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. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone getting problems with the site? I can't seem to read comments it's like know one replying to people's posts. No doubt I won't read the comments on this post if any.

    1. Rik Waller
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Click show replies, but you can't see this until you click it. You're welcome

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

        CLICK SHOW REPLIES.

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

      Maybe he can hear if we shout it...

    3. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      "_____ ____ _______"

    4. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Been happening to me the last couple of weeks, only on my phone tho, not the laptop

  2. The Wizard of Ozil
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    What you think about Trippier and Ritchie to Daniels and Zaha -4?

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

      I like

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

      Not a fan of this whole bournemouth clean sheet hype. Until they really get it together, i'd rather not personally. But i'd love zaha on my team

      1. The Wizard of Ozil
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Unfortunately I cant do 1 without the other. Actually I can do trip to Daniels. I'm not sure Daniels will keep a cleanie but he's attacking and he's nailed - Trip is tricky to own.

  3. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    @ Kane Lane

    http://prntscr.com/hbgfwb

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

      @TM you selling Otamendi or keeping

      i have him and tempted to keep & i don't think CB's will be rotated as Kompany is made of glass doub't will play too much

      what's your views

  4. JamieLauLFC
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    a) Duffy
    b) Moreno
    c) Gomez

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

      Tricky. Moreno for the roller coaster or Gomez if you think he can displace Lovren

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

    Jones (injured)
    Martina (injured)
    Otamendi (suspended)
    Kiko
    Daniels

    Martina to Mee for a hit? Don't like doing hits for defenders but it would probably be long term.

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

      Yes, Martina is useless and Mee is really good.

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

        There was 30 seconds he looked like he would start and he was super cheap.

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

      If its long term then its ok

  6. MagicMessi
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Hv Jones and Aguero doubts worth a hit or G2G?
    Speroni
    Mee jones.Naughton. Marriapa. Mbemba
    Salah Sane.richarlison. GroB. Fernandinho)(
    Kane. Agiero Lukaku
    O.5 itb

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

      I'd say g2g

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

    Fabianski
    Azpi, Moreno, Ward
    Salah, Sterling, Richarlison, RLC
    Aguero (C), Kane, Morata

    Subs: Otamendi, Carroll, Nordfelt, Hunemeir

    1 FT and 0.4m ITB.

    Save FT or can you see something else?

    Thanks

    1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Save this week. nice team, if chilwell cements a place you could get him in for hunny monster with your itb and have a playing bench over Xmas

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

        Thanks, definitely looking to get a full playing team over the next couple of weeks

    2. bellerWin
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Maybe Dummett for Hunemeir so you have a bench but otherwise Pope for Fab or save.

  8. Ready Manager One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Ways to improve this team? Have 2 FT

    Elliot
    Naughton - Creswell - Mee
    Richarl - Silva - Sterling - Salah
    Kane - Kun - Vardy
    (Foster; Carroll, Mbemba, Jones)

    1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      think vardy can be kept for next 2gws but you need to decide on going budget or 3 premium as he’s not worth the extra dollar dollar over tammy etc. for me

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

    @Kane Lane
    At the top the thread comments - click show replies in the green box.

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

    Otta & vardy out for a hit?
    Looking at bringing in daniels and either Lukaku or Morata?

    Pope
    Jones, Kola, Duffy, Moreno
    Eriksen, Salah, Richarlison,
    Jesus, Kane(c), Vardy,
    (Elliot, RLC, Carroll, Otta)

    Any suggestions?

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

      I would just save. Don't take a hit!

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

        If Jones doesnt play I may only have one bench player. Would you not consider any single transfer instead?

    2. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      i’d downgrade kola before ota (obv not this gw)
      I would save this week and choose one of the 2 you’ve suggested to bring in next week for free

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

        I had originally planned on the Kola downgrade a few weeks back. His haul put the brakes on that and the otta suspension got me slightly re-directed.

    3. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Save although those moves are good imo

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

    @kane lane
    You have fat ar*e

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

      Reply fail?

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

        I thought it was a new game

    2. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Your a smelly runt....
      Oh, you can see replies can't you?
      😳

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

        I can see them but I never reply

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

          Yeah, I'd noticed.

  12. Woy_is_back
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Any elliot news? Pope is probably rising tonight :/
    Would rather juat save a transfer.

  13. Gnu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Not a big fan of the 'rubbish sides' desciption.
    Sorry, sounds a bit naff. 🙁

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

    A) Morata + Choupo + Daniels

    or

    B) Niasse + Hazard + Stones

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

      A

    2. ScottyMaz12
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      A

  15. GW12 DS Stats and Clean Sheet Odds
    G-Whizz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    GW12 DS Stats, Clean Sheet and Fixture Odds.

    In the previous GW the Doosra Stats highlighted Spurs (618DS) at home to Crystal Palace. Thankfully as I had handed him his P45, Harry Kane does what he has done all season and blanked against "weak" teams at "home". Crystal Palace to be fair aren't the same poor side teams were facing two or even three game weeks ago.

    Everything else fell below 350DS but still came up with Everton's (309DS) lucky 3-2 win against Watford, Liverpool (249DS) won 4-1 away to West Ham and Chelsea (232DS) won 1-0 at home to Man United.
    http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/16874591

    GW12 DS stats:
    ARS: TOT -49
    BOU: HUD 145
    BRI: STK 204
    BUR: SWA 198
    CHE: wba 273
    CPL: EVE -115
    EVE: cpl 115
    HUD: bou -145
    LEI: MCI -313
    LIV: SOU 322
    MCY: lei 313
    MUN: NEW 273
    NEW: mun -273
    SOT: liv -322
    STK: bri -204
    SWA: bur -198
    TOT: ars 49
    WAT: WHM 10
    WBA: CHE -273
    WHU: wat 10
    (Doosra gives a more detailed explanation of these numbers here http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/16458109)

    GW12 Fixture Odds can be found here:
    http://prntscr.com/hbfwcu (Provided by Betfair.com)

    Clean sheet odds: Implied chance of a clean sheet
    Man Utd 1.66 60%
    Chelsea 2.0 50%
    Liverpool 2.10 48%
    Bournemouth 2.25 44%
    Man City 2.30 43%
    Burnley 2.50 40%
    Brighton 2.62 38%
    Crystal Palace 2.80 36%
    Watford 2.80 36%
    Stoke 3.25 31%
    Everton 3.40 29%
    Swansea 3.50 29%
    Arsenal 4.0 25%
    Huddersfield 4.33 23%
    West Ham 4.33 23%
    Tottenham 4.5 22%
    West Brom 5.0 20%
    Newcastle 8.0 13%
    Southampton 8.50 12%
    Leicester 11.0 9%
    (Provided by Betfair.com)

    Hopefullty that helps! Good luck everyone!!! Personally I'm torn between Dave and Romelu for my captain pick this week...

    G

    1. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      When you own a MU (Jones), Pool (Moreno), Bournemouth (Daniels) and Burnley (mee) back, this sure doesn't make it any easier to bench one! All things considered I wouldn't mind Jones not playing, saves me the potential regret 🙂

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Play with 4 at the back

        1. That Was Easy!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          I would not be wise to bench one of...

          Haz, Sterling, Mane, Zaha
          Murray, Kane, Lukaku

          1. The Overthinker
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            Mane might not start... Maybe....

            1. That Was Easy!
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 5 months ago

              It seems as if he will, being sharp and smiling in full training today. I would be more sure of Jones not starting, and I'd probably take 30 minutes of Mane too.

          2. Dr Van Nostrand
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            Bench Murray, I think Mane will start he was in full training yest

      2. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Who would come in for you if one didn't play?

        1. That Was Easy!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          I'll likely start Jones, Moreno and Daniels with Mee first on the bench to come in for him. Thanks as always for this, G.

          1. G-Whizz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            Looking at the fixture odds that would seem the way to go, but aren't Burnley REALLY strong at home?
            http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2017/11/16/the-technical-area-burnleys-backline/
            "It would certainly seem, therefore, that the Clarets’ defensive assets offer far greater potential for points when in front of their own fans."

            Sorry don't mean to confuse the issue further, you're probably right, not a decision I envy you making!

    2. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks G-Whizz as always. Been looking forward to this. Hope all is well.

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        You're most welcome! All good!!!
        Added fixture odds too this week hope that helps too *thumbs up*

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

      I read the explanation and I don't understand the plus and minus figures. The higher the number or minus number, the better ... but why does Leicester have the best home fixture with 313?

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

        They have the worst, with -313. Man city have positive 313. It's expected that city will win.

        1. G-Whizz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          This

        2. G-Whizz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          *one of the worse

    4. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      cheers GW

  16. cjhewitt92
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Alonso or Azpilicueta

    Surely left wing back will start attacking returns compared to centre back

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Been there, done that, I'll stick with Dave thanks!

        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Are you a West Ham fan?

          • 8 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          What are your thoughts on Andy Carroll as an option?

          1. G-Whizz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            Not for me, too injury prone and there are better options at that price bracket that may serve you better tbh...

              • 8 Years
              6 years, 5 months ago

              Cheers

        1. G-Whizz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Yes, what gave it away lol

    2. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Alonso

    3. Kanga roo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      He's due

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Due?
        A £7m defender that hasn't brought any attacking returns since GW2? Good luck with carrying on the wait at that price!

  17. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Any update on Harry Kane guys?
    Will he play on weekend?
    Thanks.

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

      Yes

  18. VardysParty
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Not sure who to captain:

    Salah - On form
    Aguero - Seems to have recovered, should play
    Kane - High scoring derby
    Morata - Looks to be picking up some form

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

    How about this -8pts then? ...I should probably step away from the transfer button but I want to get Salah in. Somehow.

    Cedric > Moreno / Duffy / Mee
    Cork > Zaha
    Sterling > Salah
    Joselu > Niasse

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

      Do you have other city attacking cover?

      Are all those necessary just to get one player in?

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

        I have Silva and Aguero.

    2. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Forget Zaha

  20. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Hi guys, please help me choose, which option is better?

    A. Kun+Bavies --> Kane+Moreno (-4) but only have 2 playing defender this week
    B. Joselu+Mbamba --> Niasse+Moreno (-4) with Kun as striker (rotation risk) but will strengthen my bench for long term

    Thanks, sorry repost.

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

      Do u have to take a minus 4?

  21. Astronautovic
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Elliot
    Jones mee naughton
    Richarlison zaha eriksen salah sterling
    Kun kane(c)
    Krul DCL simpson hühnemeier
    1.2itb
    I want to get a chelsea attacker. Is A) kun to morata or B) eriksen to hazard the better choice or should i save my transfer

  22. ScottyMaz12
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Either of these worth doing for free?

    a) Aguero > Lukaku
    b) Jesus > Morata

    Or should I go with my original plan of:

    c) Ritchie/Jesus > RLC/Lukaku (-4)

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

      Hard one maybe b?

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

      B

  23. bennyp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Is Vardy -> Morata for a -4 worth it?

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

      Maybe yes

    2. ScottyMaz12
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Can imagine Vardy scoring this week so would wait personally

  24. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    andre gray, worth a two game punt to see how he goes?

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

      Check his twitter account before bringing him in.

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

        😀

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

      Wilson/Niasse better picks imo

  25. FPL Mentor
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    RMT

    Elliot
    Jones Daniels Mee
    Sterling Coutinho Richarlson Groß
    Kane (C) Lukaku(vc) Aguero

    (Foster, Ward, Carroll, Mbemba)

    Good to go?

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

      Get rid of Aguero and upgrade your midline

  26. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    I have 2 players from city, united, Liverpool, spurs making a combination of a defender and a attacker

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

      Cool

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Story

        1. The Overthinker
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Bro

  27. HARLEY
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    GTG or should i wildcard this team?

    Elliot
    Kola Bavies Mee
    Salah Silva Ramsey Richarlison
    Kane(c) Aguero Joselu

    Foster Maguire Suttner Carroll

    1 ft 0.9 itb

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

      Why would you WC?

    2. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I’d hold it for now,

      Kola > Azpil/ Alonso

      Or

      Joselu > Niasse/Abraham

  28. @fpl_phenom
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    DDG
    Jones Ward Daniels
    Salah Sterling Richarl RLC
    Kane Lukaku Morata
    ———————————
    Elliot Naugh Carroll Hune

    0FT £1.0M ITB

    Thoughts on my team?
    Think il just run with this rather than taking a hit?....

    1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Nice team, no transfers
      Bench order correct, g2g

      future plans? sane for sterling? upgrade hunemeier?

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers for the feedback!

        Yes hoping to change hunny monster to a decent cheap playing defender next week. May also bring Carroll up to Fernandinho...

        Happy with Sterling ... if I ever lose a premium forward I will get Sane in Midfield but just can’t afford at the moment and have a full 15 man playing squad which is what I want for Xmas

  29. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Bench order right ?

    Niasse verto milivojevic

    1. Squires FC
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Yea

  30. Squires FC
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    How high do you think sane's potential is? He kinda reminds of a young c ronaldo when he first started consistently firing.

    1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      put the glue pot down. he’s good but I think salah will outscore him this season

      1. Squires FC
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Eh? Just saying, he really does