Scout Squad
16 January 2026 248 comments
Skonto Rigga Skonto Rigga
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After the annual winter hiatus, the Scout Squad returns for Gameweek 22.

In this article, our in-house team discuss who they think the best Fantasy Premier League (FPL) players are for the upcoming Gameweek in isolation.


MORE ABOUT THE SCOUT SQUAD

Scout Squad Gameweek 9

The focus is only on the upcoming Gameweek with the Scout Squad, so there’s no medium-term planning involved.

Staff writer Marc, general manager Sam, deputy editor Tom F and editor Neale each take turns explaining their picks.

The players who get the most votes are much more likely to make the Scout Picks. However, the final XI can’t exceed £83.0m – so occasionally, we have to source cheaper alternatives.

Each of our writers must meet the following requirements for this feature:

  • At least one sub-£5.0m goalkeeper
  • At least one sub-£5.0m defender
  • At least one sub-£6.0m midfielder
  • At least one sub-£7.0m forward
  • No more than three players from the same club

SCOUT SQUAD: BEST FPL PLAYERS FOR GAMEWEEK 22

 

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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

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price change predictions
248 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Gudjohnsen
    • 8 Years
    6 hours, 1 min ago

    Any news on Palmer?

    If he's not playing tomorrow I'm getting rid of him.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      5 hours, 55 mins ago

      He’s trained and should get confirmation today.

      I’m bringing him in this GW.

  2. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    6 hours ago

    Fine to just keep Timber and Saka for now? And sell if we actually see their minutes limited in the upcoming weeks?
    Not sure I want to waste my FTs now on some sideways moves like getting Rice, don't need funds right now.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      5 hours, 54 mins ago

      Fine to keep but I’m fed up with Saka not proving decent value or even a possible captain option so am selling this week to Rice

      1. TheBrazilianRonaldo
        • 7 Years
        5 hours, 49 mins ago

        I did the same with Timber to Gabriel. Sideways can be upwards.

  3. OH... KEVIN DE BRUYNE
      5 hours, 56 mins ago

      bench 1:

      wilson/rice/foden/rogers/bruno G
      halaand/ekitike/jimenez

      fulham@leeds
      newcastle@wolves
      villa@everton
      bunrnley@pool
      city@united
      arsenal@forest

      1. Gudjohnsen
        • 8 Years
        5 hours, 54 mins ago

        That's difficult.

        I can't choose one

      2. Miguel Sanchez
        • 9 Years
        5 hours, 54 mins ago

        Foden based on form

        1. OH... KEVIN DE BRUYNE
            5 hours, 51 mins ago

            foden @ united who he always plays amazing against?

            1. Miguel Sanchez
              • 9 Years
              5 hours, 50 mins ago

              I see it being a cagey game being Carrick’s first in charge

      3. DagheMunegu
        • 5 Years
        5 hours, 51 mins ago

        Bench one

        A O'Reilly
        B Rodon
        C Van Hecke

        1. OH... KEVIN DE BRUYNE
            5 hours, 47 mins ago

            b

          • Miguel Sanchez
            • 9 Years
            5 hours, 47 mins ago

            C

          • Jet5605
            • 11 Years
            5 hours, 37 mins ago

            B

          • The Iceman
            • 3 Years
            5 hours, 25 mins ago

            A

        2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 9 Years
          5 hours, 50 mins ago

          Swapped Enzo for Cherki because of Pep Roulette. GTG?

          Roefs
          Gabriel Chalobah Mukiele
          Palmer Foden Rice Rogers Enzo
          Haaland Watkins

          Dubravka DCL Alderete Tarkowski
          1.2 ITB

          1. Miguel Sanchez
            • 9 Years
            5 hours, 49 mins ago

            Looks good, like the Palmer pick. If he scores vs Brentford watch the masses flock to him ahead of the fixture run from 24-27

            1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
              • 9 Years
              4 hours, 14 mins ago

              Time for him to start delivering me some points! Cheers mate

        3. Coupes
          • 7 Years
          5 hours, 49 mins ago

          Start Thiaw or O’Riely?

          1. OH... KEVIN DE BRUYNE
              5 hours, 48 mins ago

              thiaw

            • The Iceman
              • 3 Years
              5 hours, 25 mins ago

              Thiaw.

          2. Philosopher's Stones
            • 5 Years
            5 hours, 46 mins ago

            To start O'Reilly or Rodon.....is the question..

            1. OH... KEVIN DE BRUYNE
                5 hours, 44 mins ago

                oooh. tough one. depends how u see carricks 1st game in charge going. personally id start oreilly tho

              • The Iceman
                • 3 Years
                5 hours, 25 mins ago

                Rodon.

            2. devinefergal
              • 2 Years
              5 hours, 44 mins ago

              Team is
              Pickford
              Gabriel Cash Van D Ven
              Rice Rogers Gakpo Bruno G.
              Watkins (c) Haaland Bowen
              John Thiaw Alderete Stach

              Benching headache. Correct order? Giving Bowen one last game.

              1. Jet5605
                • 11 Years
                5 hours, 36 mins ago

                I might have Alderete before Thiaw. Can see New conceding at an improving Wolves while SUN are good at home

                1. devinefergal
                  • 2 Years
                  5 hours, 33 mins ago

                  Thank you sir. I think Thiaw will be leaving my team when I can't even play him against Wolves.

                  1. The Iceman
                    • 3 Years
                    5 hours, 25 mins ago

                    Binning him as well. One of my worst transfers all season.

                    1. devinefergal
                      • 2 Years
                      5 hours, 6 mins ago

                      I did Timber to Thiaw. Worst transfer by a mile.

            3. Il Capitano
              • 5 Years
              5 hours, 43 mins ago

              0 FT 0 ITB

              Raya
              Gabriel Chalobah Alderete
              Saka Foden Rogers Bruno G Enzo
              Haaland Ekitike

              Dub - Andersen Senesi Guiu

              Moves made last night (O'Reilly + Cunha to Gabriel + Enzo). GTG barring any surprises at today's pressers?

              1. The Iceman
                • 3 Years
                5 hours, 24 mins ago

                Doubt it - looks good.

            4. Ha.
              • 10 Years
              5 hours, 40 mins ago

              Where is Enzo playing under Rosenoir? Has he dropped deeper?

              1. The Iceman
                • 3 Years
                5 hours, 24 mins ago

                I'm honestly not that convinced with him as a pick. Owned him earlier in the season and he did nothing minus a goal at Burnley.

                1. Ha.
                  • 10 Years
                  5 hours, 16 mins ago

                  I think it just depends where he ends up on the pitch

                  He's more than capable of scoring if he's in the right place

              2. Sloopy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                5 hours, 22 mins ago

                Too early to say. Too many absentees last game!

                1. Ha.
                  • 10 Years
                  5 hours, 17 mins ago

                  Is anything expected to change over the next couple of games?

            5. Jet5605
              • 11 Years
              5 hours, 37 mins ago

              Szob to Wilson for free? Szob could be playing RB and so I'd be relying on penalties and may Salah even be back?

              1. Gudjohnsen
                • 8 Years
                5 hours, 35 mins ago

                Yeah good move

              2. The Iceman
                • 3 Years
                5 hours, 30 mins ago

                Give him the Burnley game - Salah has a third place playoff tomorrow so won't be back.

                1. Jet5605
                  • 11 Years
                  5 hours, 16 mins ago

                  Yeah logically it's the right the to do even if he has been a disaster of a pick

              3. Sgt Frank Drebin
                • 9 Years
                5 hours, 17 mins ago

                Surely keep for Burnley game.

            6. g40steve
              • 7 Years
              5 hours, 35 mins ago

              Who do I bench, Palmer, DCL, or another.

              Bus team has Palmer but if playing headache.

              Kelleher
              Timber Gabriel Chalobah
              Foden Rogers HWilson Rice
              Haaland DCL Ekitike

              Dubravka Palmer Guehi O’Reilly

              .2

              1. The Iceman
                • 3 Years
                5 hours, 30 mins ago

                Palmer - fitness and minutes are a concern and Chelsea out of form.

            7. Friday's Press Conference Times
              Skonto Rigga
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 8 Years
              5 hours, 27 mins ago

              Morning folks, 11 pressers to come today:

              9am - Slot (LIV), Hurzeler (BHA)
              9.30am - Howe (NEW), Arteta (ARS)
              1.15pm - Edwards (WOL)
              1.30pm - Andrews (BRE), Moyes (EVE), Glasner (CRY), Guardiola (MCI)
              2pm - Carrick (MUN), Emery (AVL)

              Times in GMT and from the BBC

            8. Bavarian
              • 8 Years
              5 hours, 26 mins ago

              Bench one please

              Wilson (LEE) - Rice (NFO) - Bruno G (WOL) - Bruno F (MCI) - Rogers (EVE)
              Thiago (CHE)

              1. The Iceman
                • 3 Years
                5 hours, 23 mins ago

                Man that's tough - I would lean towards Bruno F just because of the fixture and Man Utd's form.

            9. No Kane No Gain
              • 7 Years
              5 hours, 24 mins ago

              Tough captain choice and not feeling Haaland this week!

              Would you captain Wirtz Ekitike or Rogers this week?!

              1. The Iceman
                • 3 Years
                5 hours, 22 mins ago

                I'm going Ekitike over Haaland.

            10. uzbeque
              • 15 Years
              5 hours, 23 mins ago

              I made two transfers with -4

              Sold Cunha and Nunes for Gabriel and Enzo

              But now want to use WildCard. will they return my -4 point? I want to sell Fode, Dalot, Keane, Minteh

              This is my team: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/1143491/event/21

              1. The Iceman
                • 3 Years
                5 hours, 22 mins ago

                It will erase the -4.

              2. Sloopy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                5 hours, 10 mins ago

                Not to bash, but a little bit surprised. You have 15 next to your name: how could you not know this?
                (Let my reaction not be an obstacle to ask your questions!)

                1. uzbeque
                  • 15 Years
                  5 hours, 8 mins ago

                  Just wanted to be sure:)

            11. The Iceman
              • 3 Years
              5 hours, 15 mins ago

              Team has gone really stale. Current WC draft with exact funds:

              Roefs | Dúbravka
              Gabriel | Frimpong | Kadıoğlu | Alderete | Bijol
              B.Fernandes | Wirtz | Rogers | Rice | Wilson
              Haaland | Ekitiké | Thiago

              1) Is Saka worth the money?
              2) Get Bruno Fernandes now or in 24? Thinking Semenyo could be a good placeholder!
              3) Any other glaring omissions?

              1. Jstap94
                • 2 Years
                4 hours, 48 mins ago

                What is your current team?

                1. The Iceman
                  • 3 Years
                  3 hours, 44 mins ago

                  Raya | Dúbravka
                  VVD | O'Reilly | Thiaw | Dorgu | Gudmundsson
                  Saka | Foden | Rogers | Rice | Bruno G.
                  Haaland | Ekitiké | Marc Guiu

                  On paper perhaps not terrible, but I keep falling further and further behind in rank and in my ML.

                  1. Jstap94
                    • 2 Years
                    3 hours, 42 mins ago

                    IMO absolutely do not WC this team, very set for this week

                    1. The Iceman
                      • 3 Years
                      3 hours, 36 mins ago

                      Cheers. Will ponder holding fire.

              2. Count of Monte Hristo
                • 12 Years
                4 hours, 45 mins ago

                Saka is definitely not worth the money

                Bruno in 24, think Semenyo is someone I would want to keep long term though

                Not sure about Frimpong and Kadioglu, attacking full backs yes but I doubt their appeal longer term.

                1. Jstap94
                  • 2 Years
                  4 hours, 41 mins ago

                  Bradley out for the season now. Szobo could play there but think he is needed in the MF more now

                  1. The Iceman
                    • 3 Years
                    4 hours, 38 mins ago

                    I think Frimpong's minutes are as safe as they can be now as well - Bradley out for the season and Gomez made of glass. Who's a good alternative to Kadıoğlu?

                    1. Tonyawesome69
                      • 7 Years
                      4 hours, 22 mins ago

                      Arne Slot on Calvin Ramsay (RB):

                      “It is a big big big chance that he has now to come to the first team. When there are injuries, there are always players who benefit. At the moment I am running out of options, he has shown he is good enough."

                      https://x.com/i/status/2012092165942358204

                      1. The Iceman
                        • 3 Years
                        3 hours, 21 mins ago

                        Hey Tony appreciate you sending that through. As a Liverpool fan (unfortunately) can I just add Slot has a core of about 13-14 players he actually trusts and uses. These are the exact same comments he makes about Chiesa and Endo who are consigned to the bench each week.

            12. Jstap94
              • 2 Years
              5 hours, 13 mins ago

              Is triple arsenal defence mad? Raya, Timber, Gabriel

              1. Ha.
                • 10 Years
                4 hours, 47 mins ago

                Yes

                1. Jstap94
                  • 2 Years
                  3 hours, 48 mins ago

                  I think part of my rationale is hoping Arsenal get through to EFL Cup final, then I can have three bench slots filled with GK and two defenders

              2. Count of Monte Hristo
                • 12 Years
                4 hours, 47 mins ago

                That’s who I have.

              3. Sloopy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                4 hours, 45 mins ago

                Not mad. But not my cup of tea.

              4. Tonyawesome69
                • 7 Years
                4 hours, 40 mins ago

                It's fine if you think a 3rd Arsenal defensive pick + a non-Arsenal attacker is a better combo than a non-Arsenal defender + Rice/Saka.

            13. Count of Monte Hristo
              • 12 Years
              5 hours, 12 mins ago

              If you had to go without one of these 3 who would it be?

              Enzo
              Wilson
              Semenyo

              1. Ha.
                • 10 Years
                5 hours, 11 mins ago

                Depends how Semenyo is used really, between him and Enzo

              2. Jstap94
                • 2 Years
                5 hours, 6 mins ago

                Enzo i think. Semenyo a bench risk but looks like he will start? And city love playing United

                1. el polako
                  • 8 Years
                  5 hours ago

                  Who doesn’t?

              3. The Iceman
                • 3 Years
                4 hours, 39 mins ago

                I would leave out Enzo - the other two are more exciting picks.

            14. devinefergal
              • 2 Years
              5 hours, 4 mins ago

              Thought this was interesting (Non Foden owner)

              Foden record V United

              Old Trafford
              7 Games
              1 goal
              0 Assists

              Etihad
              7 Games
              6 Goals
              0 Assists

              1. Tonyawesome69
                • 7 Years
                4 hours, 38 mins ago

                how many of those games was against Carrick as United caretaker manager...

                1. devinefergal
                  • 2 Years
                  3 hours, 38 mins ago

                  0. For his only goal at Old Trafford Ten Hag was in charge.

            15. basilfawlty
              • 4 Years
              5 hours, 4 mins ago

              Morning All. GTG?

              Raya
              Gabriel Chalobah Andersen
              Wilson Rice Foden Rogers
              Haaland Ekitike Thiago

              Dubravka Miley Tarkowski Dorgu

              1. Deulofail
                • 9 Years
                4 hours, 44 mins ago

                Looks good. I would play Tark ahead of Miley

              2. The Iceman
                • 3 Years
                4 hours, 39 mins ago

                Nice team.

            16. niaz1982
              • 7 Years
              4 hours, 59 mins ago

              I've now got an issue of 4 man city players and need to omit one following Semenyo move.

              If I don't transfer this week do they all count?

              Current line up as follows - torn between Semenyo and Foden coming out.

              Verbruggen
              Gabriel Van de ven Chalobah
              Rice BrunoG Foden Semenyo
              Haaland Thiago DCL

              Subs: Kelleher, Guehi, wharton, O'Reilly

              1. niaz1982
                • 7 Years
                4 hours, 57 mins ago

                Thinking Semenyo to Rogers

                1. The Iceman
                  • 3 Years
                  4 hours, 38 mins ago

                  Keep Semenyo surely? He's a solid pick going forward.

                  1. niaz1982
                    • 7 Years
                    4 hours, 35 mins ago

                    So Foden to go - he has been blanking

              2. RedLightning
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 15 Years
                4 hours, 33 mins ago

                They all count, but you have to sell one of them when you make your next transfer.

              3. AC/DC AFC
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                4 hours, 32 mins ago

                Play all four

                Which means you probably hold for Wolves and roll 2 extra FTs.

            17. FantasyClub
              • 5 Years
              4 hours, 51 mins ago

              You guys think Semenyo starts?

              1. FantasyClub
                • 5 Years
                4 hours, 27 mins ago

                Sorry I meant to say Saka…since he played that full game…

                1. Tonyawesome69
                  • 7 Years
                  4 hours, 23 mins ago

                  yes, 0 mins against Portsmouth in the FAC before Chelsea

            18. Catastrophe
              • 15 Years
              4 hours, 46 mins ago

              Advice appreciated - 1 FT, 2.9M in the bank.

              Verbruggen
              Gabriel, Timber, VDV
              Foden, Rice, Rogers, Cherki, Stach
              Haaland, Thiago

              (Dubravka, Guehi, Bowen, Esteve)

              3 City seems overkill and Bowen needs to go. With any transfer, will have enough left ITB for Foden -> Palmer if needed.

              A) Cherki -> Wilson
              B) Bowen -> DCL
              C) Bowen -> Watkins

              Cheers.

              1. Deulofail
                • 9 Years
                4 hours, 40 mins ago

                Wouldn't do any of them myself. Save FT.

              2. The Iceman
                • 3 Years
                4 hours, 38 mins ago

                I like C.

              3. AC/DC AFC
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                4 hours, 31 mins ago

                All 3 options look good

            19. Philosopher's Stones
              • 5 Years
              4 hours, 46 mins ago

              Is the DCL purple patch over?

              1. The Iceman
                • 3 Years
                4 hours, 38 mins ago

                Hard to say - Leeds looking good.

              2. boc610
                • 14 Years
                4 hours, 37 mins ago

                Like Erling's?

            20. theshazly
              • 2 Years
              4 hours, 41 mins ago

              Verb ( Dub )
              Gabriel Mukiele Cash ( Guehi / Andersen )
              Saka Foden Cherki BrunoG Neto
              Haaland DCL Ekitike

              3 FT / 0 ITB

              Do :

              A ) Roll, Bench Foden and play Cherki (343)
              B ) Foden, Cherki >> BrunoF, Garner (To be benched and play 343)
              C ) Something else ?

              1. The Iceman
                • 3 Years
                4 hours, 37 mins ago

                A but I would honestly rather bench Neto.

              2. antis0cial
                • 9 Years
                4 hours, 29 mins ago

                A

            21. Tonyawesome69
              • 7 Years
              4 hours, 41 mins ago

              Arne Slot Press Conference Summary:

              - Andy Robertson important to the team
              - Happy to have Mo Salah back after tomorrow
              - Top 4 very important
              - No new injuries
              - Salah potentially back for Marseille
              - Big chance for Calvin Ramsay
              - Everyone aligned on January transfer plan

              https://x.com/i/status/2012094663537401874

              1. Deulofail
                • 9 Years
                4 hours, 30 mins ago

                Thanks. Unfortunately, Ramsey would take up a Liverpool spot I am saving for Wellity Lucky

            22. tomburg
              • 4 Years
              4 hours, 39 mins ago

              Bok!
              I need some advice…
              Who should I transfer out:
              Foden for Enzo, or
              Mateta for DCL (or Kroupi Jr.)?

              1. The Iceman
                • 3 Years
                4 hours, 36 mins ago

                Mateta needs to go. Prefer DCL if money no issue.

              2. antis0cial
                • 9 Years
                4 hours, 30 mins ago

                Mateta - DCL unless you have plans for the extra money

            23. Jonta83
              • 6 Years
              4 hours, 36 mins ago

              With Semenyo transfer to City I now have 4 City players, Haaland, Foden, O´Reilly and Semenyo. If I don´t do any transfers I can play all 4? But if I do transfers I need to take one of them out?
              Thanks!

              1. Deulofail
                • 9 Years
                4 hours, 35 mins ago

                Precisely right!

            24. PogChamp
              • 14 Years
              4 hours, 29 mins ago

              Who to bench?

              Nunes (manu)

              1. PogChamp
                • 14 Years
                4 hours, 29 mins ago

                Post fail 🙁

              2. Gudjohnsen
                • 8 Years
                4 hours, 28 mins ago

                I'm benching him