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. _Ninja_
    • 15 Years
    3 months, 19 days ago

    Bench I Sarr or Reijners?

    Sarr playing more offensive but Reijners was really good last away game and high ownership. I'm likely playing Konsa as well.

    1. thewhitepele
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      Bench Reijnders

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      I'd bench a Liverpool attacker or Watkins before benching either of those this week I think.

      1. The Knights Template
        • 12 Years
        3 months, 19 days ago

        Oh dear.

      2. _Ninja_
        • 15 Years
        3 months, 19 days ago

        You'd bench Salah to start Reijnders or Sarr? 😉

        Watkins being on pens makes me favour starting him.

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          3 months, 19 days ago

          I think benching Watkins is fine. CPL defense is good and Villa look a bit lost.

          1. Haalander
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            3 months, 19 days ago

            Surely they’re not always going to look lost and have to kick off at some stage. Villa have had a full week training vs palace who played last night. Benching a villa striker at home doesn’t make sense to me no matter how theyve performed in two weeks. I’m capping Watkins this week as opposed to salah vs Arsenal.

  2. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 19 days ago

    Semenyo or BJ/Kudus if you could pick one? Spurs with slightly better fixtures?

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      I'd go Semenyo. He's nailed.

      Simons coming in means that BJ and Kudus' position and role are up in the air a bit.

      1. Atimis
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 19 days ago

        Isn't Simons mostly a threat to Sarr and BJ?

        1. thewhitepele
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 months, 19 days ago

          Yes

        2. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          3 months, 19 days ago

          He plays CAM and LW. So both could be at risk or at least potential to be shifted to a different position to where they are now.

          1. Atimis
            • 9 Years
            3 months, 19 days ago

            That aside, would you go for Kudu creativity or BJ shooting?

            1. Camzy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              3 months, 19 days ago

              I wouldn't go for either. Sarr or Semenyo for me.

              But if I had to choose probably BJ.

              1. Atimis
                • 9 Years
                3 months, 19 days ago

                CP ain't looking too inspiring honestly

                1. Atimis
                  • 9 Years
                  3 months, 19 days ago

                  I mean, I'm also considering Sarr but 90 minutes yesterday for him, no goals for CP, not sure if it looks good without Eze

                2. Camzy
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 15 Years
                  3 months, 19 days ago

                  Can't beat those next 3 fixtures though. 3 of the worst looking teams in the league so far.

                  1. Atimis
                    • 9 Years
                    3 months, 19 days ago

                    Then maybe Forrest mid as well?

                    1. Camzy
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 15 Years
                      3 months, 19 days ago

                      Forest don't score as many goals and play Arsenal in 5.

        3. _Ninja_
          • 15 Years
          3 months, 19 days ago

          My spurs supporting mate says Sarr would drop out for Simons.

          1. Atimis
            • 9 Years
            3 months, 19 days ago

            Would make sense

          2. I like to party
            • 10 Years
            3 months, 19 days ago

            nonsense.

          3. x.jim.x
            • 11 Years
            3 months, 19 days ago

            Benching Sarr to accommodate Brennan Johnson would be absolutely ludicrous

    2. Cold Palms
      • 1 Year
      3 months, 19 days ago

      BJ more clinical

    3. thewhitepele
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      Spurs feel more fixture proof right now so would go Kudus

    4. Malkmus
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      Semenyo a long term, set and forget option. The others are good picks but risks for mins

  3. cuppatea78
    • 13 Years
    3 months, 19 days ago

    Struggling with my captain choice.

    A) Haaland
    B) Wood
    C) J Pedro

    Thinking B. Wood does love a goal against West Ham.

    What do you reckon?

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      Haaland all day.

    2. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      A

    3. Malkmus
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      B. Hammers are currently letting in a goal for every 30% of shots, which is astounding stat. Relegated clubs were on 15% last season. Forest will score at least 4 or 5 so wood will be amongst that

    4. _Ninja_
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      If i owned Haaland i'd captain him. I don't so i'm on Wood or Pedro

    5. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      B.

    6. Haalander
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      Well based on goals conceded I’d agree it would be wood

    7. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 18 days ago

      AAAAAAA

  4. Nightf0x
    • 10 Years
    3 months, 19 days ago

    Sels (dub)
    Neco burn dorgu (konsa vdv)
    Rogers salah sarr rejinders kudus
    Watkins pedro (gyokeres)

    Which?

    A) watkins -4 to wood
    B) rogers -4 to cunha/mbeumo/ndoye

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      Nup. Hoooolllldddd lollygagger!

    2. thewhitepele
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      Hold

    3. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 18 days ago

      Hold.

  5. Sun God Nika
    • 5 Years
    3 months, 19 days ago

    Would you go

    Sels / Tarkowski
    or
    Pickford Milenkovic?

    Leaning to Pickford/Milenkovic at the moment

    1. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      Sels Aina

      1. Sun God Nika
        • 5 Years
        3 months, 19 days ago

        why aina?

        1. GreennRed
          • 14 Years
          3 months, 19 days ago

          Good CS record though not a good start. Good DC pptential. Cheaper than Milenkovic.

    2. White Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      Seis as I don’t wanna spend 5.5 at keeper. But on WC I will most likely find a 4.5.

    3. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 18 days ago

      Sels and Tarky as that way you save 0.5m

  6. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    3 months, 19 days ago

    Slowly liking the idea of buying Gyokeres as a long term pick this GW instead of moving to Mateta/Wood/Pedro as a short term move until GW7. Saka and Havertz out should give him pens and high mins.

    Anyone else looking into Gyokeres?

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      It makes sense. I don't even think this game is bad for Gyokeres. Liverpool defense has looked quite vulnerable.

    2. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      Teams will just mark him out of the game now Saka is injured

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        3 months, 19 days ago

        I'm sure Eze and Madueke will provide Arsenal attacking options with Saka injured.

        1. x.jim.x
          • 11 Years
          3 months, 19 days ago

          Madueke isn't very good though

          1. Bobby Digital
            • 8 Years
            3 months, 19 days ago

            Plus he's selfish as hell

        2. I like to party
          • 10 Years
          3 months, 19 days ago

          You've seen Madueke play right?

    3. Bobby Digital
      • 8 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      I sold Gyokeres this week after captaining him last week. I think, as jim said, that he'll struggle against better teams.

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        3 months, 19 days ago

        Are better teams more likely to be more attacking and give space vs a low block defensive team?

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 8 Years
          3 months, 19 days ago

          Don't know if Gyokeres is fast enough to utilize the spaces in behind like e.g. Haaland does.

      2. Malkmus
        • 14 Years
        3 months, 19 days ago

        He scored 100 goals in 2 years, he's a top class striker. I'll get him in for gw7 when goon fixtures really turn nicely

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 8 Years
          3 months, 19 days ago

          I'll be looking at getting a Arsenal attacker in GW7 too, but we're in GW3 now. Long way to go...

          1. Malkmus
            • 14 Years
            3 months, 19 days ago

            It sounds like you are under estimating him a bit, he's a world class striker

            1. GreennRed
              • 14 Years
              3 months, 19 days ago

              He had two good seasons with the dominant team in Portugal. Played for Coventry two years ago. He's wait and see for Premier League but plenty of potential.

        2. x.jim.x
          • 11 Years
          3 months, 19 days ago

          He scored 51 non-penalty leagues goals in 2 seasons for a dominant Portuguese side - let's not get carried away here

          1. Malkmus
            • 14 Years
            3 months, 19 days ago

            Sure the portugese league can distort it a bit, but he's a top level striker. This season will tell us a lot about him

            1. x.jim.x
              • 11 Years
              3 months, 19 days ago

              Amorim looked like Guardiola out there, all I'll say

              1. Malkmus
                • 14 Years
                3 months, 19 days ago

                Amorim had sporting second in CL when he left, hammered city and beat arsenal in europa so his failings are more about a utd problem imo

    4. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      Yes but don't think he covers the 1.5m gap to the other 3, for now.

  7. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 months, 19 days ago

    Looking to take out Palmer this week, question is not best replacement but which future transfer works best, up to GW 6:

    1) MGW - bring in Gakpo for GW4 with for LIV vs BUR
    2) Anderson - Can bring in Gakp or Ekitike for same fixture

    Currently on 2, as gives more flexibility to what Isak impact has - Wirtz could then also be an option

    TIA

    1. Big Mike
      • 3 Years
      3 months, 18 days ago

      I'd go for Ismaila Sarr.

  8. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    3 months, 19 days ago

    Maresca:
    "Cole is out. Benoit is out. Romeo is out. The rest are okay."

  9. Sting
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 months, 19 days ago

    I sold Mitoma, Wirtz and Guiu for -4 this week to bring in Sarr (TOT), Kudus and J Pedro.

    Now regretting selling Wirtz instead of Palmer who I still have.

    I plan to FH4 so now it looks like Palmer will still be in my team for GW5 unless I’m forced to WC GW5, rather than my plan to WC GW7.

    Lesson learned - don’t overly worry about price drops

  10. Taribo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 months, 19 days ago

    a) Palmer to Semenyo -4
    b) Play KDH

    1. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      B

      1. Big Mike
        • 3 Years
        3 months, 18 days ago

        Yep, B

  11. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    3 months, 19 days ago

    This suggest short term injury, potentially back after IB.

    Enzo Maresca:
    "Cole, we need to see day-by-day. The other two [Lavia and Badiashile], I don't think they will be back [immediately] after the international break. Romeo and Benoit, it's normal that they need time and sessions."

    https://x.com/AbsoluteChelsea/status/1961399783345565958?t=hdFyvlWpLGbvd4h409UsLQ&s=19

  12. TAArt
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 months, 19 days ago

    A knee jerk wildcard. How’s she looking?

    Sels
    Porro / Timber / Burn
    Salah / Gakpo / Johnson / Sarr / Reijnders
    Haaland / Pedro
    Dubravka / Rodon / Reinaldo / Guiu

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 19 days ago

      Would go Calafiori over Timber. Timber didn't even start GW1 because of White.

      I'd probably go for Lacroix in defense over Burn also for the defcons.

      I like the rest of the team though.

      1. TAArt
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 months, 19 days ago

        Thanks Camzy. I know I’m not sure on Timber but 0.1 off all of the other Arsenal defenders so gambling a bit but figure last year he was pretty nailed at right back.
        Lacroix definitely on my watchlist. Burn has defcons in both games so far too and like the short term fixtures.

      2. Moon Dog
          3 months, 19 days ago

          Lewis-Skelly not a threat to Calafiori?

          Wouldn't go near the fullbacks personally.

      3. Moon Dog
          3 months, 19 days ago

          Xavi Simons might threaten Johnson. Sarr has done well as the 10 and the manager has praised him a lot, so it may be that Simons starts on the left for now. Johnson's been coming off early in every game too, and didn't even start against PSG.

          So yeah, him and Timber the only concerns in this team.

        • Malkmus
          • 14 Years
          3 months, 19 days ago

          I would go 343 if on WC. There are just too many in form forwards right now - ekitike, wood, gyo, richy.

      4. FFFoxy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 19 days ago

        On WC

        A) Sels - Aina - Gibbs white - Richarlison
        B) Vicario - Cucurella - Reijnders - Wood

        (Can bench Forrest next week v Arsenal)

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 9 Years
          3 months, 19 days ago

          B

      5. bobicek92
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 1 Year
        3 months, 19 days ago

        Do you think Pedro will start against Brentford after the international break?

        Considering Palmer to Semenyo and JSL to JP to retain Chelsea coverage but wondering if it could backfire.

      6. hehyna
          3 months, 19 days ago

          Should I take a minus 4 to take Saka out for :

          A Sarr
          B Bruno
          C Hold a week

          Made changes before Saka got injured in GW2 and now have none left.

          Current midfield is:
          Salah, Reijnders, Kudus, Eze & Saka(5 week injured)

          1. Big Mike
            • 3 Years
            3 months, 18 days ago

            C, because any other player you bring in would need to score 4 points just to break even, although Sarr would be the better option for me. Don't get the fuss over Bruno to be honest.

        • GreennRed
          • 14 Years
          3 months, 19 days ago

          Any more certain news on Ait Nouri starting v Brighton?

          1. Big Mike
            • 3 Years
            3 months, 18 days ago

            “He’s fine, yep".

            “Will he be available?"

            "Mm-hmm" *nods*.” (Pep Guardiola on Rayan Ait-Nouri)