🚀 Fantasy WSL Scout Picks: Gameweek 8 Breakdown 🚀
This gameweek is special—it's the first-ever Scout Showdown, where our resident Scout takes on a guest fantasy manager from the community. In the hot seat this week is Conner Roberts, a passionate Manchester United fan and the founder of @AllForUnitedWFC, a platform dedicated to covering the Red Devils’ women’s team. And to make things interesting, you can vote via our social channels on which team you think will get the most points this gameweek.
🛡️ The Scout’s Team: Gameweek 8 Selections
1. Phallon Tullis-Joyce & Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United) With Manchester United playing twice this gameweek, having solid defensive coverage is crucial. First up, they face an injury-hit Leicester City side that has struggled to score, followed by a tougher challenge against Chelsea. Tullis-Joyce, currently Fantasy WSL’s joint-top scoring goalkeeper, and Le Tissier, the top-scoring defender, form the ideal defensive duo for GW8. Even if Chelsea prove a handful, Le Tissier’s consistency in earning bonus points and Tullis-Joyce’s save potential should result in a healthy haul.
2. Poppy Pattinson (Brighton) Brighton’s left-back has been transformed into a fantasy asset under Dario Vidošić. Pattinson has already equaled her career tally of assists within just six games this season and is picking up bonus points like never before. Facing West Ham at home, a side that has struggled to score in almost half of their games, Pattinson is a budget-friendly pick with both clean sheet and attacking potential.
3. Grace Fisk (Liverpool) The Merseyside derby is often a tight affair, making it an ideal fixture to target for defensive assets. Since her return, Fisk has slotted into a wing-back role, filling in for Lucy Parry. She’s already contributed with assists and has a knack for bonus points, making her a valuable pick for GW8.
4. Guro Reiten & Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea) With Chelsea having a double gameweek, the focus shifts to secure minutes. Reiten and Rytting Kaneryd have been two of the most consistent midfielders this season, leading the league in points for their position. With two fixtures on the horizon, this pair promises a mix of goals, assists, and bonus points.
5. Grace Clinton (Tottenham) A highly owned midfielder with a double gameweek, Clinton is almost essential to cover yourself against rival managers. Tottenham’s first fixture against Leicester City presents a great opportunity for attacking returns.
6. Frida Maanum (Arsenal) Arsenal are in red-hot form after back-to-back dominant wins against Brighton and Juventus. Maanum has been their top scorer and is in prime form heading into the North London derby against a defensively shaky Tottenham side.
7. Mayra Ramírez (Chelsea, Captain Option) Rested during midweek, Ramírez is primed for Chelsea’s double gameweek. She’s been in top form, with returns in every game she’s played this season. Her history against Manchester United, including a standout performance last season, makes her a strong captaincy option.
8. Gabi Nunes (Aston Villa) After securing her spot in the starting lineup, Nunes has continued to impress. Villa’s fixture against Crystal Palace offers her a great chance to add to her tally of two goals in recent games.
9. Nikita Parris (Brighton) Parris has secured consistent minutes for Brighton and faces West Ham at home. With four returns in her last five starts, she’s a great differential pick for this gameweek.
🔥 Conner Roberts’ Team: Gameweek 8 Selections
GK - Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United) With a double gameweek, Tullis-Joyce is a smart pick. Even though one of the matches is against Chelsea, she’ll likely earn plenty of save points given her shot-stopping abilities.
DEF - Emily Fox (Chelsea) Fox has had an incredible start to the season and faces a Spurs side that hasn’t hit their stride yet. There’s a strong chance of a clean sheet and even attacking returns.
DEF - Taylor Hinds (Liverpool) Fresh off a brace in Gameweek 6, Hinds enters the Merseyside derby brimming with confidence. Everton’s struggles could mean another big game for her.
DEF - Jorelyn Carabalí (Brighton) Brighton’s defense has been solid, and Carabalí is a great option with a home fixture against a West Ham side struggling to find the net.
DEF - Katie McCabe (Arsenal) McCabe is in top form and thrives in derby matches. While a yellow card might be on the horizon, her attacking potential and clean sheet prospects make her worth the risk.
MF - Marie Hobinger (Tottenham) Hobinger has been a consistent set-piece taker and has accumulated solid points. A good fixture against Everton makes her an appealing option this week.
MF - Guro Reiten (Chelsea) With Chelsea playing twice, Reiten’s form and secure minutes make her a must-have for the double gameweek.
MF - Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea) One of Chelsea’s standout performers, she’s expected to feature heavily in both games this week and deliver significant returns.
FW - Rachel Daly (Aston Villa) Despite Villa’s lack of wins, Daly remains a reliable source of goals. With a home game against newly promoted Palace, she’s poised to break her scoring drought.
FW - Mayra Ramírez (Chelsea) Another double gameweek player, Ramírez has been in fantastic form. She excelled in past encounters with Manchester United, making her a key asset for this gameweek.
FW - Khadija "Bunny" Shaw (Manchester City) The league’s top scorer is in unstoppable form. While the Chelsea matchup is challenging, Shaw will undoubtedly get her chances.
⚖️ The Showdown: Scout vs. Conner Roberts
With both teams stacked with double gameweek players and a mix of solid differentials, it’s set to be a tight battle. Will the Scout’s focus on defensive stability pay off, or will Conner’s picks up front bring him the glory?
Stay tuned to see who comes out on top! 🏆