FPL experts answer 10 KEY questions ahead of Gameweek 21

The Scout's panel of experts answer 10 key questions, offering advice ahead of Gameweek 21 in Fantasy Premier League. 

Is it worth considering moving to four at the back?

Sam Bonfield (@FPLFamily): A couple of seasons ago, it was the in thing to play four at the back. In recent seasons, especially in 2024/25, there has been such great value in midfield and attack that playing four at the back hasn't been attractive, particularly with fewer clean sheets than in previous campaigns.

However, with the Arsenal and Liverpool defenders increasingly popular, having the flexibility to play four at the back again makes sense. In my team I have Lewis Hall (£4.9m), Antonee Robinson (£5.0m), Jurrien Timber (£5.7m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.2m), and would like to add Daniel Munoz (£4.7m) or Ola Aina (£5.2m) to that mix too. With so many good options, playing four at the back on a more regular basis looks more likely, especially given the attacking threat we are seeing from so many defenders. 

Time to abandon the Arsenal defensive double-up?

Gianni Buttice (@GianniButtice): Selling Arsenal defenders doesn't mean you're saying they're not an elite defence. I have no doubt they will finish the season in the top three for most defensive metrics like clean sheets, goals conceded, Expected Goals Conceded (xGC) etc.

However, because there are so many good defenders performing well under £5.0m, there is an argument to save funds and invest in defenders from Nottingham Forest or bring in a Hall, Munoz or Robinson. These guys can all match an Arsenal defender in the short term, which is why I currently have no Arsenal defender and have opted for only one premium defender. 

Is it worth doubling up on Forest’s defence?

Pras (@Pras_FPL): This may be an unpopular opinion, but I think the ship to jump on Nottingham Forest defence, especially a double-up has sailed. Yes, their fixture in Gameweek 22 against Southampton is great, but around this they face Liverpool, Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth, Fulham, Arsenal and Man City. These are all good attacks, so I prefer to attack the better fixtures for teams such as Newcastle, Crystal Palace or Fulham.

Should managers invest in Man City - and if so, how?

Andy Park (@FPL_Sonaldo): Investing in Man City isn’t ideal at the moment, reflecting how quickly things change in the Premier League and FPL. Over the next six Gameweeks, they rank lowest on the fixture ticker, making defensive assets less appealing, especially with better alternatives elsewhere.

The midfield poses challenges due to rotation risks like Savinho (£6.5m) and more expensive stars such as Phil Foden (£9.2m).

Erling Haaland (£14.8m) remains the only viable option, but acquiring him would require major surgery and multiple transfers. While caution is advised, investing in a now “differential” Haaland could be a bold move that pays off if you have the transfers to spare. However, it's hard to justify Haaland's price point, with forward options at half his price performing just as well.

What to do with Mbeumo? Buy, sell, hold? 

Nick Harris (@WGTA_Nick): Bryan Mbeumo (£7.8m) is a hold for me, but I wouldn't necessarily be buying him now. Southampton was the big game, and with Man City and Liverpool next, his fixtures are starting to stiffen.

Anthony Gordon (£7.5m) looks the better pick at this price point, but I also wouldn't be selling Mbeumo, as he has shown some excellent consistency in terms of attacking returns over the course of the season.

Time to sell Chelsea players?

Pranil Sheth (@Lateriser12): I know Chelsea have had some mixed results of late, but they have great fixtures right up until Gameweek 28. I still think Cole Palmer (£11.4m) and Nicolas Jackson (£8.1m) are buys, never mind selling them. I'd definitely hold if I owned.

Who are the best Crystal Palace assets to own for their great fixtures? 

Harry Daniels (@FPL_Harry): Munoz, Eberechi Eze (£6.6m), Ismaila Sarr (£5.9m) and Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.2m) are the standout targets. Munoz sits top for Expected Goals (xG) among all defenders and is a fantastic pick at just £4.7m. Mateta is returning to form and ended last season as one of the best picks in FPL, but he does come in at a higher price tag than all of the other potential options. If you have the money and forward spot free, Mateta looks the best option.

There is little to choose between Eze and Sarr. Eze has had the attacking returns recently, but Sarr has had good chances as well. Personally, I am not sure I would be spending the extra money on Eze given he is no longer on penalties and some set-pieces, so I would just go with Sarr. 

Palace's fixtures GW21-28

*1 = easiest possible fixture, 5 = hardest possible fixture

Who are the best three midfielders after Salah and Palmer?

Lee Bonfield (@FPLFamily): The three best midfielders after Mohamed Salah (£13.7m) and Palmer are Gordon, Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes (£8.3m). The first two offer a good mix of form and fixtures. Gordon, in particular, is in great form for a Newcastle side who are flying.

Fernandes could be considered slightly controversial, with Man Utd struggling for consistency and (up until the game at Anfield) form. With Southampton up next though, who'd back against him for back-to-back attacking returns? 

Is it better to have a budget enabler in midfield or up front? Who’s the best one across both positions?

Mark McGettigan (@FPLGeneral): It's hard to look past the budget forwards as enablers this season. Joao Pedro (£5.7m), providing his ankle injury isn't serious, is my favoured option here, with penalties in his locker. I've had a £4.5m forward for most of the season but would like to upgrade to the Brighton forward in that slot to give me eight strong attackers. 

Are Newcastle the best team to triple up on?

Utkarsh Dalmia (@ZopharFPL): With Liverpool rotating in the attacking positions, Newcastle are one of the league's form teams and the side to triple up on, particularly given the Magpies are without European commitments this season. They have a settled starting XI and have nailed on picks in all three outfield positions - Hall, Gordon and Alexander Isak (£9.3m). All three offer excellent underlying numbers to go with their secure minutes.