Get ready for a game-changing FPL Gameweek 28, because this is where your squad’s fate could hang in the balance. As we dive into our Scout Picks, we’re not just picking players—we’re crafting a strategy that could make or break your fantasy football season. And here’s the kicker: this week, we’re doubling down on five key players, but the choices might just surprise you. Let’s break it all down in a way that even FPL newcomers can follow, while keeping the seasoned pros on the edge of their seats.
Our Gameweek 28 Scout Picks are here, and they’re heavily influenced by the insights from our Scout Squad panel—Neale, Tom F, Sam, and Marc—who’ve poured over the stats to bring you the best possible lineup. But here’s where it gets controversial: with a strict £83.0m budget for our starting XI and a £100.0m squad limit, every decision counts. Plus, we’re capped at three players per team, so no stacking up on a single club’s stars. Ready to see who made the cut?
GOALKEEPER
Caoimhin Kelleher (£4.7m) is our undisputed choice between the sticks this week, and it’s not hard to see why. As Brentford travels to Burnley, Kelleher’s clean sheet potential shines bright. Burnley, ranked dead last in expected goals (xG) with a measly 22.72, are unlikely to test him much. But here’s the part most people miss: Brentford’s defense has quietly secured two clean sheets in their last five away games, making Kelleher a safe—yet potentially high-reward—pick.
DEFENDERS
Virgil van Dijk (£6.0m) is more than just a defender; he’s a set-piece threat waiting to pounce. With West Ham’s notorious weakness in defending set plays, van Dijk’s aerial dominance could pay dividends. And this is where it gets interesting: even during their unbeaten streak, West Ham’s attack has been lackluster, scoring just three goals in three games. That makes van Dijk a double threat—both defensively and offensively.
Nico O’Reilly (£5.0m) is our wildcard pick for Manchester City’s backline. Officially a defender, Pep Guardiola has been deploying him in central midfield, pushing him higher up the pitch. The result? Three goals in his last two matches and a team-leading seven shots. Facing Leeds United, O’Reilly could be the differential that sets your team apart. But here’s the debate: is he a defender or a midfielder in disguise? Let us know in the comments.
James Hill (£4.1m) of Bournemouth retains his spot, and for good reason. With a home fixture against a depleted Sunderland side, Hill could deliver at both ends of the pitch. The stats don’t lie: he’s bagged three assists in his last five starts, while Sunderland’s away form is abysmal—just six goals in 13 matches. Plus, like van Dijk, Hill offers defensive contribution (DefCon) points, making him a budget-friendly gem.
MIDFIELDERS
This is where the real action begins, but we’ll save the full breakdown for the next section. What we can tease is that our midfield picks are designed to maximize both attacking returns and consistency. But here’s the question we want you to ponder: With so many high-scoring midfielders to choose from, who would you bench to make room for our double-ups? Let’s just say, the answers might surprise you.
Final Thoughts
This Gameweek is all about balancing risk and reward, and our Scout Picks are tailored to do just that. But we want to hear from you: Do you agree with our double-ups, or would you make a bold change? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark some friendly FPL debate!
