Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 139 – Essential

Don’t get us wrong – we’re not labelling this latest droning session as “essential” listening. However, there’s no getting away from the fact that the concept of essential players has dominated the airwaves at Scout towers over the past week.

In this latest episode, Granville and I take on this meaty subject, whilst chewing over the importance of ownership and spit out the semblance of an opinion on both. Around that main course, we take on the usual bevvy of regulars with the usual haphazard panache.

Essential? Not quite, not even on a rainy Thursday night.

Grab this crucial slice of audio via this link or explore this necessary noise via the player below…

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

2,582 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Tony Warner Fan Club
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Happy Gameweek 8 Eve everyone. I hope you get all the points you're after this week!

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Nice. 🙂

      And you, Sir!

  2. megatronaldinho
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    to the two people at the top of page 13 whose advice to some guy amounted to 'money unspent is bad', the guy has not even 4 mil in the bank. if you think that spending every cent because dearer is better is how to succeed, welllll. ya haven't a bloody clue

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Good morning, Sunshine! Agree ... 😀

      1. megatronaldinho
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        hey there doos 🙂 i've seen this advice given before and it irks me. just as a dramatic example: a couple seasons back my brother's team got top 500 for the week with around 11 mil in the bank and a team value just north of 90. obviously long term it's not a plan as the heavy hitters shud outscore most others but short term and as a means to a reallocation of funds, having a few mil in the bank is normal. my concern is that some minds are malleable and will follow such spurious advice as they be given

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Absolutely! 🙂

  3. Mattias
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    I'm wanting to get Baines into my team by either replacing Lovren or a 4.0 def, but this means making up money from elsewhere by (at the moment) either dropping Falcao to Welbeck, or Fabregas to Tadic/Mane.
    Falcao seems my most sensible option to drop as I have ADM and the Man Utd double up probably isn't necessary, but I'd be losing a differential and become waaay more template!

    Anyone got any thoughts?

    1. Mattias
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Bringing in Tadic/Mane would then mean triple Saints as I have Pelle and Clyne

    2. Super Silva Haze
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Keep Falcao imo.

    3. facer
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I'm personally not convinced with Baines, without a steady flow of cleansheets he is over-priced, especially if it means a team shuffle...Coleman is back soon too and I don't think Baines was quite as productive when they play together. I would want to see Everton tighten up before I took that particular plunge and with Euro duties to contend with, I can't see it happening

      1. Daniel Exeter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        I do kind of agree with you - re. clean sheets.
        But, a lot of Baines' points come from his goals and assists which he'll still get and is getting. I see it as he's basically a midfielder at a cheaper price. I want him, but just not prepared to downgrade my front 7 this week. I'm holding off this week.

    4. Daniel Exeter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Swap Falcao.
      ADM is fine for Utd cover.

    5. Mattias
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      With Everton's run of fixtures I think Baines is a must. I'm really wanting to keep Falcs though depsite the double up, I think a big points haul is due for him and would be a big differential.

      My other alternative to make money for Baines is to drop Sterling to Hendo, which is more tempting.

  4. Super Silva Haze
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Who is the most likely 4.6 defender to keep a cleanie tomorrow ?

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Wisdom. Call me crazy.

      1. Super Silva Haze
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        U crazy yo.
        Was thinking Naylor ?

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Naylor -maybe. Everyone was sure he was going to get a Cleanie last GW but that didn't happen 😉

      2. Rhinos
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        he may well not even play so yes that is crazy. Short term but Bellerin for Arsenal

      3. Gascoigne8
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Wisdom will keep a clean tomoz as he's not playing until Monday

    2. Edmond
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Coloccini, or at least I hope so 😉

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        😆 And me. I am playing Dummett! 🙂

        1. Edmond
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          #pray4magpiescleanie 😀

  5. Jacques The Lad
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Play Vlaar against Everton or Wisdom against Mun?

    Not sure if Vlaar will play a whole game

    1. Gunner HitIT
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Neither

  6. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    On a different note,

    Anybody here want a taste of Fantasy NBAl? I'm playing one with SJ, Billy, Les Bleus and a few others. Will "tip-off" on the 28th - draft is in 6 dyas time.

    I can assure you it's going to be exciting - I was a rookie last season and had a terrific time.

  7. Think Tank
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Forster

    Ivan / Baines / Bertrand

    Fab / Chadli / ADM / Hendo

    Costa / Aguero© / Welbeck

    RMT please!

    1. elkunaguero
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      very nice... is this a WC?

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      nice..if only Fab is Hazard.

      1. Think Tank
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        No, wc'ed gw2

        I'm planning Bertie+Fab to Chambers+Haz soon I think.

        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          great moves imo

  8. stephenl15
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Yessss Grealish ready to declare for Ireland 😀

    1. Robbens Diving Instructor
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      overrated

    2. stephenl15
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Ok just seen his tweet!
      @JackGrealish1Some stuff in the papers today about me that I didn't even no myself

  9. davies
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Play 2 out of:

    A) Coloccini
    B) PVA
    C) Moore
    D) Wisdom

    A reason would be great, also. Cheers.

    1. Sydney Saints
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Newcastle defence has been awful. Which makes it tough. Clean sheet potential is not great anywhere, so I'd probably play Pva and collocini and hope.......

    2. Edmond
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      A) and C) for me. Can't see either Soton or Utd not scoring for this week at least

  10. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Tadic or Mane?

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Tadic for me. Set piece duty swings me.

    2. Willis.
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Tadic bich

    3. facer
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      of the two, Tadic for me too, but I'd want to see a little more production from either before buying. Having said that Tadic's numbers suggest a goal is around the corner, could be a good time to jump on considering the fixtures

    4. Nolberto Solano
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Was forced into Mane with lack of funds, but I'm optimistic!

  11. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone having the option to bring in Welbeck, but NOT doing it?

    Or just me?

    1. stephenl15
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      me. Pelle Aguero Costa

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      o/

      Pelle to Welbs for free but not doing it.

      1. Willis.
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Welbeck is a Man Utd supporter.

    3. Daniel Exeter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Certainly not just you. I think Pelle is the better of the two options. Welbeck is good but until he goes on a little run in the PL I won't consider him. Especially with the injuries Arsenal have.
      Ozil being out tho I genuinely think is a blessing in disguise for them, Cazorla to come in. Currently a better player imo.

    4. Qubit
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Yep, just you 😀

      But if you're OK with not having a top 4 striker from a team embarking on a kind run of fixtures and all for only 7.3m then each to their own I guess!

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        I prefer a midf form a top 4 embarking on a kind run of fixtures.

        1. Qubit
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          How bout both? I think the fixtures will support it as a move.

          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Yeah, I guess.

            Will scupper Kun plans though.

            1. Qubit
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Ahhh, this is everyones problem. Personally i think the solution may soon present itself: I think it may be that I may lose Costa for Aguero and move Fabs to Hazard.

              1. Christina.
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Im considering doing what I should have done last week and get Sakho.

                This will finance Kun & Walcott/Ramsey and save a future trade.

                1. Qubit
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  already got him 😉

                2. Qubit
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Sound move btw i think.

                  1. Christina.
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    I was stupid last week for not getting him. Talked him up and then lost the plot...

    5. Pie-o-My
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Cant see me moving from pelle aguero costa any time soon. Will await theos return to get an arsenal player.

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        That's my thinking.

    6. Edmond
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      o/

      Happy with my Costa Kun Pelle strike force for now. But as soon as Pelle shows any signs of losing form, I'd have Welbz as a ready-made replacement.

    7. facer
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      looks like a conundrum for a few people that Chris, maybe Pelle's percentage of goal involvement and Walcott's return just tips it Pelle's way?

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Im sitting with Pelle/Costa/Ulloa. 2 FT & 4.6 ITB

        Pelle Im keeping.

        Pelle could turn into Kun when needed.

        1. Daniel Exeter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Oh,sorry I didn't realise your 3rd striker was Ulloa - definitely upgrade to Welbeck in that case?
          Your 4.6 isn't doing anything for you just sitting there..

    8. pompeyfan
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      me. Not convinced I should bring him in for Sakho this gw

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Im considering getting Sakho over Welbz this week.

        Plan is to get Ramsey/Walcott when fit.

      2. Qubit
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        As you're a member check Sakho stats away vs home. Quite interesting reading.

        1. pompeyfan
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          it is interesting, thanks. However it's quite a small sample size

          1. Qubit
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Agreed. However, just thought it might help you make a decision for this week with the move

            1. pompeyfan
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              It did, I do appreciate it. Cheers!

  12. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    If Chadli doesn't play and Sterling gets rested my midfield is crocked. Marney also injured so that's those 2 points lost and Hutton as final bench player.
    I would end up playing 5-2-3

    1. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I reckon Chadli will play

    2. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Sterling will have had a weeks rest and Liverpool aren't doing well enough to be resting their best players, I can't see him not playing.

    3. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Sterling will play.

  13. Spatburgunder
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Aguero Costa ?

    Looking at Berahino or Cisse, likely to only be for 4 weeks. Tempted by Berahino but that just may be the lure of a player in the Monday night game!

    What would you do?

      1. Spatburgunder
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers,

  14. Voodoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    How am I looking for this week:

    Foster
    Bertrand Baines Clyne
    Hazard DiMaria Siggurdson Tadic
    Ulloa Aguero(c) Costa

    1FT

    1. Spatburgunder
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I'd save buddy, nice team !

      1. Voodoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers

    2. Pie-o-My
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Ulloa only one I'd change but limited options without money itb.

      1. Voodoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah I could change to Naismith but would I've had Ulloa since he was 5.5 so wouldn't be able to get him back...

    3. Tony Warner Fan Club
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I would 😉

  15. Honeybadger
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Baines (C) who's with me?

    1. Spatburgunder
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I'm already twitching with my kun cap, that would tip me over the edge!

  16. Willis.
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Captain David Villa or Damien Duff?!??!

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      What's this for? Fantasy Forgotten?

      1. Edmond
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Lol @ Fantasy Forgotten, that made me chuckle 😀

  17. Willis.
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Is Robert Koren starting??

  18. gtf
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Just listened to the scoutcast and i think i have almost the same best 11 as Mark.

    Krul
    Ivan Clyne Caulker(his last week)
    Sterling Siggy Chadli Mane
    Costa(c) Aguero Falcao

    Elliot Dummett Boyd Moore

    Hows this look?

    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I have exactly the same front 8 as Mark plus Ivan and Baines too. I swear he copied my team when he did his WC 😀

  19. awgJose
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Pick Duff or Hutton?

    1. MG7
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      should i bench hutton or naismith?

    2. Qubit
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Toughie that one. I was thinking Hutton, but now im not so sure.... Curently leaning toward Duff

    3. Pie-o-My
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Duff with the home fixture. Hutton only cost Scotland two goals v Poland though, good form for him!

      1. awgJose
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Sorry, I meant as a pick for my team, not to play this GW!

  20. adnangri
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    RMT

    In bank : 0.8m
    Bego (Myhill)
    Ivanovic, Duff, Van Bertrand, (Lovren, Distin )
    Fab, Siggy, ADM, Sterling ( Mirallas )
    Costa, Ulloa, Naismith

    Mirallas out for next GW, should I do Mirralas - Routledge and Ulloa - Pelle?

    1. adnangri
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      For -4 hit

  21. Puyol Pants Up
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Dummet (LEI H) or Duff (WHM H)

    I also have Downing if that changes anything.

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Dumm

    2. Nolberto Solano
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Dummett

    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Replied previous. See above, passim, also.

      1. Puyol Pants Up
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        passim? Cheers for the reply.

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          "during the course" of the thread.

  22. Qubit
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Does anyone happen to know the most goals scored in the Premier League without pens?

    1. Qubit
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Would that be Mr Suarez?

    2. The Machine
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      suarez?

      man city last year?

    3. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      les Ferdinand 122

    4. Qubit
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Looks like its Cole. 34 in 42 games.

  23. The Machine
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    A) Pelle & Sanchez/hazard

    B) Aguero & chadli

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      A with Hazard.

      I have Pelle Hazard and Kun btw 😉

      1. The Machine
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        yeah but i also have fab 😉

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          You don't want two Chelski midfielders.

          1. goriuanx
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            This. You're going to need a Chelsea defender sooner or later. Defender + Costa and maybe one of Cesc/Haz.

          2. The Machine
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            probably. just need someone to hold walcott/ramsey's spot for a week or two and they seem to be in good scoring form + he's on penos

        2. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Good for you! In that case go B. Haz over Fab for me, though.

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      B

  24. Tornado
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Any news on krul?

    Is he fit to play?

    1. MG7
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      looks like he will play

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Good to go they say.

  25. gtf
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Start Dummett or Caulker?

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Dummett.

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Both will concede I think. Caulker the bigger goal threat

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Dumm

  26. The Machine
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    arteta coming back is bad for sanchez. really bad. gives wegner the option of wilshere in the hole with caz on left wing ox on the other and sanchez on bench. something he seems to love

    1. Gunner HitIT
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Yea agree, but sanchez will have to play this time

    2. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Do you think Sanchez has done enough to earn a starting place?

  27. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Bench 1 please

    a) PvA @ Southampton

    b) Taylor @ Stoke

    c) Vlaar @ Everton

    1. Gunner HitIT
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Vlaar

  28. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Thinking of getting this front 8 in a few weeks.

    ADM - Walcott - Fabregas - Sterling - Sigurdsson
    Aguero - Costa - Zamora

    What do you think?

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I'd drop kick one of Fab/Sterling. Ideally want 3 up top

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Which 3rd striker would you get ahead of any of those mids?

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Benteke

    2. Gunner HitIT
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Any other option apart from zamora?

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Nope.

        Need all the money i can for defense.

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Fab out (after QPR ) and upgrade 3rd striker.

    4. The Machine
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      walcott not even on the bench tomorrow and probably won't start the next week too so you're looking at zamora for two weeks? i don't like that idea

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        "in a few weeks"...

      2. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        lol

        'in a few weeks'

        I'm not getting this team for this week.

      3. The Machine
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        ignore.

  29. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Naismith -> Welbz yay or nay?

    1. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Nay

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Nay from me. I'd wait for benteke

    3. Gunner HitIT
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      nay

    4. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      wow, everyone saying nay. Why is that?

  30. Baa
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Play Shackell or PvA?

    Leaning towards Shackell