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          3 months, 22 days ago

          Yeah, the FOMO with Salah is strong, but Gakpo started well last season and has had a good pre-season. I'm hoping he and Wirtz score more than Salah(C) and Bruno has a blinder! :):)

          GL.

          Open Controls
  9. Bluetiger1
    • 3 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    Torn between following (already have Rejinders) & so undecided - any advice help would be appreciated

    a. Malen (5.5m)
    b. P.M.Sarr (5.0m)
    c. Anderson (5.5m)
    d. Dewsbury-Hall (5.0m)
    e. Caicedo (5.5m)
    f

    Open Controls
    1. OMAW123
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Dewsbury-Hall. I'd like to go for Malen but unsure whether he'll start GW1

      Open Controls
      1. Bluetiger1
        • 3 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        Thanks OMAW123

        Open Controls
    2. Cheeky Reijnders
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      I only considered c & e of those. Wilson(FUL) also looks on form. Of the three I think c. gets the nod from me.

      Open Controls
  10. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 14 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    Tosin + Konsa or a 5.0 (who? Have Neco already) + 4.0 if BBing? Other defenders are Diouf and VdV.

    Open Controls
    1. Cheeky Reijnders
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Konsa + Andersen/Spence/Veltman... a number of reasonable 4.5 DEF options, but if Tosin starts probably the best for BB.

      Open Controls
  11. TekkerDude
    • 1 Year
    3 months, 22 days ago

    Rate my team please! (BenchBoost GW2)

    Sels
    Frimpong Aitnouri Reinildo
    Palmer Wirtz Reijnders Deswburyhall
    Haaland (c) gyokores Ekitike

    Dubravka arias dorgu Esteve

    Open Controls
    1. Cheeky Reijnders
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Sorry, can't get my head around BB2. Struggling with BB1 right now.:)

      GL though.

      Open Controls
  12. Shmadz - Le Saux Solid Crew
    • 13 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    Is SIX double-ups in Week 1 too many, because that's what I have in my squad?
    Admittedly, one of the double-ups is a pair of Burnley benchwarmers. But, the other five consist almost entirely of virtual automatics. They are made up of pairs from Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and Forest.

    Open Controls
    1. Cheeky Reijnders
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Not keen on ARS early fixtures, but their DEFs might be good for DEFCONs. On the other hand, they could smash through those fixtures.

      Open Controls
    2. TallestJohn
      • 8 Years
      3 months, 22 days ago

      Who's your Arsenal double-up? I'm on Saka and Rice

      Open Controls
      1. Shmadz - Le Saux Solid Crew
        • 13 Years
        3 months, 22 days ago

        I went with Saka & Gyokeres. I figured Gyokeres would be any easy transfer (if needed) with his £9m price. It would leave me a wide range of options as replacements. Plus I have Pedro & Bowen as my other two up top, so if I did need to offload Gyokeres, I could potentially get another exotic choice in Mid alongside Saka & Palmer.

        Open Controls
  13. Scotty2707
    • 11 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    Keep tinkering with team, this is what I am thinking of locking in.

    Kelleher
    Pedro poro, Diouf, Tarowski (Aina, esteve)
    Wirtz, Palmer, Rogers, reijnders (baleba)
    Joa Pedro, Haaland (c), gyokerez

    Open Controls
  14. Stockport Hatter
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    Right, I am playing with this no more: -

    Sels
    De Cuypur Diouf VdV
    Palmer Wirtz Kudus Salah
    Bowen Watkins Pedro

    Dubravka Miley Guehi Rodon

    Thoughts?

    Open Controls
  15. Wengers Apprentice
    • 3 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    So my summer of tinkering has essentially come down to which 6.5m midfielder to pick. Latest article timely but I still can’t decide! Is the general thinking Kudus best option in that bracket for first few weeks at least?

    Open Controls
  16. Rabb05
    • 4 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    Not keen on Esteve. Which is the best Sunderland 4.0m defender guaranteed minutes please? Reinildo?

    Open Controls
  17. Rabb05
    • 4 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    Finally putting my pen down I think. Appreciate any feedback.

    No Salah because I prefer Haalands fixtures weeks 1-6
    No Palmer because I think Chelsea might start sluggish due to such a short summer break

    Sels
    Diouf Konsa Van de Ven
    Saka Wirtz Gapko Rutter
    Haaland Watkins Mateta

    Dubravka Reinders Munoz Reinildo

    Open Controls
  18. Matr1xOne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 months, 22 days ago

    Reijinders nailed on Start?

    Open Controls

You need to be logged in to post a comment.