Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 211 – Beleaguered

It’s quite ironic that, in an episode that focuses on our experience and strategies of mini-league management, my long-term rival on that score goes awol.

Granville is waylaid by “homework” and misses out, but Luke crashes in mid-cast to join Jonty, Andy and myself as we deliver an 80-minute episode, which includes our dubious insights on navigating a team to mini-league glory – mind games and all.

Once again guided by your community questions, we take on the Diego Costa fall-out, the rising stock of Spurs on form and Everton on fixtures, while finding time to wade in on the demise of former darling Sergio Aguero under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola.

This episode of the ScoutCast was first beamed live via our YouTube channel on Tuesday night. Be sure to subscribe to get notice of future live episodes.

If you’re a traditional type, you can acquire the mp3 audio version via this link or the first player below, or take in the full visual experience via the second player below.

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

1,731 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Clifford☯
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Eddie Howe: "My impression of Tyron Mings improves with everything I see of him. If that trend continues I'll be very pleased ".

  2. Friday's press conferences
    A.T
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    8.45am: Stoke City, Mark Hughes

    9.00am: West Brom, Tony Pulis; Hull City, Marco Silva

    9.00am: Bournemouth, Eddie Howe; Sunderland, David Moyes

    12.30pm: Manchester United, Jose Mourinho

    1.00pm: Chelsea, Antonio Conte; Liverpool Jurgen Klopp

    1.00pm: Leicester City, Claudio Ranieri; Crystal Palace, Sam Allardyce

    1.15pm: Burnley, Sean Dyche

    1.30pm: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers mate

    2. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Ta for info !

    3. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Moyeseh defying the odds

  3. The Mighty I
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Heaton Pickford
    Alonso Cedric Holebas McAuley Amat
    Sanchez Eriksen Lallana Philips Capoue
    Ibra Lukaku Giroud

    1FT £1.1 banked

    Probably need to be moving Cedric/Holebas on but it's tempting to do Lallana > Coutinho.

    1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I'd wait on that.... Lallana isn't exactly terrible at the moment....

    2. OzilFozzil
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Agree, bigger issues are Amat, Cedric, Holebas....

  4. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Eriksen or Alli?

    1. Captain Vantastic™
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Alli IMO. Eriksen owner though

    2. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I've got Alli and haven't been worried or even tempted to change for Eriksen

    3. Grand Thibauto
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Alli

    4. OzilFozzil
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I got Alli after his hauls and been biting my finger nails... but would be fool hardy to get rid of him now... doubling up with Eriksen may not be a bad idea though...

  5. Can’t beat em so&hell…
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Where would you go on this one....?

    Foster/Pick
    Walker/Alonso/Holebas/Pieters/Amat
    Sanchez/Alli/Lallana/Stan/Fletcher
    Zlatan/ AGUERO/ CARROLL

    A) Aguero + Carroll ----> Lukaku + Giroud
    B) Aguero + Carroll ------> Costa + Giroud
    C) Aguero + Carroll -------> Kane + Defoe
    D) Something else

    1. Grand Thibauto
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      C for the long term.

    2. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Tough one...B this week, C long term probably.

      1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers guys... Interesting. I had put them in the order of most likely in my mind...

    3. mcrayeps
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      D Costa + Lukaku

  6. Shirokov(c)
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    A) Save FT
    B) Pogba to Hazard
    C) Pogba to Coutinho

    Thoughts? Rest of the team is in good condition.

    1. Grand Thibauto
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      A.
      C could be a great punt for this week. But both have good fixtures so 50/50.

    2. GoonerByron
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Why get rid of Pogba?

      Save FT

      1. Shirokov(c)
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Two blanks in a row, was playing in a deep midfield two against Liverpool.

        1. Sweetboi
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Still got in good positions tbf

    3. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Save

    4. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      A

  7. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    TP: "There will be a late check on Jonny Evans before the @SunderlandAFC game. Still waiting to hear about @AllanNyom" #WBA

    1. Alnair
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      So he hasn't been training then, right?

    2. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Duhh

      1. Alnair
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Cringe.

  8. Sweetboi
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Pick one please lads:

    a) Origi > Crouch

    b) Play Origi

    c) Snodgrass > Stanislas (bench Origi)

  9. Andrew
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Why the Aguero exodus? Ok he's been quiet but surely it's only a matter of time now?

    1. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Against Psurs defense? Have in my team, unsure whether to stick with him this GW

    2. Grand Thibauto
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Arsenal's title chances as well

      1. Andrew
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Huh?

        1. Grand Thibauto
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Its only a matter of time now

    3. Alnair
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      How many times will Pep bench him or will City play diabolically before that time happens?

    4. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Yaya taken over pen duties, arrival of Gabriel Jesus, bad form, fixtures not the best. Much better options out there and can save a good bit of cash

    5. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Usual arguments (I'm about to ditch)

      Lots of money tied up
      Lots of other great strikers
      Having to 'work back' more under Pep
      Pep dodgy rotation
      City playing terribly
      City playing the best defence in the league

      Enough for me....

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

    Gtg guys or scope to bring Sanchez in for a hit? Have 4m itb.

    Heaton
    Jones Baines Brunt
    Hazard(c) Alli Lallana Philips
    Ibra Lukaku Giroud

    1. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Haz > Sanchez next week. Gtg.

  11. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Is there a template this year? Arguably not.

    Alonso
    Sanchez/Hazard/Phillips
    Ibra

    ??

    1. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I suppose Heaton would be the other main contender.

      1. Grand Thibauto
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Also McAuley

    2. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Over here...

      Heaton/cheapie
      Alonso/Brunt/Baines
      Sanchez/Alli or Eriksen/Phillips
      Ibra/Kane or Lukaku

      1. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I wouldn't say Lukaku, Baines and even Kane are template.

        1. Grand Thibauto
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Or Brunt. The Guy barely had 2% ownership this season.

        2. Sweetboi
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          On here they are, especially Lukaku imo. Baines more a new trend tbf.

      2. mcrayeps
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Heaton
        Alonso Brunt Baines
        Sanchez Haz Alli Philips
        Ibra Costa Lukaku

        Is my team template?

    3. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Hazard certainly not on any current template with his pt production

  12. jmcclory123
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Jonny Evans will face a late fitness test. Allan Nyom is still waiting for international clearance. Looks like Brunt is available.

  13. 1314
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    I am starting Eriksen Alli Rose and benching Stanislas & Brunt..would you do the same ?

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      no I would play Stan and bench one of Eriksen or Alli. I would also play Brunt over Rose.

  14. MNN94
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Hi guys !
    i want to change costa to kaku? or save my ft?
    i want ur suggestion plissss.

    1. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      100% save

      1. MNN94
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        costa will play vs Hull??

    2. 1314
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      save

    3. mcrayeps
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      look at my avatar
      he will brace against hull

  15. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Foster
    Alonso, VVD, Brunt
    Sanchez(C), Iwobi(vc), Eriksen, Phillips
    Kane, Ibra, Lukaku

    Pickford*, Holebas, Capoue, Amat. . .0.4m itb 0FT

    GTG?

    1. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      GTG

    2. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Aye

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

      What happened to Iwobi captain?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        He's vice captain. Might change, you never know!

  16. The Left Duke #3
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Hazard on last chance saloon for me but think I'll give him the captain over Sanchez as my rival (50pts ahead of me) has Sanchez but not Hazard so it could be a good week to reel in a few points.

    Good plan or Madness?

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I'm doing the same. Sticking with my initial pick. ML leader 100pts ahead and is without Haz.

      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        If Gru starts it lessons Sanchez appeal and Heaton is a machine for Burnley. Just think Hazard could explode against a poor Hull, even if they have improved under new management

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

          Have you looked at how many Burnley have conceded away with Heaton in goal?

        2. Hurricane Gilbert
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Same reasoning here. I think Burnley could frustrate Arsenal when sitting ultra deep. Also Hazard will be up against the poor right side of Hull defence. Rugby dude Maguire...

    2. Óró Sé…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I'm doing the very same thing! Probably selling Hazard after this week regardless - hoping for a big send off!

      Nobody is bringing him in this week so he's a great differential

  17. dierstraights
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    would you do aguero & carroll -> costa & giroud for -4?
    I already have hazard & sanchez

    1. 1314
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      worth a try imo

  18. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    I'm saying it again
    Please read and see carefully
    See this team

    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/team/53260/event/21

    He has done really well in his first season of fpl
    He is my friend and has lower knowledge in comparison the people and scouts here but he played with a strategy that has worked perfect
    He sacrificed 2 midfielder to invest it elswhere specially in defence
    He has capoue and drinkwater as 3th and 4th midfielder in starting 11 !!!!
    But premium defenders. He didn't take hit whole season !

    Just look at this sentence

    " he did not used his wild card in first half of the season"
    When I asked him why ? He said my team looks ok and my heart can't be satisfied to use it. Altough he had injured or suspended bench but he preferred not to use it
    No hit and no wildcard yet in this season !!!
    And rank 10k with capoue and drinkwater in starting 11 !
    I just can say wow

    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I would add this that he didn't know he had to use his wc in 1st half and if he had known he would change 2 3 bench players
      And then he asked me is it gone ?!

    2. Captain Vantastic™
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Is it really his first season? Team ID is quite low

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Yes I invited him to play

  19. Yogi_mike
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Start stanislas or fletcher in the mid or go with a 4th defender in hobleas or friend

    1. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Stanislas, obviously.

      Friend.

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

      Is this a joke? Stanislas could go big

    3. roflmaofc
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I'd start Fletcher.

    4. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Surely you are not considering Fletcher over Stanislas?

  20. Clifford☯
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Mannone
    Alonso Daniels Chambers
    San(c)hez hazard Eriksen Lallana
    Ibra Costa Rondon

    Heaton Jones Fletcher Amat

    Save FT ?
    Play Chambers or Jones ?

  21. Individual
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Pulis: “There will be a late check on Evans. Still waiting to hear about Nyom”

    That's Nyom out for Brunt for me, I think

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Yup. Sucks. Not convinced of Brunt if he plays at LB and WBA is without their best CB.

  22. Óró Sé…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    If Evans is fit, would you play him over Puncheon this week?

    I'm playing Foster.

    Basically, any joy of a few points from Puncheon does anyone reckon!!!

    Thanks

    Foster {Heaton}
    Baines, Jones, Alonso, (Evans) {Amat}
    Sanchez, Hazard (c), Stan, (Puncheon) {Livermore}
    Ibra, Lukaku, Rondon

  23. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Benteke to Costa worth a -4?

    1. roflmaofc
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      No way, go for Crouch.

  24. keanfdes30
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Is tom Davies worth a try

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

      Many would say no but I think yes

      1. keanfdes30
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Who do you think will be the best to captain
        Ibra,lukaku,kane,eriksen or alli

    2. A.T
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      No

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

      Nah, Morgan lurking and Gueye soon. Throw in there Barry and Irish geezer too, Mcsomething

      1. keanfdes30
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Tell me what do you think I should do
        https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/team/my
        I'm thinking
        Evans-holgate
        Lallana-davies
        Wilson-ibra

    4. keanfdes30
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Holgate

  25. Venom Snake
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    A. Barkley + Rose
    B. Coutinho + Williams

  26. boc610
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    really does sound Moyes would almost consider using Pickford in goal with crutches and a leg brace than use Mannone any more. Ref probably wouldn't allow it mind you...

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Mannone was great against Pool though

      1. boc610
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        he is hands down one of the worst keepers Ive seen play in the prem league

  27. Hurricane Gilbert
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Aké to:

    A) F Mori (double EVE def)
    B) Brunt (double up with Evans)
    C) Chambers/Friend

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      C

  28. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Hahahaha 😆 this is a must read, The Sun have outdone themselves this time:

    According to a report in The Sun, the Whatsapp group administrator Pedro Obiang has taken the decision to remove Dimitri Payet from the group, who is trying to force a move back to Marseille.

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Riddiculous journalism these days.

  29. Clifford☯
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Team news from Marco Silva - @RobSnodgrass7 is a slight doubt for @ChelseaFC with a muscle injury

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      No Snodgrass, No Jake Livermore...don't know whether to captin Alonso or Hazard

      1. Óró Sé…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Yeeesss! Great news

      2. King Henrik
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I said Hazard all day yesterday but people seem to think Costa will take the points. Hazard false 9. Costa to start on bench and come on wen Hazard has scored a brace.

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

          If Hazard scores well would be disgusting. 2 goals and 2 assists since GW11 before I sold him last week

  30. Dog and Fox
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Cap Haz or Alexis? Benteke to Kaku worth -4? Is Stanislas and Phillips good as 3rd and 4th mid?

    Thanks

    1. King Henrik
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Atm Stan and Phillips are very good choices with there fixtures you will see dome decent returns. All depends how your spending the funds your saving.

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

      can work but i'd recommend having a decent 4th defender to possibly rotate with Stanislas away games.
      Also you are always potentially leaving yourself with needing at least 2 transfers to upgrade one or the other (due to their lower value) if it doesn't work.

      1. Dog and Fox
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Haz to Eriksen after this gw, gives me money to upgrade defence or stan.