November
08

The ScoutCast – Episode Eighty Seven – The Hole

Filed under: Fantasy Football Podcast - Posted by: Mark

We just won’t let it lie. Having rinsed through the idea in this week’s Digest, the prospect of dropping this new breed of “in the hole” midfielders into a new Fantasy position gets another airing in this week’s ‘Cast. Granville agrees but we still somehow manage to argue about it.

Around that particular hot topic, there’s our usual brand of regulars, plus a preview of the two sides that lie in wait for us in the Fantasy Football Scout Cup and the latest on Ed’s team and his work on the new comments system. “Mr Ghostship” had a bad week – could it be all the attention has piled the pressure on his big coding shoulders?

Take up the role in the hole by clicking this link, or just stream the business in your browser via the player below….

About The Author

“Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.”

Mark

> See all posts by this author

  1. IfYouTinkerYou'llHaveA…
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Morning all - fine to save my FT this week? Work on getting fellaini next week? Don't fancy taking a 4 point hit for him in a cup week!!!

    Begovic

    Ivan Nelsen Baines (vc)

    Michu Walters Bale Mata

    RVP (c) Tevez Berbs

    Foster Sterling Davis Demel

    good luck in the cup Ya'll

    1. ATHLETICO TIMBO
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      He's not worth a hit

  2. Fratboy
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    SAF definitely suggesting that we're going to be playing a much weaker team in the last two games of the CL. Makes RVP, Rooney, Valencia, Rafael much more nailed on for these easy fixtures.

    Current fixture list "suggested" threat of rotation in the *'d games:

    Aston Villa V Man Utd - Sat 10 Nov

    * Norwich V Man Utd - Sat 17 Nov *

    Galatasaray V Man Utd - Tue 20 Nov

    * Man Utd V QPR - Sat 24 Nov *

    Man Utd V West Ham - Wed 28 Nov

    * Reading V Man Utd - Sat 1 Dec *

    Man Utd V CFR Cluj-Napoca - Wed 5 Dec

    Man City V Man Utd - Sun 9 Dec

    Safe to say that this won't happen now.

    1. Bubbles
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Lovely stuff. RVP Rooney ahoy!

      1. Fratboy
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Obviously should've *'d the West Ham game too but wasn't the point of the post!

        Ahoy there me hearty!!

    2. COMH
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Just how I called it the other day :)

    3. I know... From now on, I wi…
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      United already through to UCL 16 as the group leader. So Fergie will play second team there. I think Fergie will concentrate on League matches and rotation will not be there for a few months, I reckon.

      1. Fratboy
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        So you agree basically.

  3. Kerrazy
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    anybody got any ideas on Ba and his injury ?

    1. Doosra - Garganega. Glug.
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      I did. I dropped him. :-)

      1. Bubbles
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        I think that might well come back and bite you, Doos.

        1. Doosra - Garganega. Glug.
          • Reputation Level: Scout
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member

          I walk around with a telephone directory in my trizers ... ;-)

          1. Bubbles
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            Sharp teeth could make light work of that defence! ;)

            1. Doosra - Garganega. Glug.
              • Reputation Level: Scout
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member

              Too lazy to chew ... ;-)

      2. Fratboy
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        3 transfers! Have you honestly taken a 8 pointer getting rid of him? Can easily see him starting and scoring against his (your) old club!

        1. Doosra - Garganega. Glug.
          • Reputation Level: Scout
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member

          Time to sort out our defences, Sunshine ... :-D

          1. Fratboy
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            Nice work. Taking loads of hits and it's paying off #idol

      3. Kerrazy
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        will we get any news to confirm that he's gonna start ?

    2. Mohit Gianani
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      The manager said he's likely to start. I think I'll keep him.

  4. Sebason
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Is Lambert likely to start at home this weekend? Need to bench him or Sterling.

    1. Mjfdept - Taiwo's Komp…
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      i have both and i'm benching sterling

    2. Arwenty
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Lambert was decent against West Brom.

      Definite starter this week.

  5. Mohit Gianani
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Is it wise to triple up on Everton with Baines, Fellaini and Pienaar?

    1.  UNITED FORCE 101% &trad…
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      why not ?

    2. COMH
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      I would say 2 is plenty. One bad game and 1/3 of your outfield players are a write off.

      1. I know... From now on, I wi…
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        I have Baines and Fellai and I think it's enough.

        1. Caine And Very Able
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          +1

    3. Andrew
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      No, too many eggs in one basket

    4. Natster | The Shuffling
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      Might be good.

    5. I Code Aeroplanes For A Liv…
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      how about jelavic instead of pienaar

    6. ATHLETICO TIMBO
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      I wouldn't triple up cause after the next 3 games you'll only want one

  6. I Like Small Butts & I …
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Listening to the Scout Cast and Nolan is mentioned as a 'must have'. Not sure I agree with that one. West Ham have been good at home, but they're fixtures from now:
    newcastle STOKE spurs united CHELSEA LIVERPOOL wba EVERTON arsenal

    I don't see many chances for Nolan to convert in that run.

    1. Bubbles
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Haven't listened to it, but 'must have'? Really?!

    2. China Mag
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      He's bound to score against us!!

    3. I Like Small Butts & I …
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Bubbles... he was mentioned as well as Michu and Fell as you having to own at least 2 of that trio.

      Each to their own, I think there's better.

      1. Bubbles
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Just Michu out of that lot, and pretty happy with that at the moment. Certainly don't see him anywhere near a must have.

    4. Mohit Gianani
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Agree

    5. Doosra - Garganega. Glug.
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      Agree. Red cards galore ... :-)

    6. Kostja
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      They are saying 2 of Michu, Fellaini, Nolan are must haves

      1. ChristIna
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        +1

        All the OOP's.

      2. ATHLETICO TIMBO
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        And with nolans fixts obviously he isn't. But he will be again at some point

    7. ChristIna
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      He scored vs Citeh last week, and I believe the goal was "legit" and should have stood. That would have meant 11pts instead of 3 pts and a major bandwagon.

      Yeah fixt are crap, but nothing pisses me of more then when he scores and I don't own him.

      I'm keeping.

    8. El Chinito
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      he scored against Man City...

      1. I Like Small Butts & I …
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        ....

  7. Romford Pele - Don't w…
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Does Puncheon have any chance of getting back in the first team? or at least being used from the bench?

    1. Doosra - Garganega. Glug.
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      Yes. A very good chance, imo.

    2. lord_trumpington
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      The team news (BBC) on Monday night suggested that Ramriez return was the reason for Punch missing out against Reading. The stats seem to back this up with him having made bit part appearances in most of the games when Ramirez has been fit (that may be complete bollox though, with which case I stand corrected). I swapped him out for McAnuff last week.

  8. tosey
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    At what point will people lose faith with Baines? I see hes still getting transfers in and guess this is down to his next 3 fixtures, but his form is shocking

    2, 6, 2, 4, 1

    I know the old saying never drop baines but with evertons fixtures taking a turn for the worse after gwk13 is that when people plan to ditch?

    1. China Mag
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Baines > Sagna would make my plans a whole lot easier!! Don't know if I could bring myself to do it though

      1. tosey
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        agree its tough as he can always pop up with a pen

        ive just kept an eye on him as i nearly did rafa to baines for a hit before saints at home and thats his scores since then so i got away with that one

    2. Mjfdept - Taiwo's Komp…
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      the 4 would have been a 6 if it wasn't for the unlucky own goal.

    3. Stinkfly
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      I may ditch in a few weeks, based on fixtures, with a view to reconsidering things during the January WC.

    4. Bubbles
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Yes. Well, the fixtures are decent for the next few but I'm fed up with him at the moment. But this is classic Baines in my team. Always seems to score well when not in my team, not so when in my team. He's a right bastard.

      1. lord_trumpington
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Too true....

    5. ChristIna
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      I was going to and bring Vermaelen. I've scrapped that idea.

      My problem is I would want Baines for my Jan WC for SWANS/south/WBA/VILLA and I'm not going to pay a premium for him after getting him for 7m.

      So, I'm keeping.

      1. tosey
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        if his form keeps up tho he wont keep his current price tag

        1. ChristIna
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          Might be, but no way will he drop 0.6m by gw 21.

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Reputation Level: Club Scout
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights

            Only needs to drop 0.3 to cost the same.

        2. roscola
          • Reputation Level: Scout
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member

          As I argue below, I think his price will be kept afloat by all the dead teams who got him in the first few weeks after his big hauls.

    6. Natster | The Shuffling
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      I plan to keep him unless long-term injured..

    7. Romford Pele - Don't w…
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      either way, after the next three fixtures i think i'm going to get rid. Ive never been as much as a fan as others and he only seems to do well when i don't have him

    9. Damo
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      My head is getting turned everytime I log on now. I think Rafael could well outscore him over the next while, would give me enough to nicely upgrade crouch

      1. lord_trumpington
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Having Rafa & Baines is what the cool kids have done ;-)

        1. Damo
          • Reputation Level: Scout
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member

          Baa!

    10. griff
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Yep. Regardless of his form over the next few weeks I'll be binning him for GW14. At the moment he is a good differential for me as my nearest rival doesn't have him, but downgrading him would free up a nice bit of cash

    11. Limpar
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Weirdly he's a differential in my ML so certainly keeping him short-term. But, agree, certainly not untouchable while getting scores like that is he. Statistically on the other hand, he hasn't really stopped making tonnes of chances each game.

    12. roscola
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      Problem is that if I ditch him, he's too expensive to get back. He was very popular in first few weeks after some big hauls which means his price will be kept afloat for the rest of the season by all the dead teams.

  9. blooggg
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    anyone thinking of doubling up on the utd defence? already have jevans but im looking to fit rafael too.

    norwich,villa and QPR, their next 3 opps. have looked far from convincing offensively and although u could say the same about the utd defence, i can see them improving.

    1. Stinkfly
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Jevans doubtful for tomorrow's game.

      1. blooggg
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        i know, jevans>rafa straight sap it would be in that case

    2. Kostja
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      I was considering, as I dont like any of their mids, but There just seems to be too much rotation there. I think Ferdinand could actually be the best second option along with Rafa at this moment as he wont play any more CL or Cup games.

  10. Waldaz
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Random post, I miss van der Vaart in EPL (and FPL).

    1. Kostja
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      +1

    2. Bubbles
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Yup.

    3. asap
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      wao... me 2...regular part of my team last season

  11. Mohit Gianani
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Valencia or Walcott? Already have RVP

    1. asap
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      valencia surely...c their fixtures man

    2. Emp
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      valencia , walcott too risky to start, nothing wrong with doubling up on man u for their fixture run

  12. Limpar
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    8 home players this week
    3 away - inc. Michu at Southampton and RVP at Villa
    Surely good news...

    (cue a streak of away turnovers)

    1. I Code Aeroplanes For A Liv…
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      michu very doubtful though ;)

      1. lord_trumpington
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Why?

      2. ATHLETICO TIMBO
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Michu isn't a doubt, Chico is

  13. samsonmcmuffin
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Need help!!! cant pick a captain this week. Who would you captain from Cazorla, Ben Arfa and Aguero??

    1. Doosra - Garganega. Glug.
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      Cazorla.

    2. Limpar
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      All quite nice options. Cazorla for me.

      1. samsonmcmuffin
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Thanks Gents

      2. Nice to Michu
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Considering Cazorla as (c) too but strangely he's has hardly done anything in home games all season, even in easy games vs SUN,SOU,QPR

    3. Huuge
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Aguero

  14. athevroy - what's a ma…
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Argh. Always end up at the bottom of the page... Ok so here's my dilemma:

    Thoughts on Steven Taylor folks? New. Have great fixtures and he seems nailed on now.

    Also thinking about Rafael but I want to free up some funds and trading out vertonghen so I can strengthen the midfield next week…

    How are people seeing newcastles defensive resolve with Colo and simpson out?

    1. Jose is Legend
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Taylor could be a good option.

      Is Simpson definately out?

    2. DLL18
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      I think it'll be a bit patchwork this week with Colo, Simpson, Tiote and Perch all out. But (I think) Tiote is back next week who they've really been missing so I'd consider him then definitely.

      1. athevroy - what's a ma…
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Hmm. Good points, thanks for the input.

  15. Jose is Legend
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Stick or Twist?

    1FT

    Begovic,
    Simpson (50%), Baines, Cameron
    Mata, Bale, Pienaar, Nolan
    RVP, Ba (75%), Fletcher

    Schwarzer, Sterling, Cuellar, Demel (50%)

    1. ATHLETICO TIMBO
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Get rid of fletcher

  16. riQuelme techniQue
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Anyone actually bringing in Ba this week?

    1. dinamika
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Yes...I'm and put armband on him.

  17. heroicxv
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    8 point hit - worth it? Both Ba & valencia have much better fixtures for thext few weeks

    Berbatov -> Ba
    Bale -> Valencia

  18. Kags
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    NEW POST MO FO!!!!

  20. blooggg
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    A)Hazard> mata(free)?

    Lamps is still out meaning hazard's on the penos but i simply can't afford to see mata outscoring hazard yet again. What would you do if u were in this position:

    B) jevans or figueroa > rafael? (again, for free)

    Wigan havent kept a cleanie @ home so far this season and im convinced this run will continue for some time. UTD on the other hand, face 3 offensively poor teams and you would expect them to start picking up cleanies. Jevans is a doubt, though.

  21. kokotkoCZ
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Sagna or Shawcross?
    I have Begovic.From arsenal noone.

  22. Romford Pele - Don't w…
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Am I the only one staying clear of Fellaini for now? the four yellows really bugs me knowing that he could only play two of the next three good fixtures and then everton have some tough fixtures.

    And I have a feeling with Everton that their early season form this time around may start to reverse

    1. wakey
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      i did it on sunday for the extra money....worked out spiffing and if he has a game or two before the yellow then even better....You may have missed the rises though..unless he bags one or two more this weekend...

  23. kokotkoCZ
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Sterling+Jelavic
    Fellaini+Podolski
    Fellaini+Suarez

  24. rvp786
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    MATA BALE CAZ MICHU STERLING

    0.1m in bank

    who to bring in felliani for??

  25. manu4life99
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Am I ok to save FT:

    Bego
    Rafael Baines Davies
    Pienaar Bale Caz Hba
    Ba Rvp Berb

    Subs: sterling nelson demel

  26. wakey
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Lost the post somewhere...somebody asked about Walcott...a bit dodgy in my view...but worth considering Arsenal's injury list...it probably increases his chances of game time if only in the short term/maybe longer

  27. Godfather Bandit
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Bit the bullet and pressed the button!

    1 FT - Foster>Bergo.

    Done.

    1. Godfather Bandit
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      3-5-2 isn't me but I'm gonna paly Kightly and bench Lukaku (whom I'm looking to show the exit anytime soon, although I did Lambert>Lukaku last week!!).

      1. Godfather Bandit
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        *play

  28. PrestigeWorldwide
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    OK, would like a little advice please. Of the following three, which one would you bench for this coming week?

    Caulker @ MCI
    Cuellar @ EVE
    Sterling @ CHE

    Thanks!

  29. OneTwo
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Thoughts on Cazorla and Jenkinson to Fellaini and Rafael (2FT)? Jenkinson's gotta go I know that much.

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Scout Picks

Team of the Season 2012/13

  • Jääskeläinen
  • Baines
  • Vertonghen
  • Zabaleta
  • Davies
  • Walcott
  • Mata
  • Michu
  • Bale
  • Suárez
  • van Persie
  • Evra
  • Cazorla
  • Benteke

Comments

Recent

Hot Topics

Next Six Ticker

The Watchlist

Goalkeepers

Player Club Factors
No Change Hart MCI B, Vs
Up Cech CHE B, Vs
Up Robles WIG C, Vs, £
No Change Lloris TOT C, Vs
No Change Foster WBA C, Vs
No Change Vorm SWA C, Vs
No Change Mignolet SUN B, Vs
No Change De Gea MUN A
Up Boruc SOT B, Vs, £
No Change Jääskeläinen WHM A
No Change Begovic STO C
No Change Howard EVE A

Defenders

Player Club Factors
No Change Kompany MCI B, Vs, Rest
No Change Vertonghen TOT A, Vs, Rest
Up Luiz CHE A, Vs, Rest
No Change Baines EVE A
Up Boyce WIG C, Vs, OoP
Down Bassong NOR B, Vs
Up McAuley WBA C, Vs
Down Johnson LIV B
Up Jones MUN A
No Change Sagna ARS B
Up Huth STO C
No Change Cuéllar SUN B, Vs, £
No Change Rangel SWA C, Vs
Up Clyne SOT B, Vs, £

Midfielders

Player Club Factors
Up Bale TOT A, Vs
No Change Mata CHE C, Vs, Rest
Up Walcott ARS C, OoP
Up Hazard CHE B, Vs, Rest, Inj
Up Maloney WIG B, Vs, £
No Change Y Touré MCI B, Vs
No Change Silva MCI B, Vs, Inj
No Change Fellaini EVE C
No Change Coutinho LIV B
Up Morrison WBA C, Vs
Down Cazorla ARS C
No Change Snodgrass NOR B
Up Kagawa MUN B, Rest
Up Walters STO B
Down Lallana SOT C, Vs
Down Sissoko NEW C

Forwards

Player Club Factors
Up Tevez MCI A, Vs, Rest
Up Koné WIG B, Vs, £
Down van Persie MUN A, Vs
Up Sturridge LIV B
Up Lukaku WBA B, Vs, Rest
Up Benteke AVL A
Down Aguero MCI B, Vs, Inj
Up Rodriguez SOT A, Vs, £
Up Defoe TOT B, Vs, Rest
Down Lambert SOT C, Vs
Down Rooney MUN C
Up Carroll WHM A, VsX
Up Ba CHE C, Vs, Rest
Down Berbatov FUL C
Up Cissé NEW B
Down Remy QPR B

Selection Factors

A, B, C Current Form
Vs Favourable Fixtures
VsX Unfavourable Fixtures
Rest Rotation Risk
Inj Injured/Returning from Injury
OoP Out of Position
£ Potential Bargain
Sus Suspended/Near Suspension

“I love to attack and I love to go up front...It is a little more difficult than when you are playing centre-back. If you play the way that I want to play, I think my influence is better as a left-back. For the team, it is best that I play as a centre-back. I like to bring the ball out. You need to move the game quickly, and that is one of my qualities as well.”

Jan Vertonghen outlines what he feels is his best position for Andre Villas-Boas