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. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Any one honestly think Kun will start (ahead of Jesus) after the week he has had and Pep with an eye Feyenoord on Tuesday in the CL?

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

      It was just a dizzy spell and has returned to full training apparently,don't know what all the fuss is about.

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Fuss?

        Pep Guardiola

      2. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Flight to Moscow, clock 3 hours forward, play game.
        Flight to Krasnodar, play game, collapse in a dizzy spell at half time.
        Trip to hospital, lots of tests.
        Flight to Moscow.
        Flight to Manchester with 3 hours time difference.

        Leicester on Sat.
        Feyenoord on Tuesday.

        Kun would have played 5 games in 17 days (plus the Russia debacle) if he plays the next 2 games .... or Pep keeps him fresh by benching against Leicester ?

        Pep could do anything but ... I wouldn’t be selling Jesus for Kun this week 😉

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          This. And Jesus stayed in UK

    2. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      It's a complete lottery. No one knows except Pep. Anything could happen.

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

      I think they both (Kun and Jesus) could easily start

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

      I think he won't start, but he will come in like around 65

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

      Depends. What did City doctors say to Pep. What did Agüero talk to Pep about. Is Sterling fit or will Jesus play right winger? Does he really need to start Agüero over Delph in the striker role vs. Feyenoord at home?!

      No one knows.

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Agreed no one knows, but you still need to make a valued judgement whether too buy, sell, keep, bench, Captain ... I don’t own him 🙂 but he is on my watch list but not this week for me

  2. JariL
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone with Elliot as the only playing GK considering a hit for Pope/Speroni?

    I'm considering it for Speroni. Might not pay back this GW but my reasoning is that I might never have a FT that I can waste on a 2nd GK and thus the hit should pay off in long-term?

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

      Same dumping Krul for Speroni for a hit. With Sakho playing Palace are solid.

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

      I might also do this. Could realistically play him next 6. Also will Elliot play this weekend after family bereavement?

    3. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Or Begovic?

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

        Speroni is cheaper, Palace have better fixtures over a longer period and are more solid at the back now

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

    Aguero non-owners do you feel confident going without him for next 4 ?.

    lei hud SOT WHU.

    I think he will start 3 and could do serious damage given the form he is in. 8 goals nd 3 assists in 7 starts .

    He missed 2 games through rib injury and didnt feature in one as he played 120 mins midweek. So in fairness he only didnt starr against bournemouth when fully fit abd fresh.. Still believe he is the main striker for city this season.

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

      I'd like to have him but not sure I will

    2. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I'm never comfortable not owning Aguero but I don't like the rotation risk with him. I've got Kane, Morata and Lukaku so hopeful that they will do alright too.

    3. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Crapping myself......

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Me too but that’s because I don’t have Morata

        Gulp

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

          Neither do I 😆

          But I have Naughton, Hegazi, Mbemba, RLC, Carroll & Vardy so should be fine 😎

          #doesWelbeckcoverSanchez16/17

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            #Jafsnailedfor22pointerGW

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

              Improvement of last GW then 😎

    4. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Doubt he will start v Leicester, will get injured v Feyenoord and miss the next 2 games ... no worries 😉

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

      Fancy him to start the two home prem games...Jesus likelier starter next two away games if we thinking Kun gets the midweek euro game

  4. theroadrunner
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    is francis nailed on or is adam smith a threat to him?

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

      nailed

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Nailed I think.

    3. GivetNgog
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Fairly nailed, he usually plays at CB ahead of Cook (or in a 3) if Smith plays...

    4. Home Late From Age
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      He's the team captain, isn't he?

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

      From tteam news
      "The back four of Simon Francis, Steve Cook, Nathan Ake and Charlie Daniels may also stay unchanged, with Adam Smith offering another option at right-back"

      He's started last seven matches, but I'd say he's a rotation risk come Xmas season

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

      Team captain yes, but whichever defender I generally go for falls out of favour. I have exact 8.8 and need 2 4.4 defenders. Francis and Dunk the way to go?

  5. QuintonFortune25
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    When deciding between Hazard or Morata for the December fixtures, is Morata having to play three games a week a major concern? Given Conte said before he cannot play that many games due to injury? Therefore could Hazard be a more secured option?

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

      I would think so Bats will get some minutes over this fixture pileup

  6. lasmons
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Speroni
    Mee - Azpi - Moreno - Daniels
    KdB - Sane - Salah - Richarlison
    Kane(C) - Morata

    Elliot - RLC - Duffy - Niasse

    Think this is my final WC draft.
    Would you do any changes? Or good to go?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Good, Newasses first in bench

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

        Will do. Thanks!

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

      Great looking team

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

        Cheers!

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

      Nice I'd fancy Haz over KDB tho and some ManU D like Bailly

  7. Cocky Spaniel Alves
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Morning lads.

    Which wildcard structure makes more sense to you?

    A) 3-5-2 / 3-4-3

    DDG / Speroni
    Azpi Mee Gomez / TAA & Dunk
    Salah Sane Sterling Richarlison / Gross
    Kane Morata / Abraham

    In defence if Gomez doesn't play TAA comes in for him.
    In attack you choose one out of Gross and Abraham based on form/fixture.
    Speroni and Dunk would normally be on the bench.

    B) Flexible for all formations

    DDG / Elliot
    Azpi Daniels Mee / Dann Moreno
    Salah Sane Sterling Richarlison / RLC
    Kane Morata / Niasse

    So you'd normally choose one out of Niasse, RLC, Daniels, Mee, Dann and Moreno based on fixture / form.

    So basically A allocates a little more budget on the 5th mid and 3rd attack whereas B focuses more on the defense.

    Any thoughts appreciated!

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

      Prefer b

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

    Morning guys. What would you do with this team?

    Pope
    Jones, Mee, Stones
    Alli, Silva, Choupo-Moting, Richarlison
    Kane, Jesus, Vardy

    subs: Elliott --- Davies, Dunk, Stephens --- 1.3 ITB, 1 FT

    A) Jesus -> Lukaku/Morata
    B) Davies -> Daniels/Moreno
    C) Vardy & Choupo-Moting -> Abraham & Salah (-4)
    D) Save FT

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

    Who would u rather have over the Christmas period - Azpi or Morata?

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

      Can u get both?

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

        This. But probably Morata if I had to choose between one of them

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

      Both

    3. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Azpi for sure. Both CS potential and attacking returns.

  10. Clifford☯
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

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

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      What other players are involved in this?

      1. Clifford☯
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Davies to another defender upto 5.4.

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          You have money in the bank. Could get CD. Sounds pretty good imo

          1. Clifford☯
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            Cheers.

  11. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Vardy owners holding?

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

      Probably yes

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Leaning towards this aswell. No Otamendi, and West Ham next. Not really interested by the cheaper options, altough I'm not impressed by Vardy's returs lately.

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

      No. Sold him for Morata(c), for a hit.

    3. Essem
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Yes. Will prabably let him go for Morata after West Ham GW13.

    4. theroadrunner
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      selling for lukaku

  12. Sbee_10
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Fabianski
    Azpi-Ward-Jones*
    Grob-Sane-Sterling-Choupo
    Morata-Lukaku-Kane

    Bench
    Lowton-Dyer-Mbemba

    Gtg? and who do i captain?

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

    Still undecided who to bring in for Mbemba:
    a. Daniels
    b. Mee
    c. Moreno
    d. Dann
    e. Someone else (up to 5.0)

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      B

  14. Mikey44
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    A- Jones to Alonso (FT)
    B- Jones to Walker and Carroll to Richarlison (-4)
    C- Jones to Alonso and Carroll to Richarlison and Eriksen to Sane (-8)

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

      None?

      1. Mikey44
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Won't have a third defender if I don't remove Jones. Maybe Mbemba out for a Burnley defender as the FT?

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

          I like this a lot more

  15. Alex_thekid
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Which is the best combo on wc
    Speroni / Zaha or
    Pope / Shaqiry

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

      *Shaqiri

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

        Pope/Shaqiri

  16. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Where did that Mee price rise come from?!

  17. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Worth keeping hold of Aguero then?

    Who do I captain this week.

    Salah - Erikson - Aguero - David Silva - Kane?

  18. Badluck Jonathan
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Its 14 weeks since the season started and we've had 11 gameweeks. The next 11 gameweeks take place over less than 7 weeks.

    This really Is the most wonderful time of the year!

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

    Worth doing Monreal > Zappacosta for free?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn't want Zapa personally. As he's not nailed.

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

        Ok best £5.9 Chelsea defender don't think Luiz is anymore how about Rudiger?

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

          Christensen

        2. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Conte has started rotating the CB's so who really knows. Azpi looks the best value, even with the pricetag.

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

            Yeah he has think Moses is getting to come back to will wait for his presser

  20. Regin
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    any news on loftus cheek injury? will he start?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Also wondering this. Currently starting him.

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I posted a link yesterday from evening standard which is saying he is out. I have him too but hope this is wrong

    3. DAN DARE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Didnt train yesterday. Woy said wont know until today, maybe even tomorrow

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        If he didn't train yesterday it's sounds like he's out :/

  21. Regin
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    will jones definitely not play? Or Mourinho playing mind games again?

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

      I'm starting him but making sure I have my defence subs lined up properly

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

        This. He's unlikely to come of the bench in the real game.

    2. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      He will play

    3. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      He has pretty much started every game with a yellow flag. And not missed a single game this season.

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

        will he dare defy an orange flag? 🙂

  22. aidmata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Which front three scores higher this GW?

    Kane Lukaku (C) Vardy or Kane (C) Aguero Vardy

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

      Sorry - second one should be Kane (C) Aguero Morata

  23. IRBOX âš½
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Need a hit to field 11, most likely. Which option? 0.8 ITB

    a) Quaner > Niasse
    b) Otamendi > Daniels

    Foster
    Jones* Mee Moreno
    Salah Eriksen Sterling* Richarlison Brady
    Kane Aguero*

    Elliott Naughton Quaner* Otamendi*

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

      Think you should get 11 out as I suspect Sterling and Aguero should feature.

      Wouldn't make either move. Even if comes to it, playing with 10 for one week isn't the end of the world.

      1. IRBOX âš½
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Niasse is very appealing though

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

          If you want him and he strengthens your squad for the coming weeks, then go for it. But who would you drop? Brady?

          Just not worth taking a -4 purely for the sake of fielding 11 when you might get 11 anyway.

          1. IRBOX âš½
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            yep Brady who will seein become RLC. I dunno. I want 15 fairly nailed players for the busy upcoming festive season

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

              Is Niasse fairly nailed? Quite a bit of uncertainty, I guess, until the new manager is appointed.

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

      sterling and aguero will probably get game time, Jones may even surprise us...

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

    Press conferences why you no scheduled early?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Because Ozil is still asleep. Lazy sod 😆

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

        This

        #dreamingofmagicbeans

  25. Salarrivederci
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    How is this looking for the next couple of weeks?

    Speroni
    Jones, Aké, Dunk, Lowton
    Salah, Silva, Hazard, Richarlison
    Kane (C), Agüero

    (Elliot, Calvert-Lewin, Monreal, Carroll)

    0 FT
    0.5 ITB

  26. machickenz
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Any news on Clark, Gomes and Sterling starting?

  27. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Can anyone advise me replacement for Otamendi???

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Why?

    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Keep surely

  28. IRBOX âš½
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Foster or Elliott?

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Neither. -4 for Pope/Speroni for Foster?

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

        Agree - Foster to Pope -4 should pay off handsomely over a few weeks (if not this week).

  29. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Any news on Sterling???

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      he is ok

    2. Fozzyb34r
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      He's fine

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

      It's up against the dollar... Badum-tish

  30. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Just realize Jones has started all 11 games this season lol

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Fashionable delay for his injury spell