Following the reduced gameweek 15 schedule, gameweek 16 sees a double gameweek for all Championship sides, 18 League One and four League Two clubs. 

Fantasy Football Scout’s experts are here with their Scout Squad. With fewer games, there were more similarities across selections, but there are plenty of curveballs as always!

In this piece, we assess who the scout experts believe are the best options for the upcoming gameweek 16.

For more details on the four manager’s selections and more EFL coverage on Fantasy Football Scout, click here!

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Goalkeepers

Backed by all four experts this gameweek, making his debut in the scout squad, is Stoke City’s Viktor Johansson (G). The Potters’ number one is the sixth-highest scoring keeper in Fantasy EFL, nailing 77 points for Narcis Pelach’s side. Despite only keeping four clean sheets (+20), the Sweden international has made 60 saves (+40) and has arguably been the best keeper in the division. The Potters face QPR (A), followed by Preston North End (H). The two clubs combined have only scored three goals in their previous six matches combined. At least one clean sheet is expected for Johansson, as noted by one manager.

Michael Cooper (G) of Sheffield United was backed by three of four experts, keeping nine clean sheets (+45) in 13 appearances for the Blades, scoring 74 points. One manager noted that he’s kept three clean sheets in his previous four fixtures, and a double gameweek against manager-less Coventry City (A) and misfiring Oxford United (H) was too enticing.

Finally, backed by two experts, Burnley’s James Trafford (G) also returns to the list. The 22-year-old has kept eight clean sheets in 14 matches for Scott Parker’s side, keeping two consecutive clean sheets. One manager expects two clean sheets against Bristol City (A) and Coventry City (H), returning at least 14 points. 

 

Defenders

The second-highest Fantasy EFL scorer, Dennis Cirkin (D) of Sunderland continues to dominate the squad. The 22-year-old has 9.2% ownership, despite totalling 123 points in 15 matches. He’s helped the Black Cats to nine clean sheets in 15, alongside two goals and two assists (+20). Although one manager noted the trickier fixtures against Millwall (A) and WBA (H), it’s hard to not see Cirkin scoring another top haul in his double. 

Next up on the list is another defender with attacking threat, Sheffield United’s Harry Souttar (D). The centre-back has been excellent for Chris Wilder this season, and has bagged 99 points in 14 matches. Additionally, the Australia international opened his attacking contributions in GW13, bagging an assist (+3) in their 1-2 away win at Bristol City. With fixtures against Coventry (A) and Oxford United (H), one manager noted that Souttar provides good rotation with Cooper, if both are selected. 

Finally, Jayden Bogle (D) was touted by two experts as a top pick ahead of GW16. One expert noted that the wing-back is in great form, scoring last time out against QPR (H), nailing his second double-digit haul. Additionally, with teammate Junior Firpo (D) suspended, one expert feels that Bogle will prove to be the key attacking wing-back under Daniel Farke in GW16. With ideal fixtures against Swansea City (A) and Luton Town (H), a haul could be on the cards for the 24-year-old. 

Midfielders

Similarly to Johansson, we saw another full house to start our midfield selections - Middlesbrough’s Finn Azaz (M) has been backed by all experts. The 24-year-old has been in superb form for Boro, scoring three goals (+18) and providing six assists (+18) in 15 games, returning 94 points on Fantasy EFL. One manager noted that with back-to-back double-digit hauls in his previous two matches, the number 20 returns from international duty in red-hot form. With very few blanks, Azaz is a top pick for this week. 

 

Sheffield United’s Harrison Burrows (M) appears as the third Blades player in the squad. The 22-year-old has been in great form in recent weeks. Since GW12, the number 14 has secured 31 points, including two 10+ point hauls. With two goals and one assist in 13 appearances, Burrows has provided attacking threat, while bagging 16 interceptions (+32) in that time also. With two strong fixtures for the joint-league leaders, Burrows will be involved both defensively and offensively across both matches. 

Finally, although Bristol City’s Jason Knight (M), Watford’s Giorgi Chakvetadze (M) and Birmingham City’s Willum Willumsson (M) were all honourable mentions, Barnsley’s Luca Connell (M) makes the squad. The Tykes captain missed out last time due to suspension, but will be hoping to return for GW16. With two home matches in front of their faithful against Wigan Athletic and Reading, two home wins look likely for the Tykes. Connell has been great for Barnsley, scoring two goals and providing four assists in 14 appearances, making 18 interceptions in the process. With 95 overall points and very few blanks, Connell is a strong contender this week.   

Forwards

From the double gameweek options, Norwich City’s Borja Sainz (F) returns to the list in style. The 23-year-old was selected by three experts, and returns to Championship action in red-hot form. The Spaniard has been electric for Johannes Hoff Thorup’s side, scoring 11 goals (+55) and providing two assists in 15 games, and is the Championship’s top scorer. Although the fixtures aren’t excellent - as noted by one manager - Sainz’s form can’t be overlooked. An attacking return is expected across WBA (A) and Plymouth (H). 

Elsewhere, Birmingham City’s Jay Stansfield (F) and Walsall’s Nathan Lowe (F) were both backed by two of the four experts. The League One record signing has been pivotal in Chris Davies’ attack, scoring five goals and providing two assists in eight appearances for the Blues. Although rotation is rife amongst the Blues attack, as noted by one manager, two away games against Mansfield Town and Exeter City should see the number 28 start both games. Unbeaten in four games, Birmingham will be looking to extend their record and overcome two challenging away tests to maintain their promotion push. Additionally, Lowe has been outstanding in League Two this campaign, bagging seven goals and four assists. One manager noted that with fixtures against AFC Wimbledon (A) and Bromley (H), Lowe could return 20+ points across both matches. 

Club Picks

Unlike various player picks, there were a few split decisions amongst the experts regarding club picks. 

The only side that dominated selections was Leeds United. The Whites have returned 97 points, keeping nine clean sheets (+18) and scoring 2+ goals on 10 occasions (+20). With only nine goals conceded and fixtures against Swansea (A) and Luton (H), the upside of a 20-point haul cannot be ignored. One manager believes Daniel Farke’s side could comfortably do this! 

Three sides garnered two votes: Sheffield United, Birmingham City and Wrexham. 

The Blades have been magnificent following their relegation from the Premier League, and have scored 101 points on Fantasy EFL - the joint-highest across the three divisions. With only 3.9% ownership, as noted by one expert, Chris Wilder’s side are an obvious pick. Unbeaten in four matches, 20 points are on the cards this week. 

Birmingham City and Wrexham, both League One promotion rivals, present opportunities to capitalise on fixtures. Although the Blues have difficult games ahead, one manager noted that the upside of 22 points from two maximum away matches cannot be ignored, and is the perfect week to pick them. Equally, Wrexham have been brilliant at home - winning six of their previous seven. Games against Exeter and Lincoln could reward owners with 18-point hauls.  

Insights provided by the team at Fantasy Football Scout, the leading voice in fantasy football who’ll be providing coverage on teams, player picks and strategy for the Fantasy EFL game throughout the season here and on their own dedicated EFL channel here.