Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 245 – Conjury

The first ScoutCast of 2018 is sprinkled with a festive catch-up, an assessment of the latest transfer bandwagons and even some logic-defying magic.

YouTube viewers will need to pay close attention to Granville and Jonty about 1 minute and 56 seconds in to catch their conjuring trick; others will just have to use their imagination and be content with the rest of this 90-minute marathon episode.

We explore the lure of Aguero, the clamour for Lingard and the Fantasy freak of nature that is Marcos Alonso. Third striker options are assessed, we conduct a post-mortem on Liverpool following Coutinho’s exit and we start hatching plans for February’s forthcoming blank before the usual Gameweek preview ends proceedings.

Next week Granville saws Jonty in half and Az pulls a rabbit out of his hipster beard.

This ScoutCast was first beamed live via our YouTube channel on Tuesday evening. 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 on 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.

1,840 Comments Post a Comment
  1. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    G2G? Saving tranny

    Foster
    Otamendi Christensen Ogbonna
    Salah Eriksen Lingard (vc) Son Sterling
    Kane (c) Firmino

    Pickford Mee DCL Naughton

    1. Tazah
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      you got a tranny?

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        New one every week. Sometimes I have 2, and if im feeling really risqué I’ll go all out with 3 or 4

        1. Tazah
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          do they ever hit?

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Indeed, but the following day I am often filled with regret and wish I had my money back

            1. Tazah
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              just slip them the old wildcard then

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Hold FT

    3. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Save

  2. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Any suggestions ? Planning to hold FT

    Fabianski
    Alonso, Jones, Ogbonna
    Lingard, Sterling, Eriksen, Son, Loftus-Cheek,
    Morata, Kane (C)
    Eliott, Crouch, Lowton, Kenny
    1 FT, 3.4 ITB

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      RLC is injured.

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks but maybe he will play this week ? My bench doesn’t give much of a better option, but if RLC doesn’t play then maybe Crouch comes in ... not great either way

      2. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Spotted in training

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Hold. Consider Morata > Kun next week

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Also Salah needs to come back next week.

        2 games for City, Chelsea & Arsenal this week and real life transfers possible ... any thing could happen between now and next Saturday to unsettle our teams so holding the free transfer looks sensible ... but 😉

  3. J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    An A Level student called Ben has got in touch to see if any football fans can spare a few minutes and give their views on whether young players are given a fair chance in football.

    He says: "The Extended Project Qualification is report based ending with a 5,000 word report. I am therefore using a questionnaire to be used for my extended project qualification in which I will be investigating whether youth football players given a fair chance in football. I will therefore be using the data to find a view point from various people from various roles in football and using this to come to a conclusion. If you would like to supply anymore additional information it would be much appreciated. Thank you for participating in this survey your time is very much appreciated."

    His survey can be found here. https://goo.gl/forms/pvTkDslJXCBczCO33

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Done. It always guts me ticking that 30-40 button

      Would be interested in seeing the results and more importantly what methods he's using to analyse them.

      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Think how I feel - not long before I have to tick the next one!

      2. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        3 months until I move into the 30-40 bracket 🙁

    2. Tazah
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      good luck young fellow

    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Done. Clever chap coming on here. Good luck to him.

    4. Pasqualinho
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I'd encourage people to do this - it doesn't take long.

    5. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Done 🙂

    6. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Done

  4. Tazah
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    dope or nope? (after this week)

    morata/rich/zaha/arni
    >>>>>>to>>>>>
    firmino/ramsey/mahrez/lingard

    1. MTPockets
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Ok in principle, but I have 3 of them (Morata/Rich/Arnie) and depends how they get on this week/next.

        1. Tazah
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          yeah was thinking that as i typed

    2. RomeluAndJuliet
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Firmino --> Kun for free?

      1. Hansel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Yes

        1. Kings of Lyon ★
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          +1

      2. Pasqualinho
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Or save and do it next week as one of 2 FTs? Aguero/Firmino this week is a bit of a 50/50.

      3. Tazah
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        honestly, no.... both similar chances this week and firmino v swa next.... aguero v new you saw how they parked the train

    3. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      a) Jones + Doucoure

      b) Ogbonna + Richarlison

      Have Otamendi and Alonso as starters every week and Schindler to rotate with Ogbonna

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        I have a similar issue

        can't decide between cheap def (4.3) + Richarlison or Stones + Doucouré

        1. Hansel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Not too much in the 4.3 bracket is there?

          I have Jones and Otamendi but will get rid of either Jones or Schindler for Alonso

      2. Hansel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Also Adrian/Elliot which would mean Hammers double up in defense

      3. Tazah
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        a

      4. Sune
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        b

    4. Hazardous1983
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      is this team good to go?

      gomes (adrian)
      schindler jones christensen (mbemba naughton)
      salah sterling kdb lingard rlc
      kane firminho (dcl)

    5. Efan Ekoku Pops
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Should I play Kabasele (SOU) or Ogbonna (hud)?

      Cheers

      1. MTPockets
          6 years, 3 months ago

          I'm playing Zeegelaar over Masuaku, but have Adrian.

        • SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          I'm starting Kabasele over Ogbonna

        • Sune
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Ogbonna

      2. tibollom
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        G2G lads? Just did masuaku + sane to Alonson + lingard for -4

        DDG
        Ota Duffy Alonso Mee
        Eriksen Richarlison Haz Lingard
        Kane Firmino

        Adiran, Atsu, DCL, Hune

      3. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Any changes need? 0 left and 0 FT:

        DDG
        Alonso, Otamendi, Jones
        Sterling, Salah, Son, Arnautovic, Lingard (VC)
        Firmino, Kane (C)

        (Elliot, Mee, Mariappa, DCL)

        Cheers

        1. Hansel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Looks good

      4. Butters_lfc9
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Do I try to fit Aguero into this team? If not what move should I make?

        Pickford-Elliot
        Alonso- Otamendi-Jones-Robertson-Ogbonna
        Salah-Sterling-Son-Arnie-RLC
        Kane-Firmino-Quaner
        0.5 ITB

      5. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Torn between playing these 2. Any help welcome.

        A. Masuaku
        B. Albrighton

        Cheers

        1. Tazah
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          b

        2. calmc92
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          A, no brainer imo

        3. THFC4LIFE
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Anyone else?

        4. Sune
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Albrighton

          1. Sune
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Bench Albrighton*

      6. LAMELA_AND_CONSUELA
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Lads, help needed.
        My team:
        Courtois Elliot
        Mee Ota Jones Ogbonna Dunk
        Salah Sterling Arnie Richarlison Alli
        Kane Gray Depoitre
        1 FT 2,9 ITB
        A:) get Alonso first for Ogbonna or Dunk
        B:) Alli and Gray to Lingard and Lukaku (-4)and Lukaku to Aguero next week
        C:) Alli and Gray to Lingard and Kun (-4)
        D:) something else
        thnx in advance

      7. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Just did azpi to Alonso.

        Sorry Alonso owners, now he'll blank and rejoice azpi owners

      8. rnrd
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Really not confortable Captaining Hazard although I think this probably is the most logic pick among my players (Alli, Salah, Aguero other candidates)

        Aguero could build a case though..

        1. Kings of Lyon ★
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Hazard stand out option for me

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Really? Kane? Puel have foxes playing well and structured defensively

            1. rnrd
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              no morgan no simpson though

              1. IRBOX ⚽
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Ahh you don’t own Kane

                1. rnrd
                  • 9 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  no, I made the switch to aguero before the spurs DGW because I have balls of steel 🙂

      9. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Is there no West Ham press conference? Was hoping for confirmation that Arnie available so he comes off yellow

      10. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Walcott to Everton? Anyone interested if this goes through? Had good form in patches last year when a regular starter

        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Nah, will be watching the Turkish lad v Spurs though

        2. FlockofSeagulls
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          YUMMY!

        3. Blue&White85
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          I would certainly be keeping an eye on him if he goes.

      11. Sterling Chap
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Has the guy who normally creates the DGW spreadsheets made it available online yet? Would appreciate the link. Cheers

        1. MTPockets
            6 years, 3 months ago

            https://twitter.com/BenCrellin
            Link there.

            1. Ambrosiana Inter
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Nice to know

            2. Sterling Chap
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Cheers

          • FlockofSeagulls
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            I'd appreciate a nice cup of tea and a foot rub please.

            1. Sterling Chap
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              PM me and we'll make it happen 😉

              1. FlockofSeagulls
                • 6 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                😉

          • GreenWindmill
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            https://t.co/2nqo2OBvv8

            Worth a follow on Twitter if you're on there: https://twitter.com/BenCrellin

            I'd urge caution over using it to plan too much at the moment as there are so many uncertainties, becomes increasingly valuable the closer to the deadlines we get though.

            1. Sterling Chap
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Agree, and thx!

        2. FlockofSeagulls
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Theo at Everton would be yummy!

          The guy will score goals and get assists with regular game time guaranteed.

          Yum yum yum yum, yum yum yum yum......... YUM!

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Not so sure about that. Under Allardyce Everton are in the bottom 6 for creativity in terms of shots and big chances created.

            1. The Knights Template
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              which is why he wants walcott

              1. IRBOX ⚽
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Tosun clearly the target man

                1. The Knights Template
                  • 10 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  agree, but Walcott can create chances

                  1. IRBOX ⚽
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 3 months ago

                    True. Would be an interesting dynamic, especially with Bolasie back fit now too

            2. FlockofSeagulls
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              I love when people make these comments regarding players going to a new team. 🙂

              Isn't that the whole point of bringing someone like Theo into the team? Someone who can create chances for himself and others.

              Not trying to be a smart ass but I don't see how a teams current form can be an indicator for future form when we're yet to see how 2 major signings could potentially be a factor.

              My guess would be that Theo markedly improves that team given his experience and capabilities, especially given the lack of skilled and experienced players Everton have in those attacking positions.

              Of injuries have to be a factor, but I believe a fit Theo adds a new dimension to this Everton team. A similar player in Bolasie did very well before his injury and I'd consider Theo a better player overall than Bolasie.

              There's huge potential from an fpl point of view and for only 7.1mil seems like a potential bargain.

              1. IRBOX ⚽
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Bolasie better in my opinion. Also have Coleman to come back in at right wing back. With Siggy, Tosun and transplant.. not sure where he fits in

                1. FlockofSeagulls
                  • 6 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  If Coleman and Theo are both fit there's no way Big Sam plays with wing backs. 4-3-3.

                  1. IRBOX ⚽
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 3 months ago

                    That’s pure speculation. He may prefer that system, especially with Baines and Coleman fit. 3-2-4-1 would work with Siggy and Theo behind Tosun, but he could always be rotated

                    1. FlockofSeagulls
                      • 6 Years
                      6 years, 3 months ago

                      Everything is speculation at this point. 😉

                      What he will get with Theo however is a player who can play multiple positions in the final third, and currently he doesn't have many options in the squad with that flexibility.

                2. FlockofSeagulls
                  • 6 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  And fyi, if we're comparing a fit and firing Theo with s fit and firing Bolasie, then Bolasie has a very long way to go to reach Theo.

                  If Bolasie was better than Theo he wouldn't be playing for Everton.

                  Sorry but that comment is madness. 🙂

                  1. IRBOX ⚽
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 3 months ago

                    In his prime obviously. They are at very different stages of their careers

                    1. FlockofSeagulls
                      • 6 Years
                      6 years, 3 months ago

                      Hence comparisons are pointless. 😉

              2. Pasqualinho
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Possibly. But I would still be cautious - I'm not sure he would be any better there than a Mirallas or a Barkley were. They did prove good options periodically, but never for an extended amount of time, and Walcott may well be the same. But definitely worth monitoring, for sure.

          2. Gooner Kebab
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            if he stays fit

          3. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Could be fun!

          4. THFC4LIFE
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            I agree with you Seagull. He could be a great option if he stays fit. Good pace and an eye for goal. See how he gets on if the move happens.

        3. GreenArrows
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          How does this look? gtg?

          Pope
          Otamendi Jones Duffy
          Lingard Salah Sterling Arnie Son
          Kane (C) Morata

          Elliot Ogbonna Kenny Quaner

          1.3itb 0FT

          1. GreenArrows
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Anyone?

        4. 1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          FANTASY TENNIS

          If any of you are interested in something a bit different, a charity called Tennis For Free are running a fantasy tennis game.

          Free to play, prizes available if you would like to donate.

          Very easy to play, you pick your team before each of the four grand slams and then leave it be.

          Will set up a FFS league if there is any/enough interest

          http://tffdreamteam.com/ausopen/

        5. Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Just a fun thought.
          What player and fixture would prove the ultimate FPL dream captaincy? I have a few options, but please add...

          A) Luis Suarez vs Norwich
          B) Frank Lampard vs Villa
          C) Shearer vs West Ham
          D) Others....

          A still sticks out in my head.

          1. GreenWindmill
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Clint Dempsey vs anyone in a DGW.

          2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Henry vs Leeds

          3. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Anyone v Stoke

          4. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Lukaku vs West Ham

          5. Kun, Ayew Nigerian?
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Drogba vs. Arsenal

          6. THFC4LIFE
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Kun v Newcastle. 5 goals

          7. Over Midwicket
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Suarez every time he played Norwich

            1. Fpl Richie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              That's my pick - it seemed like a guaranteed hattie

          8. Tazah
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            simple, berbatov v blackburn........ oh why did i ever sell him before it

          9. noquarternt
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Has to be A

        6. Gooner Kebab
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Help a brother burn one FT..

          Matt Ryan, Elliot
          Jones, Alonso, Ogbonna, Ota, Long
          Salah, Arnie, Sterling, Lingard, TC
          Kane, Firmino, Morata

          0.1itb, 2FT.

          1. The Knights Template
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            morata out for ayew

          2. MTPockets
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Can't see anything with 0.1 itb.

          3. HD7
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            GW 23 team...

            De Gea
            Vert Ota Ogbona Alonso
            Sterling Arnie Alli Salah Lindgard
            Kane(C)

            Subs: Elliot, Mbemba,DCL, Crouch

            Have hopes for this Gameweek, hope they materialise...

          4. barracuda
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Have you ever burned a transfer? Is it viable?

            1. MTPockets
                6 years, 3 months ago

                No. Guess so.

              • Limited & Mediocre Mana…
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                No. Yes.

              • Over Midwicket
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                No. No.

            2. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Who wil score more pls ony this gw? thx

              1 Alli EVE
              2 Lingard STk

              *(was thinking if saving ft and play alli or do the ft this gw of alli > lingard which im doing regardless by next gw)

              1. Sune
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Alli

                1. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
                  • 10 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  yep. fek it seasson is gone anyways. might as well repeat the triple spurs w son and kane,

            3. NebTheGreat
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Anyone shed any light on why Ben Mee is highlighted yellow? (i know is says a knock)

              Likelihood of playing?

            4. The Overthinker
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Anyone considering captaining Salah?

              1. barracuda
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                No, Kane

              2. Over Midwicket
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Good option imo. Will be a ridiculously high scoring game, Salah could easily bag a brace.

                But it's (K)ane all day long

                1. GreenArrows
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  No, Kane (C)

            5. goriuanx
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Spare a thought for Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Had a good start to the season then singled out for public criticism when his form dipped. Now he's being offered as part of an exchange deal to a so called rival - a deal that everyone knows won't happen.

              1. noquarternt
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                I'm crying my eyes out

              2. HashAttack
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Worked with Sterling ...maybe it's the kick that Mkhi needs

            6. Jayben23
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              any news on monreal?