Scout Picks
21 November 2025 737 comments
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With the November international break now over, we are ready to finalise our Scout Picks.

We considered the Scout Squad submissions made by Neale, Tom, Sam and Marc before coming up with our final team.

As ever, there are certain restrictions for our picks:

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

GAMEWEEK 12 SCOUT PICKS

FPL Gameweek 12 Scout Picks: Chelsea triple-up 1

GOALKEEPER

Robert Sanchez (£4.8m) gets the nod between the sticks for Chelsea’s away trip to Burnley. With five clean sheets in 11 matches, the Spaniard enjoys perhaps the best on-paper fixture in Gameweek 12 – the Clarets have scored just five goals in their five home fixtures so far. They also have the lowest expected goals (xG) tally of any team (8.3).

DEFENDERS

Liverpool's defence: Why they are struggling in FPL this season

With Arsenal among the favourites to keep a clean sheet in Gameweek 12, we’ve included William Saliba (£6.0m) in our Scout Picks XI. The injury to teammate Gabriel Magalhaes (£6.6m) could impact the Gunners’ clean sheet potential in the north London derby, but bearing in mind Mikel Arteta’s side have conceded just once in five matches at the Emirates Stadium in 2025/26, Saliba looks a viable option for points. It’s also worth noting that both of Saliba’s goals from last season were scored while Gabriel was sidelined due to injury, so we could potentially see an increased threat from set-piece situations.

Liverpool’s defence has not especially impressed this season, but if they are to secure just their fourth clean sheet, a home match against Nottingham Forest is perhaps as good a time as any. Virgil van Dijk (£5.9m) received significant backing from our Scout Squad pundits this week, having already amassed 12 defensive contribution (DC/DefCon) points. The Dutchman also poses a threat from dead-ball situations, a potentially significant factor with Forest in the bottom two for set-piece goals conceded.

Daniel Munoz (£5.8m) is our Crystal Palace defender of choice for the trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Colombian racked up four goals and six assists last season and has already produced four attacking returns in 2025/26, underlining his points potential in the opponents’ box for Saturday’s Molineux clash. Munoz’s 12 shots and 33 penalty box touches this season both place second in his position.

Marcos Senesi (£5.0m) is drafted in ahead of Bournemouth’s home encounter with West Ham United. The Hammers have scored just two goals in their last three away trips, suggesting a fourth home clean sheet of the season could be on the cards for Andoni Iraola’s men. As for Senesi, he carries significant DefCon potential, having already amassed 18 points, the most of any player.

MIDFIELDERS

FPL pre-season: Fernandes assist, Amorim on Mbeumo + Cunha
 

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  1. Jimmy Boy
    • 9 Years
    1 month, 1 day ago

    A) Gakpo, Mateta
    B) Sarr, Ekitike

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      a

    2. F4L
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      a just, think ekitike still has too much competition from isak tbh. would need to see slot be confident starting the pair together again like against frankfurt to go there imo. or when salah leaves for afcon

  2. Nightcrawler
    • 6 Years
    1 month, 1 day ago

    enzo to gakpo for free

    yes or no?

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 7 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Next GW, if Wirtz is still out

    2. F4L
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      tempting

      given enzo's fixture might be best just to wait one gw. if szobo does come in at rb for forest, then even if wirtz returns soon after, gakpo should still be solid for starts as wirtz can just slot in in midfield

  3. F4L
    • 11 Years
    1 month, 1 day ago

    how badly do you think jones/szobo/gomez coming in at rb will affect Liverpool's defence? i guess losing szobo in mid as well if hes rb. was pretty set on vvd for gabriel, not 100% sure now but still feel like putting vvd in tbh

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 7 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Who are your other defenders? I'm targeting this backline:

      Pope Dubravka
      Arsenal Palace Senesi City Chelsea

      Rotates well. Doesn't need Pool until their defence improves in the way that Chelsea's did

    2. Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      szobo is good irrespectively, liv should do good in next 4

    3. F4L
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      thanks both

  4. Jet5605
    • 11 Years
    1 month, 1 day ago

    Anyone else considering Munoz over VVD?

    1. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Most will have both, fair to go M over V tho

    2. F4L
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      yeah, although im not sure how much losing sarr will affect munoz. i guess still 5GWs away, but last season munoz and palace tbf, started slow but once sarr came in and munoz worked out their understanding down the right side they just clicked and munoz looked better from an attacking sense.

      1. bso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        Why would he be losing Sarr?

        1. F4L
          • 11 Years
          1 month, 1 day ago

          sorry meant when sarr goes to afcon. not an issue in the short term

        2. panda07
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          1 month, 1 day ago

          AFCON

  5. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    1 month, 1 day ago

    Would you have to pick one, Neto, Gakpo or Minteh?

  6. LosOpKop
    • 1 Year
    1 month, 1 day ago

    Play one:

    A. Kudus (ars)
    B. Dewsbury-Hall (mun)

    1. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      B

    2. F4L
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      b

  7. Guru Mediation
    • 10 Years
    1 month, 1 day ago

    Really liking the idea of Free hitting this week due to Haaland's most difficult fixture (risky I know), then WC in 13/14. Below is my Free hit draft, your thoughts would be most welcome:

    Sanchez
    VVD Timber Guehi/Richards
    Salah (c) Saka Enzo Mbeumo
    Pedro Mateta Ekitike

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Haaland is fixture proof. Newcastle are more of a threat at home, but their defence is nothing special - they played well at home to Pool & Arsenal and still shipped 5 across the 2 fixtures, and neither of those teams had a forward in the form EBH is in.

      1. Guru Mediation
        • 10 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        Yeah this is the risk I'm taking. It will be behind the sofa stuff.

        My guess is that for one week it won't hurt too much, and I believe the pool boys could turn it on at Anfield.

        It's very punty

  8. who the Ozil r u
    • 13 Years
    1 month, 1 day ago

    Transfer Gabriel out for a hit (-4)?

    1. Guru Mediation
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Who is on your bench now and would play instead of Gabriel?

      1. who the Ozil r u
        • 13 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        I would play 3 at the back Guehi, Konate + Senesi.

        But I may play FH next week so wouldn’t transfer him out to GW 14.

        1. Ze_Austin
          • 7 Years
          1 month, 1 day ago

          You'll probably only lose 0.2 in that timeframe, with the way price drops work for popular players now

  9. Ninjaa
    • 15 Years
    1 month, 1 day ago

    Currently

    Raya 4m
    Gabriel Vvd Senesi Guehi Rodon

    Gabriel to
    A. Timber
    B. O'Reilly
    C. Cucurella
    D. Any other

    Thanks

    1. Guru Mediation
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      It's worth waiting a week to see how Arsenal fair without Gab; plus another week to size up O'Reilly.

      If you need to do this I would go for B) as you have strong cover if any benching

    2. Ze_Austin
      • 7 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Went with Chalobah here. More routes to points than Cucurella atm

  10. Jet5605
    • 11 Years
    1 month, 1 day ago

    Wolt over Andersen or vice versa? Have a feeling SUN will score and so Andersen could get 2-4 points. Wolt could be on pens if Gordon is out.

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      wolt, for all newcastle faults they have turned up for home matches this season, and iirc city have concede quite a few goals there seasons gone by

      1. Jet5605
        • 11 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        Thanks. I just feel uneasy about benching a striker at home and on pens. Think his ceiling is higher than Andersen

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Volte

  11. Stevie B
    • 15 Years
    1 month, 1 day ago

    Which is the best replacement for Gabriel?

    A) Saliba
    B) Timber
    C) van Dijk
    D) Ruben
    E) O'Reilly

    Thank you and good luck!

    1. Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      C

    2. F4L
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      c

    3. Guru Mediation
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Completely depends on who else you have imo.

      But answer the question in isolation, I think C) as the fixtures look more inviting

  12. Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    1 month, 1 day ago

    Sarr, Rice or Rogers for next 4? Got Mateta

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      sarr

      1. Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        AVL seems to be on the up, and Mateta is a good CRY cover. Rice can pick up points in any game.
        Haven't seen Sarr lately but did he look good in last couple of games?

        1. F4L
          • 11 Years
          1 month, 1 day ago

          yeah think sarr has been unfortunate of late, hitting the woodwork etc. hes always there in the box goal hanging, a haul never feels too far away if he gets the rub of the green and the ball finds him in good positions a few times in a match

    2. Jet5605
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Sarr

  13. Under my Cucurella
    • 10 Years
    1 month, 1 day ago

    If on WC12 and FH13 would you rather

    A: 1 of Mbuemo/Bruno + Gakpo
    B: Mbuemo + Bruno double up

    No other Utd or Liverpool attackers (VVD for other Liverpool assets)

    1. Jet5605
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      B

      Gakpo minutes uncertain after Wirtz is back

      1. Under my Cucurella
        • 10 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        Any reliable news on how long Wirtz will be out for?

        1. Jet5605
          • 11 Years
          1 month, 1 day ago

          I recall hearing a week earlier today

          1. Under my Cucurella
            • 10 Years
            1 month, 1 day ago

            Okay fair enough, I was on B before hearing the Wirtz news earlier today, but maybe I should stick

  14. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    1 month, 1 day ago

    When are you using FH and hope I'm not too cheeky for asking but why that specific gw?

    1. Guru Mediation
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      This week because:

      a) I don't fully trust Liverpool to wildcard in their assets, so this will be a toe dip for them
      b) I don't have any Chelsea and fancy that fixture
      c) I think City will struggle at St James's
      d) I like the idea of punting on Ekitike and Salah(c) Vs Forest at Anfiekd as Isak not fully fit
      e) wait and see how Arsenal's defence works without Gabriel

    2. Punned It
        1 month, 1 day ago

        19, less people doing so, a lot of my (expected) players have rubbish or not-so-good fixtures.

      • Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        cheers all!

    3. Guru Mediation
      • 10 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Is anyone else free hitting this week? Share your squads if so please and thank you 🙂

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        See article above 🙂

      2. marcus2704
        • 15 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        I am currently on a -8 so thinking of free-hitting.

        Sanchez
        Saliba | Munoz | VVD
        Saka | Bruno | Mbeumo | Caicedo
        Haaland | Mateta | Pedro

        1. Guru Mediation
          • 10 Years
          1 month, 1 day ago

          I'm going very similar but going a bit more risky and getting Salah(c) and Haaland out

        2. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 9 Years
          1 month, 1 day ago

          Very good team

    4. F4L
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      with doku/cherki/foden just tying teams up in knots, silly to go against haaland right now?

      1. F4L
        • 11 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        *sorry, for captaincy

      2. Guru Mediation
        • 10 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        It's not silly as Newcastle tend to play well against the big boys at St. James's

        1. F4L
          • 11 Years
          1 month, 1 day ago

          yeah true. ah just need to feel the upside to be worth it with another option, just from a personal point of view struggle to be confident in any other player to get 2+ attacking returns right now, bar haaland (in a good fixture). like i still feel haaland will get a goal with city scoring at least 2

    5. Jet5605
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      1FT and 3.3m ITB. Planning FH13

      A - Paqueta > Mbeumo and bench Wolt
      B - Roll

      Pope
      Timber - VVD - Senesi
      Semenyo - Sarr - Enzo - Gakpo
      Haaland - Mateta - Wolt

      Dubrav - Andersen - Gudmund - Paqueta

      1. Sgt. Schultz
        • 9 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        A

      2. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 9 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        Close but perhaps A

    6. Voronins Pony Tail
      • 2 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      For all the Wolt owners, give him the armband as I’ve transferred him out for Thiago….

      Thank me later

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 9 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        We are so hit and miss, he could fire indeed

    7. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Hi experts. My WC team look ok?

      Verbruggen (Dubs)
      Munoz VVD Senesi (VanHecke, Esteve)
      Saka Mbeumo Gakpo Caicedo (King)
      Haaland Mateta Pedro

      1. Ze_Austin
        • 7 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        Potts is more likely to start than King, imo

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 9 Years
          1 month, 1 day ago

          Yeah that’s an easy change I guess. How about the main guys?

          1. Ze_Austin
            • 7 Years
            1 month, 1 day ago

            I'd end up funneling you towards the template

            But yeah, Thiago Chalobah over Pedro Esteve for me

            1. RAFA THE GAFFA
              • 9 Years
              1 month, 1 day ago

              Is there a template? I’m so out of touch with it all haha

    8. Saka White Rice
      • 11 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Is Semenyo going on afcon?

      1. Sgt. Schultz
        • 9 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        no

      2. FantasyTony
        • 8 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        As a spectator maybe.

    9. FantasyTony
      • 8 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Rate My WC

      Raya Dubravka
      Calafiori VVD Senesi Munoz O’Reilly
      Mbuemo Semenyo Rice Minteh King
      Haaland Mateta Thiago

      I have exact funds to do Semenyo > Bruno. Might do that too.

      1. Sgt. Schultz
        • 9 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        Calafiori questionable for this Week no?

        1. FantasyTony
          • 8 Years
          1 month, 1 day ago

          He is but I can just bench him for this GW. Not sure I need an Arsenal def double up in the NLD

      2. Legohair
        • 9 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        Hincapie option also, I think he will start, left footed center back to cover Gabby

      3. White Pony
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        I wouldn’t have Semenyo on WC I don’t think.

    10. TKC07
      • 6 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Which option better to replace Gab + Pope with 2FT?
      A) Senesi + Alisson
      B) VVD + Petro
      C) VVD + Pope (Save 1 FT)
      D) Senesi + Pope (Save 1 FT)

      1. FantasyTony
        • 8 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        C

    11. Cojones of Destiny
      • 7 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      which option lads
      a. Minteh + VVD
      b. Sarr + Konate

      1. FantasyTony
        • 8 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        A

      2. boombaba
        • 12 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        A

      3. TKC07
        • 6 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        A

    12. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 8 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Carvalho > Cunha makes more sense than Rutter > Mbeumo with this bench, right?

      Rodon Carvalho Acheampong

      Freehit - GW 13
      Wildcard - GW 15

      1. boombaba
        • 12 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        Yes

      2. FantasyTony
        • 8 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        I think you’re punting on Cunha. Mbuemo much safer.

        Could work out though. Cunha is underperforming his level.

      3. F4L
        • 11 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        would get mbeumo with wc on the horizon . rodon is playing bench cover if you get really unlucky and hes needed before wc

    13. boombaba
      • 12 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Rjeindeers to Gravenberch or roll ?

      1. Legohair
        • 9 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        Roll

    14. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Best 4.5mil GK?

      1. boombaba
        • 12 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        Petrovic

      2. F4L
        • 11 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        if petro and roefs are out of reach, maybe kelleher? think brentford's defence has looked alright, even if they dont have the clean sheets to show for it. immediate fixture not ideal but gk is for the long run normally. last i checked sanchez was only 4.8 now, can you not find the extra 0.2-0.3, its quite a big upgrade compared to the 4.5 options for little cost

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 9 Years
          1 month, 1 day ago

          Is there a downgrade on Caicedo @ 5.8?

    15. Legohair
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Raya
      Timber-VVD-Senesi-Munoz
      Saka-Sarr-Gakpo-Semenyo
      Haaland-Mateta

      Dubravka, Thiago, King, Tuanzebe

      Team is ok but what about bench? Should i play Thiago instead? And if yes, then who goes to the bench?

    16. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Also Saliba or VVD on WC?

      1. TKC07
        • 6 Years
        1 month, 1 day ago

        Vvd

    17. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 16 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      What’s the general approach for using the WC / FH chips?

    18. Dreaming of glory
      • 9 Years
      1 month, 1 day ago

      Currently have Guehi & timber so who's in for Gabriel?

      A) saliba
      B) munoz
      C) vvd