Back From Break, Ready to Score: GW12 Scout Picks

GW12 marks the first week back after the winter break, with the transfer window still open and teams adjusting to new faces. This Scout highlights where the upside lies — from fixture logic to low-owned gems ready to make a difference.

GK + Defence

Kinga Szemik – the old “three saves from visionary Kinga Szemik to bag a score” strategy (read: prayer) is once again viable against trigger-happy Chelsea in GW12. The defending champions average nearly five and a half shots on target per game; in the reverse fixture, Szemik managed eight saves. One to consider.

Amanda Nildén – Spurs’ new defensive standout, Amanda Nildén has been their best-performing defender this season. With low-scoring Leicester up next in GW12, she combines security of minutes with bonus potential, making her an obvious pick to anchor Spurs’ backline.

Rebecca Knaak – first plays tenth in GW12; Rebecca Knaak’s goal threat and continued eligibility for visionary points makes her the obvious pick to exploit that mismatch. She won’t stay under 2% owned for long – get those extras while you can.

Ellie Carpenter – second plays second bottom. The WSL’s best defence faces one of its three worst attacks – however you slice it, this is a good defensive game, and Ellie Carpenter, Chelsea’s top-scoring asset, is the best choice to cover it. Don’t rule out bonus or attacking returns.

Anna Patten – when it comes together defensively for Aston Villa, the result is usually a clean sheet – they have the joint-most (5) this season. That’s upside worth shooting for at home to a Brighton side with just three goals in five away games. A rock in that backline, you can count on Anna Patten for bonus as well – it’d be the third time in a row she’s done that against the Seagulls if it happens in GW12.

Midfield

Hemp – three consecutive WSL starts before the break, leaky Everton up next – Lauren Hemp is an easy choice in midfield for GW12. Man City’s attack is really purring now and, at 9% owned, Hemp returns open a path to relatively unique points plus the extra point for any goals scored.

Thompson – secure minutes, a 12-pointer just before the break, under 5% owned, floundering West Ham up next – Alyssa Thompson ticks every conceivable box for GW12. Don’t scroll past.

Park – with Ella Toone ruled out through injury, the spotlight shifts firmly to Jess Park. Manchester United’s best-performing midfielder in the game and the third-highest point scorer of all players this season so far, Park combines consistent returns with big-minute security. In a fixture that still points towards goals, she’s the most reliable route into United’s attack and a premium midfield pick for GW12.

Forwards

Shaw (c) – far and away the WSL’s top scorer this season, expect Khadija Shaw to feast on an Everton side conceding twice a game this campaign. Bunny enters GW12 with 49 (!) points in her last four games – easy captaincy.

Asllani – against still-winless Liverpool, who average just under two goals conceded per game and were hit for nine (!) in the League Cup last time out, London City attacking cover is vital for GW12. There’s no more involved Lionesses attacker than Kosovare Asllani – set pieces, penalties, open play, she’s everywhere. Shrug off the pre-break blanks.

England – Leicester City have taken a few pastings – four games conceding three or more times – and with such a low defensive floor, Beth England looks worth a nibble in GW12. She’s still Spurs’ most reliable attacker, having played every game and started 9 of 11, is on penalties, and scored in her last two WSL games. Fairly reliable, with a decent ceiling.

GW12 is all about backing strong fixtures, secure minutes and a few smart differentials. The captaincy is clear — the upside elsewhere is where ranks can really shift.