Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 183 – Hivemind

So, as it transpires, my conversion to the “dullside” is almost complete. How else can I explain the fact that I appear to have formed a hive mind with Jonty.

Having recently caved in and recruited Sergio Aguero, this episode of the ScoutCast sees things take an even more alarming twist as I find myself replicating Jonty’s thinking – for so long the archetype of a dullard Fantasy Football manager.

Andy can only watch on, doing his best to quell my concerns as the three of us tackle another round of community queries. We talk around ways of breaking out of the template that constrains us, discuss the forthcoming fixture blanks, assess the prospect of doubling up on defences and even consider selling Aguero.

Jonty dismisses the idea and, true to form, I agree with him. How did it come to this?

This episode of the ScoutCast was first aired live on YouTube channel. You can witness the full recording via the larger player below, or wallow in the edited audio version via this link and the smaller player.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for updates on new episodes.

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

1,889 Comments Post a Comment
  1. l@sp0
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Rooney:
    5 goals, 3 assists, 9 bonus in the last six (8.3 ppg)
    sun, ARS, WAT, wba

    Costa:
    4 goals, 2 assists, 4 bonus in the last six (6.0 ppg)
    NEW, sot, nor, STO

    I think Rooney might be the better choice here... The underlying stats are somewhat divided. More creativity from Rooney, more goal threat from Costa.
    Why is everyone tripping on Costa? Shots inside the box stat?

    1. Evasivo
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Unfortunately it's still Rooney, and I can never bring myself to have him in my team nor Man Utd at all at this stage.

      1. l@sp0
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        I imagine that a couple of years ago they also said "it's still Rooney" but in the positive context... He is not the finisher he used to be. But he's more creative nowadays.

    2. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Fixtures

      1. l@sp0
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        I don't see a lot of difference in fixtures... ARS is difficult but so is sot.

      2. l@sp0
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        AND Costa has CL to think about.

    3. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      but those six games Costa played vs Ars EVE MUN WBA WAT CRY
      Rooney vs swa STK Che LIV SOU NEW

      1. l@sp0
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Yes, but Costa didn't score against WBA or WAT. So I don't think the easier fixture is better for him atm.

        1. Hy liverpool
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Costa last 7 games played scored 6 goals btw and scored 2 against Wat H

      2. l@sp0
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        And Rooney scored against the weaker teams.

    4. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I'm hoping I have the dream team forward line:

      Aguero / Costa / Rooney

  2. melvinmbabazi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Choose three to Start?

    A) Dann (WAT)
    B) Smalling (sun)
    C) Daniels (STK)
    D) Cresswell (nor)
    E) Dier (mcl)

    Thanks 🙂

    1. l@sp0
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A, C, D

      1. l@sp0
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        No, A, B, C

        1. l@sp0
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          One of those two 😀

    2. Evasivo
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      ACD

  3. melvinmbabazi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    What to do this week? 2FT 0.2 ITB

    Cech
    Daniels-Dann-Smalling
    Firmino-Ozil-Barkley-Mahrez
    Aguero-Kane-Ighalo

    Hennessey-Alli-Cresswell-Dier

    1. l@sp0
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Get a Southampton or Leicester defender for the long term.

  4. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Any idea of today's press conferences?

  5. Jape
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Ugh the betting shop messed up my bets.

    I wanted
    Norwich vs West Ham - Hammers to win
    Bournemouth vs Stoke - Bournemouth to win
    Man City vs Spurs - Spurs to win
    Crystal Palace vs Watford - Watford to win

    But I got
    Norwich vs West Ham - draw
    Bournemouth vs Stoke - Bournemouth to win
    Man City vs Spurs - draw
    Crystal Palace vs Watford - draw

    Admittedly the odds are better haha. $10 gets me $632 (5 quid = 316 quid)

    Fingers crossed

    1. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Eh? Surely you messed up not them

      1. Jape
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        It's different when betting here in Singapore. She said I forgot to cross some 0's, but you don't need to put them, she then marked the 0's on and put the slip through the machine.

        Didn't realise till I got back to the office.

        Carelessness on my behalf

    2. Venom Snake
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      They never mess up.

      1. Jape
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Of course they do.

        But anyway check my reply above. It's a different system in Singapore

        1. Rhinos
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          My advice would be take your mask off when betting

          1. Jape
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            But then all the bad guys would see me

  6. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    For now sitting on this. I am so nervous. Hate these benching decisions. I am hoping Kompany is fit.

    Butland
    Moreno Targett Bellerin
    Ozil Mahrez Payet(vc) Firmino
    Lukaku(c) Aguero Kane

    xx Alli Toby Evans

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good.

    2. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      It's quite an easy one imo. Yes spurs could hurt you but the others more likeky

    3. Fitzy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      "I am hoping Kompany is fit"

      Lol... 😉

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        I am so nervous. Does this look right?

    4. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Have four players with blanks next week (Moreno, Firmino, Lukaku and Kun) and two that are doubtful starters (Targett and Evans) would make me nervous.

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Targett worth monitoring. Evans back next week.

        Fuchs and Vardy coming in next week.

        1. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          It's hit time, if neither make it, or you get an injury in the three rounds of matches between now and then (PL, FA Cup, Europe).

          1. Lateriser 12
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            or AOA 😉

            1. bitm2007
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 2 months ago

              with Lukaku or Kun on a blank !

  7. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Bench ONE please;

    A) Kosc
    B) Toby
    C) Wolly

    Thanks.

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      C

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. 4-1 Toby 🙂

  8. Diva
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    HY, I replied last page.

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks mate

  9. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Hey guys, last gw benched Mahrez over Alli. Same problem this week.. Who to bench between these two?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Bench Alli if you have Kane.

  10. HammersFan
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Saving this week, will need the 2 freebies next in the 27 blank. Dont really like benching Alli but no other option really. Kompany back might change things anyway.

    DDG
    Alderweireld Jagielka Daniels
    Firmino Barkley Payet Sanchez
    Aguero Vardy Costa(c)

    Elliot Alli Targett PvA

  11. karvs155
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Who do I bench of those? Ighalo vs cpl away?
    Mahrez Alli Ozil Payet Firmino
    Aguero Kane Ighalo

    1. Mayo for Sam
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I've the same front, benching Alli as Kane's enough cover

  12. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you want to partner Kosc at Leicester, Mertesacker or Gabriel? Any why?

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Gabriel.. more apt for counter attacking team.
      Mertz is too slow

    2. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      As a Foxes fan I'd like Mertesacker to play against Mr. Vardy. 🙂

    3. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Looking at the red v Costa it has to be Gabriel

      1. Bunk Moreland
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        They both got a red card against Costa..

    4. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Gabriel for me, because I see him as a better defender (and attacker) out of those two.

  13. El-Kloppico
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone taking a punt on Sturridge? 🙂
    He might not play 90min, but 60min is enough for him to get a brace against Villa!

    1. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      He might not play 90 mins lol

    2. Jape
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Doubt he'll get 60 mins to be honest.

      Firmino is in form and the last thing Klopp will want is for him to get injured straight away. Again.

    3. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      klopp would keep those front 3 for city game
      Coutinho Sturridge Firmino

    4. dmhomag
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      90 for the entire season?

    5. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      absolutely not a chance

  14. ak47tos
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    On a WC - best long term 3rd FWD.
    Have Kane and Kün already.

    A) Vardy
    B) Martial

    Thanks

    1. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy the safe bet that's for sure

  15. dejarik
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Any glaring things I need to change, or save FT?

    DDG - McCarthy
    Dann - Bellerin - Dier - Wollscheid - Simpson
    Firmino - Ozil - Payet - Alli - Stanislas
    Aguero - Kane - Vardy

  16. Pellegrini Falcon
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Dawson to Daniels? Or sanchez to eriksen to allow ighalo to vardy next week?

    Henn
    Ward Nyom Fuchs
    Sanchez Ozil Alli Mahrez Payet
    Kun Kane

    Butland

    1. Pellegrini Falcon
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Ighalo Bellerin Dawson

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Dawson to Daniels.

      1. mojoindojo
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        This

  17. Jazz!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I'm really thinking I should play Elliot over Butland this week...

    1. dmhomag
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Hmm. NEW allowed 0 shots on goal against WBA...

      1. Diva
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        I think that says more about WBA than Newcastle.

    2. Jape
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      http://gph.is/1knrycH

    3. Garlana
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Same predicament here, both are away and both look to conceed

    4. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Don't.

    5. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Bournemouth will surely score past that horrific Stoke defence, probably more than once too. Newcastle have been Chelsea's somewhat like bogey team over the years... More save points too

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

      I'd play Butland, no brainer IMO

  18. Concrete
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Morning! WC team... What do you think?

    Cech Forster
    Huth Toby Azpi VvD Wolly
    Mahrez Ozil Sanchez Alli Lingard
    Costa Kane Lukaku

    Lukaku to Vardy next week
    Money itb for Aguero v Villa

  19. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Schmeichel or Forster if you were going for only one playing keeper?

    1. Costa's Counsellor
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Forster.

      1. Jape
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        This

      2. mojoindojo
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        This

    2. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks all

  20. TotalJustice
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Play 3 out of these:

    Kolarov Bellerin Daniels Moreno Targett

    1. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      First 3

    2. mojoindojo
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Bell Daniel targett

    3. InSaneMan-e
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure Targett will play...
      Bel, Dan, Moreno (1 last chance)

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

      Kolarov's won't start on Sunday

      BDM

    5. TotalJustice
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks All

  21. danssainz
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Hi Everyone,

    Any advice about who I bench because I havent got a clue and I have got it completely wrong over the last 3 weeks?

    Alli (mci), Mahrez (ars), Ozil (LEI), Firmino (avl), Payet (nor), Vardy (ars), Aguero (TOT) & Kane (mci).

    Thanks

    Daniel

    1. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Alli is who I am benching. Have almost same front 8 except Lukaku instead of Vardy.

  22. Djemba-Djembas right foot
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Forster

    Toby Bellerin VvD

    Mahrez Ozil Wiji Firmino

    Kane Aguero Lukaku(C)

    Gomes Alli Wolly Daniels

    or

    Wiji > Lingard

    not comfortable playing Alli with Kompany back

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Play Alli

  23. Jape
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Play 3

    A) Williams
    B) Daniels
    C) Monreal
    D) Targett
    E) Toby

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      BCE

      1. Jape
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Toby? Interesting...

        Thanks for the response

        1. Concrete
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          I always play Defs with goal scoring opportunities

          We can't defend free kicks and corners properly and with Eriksen on freekicks there's a chance of Toby goal involvement, especially if Martin is playing

    2. LouieM97
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      BDE with A first sub in case Targett doesn't start

      1. Jape
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        But even if doesn't start he could make a 5 min cameo in which case the sub wouldn't happen 🙁

  24. Sharkytect
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Who to captain:
    Payet, firmino, aguero, kane, sanchez

    RMT tool is saying sanchez...

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Payet or Firmino

      1. jimbobmij
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Really don't think Aguero will score vs Spurs?

        1. Concrete
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          I just think the others have more chance

          City are woeful at the moment. No Navas, Silva. Or KdB ; I think we'll struggle to break them down

  25. Concrete
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Morning! WC team... What do you think?

    Cech Forster
    Huth Toby Azpi VvD Wolly
    Mahrez Ozil Sanchez Alli Lingard
    Costa Kane Lukaku

    Lukaku to Vardy next week
    Money itb for Aguero v Villa.

  26. jimbobmij
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Bench Ozil or Sanchez?

    Was leaning towards benching Ozil for the obvious reason of goal threat, but Sanchez looked pretty rusty vs Bournemouth. Also Leicester have been bad at defending set pieces (although recently gotten better) so Ozil could notch an assist that way.

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Ozil if it was me but I wouldn't be comfortable doing it

  27. Gazpilicueta
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    What would you do with this team?

    Forster, Myhill
    Bellerin, Wollschied, Moreno, Daniels, Ward
    Mahrez, Payet, Alli, Ozil, Gosling
    Aguero, Lukaku, Kane

    3.something in the bank and 2 free transfers

    A) Moreno to Huth, leicester for the league!
    B) Bring Vardy back?
    C) fix Myhill
    D) something else

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. mojoindojo
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A but Fuchs

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A, Moreno has blank next week, and Leicester have good fixtures in GW's 27 and 30 blank weeks.

      B next week if you don't fancy playing 4-5-1 o 5-4-1

  28. mojoindojo
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Play 1
    Borthwick
    PVA
    Toby

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Borthwick

  29. Diva
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone making fantasy punts in their head because real fantasy transfers are running pretty much on auto-pilot at present?

    1. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Yup. All in head. Would love a Costa punt or a Rooney punt but transfers are like gold dust atm.

      I'm currently benching Alli (have Kane) but also thinking if i should bench Ozil instead.

      1. Diva
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Yep, Fantasy Fantasy Premier League is where it's at! 😀

    2. Jape
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I think you should make the transfers you want to. Take multiple hits if need be.

      1. Diva
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Your Jedi mind tricks won't work on me Jape. 😉

        1. Eden Hazardous
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Japeist 😮

          1. Jape
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            Hopefully not!

    3. jennmenn
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Spot on! 😉

    4. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      do them in your team too, its more fun 🙂

      1. Diva
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        It's tempting, but that's what Jape wants me to do.

  30. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Team of the season so far:
    De Gea
    Azpi Alders Kosi Bellerin
    Alli Kante
    Payet Ozil Mahrez
    Vardy

    Subs: lloris Fonte Sagne Can Sanchez Willian Kane
    Who have I missed?

    1. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Bit harsh on Lukaku and Ighalo. Not sure Sanchez done enough to be in there

      1. Diva
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        He hasn't.

      2. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Good point on Sanchez but he is that good. Did not pick Everton players for obvious reasons.