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. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Are these 2 transfers worth a -4 ?

    kenny > alonso
    son > lingard

    Tnks guys.

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Ya

    2. RIDZ
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      yap

    3. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yup I think. I have christy to alonso so not doing it

  2. timPgoodwin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    What's happening with David Silva? Is he back and available? Any comments from Pep on him?

    1. Big Mac 24
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Last I read was that he is free to roam for the time being - I guess if he’s in town he is playing, but who knows if he is in town - didn’t expect to see him v bristol

  3. Mayor of Flair
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    This is my WC

    DDG

    Mustafi Alonso VVD

    Salah Lingard Sterling Arni Richarlison

    Kane Vardy

    Periera, Kenny, Edwards, McBurnie

    A: GTG or

    B: Tear it to shreds and run out of the building?

    Thanks

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I’d downgrade Mustafi to someone like Mee, Dunk, Ogbonna, and try and improve your bench options.

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Improve on the weak bench

    3. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks lads

  4. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who do you think scores more next gw ?

    A) Eriksen (EVE)

    B) Lingard (STO)

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Eriksen

    2. quayle99
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Lingard

    3. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Eriksen

    4. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B

    5. Sune
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Eriksen

  5. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Fabianski
    Jones Alonso Mee
    Sterling Eriksen(C) Alli Son
    DCL Morata Firmino

    Elliot* T.Carroll Kabasele Otamendi

    A. Play DCL
    B. Bench DCL, bring in Kabasele

  6. Clifford☯
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Allardyce confirms Everton's interest in Arsenal's Theo Walcott - says he'd add goals, pace and width to his team.

    "If that's at all possible that would be nice," he says. "It's not imminent but negotiations are going on and we're hoping to negotiate a permanent deal.

    "I don't get optimistic otherwise I get disappointed. I'll be very excited and enthused when someone, even if it's not Theo has signed on the dotted line.

  7. Players needed for charity match
    MyPrettyPony
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Morning all, up to 16 confirmed for the FFS charity match on 24th February (details in the recent article) as below. Still looking for another half dozen (minimum) so let me know on the email in the article if you fancy it. Thanks.

    ANISH_T28
    BashVilla
    Could Get Messi
    DeeCole
    MyPrettyPony
    NorcalJosh (Lurker)
    ponsio22
    ponsio’s +1
    RMT's professor
    SullySonic
    TopMarx
    JamesE
    LeeT
    EdiL
    PaulR
    NevilleB

    Possible: Chicken Bhuna, Mattski, MattJ

    1. MyPrettyPony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Plus SteveB and Mark hoping to be part of it in some capacity!

    2. A.T
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Great stuff. Good luck getting the numbers. I’d come myself but I wouldn’t to embarrass anyone with my silky skills.

      1. MyPrettyPony
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers, Athletico, looks like it'll be a fair mix of abilities and fitness but should be good fun. Maybe next time, mate.

        1. A.T
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Work commitments I’m afraid. Well that and the fact I’ve become a bit of a fat bstard

    3. Bezzer
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Such a shame this is a 200 mile drive away...

      1. MyPrettyPony
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Got a pair of players coming from Leeds. Will have to do tour it next time a la England when Wembley was being built!

    4. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Gutted I'm in another country.

      1. MyPrettyPony
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Next step: international FFS!

    5. John t penguin
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      my contract says I cant play with people below my level alas

    6. MyPrettyPony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks to Bib Theory, Applebonkers and Fantasy Football Sprout for confirming their interest in playing too. Hopefully expecting around 20 players now, but obviously more would be great.

      1. Jomica
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I've emailed you directly, used to play here actually 🙂

    7. beefo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Best of luck, all. Really good stuff. Wish I could join, but the U.S. East Coast is a bit far away to make it on short notice!

    8. Tibbles
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Where is this taking place? Wouldn't mind going to watch.

  8. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    With Vardy and Salah confirmed fit, I'm now down to just Arnie with a flag.

    Would you switch Arnie, Richarlison or Son for Lingard?

    Or just hold one week, and then downgrade Son massively to switch Vardy to Aguero?

    1. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Richarlison. Although check the members article on him first.

    2. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I’d hold, and do the Vardy switch.

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

      None. I'm keeping all 3 you mentioned and saving my FT.

    4. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Same issue! Either Richalison > Lingard or Stick for me

      1. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        think I'll hold, an FT could be invaluable

    5. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Probably the latter as it gets you Aguero

    6. RIDZ
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      hold if Kun for next week

    7. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Hold and reassess

  9. the Penman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who scores more this week?
    Alonso
    Depoitre +4

    1. Klip Klopp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Alonso hands down

  10. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Christensen -> Alonso with FT or save transfer?

    1. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Do it. You get all the same defensive points and goal threat to boot.

    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      For free? Yes

    3. QuintonFortune25
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah go for it

    4. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      i'd do it if nothing else requires attention

      1. GoonerByron
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers all!

  11. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Mee or Duffy to Alonso for a -4?

    1. Teror
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Duffy

    2. QuintonFortune25
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Duffy

    3. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Meee

    4. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      neither for a hit. do it next week for free

      1. Klip Klopp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah but I have so many injuries this week and i've struggled to see green arrows...

    5. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Don't do it

      1. Klip Klopp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Why not ?

  12. Kevtheotter
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Hey lads

    Start

    A) Zanka
    B) Ogbonna

    Cheers

    1. QuintonFortune25
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Zanka

    2. Teror
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I'd say Zanka considering Hudds home record.

    3. Sune
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A

  13. QuintonFortune25
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone know the chances of starting for:

    Salah
    Mee
    RLC

    All currently yellow flagged. Cheers

    1. Teror
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      75% for each according to FPL

  14. Teror
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    If any Everton fans that go to matches could cheer on Cenk Tosun by shouting "Gwarn Tosun" in the way they'd say "G'warn my son" that would be really great

  15. boc610
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    "Renato Sanches to be assessed"

    does that entail them showing him a picture of a football then - as if speaking to a child -asking him "now ...do you know what this is?"

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Hopefully Conte's assessing Morata... pictures of goal posts and netting

      1. MTPockets
          6 years, 2 months ago

          ...and a foot.

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

        Should be mandatory for all Swansea players.

    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Wenger selling all his players:

      Theo Walcott: Everton in negotiations to sign Arsenal forward permanently

      http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/42660224

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        And how is Sanchez only worth $20-35m when the likes of Coutinho goes for $1.7b

        Okay, he's 29, but he's got 5 years left with his levels of fitness etc.

        1. rnrd
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          6 months left in his contract with gunners

          1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            This

        2. Joggers Nipple
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          contract expiring

          1. Joggers Nipple
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Also heard that Sanchez looking for like a 30m signing on fee. Nice work if you can get it

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

          It shows perhaps that the money (or his agent) is not that important to Sanchez. If someone offered me to stay where I am for 5 months to get an extra 10 Million I'd do more than seriously consider it.

    3. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Hey all, been away a while. How is everyone?

      Should I play Otamendi (liv) or Duffy (wba)?

      1. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I'd play Otamendi

      2. QuintonFortune25
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Tough one, both probably wont keep CL. Maybe Ota for goal threat

      3. 404_FC
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Ota

      4. Sune
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Otamendi

    4. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Hello guys. What would you do with this lot?

      Adrian
      Alonso, Christensen, Mee, Dunk
      Sterling, Alli, Son, Salah
      Kane, Firmino

      Subs: Pope --- Ogbonna, DCL, Stephens, 1 FT, 0.0 ITB

      A) Alli -> Lingard
      B) Save FT
      C) Something else, what?

      1. 404_FC
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        a

      2. QuintonFortune25
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Considering triple Spurs then A, use cash for Firmino to Aguero next week?

        1. Jam0sh
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Could do that but it would have to be for a hit as I need a slight downgrade somewhere (for example DCL). Son -> KDB/Hazard could be also possible then for free if I decide not to get Kun.

    5. 404_FC
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      have

      son, eriksen, kane, firmino

      pick one

      a) eriksen to salah for FT (LIV vs mci )
      b) keep FT (for this gw)

      1. QuintonFortune25
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        a

      2. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I'd probably save this week in that case

    6. Hochoki
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      whom should i pick in XI ??

      1. ogbonna
      2. dunk
      3. joe allen

      1. QuintonFortune25
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        1

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

        1

      3. Sune
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        1

    7. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Coleman nearing return.
      One to watch Kenny owners

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I forsee a dull dull Kenny to Dummet transfer coming soon for me!

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          If nothing else FPL can make us excited about the likes of Marriappa and Dummett breaking in to their respective first teams.

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

        any idea approx. how many weeks full training Coleman will require? (not a Kenny owner... just interested)

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Sam says the player says he’s ready to go, but the medical team have some key check to make before they can confirm his body is ready for the physical challenge.

          Whatever that means.

          1. kennethrhcp
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            not far off so. will be great to see him back

    8. boc610
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Wenger Has gone full Howard Hughes. He will be asking Bouldy to get in the Spruce Goose very soon.

    9. QuintonFortune25
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Start:

      A) Mee (Palace away)
      B) RLC (Burnley home)

      1. kennethrhcp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        A

      2. 404_FC
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        b

      3. Sune
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        A

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

      From next week:

      a) Silva + Firmino

      b) 5.8 mid + Aguero (C)

      c) Mahrez + Vardy

      d) Richarlison + Morata

      1. QuintonFortune25
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        B, shame you cant find another 0.4 for Lingard and Aguero tho

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

          Thanks. Already getting Lingard for Coutinho as part of funding the above!

    11. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      hate posting my full team... but needs must! i'm set on banking FT this week & maybe miniWC next week

      Ryan
      Otamendi, Mee*, Ogbonna
      Alli, Eriksen, Salah*, Arnie, RLC*
      Morata (C), Kane

      Elliot*, Daniels, DCL, Maguire

      right set up?
      think i'll get away with yellow flagged* players?

      1. QuintonFortune25
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Morata (C)? Surely Kane this week? Nice team, also banking on those three flagged players starting so fingers crossed

        1. kennethrhcp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          i'm so far back (900+k) I need an ol gamble on an out of form player doing well... i'll have a good think on Kane tho

    12. Who Am I?
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Keep Shaqiri or get Gross (ft)?

      1. kennethrhcp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        save & reassess next week. 2fts = more possibilities

    13. timPgoodwin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Putting some fun back in to the game, languishing at 1.1M in the overall rankings, way down in my Mini Leagues and not enjoying this year at all.

      Decided to WC this week but with a twist, looking at differential and uber-differentials. Players like Tosun, Murray, VVD ... Sticking to those around the 10% and under mark but most of my team has a 5-6%(ish) ownership ...

      Who would you say at 10% and under should I be looking at? Who do you want in your team but dare not take a punt on?

      Mane with Couts gone? Zaha? even Shaqiri depending on who Stoke get in, try to beat everyone to the punch and get Tosun in early?

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

        Sounds like you've effectively given up already so do what you like 🙂

        1. timPgoodwin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Not given up per say, proposing a new strategy and putting the fun back in to what is essentially a game. Sick of watching football on a weekend and praying for a Burnley nil-nil draw ... Looking to turn more casual and pick players I like and route for the underdogs rather than chase a higher OR with the same template team as everyone else. Does it really matter if I come 245k overall or 100k overall? both are crap.

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

            Fair enough, but if you are playing “for fun” pick the players you think will be fun to watch and cheer on – we can’t help you with that 🙂

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

        You should do the opposite, get a cluster of the high owned players, have one or two differentials ... imho

        I suggest your plan will result in the masses surging past you with their high owned players and the latest bandwagoner .... but you never know 🙂

        1. timPgoodwin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          The masses are already surging past me and I have Kane, Sterling, Alonso, Salah, Jones .... etc etc etc

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

            Really ? I have those players too (sold Salah for the DGW and will bring back) and rising up the ranks nicely

            I doubt you need a WC with that core of players, and I doubt your WC will earn you more using it now than the week before the big DGW followed by a BB - I was 1.9 mill at this stage and it gave me a 500k rise in the last 3 gameweeks

            My advice is be patient, play the game as if you were in the top 200k and don’t go for a short fix WC when you are likely to get a better return during the DGW

      3. Netley Lucas
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Mane, Ozil, Mata, Sanchez, Laca, Wilson, Rondon...

        1. timPgoodwin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Agree with all those, shocked at Sanchez's TSB, the only thought I have is to wait until the end of the transfer window to do this as I can jump on new players with low %

      4. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        You can get quite a good differential team. But it wouldn’t exactly be great having Laca, but might be worth the punt.

        Pickford, stones, Masuaku, mane, mahrez, Sánchez, Ramsey, hazard, Laca,

    14. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      morning all;to WC or not to WC?

      elliot/foster
      naughton rangel christensen creswell trippier
      hazard lingard zaha richarlison lanzini
      kane aguero depoitre

      1. QuintonFortune25
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah probably. From your current team i would keep Kane, Aguero, Lingard, maybe Hazard but ideally you need to bring in Salah, Alonso, Sterling, Otamendi so would go for it.

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

        Nice squad for GW28 🙂

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

      Enjoyed the Scout Cast, worth watching

    16. The Mighty Whites
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Coutinho to Pogba a sound move?

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Prefer Lingard + 1.6M ITB.....

      2. WE GO FOR IT
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Coutinho out for any playing mid is a sound move!

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

        do it