Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 239 – Homecoming

Declared fit and available for selection, I make a return to the ScoutCast after a recent hiatus. I’m also chuffed to be welcomed back into the bosom of my own home, as the winter draws in and drives me from the Scout Hut at the end of the garden.

Warming my cockles alongside Jonty and Az, the three of us are treated to another ScoutCast Wildcard, as Andy joins us and throws his selection to the cynical lions.

We use that as inspiration to answer your community questions, pondering Andy’s all-powerful front three and wondering if overlooking a budget third striker is the optimum set-up.

Staying with strikers, Romelu Lukaku’s worrisome form comes under analysis ahead of his anticipated revival and, once again, we give Harry Kane oxygen to vent further frustration following his very latest Wembley Stadium stutter.

Manchester City’s weapon(s) of choice get(s) revised before we embark on the weekend preview to exorcise the international break and lay the groundwork for a Christmas schedule of epic proportions.

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.

3,168 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Viper
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    This is what I'll be going with if I use my 2Fts

    Elliot

    Moreno Daniels Mee (Jones Otamendi)

    Salah Ramsey Sterling Gross (Carroll)

    Kane Aguero Vardy

    1. Lee8686
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Who is your other gk?? I think literally any other goalkeeper would be a better choice than Elliot this week

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Foster

    2. Lee8686
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Ouch!! The only other definate dud....Elliot for me just edges it on save points potential so ignore me 😉

  2. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Sane has been nailed since the Mendy injury right?

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Started 10 of the last 11 in all competitions.

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

    Vardy to:

    A)Lukaku
    B)Morata and catch his price rise

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

      B for sure

    2. Viper
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      A

      1. jackhammer1
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        A

  4. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Am I literally the only person on here with Sanchez?

    Hashtag Visionary.

    1. FPL Maldini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Good punt.

      Spurs defence looking good 😉

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        It's not a punt. I've had him since gameweek 4.

    2. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Does it bother you having one of the best players in the world?....thought not...

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Being just inside the top 1 million is a bit bothersome.

    3. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      There's a fine line between visionary and insane.

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        I crossed that line several Gameweeks ago ...

    4. Spartac Mac
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Too many midfielders priced high and low to spend on a wantaway.

      Sanchez hasn't looked one tenth of himself last season.

      In my opinion 😉

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        I'm inclined to agree but for some reason I can't bring myself to get rid.

    5. Lee8686
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Just think of all of the areas of the pitch you could improve if you downgraded to an 8-9m player.....for me Salah and sane are better options even if they were the same price as sanchez

    6. Majestic Chanka
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Your def is not too dissimilar to mine and I have quaner as well.

      I have
      Salah, Mané, Sané, Richarlison, Eriksen

      You have
      Sanchez, Hazard, Silva, Carroll, RLC

      Sanchez could well start firing but that money could be spread around a lot. Same with Hazard for that matter!

  5. UnitedFan
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Azpi still worth the cash at this stage? You guys see him maintaining those assists?

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Too expensive for my liking

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I'm only considering him from GW14. Else he needs to keep scoring at a huge rate to be worth it over the cheapies.

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

      You'd have to think that any half decent manager would shut down the Azpi to Morata combo. It seems so obvious to even the most casual football fan.

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

        It's very hard to defend crosses from deep half spaces in central areas. The combo will keep firing.

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          They said something similar about West Bromwich set piece threat last season. Stoke figured out how to defend against it and now every team has copied them and neutralised the threat.

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

            Set piece crosses and open play crosses are very different. You have time to set up zonal/man mark during set pieces. In open play it's a different ball game. You have to know when to be compact, when to push up, when to crowd the opponents striker etc.

            Azpilicueta's crosses and in game situation is nothing remotely close to WBA try to achieve. KDB's crosses are more comparable to Azpilicueta. Crosses from very deep areas as central as possible and as close to the penalty spot as possible. KDB does it along the floor most games, and it seems Azpilicueta has mastered it in the air.

  6. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    A) Aguero + Jones
    B) Lukaku + Stones

    Currently on A on a WC and it seems so much better in theory, but I suppose B has to be the smart choice?

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Lukaku + Jones

      1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        If Jones isn't going to start this weekend then I wouldn't want him for four weeks anyway.

    2. Solenya
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Not necessarily, City while good defensively always seems to concede that one goal. If Ageuro starts majority of the matches, which he well could, A looks far better. Could also try Morata + Jones if you don't already have him.

    3. Spartac Mac
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Lukaku and Stones may break your bones but Aguero and Jones will never hurt you.

      1. the snazzy viking
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Thought it'd be the opposite

  7. Solenya
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Repost:

    Any Chelsea fan around, or anyone who's kept tabs on the situation.
    What's the general consensus on David Luiz, has he lost his place in the XI for good.Have him in Draft and would really like a Chelsea defender for the upcoming schedule. Was wondering if it's worth putting a waiver for,

    Luiz -> Christensen/Smalling

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I'm sure Conte will be asked about Luiz tomorrow.

      But after what happened with Costa, he may be frozen out.

      1. Solenya
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Yup we should have a bit of clue tomorrow, just that the waiver deadlines are early morning Fridays for me so can't react to pressers tomorrow. Not sure the Costa parallel works here, given Luiz hasn't done anything equally bad.
        Cheers though!

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Conte doesn't seem very forgiving to me.

  8. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Captain Kane or Sane?

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Kane

  9. Jimbo-Jones
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    A - Azpi + (RLC) + Abraham
    B - Monreal + Zaha + (Niasse)

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. jackhammer1
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      A

  10. Scotty B
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Who on earth is on pens for Liverpool now?

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I'd guess Firmino

    2. We Will Klopp you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Could be anyone of Firmino, Milner, Salah and perhaps even Mane

    3. Majestic Chanka
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Roll a D12

  11. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    So we can say shit on here but n-once gets flagged for review.

    1. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Say what you want and see what happens.

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

      Looks like rappers name

    3. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      and if you say "Thanks" on your second post you get banned

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

    Trying to decide whether to take a hit. Already made one change but have Otomendi (Not playing) and doubts over Sterling, Loftus Cheek and Chris Wood. Which of those are going to play is the question. Do I take a risk or take -4 and bring in Murray or Wilson for Wood. Your thoughts would be appreciated please.

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I don't think I'd be taking a -4 for any of those

      1. GaribaldiT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks. Trouble is I could end up with only 10 players if they all fail to play. In which case the -4 is really only a -2.

    2. Little Frank
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Be very surprised if Wood plays so if you're struggling to field 11 I'd do it (prefer Murray)

      1. GaribaldiT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah. Thanks.

  13. Page 302
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Beat the KneeJerkers XI, results for GW11 and squad for GW12

    GW11 continued the long tradition of captain fails for the most-transferred-in player of the gameweek. This time it was Kane’s turn to toil fruitlessly against the might of Croydon Hodgson. But thanks to a big shift from Salah (15) and contributions from Ward (6), Fernandinho (5) and Aguero (8),the Kneejerkers XI still totalled 51 points and a GW rank of 1.5 million. Of the 18 remaining competition entries, only 10 scored the same or more, and so we have a top ten! Congratulations to all and best of luck for the home stretch.

    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/team/4112369/event/11
    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/leagues/standings/907919/classic

    For GW 12, the collective greed and fear of FPL has come up with a quite awesome team. Double Manu defence, triple Burnley defence, double Liverpool and ManCity attack - I’d say it probably looks better than my own wildcard…

    De Gea (58)
    Ward (136), Azpilicueta (117), Jones (110), Mee (101)
    Salah (C, 188), Sané (VC, 139), Richarlison (64)
    Morata (131), Aguero (79), Abraham (65),

    Bench: Pope (43); Mané (), Fernandinho (57), Hunemeier* (17)

    https://snag.gy/8oMXpP.jpg

  14. UnitedFan
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Are people who are getting Daniels blinded by just his attacking threat, or do Bournemouth look like their defence is improving?

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Five fixtures where he can be played each game. That makes life very easy for shuffling defenders in the short term. Any attacking returns would be a bonus but I'm not gonna hold my breath.

    2. Solenya
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Not convinced by their defense at all personally. Think it's the former in most cases and the fact that the fixtures are so good that you'd hope even Bou could nick a couple of CSs in the next 5.

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

      You can see this stuff in the members area!

      1. UnitedFan
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Wanna loan me the few quid Virg?

    4. Viper
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Their defence has tightened up.

      2 clean sheets in the last 5.

      Only conceded 1 vs. Spurs & Chelsea in those 5 too

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

      Bonkers.

      1. UnitedFan
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        😆

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

          Fook da Maywedders. 😉

          1. UnitedFan
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            Indeed.

    6. Spartac Mac
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Watched him closely at St.James' for the Toon game, not convinced.

      Will pop up with occasional efforts but Bournemouth aren't exactly a rock. Better value in Burnley/Liverpool defenders IMO.

    7. GXNG
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      3 goals conceded in the last 5 games, which included Chelsea and Spurs. I'm going for Ake myself.

  15. Markus
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Am I safe to leave otamendi 1 more day before deciding about whether to ship? He's not gonna go down tonight is he, - 91 on fpl statistics, forget the address of the other one...

    1. Lee8686
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Just keep him....even if he does drop he will be back on the rise within a couple of games of coming back

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Should be fine

    3. Numb
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      He's suspended

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

      MCY : lei 313 hud 395 SOU 373 WHM 472 mun 70 swa 486 TOT 41 BOU 507 new 301

    5. Lee8686
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Everyone knows he is suspended

  16. stat
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Anyone tempted to captain Morata vs wba? Only Bournemouth (32) have conceded more headed attempts on target than West Brom (30) and Morata sure loves a header...

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

        Yep. Wise fella 🙂

      2. Solenya
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Quite a few are actually, but personally feel Kane is a better choice.

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

        Only me. Everyone else is captaining Agüero, or Kane, or Salah ...

        http://members.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/my-stats-tables/view/13566/

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

          Hey.. I count too! 🙂

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

            Of course you do!!! You are numero uno. Or anyway, you are getting closer ... 😉

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

              I went clean on with Nidgey, you're next. 😉

      4. Spartac Mac
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Like the stats and think he's a great option. How does a team of giants concede so many headed attempts on target?

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

          They are: A) a bit crap. B) a bit slow.

          1. Pasqualinho
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            I know how they feel.

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

              You should try being me ... 😆

              1. Pasqualinho
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 5 months ago

                +42

      5. Zappamorata
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Not buying

        How many did Morata head past Bournemouth defence?
        0

        1. stat
            6 years, 5 months ago

            It doesn't mean that he'll score against every team that lets in a lot of headers, but I think it's fair to say that he's likelier to score against a team that concedes a lot of headers from a header than one that doesn't.

      6. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Which one?
        A)Abraham+Sterling
        B)Lukaku+Pugh
        cheers

        1. UnitedFan
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          A

          1. wulfrunian
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            thanks

      7. FPL Maldini
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Down to 2 options now...

        A) Cedric and Ritchie —> Daniels and Richarlison

        B) Cedric, Ritchie and Firmino —> Daniels, Sane and Abraham (-4)

        1. the snazzy viking
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          I did A except I had Davies instead of Cedric, so go A

      8. Somnus84
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Already swapped Jesus to Morata after Aguero tweeted he was fit, now I have 1 more FT;

        1 Ritchie to:
        a) Richarlison
        b) Zaha

        2 Bavies to: (-4)
        a) Daniels
        b) hold and play *

        * Sterling to play who is flagged + 1 other one from Mbemba, Bavies, TC & RLC

        1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Davies will probably play.

          Richarlison looks a good move

      9. Triple J
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Davies out for -4? Might not have 3 playing defenders with Otamendi out and Jones possibly out
        a) Keep
        b) Duffy
        c) Moreno

        1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Keep

        2. Kloppen Schloppen
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          I'm personally keeping for this week, as I think he starts. He's been starting the harder games at least and was benched last week. He's gone next week though!

      10. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Anything need doing here? I’m aware that Jones may not play.

        Speroni
        Jones Daniels Ward
        Eriksen Salah D.Silva Richarlison
        Kane Aguero Abraham

        Elliot Dunk Yedlin T.Carroll

        Cheers

        1. Kloppen Schloppen
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          G2G

      11. Trovsmash
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        my draft team is

        Pope/Begovic
        Sanchez Cahill Daniels Jones Bellerin
        Son Pedro Mkhit Gros Zaha
        King Vardy Firminio

        Should i go Bellerin to Baines or duffy?

        1. Kloppen Schloppen
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          That front 3!

          I would upgrade one of Vardy or Firmino first mate.

          How much ITB?

          1. fedolefan
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            It is a draft game.

            1. Kloppen Schloppen
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 5 months ago

              Fair enough. Duffy.

      12. FPL Maldini
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        A) Richarlison and Firmino

        B) Sane and Abraham

        1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          B

        2. Jam0sh
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Probably B

      13. Kloppen Schloppen
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Have Luiz, Jones, Bavies, RLC, Sterling and Otamendi.

        Otamendi not playing, and the rest are suspect. Yikes.

        Or, all could be declared fit / not rotated / left in the cold (Luiz...).

        Feast or famine.

      14. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Which is the best long term change?

        A) Diouf > Murray

        B) Monreal > Zappacosta

      15. Iinvin
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Zaha or Fabregas?
        Considering their strong upcoming fixtures

        1. UnitedFan
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Zaha

        2. Lee8686
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Zaha...will be playing as CF for a little while longer

      16. Bobadoba
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Aguero to Morata?

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          No

        2. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Nah

          1. Bobadoba
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            Thanks

      17. RVP20
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        On a wildcard. Is this team G2G?

        Pope - Elliot
        Jones - Daniels - Dann - Mee - Duffy
        Salah - Sane - Richarlison - RLC - Carroll
        Kane - Lukaku - Morata
        0.1ITB

        1. Mulla
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Very nice..

        2. Cornholi0
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Beautiful

      18. Mulla
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Defence a bit dodgy this week,

        Mee. Moreno. Simpson(MCI) Lascelles* Jones*

        1ft & 0.1 itb

        Would u.....

        A) Lascelles >> Dann (can't afford Daniels )
        B) Simpson >> Duffy (possible price fall & rise)
        C) Something else ????

        Thanks

      19. Dananz
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        OK, so this is my latest crackpot scheme. It'll take a couple of weeks and some hits to get to:

        De Gea (vc)
        Bellerin, Azpilicueta, Jones, Kolasniac
        Salah, D Silva, Fabregas, Coutinho, Sterling
        Kane (c)

        Pereira, Niasse, Crouch, Mariappa
        0.0 ITB

        Worthy?

        1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Ew.

        2. Mulla
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Bonkers haha