Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 192 – Swansong

There’s emotion in the air as we prepare to bid goodbye to another season in tonight’s ScoutCast.

I’m joined by Jonty, Andy and Luke as we take the opportunity to look back on our campaigns, dwelling on our successes and regrets and recalling our favourite moments from a most testing Fantasy Football season.

We also take time to identify out lessons learned and appraise the Fantasy Premier League season, carrying out a “Chips Post Mortem”, whilst discussing the likely impact of next season’s Friday night kick-offs.

Finally, for one last time this term, we look forward to the weekend and attempt to identify the final day heroes who could yet make an impression on ranks and mini-leagues.

The ScoutCast is first aired live on our YouTube channel on Wednesday night. Be sure to subscribe to get a heads up on future broadcasts.

You can view the full Google Hangout version of this episode via the second player below or stream the edited audio from this link or the first player.

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

1,583 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    A. Vardy FT 19pt leader has but possibly 6-7 non starters and no Aguero Sanchez

    B. Davis + Giroud -4

    1. hurrrrr
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      A

      How can you have that many non-starters?

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        I don't but leader has Huth Williams Mignolet Firmino Sturridge Willian Costa

        1. hurrrrr
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Prefer Giroud to Vardy but not if it involves taking a hit.

          1. Kiwivillan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            He has Vardy so reverse blocking and assuming to make up the 20pts for victory with treat of my team

            1. Kiwivillan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              *treat = rest

            2. hurrrrr
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              Ha I would probably risk it and go for Giroud then.

  2. Schwarzer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Would you

    A) Take a chance and play PVA even though he might be rested (wat)
    B) Start Creswell (stk)

    Cheers

    1. hurrrrr
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      PVA

    2. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      why might be be rested?

      1. Krafty Werks
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Comments from Big Sam stating he would give a few of the U21's a start over regulars.

    3. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Same dilemma, really tough due to PVA's latest but prob starting Cress as at least has something to play for still and i reckon the more likely cleanie of the two.

    4. Schwarzer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks lads!

  3. FantasyFS007
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    What to do with this lot?

    Darlow
    PVA | Bellerín | Smalling
    Hazard | Payet | Sánchez | Coutinho
    Carroll | Defoe | Lukaku

    Robles | Gabriel | Lanzini | Simpson

    £4.3m ITB, 1 FT

    Not sure about Coutinho, Carroll & Lukaku but thoughts appreciated as always!

    1. general_franco
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      With a new manager Lukaku may up his game. Slim chance but still a chance against a relegated team. Replace Coutinho with Mane/Tadic. Carroll to Giroud. The rest looks good.

  4. hurrrrr
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Any of these worth a -4 hit?

    Azpilicueta -> Bellerin
    Carroll -> Kane
    Firmino -> Tadic

    1. Kurtinho
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Firmino > Tadic is, assuming you cannot field XI guaranteed starters. Roberto won't even be on the bench imo.

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        +1

      2. hurrrrr
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah I can field a relatively strong team without a hit. Could do:

        Hazard/Sanchez/Fabregas/Payet
        Defoe/Carroll/Giroud or Kane

        If I did Firmino to Tadic (-4) I would bench one of Carroll/Fabregas.

    2. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      maybe bellerin

    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Carol Kane lel

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        She was great in The Princess Bride

  5. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    I don't want to use FT or hit in defence. Taking chance that Fosu-Mensah gets game. Do I just hope for best and autos?

    FM PVA Monreal (Simpson) (Delaney)

  6. rocky7st
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Sánchez Milner Iwobi Hazard Lanzini
    Rashford Agüero Carroll

    1 FT 4.3 ITB, what transfer should I do?
    a) Rashford > Martial
    b) Carroll > Long/10.9 striker
    c) Lanzini > Mane/9.2 Mid

    Got 3 Arsenal players already

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      You could trade Rashford to Martial and then the latter gets rested for Cup. I hope not as Martial owner but just saying

  7. Ibracadabra´s Spell
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    I´m in 1st at my private league with friends, I have a 85 points lead, chances of losing the league are?...

    1. hurrrrr
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Very high

      1. Ibracadabra´s Spell
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Hahah... 🙂

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Do you think they can score 85 this week?

      1. Ibracadabra´s Spell
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        I don´t think so and I will score too so I think I´m safe.

    3. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      0.1%

      1. Ibracadabra´s Spell
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Ok, thanks mate. 🙂

    4. Test Eagles
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Silly post ... if u lose an 85-point lead you're crooked.

      1. Ibracadabra´s Spell
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah it´s silly I know, it was just for fun, haha, no problema. 🙂

        1. Test Eagles
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Captain your weakest player just for fun! 😉

  8. hurrrrr
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Giroud or Kane?

    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Giroud.

  9. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Right, I'm going to bed with this conundrum troubling my sleep: Aguero or Giroud? Aguero is so much the better player, but Giroud has an opportunity to feast on Villa. Plus, getting Aguero costs Martial, while Giroud can be had for the paltry cost of Carrol (or Defoe). So which one? I would love advice, but I reckon sleep is what it will take,and I am rushing off to get that time-honoured assistance. G'Night!

    1. kenzo.
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      For me the game changer is captaincy.... I'm gonna wait right up to Saturday morning to make that decision.... If you're gonna captain Sanchez then giroud is your man else get the best player in the league

      1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Sanchez is definitely my (c), so the question is Martial to Aguero, or Defoe/Carrol to Giroud.

      2. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Sunday morning

        1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Noted.

    2. hurrrrr
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Giroud. He's a terrible footballer but relegated Villa (H) is the kind of game he's made for.

    3. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Night EJ

  10. Ibracadabra´s Spell
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    I will use AoA and play Bellerín with...

    A) Reid
    B) Gabriel (will he start?)

    1. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      B. He should start

      1. Ibracadabra´s Spell
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Ok, thanks mate. 🙂

  11. Swan - Villa Proud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Any hits needed here? Thinking either Long, Mane or Ramsey, but quite like the look of my team as is. Appreciate your thoughts.

    DDG
    Bellerin, PVA, Smalling
    Sanchez(C), Hazard, Payet, Tadic
    Kun(vc), Defoe, Carroll

    Kaspar, Cresswell, Moreno, Ali
    0FT, 2.0M ITB

  12. FFPro
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Up: Eriksen Sanchez Morgan Tadic
    Down: Ozil Ulloa Afobe

    1. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Oh.. Eriksen

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Cheers

  13. hurrrrr
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Tadic worth a -4?

    Would relegate Carroll to first sub.

  14. DT42
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    DT42 Fantasy Football Scout Member
    I wouldn't normally take a hit in the final GW but with doubts over Milner and Ozil is it worth -4 to get Tadic in?

    A) save
    B) Ozil to Tadic/Ramsey
    C) Milner to Tadic

    Robles/Darlow
    Bellerin, Reid, Rojo (Simpson, PVA)
    San(C)hez, Ozil, Payet, Milner, Haz
    Kun, Rashford (Caroll)
    P.s. This decision could win my mini league!

    1. Chelsea Dagger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Milner I'd switch because he probably won't play. C

  15. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Is Davis flying under the radar? Could play in the hole again unless JRod starts and about the best mid I can think of that affords me Carroll>Giroud

    Also am I right to be selling Carroll and benching Antonio and just playing Payet? Antonio scores mostly at home

    1. Zilla42
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Davis who?

  16. F_Ivanovic
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Lukaku > Giroud for a 4 point hit worthwhile? I made the (terrible) decision to bring in Lukaku last week. Didn't expect an awful lot from the 2 fixtures but I was relying on maybe him to do something against what I expected to be an already relegated Norwich.

    Having doubts now tho and Giroud does seem a good option.

    1. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      wow that was a terrible decision.

      yeah id do it

  17. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    For those who enjoy and want to play Fantasy Football Brazilian League,
    it starts this weekend saturday.

  18. Jay_
      7 years, 11 months ago

      -------------Darlow---------------
      --Bellerin PVA(!) Cresswell--
      Sanchez Ozil(!) Payet Hazard
      ----Aguero Martial Defoe(!)---
      ----------------------------------------
      Robles(!) Lanzini Moreno(!) Ivanovic(!) ! = Out or Doubt

      1ft, 2.7itb. Attack looks covered with Lanzini to step in for Defoe if needed, defence is dodgy, likely I'll only have 2 defenders, but I'd love some Saints attack. What to do?

      A: Lanzini > Mane (bench Defoe)
      B: Lanzini > Tadic (bench Defoe)
      C: Moreno > VVD (bench PVA)
      D: B & C -4
      E: Something else?

      * Only aim is to beat last years PB rank of 21k, currently 26k and 10 points to make up to do so.

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        I don't like the idea of moving out Lanzini who is generally nailed and benching another in form player. It's impossible to predict which Sunderland will turn up but I think Defoe has more in him too. It's different if you are moving out players who will blank anyway

        1. Jay_
            7 years, 11 months ago

            This is a good point and a big fear of mine, just got that feeling of a Saints biggie coming up

        2. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          why not go triple Arse, and do Defoe?martial > giru
          or
          lanzini > rambo or other arse mid

          why do u think its more advantageous to go strong sou over arse? think arse have more desire to win than sou at this pt of the table, no...

          1. Jay_
              7 years, 11 months ago

              Thanks but already have 3 Arsenal

          2. general_franco
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Why are PVA and Defoe doubts?

            1. Jay_
                7 years, 11 months ago

                PVA a much higher doubt than Defoe, played on with an injury v Everrton, was down again at full time either in pain or just exhaustion. Allardyce said he will play some under 21's

                1. general_franco
                  • 9 Years
                  7 years, 11 months ago

                  Thanks

          3. bigbudgie
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Who's going to be in the differentials article this week?

            1. Test Eagles
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              Drogba

              1. bigbudgie
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 11 months ago

                brilliant

          4. Chelsea Dagger
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Need to replace Coutinho on a FT. Tadic seems the obvious choice, but Ozil seems tempting. Someone needs to assist Donkey and Sanchez, and if fit assume he'd play since given last week off. Sound crazy?

            Cheers!

          5. Erik Kloppton
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Giroud for Carroll (maxed out w/ Arsenal)
            Now at -1.2
            Best pick:
            A Mata
            B Lanzini (playing Payet)
            C Townsend
            D. ?

          6. general_franco
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Any chance Fosu-Mensah will play on Sunday?

            1. bigbudgie
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              Wait for presser. If LVG mentions rotation then possibly. But the cup final is still a full week away. I see no reason why he won't go for the first team again cause they need to win just in case City slip up. That is apart from Martial maybe

              1. general_franco
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 11 months ago

                Good point. Ta

            2. Test Eagles
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              There's a chance, I'd say it's fiddy-fiddy

              1. general_franco
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 11 months ago

                I guess it's Valencia/TFM on the right. Is Rojo nailed on?

          7. knirkefritt
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Quick question.

            In my ML we have prizes for monthly managers.

            But teams taking hits in GW37 don't seem to be deducted those points in their May total. Does anybody know the rules of this? It doesnt make any sense if those hits won't count imo.

            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              1st GW of each month don't include hits. Big flaw on FPL.

              1. knirkefritt
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 11 months ago

                Thanks for reply.

                Yeah, massive flaw, and super annoying!

              2. Ryan
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 12 Years
                7 years, 11 months ago

                Is this an issue for overall ranks as well or just monthly?

                1. knirkefritt
                  • 8 Years
                  7 years, 11 months ago

                  Just monhtly is seems like if I counted correctly

                2. TorresMagic™
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 14 Years
                  7 years, 11 months ago

                  Just monthly as you can't take hits in your 1st GW.

            2. JasonG123
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              This is annoying for me too as my mini-league also has monthly cash prizes and I have taken 12 points in hits this season and my main rival has taken 160 points in hits.

          8. RoyaleBlue
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Sanchez (c) the best option right? What I'm going with, can't convince myself otherwise

            1. Ryan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              Seems almost too obvious really but inevitably it won't pan out. GW38 is always a lottery

            2. bigbudgie
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              Depends on your situation. If you have no need to take any risks yes. If for example like me you are 20pts in a money league and you know the leader will captain Sanchez....go the next best option

          9. Ryan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            I wonder just how many U21's will get a run out. Still not keen to bench Defoe but it might be necessary

            http://www.safc.com/news/team-news/2016/may/young-guns-set-to-feature

            1. general_franco
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              Who could start in his place? Is Watmore more of a winger?

              1. Ryan
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 12 Years
                7 years, 11 months ago

                Some unknown U21 player?

            2. Jay_
                7 years, 11 months ago

                Demba posted something similar from Twitter, only other name mentioned was 'Honeyman' listed as a mid on FPL but I know absolutely nothing about him tbh

                1. Jay_
                    7 years, 11 months ago

                    http://www.safc.com/players-and-staff/under-21s/george-honeyman

                    Just found that, anywhere across the mid basically

                    1. Ryan
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 12 Years
                      7 years, 11 months ago

                      Looks a good prospect but will probably start in midfield.

                2. bigbudgie
                  • 9 Years
                  7 years, 11 months ago

                  Can't see Defoe being one of those benched TBH. He deserves the chance to get more goals, he's pushing for an England call up in place of Welbeck. I'm definitely keeping.

                  1. Ryan
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 12 Years
                    7 years, 11 months ago

                    I feel the same way but the first team don't return to training till Saturday. Maybe just to give the U21's a practice match prior to their big day.

              • SpaceCadet
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 11 months ago

                Who is the best mid to get in besides tadic/ mane? Kdb?

                Current mids

                Sanchez ozil payet firmino fabregas

                1. Ryan
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 12 Years
                  7 years, 11 months ago

                  The options are scarce tbh. Hazard, KDB, Redmond, Davis,

              • FFPro
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 11 months ago

                Play Lanzini or Defoe?

                1. Ryan
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 12 Years
                  7 years, 11 months ago

                  In the same boat with Fabregas included. I'm now leaning towards benching Defoe but would prefer to start him if I was sure he wouldn't be rotated out for some unknown youngster (or any other player who needs to prove themselves to Allardyce)

                  1. FFPro
                    • 9 Years
                    7 years, 11 months ago

                    I'm leaning towards playing Lanzini but would much rather Defoe if I knew he was going to start.

                    It's clear Mannone is going to miss out for Pickford, and Watmore will play...

              • BananaNose Maldonado
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 11 months ago

                Start Hazard or Ozil this week? The classic form vs fixture question.

                Cheers.

                1. Ryan
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 12 Years
                  7 years, 11 months ago

                  I'm really surprised you have to bench one, ideally they should both start. If I had to choose I'd bench Hazard, reluctantly.

                  1. BananaNose Maldonado
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    7 years, 11 months ago

                    Yeah, I just wish I knew what kind of backline Leicester is going to throw out there.

                    1. Ryan
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 12 Years
                      7 years, 11 months ago

                      Will be a fairly open affair probably but so will the Arsenal game.

                      1. BananaNose Maldonado
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        7 years, 11 months ago

                        Agreed. That's what makes this week so challenging.

                        My question was possibly a little misleading. The Hazard vs Ozil question was motivated by my desire to get Aguero in (likely for Defoe), as I think he might have one of his explosive days, and either Hazard or Ozil would have to be sacrificed.

                        What would you do with this lot:

                        DDG - Hennessey

                        Gabriel - Smalling - PVA - Cresswell - Rose

                        Sanchez - Hazard - Ozil - Payet - KDB

                        Martial - Deeney - Defoe

                        1. Ryan
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • Has Moderation Rights
                          • 12 Years
                          7 years, 11 months ago

                          I see. Yeah tough choice really especially as you'd want to follow up on that 'Aguero feeling'. If you believe your gut to be right and you absolutely must have Aguero then I'd sacrifice Ozil. It would follow your theme of going for the explosion potential and Hazard can get double figures with full bonus from just 1 goal.

                          1. BananaNose Maldonado
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 9 Years
                            7 years, 11 months ago

                            Thanks for the response, Ryan. That's how I'm leaning, actually. And I feel okay with that since I at least have Arsenal coverage - and great one at that - with Sanchez.

                            The other option is to do the standard (boring?) thing and go either Ozil to Tadic/Mane or Defoe to Long. But those just feel too much like following the herd, and I've had a great end of the season by NOT following the herd too much.

                            1. Ryan
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • Has Moderation Rights
                              • 12 Years
                              7 years, 11 months ago

                              You have a really strong front 8 in its current state so there is no need to do a standard transfer as you say. I think that'd be too sideways and I see no benefit in selling Ozil or Defoe for similar players with similar potential. Go big or tinker with you defence I say

              • Tiamani Warrior
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 11 months ago

                Is there any word on whether Ozil is playing this weekend?

                1. Ryan
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 12 Years
                  7 years, 11 months ago

                  He plays every weekend doesn't he? despite twitter saying otherwise

              • Tiamani Warrior
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 11 months ago

                I'm bringing in Aguero - ditch Lukaku or Carrol?

                1. GreennRed
                  • 12 Years
                  7 years, 11 months ago

                  Lukaku. Carroll still has something to play for.