FPL GW26: Data Scout XI Results

We enjoyed an brilliant game week where we had SIX hauls (including our captain), with Douglas Luiz netting two goals returning us 15 points for his faith.

Post-game week analysis:

GK: Our initial prediction regarding Steele starting in goal for Brighton did not come to fruition. However, we kept Verbruggen on the bench in anticipation of rotation. Unfortunately, Verbruggen was unable to keep a clean sheet against an Everton side that has lacked a threat in front of goal recently. Nonetheless, Everton managed to take the lead in the 73rd minute, courtesy of a lovely goal by Jarrad Branthwaite, from an expected goals (xG) value of 0.07.

Defence: Dalot was unable to return any points in a game where his side lost 2-1 at home to an energetic Fulham side. However, things could have been different, as he did hit the post from long-range during the match. Kilman‘s Wolves were able to keep a clean sheet at home to bottom of the table Sheffield United, unlike Brighton’s Dunk vs Everton. However he did score a great equaliser in injury time to return a 10 point haul.

Midfield: Douglas Luiz showcased his scoring prowess against Nottingham Forest, netting two goals before halftime and continuing his impressive form for points at home this season. Sarabia and Foden each scored the only goals in their respective games, leading to them returning bonus points for their performances. And Bukayo Saka maintained his form by scoring a beautiful solo goal against Newcastle as Arsenal dismantled their opponents.

Forwards: Toney missed two good chances against West Ham, with both shots being near the 6-yard box and both being saved. However, Watkins wasted no time in getting on the scoresheet, opening the scoring in the fourth minute, and later providing an assist.

Impressively, 56% of our points came from our midfield, with only one player, Neto, failing to hit ten points. Overall, it was a great game week hitting 88 points, and we hope to replicate a similar score in GW27.

You can view the original game week report below:

Watkins leads our team in a 3-5-2 formation this week, in a side with no Haaland.

GK – Steele, Brighton & Hove Albion

The Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper may seem like a risky choice for selection, given the frequent rotation of their two main goalkeepers, but recently they have been alternating between them in every game. Verbruggen started the last match, indicating that Steele should start this game according to the rotation pattern. In terms of form, neither keeper is in good spirits, as they have only managed to keep a combined total of three clean sheets this season. However, it’s the opposition they are facing in this game week that justifies their inclusion in our goalkeeper slot.

Lately, Everton have been struggling to score, failing to find the net in their last four away fixtures. Since December 25th, Everton have only scored 4 goals from an expected goals (xG) tally of 11.5, which is the lowest in the league for goals scored in that period. Goalkeepers facing Everton this season have been averaging 5.5 points, indicating a favorable matchup. Therefore, we are backing Steele to secure a tidy clean sheet.

DEF – Dalot, Manchester United

Manchester United have been in good form recently, going undefeated in their last five matches. They are set to face Fulham, a side that has only managed to score eight goals since Christmas. In this game, Dalot holds the potential for a clean sheet. And given his role as an attacking full-back, he could also earn him points in attack.

DEF – Kilman, Wolverhampton Wanderers

Max Kilman presents a notable attacking threat in the box during set pieces, having scored twice in his last ten game weeks. Additionally, he stands a good chance of securing a clean sheet against Sheffield United, a side that has failed to score in 42% of their away matches, and has allowed defenders to average 3.9 points against them.

DEF – Dunk, Brighton & Hove Albion

As discussed with the pick of Steele, Everton offer very little attacking threat. A clean sheet could be on the cards for Dunk, and he also provides a good attacking threat in the area on corners.

MID – Douglas Luiz, Aston Villa

This player has been in excellent form at home for Villa this season, averaging 6.9 points per home game. As the primary figure for set pieces, he holds the potential to deliver assists from the corner flag, especially against a Forest side that concedes an average of 7.4 corners per game.

MID – Sarabia, Wolverhampton Wanderers

Sarabia has been in excellent form recently for Wolves, with five goals + assists in his last ten matches, he faces a Sheffield United side who are not in the best shape defensively.

MID – Foden, Manchester City

Phil Foden has delivered over 10 points on two occasions in his last ten matches, averaging 6.3 points during that period. Four of his last eight goals have come away from home. He is set to face Bournemouth, a team against which midfielders have averaged 4.2 points per game.

MID – Neto, Wolverhampton Wanderers

Against Sheffield, midfielders are averaging 4.4 points per game. On paper, this match appears perfect for a midfielder who has had a brilliant season. Currently collecting 0.9 goals + assists per 90 minutes and averaging 5.0 points per game, he seems poised for a strong performance in this fixture.

MID – Saka, Arsenal

Saka, much like Arsenal, has returned to top form. He has averaged 6.6 points this season and scored seven goals in his last six matches, with three of those resulting in hauls of more than 10 points. Saka accounts for 21% of Arsenal’s goals this season. Facing a leaky Newcastle side, Saka is likely to make a key difference vs Newcastle.

FWD – Watkins (c), Aston Villa

Watkins continues to shine in top form this season, tallying a total of twenty-seven goals and assists so far, including ten in his last ten matches. He is set to face a Forest side that forwards have consistently performed well against, averaging 4.9 points every time they face the Forest back line. With an average of 6.4 points per game, Watkins is our captain choice for this weekend.

FWD – Toney, Brentford

Forwards have accumulated more points against West Ham than against any other side in the division, averaging 5.2 points per game. Toney will surely fancy his chances, especially since returning from his ban with an average of 5.7 points. West Ham’s home form has been dire, having scored just once and conceded seven since Christmas.

Subs: Verbruggen (GK, Brighton & Hove Albion), Alex Moreno (DEF, Aston Villa), Gabriel (DEF, Arsenal), Alvarez (FWD, Manchester City)

This XI is predicted to score around 55 points, come back after the game week has completed to see how we scored!