Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 146 – Closer

Granville and I get cosy on a two-seater sofa – within touching distance – just how he likes it.

In truth, my-host is getting too close for comfort: the mini-league gap is down to just 42 points, with Granville relentlessly chiping away at my previously unassailable lead.

We review Gameweek 16’s events, including my oh-so bitter Dzeko pill, before discussing De Gea’s uncanny form, the demise of Leighton Baines and my latest set-to with Jonty: are there better options than Diego Costa up top?

The regulars wrap themselves around that lot, while Granville, thankfully, keeps his hands to himself.

Snuggle up to the noise via this link or get up close and personal via the player below…

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

3,941 Comments Post a Comment
  1. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    who to play?

    A. Wickham (new)

    B. Vargas (WBA)

    It's for my draft team, anyway.

    1. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      B but I'm biased
      😀

    2. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      A

    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      What did you do to my players?!?!! 👿

      1. super zlatan
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        B

      2. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        😆 hard luck Billy. Seriously, never saw that coming. You're leading healthily though.

        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Now is when you start to chip away now that Steph's done for the week.

          1. NABIL - FPL otai
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            I try not to be too optimistic. My players are playing like shite.

    4. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      wow, top of page. never did counting 😉

    5. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      where can I play a draft league (for next season) anyway?

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        keep in touch with HOH. He made the one I'm playing in.

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          head over heels.

          1. NABIL - FPL otai
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            care to give a thought?

    6. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks all.

  2. Ice
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Aguero news: BBC says that he could be back a month ahead of schedule, as early as early January.

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      You expected tons of replies didn't you xD

      1. Ice
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        No, just thought i'd let everyone know.

  3. FootballFanatic365
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Forster

    Azpilicueta Clichy Baines

    Fàbregas Downing SanchZ eriken

    Austin Bony Rooney

    sub :__ Foster Sigurdsson Dummett MoORE

    good to go Guys?

    1. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Looks solid to me

    2. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Nice team. Would rather have Hazzard than Baines or Clichy.

      1. FootballFanatic365
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        fab in place of hazard ( as a differential ) and to have more fun

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      yep gtg

  4. super zlatan
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    G2G?

    Guzan
    Baines. Clyne. Yun
    Haz. Sanchez. Siggy. Downing
    Costa. Rooney. Bony

    Subs. Elliot. Wisdom. Marney. Hutton

    Planning on saving my trade.

    0.7 in bank

    1. Pringle
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Lovely team. You dont want to sell Clyne for a City defender?

      1. super zlatan
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Could do Clyne > Demi?

        Can't afford zaba

        1. Pringle
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Think I would do that. But see the arguments for holding also.

    2. Eric Banternaaa
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      G2G!

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      gtg man. Who's your captain?

      1. super zlatan
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Toss up between Rooney and haz

  5. Eric Banternaaa
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Heaton
    Clyne | Zaba | Azpi
    Hazard (C) | Fabregas | Siggy | Downing
    Bony | Rooney | Giroud

    Mannone | Wisdom | Moore | El Ahmadi

    3.8ITB 0FT

    Mannone to Hart - Can see Hart out scoring Heaton/Mannone by more then 4 points over the Xmas break..

    However come January Burnley fixtures become nice with QPR, West Brom and Paace at home in the first 4 games.

    Leave me enough to do Downing to Sterling next week 😀

    Suggestions?

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Keep those gks. Just play Mannone - City are hardly a reliable source of cs no matter what the oppo. Gawd knows why folk on here are buying CTH defs.

      Not a fan of Gru - not heavy enough. You may as well have Austin or Sacko and save some money.

  6. Pringle
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Sorry for the repost but would love some input on this one

    What would you do?

    A. Play Dummett and save 1FT
    B. Play Bertrand and save 1FT
    C. Get Clichy and have Dummett first on bench

    1. Eric Banternaaa
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      C

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Wouldn't get Clichy with Kolorov hovering. Play Bertrand out of those.

    3. Jayblue
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I just gave u an input earlier.. Since i dont know ur team to judge whether u neeneed FTs or not, id say C

    4. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      B

    5. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      A.

  7. Denis Tueart on the wing
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Been offered the chance to work in Brunei for about 8 weeks, starting in March - Any advice or knowledge of the country that might sway my decision

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I believe it's hot.

      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        😀

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      If you are reasonably young then go. You dont get these opportunities twice. The worst that can happen is you spend 8 weeks working without any fun. The best is that you find a whole new culture and have a great time.

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Never been there myself but it's a neighbouring country I think it's a nice play to stay. Yeah the weather can be a problem if you're not used to bright sun and rains on daily basis, but never a big issue to those who migrated to SEA. Plus it's only for 8 weeks. The King is a very great guy I can tell you.

    4. Grounderz
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Bruneian here. Can check my FPL profile to confirm if you want. Great pay and all but if you're staying for the long term, the lifestyle will bore you to death. I suppose you're here for the Oil and Gas industry, right?

    5. pompeyfan
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I lived there for several years in my youth, a great experience. However over the past 20 years it has become a very repressive state. I'd read up on it first if I were you.

      1. Grounderz
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        It is. Basically, you don't get to enjoy the same freedom as other countries. As a resident, you don't pay taxes here. The only tax you need to pay is road tax and maybe if you set up a corporation, then you're liable for corporate tax.

        Alcohol is virtually unobtainable, as so does cigarettes. Entertainment is very limited - the country is extremely religious. They have already implemented the first phase of Syariah Law where decent attire in public is expected and so on...

        Can read up online.

        1. pompeyfan
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Definitely some tax benefits, and I loved the climate and the beaches in the Muara region.

          But the recent moves to possibly bring in the death penalty for homosexuality and adultery are obviously terrible

    6. Leeroy Jenkyns
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Bandar Seri Begawan Might be the most boring city I've ever been to. No booze either.

      1. Grounderz
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        You can get booze and boobs - if you know the right people.

        The country says this law but no one really complies, in terms of lifestyle.

  8. Lanley Staurel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    QPR have scored 2 goals or more at home in their last 6 games. Irrespective of the opposition.

    Austin(c) for me.

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      ...and WBA have conceded the fewest goals away from home. 0-0 for me.

    2. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      2 weeks rest too

    3. WorldCupDanB
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      WBA have kept 4 clean sheets out of 7 away games, joint highest in the league

  9. Jayblue
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Sorry for spamming but RMT
    Forster(krul)
    Iva clichy taylor (clyne,jag)
    Downing sanchez yaya(C) siggy
    Austin costa sakho
    Need help with captaincy
    I took -8 hit.. Had no choice.. Is this team good? Should i change my captain or my formation?

    1. Jayblue
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Do i get any advice?

    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good Jayblue, good captain as well.....

      1. Jayblue
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Oh thanks man.. Didnt see your reply.. Ignore this same team below

    3. Lloyd Xmas
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Your team is fine,Capt choice is down to your gut feel.

  10. jordinho23
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    JAFALAD I have no keeper as I went -8 last didn't want to go anymore. Hopefully they are back soon.

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      You are forgiven, young Padawan. 😉

      Good luck!

      1. jordinho23
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        What's your team JAFALAD? I will get Panti in next week

        1. Jafalad
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Click on my username.

          Did Siggy->Erik this week.

    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Who are they?

      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Ah, Krulliot.

        I'd take the hit regardless. Will easily pay off over the next 4 GWs

  11. Al Bundy
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Guzan
    Baines - Clyne - Dummett
    Cazorla - Eriksen (vc) - Yaya - Downing
    Rooney - Bony - Austin (c)

    Bench: Hamer, Siggy, Taylor, Wisdom
    1 ft, 3.0 itb.

    Looks allright?

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Nice team with a couple of interesting picks

      1. Al Bundy
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers. Have finally got myself a team I like after too many wasted punts. Onwards and upwards now.

    2. Better off with a pin and a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Clyne -> Zab (or other City Def perhaps) or Guzan -> Hart are possibles, but that's a good team.

      1. Al Bundy
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers. That is one of the moves im considering, along with Clyne -> JT or Siggy -> Oscar. Its great fun being without Chelsea players though, so going for my old favourite Zabaleta is tempting

        1. Better off with a pin and a…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Those City fixtures are just so tempting. I might yet do Chambers->Zab for a hit (see below).

  12. President John F. Keninnsie
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Can't wait for this GW 🙂

    1. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I'm dreading it

      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Why?

      2. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        So am I - no RvP , and one of my ML rivals certain to captain him!

    2. laGan1n1
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Eriksen ( c ) ?

      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Don't even own him.

        1. laGan1n1
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          pff 🙁

    3. Shifty
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      As with any other GW 🙂

      Transfers and (c) sorted Innsie?

      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        That's true! 🙂

        Yep:

        Hart
        Baines - Zab - Azpi
        Sanchez - Hazard - Siggy - Downing
        Costa - Bony - Austin

        Yun - Naylor - Boyd.

        You'll see my (c) after the deadline... 😉

        1. Shifty
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          cheeky. I sense a Costa(c) 🙂

          1. President John F. Keninnsie
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            You may be surprised... 😉

          2. RubeRx
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            me too

            playing it safe...

    4. Edmond
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Same here 😀

      Just can't decide who to captain though 😕

    5. Venom Snake
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I won't be able to enjoy it until I get the qpr game out of the way

  13. jordinho23
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    ERIC lovely team, balance/cover all round brother

  14. Joggers Nipple
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    How this looking? No Man U worries me

    Hart
    Zaba Clyne Yun
    Hazard Sanchez vc Downing Silva
    Costa Austin C Bony

    Elliot Siggy Ntaylor Hutton

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Oh, thinking Clyne out next week,

    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I've got no Man City, no overly concerned.

  15. Edmond
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Which one should I play?

    Yun (WBA)
    Wisdom (qpr)
    Dummett (SUN)

  16. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Scoutcast talks about Mirallas being out for two weeks? Anyone confirm this?

    1. Jayblue
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Yep mirallas out

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        For how long thought?

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          2 weeks?

          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Well that's what Mark said, although I've only seen this GW mentioned.

            Just wondering if something new has come to light....

  17. Jayblue
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Im not getting any help :(.. Jay "blue"

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Answered......see above...

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Go to gravatar.com and sign up with the email address you used here, and then get a grav! Proven to improve FFS performance by 400%.

  18. Citizen kano
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    naismith to kane yes

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      yes

      1. Citizen kano
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        worried not having Austin will be costa sakho kane

  19. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    quick captain vote please dudes/dudettes

    Austin or Sakho!

    1. Jayblue
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Austin

    2. Donblaster
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Austin out of those two

    3. Cocky Spaniel Alves
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Austin

  20. Donblaster
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    A) Benteke
    B) RVP -4
    C) Silva -4

    Thanks!

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Save FT?

      1. Donblaster
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        A) is for no hit.

        FT is Kane in for Dzeko

        Gives me £5m ITB. Just wondering if I should take a hit to get Silva, RVP or someone else.

        Thanks

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Stick with Kane.

    2. laGan1n1
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      A

    3. Better off with a pin and a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      B) for me, but it is a gamble, for sure. If you don't do it this week you may know a lot more about how City are going to play and use it better next week, though.

      1. Donblaster
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks all, Dzeko to Kane gives me this team this week with £5m ITB for next

        Green (macarthy)
        Baines Terry Dummett (Wisdom Duff)
        Hazard Sanchez Fabregas Downing (Bridcutt)
        Bony Kane Benteke

        Captain??

        1. Better off with a pin and a…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Kane from those, I reckon.

  21. Cocky Spaniel Alves
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Panti (Elliot)
    Baines Terry Zaba (Wisdom Hutton)
    Haz Alexis Eriksen Siggy (Wanyama)
    Costa Bony Austin

    0,1 ITB, 0 FT.

    Good to go? Captain Austin or Eriksen? Not Sanchez before anyone suggests him.

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Looks very good. Great def.

      I would captain Sanchez above those two, but Austin if not willing to consider.

      1. Cocky Spaniel Alves
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks. Being a Liverpool fan I don't want to captain Sanchez though!

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Works both ways.....win-win.

          Either he blanks and therefore Liverpool likely to get a result or he scores and you're FpL happy...

  22. markos6969
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    is pozo a viable solution
    ?

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Unlikely to start

    2. Cocky Spaniel Alves
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      No

    3. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      No on the two run outs he's had so far, no....

  23. SMOOTH
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Plan is to do the following over 2 weeks

    Baines and azp out
    Ivanovic and zab in

    What should be the order of transfers ?

    1. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      chelsea west ham will have goals

  24. diabydoesgallas
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Gtg? Save FT?

    Foster / (4.0)

    Baines / Azpi / Dummet (Wisdom/Duff)

    Siggy / Sanchez / Hazard / Downing (Tiote)

    Costa / RVP(c) / Bony

    Cheers.

  25. Jayblue
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    This is the third time im posting my team 🙁
    Sorry for spamming but RMT
    Forster(krul)
    Iva clichy taylor (clyne,jag)
    Downing sanchez yaya(C) siggy
    Austin costa sakho
    Need help with captaincy
    I took -8 hit.. Had no choice.. Is this team good? Should i change my captain or my formation?

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      It's OK, nothing spectacular. I'd captain Austin over Yaya.

    2. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Too much money in defence.
      Hazard needs to be in midpark and I feel a UTD forward needs to be considered as well.

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      The team is good but I'd rather have a different GK.

      We have the same mid + attack, but I'm playing Fab too and benching Siggy.

      I'd captain Sanchez, Austin and Sakho before Yaya.

  26. Citizen kano
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    naismith to kane yes or no

    1. Jayblue
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      No.. go for naismith if u wanna go for differential.. Mirallas out.. Naismith will be more involved.. Southampton most of the team is out.. So its gotta be easy for everton

  27. Better off with a pin and a…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Hart
    Chambers, Baines, Azpi
    Sanchez, Downing, Haz, Siggy
    Carrol (C), RVP, Austin

    Hutton, Duff, Wanyama, McCarthy

    0FT, 3.7 ITB

    Anything worth a -4?
    Chambers -> Zab/Clichy/Demi for the double up?
    Siggy -> Eriksen?

    Thanks all!

    1. Cocky Spaniel Alves
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Wouldn't sell Siggy just yet.

      1. Better off with a pin and a…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        No, you're probably right. Hull away is a good fixture. Think a hit for a City DEF may be the right thing to do - can't see a clean sheet at Anfield. Thanks!

    2. Al Bundy
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Not sure the hit is worth it really, but both Zab and Eriksen have great potential and great fixtures coming up. It could pay off over time. Not sure which i like best, both are decent

      1. Better off with a pin and a…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah, thanks. I think Hull is a good enough fixture to keep Siggy, but a city DEF will probably pay off over the next few.

  28. toaster
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Clyne to Zab for a hit?

  29. Citizen kano
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    my strikers costa sakho kane good to go

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      thanks for the info

  30. markos6969
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Hart
    Taylor Azpilicueta Jenkinson Wisdom (Trippier )

    Sigurdsson Sánchez Downing (Mirallas, Cork)

    Bony(C) Costa Lukaku

    any changes i should do?

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Too many issues for me to be able to comment. Apologies.

    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      WC?

    3. markos6969
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      LOL thank you

    4. Whattheheck!
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good to me