Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 246 – Smashing

The ScoutCast quintet take on established Fantasy thinking in this latest episode, as we debate the quest to smash the current template squad.

What is the template? How can we break it? Should we even bother?

The discussion that unfolds is predictably sprawling and often heated, as once again the conflicting philosophies on Fantasy management in the ScoutCast crew are laid bare.

Elsewhere we let the rest of your community questions steer the conversation, as we contemplate Sanchez at United, battle Firmino vs Aguero and even find time to check in on Stoke.

Try as we might, even we struggle to argue about Stoke.

By the way, off the air we carried on the debate and, in the end, everyone agreed that I was right and that I also had the best 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.

2,779 Comments Post a Comment
  1. RIDZ
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Richarlison to Ox as only have Firmino to cover without Salah, yes or no?

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

      I would

    2. Unfathomable Ruination
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      No but I would get rid of Richarlison. Ox actually might not be a bad differential honestly so, sure why not?

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

        He only need more minutes to play and he could be like Lallana last season, worth to try as Richarlison starts dropping for sure

    3. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      No. You need Salah. Plays like a centre forward

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

        I agree with this.

    4. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Try to get Salah in. Even if it's next week. He is a must have.

    5. athreya
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Coverage don’t work for players like Kane, Salah. Either have them or suffer.

  2. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on Mustafi, anyone? I have him, but I'm not convinced he's worth the roster spot. Arsenal have only Spurs and City over the next 10 GWs, and he can steal a goal here and there. That said, I really don't trust their defense right now. Am I off?

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

      Arsenal defense is a disaster almost every other week.

    2. Mo Mané No Problems
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Not enough clean sheets

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

      who are the rest of your def? I think Stones/Jones are better with that price, also Danilo who replacing Delph. Don't take any Arsenal defense even though they have good fixtures. They just conceded 2 against Bournemouth.

    4. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      They will concede more often than not. Look somewhere else.

    5. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks for the feedback! I guess I just need to make sure I wasn't crazy, even looking at the good fixtures ahead.

      1. FFSbet.com
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Everyone here is little crazy,we collect fantasy points.
        Love those ''Grow up'' comments while collecting fantasy points like a man 😉

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Grow up

          1. FFSbet.com
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            😉

    6. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      watch Arsenal last game vs Bournemouth is my advice-)

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

    Robertson or Chilwell nailed?

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

      Robertson seems to be but I still don't want to bet on Liverpool defense. Chilwell just got a red, didn't he?

      1. GoonSquad
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Sat out cup game. He's back.

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

          Ahh, right. I have Maguire. I'm still convinced he'll score a few more goals this season.

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

      Robertson still has rotation risk, Chilwell for me

      1. GoonSquad
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        How about Danilo? Nailed til Delph back?

        1. athreya
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          No news yet on Delph right? Can’t trust Pep. He might switch to wingbacks and play sane there.

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

          I have him and played him 3 times and got 2 cs so far. Still pick him in my team until Delph back.

        3. bench boost for every gamew…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          reports saying the injury not be as bad as might feared, could actually be back this week already

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

    Potential wildcard moves now that I'm considering it:

    Current team:
    De Gea - Elliot
    Azpilicueta - Maguire - Mee - Ogbonna - Mbemba
    Salah - De Bruyne - Sterling - Lingard - Stephens
    Kane - Firmino - Calvert-Lewin

    Moves I'm thinking about GW 26 (it works cost-wise):

    De Gea to Pope
    Ogbonna to Jones
    De Bruyne to Sane
    Lingard to Pogba
    Stephens to Doucoure
    Calvert - Lewin to McBurnie

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

      Sorry, any thoughts on this? Thanks!

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

      Unnecessary WC for now, you're team is fine. Just downgrade KDB to up your defence. Not sure with Mee fixtures, he may out. Also Mbemba.

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

      Deep breath unless you want to waste a WC when team does not require it.

    4. athreya
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Heaton might be back soon. Look at Pickford also. Son or Mahrez better options than Sane. Ibe instead of Doucoure.

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

        Yeah, I thought about Heaton, but figured I could always switch to him if that happened. Pickford is one I've considered before. Def also thought on Son instead of Sane but liked that twin Sterling - Sane threat.

        1. athreya
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Twin threat of rotation you mean.

    5. Mo Mané No Problems
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Don't get Pope, with Heaton returning. Pickford is a better pick even if Pope is nailed.

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

        That's fair, you may be right with Big Sam. Had double Burnley defense earlier in the season and it worked like a charm so thought to return to that. Better to look forwards perhaps.

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

      Fair, thanks, guys.

    7. GoonSquad
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      KDB to Mahrez

    8. jia you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Wildcard where 50% of your planned moves are to get rid of De Gea, KDB and Lingard! An 50% of your targets players are Pope, Doucoure and McBurnhisface!
      Comedy channel central 😉

  5. athreya
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Any news on David Silva? Will Gundogan continue to get starts?

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

      He was in training today and Pep was showing him some love. I bet he plays.

      1. athreya
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Hmm. Hope we get more news on Silva and Delph today.

  6. the egyptian king
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Hazard eventually time up? Cant decide whether to leave him for one last week he could change form at any point.

    If i transferred him out would likely to be for Mahrez or Arnie.

    Thoughts|??

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Get him out and splash that cash elsewhere for sure, Mahrez and Arnie both good options.

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

      I u dont get rid now u wont ship him out for bou

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

      Yes ya basha, I got rid of Hazard after Arsenal and did not regret last week. Chelsea are setting the wrong kind of stats. Maybe Mahrez.

      1. the egyptian king
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Its a difficult one cos knowing my look ill take him out and he'll smash a load of points in his upcoming fixtures.

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

          That is always true but think long term and also always go with your gut. Don't second guess. If you want to leave him for one last week, then leave him in. Always go with your first thought. It usually works out better that way for me.

    4. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Time's up unfortunately.

    5. MikeDuff
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Got to go. Mahrez or if you fancy a punt, Mane

  7. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Any update on Quaner's injury? Thanks

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

      Fully fit. Pritchard has been working on his defensive shape this week, if Wagner doesn’t think he’s up to speed then Quaner should start

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers, good to know. Would you play him over masuaku this gw?

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

          I’d play Masuaku

          1. SpaceCadet
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Thanks bud

  8. Effendi007
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Morning all. Struggling to decide whether to get Firmino or Aguero in for Lukaku. Aguero is potent against newcastle and Liverpool's in great form and could possibly get Walcott with the extra funds.
    Thoughts and suggestions?

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

      If you have Kane, get Firmino. If not, get Aguero. Simply for team balance. And do you really want to be getting Walcott in?

      1. Effendi007
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Just thought I'd take a punt for my RLC replacement

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

      Aguero hasn't been potent lately and Newcastle haven't conceded more than 2 when Lascelles plays

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Forget Walcott, for the immediate term anyway.

  9. Weilong7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Kin or firmino this gw? Will need to take a hit..

    Any suggested replacements for hazard in order to fund the move?

    Thanks

    1. Weilong7
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Kun*

  10. amit1964
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    good morning! please pick one:

    a) ogbonna
    b) robertson

    1. Scotters333
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Og. Moreno back this week

  11. Scotters333
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    A) Hazard & Loftus > Mahrez & Lanzini
    B) Hazard, Loftus, Christensen > Mahrez, Arnautovic, 5.4 def (Stones / Danilo / Maguire / Someone else?)

    Pope
    Alonso Jones Christensen
    Hazard RLC Salah Lingard Sterling
    Kane Firmino

    Bench: Elliot DCL Dunk Rosenior

    2FT and 0.3 in the bank so have exact money to do A. Was on A all week but now scared of not getting Arnie...any ideas?

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

      carool out so arnie is oop for at least 4 weeks, no brainer

  12. the egyptian king
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Mahrez or Arnie to buy?

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

      arnaoutovic

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

      Mahrez

    3. Jayv807
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Arnie, I’m worried Mahrez is playing for a transfer and his form could drop off if he stays at Leicester.

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

    Who out of these 4 will score more points in next 6
    A) djik
    B) Shaq
    C) ox
    D) Albright
    E) Wilson
    And why??

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

      *5

  14. rdamjan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Comparing Eriksen & Mahrez stats. Is really wise idea for Eriksen ---> Mahrez this week?

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

      Dunno about stats tbh. Mahrez clears the eye test for me

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I'd keep Eriksen this week and make the move next week when his fixtures turn.

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

      Both can score well.

  15. umerlfc
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Wilson or Shaqiri?

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      W

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

      Shaq

  16. the egyptian king
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Ederson
    Jones Ota Alonso Kabasele
    Sane Hazard Salah
    Kane Firmino RLC

    Bench Clark Carrick Mctominay
    1 FT 0.2 ITB

    RLC to Wilson is happening
    But
    Kabasele, Hazard for Rudiger/Maguire, Mahrez/Arnie
    Can't decide which combo. Help???

    1. the egyptian king
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Two transfers for Kabasele/Hazard will leave me -8

    2. Jayv807
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Just do Haz/DCL to Arnautovic/Wilson

      The defender swap probably not worth another hit

      1. the egyptian king
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Very good shout cant decide on Arnie or Mahrez, going to bring them both in eventually but for which this GW??

        1. Jayv807
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Arnautovic IMO

          OOP and slight risk Mahrez transfers

  17. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Carroll injured so Chelsea linked with Crouch now.. ha ha

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        find it hard to believe there's any truth in this rumour tbh!

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

          Doesn't stop the gullible ones.

      2. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Thank god!

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Crouch, Barkely & Drinkwater, Europe's elite will be shivering in their boots!

    2. el polako
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      They should just get Daniel back from The Reds, with a bit of luck he might stay healthy long enough for Morata to find his form again.

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

    Is big Shaq worth a shout over next 4. He always has sudden streak of points vs bottom half teams??

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      new manager.. new philosophy..

      wait!

  19. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Which scores more?
    (1) Kenny + 4
    (2) Vardy
    Thanks!
    And do you think Vardy is a good long term option?

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

      Kenny

  20. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Reposting for some more inputs.
    DCL > Wilson for a hit or stick with this lot for this gw?

    ddg
    alonso christensen otamendi masuaku
    salah alli sterling arnie lingard
    kane

    joel dcl quaner mariappa

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

      Stick

  21. jia you
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    If you had to choose a FPL XI off the top of your head, to hold for the rest of the season (unlimited budget), what would it be?

    DDG
    Alonso / Otamendi / Valencia / Maguire
    KDB / Salah / Mane / Sanchez / Mahrez
    Kane

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Maguire >> Vert

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Vert doesn't have the same attacking threat, I always want that if I'm to splash out on an expensive defender!

    2. athreya
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Sterling in place of Sanchez.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah but have a feeling he'll hit the ground running at United. Unfortunately he's far too expensive for my TV!

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Hazard to Sanchez is on card! 😉

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

      DDG
      Alonso,Otamendi,Maguire,
      KDB,Salah,Sterling,Arnautovic,Pogba
      Kane,Firmino,

  22. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on Fabianski to Pickford for a hit?
    Got elliot as my 2nd keeper.

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

      Do it.

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

      Do it

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

      Not for a hit, for a keeper

    4. jia you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      A hit for a GK!! Why? I've had Fabianski since my GW6 wildcard and will keep him until my next wildcard!

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        is Pickford on pens now or something? 😉

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

    Did my transfers (-4)
    Pickford
    Ota christy oggy
    Salah mahrez Arnie son shaqiri
    Kane(vc) kun(c)
    Subs:elliot mee quaner dunk
    Gtg??
    How is it looking??

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

      Good. Differential midfield looks good. Lack of Man Utd defense is a weakness

  24. Kanteisking
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Fab
    Otamendi, Jones, Chistensen
    Salah, Arnie, Sterling, Lingard, KDB
    Kane (c), Firmino

    Sub: Elliot, Ogbonna, DCL, Mariappa

    0.2ITB and no FT's is anything worth a hit?

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

      good solid team. i wont change anything for a hit

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

    Struggling to see where I should use my FT, any ideas? Otamendi+RLC > Danilo + Lingard?

    Pickford
    Alonso- Otamendi-Jones-Robertson
    Salah-Sterling-Son-Arnie
    Kane-Firmino

    Elliot-Ogbonna-RLC- Quaner
    0.5 ITB,2FT

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

      Don't get rid of otamendi. How about RLC to Sako for free?

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

      Upgrade Elliot for better rotation

  26. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Morata to Tosun and Mustafi to Alonso 😮

    Only issue is BGW28 :/

    1. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Why lose Mustafi?!

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

      Why buy Tosun?!

    3. That Fantasy Guy
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Morata to Firmino/Vardy?

  27. Bojaninho
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Foster and Elliot between the sticks...

    Hold or worth getting rid of Foster for Pickford?

    1. That Fantasy Guy
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      For free? Definitely Pickford. If not, hold.

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

        +1

  28. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Davison Sanchez or Aurier?

    1. That Fantasy Guy
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Sanchez for now. If Aurier was 100% guaranteed to start, then it would be him

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

      With the 3 fixtures after Southampton??

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

      Yeah neither

  29. That Fantasy Guy
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Did Eriksen + Quaner -> Mahrez + Firmino.
    The temptation to get Aguero + Shaqiri in was strong as was Mane + Vardy but in the end went and did what most fpl teams will have.

  30. Cocky Spaniel Alves
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Morning, I’m still torn on below.

    A or B?

    DDG Speroni
    Azpi Christ Schindler Kenny Ogbonna
    Alli Son Salah Sterling RLC
    Kane Firmino DCL

    2 FT

    A) Christ & Alli > Alonso & Arnie
    B) DCL & Alli > Wilson & Mahrez

    Cheers.

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Both look very good but Alli could hurt you this weekend! I'd prefer B as you're getting rid of DCL!