Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 148 – Harried

Granville and I make a New Year return to the ScoutCast studio, battered and bruised by the events of Gameweek 20 which saw us both inexplicably bench Harry Kane and his 18-point haul.

Having wasted our big differential and haunted by constant reminders, my co-host and I struggle to make a recovery. Spitting the pips from our sour grapes, we do our best to justify our doomed decision-making, before attempting to salve the wounds with talk of the Winter Wildcard refresh around the usual batch of regulars.

Feel the frustration via this link or swallow the bitter pill via the handy player below…

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

3,291 Comments Post a Comment
  1. mgilbert86
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on Walcott for this week?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      No

      1. Nickofoz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        This

      2. mgilbert86
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        i say wenger starts him, why not

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Even if he starts, he ain't ready yet, not match fit. 2-3 more weeks I reckon

          1. mgilbert86
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            way too punty i agree

          2. Dr. Agabuse
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            1 week

    2. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Could be the differential tjat I'm hoping ADM will be

    3. quinnsimon21
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Having trouble to pick striker this week ings or berahino

  2. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    @mgilbert86

    Burnley scored 5 last 2 GW's but also conceded 5.

    Austin has a good chance to score vs injury ravaged Burnley and leaky Manu defence

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Agree, on wc and needed funds so hes gone to Kane. If i had him i would hold for sure

      1. BeachBadger
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Ive gone for Kane now as opposed to later to get him before the peice rises too. Bit late making that switch now though

  3. Not Irish
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Bale, Vidal, Hummels. All just sitting out there, waiting. Why haven't we signed them yet?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Because they do not want to play for Manu.

      1. Not Irish
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Lol this guy

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Lol right back at u muppet. Take those manu goggles off and see the rationality. Manu is far from a sustainable team ever since fergie left.

          1. Not Irish
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Haha so jealous stop it with the ABU obsession guy

            1. La Roja
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              One is a mulled, always a muppet 😉

              1. La Roja
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                First one is muppet too*

                1. Not Irish
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  We'll get 'em. Don't you worry, mate.

                  1. La Roja
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    U wish...

          2. Sheep
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            They do generate a f**k ton of revenue through sponsors. They are pretty sustainable imo, especially with their strong brand.

            They have zero chance of signing Bale though 😀

            Di Maria and Valdes signing does make them more attractive to players though. Big name signings are what United have lacked for a while.

            1. La Roja
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Didn't mean sustainable financially, they are solid on that basis.

              They aren't playing consistently, no game plan or format, shitty defence, RVP is not sharp enough. I can see them finishing between 4-6 this season

              1. Sheep
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                Oh yeah, they're not looking good for this season! 3-4th is the very maximum they can hope for.

                1. La Roja
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  If they finish 3th, I would think its a successful season with what they have

                  1. La Roja
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    3rd*

                    1. Sheep
                      • 11 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      I didn't notice that 😀

                      Yeah, I agree. Auto Champions League spot would be huge for them this season.

                  2. money face bandwagon
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    Finishing 3rd could be mainly due to their main rivals flopping more than they do...pool spurs etc.

                    Imo is how many pts they are from the top that matters

    2. Marknlard
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Aren't the rumours about Bale, bollocks that they are anyway, that he will go in the summer?

      1. Not Irish
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Why wait?

        1. Marknlard
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Why don't you ask the club that.

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            😆

    3. Sheep
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      😆

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        This

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

      Love the way people always assume other players are just sitting their waiting to be signed as if other teams arent interedted or their current club aremt trying their best to hold onto players.

      1. The Enlightener
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        It's quite a volatile market where anything can happen. Surprises happen all the time. Perhaps a bit of wishful thinking is to blame for some of the optimism when it comes to dreaming about who your favorite club might bring in. It's just all a part of the game. A lot goes on behind the scenes that none of us could know.

      2. Not Irish
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Who are you kidding when United come a knockin the panties be droppin

        1. BeachBadger
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Maybe if youre currently playing for Millwall or somewhere 😉

          1. Not Irish
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Definitely if you're playing for Millwall or somewhere. 😎

  4. Joggers Nipple
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Bottomed out last page, plz excuse re-post

    XXXX/ 4.0
    PVA/ Hutton/ XXXX/XXXX/XXXX
    Sanchez/Di Maria/Hazard/Siggy/Boyd
    Costa/RVP/Kane

    A- Foster, Terry, Waselenski, Trippier
    B- Courtouis, Aldewield, Ntaylor, Wisdom

    My team was B but trying to get Terry in. Does A weaken it too much overall?
    (on WC, RVP to Aguero later)

    Thanks for any thoughts

    1. Jay_
        9 years, 3 months ago

        I much prefer A, added attacking threat with Terry, PVA and Trippier rotate prefect for 10 weeks, so Wasi and Hutton will contend for the last spot, both playing regularly, and thats if you don't play PVA or Trippier away and with their attacking threat i don't see why not, If Pulis effect kicks in Foster Myhill could be lovely too

        1. Joggers Nipple
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Cheers Jay, been tinkering but A is appealing. I lose the SOT defender and gain a LEI one but overall think its better

          1. Jay_
              9 years, 3 months ago

              SOT defender is not really a necessity until at least a months time, cant see many CS, they are actually bottom of the clean sheet ticker for next 6 weeks, Alder carries little attacking threat, if it was Clyne or Bertie you was losing i would think twice, but Alder is relying on CS but over next 6 weeks Leicster actually have better chances of clean sheets, just squeeze a SOT in defender later down the line

              1. Joggers Nipple
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                Cheers mate.

                Looking at it like this

                Foster in over Wisdom
                Terry in over Courtois

                easy

                Trippier in over Alder- ok
                Lei defender in over Ntaylor. downgrade

                Overall better i think

                1. Jay_
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    Much better, even Naylor on paper has worse fixtures than LEI defender

                2. Scoredelario
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  Leicester have more chance of clean sheets than saints over the next 6? I'd have to disagree there.

        2. Dr. Agabuse
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Haha great scoutCast! The last bit reminded me of Fever Pitch and then Star wars- who's more pathetic, the one that's talking on a scoutcast about ings' vokes' and kanes value or the one that listens to it? Good night all

        3. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Just watching documentary called The Armstrong Lie.

          Lance is a compulsive and professional liar, unbelievable

          1. Dr. Agabuse
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Best cyclist ever though

            1. La Roja
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Bollo*ks mate, cheated all the way down. How is he make him the best?

            2. Marknlard
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Not heard of Eddie Mercx?

              1. La Roja
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                This

                1. Marknlard
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  I read this a while ago, just googled it to find again. It's from David Epstein's TED talk.

                  Throughout sports, technology has changed the face of performance. In 1972, Eddy Merckx set the record for the longest distance cycled in one hour at 30 miles, 3,774 feet. Now that record improved and improved as bicycles improved and became more aerodynamic all the way until 1996, when it was set at 35 miles, 1,531 feet, nearly five miles farther than Eddy Merckx cycled in 1972. But then in 2000, the International Cycling Union decreed that anyone who wanted to hold that record had to do so with essentially the same equipment that Eddy Merckx used in 1972. Where does the record stand today? 30 miles, 4,657 feet, a grand total of 883 feet farther than Eddy Merckx cycled more than four decades ago. Essentially the entire improvement in this record was due to technology.

                  1. La Roja
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    Wows, phew

          2. Marknlard
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            He made a great quote a few weeks ago, something like he'd never cheat in golf because he respects the game so much.

        4. BananaNose Maldonado
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Need to bench one:

          A) Sterling (sun)
          B) Austin (bur)
          C) Kane (cry)

          Thanks in advance for any feedback.

        5. mgilbert86
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          I have this feeling that Ivanovic is going to start getting in on the goals

          1. Nickofoz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            What is this, August?

            1. La Roja
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              😆

            2. Ryan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Start of a new year is like the start of a new season

        6. Not Irish
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Simple question. Costa or Fab?

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Bale

            1. Not Irish
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              This is for FPL, not United. Wouldn't even consider either of these for us lol

              1. Acquafresca
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                Fab is better than your whole team. lol

              2. La Roja
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                Fair enough I will stop 😆

                Costa

                1. Not Irish
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  lol

              3. fedolefan
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                Honestly though, I can't wait for next season when Van Gaal is expected to deliver the title. The fail will be epic. Just don't rate him one bit. Wouldn't even get him for useless Wenger.

                1. Not Irish
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  He'll need three more class signings to do it in which case I'd back nearly every "top" manager to get the job done.

                  1. fedolefan
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    Not a given in the premier league. Chelsea are stuttering despite having assembled what appeared to be a near complete team.

                    1. Not Irish
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      Nah. Chelsea's squad is still thin.

                2. money face bandwagon
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  For lvg to get the title he needs chelsea n city to have a poor season too.

          2. 1569Tippins
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Fab

          3. Sheep
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            I want to say Fabregas. But a couple of hauls from Costa and it will look a whole lot different. That explosion potential is dangerous...

            1. Not Irish
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              I'm scared alright. It's the sheer lack of quality options upfront right now that has me worried.

          4. Chelsea Dagger
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            fab

          5. Puyol Pants Up
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Costa. I think....

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

            Fab x 1,784. I mean, when he was at Arsenal, he was a points machine (when not injured, but Arsenal is an injury team, so......). Now at Chelsea, he's just racking up the points. Maybe he doesn't get a lot of double-figure hauls, but all is well when he's netting 6, 7, 8 and such on a regular basis. Costa could explode at any point with a goal rush, but he's not looking like that lately.

            1. Sheep
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Costa brings fairly consistent 6pters as well. That ballbuster potential is just bolted on, and what you pay a little more for.

          7. Jay_
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Fab with Giroud is better than
              Costa with Chadli imo

              This decision determines end of season rank i feel,critical

              1. Puyol Pants Up
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                The first one costs more though 🙁

          8. Acquafresca
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            On WC, get in Aguero straight away or go for RVP and swap?

            1. Not Irish
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Wait for us to sign Ibra.

              1. The Enlightener
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                Ibra would be so fun in the Prem. Whatever team he plays for.

                1. Not Irish
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  Wouldn't he be. His game suits the league as well. Shame.

                  1. The Enlightener
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    I think it does too. Imagine how much of a focal point he would be in games. Would bring hints of Cantona in terms of pomp and attitude......a dash or two of Drogba and any other strong forward you can think of.......and that little mix of other ingredients that make Ibra Ibra.

                    1. Not Irish
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      A bit of Cantona about him for sure.

                      1. The Enlightener
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Pop the collar and take no prisoners.

              2. Chelsea Dagger
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                Ibra would cost like $15.0 in FPL

            2. mgilbert86
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              RVP and swap

            3. The Enlightener
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              RVPizzle, and then swap.

            4. Joggers Nipple
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              RVP and swap. Aqua, if you have time mate appreciate your thoughts above.

            5. La Roja
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Nay. Just have a plan to get him in and that is not having shitty RVP in your team

          9. glawrence5
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Who is PVA?

            1. La Roja
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Patrick Van Aanholt

          10. Geordienufc1
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Evening all - struggling to work the team out for this week:

            Guzan (Elliot)
            Terry Hutton Wisdom/Baines (Naylor)
            Hazard (C) Fab Sanchez (VC) Silva (Downing)
            Benteke Austin Kane

            1 FT, 1.8 itb

            Benching dilemma has me stumped:

            Wisdom or Baines?

            Wisdom - Better fixture, higher CS potential
            Baines - Terrible fixture, terrible form, though higher attacking potential

            Looks obvious. And yet...

            1. Jay_
                9 years, 3 months ago

                Play both and bench Hutton as you have Guzan, hedge your bets why double up on Villa away

                1. Geordienufc1
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  I guess b/c they have delivered for me twice in a row 😛

                  Not sound logic, but against Leicester - bottom of the table and having just lost a number of their chief creators to ACON and injury... I feel it's a justified double up.

                  Nevertheless, your suggestion is one which I will certainly consider. Cheers!

            2. Not Irish
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Ok, so...

              Downing > Fab

              or

              Austin > Costa

              ?

              Bear in mind I can bring the one I don't opt for now in on Jan WC.

              1. La Roja
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                Who are other forwards ?

                1. Not Irish
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  Rooney and Kane

                  1. La Roja
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    The latter then

                    1. Not Irish
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      Cheers.

                2. bola
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  Tough. Me Austin to Costa.

                  1. Not Irish
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    Cheers.

              2. Nickofoz
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                I'd save, tbh.

                Get Costa on WC over Fab, imo (see below).

                1. Not Irish
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  I may end up with both. Don't think Chelsea D is necessary.

                  1. Nickofoz
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    Hmm, you could well be right.

                    If they bounce back to their usual selves after conceding five, I think one is necessary

                    1. Not Irish
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      Been lucky for me. Only defender performing at a high level has been Azpi.

              3. Koflok
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                I have both and a by far

            3. The case for Costa
              Nickofoz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              The way I see the whole Costa vs. Fab thing.

              Although Fab has more points with a lower price, you have to consider the other options in midfield. There are so many budget options that are performing, e.g. Downing, Siggy, Chadli, AJ etc. that are all decent alternatives. Then there are the two heavy hitters that are virtually essential (Hazard and Alexis). Then Walcott, Silva and hopefully ADM are all staking a claim for a midfield position.

              Up front, there are less consistent scorers. Everyone will have Aguero and Kane, but apart from that, there are no consistent scorers at any price (RVP is inconsistent, Falcao lacks fitness, Rooney plays deep, QPR have poor fixtures, Giroud is also inconsistent and would mean an Arsenal double up). So for me, the third strikers place is for Costa. Yes, he his poor value but at least you know he will score goals, and he did remind us the other week that he still has 10+ scores in him.

              So basically, since there are so little options up front, Costa seems the better option over Fab due to the abundance of midfield options.

              Also, a lot of us have lots of value tied up in Costa that we would lose if we sold.

              1. Sheep
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                +1

              2. Not Irish
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                Agreed. I loathe Costa and honestly don't rate him all that highly. But it's the lack of options up top that has me considering him.

                1. Nickofoz
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  Exactly.

                  I do rate Costa although I don't like his dirty, niggly style of play.

                  1. tokara
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    he had toned down lately

                2. Ruth_NZ
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  "I loathe Costa". Why? What has he done to you? Did he kill someone?

                  "I don't rate him all that highly". You are a bad judge then. Look at his record last season when his 27 La Liga goals (1 less than Messi, 4 less than Ronaldo) took Atletico to their first league win since 1996 and his 8 CL goals (same as Messi) took them to the CL final.

                  There is plenty of rubbish written on here but these casual comments are some of the most ridiculous.

                  1. Kalix
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    Welcome to a site that's about Fantasy Football...not actual football.

                    Two possible scenarios for muppets post:

                    A) He's braindead and doesn't think a Chelsea player is good at football.
                    B) He was talking in FPL terms...

                    1. Not Irish
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      His behaviour minus the biting is Suarez level embarrassing.

                      And he's a limited player, most a poacher. Which leads to him being very hit and miss in FPL.

                      1. Ruth_NZ
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Have you ever actually seen him play? Or are you just talking out of you rear end?

                        According to the independent CIES Football Observatory, Costa is the 4th most valuable player in the world. Above Aguero, above Sterling, above Pogba, above value and above Fabregas.

                        They estimate Costa's current value at £66m.

                        Not bad for a "limited player". But you are welcome to your uninformed opinion.

                        1. Not Irish
                          • 10 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          How the hell did Chelsea manage to get him for 30m+ then?

                          Oh look it's a new user no one's ever heard of in another fanboy shocker.

                          1. Ruth_NZ
                            • 9 Years
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            They got him for that fee because he had a €38m release clause in his contract.

                            The rest of your post is the typical bullying style of an aggressive know-nothing.

                            1. Not Irish
                              • 10 Years
                              9 years, 3 months ago

                              lol @ you and the rest of the Fifa generation

                              1. Ruth_NZ
                                • 9 Years
                                9 years, 3 months ago

                                I assume you refer to the Playstation game which I have never played it in my life. I am probably older than you are so you misfired on that one.

                                I have seen Costa play live 10 or 12 times this season. So I'm talking from the evidence of my own eyes. Your opinions, however, seem to be casual and sweeping generalisations which you don't expect to have challenged.

                                The attempt to paint me as an unintelligent outsider ("look, it's a new user no-one's heard of") is classic bullying behaviour. But you picked the wrong person.

                                1. Not Irish
                                  • 10 Years
                                  9 years, 3 months ago

                                  I don't care how many times you've seen him. Your post citing the valuations was laughable. And you actually mentioned him in the same sentence with Messi and Ronaldo prior to that. You're as bad or worse than the Fifa fanboys whether you've played the game or not.

                                2. Ruth_NZ
                                  • 9 Years
                                  9 years, 3 months ago

                                  My post re. valuations is factual. The CIES study has been reported in a number of newspapers.

                                  My post about his goalscoring last season is also factual. The comparison with Ronaldo and Messi is reasonable too as they were by far the top three scorers in La Liga and all three featured in the UEFA CL 18-man squad of the season last year.

                                  Meanwhile all you have to offer is bombast to support your original, ignorant comments (which were what started this all off).

                                3. Not Irish
                                  • 10 Years
                                  9 years, 3 months ago

                                  lol @ this argument

                                  I mean, what are you on about? Defending the honor of a player who behaves like a stunted cretin as if you were his agent or his mum. Bizarre. Or perhaps you are. Who knows.

                                  And no, those are not facts. Those are fachts. After all I just saw a list of values the other day that claimed far different to yours. But yours is factual. Why? Because they gave themselves a fancy name? Jaysus.

                                  And don't pretend you weren't drawing a line from this so called valuation to his goal scoring record in La Liga last season. It was obvious. And what does that even matter in a footballing world where David Luiz is worth 50m quid and intergal to Brazil while Miranda and Luis are left out of the squad entirely. So sod off with your fachts.

                                  MRU, signing off. You're a nutter.

              3. Jay_
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  I see Fab and Haz plus defender outscoring defender plus plus Costa, will be tight but bonus points will decide it imo, also if you have a good TV you can have Aguero Kane Giroud plus a solid defense and 4 big hitter mids, ARS fixtures sway it for me too, Giroud and Sanchez double up after City looks dynamite

                  1. Nickofoz
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    Yes, I agree with you, that Fab, Haz, defender willl probably just outscore Haz, Costa, defender.

                    However, my point that I made above is that the midfielder that you get instead of Fabregas (if you go with the second option) is likely to outscore the striker you have instead of Costa (if you went with the first option).

                    1. Not Irish
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      Fab, Haz, Costa will outscore them all. 😎

                    2. Jay_
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Its Giroud's fixtures after City though, arguably he could outscore every one in the game up until gw34

                        1. Not Irish
                          • 10 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          Or start on the bench every other match.

                  2. Ryan
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    Good point well made. I would also dare to suggest that Costa has been under performing so far. Often new signings take a little while to adjust to the EPL, I'll predict a strong second half of the season for Costa

                    1. Nickofoz
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      I wouldn't say he has underperformed, 14 goals in the first half of the season is decent, especially for a new striker from La Liga. Yes I think he'll have a good second half of the season as long as he avoids injury.

                      1. Ryan
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • Has Moderation Rights
                        • 12 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Well he had a great start then had that barren spell. I expect more consistency in the second half of the season

                        1. Caine & Co.
                          • 13 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          he has been consistent all along. just doesnt get bonus in fpl and that makes all the difference

                        2. Ruth_NZ
                          • 9 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          What barren spell?

                          He is playing football, not fantasy football. FPL is only an inaccurate simulation of what goes on on the pitch.

                          On the pitch he has been adjusting to playing in a team with a very different style to what he's used to. Despite that he has 14 goals in 17 PL games. That's a 30 goal a season striker, right there. And he is now playing his best football since arriving at Chelsea.

                          1. tokara
                            • 9 Years
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            u have a point 🙂

                          2. Ryan
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • Has Moderation Rights
                            • 12 Years
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            I'm speaking mainly from an FPL point of view. His assists should increase for a start, he hasn't gotten many of those so far, and I. A team like Chelsea he should be getting more. Also he should have the ability to get more than 1 goal in a game coupled with a yellow card.

                            Now I'm not saying he's done badly, I'm saying he can still do better, particularly in an FPL sense

                  3. The Enlightener
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    The only thing, is that are good budget forwards who are performing just as well, if not better in recent weeks, than Costa. So, it's a bit of the same thing. But, that doesn't mean that I wouldn't like to have Costa on my team. In fact, the more I think about it, it may be time to bring him in.

                    1. The Enlightener
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      Great fixtures and all that, and he could go mental.

                    2. Ryan
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      Who? Kane is the only one and Austin has dropped off and has bad upcoming home fixtures. I think 352 is the only argument against Costa

                      1. The Enlightener
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Perhaps going forward, those two might not produce as well as Costa, but they have been more than stellar replacements for quite a stretch. I'm definitely considering Costa more after reading the points made above. Actually just opened FPL site to tinker with the options related to getting him in.

                      2. Nickofoz
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Yeah I agree Ryan.

                    3. Nickofoz
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      Yes but as seen throughout the season, budget forwards have gone on and off the boil (e.g. Naismith, Ulloa, Berahino etc.) so at least with Costa at least you know what you are getting (more or less 6ppg).

                      1. The Enlightener
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Yeah. You're probably right. I have Fab, Hazard and Terry, and I'm wondering if it would be more sensible to get Terry out for Costa. Kind of a tough one, that. Any recommendations anyone?

                        1. Nickofoz
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 9 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          I'd hold for a few weeks and see how Chelsea respond defensively to their loss to spurs. If they go back to their old defensive form, I'd get rid of fab for Costa.

                          1. The Enlightener
                            • 10 Years
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            Sounds logical enough. Thanks.

                  4. Christina.
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    So what if you have value tied up in Costa? The overall leader has a TV of 103.5m. It means buggerall.

                    The 4 highest overall scorers are Hazard,Sanchez, Siggurdson and Fabregas. Kun is 5th. So selling Cesc and opting for Costa at 2m more makes absolutely no sense.

                    Hazard/Sanchez/Siggurdson/Cesc/ADM is the way to go.

                    1. Ginkapo FPL
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      By his own argument he has advocated having neither. He just doesnt realise it yet.

                      1. Teekay 101
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Yeah I don't know who he's arguing for, Costa of Cesc? Argues for value tied in costa. Says having cesc makes Absolutely no sense, then says cesc is the way to go.

                        1. Nickofoz
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 9 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          When did I say Cesc is the way to go?

                          Basically, my point is that Costa is the better option as there are less consistent options up front, whereas in midfield there are a wide array of decent options in a range of prices.

                          1. Teekay 101
                            • 9 Years
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            Not you, Christina's argument isn't clear which way he is going

                    2. Not Irish
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      Costa has only 14 less points than Fab and has played two less matches so there's really not much in it.

                  5. Caine & Co.
                    • 13 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    if thats your reasoning and you play 3-4-3 with aguero, kane and costa why not save some money and play 3-5-2 with fabregas?

                    1. Ryan
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      Who would the. Be a better sub? A midfielder in a 343? Or a forward in a 352? I believe it is the former. This is relevant when things change and the forwards inevitably start doing better. Having Kane and fodder as 2 of your 3 forwards is asking for trouble.

                    2. Nickofoz
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      Because I've never been a fan of benching dilemmas and it often leaves points on the bench.

                  6. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    The answer is 3-5-2

                    1. Nickofoz
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      Eh, not a fan of benching dilemmas.

                  7. JK - Cønt ⭐
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    For the reasons you mentioned above about strikers and mids I'm looking at 4 big mids and 1 big striker (Aguero)

                  8. thes7s
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    Argument valid till Studge is back.

                • La Roja
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  Is there anyone not captaining Hazard this week?

                  Costa could go nuts vs that defense

                  1. Not Irish
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    May bring Costa in for just that reason. And captain Sanchez.

                  2. The Enlightener
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    Hazard all day for moi. Of course, I don't have Costa. Am tapped out already on Chelser, with Fab, Hazard and Terry all onboard.

                  3. Sheep
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    Tempted by RVP -> Costa(-4)

                    1. La Roja
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      I would

                      1. Sheep
                        • 11 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        I plan to WC next week though, so I don't really want to take a hit right before...

                        1. La Roja
                          • 12 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          Fair enough then. Hide behind the couch though

                  4. Nickofoz
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    Costa 'could' go nuts against any defence, instead he chooses to get booked and miss a few one on ones for the banter

                    1. Not Irish
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      😆 Has been such a fun ride. However I don't think he'll do it in every plum fixture. Time to bring him back in. 🙁

                      1. Nickofoz
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Yeah, agreed. He did look extremely good on boxing day against West Ham. If he keeps playing like that he'll get a lot more 10+ hauls.

                    2. La Roja
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      I agree, but he looks good lately.

                  5. bola
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    Costa

                  6. Puyol Pants Up
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    Hazard could go nuts vs that defense*

                  7. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    I'm going Costa over Hazard just going with gut this time

                • bola
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  Siggy or Downing who to ship out for Hazard?

                  1. Jay_
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      Downing

                    • Nickofoz
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      Downing, although Hull at home next week looks good for him.

                  2. flippetyflop
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    chadli and giroud or di maria and austin?

                    1. flippetyflop
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      sorry chadli lescott and giroud or wisdom di maria and austin

                    2. bola
                      • 11 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      chadli and austin

                    3. bola
                      • 11 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      chadli austin wisdom

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

                      but i have kane

                      1. flippetyflop
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        not a di maria fan?

                        1. bola
                          • 11 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          Too risky. Not until the stat kicks in.

                  3. bola
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    Say you want to go mad max with Chelsea which one is best combo? A) Costa, Hazard & Fab or B) Costa, Fab & Azpi

                    1. money face bandwagon
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      B

                    2. FPLEL
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      The one with Hazard.

                  4. The Enlightener
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    I'm on record for saying that Benteke will get at least 4 goals in the next 3 fixtures. I can feel it! It's like the Lord himself has mailed this sentiment to me from on high. Who will go with me, lads? Who will take a walk through the halls of glory? Onward!

                    1. BeachBadger
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      Villa have scored 11 all season. Cant see villa getting 4 in the next 3. Let alone just benteke

                      1. Not Irish
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        lol don't doubt the Lord, FFS

                        1. BeachBadger
                          • 10 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          Hutton is my God now. My Lord and Saviour

                          1. Not Irish
                            • 10 Years
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            Jesus would take him. No contest.

                            1. BeachBadger
                              • 10 Years
                              9 years, 3 months ago

                              Jesus couldnt even score when his girlfriend was a prostitute. Hutton cleanie guaranteed 😎

                              1. Not Irish
                                • 10 Years
                                9 years, 3 months ago

                                Stop, you'll jinx him. I have him now too. 😆

                              2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
                                • 13 Years
                                9 years, 3 months ago

                                Only Illuminati , Templars , Free Masons and bsnowbadger know the truth 😉

                              3. mookie
                                • 10 Years
                                9 years, 3 months ago

                                🙂

                    2. Sheep
                      • 11 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      I like your enthusiasm 🙂 But the Villa attack sucks balls! And the Lord doesn't have time for FPL, he's over in Africa with a magnifying glass.

                      1. The Enlightener
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        The lack of goals, according to my optimism, only means a flurry is to come!

                      2. BeachBadger
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        For the ACoN?

                        1. Sheep
                          • 11 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          Setting fire to ants.

                  5. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    G2G

                    Heaton
                    Cahill Debuchy Wisdom
                    Hazard Sanchez(VC)Di Maria Chadli
                    RVP (C)osta Kane

                    Subs Boyd Bertand PVA

                    1. Sheep
                      • 11 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      Sick team. Who's your other keeper?

                      1. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Pants

                        1. Sheep
                          • 11 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          What's your team value? Seems ridiculously good!

                          1. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
                            • 10 Years
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            Was 108 now 106.8

                            1. Sheep
                              • 11 Years
                              9 years, 3 months ago

                              Nice work. That team is perfect imo. 10/10

                              What rank you at?

                              1. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
                                • 10 Years
                                9 years, 3 months ago

                                Highest was 3k but went down hill last few gws Giroud Captain -4 week Kane on bench last sitting 9k now

                                1. Sheep
                                  • 11 Years
                                  9 years, 3 months ago

                                  Solid. You're in for a good season.

                                  1. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
                                    • 10 Years
                                    9 years, 3 months ago

                                    Thanks Sheep..how's you season going? You on WC?

                                    1. Sheep
                                      • 11 Years
                                      9 years, 3 months ago

                                      Not bad, thanks. WCing next week. Hope to get a team similar to yours, but my TV is no where near as good. May need to switch Bertrand to a 3.9m instead!

                      2. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Thanks man.. always looks good on paper hope they all come in

                    2. Jay_
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Beautiful team, making me doubt my wildcard choices now

                      • mookie
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        very nice team, have Costa(c) as well but no doubt i'll chicken out

                        1. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
                          • 10 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          Thanks Mookie I'll probably chicken out too to be fair

                    3. Jigger & Pony
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      Thoughts pls WC team

                      Forster Panti
                      Terry Berty Clichy Debuchy PVA
                      Haz ADM Silva Sterling Boyd
                      Costa Kane Giroud

                      1.7 itb for Costa > Kun, Silva > Fab

                      Too much on defense?

                    4. OPTA FPL
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      who is the best place holder this week to get Kun next?

                      1. OPTA FPL
                        • 12 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        got Kane & Costa

                      2. Sheep
                        • 11 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Jovetic or Giroud, I reckon

                        1. OPTA FPL
                          • 12 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          Dzeko & Kun back in full training, I'm afraid of early subbed off for Jovetic
                          Gru is my choice atm too

                    5. Not Irish
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      @Badger

                      So I guess you're winning this thing eh.

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

                      Best defender for under 4.9?

                      Current Defence:
                      Heaton Foster
                      Terry Aldewerid Debuchy PvA xxxx

                      1. OPTA FPL
                        • 12 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Wisdon

                      2. Not Irish
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Hutton

                      3. Puyol Pants Up
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Wisdom imo

                    7. Twelve years a slave
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 13 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      I seem to be the only one around her not in love with Burnley. Boyd is ok but the rest?

                      So far this season Burnley have failed to score more than one goal at home. They have had a few decent fixtures too, but never scored more than one. Trippier has had just one assist all season and costs 4.8. He may have had plenty in the championship, however that is hardly the same thing.

                      Can someone help me out, or are there others that agree

                      1. Twelve years a slave
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Here

                      2. Sheep
                        • 11 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Agreed. Defence is poor. The attack has improved, but Boyd is enough for that...

                      3. Not Irish
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        I thought they'd be tighter at the back than they are. Can't wait to get rid of Heaton. Don't understand the love either.

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

                        Ings is just pre-WC punt. QPR's defense has been poor in away games, so worth a shot. Dont know abt Trippier though, they say stats are good.

                      5. mookie
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Agreed

                        Imo they have a total of zero good fixtures all season Lei, QPR, Hull and CPL for them is what City, United and Arsenal are for Chelsea

                    8. flippetyflop
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      Is it a bad idea to have two defensive double ups on the wildcard?

                      Hutton + Guzan

                      Panti + Van Aanholt??

                      1. Puyol Pants Up
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Wisdom/Lescott + Foster

                        1. flippetyflop
                          • 10 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          Pretty sure I want Guzan + Panti as my goalkeepers as I see Panti as super good value and weeks when Sunderland have dodgy fixtures I think Villa have better ones.

                    9. SirBruno
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      Currently on WC, how's my team doing guys ?

                      Foster / Guzan
                      JT Shawcross Hutton / Wisdom Tripier
                      Haz ADM Sanchez Chadli / Boyd
                      Costa Austin Kane

                      1.2 ITB, planning on bringing Kun once he finds his form and swap it with Costa. Cant really afford downgrading one of my mids for austin tho.

                      Any thoughts? cheers

                    10. The Enlightener
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      What an extended sports weekend that is about to befall us. The return of the Prem...NFL playoff football with some dandy matchups........all capped off by Monday night college football championship. I'm not a huge college football fan, per se, but I like it enough to be amped up for that one.

                      1. Not Irish
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        I can proudly say I haven't watch an American football game in months. Feels good man.

                        1. The Enlightener
                          • 10 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          I meant to hit reply and hit the upvote instead. So that doesn't count...ha ha. To each his own. Raised as a Steelers fan, it's hard not to get up for the season. And, I live in Ohio, so you can imagine the Ohio State buzz. Just provides some good sporting action for a cat like me. To each his own, I suppose. I honestly didn't watch any college games until the playoffs. Not exactly my favorite stuff to watch.

                          1. Not Irish
                            • 10 Years
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            Not intended to detract, sorry. I've watched it all my life. Big Saints fan or was. Became sort of a love/hate thing and with all the crooked exec crap that goes on I've just lost interest.

                            1. The Enlightener
                              • 10 Years
                              9 years, 3 months ago

                              I can dig that. At times, certain aspects of it turn me off. Especially with college ball.

                      2. UnderstandablyDistraught
                        • 12 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        With you on all points there man

                    11. Jay_
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        After seeing Jimventus team above, and reading debates on Fab v Costa, its made me doubt my wiidcard choices, it comes down to these 3 players, Which set fills the gap best ...

                        Heaton Panti
                        Terry Debuchy PVA Wasileski ***
                        Sanchez Hazard ADM Boyd ***
                        Kane Aguero ***

                        A: Jones Fabregas Giroud

                        B: Bertrand Chadli Costa

                        I was on A but honestly leaning towards B now

                        1. Not Irish
                          • 10 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          Doubling up on Spurs is somewhat scary.

                          1. Jay_
                              9 years, 3 months ago

                              Thats whats turning me off and Jones near future fixtures much better than Bertrand, im starting to feel if I lose Costa its a bit punty and chasing points which i dont really need to be doing, real confused on this one, if it was Siggy rather than Chadli i would do B i think

                        2. Patty
                          • 9 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          Play Boyd (QPR) or ADM (SOU)

                          1. SirBruno
                            • 9 Years
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            ADM. no brainer.