Fantasy EFL
29 August 2025 182 comments
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Fantasy EFL Gameweek 5 gets underway on Friday night, with two games in League Two and the Championship. With the first deadline looming, it’s time to finalise our Fantasy EFL Gameweek 5 Scout Picks.

After careful consideration of the Scout Squad submissions from Lewis (EFL Editor), FPL Reactions, plus contributors Danny and Dan Dave, we finalised our selections.

These selections are based on the highest-selected players from our resident experts, with one or two selections debated in-house.

FANTASY EFL GAMEWEEK 5: SCOUT PICKS

Goalkeeper

Although Alex Palmer (G) and Matt Young (G) received more votes, we’ve selected Nathan Trott (G) as our top shotstopper. His clean sheet record for Cardiff City is the deciding factor.

The Bluebirds are yet to concede this season (+20 points), and he’s racked up 32 points in four games, including an 11-pointer last time out due to seven saves (+4) away at Luton Town.

They face Plymouth Argyle (H), who have lost four of their opening five games, blanking in front of goal in three of those.

Defenders

Fantasy EFL Gameweek 5: Best players, tips, team news + more

Adebola Oluwo (D) has been magnificent for Salford City and receives backing from all experts. He’s scored two goals and made defensive returns. The Ammies face Cheltenham Town (H), who sit bottom of the EFL, losing five of five games, scoring just once.

He’s still our vice-captain, giving us the option to deploy the vice-captain trick if he hauls.

Selected by all experts, MK Dons’ Jack Sanders (D) is essential for Gameweek 5. The defender is averaging over 11 points per game and has two goal contributions (+10).

He has also made 86 clearances – 24 more than anyone else – and has kept three shutouts. With the Dons playing a struggling Walsall team (H), Sanders is a must-have for guaranteed points.

Completing the defence, Chesterfield’s Chey Dunkley (D) has also been a star despite keeping two shutouts in five. He’s provided three double-digit hauls in that time, opening his goalscoring account and making 64 clearances.

The Spireites face Crawley Town (H), who have lost both games on the road and are yet to score.

Midfielders

Fantasy EFL Gameweek 5: Scout Squad

Also receiving 100% backing, Bristol City’s Scott Twine (M) was immediately selected.

The number 10 has been in unplayable form, providing four goal contributions (+21) in four games for the Robins, totalling 39 points. He’s the highest scorer in the Championship, delivering points in all categories available for midfielders.

He faces Hull City (H), who have shipped eight goals in their previous three games [all comps].

Partnering him, In-form midfielder Rubin Colwill (M) is a key figure for Cardiff City.

He’s scored two goals and made 10 key passes (+5) in his last five league matches, along with a recent Carabao Cup assist. With Colwill on set-pieces, Cardiff City are favoured to win comfortably against a Plymouth Argyle side that has conceded nine goals in four.

Forward

Leading the line for Crewe Alexandra, Josh March (F) has been in impressive form, contributing to six goals in his last five appearances and proving to be one of the most productive attacking players in the EFL.

The Railwaymen are in excellent form, having won four of their last five matches and sitting at the top of the table.

They are expected to continue their good run against Swindon Town (H), who have conceded eight goals in their last five games, and are yet to keep a clean sheet this season.

Gameweek 5 Scout Picks: Club Picks

The experts predict wins for Chesterfield and Cardiff City.

The Spireites, who had a strong play-off campaign last season, are in excellent form. They have a total of 12 points from five games, putting them joint-second in League Two.

Crawley, in contrast, have struggled since being relegated, losing four of their five games. They’ve scored just two goals and conceded nine. A home win for Chesterfield seems highly probable.

Meanwhile, the Bluebirds are also a top pick, with a perfect record and 13 points from their first five games. They are joint top of the Fantasy EFL club picks table with 39 points.

Their record includes four clean sheets, with seven goals scored and only one conceded. This week, they face the Pilgrims, who recently ended a four-game losing streak with a victory.

Nevertheless, given Cardiff’s strong form and home advantage, we’re expecting a dominant performance.

182 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Dynamic Duos
    • 12 Years
    4 months, 21 hours ago

    MGW(c)?

    1. Eric Banternaaa
      • 11 Years
      4 months, 21 hours ago

      Big differential, could pay off. I wouldn't.

    2. Sounds like the sort of thing Az would suggest

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 12 Years
        4 months, 21 hours ago

        Az isn't very good lol

        1. NoOneCares
            4 months, 20 hours ago

            Neither are MGW owners.

            1. Dynamic Duos
              • 12 Years
              4 months, 20 hours ago

              I dont claim to be

    3. Pep Roulette
      • 8 Years
      4 months, 21 hours ago

      Best replacement for Rogers apart from Kudus & Reijnders?

      1. Eric Banternaaa
        • 11 Years
        4 months, 21 hours ago

        Semenyo

      2. What's wrong with Rogers?

        1. Do I Not Like Orange
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 months, 21 hours ago

          Plays for a team that hasn't scored or looked like scoring this season*

          *I have both him & Watkins & am keeping, but I'm stubborn & wrong.

          1. 2 games have been played and great fixtures ahead. I wish he was the biggest fire I had to put out!

    4. Eric Banternaaa
      • 11 Years
      4 months, 21 hours ago

      Thoughts on the below:

      Sels
      Cucarella | Porro | VdV
      Palmer | Bruno | Semenyo | Gakpo
      Ekitike | Pedro (C) | Gyokores

      Dubravka | Rejinders | Andersen | Esteve

      No FT. Leaving Palmer in starting X1, He'll either start or be rested.
      Thinking to keep him unless confirmed out longer term in today presser as hopefully be back after internationals.

      1. Bucket Man
        • 7 Years
        4 months, 21 hours ago

        Great 11 even if Palmer out for this week. G2G

    5. Bucket Man
      • 7 Years
      4 months, 21 hours ago

      Hi guys. Not sure who to ship first 2FT. Palmer stays if he is fit. Is Pedro a must?, fixtures look a bit mixed to me but ownership a worry. Bowen and Mitoma have tricky fixtures and haven't been great but proven assets normally

      Sanchez
      Porro, Munoz, Milenkovic
      Salah, Palmer*, Mitoma, Adingra
      Watkins, Bowen, Wood
      Andersen, Rodon, King

      A) Palmer to Kudus
      B) Bowen to Richarlison/Pedro
      C) Both

      Could also do Palmer to Kudus and Mitoma to Cunha or even all 3 for a -4.

      1. Eric Banternaaa
        • 11 Years
        4 months, 21 hours ago

        Should have pulled trigger earlier in the week, missed rises/ drops.

        Wait until 1PM presser to hear about Palmer.

        1. Bucket Man
          • 7 Years
          4 months, 21 hours ago

          I didn't really have a clue what I wanted to do and wanted to here about the extent of Palmers injury first. There was also cup games so wasn't too bothered about losing a bit of squad value. What moves do you reckon. C?

          1. Eric Banternaaa
            • 11 Years
            4 months, 21 hours ago

            Wait on Palmer information. If ruled out for a couple of weeks I'd look at possibly Palmer Watkins to Haaland Kudus.

            1. Bucket Man
              • 7 Years
              4 months, 21 hours ago

              Not a bad shout thanks. I will have a look if I can afford it. Last time I sold Watkins early in the season and before some nice fixtures he scored a hatrick though.

    6. Bank$y
      • 7 Years
      4 months, 21 hours ago

      Haaland or Pedro captain?

      1. Haaland surely

      2. Bobby Digital
        • 8 Years
        4 months, 21 hours ago

        Haaland

    7. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      4 months, 21 hours ago

      Trent left out of England squad after being flopped by RM for being crap. Should’ve stayed where he was loved.

      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        4 months, 21 hours ago

        *dropped

      2. Bobby Digital
        • 8 Years
        4 months, 21 hours ago

        Yeah has Bale written all over it

    8. Malkmus
      • 14 Years
      4 months, 21 hours ago

      Best 4.5m Mid?

      A - King
      B - Devenny
      C - H Traore
      D - Other

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 8 Years
        4 months, 21 hours ago

        A

        1. Malkmus
          • 14 Years
          4 months, 20 hours ago

          Cheers

    9. Bobby Digital
      • 8 Years
      4 months, 21 hours ago

      Team GTG?

      Sels
      VdV Konsa Gudmund
      Bruno(c) Wirtz Reijnders KDH
      Haaland Pedro Watkins

      Dub King DeCuyp Esteve

      6.3m itb, next week plan is Bruno to Salah

      1. OptimusBlack
        • 12 Years
        4 months, 21 hours ago

        Okay but Bruno not the ©

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 8 Years
          4 months, 21 hours ago

          Would you go Haaland instead?

          1. Dynamic Duos
            • 12 Years
            4 months, 20 hours ago

            If you have Haaland you (c) him

    10. Qaiss
      • 9 Years
      4 months, 21 hours ago

      Palmer is not in the England squad. Looks like he’s not playing tomorrow at all

    11. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      4 months, 21 hours ago

      Palmer left out the England squad

      Likely suggests not available in GW3 and back after IB if short term injury

      https://x.com/England/status/1961382828735631648?t=O1RrWPvYKTA0pKwM_10KnQ&s=19

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 12 Years
        4 months, 20 hours ago

        Sell sell sell

    12. Football99
      • 1 Year
      4 months, 21 hours ago

      Saka out for who?
      Gakpo
      Johnson
      Kudus
      Grealish
      Seymeno?

      1. DavvaMC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 months, 21 hours ago

        Sarr?

      2. Yozzer
        • 8 Years
        4 months, 20 hours ago

        Gakpo easily but consider Dango too

    13. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 months, 21 hours ago

      Best and most nailed Max 6.3 mid?

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 months, 21 hours ago

        For Palmer, will enable Bruno to Salah next week.

        Or should I drop Salah next week and go an expensiver, non ManU mid already this GW?

      2. Bobby Digital
        • 8 Years
        4 months, 20 hours ago

        Ndoye

        1. RamaJama
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 months, 20 hours ago

          Cheers!

        2. NoOneCares
            4 months, 20 hours ago

            He isn't nailed.

            1. Bobby Digital
              • 8 Years
              4 months, 20 hours ago

              This is true.

        3. FPLamateur
          • 1 Year
          4 months, 20 hours ago

          Damsgaard / Dango

          1. RamaJama
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            4 months, 20 hours ago

            Both nailed?

            1. FPLamateur
              • 1 Year
              4 months, 20 hours ago

              Yeah would say so. Dango the record signing and Damsgaard appears to be the main man for Brentford this season

      3. The Knights Template
        • 12 Years
        4 months, 21 hours ago

        TAA dropped from the bath dodgers’ squad.

      4. OptimusBlack
        • 12 Years
        4 months, 21 hours ago

        Who to © ?
        A- Watkins
        B- Pedro

        1. RamaJama
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 months, 20 hours ago

          B

        2. The Knights Template
          • 12 Years
          4 months, 20 hours ago

          Tried and proven this season, unless you trust Emery to get it right.

        3. Football99
          • 1 Year
          4 months, 20 hours ago

          B

        4. NoOneCares
            4 months, 20 hours ago

            Anyone else?

        5. White Pony
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 months, 21 hours ago

          Assuming RAN’s fit I am eyeing up Palmer, Watkins & Bowen -> Anderson, Haaland(c) and J Pedro for a hit.

          Really fancy Haaland v United after the break as well as this week.

        6. Conan23
          • 4 Years
          4 months, 20 hours ago

          What is the best price prediction website. Had a look at saka last night on livefpl and he wasn't close to dropping last night and wake up and he's down. Kick in the gut it was

          1. White Pony
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            4 months, 20 hours ago

            It’s 0.1 who cares, always plenty of other places to go.

          2. WVA
            • 9 Years
            4 months, 20 hours ago

            They are completely fixed mate, just ignore them

          3. Tonyawesome69
            • 7 Years
            4 months, 20 hours ago

            LiveFPL...

            Price drops are more difficult to predict than price increases. Have a look at the accuracy in the link below.

            -90% is probably when you need to serious consider pulling the trigger on the planned transfer.

            https://whatthef.pl/

              1. Conan23
                • 4 Years
                4 months, 20 hours ago

                Ya unfortunately I looked at about 9pm and he was at about 76%. It's not a big deal just when I'm 100% selling would have been nice to avoid it. Especially with Palmer and AWB price drop looming

        7. Lanley Staurel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          4 months, 20 hours ago

          No press conf times for today on hot topics. Any idea on Chelsea and Man U?

            1. Lanley Staurel
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              4 months, 20 hours ago

              Ah thxs - should be a hot topic like in them there olden days

              1. _Greg
                • 15 Years
                4 months, 20 hours ago

                I just posted it again just for funzies.

        8. klopp it guys
          • 8 Years
          4 months, 20 hours ago

          How's this GTG?

          Sels
          Vdv, cucurella, neco
          Semenyo, cunha(Vc), Johnson, sarr
          Haaland(C), Pedro, ekiteke

          Bench, dubravka, gakpo, guehi, esteve

          1. OptimusBlack
            • 12 Years
            4 months, 20 hours ago

            Yay
            GTG

          2. Podorsky
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            4 months, 20 hours ago

            I would play Gakpo and bench Ekitike.

            1. klopp it guys
              • 8 Years
              4 months, 20 hours ago

              Really gakpo over ekiteke? Reason for my strong bench in trying to spread the funds, so I can go for Salah again, or isak when he moves to Liverpool

          3. Malkmus
            • 14 Years
            4 months, 20 hours ago

            If you have gakpo as a sub then your bench is too strong imo. Will leave too many points on the bench.

        9. Moon Dog
            4 months, 20 hours ago

            England getting Elliot Anderson capped before Scotland claim him. Would be a good partner for Rice.

            1. Dynamic Duos
              • 12 Years
              4 months, 20 hours ago

              Love it

            2. Malkmus
              • 14 Years
              4 months, 20 hours ago

              Wharton would be better with Rice imo. He's class

          • OptimusBlack
            • 12 Years
            4 months, 20 hours ago

            Sels (Dúbravka)
            Porro Cucurella Munoz VDV (Diouf)
            Salah Wirtz Reijnders ( Rutter KDH)
            Pedro Watkins Gyökeres
            GTG ?
            Play KDH or VDV ??

            1. Bobby Digital
              • 8 Years
              4 months, 20 hours ago

              VDV

              1. OptimusBlack
                • 12 Years
                4 months, 20 hours ago

                Thxx

          • jacktaylor
            • 12 Years
            4 months, 20 hours ago

            On WC, what's best?

            Sels, Cucurella & Cunha

            or

            Sanchez, N. Williams & Bruno F?

            1. Dynamic Duos
              • 12 Years
              4 months, 20 hours ago

              SCC

          • Atimis
            • 9 Years
            4 months, 20 hours ago

            Anything against CHO? Better stats than Ndoye, is he nailed?

            1. Holmes
              • 12 Years
              4 months, 20 hours ago

              nailed but historically underwhelming over few weeks, injury will always be a possibility.

            2. FPLamateur
              • 1 Year
              4 months, 20 hours ago

              I would personally be leaving CHO and N’Doye alone in the long term with Europe involved thing everyone with MGW / Wood / Andersen from the front 6 could be a rotation risk

            3. Pariße
              • 10 Years
              4 months, 19 hours ago

              Bet he scores this weekend now.

          • _Greg
            • 15 Years
            4 months, 20 hours ago

            Press Conferences today:

            LIV 9:00am
            EVE 9:30am
            NEW 9:30am
            CRY 11:30am
            BOU 12pm
            CHE 1pm
            WOL 1pm
            MUN 1:15pm
            ARS 1:30pm
            AVL 1:30pm
            FUL 1:30pm
            MCI 1:30pm
            NFO 1:30pm
            TOT 1:30pm
            SUN 1:30pm
            WHU 1:30pm

            1. Moon Dog
                4 months, 20 hours ago

                It's a STICKY situation with Palmer. I want to keep him if he's only out for GW3, but I'm really not sure what to do with him after that England announcement. I hope Maresca gives us some clarity. What we do with him is clearly a HOT TOPIC atm.

                1. Lanley Staurel
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 15 Years
                  4 months, 20 hours ago

                  Oh, you mean when Hot Topics actually were Hot Topics rather than some random "creator" who has had 4 top £2m finishes and we need to hear about his squad. 🙂

                  1. White Pony
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    4 months, 20 hours ago

                    Aye them were the days.

            2. Malkmus
              • 14 Years
              4 months, 20 hours ago

              WC GTG? 0.3 ITB

              Dub (Green)
              Cucu - Lacroix - VDV
              Salah - Reijnders - Semenyo - Gibbs-White
              Wood (c) - Pedro - Haaand

              Subs - Gudmundsson, Esteve, King

              Ta

              1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
                • 9 Years
                4 months, 20 hours ago

                Two forest attackers is at least one too many

                1. Malkmus
                  • 14 Years
                  4 months, 20 hours ago

                  Just for hammers. It will be a goal fest

            3. theshazly
              • 2 Years
              4 months, 20 hours ago

              Sels ( Dub )
              RAN* Porro Diouf ( DeCuyper/Gudmnssn )
              Salah Palmer* KDH Reijnders Wirtz
              Watkins Gyokeres ( Guiu )

              2 FT / 0 ITB

              Shall I ditch RAN & Palmer now ? or swallow it this GW and roll so I can have 3 FT before GW4 ?

            4. LeytonOrient
              • 11 Years
              4 months, 20 hours ago

              Palmer + AWB > Johnson + Spence.
              G2G?

              Would mean I have double spurs defence, but tbh their fixtures are very good for next 3-5 GW.

              Leaves me money to pivot back to Palmer after IB if needed.

              Any others you would consider strongly otherwise?

            5. Moon Dog
                4 months, 20 hours ago

                Mainoo not making the England squad is only going to cause more friction between him and United. If wants to make the World Cup he needs to leave really...

                1. x.jim.x
                  • 11 Years
                  4 months, 20 hours ago

                  Unfortunately, Tuchel is obsessed with Jordan Henderson, so can't see him making it regardless

                  1. The Knights Template
                    • 12 Years
                    4 months, 20 hours ago

                    Just bizarre.

                2. Malkmus
                  • 14 Years
                  4 months, 20 hours ago

                  He put 5 passes into the stand v grimsby so he's not exactly knocking on the door. I know he's frustrated but he just needs to work hard and be patient. He's too weak physically and his passing is not good enough. He's only 20 and has 2+1 years on his contract. No panic

              • thewhitepele
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                4 months, 20 hours ago

                G2G and reasses after IB? Got 2ft and 0.0m itb.

                Sels
                Cucu Murillo VDV
                Salah Palmer Wirtz Kudus Reijnders
                Watkins J.Pedro

                Dubs, Guiu, Diouf, Gudmundsson

              • J to the T
                • 8 Years
                4 months, 20 hours ago

                On a wildcard. Help:

                A. Livramento and Bruno
                B. Gabriel and Cunha

              • Ale Seizer
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 2 Years
                4 months, 20 hours ago

                A