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, 4 mins ago

    Any news on Palmer?

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

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      5 hours, 58 mins ago

      He’s trained and should get confirmation today.

      I’m bringing him in this GW.

  2. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    6 hours, 3 mins 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, 58 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, 52 mins ago

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

  3. 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, 58 mins ago

      That's difficult.

      I can't choose one

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      5 hours, 57 mins ago

      Foden based on form

      1. OH... KEVIN DE BRUYNE
          5 hours, 55 mins ago

          foden @ united who he always plays amazing against?

          1. Miguel Sanchez
            • 9 Years
            5 hours, 53 mins ago

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

    3. DagheMunegu
      • 5 Years
      5 hours, 54 mins ago

      Bench one

      A O'Reilly
      B Rodon
      C Van Hecke

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

          b

        • Miguel Sanchez
          • 9 Years
          5 hours, 51 mins ago

          C

        • Jet5605
          • 11 Years
          5 hours, 40 mins ago

          B

        • The Iceman
          • 3 Years
          5 hours, 29 mins ago

          A

      2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 9 Years
        5 hours, 53 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, 52 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, 17 mins ago

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

      3. Coupes
        • 7 Years
        5 hours, 52 mins ago

        Start Thiaw or O’Riely?

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

            thiaw

          • The Iceman
            • 3 Years
            5 hours, 28 mins ago

            Thiaw.

        2. Philosopher's Stones
          • 5 Years
          5 hours, 49 mins ago

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

          1. OH... KEVIN DE BRUYNE
              5 hours, 47 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, 28 mins ago

              Rodon.

          2. devinefergal
            • 2 Years
            5 hours, 47 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, 39 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, 36 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, 28 mins ago

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

                  1. devinefergal
                    • 2 Years
                    5 hours, 9 mins ago

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

          3. Il Capitano
            • 5 Years
            5 hours, 47 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, 28 mins ago

              Doubt it - looks good.

          4. Ha.
            • 10 Years
            5 hours, 43 mins ago

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

            1. The Iceman
              • 3 Years
              5 hours, 27 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, 19 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, 25 mins ago

              Too early to say. Too many absentees last game!

              1. Ha.
                • 10 Years
                5 hours, 20 mins ago

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

          5. Jet5605
            • 11 Years
            5 hours, 40 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, 38 mins ago

              Yeah good move

            2. The Iceman
              • 3 Years
              5 hours, 33 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, 19 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, 20 mins ago

              Surely keep for Burnley game.

          6. g40steve
            • 7 Years
            5 hours, 38 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, 33 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, 30 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, 29 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, 26 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, 27 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, 26 mins ago

              I'm going Ekitike over Haaland.

          10. uzbeque
            • 15 Years
            5 hours, 27 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, 25 mins ago

              It will erase the -4.

            2. Sloopy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              5 hours, 13 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, 11 mins ago

                Just wanted to be sure:)

          11. The Iceman
            • 3 Years
            5 hours, 18 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
              5 hours, 16 mins ago

              What is your current team?

              1. The Iceman
                • 3 Years
                5 hours, 6 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
                  5 hours, 4 mins ago

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

                  1. The Iceman
                    • 3 Years
                    4 hours, 58 mins ago

                    Cheers. Will ponder holding fire.

            2. Count of Monte Hristo
              • 12 Years
              5 hours, 12 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
                5 hours, 8 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
                  5 hours, 5 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, 49 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
                      4 hours, 43 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, 16 mins ago

            Is triple arsenal defence mad? Raya, Timber, Gabriel

            1. Ha.
              • 10 Years
              5 hours, 14 mins ago

              Yes

              1. Jstap94
                • 2 Years
                5 hours, 10 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
              5 hours, 14 mins ago

              That’s who I have.

            3. Sloopy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              5 hours, 12 mins ago

              Not mad. But not my cup of tea.

            4. Tonyawesome69
              • 7 Years
              5 hours, 7 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, 15 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, 14 mins ago

              Depends how Semenyo is used really, between him and Enzo

            2. Jstap94
              • 2 Years
              5 hours, 9 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, 3 mins ago

                Who doesn’t?

            3. The Iceman
              • 3 Years
              4 hours, 42 mins ago

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

          14. devinefergal
            • 2 Years
            5 hours, 7 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
              5 hours, 5 mins ago

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

              1. devinefergal
                • 2 Years
                5 hours ago

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

          15. basilfawlty
            • 4 Years
            5 hours, 7 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, 48 mins ago

              Looks good. I would play Tark ahead of Miley

            2. The Iceman
              • 3 Years
              4 hours, 42 mins ago

              Nice team.

          16. niaz1982
            • 7 Years
            5 hours, 2 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
              5 hours ago

              Thinking Semenyo to Rogers

              1. The Iceman
                • 3 Years
                4 hours, 42 mins ago

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

                1. niaz1982
                  • 7 Years
                  4 hours, 38 mins ago

                  So Foden to go - he has been blanking

            2. RedLightning
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 15 Years
              4 hours, 37 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, 36 mins ago

              Play all four

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

          17. FantasyClub
            • 5 Years
            4 hours, 55 mins ago

            You guys think Semenyo starts?

            1. FantasyClub
              • 5 Years
              4 hours, 54 mins ago

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

              1. Tonyawesome69
                • 7 Years
                4 hours, 51 mins ago

                yes, 0 mins against Portsmouth in the FAC before Chelsea

          18. Catastrophe
            • 15 Years
            4 hours, 49 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, 43 mins ago

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

            2. The Iceman
              • 3 Years
              4 hours, 41 mins ago

              I like C.

            3. AC/DC AFC
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              4 hours, 34 mins ago

              All 3 options look good

          19. Philosopher's Stones
            • 5 Years
            4 hours, 49 mins ago

            Is the DCL purple patch over?

            1. The Iceman
              • 3 Years
              4 hours, 41 mins ago

              Hard to say - Leeds looking good.

            2. boc610
              • 14 Years
              4 hours, 40 mins ago

              Like Erling's?

          20. theshazly
            • 2 Years
            4 hours, 45 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, 40 mins ago

              A but I would honestly rather bench Neto.

            2. antis0cial
              • 9 Years
              4 hours, 33 mins ago

              A

          21. Tonyawesome69
            • 7 Years
            4 hours, 44 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, 33 mins ago

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

          22. tomburg
            • 4 Years
            4 hours, 42 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, 39 mins ago

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

            2. antis0cial
              • 9 Years
              4 hours, 34 mins ago

              Mateta - DCL unless you have plans for the extra money

          23. Jonta83
            • 6 Years
            4 hours, 39 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, 38 mins ago

              Precisely right!

          24. PogChamp
            • 14 Years
            4 hours, 32 mins ago

            Who to bench?

            Nunes (manu)

            1. PogChamp
              • 14 Years
              4 hours, 32 mins ago

              Post fail 🙁

            2. Gudjohnsen
              • 8 Years
              4 hours, 32 mins ago

              I'm benching him