Podcast
3 February 2017 2024 comments
Mark Mark
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Overthinking? It’s what we do – don’t dare ask us to stop.

Particularly now that our heads are swimming with thoughts of blank and double Gameweeks. All those variables, all that planning and strategising: we’re in our element.

Once again, thanks to another bout of community questions, Jonty and Andy join me for another ScoutCast dominated by chatter surrounding our tactics and transfers approaching the missing fixtures.

We break off to nominate the new Premier League whipping boys, while we ponder whether to proclaim Sigurdsson as “essential”, revisit Coleman vs Baines and assess whether the blanks are reason enough to be rid of Alexis Sanchez.

For my money, that’s one decision that requires very little thinking.

This episode of the ScoutCast was first beamed live via our YouTube channel on Wednesday 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. UpAndAway
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 days ago

    2FT's.

    What goes first out of Daniels and Jones?

    1. The Man Pastore
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 days ago

      Jones

      1. saint4life
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 days ago

        Jones, blanks over no blanks

  2. Toast
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 2 days ago

    Coleman or Brunt? I already have Baines...

    1. The Man Pastore
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 days ago

      Brunt has 3 home games in the next 4...

    2. TheEgyptianKing
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 days ago

      Wouldnt go double everton personally, but its a risk and if its pays off youll gain alot of points - there next 4/5 matches are probs cs

    3. Konstaapeli
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 days ago

      Bruntinho!

  3. The Hindu Monkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 days ago

    All the talk of Arsenal, Pool and now City being better "teams" without Giroud, Sturridge and Aguero, despite their obvious goal threat. Agree whole heartedly, the game has changed, and the old fashioned centre forward is dead.

    All of which brings me to... why is nobody saying this about United? Who, despite the Zlatan goals, are visibly a more fluid, mobile team without the woeful static pairing of him and Pogba in the 9/10? This has killed United all season and will continue to do so until Jose gives a front three of Martial, Rashford and Mkhitaryan a chance to roam freely, not just hang out on the wings. As a fan, it's great to have Zlatan up there, but we are far too often too immobile to beat teams who we can't get in behind.

    1. Christina.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 days ago

      you make sense monkey. Im selling Ibra this week btw.

    2. Pasqualinho
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 2 days ago

      All of what you say is true. And yet it's Chelsea and Spurs, with their figurehead centre-forwards, who sit at the top of the league.

      1. Christina.
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 days ago

        Spurs and Chelsea have Hazard, Ali and Eriksen chipping in. ManU have...Pogba.

      2. Konstaapeli
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 days ago

        Magic of the game. There's no blueprint for success (except money, ha).

        1. Pasqualinho
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          Of course. It is more the personnel and what you do with them. As the Spud implies, Chelsea and Spurs have mids that make the centre-forward position work, but Man Utd have mids that often make the CF marginalised.

          1. The Hindu Monkey
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            exactly that, well put

    3. Sideways Backwards
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 days ago

      It all depends on the style of play, if you get it up the middle quickly you'll need a centre forward to hold it, play it to the wing and knock in the goals.

      Plenty of teams still play this way because it's easier to find players who fit this model, but there are certainly managers like pep, klopp and wenger who do it differently.

      1. Ephurion
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 days ago

        The hold it for the wing strategy doesn't really work when you have possession and build the attack from the back.
        Seems like you either have to counterattack with a holding center forward, or play the possession game with 3 mobile players up front.

        I don't know about Uniteds ball %, anyone do?

        1. Sideways Backwards
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          Yes true, historically man u have been a counter attacking team, but not sure what they are now! Might be why they struggle to break teams down though

          1. Ephurion
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Counterattack has historically been the most successful strategy in the Premier League. Will be interesting to see if managers like Klopp and Pep has something to say about that after a few years (if they get it) in this league.

          2. The Hindu Monkey
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Jose at his best was more counter attacking as well but Costa and Drogba could run, Zlatan cannot. He's trying to make it more of a 4 2 3 1 but it's just not working. Pogba seems to have no idea how to play that role. He's fine in a 4 3 3 but the 3 has to be just that, not zlatan in the middle and two wingers thirty yards apart in either direction.

            1. Ephurion
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              About Pogba being uncomfortable in that role, I think it's telling that Rooney leads the team in assists (with the amount of minutes he has this year).

  4. willgriggsonfire
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 days ago

    Hi all!
    Would aprreciate a few more thoughts to get a clearer view.
    Heaton Grant
    Alonso Baines Brunt Jones McAuley
    Sanchez Eriksen Stanislas Philips Snodgrass
    Gray Kane Ibrahimovich

    After that horror GW, contemplating next moves.

    A. McAuley+Stanislas -> Holebas+Zaha
    B. Grant+Stanislas -> Jaku+Zaha

    Anything else you can suggest?

    1. BB-8
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 days ago

      Keep Stan. Will be useful for the blanks

  5. Tronity
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 days ago

    2FTs/£0.7itb and am pretty happy with my team but I obviously need to do some GW26/28 planning.

    Foster/Pickford
    Azpi, Williams, McAuley, Pieters, Amat
    Sanchez, Sigurdsson, Alli, Phillips, Capoue
    Ibra, Kane, Benteke

    Ibra > Lukaku seems to be the obvious move as it frees up money but will make that nearer to GW26.

    In the meantime is Capoue > T.Carroll good planning?

    1. Arn De Gothia
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 days ago

      I would get rid of Amat first

      1. rdamjan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 days ago

        I did Capoue to TCarroll. Now looking at Amat ---> Martin Olsson/Mawson or Maguire. Cant decide.

      2. Tronity
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 2 days ago

        Was looking at Amat > Funes Mori however I'd want one of Baines/Coleman so will wait until I've made the Ibra > Lukaku transfer to free up funds.

    2. The Man Pastore
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 days ago

      Yes, i would do Capoue --> Carroll now.

  6. Blue&White85
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 days ago

    My team for the weekend:

    Foster
    Alonso Baines Brunt
    Sanchez Firmino Coutinho Chadli
    Kane (c) Lukaku Carroll

    Subs: Heaton Jones Yoshida Davies

    1. Captain Kane or Lukaku?
    2. Play Foster or Heaton?

    1. BB-8
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 days ago

      Kane Foster

      1. Blue&White85
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 days ago

        Cheers mate!

  7. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 days ago

    Storm Doris incoming.....baton down your benches, you might need them 😉

  8. TheEgyptianKing
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 days ago

    Giving aguero ONE MORE MATCH

    Then whatever happens hes out (blanks, rotation etc.)

    Sergio, ive had you in for basically all your matches, repay me with a hatrick please

    1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 days ago

      This

    2. MTPockets
        9 years, 2 days ago

        Same.

      • rdamjan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 days ago

        You giving him one match. Pep will give him match too?

    3. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 days ago

      Kane (C)
      Baines (VC)

      gogogoogogo

      1. BB-8
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 days ago

        Holebas(C) Heaton (VC) 😉

    4. The Road Dogg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 days ago

      G2g for this weekend. Hoping this weekend will have more excitement than midweek!

      Robles

      PVA Brunt Baines

      De Bruyne Alli Eriksen Siggy Phillips

      Ibra Lukaku (c)

      Subs: Crouch, Rose, Smith, Jako

      1. MTPockets
          9 years, 2 days ago

          Not sure I could captain Lukaku, but looks good.

          1. The Road Dogg
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            ibra instead?

            1. MTPockets
                9 years, 2 days ago

                Think I'd go Alli. But I may captain Aguero so you should probably ignore my opinion.

          2. Sideways Backwards
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Like it.
            I'm contemplating Sanchez to de bruyne switch this week.

        • Cojiro
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          What to do? 0.9 ITB 1FT. I'm thinking simply Kun> Kane or save

          Foster
          Coleman, Alonso, Jones
          Sanchez, Alli, Firmino, Redmond, Phillips
          Kun, Ibra

          Pickford/ Holebas/ Barnes/ Chambers

          1. BB-8
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Redmond to Zaha would tempt me

          2. The Man Pastore
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Save for this week

        • Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          Couldn't resist with all this excitement about Jesus, so got him in for a hit 😎

          Only decision now is give him the armband or not - Navas (c) does look good, mind you.

          1. Joggers Nipple
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Im unsure Navas is even a footballer. He seems to run quite fast in a straight line, sometime with the ball, and then gets very confused as to what it is he is supposed to be doing.

            The new Aaron Lennon?

            1. Jafooli
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              Same mold.....and as Townsend, Obertan, Valencia and even Wally in his day.

              Feet to quick for head....

          2. Sideways Backwards
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Lol

        • Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          Do we have presser times for today?

          Please and thank you....

          1. Sjaugen
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Not yet

        • Rinseboy
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          Worth doing Lallana to Zaha or Siggy or save an FT?

          Jaku
          Baines PVA Brunt
          Sanchez Phillips Eriksen Lallana
          Kane Ibra Lukaku
          Randolph Coquelin Friend Pieters

          1. Joggers Nipple
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            As much as I loved getting rid of Lallana a few weeks back prob hold and to Sig next week

            1. Rinseboy
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              Yeah fair point gotta hope Liverpool bounce back soon. Extra FT is porbably sensible

            2. Sideways Backwards
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              Agreed

        • merin
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          How would you use 1FT here?

          Hennessey Grant
          Alonso Walker McAuley Holgate Smith
          Sanchez KDB Alli Phillips deRoon
          Ibra Kane Rondon

          FT: 1, ITB: 0

          1. BB-8
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Save

        • Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          Imagine if everyone in the world had to play FPL.

          7.6bn people 😮

          What's your goal for this season? Top 3 billion 😆

          1. Ziro
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            With the ad-revenue it would be involved, the HoFers would be offered 6-figure contracts for the naming rights to their teams.

            1. Ziro
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              *involve

            2. Jafooli
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              Sponsorship, like it...Villa Ronka should get on it.

          2. Rhinos
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Bit awkward when the winner is a a 6month yr old from nepal

            1. Jafooli
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              😛

            2. Demí
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              Imagine the efforts to get him to be interviewed on how Scout membership helped him

              1. Jafooli
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 2 days ago

                😆

          3. DA Minnion (Former great)
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Top 10 k

          4. Pasqualinho
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Send this idea to Charlie Brooker.

            1. Jafooli
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              Already have, told me 'now, go away'.....

          5. Sjaugen
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Goal would be to have less than 100k ghost ships ahead of me

        • Champions united
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          antonio+rondo>>jesus+capoue

          got fed up with rondo sacrificing antonio

          is it a good move????

          please suggest

          1. Kane of Thrones
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Both have figured in gw26

            1. Kane of Thrones
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              Fixtures*

          2. The Man Pastore
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Why Capoue?

            1. The Man Pastore
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              If 4th mid, it is ugly.
              If 5th mid, get a cheaper one (Carroll maybe)

          3. Jersey
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            lord no.

            can't suggest . . . not enough information on your team.

        • Sp0rting
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          Playing both Jaku + Robertson against LIV is probably pushing my luck, right?

          Otherwise it's Grant + a crocked Friend

          1. Christina.
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            No, play them.

            It's the only way I"m not ending last in Senegoal.

            1. Sp0rting
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              I could delete my account now and you'd still be last.

              1. Christina.
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 2 days ago

                Bloody Beric.

                😡

        • Kane of Thrones
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          So will aguero start? With Jesus flanking on the left?

          1. Jersey
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            only Pep knows, that is the problem fpl-wise . . . makes it difficult to own a City player
            (other than KBD, i guess).

            there's no telling right now who will start, who will cameo. then CL comes back into
            the picture.

            my answer is i just don't own any of them.

        • Sz21
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          GTG?
          Snodgrass + Lukaku in for Lallana + Giroud.

          Heaton,
          Alonso, Walker, Funes Mori.
          Snodgrass, Eriksen, Sanchez, Phillips.
          Lukaku (vc). Kane (c), Ibra.

          Pickford, Jones, Whelan, Amat,
          0.6m, 0ft.

          1. Jersey
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            good transfers.

            not sure Lallana ---> Snodgrass needs to be done now, could wait. but certainly
            Giroud ---> Lukaku is correct.

            1. Jersey
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              . . . unless you one transfer to fund the other, of course.

        • Coufal, So Good
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          Hazard, Kun, Gray to Firmino, Kane, Lukaku (-4)?

          Then Firm to Siggy next week?

          1. FantaCity
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            ... With Kun nailing every cross from Jesus?

            1. FantaCity
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              I'll get my coat

          2. Live Lad
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Foster
            Coleman, PVA, Holebas
            Alli, Snoddy, Phillips, Sanchez, Hazard
            Ibra (c), Kun

            Subs: Pick, Ward (burnley), Anichebe, Amat

            1 FT, 0.1 itb.
            Gtg? save?

        • Sp0rting
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          Bench one of these

          1) Davies (BOU)
          2) Phillips (STK)
          3) Haz (ARS)
          4) Rondon (STK)

          1. Karan_G14
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            1

          2. BB-8
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            1

          3. Lateriser 12
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            1 Sporting 🙂

          4. Sp0rting
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Cheers lads.

          5. Sweetboi
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            1

          6. The Man Pastore
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            1

          7. Jersey
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Davies

        • DA Minnion (Former great)
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          Looking probably if Rose out transferring to a 5 m or under.
          A. Williams
          B.Pva
          C.Someone else
          Already have Baines.
          Thoughts lads

          1. French Gooner
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            what abt just getting walker ?

            I m in the same boat...

            1. DA Minnion (Former great)
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              It's part of a double with Giroud to lukaku the other part.

          2. Karan_G14
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Coleman?

        • Bubz
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          Anyone else saving a transfer this week? Feels goooooood

          1. Ephurion
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            No way!
            Gonna save next, tough, barring injuries 😀

          2. Lateriser 12
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            I'm taking a hit Bubzy

            1. Bubz
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              What moves you making? Kane (C)?

              1. Lateriser 12
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 2 days ago

                Zlatan most likely.

                Thinking Mkhi + Lenihan -> Coleman + Barkley/Tonio

                thoughts?

                1. Bubz
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 2 days ago

                  Sounds good to me, Coleman is a must. I prefer Antonio to Barkley personally but I just hate Barkley

          3. BB-8
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            No but I sold Giroud and that feels gooooood too

          4. HammersFan
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Not when I have Stan rose Daniels and rondon stinking up me team.

            -4 it is

          5. The Man Pastore
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Yep! It's been a long time... feels food!

            1. The Man Pastore
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              *good 😀

        • Danstoke82
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          Morning all, can i have your thoughts please?…

          With the impending blanks should I bin one of Ibra/Costa > Lukaku?
          Then the following week do Pieters > Bruntinho for 1FT?

          Current team:
          Heaton
          Alonso Coleman Pieters
          Sanchez Alli Antonio Phillips
          Ibra Kane Costa

          subs: Robinson A.Smith Clayton Chambers

          £0.4ITB

          1. BB-8
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            I'd rather Pieters to Brunt this week

            1. Danstoke82
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              I can't afford it as £0.2 short and would therefore be a -8 which I just cannot stomach.

              Which one out of Ibra, Kane or Costa would you poss lose for Lukaku?

              1. BB-8
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 2 days ago

                Neither tbh. Ibra to Kaku in gw 26 looks ideal in your case

                1. Danstoke82
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 2 days ago

                  Perfect. Many thanks mate

        • HammersFan
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          Anybody watch the palace game? Seriously looking at Zaha for Stan replacement. Heard he hit the post?

          1. Ephurion
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Is it possible to change your username on this site?

            "SNODGRASS IS THE NEW PAYET" need to happen before this guy is forced to create a 2nd account xD

            1. HammersFan
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              Yea it is only just changed from we have payet to this. To be fair back to back returns before the city game.

              Snoddy looked good when he came on though.

              1. Ephurion
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 2 days ago

                Didn't see the game :/
                Were snoddy on corners and/or free kicks?

          2. Lateriser 12
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Playing striker in a 3-5-2 wide rightish

            Which Wham mid do you recommend and why?

            1. HammersFan
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              Depends on your budget.

              Antonio always has the goal threat and more advanced up along Carroll.

              LanzinI is pulling the strings since payet left got back to back returns before city.

              Snoddy brings in set pieces and a wicked delivery.

          3. Sweetboi
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Zaha hit the post and had another good chance, looked dangerous for sure. Got him in for Stan this week, even with his probable blank.

            1. HammersFan
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              Sweet I'm making the same move. Palaces time to click now I think

          4. Paul
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            What's hammers fixed back 4 now??... looking at the blank

            1. Jersey
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 2 days ago

              i would think Cresswell, Reid, and Fonte will be regulars.

              Byram had a terrible time last game, so i suspect Nordveit will replace him, but that's conjecture.

        • DV8R
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          Holebas -> Brunt for free?

          Got 2 FT

          1. Sideways Backwards
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            Just did it

          2. Jersey
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            yes.

        • Jinswick
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          Looks like I can only get 9 and 7 starters in GW26 and GW28 respectively without hits. Anyone else considering a GW26 wildcard? Starting to think it makes sense.

          Cech**
          Valencia**, Stones**, Nyom
          Sanchez**, Eriksen*, Alli* Sterling**
          Ibra**, Benteke*, Carroll

          Pickford**, Capoue*, Rose**, Amat**
          Bank 0.2m, 1FT

          * = miss GW28
          ** = miss GW26 & GW28

        • SuperMario
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          Morning all.. 3.9 ITB and 1FT

          Boruc - Pickford
          Alonso - Pieters - Cedric - Lovren - Amat
          Sanchez - Alli - Phillips - Stanislas - Fletcher
          Aguero - Ibrahimovic - Crouch

          Keepers, mid and attack not ideal.. Also Kun will probably become Kane or Costa soon and ideally Crouch become Lukaku..

          1. SuperMario
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 2 days ago

            A. Lovren --> Coleman
            B. Stanislas & Crouch --> Carroll & Lukaku (-4)
            C. Other suggestions..

            Welcome to all ideas, have the WC, TC and BB for taking advantage of the DGWs and ranked circa 50k @ the moment

        • PapsH
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 2 days ago

          Coleman or zaha? I have baines already and I'm chasing.

          Rivals don't have either

          Thanks!