Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 234 – Tri-Force

No more no less. Three is the magic number.

In a week where we ponder shifting to a “power three” in our line-ups, the ScoutCast is reduced to its own Tri-force, as Jonty and Andy join me as part of a skeleton crew for this latest episode.

Don’t worry, somehow we still manage to string things out for 80 minutes. After all, there is much to discuss, not least the current emphasis on the big strikers and the demise of Bobby Firmino – the driving force behind my apparently ill-time Wildcard.

Talking of which, with Jonty’s own Wildcard booked in for the international break, he eagerly assesses the forthcoming “fixture swing” that promotes investment in Man City and Chelsea, among others.

Elsewhere your community questions guide us to examine the latest optimum formation and to check in with “piggy bank” Marcos Alonso’s after his cruel 58th-minute withdrawal in the Potteries.

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

If you’re a traditional type, you can acquire the mp3 audio version via this link 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.

1,950 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Any particular highlights for Scoutcast? Watched a bit about Bobby F but then had to stop

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Jonty was very funny once again.

      "Magic beans." 😆

      1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Magic beans? Must have missed that bit

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

        Haha I actually laughed out load when I heard that. He definitely is unsettling Mark it's hilarious. The cheeky look on Jontys face reminds me of Andy Millman.

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Mark is so good natured about it all, though. A real class act. Never throws a strop, takes it all in his stride and joins in with the laughs.

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

            He does well, I'd be cracking the shits.

            1. FPL Virgin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Wouldn't be a fair fight because of Mark's reach.

              1. bojack
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 6 months ago

                Reach around?

                1. FPL Virgin
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 6 months ago

                  Boxing reach.

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

            Really? He seemed very defensive on last GW's Scoutcast.

            1. Mark
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 17 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Not surprising. Never criticise my free transfers or my record collection - I'll defend both to the hilt.

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

                It was a great episode all in all.

                Make sure you give Jonty and Granville some stick when they make some questionable decisions.

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

      Lots of talk about the Burnley defence too.

      1. Mark
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        That's always a crowd pleaser.

    3. FPL Kangaroo
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Firmino is a "strange old lady" 😆
      Jonty is the man.

      Imagine ScoutCast without Jonty !!

      1. FPL Kangaroo
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Life wouldn't be worth living....

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

    (C)outinho

    1. Sims
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      no way

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

      No

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

    Kun and Morata blanks this weekend

    1. foley200
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Hopefully

    2. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Kun maybe. Can see Morata scoring

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

      Today someone posted that Kun may get a rest.

      1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Why would he be rested in a big match before an IB in which the most he will do is warm the bench?

      2. Yozzer
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Unless it was Pep himself id probably just take it as scaremongering

    4. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I have aguero ,he may blank but no point taking him out for putting him back next week

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        You may want to rethink that...

  4. AFC49
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Foster (Elliot)
    Cedric, Davies, Kolasinac (Mariappa, Long)
    Ritchie, Mkhi, Ramsey, Salah (Carroll)
    Kane, Lukaku, Chicharito

    2FT, 1.1 ITB

    Any ideas?

    1. Johnny 8
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Long to a cheap back up who plays?

    2. Spartac Mac
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good to me.

      Could spend .5m on a playing Burnley defender if you really wanted. Mee/Ward etc.

    3. Majestic Chanka
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Ben Mee by far

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

    Just the three stooges this week 😉

  6. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    I really don't want to do a transfer. Why can't I save and have 3 FTs? 🙁

    1. Flaming Flamingo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I was in this position last week and this week my team is a mess. Annoying 🙁

      1. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        A mess?! Apart from Jones and maybe Firm that looks very good. We’ve got almost the same players.

        1. Flaming Flamingo
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Haha thanks, the team itself doesn't look too bad I guess but no Kane or Lukaku has me squirming this week

    2. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe McBurnie to someone who plays?

      1. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Is there anyone at 4.5 playing though? Don’t really fancy anyone in the 5-6m region. Thing with him is that his price is locked so I’m not losing value on him.

        1. Brehmeren
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          OK, in that case change him to Mark Hudson from Huddersfield. I've had him from gw1 for the same reason 🙂

    3. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Its nice when the team is injury free, and players are performing+fixtures. I am pretty happy with midfield and forwards.

  7. Spartac Mac
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Who do we fancy getting in over the next few weeks out of these low %'age midfielders?

    1) Sanchez
    2) Hazard
    3) Sane
    4) Sterling
    5) Coutinho

    The young Man City players big on my radar at the moment.

    1. Nicoson
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      2 and 5

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

      Haz ster sane coutino.. all4

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

        Front 3 Kane lukaku 5mil

      2. Spartac Mac
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Sterling and Sane would be ace, just the lack of minutes would be disappointing if Jesus / B.Silva get a run out instead.

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

          Your right..but as the season goes on players from other teams tire and these 2 coming on fresh will get points like they have done

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

    Just how crap are everton?

    I think they can get even worse

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

      To think plenty of pundits tipped them to finish above Arsenal

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      They've given my a massive headache. Not because I own any of their players but because I want to play Mee now.

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

        Play who?

    3. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      To be fair their team looked hugely improved. If Barkley was playing, Coleman was back, Bolasie too, they'd be in a lot better shape.

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

        Never replaced Lukaku's goals, instead play with 3 No10's

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

        Even if Barkley played, he would have been red carded by now. Dirty hack.

        I do agree with you though regarding the three you've mentioned.

  9. Sims
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Granville not on scoutcast after a fail gameweek how fitting

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

      Had nothing to do with it dopey.

    2. Johnny 8
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Never seems to appear after a bad week.

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

      Labour Party Conference was this week.

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

        Ha!

      2. Johnny 8
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Will Jonty be missing during the "consevative" conference?

        1. Johnny 8
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          *conservative

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

          Why would he go to the Conservative conference?

          He's always missing when the Labour conference is on, there's nothing strange about it.

          1. Johnny 8
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Just referring to the way he plays the game.

            1. Mark
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 17 Years
              6 years, 6 months ago

              Yeah, I got it. The Dullard Party has a ring to it.

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

          He'll delete this in the morning 😉

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

          Oh right, fair enough, I didn't even realise you were talking about Jonty and not Granville.

          Jonty would probably be the main speaker at that conference.

        5. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          I very much doubt it!!! 😆

          What an insult! 😛

    4. *Reformed-Character*
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Someone needs to spray you with pesticide..

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

        Mate, just get your peanut dust out, that should do the trick.

        1. *Reformed-Character*
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Sold out mate isneet

  10. SuperMario
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Foster
    Naughton - Mee - Daniels
    Salah - Richie - Eriksen - Carroll
    Kun - Kane (c) - Lukaku (vc)

    Elliot - Chaloba - Long - Suttner

    0 in the bank and 1 FT to use before WC..

    1. SuperMario
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      What’s the move guys?

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

      You can upgrade one of your defenders. 🙂

      1. COLLIN QUANER
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Who to though? Not many choices at that price. I have Naughton and Ward and I'm in a bit of a predicament

        1. SuperMario
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          +1

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

        Not much there

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

      Why WC? I’d want to WC to that team with a few adjustments

      1. SuperMario
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Kinda just thinking WC to sort the defense.. had those thoughts also tho that I’m in ok shape..

        Defense not pi*s poor tho??

        1. Geezer
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          It is, but you have the 5 best attackers who make up for it

    4. FPLHaggis
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Roll transfer, Lukaku & Suttner > Morata & 5.5 in gw8

  11. Pierce34
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    So what's happened to Everton? I had given them the benefit of the doubt all this time because of their fixtures - sure, they didn't play well but they had to face City, Chelsea, Spurs and United in a row. These teams don't let you play well when they're in full flow.

    But it seems there's something else - what is it? They have good players, a good coach, sure they need a bit of pace in attack but that doesn't account for all their problems surely?

    1. FPLHaggis
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Too narrow, no pace at full back, no runners in behind up top, not one of their numerous number 10s can beat a man with skill.

    2. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Fixtures? Show me some form first then I might look at some assest...

      Form over fixtures for me...

  12. VardysParty
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Wildcard team (5-2-3)

    Fabianski (Nordfeldt)
    Azpi, Davies, Otamendi, Bellerin, Cedric
    Salah, Silva (Carroll, RLC, King)
    Lacazette, Morata, Lukaku

    Planning Lukaku to Kun next week.

    Thoughts?

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

      No a fan of 5-2-3 due to inflexibility.

      Azpi - > Mee
      Lukaku - > Vardy
      Caroll - > Eriksen

      Not sure on funds though

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

      Strong Def..mid weak, shift money around to get balance?

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

      I think it's great. Your subs, if forced to play, will give nothing. But everyone has one weak player anyway. And the rest more than make up for it in your team. Go for it.

    4. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I'm biased, but it looks a great team, not sure about not having any Spurs attacking assets but as they say, you can't have them all...

  13. arndff_
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    AFTER GW7:
    Mkhi, Eriksen, Abraham > 5.0m, David Silva, Morata for a HIT?
    A) Yes
    B) No

    PS: Got Kaku and Kane.

    1. Spartac Mac
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Nice to spread the players, but Mkhi & Eriksen are still good options.

      When their scores are being eclipsed by others then I'd be looking to swap.

      I just think one of Mkhi/Eriksen > Silva as I think he's a better option than either of them right now.

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

      After GW7 yes.

  14. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Haven't seen Granville around, he still hasn't recovered from Theresa May's annual conference?

  15. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Jones to Cedric or hope he starts.
    Bench wouldn't be great.

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

      Wait for Mourinho press conference tomorrow

    2. FPL Kangaroo
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Think I will be doing the same

  16. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Which 3 would you prefer -

    A) Salah, Eriksen & Ramsey
    B) Coutinho, Silva & Mhky

    1. We Will Klopp you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

      I prefer B

    4. Spartac Mac
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      That's a toughie.

      Given that Arsenal aren't firing on all cylinders yet I'd go for B) for now.

      1. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks all

    5. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B.

    6. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B

  17. FPL Kangaroo
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    @FPLVirg - Sanchez (C) for you this week??

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      It's a tempter. But I'm not happy with his lack of goal attempts in the box.

      I think I will go Lukaku. Approximately 2 million people will captain him. If he hauls, I get left behind.

      1. FPL Kangaroo
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Oh jesus christ....when you put it that way haha.

        *Transfers Aguero out and brings Lukaku back & puts (C) on him 😆

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Ha.

          Plus United created the most big chances and Crystal Palace concede the most big chances and Lukaku has scored the most big chances. It's a perfect storm.

  18. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Surman will be 4.6 soon. Never change, casuals.

    1. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      But when will Lascelles be 4.7?? Come on casuals, get a move on.

  19. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Who is the best replacement for Mendy?

    A) Walker
    B) Azpi
    C) Cedric
    D) Cresswell
    E) Bavies
    F) Keane
    G) Daniels
    F) Someone else

    I already have Kola - Jones (keeping even though he's a doubt) - Naughton - Hune (permanent bench)

    Have 6.7 ITB once I transfer out Mendy

    1. Spartac Mac
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B) Azpi.

      Great fixtures, assists/cleanies incoming.

    2. Johnny 8
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B. Good fixtures, good player.

    3. Drogba Legend
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I have Aguero and D. Silva though. I was thinking Azpi too, just sucks that they play each other this weekend.

  20. batmaniac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Using my wildcard in gw8 resets any ft am looking to roll across, right?
    If so, it's better to burn them off before wc then?

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

      yep

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

        TM.... the google of fantasy football.
        Thanks!

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

      Burn them to the ground.

  21. Ld27
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    A) Jesus + Firmino out , Lukaku and Hernandez in? -4
    B) Lacazette in Jesus out
    C)Firmino out Vardy in

    Thoughts?

  22. jimmy.floyd
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    B

  23. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    GTG?

    Foster
    Cedric Maguire Alonso Bavies
    Mkhi Brady Eriksen
    Lukaku (C) Chicharito Kane (V)
    -----------------------------------------
    Lossl Carroll Chalobah TFM

  24. Ligdon
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Carroll and Firminio to Shaqiri and Vards for free ??

  25. Aubaaaaa
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Choose 1 to play:
    A. Otamendi
    B. Lascelles
    C. T. Carroll
    D. Calvert-Lewin

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      D.

  26. Ber2k
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    I got Aguero in on wildcard last week and captained him but strongly considering selling for Lukaku or Lacazette. I started to look at the 3 strikers with the best fixture over each of the next few weeks based on the ticker but had to abort to go to work. From a pool of Aguero/Jesus, Lukaku, Kane, Lacazette, Morata with Vardy as a side dish. I currently have Aguero Kane Vardy and will captain Kane. Could someone else do the donkey work and display this in an aesthetically pleasing way? Hot topic in it for you I’d suspect.

  27. RESULT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Hazard still on pens?

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Not sure with Zappacosta or Christensen on the pitch.

  28. SuperMario
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Foster
    Naughton - Mee - Daniels
    Salah - Richie - Eriksen - Carroll
    Kun - Kane (c) - Lukaku (vc)

    Elliot - Chaloba - Long - Suttner

    0 in the bank and 1 FT.

    1. SuperMario
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Was thinking to WC next week.. On second thoughts it’s not too bad.. could save FT this week and hold off?

    2. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Nice, you can save it.

  29. RESULT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    WC
    Fab Elliott
    Mee naughty simpsn kiko 3.9
    Sterling sane Coutino haz 4.4
    Kane lukaku niasse

    Thinking mid has very low ownership might help boost rank, currently 700k

    1. Ravager
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Wouldn't bank on both Sterling and Sane starting regularly enough

  30. Geezer
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    I did Kun to Kane last week. Is it ok to do the reverse this week if I WC next week? Or will it still be a kneejerk?

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      It's not 'kneejerk', but it's a touch confusing.

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      So you won’t do it if people say it’s a kneejerk? That’s no way to play the game.