Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 184 – Foresight

Foresight – that precious gift that that can bless any Fantasy Football manager. We need it now more than ever.

As Jonty, Andy and myself struggle with the countless permutations offered up by the looming double Gameweeks, we can only hope that our mutterings and musings come laced with just a little dash of foresight.

Steered by an array of community questions targeting the possibilities of the fixture pile-up to come, the three of us discuss the best-laid plans in attempt to jolt our squads out of the current rut.

Around the early double Gameweek discussion, we chew over the optimum blank-dodging strategies as Sigurdsson, Spurs and Stoke top the menu of options. Then, inevitably, we turn attentions to the immediate job at hand, as we preview the weekend and pinpoint potential clean sheets and “Fantasy Island Risks”.

This episode of the ScoutCast was first aired live via our YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe to gatecrash future editions.

You can view the full Google Hangout version via the larger player below, or wrap your ears around the edited audio mix via this link or the smaller player.

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

1,808 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    3-1

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Will be the final result

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

        Not from pens 😛

      2. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Wouldn't want to be a bookie with your mystic abilities

        1. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Looking okay right now 😉

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

            Yeye smartie pants

            1. Syd.
              • 14 Years
              8 years, 2 months ago

              I can see them scoring another 🙂

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

                Same. As much as I dislike manu, they are running the show atm

                1. Syd.
                  • 14 Years
                  8 years, 2 months ago

                  So they should be

                  They're playing a pub team

  2. Now I'm Panicking
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Another young English player diving - sigh

  3. Mahrez vs Vardy for captain
    ktk_interista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Mahrez vs Vardy captaincy

    Mahrez:
    -------------
    Penalties Scored:4
    Penalties Missed:2

    Double figure scores this season:

    Total:10 times
    In games where he scored at least 1 penalty: 3
    In games where he didn't score a penalty: 7

    If we take into consideration that he scored 2 goals in the first game of the season (15 pts) and one of them is a penalty, it is very likely that he would have got double figures (10 or more pts) even without the penalty (especially if he won it gaining him an assist. Not sure on that one), then Mahrez has 8 double figure scores out of 10 without any penalties. He is not dependent on penalties after all. He is no Siggy. It is just a cherry on the top.

    Vardy:
    ---------
    Penalties Scored:4
    Penalties Missed:0

    Double figure scores this season:

    Total:3 times
    In games where he scored at least 1 penalty: 0
    In games where he didn't score a penalty: 3

    Vardy didn't score double figures all season when taking a penalty.

    Conclusion: Regardless of penalties, Mahrez is far far more explosive than Vardy. The ceiling is much higher with Mahrez for a monster captain score. Mahrez is simply a better captain pick even without penalties.

    1. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Good analysis, except for the 'ol mutual fund caveat that "past performance is not necessarily a predictor of future performance."

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

        Kante(c) then - might score 6

      2. ktk_interista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        I believe Mahrez and Leceister in general got tired around the Xmas period and already had their dip in form attacking wise. Plus they needed to be smart in the many games against the top teams of the league and successfully navigated these difficult fixtures. The run of fixtures to come is a perfect chance to return to scoring goals for fun. We will see better stats for Mahrez soon imo.

    2. the axolotl
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      nice post

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

      I think it's very much worth mentioning regarding Mahrez that Ranieri has clearly stated he will sub him off late in games. Also, his numbers have been pretty average over the last 4-6GWs. For example, 1g and 1a from 1 shot and 1 chance created against City.

      I feel Mahrez is still a decent option and certainly more explosive, but Vardy is safer and is still well capable of a double figure haul as the spearhead of that attack

      1. ktk_interista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Vardy is not explosive at all imo. 3 double figures all season is nothing. Siggy in 5 GWs equalled that and only with set pieces. Plus against a Norwich defence, all Mahrez needs is 70-75 mins to get a double figure score.

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

        He still has 31 points from the last 6 games

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

      Nice post. It's my first ever time owning Garden Gnome though, so it would be rude not to captain him.

    5. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Another counter point to this otherwise superb analysis is that Mahrez has 4 double-digit games of 10 and 11 points and Vardy has three games in which we got 9 points. While every point counts, these differences are not vast, and are an important nuance to the dichotomy of double-digit vs. single-digt scores. I don't know then if the conclusion that Mahrez is "far far more explosive than Vardy" is a tad exaggerated.

      1. ktk_interista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Valid point. With captaincy every point counts for 2 though.

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

        Mahrez used to take the penalties - now Vardy does.How would things look if Vardy had (a) taken them in the past and (b) converted all of them ?

        1. ktk_interista
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          You mean if he had take Mahrez's 6 penalties?

          1. alastair
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            Yes

        2. ktk_interista
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          It would bump Vardy's numbers but wouldn't take away much from Mahrez's big scores count. Plus you'd have to add the points from the 2 penalties missed.

      3. the axolotl
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        that's a good point too

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

        Very true too. And gud use of big wurds also 🙂

        1. walkman666
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Big words! Tee hee (I have many educational letters after my name, too!).

      5. ktk_interista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        For the sake of that argument, if we add the 9s to the count of double figures or should we just call them great captain scores, Mahrez has 11 vs Vardy on 6. Still a big difference imo.

        1. walkman666
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Your analysis was a good one, KTK. Kudos. I think there that it did warrant a few counterpoints because ultimately one guy has 184 points and one has 163, and when it comes down to it, we are talking about #1 and #2 overall point totals YTD.

          1. ktk_interista
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            A good counter argument is always appreciated and what makes this community helpful. Thanks.

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

      I will just drop this here for the members 😉
      http://members.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/public-stats-tables/view/13702/

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

        Cheers Eden!

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

        Isn't this the opposite way round? Left and right refers to the defensive side not the attacking

        1. SAY SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          I think the point is that both are elevated vs the third option.

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

            This

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

          Updated the table now 🙂

    7. Pochecinno
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Mahrez is clearly more explosive but Vardy is safer.

      Mahrez has blanked 10 times this season
      Vardy has blanked 6 times

      If we don't include GWs 18-21 when Leicester scored only 1 goal then we have Mahrez on 6 blanks and Vardy on 2.

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

        Good point.

    8. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I disagree with the finality of this, Vardy is to my eyes the one still in his peak form.

      Vardy's penalty addition means he is now more explosive than he was before - if he'd taken all those pens Mahrez did, he would certainly have been close to matching, if not above, that double figure total 😉

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

        I agree

    9. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I think one of the assumptions that I've seen being made is that Mahrez is a better bet because Norwich will somehow contain Vardy and limit his chances. Mahrez, the theory goes will get more space to run into the box more.

      But looking at the goals Norwich have conceded since GWK 14 they are conceding from all over the shop. If anything strikers are more likely to profit.

      Since GWK 14:

      13 goals have been scored by strikers against Norwich
      10 goals have been scored by mids against Norwich
      2 goals have been scored by defenders.

      Looks to me like Vardy and Mahrez could profit. For me pens edges the deal but both look to be a good fit.

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        I include Firmino's two as by a striker as a false 9/most advanced Liv player in that match.

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

          Jonty, Daniels on the bench for you?

          Thanks.

          1. J0E
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            No way. I'm playing him Fuchs and Ivanovic. Benching VVD.

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

              Always play defender on pens should be the slogan for me, too. Deciding who to play, him or Wolly. ShawX ruled out makes the decision much easier for me, I guess. 🙂

            2. CAPTAIN BLACKLIST
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 2 months ago

              Benching Toby then? I have Daniels, Fuchs, Ivan, PVA and Toby - picking 3 out of those is ruddy hard this week

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

                I have Toby, Fuchs, Wolly, (Daniels, Cresswell). Playing Toby and Fuchs for sure. Will decide about Wolly and Daniels. Hoping for Wolly CS somehow and hope for Daniels not punishing me. 🙂

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

                  Yeah Fuchs and Toby seem like no brainers, benching a player who is on pens is tough but then again he might be taken off them after the miss against Everton. If I were you I would play him over Wolly though - no ShawX means no cleanie for Stoke and he offers little to no attacking threat. I'm probs gonna play PVA cos he has delivered a ridiculous amount of attacking returns for me - got him in for a laugh against Villa and he has been my top scoring player since then!

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

                    Yup, no ShawX is what's making it a tough decision. Daniels is still on pens, Howe confirmed it, so it probably will be Daniels and not Wolly. Will have to think it through a few times more to make a final decision. Thanks for your input. Appreciate it!!!

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

                      I'd go with Chaz - signing that new deal surely a good omen! And always much more fun cheering on attacking returns than a cleanie - if Villa score you're dead whereas Daniels can always produce even if conceding - not many defenders who can still get 5pts when his team concede 3!

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

        I look at this game as Nor don't shy away from attacking and Vardy will benefit mostly from it with their counter attacking style.

        But that's just one way of looking at it.

        Both great C options this GW.

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

      The thing here is "Points Potential". Vardy has greater points potential for 4 reasons;
      - he is the spearhead of the attack (therefore closer to the goal)
      - has penalties
      - will (more than likely) play 90mins
      - has blanked less times.

      It is a good shout to go Mahrez C as I agree, he is more explosive so when he scores he is likely to score big, and add to that the fact he scores more for a goal and a CS as a midfielder, he is an attractive option. I just feel that Vardy is safer and less likely to blank.

      I may go Payet though! he is class.

      1. Vincent Adultman
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Payet is a good shout, in better form than Vahrez but Norwich are much more liable to ship a few goals than Sunderland.

    11. The consensus
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Norwich push a lot on the flanks, left and right.
      =>
      Vardy C

    12. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Ohhhhh aywa ba2a el hot topics a castelloo

    13. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Mahrez was my captain all 2weeks long, you seen it by yourself, but since reading the other opinions here I'm starting to consider vardy, plus I love to have a different captain than you 😛
      And yes I just bought him yesterday, after he rose

    14. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      For the sake of the argument, I believe mahrez is more explosive , that's why I captained mahrez many times but probably never captained vardy but vardy is more likely not to blank and in a better form right now

  4. Studgie G
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Lingard gone swimming

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

    Fuchs is still nailed even with Schlupp's return from injury, right?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Surely

    2. Studgie G
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      yes

    3. Viper
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Of course. He's been one of their best players

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

        Thought so. Thanks all!

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

      I checked and schlupp was moved to the wing / sub just before his injury

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

        Fuchs was left back Ranieri is not tinkering either

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

        Yeah I remember that being the case. Cheers Adam

  6. Backup Dancer
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Should I get Vardy or Rashford in?

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

      Rashford (c)

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

      100% Rashford

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

        Only for a hit though

  7. Studgie G
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    rashford

  8. Puyol Pants Up
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Rashford > Messi

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

    MARCUUUUUUUUUS!!!

  10. Now I'm Panicking
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Anelka's shirt number

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

    Vardy > Rashford 😛

  12. Taribo West on a free
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Rashford for England

  13. thunder_mike
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Lloris is outstanding.

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

      he always has been. such a cultured player.

  14. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Where are the haters now???

    Yeah that's right get back under your bridge!!

    1. the axolotl
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      back to lilliput, midgetland

    2. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Must be such an amazing feeling to beat such a legendary team in the Europa League

  15. Elijah's Wood
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Alli yellow, im guessing this ban doesnt carry over into the PL?

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

      nah, they can't appeal a yellow either can they?

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

      look at it like this, he'll be rested for PL action ;P

      1. Elijah's Wood
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Haha just wondering if his ban counts this weekend, im guessing its just in the europa

        1. SAY SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Yep. If anything, it's good for owners.

  16. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    LVG looks really happy with his genius decision to start Rashford 😀

  17. thunder_mike
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    How is that a booking for Alli, he got pushed!

  18. Now I'm Panicking
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Is Rashford related to Ronnie Rashford, scorer of that famous FA Cup goal?

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Nah, Ronnie was a Gooner

  19. Sprofa
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Schmeichel
    Monreal, Alderweireld, Azpilicueta, Dann, Johnson^
    Willian, Alli, Arnautovic*
    Kane*, Valencia*

    Hart^, Aguero^, Firmino^, Wijnaldum^

    * = In Doubt
    ^ = Not Playing

    0.4m ITB, Already made one trade.

    Do I;

    A) Trade out Johnson
    B) Wild Card
    C) Leave it

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

      bit distasteful playing adam johnson mate. 🙁

  20. LVGs Army
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Memphis is playing brilliantly

    1. Licious Lizard
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Was just about to post it.

      He really has had a fantastic match

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      *apart from his many mistakes

    3. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      His best performance in a United shirt so far. Looks confident.

  21. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Good to see Rojo 5.0m back.

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

      Utd fans surfacing now slowly

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

        😉

      2. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        H&S closed the bunker due to overcrowding

      3. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        😀

  22. the axolotl
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    3-0 spurs. rest times

    1. the axolotl
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      og. trippier assist. ali would have scored if defender hadn't got there before him

    2. the axolotl
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      ali subbed to standing ovation

  23. Oscar Slater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Rashford to triple by Sunday morning??

    1. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Got any Cheltenham AP brigadier ? My only AP bet this year was early doors on Yanworth on back of last year's bumper.

  24. Now I'm Panicking
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Maybe Depay should learn how to pass the ball 5 yards to a team-mate before doing the Ronaldo impressions

  25. Jeremiah
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Save FT? 1 FT, 4.1 ITB 🙂

    Butland
    Bellerin - Alder - VVD - Ward
    Mahrez - Payet - Alli - Sanchez
    Kane - Vardy

    McCarthy - Francis - Westwood - Aguero

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

      Save

  26. Individual
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Safe to do Fuchs in for Zouma?

  27. Studgie G
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Napoli looking like they're going out

  28. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Napoli going out is good news.

    1. alastair
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Helps England's co-efficient vis a vis Italy for Champions League places ?

    2. Studgie G
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      their fault but I guess they're looking at the league

    3. SAY SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Says a lot about the strength of La Liga imo

  29. Uncle John from Jamaica
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Chaps.

    Your thoughts would be welcomed. I currently have five unlikely to start over the weekend that to the awful timing of Danny Simpson and Wanyama getting sent off before a small game week.

    My other three are Barclay, Baines, Sergio. I do however have two frees to use.

    A) I could go Aguero to Vardy plus Baines to a defender. and this gives me 11 starters
    B) I could go Barclay and Baines to say Erickson and Van Dyke and this gives me a better 11 starters but loses me Sergio who I clearly need back soon

    So should I lose Ageruo to get Vardy now or run the risk of a Vardy massacre this weekend or keep Sergio benched and save the much needed transfer next week to bring him back?

    Thanks all

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

      Keep Kun

  30. exammy
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I don't want Stoke mid, I have 3 Spurs and I am fine transferring a mid in and out in two games. Pedro in for two weeks?