Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 246 – Smashing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you’re a traditional type, you can acquire the mp3 audio version via this link on the first player below, or take in the full visual experience via the second player below.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

2,779 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Alonso-> Christensen. Richarlison-> Ibe (Exact money)?

    Lloris.
    Christensen, Kenny, Otamendi.
    Sterling, Salah, Richarlison, Arnautovic, Eriksen.
    Kane, Firmino.
    Speroni, Ogbonna, Mee, Calvert- Lewin.
    2ft, 0.3m..

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

      No don't lose Alonso.

      1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Think he means Chris -> Alonso, as Ibe is cheaper than Rich,

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

            Thought that made no sense 🙂

      2. Lucky Z
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Assuming it is Chri => Alonso, yes

      3. Joggers Nipple
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        If Alonso move the other way then yes

      4. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Yes, although I don’t trust Ibe when you are playing him every week

        • Sz21
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Cheers thanks all.

          Think I will go ahead with it.
          More issues to deal with next GW then. Rushed to type on the subway or maybe just too excited to get Alonso.
          Christen->Alonso. Rich-> Ibe I meant

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

        really need your advice for my line up
        4-3-3
        GK: Adrian (Pickford)
        DEF: Otamendi Robertson Jones Davies (Masuaku)
        MID: Sterling Salah Arnie (Coupa-Moting Albrighton)
        FWD: Aguero Firmino Vardy
        could i change
        Arnie > Lanzini/Mahrez
        Aguero > Kane
        Pickord start & Adrian sub???

        1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Pickford over Adrian.
            Wouldn’t sell Kun this week, although I prefer Kane.
            Don’t sell Arnie.

        2. The HurriKane
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Done...

          Pickford
          Kenny Ota Alonso
          Salah(vc) Sterling Lingard Arnie Albrighton
          Firmino Kane(C)

          Adrián Ogbonna Quaner Dunk

          G2G??

          1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
              6 years, 3 months ago

              G2G

            • kj3llern
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              G2G

            • The HurriKane
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Ok, thank you and good luck for both of you! 🙂

          2. Vasty Deep
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Is chilwell still nailed on at Leicester, now with Fuchs back??

            1. We Will Klopp you
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Yes

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

            Thoughts on what to do this week? 1FT 0.4ITB
            Best Gross replacment?

            DD, Elliot
            Alonso, Kenny, Masuaku Ogbonna, Naughton
            Salah, Sterling, Arnautovic, Lingard Gross
            Kane , Aguero, Niasse

            Cheers

            1. We Will Klopp you
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Aguero is hurting you imo. Could wait a week and see if you're willing to downgrade him to upgrade Gross and a defender. Or if another option comes to light

            2. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                6 years, 3 months ago

                No good replacement for that money unless you fancy Ox.
                Save

            3. kj3llern
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Wondering What to do here.

              Adrian
              Cresswell - Azpi - Otamendi
              Lingard - Arnoutovic - Sterling- Son- Eriksen
              Kane (C) - Vardy

              Bench: Elliot - PVA - McBurnie - Hegazi

              I have 2FT and 0 in the bank.

              A: Elliot and Eriksen for Pickford and Ox
              B: Vardy and Eriksen for Wilson and Sanchez
              C: Something else, love a suggestion.

              1. We Will Klopp you
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Try and get Salah in for Eriksen, maybe via a Cresswell downgrade?

                1. kj3llern
                  • 8 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  Could do Son and Vardy for Salah and Wilson. I like Eriksen.

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

                Eriksen and Vardy to Mahrez and Firmino.

                1. Big Test Icles
                  • 10 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  I got in Vardy this week, why are you shipping him out?
                  On penalties and easy fixtures coming up...maybe get mahrez too and save the other transfer?

            4. Gruu
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Who to get first? Already have Salah

              A. Firmino
              B. Mahrez

              1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  Firm, although most on here will probably say Mahrez

                • We Will Klopp you
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  Both good, A for me

                • The HurriKane
                  • 10 Years
                  6 years, 3 months ago

                  It depends. Can you say your team, pls?

              2. We Will Klopp you
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                Will phrase it as poll before I decide.

                A) Keep Pope, Mee and Aguero (Double West Ham defence starts this gw for me)

                B) Pickford, Azpilicueta and Firmino -8 in (Avoid double West Ham defence, Kane(C))

                1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                    6 years, 3 months ago

                    Pick and Azpi are obviously better choices than Pope and Mee this week (although Burnley have some nice fixtures coming up)
                    I think it all depends on whether you believe Aguero will go crazy over the next two.
                    Either way Kane as captain this week imo

                    1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                        6 years, 3 months ago

                        I think WH will concede

                    2. kj3llern
                      • 8 Years
                      6 years, 3 months ago

                      A

                    3. The HurriKane
                      • 10 Years
                      6 years, 3 months ago

                      A. I prefer the players in B but not for a -8

                    4. Metropolis
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 6 Years
                      6 years, 3 months ago

                      A for me. Can you just do Pope to Pickford?

                      1. We Will Klopp you
                        • 7 Years
                        6 years, 3 months ago

                        No unfortunately, 0 itb

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

                      I would keep Aguero and captain him

                      1. We Will Klopp you
                        • 7 Years
                        6 years, 3 months ago

                        Kane more reliable this gameweek for the C. Aguero hasn't been explosive as of late

                  • Nas
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 3 months ago

                    Pope
                    Otamendi cresswell fernandez
                    Sterling salah richarlison arnautovic rlc
                    Kane firmino
                    Elliot dunk kabasele niasse

                    A) Fernandez and rlc for alonso and shaqiri -8
                    B) Fernandez and rlc for mahrez and vvd -8

                    I've already done hazard and morata to firmino and arnie with my two ft.
                    Leaning towards A but concerned about shaqiri with a new manager

                    1. The HurriKane
                      • 10 Years
                      6 years, 3 months ago

                      A with Ox or Albrighton maybe.

                  • LSP
                    • 6 Years
                    6 years, 3 months ago

                    Gtg?

                    Pope
                    Kenny Jones Otamendi Alonso
                    Lingard Son Sterling Eriksen Salah
                    Kane

                    Bench: Elliott, Masuaku, DLC, Quaner

                  • Red Dagger ✪
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 6 Years
                    6 years, 3 months ago

                    Who will be the 3 top point scorers in FPL this season do you think...?

                    1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                        6 years, 3 months ago

                        Salah
                        Kane
                        KDB

                        1. Red Dagger ✪
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 6 Years
                          6 years, 3 months ago

                          Salah, Kane and KDB for me too.

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

                        Salah, Kane, Sterling/KDB

                      • Gobigorgohome
                        • 12 Years
                        6 years, 3 months ago

                        Salah
                        Kane
                        KDB

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

                        Morata
                        Lingard
                        Mee

                        1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                            6 years, 3 months ago

                            😉

                        2. Bad Kompany
                          • 6 Years
                          6 years, 3 months ago

                          Salah
                          Kane
                          Sanchez

                          1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                              6 years, 3 months ago

                              Bold prediction that you think Sanchez from now on will outscore Sterling by 50 points, KDB by 42 and Alonso by 34...

                              1. Bad Kompany
                                • 6 Years
                                6 years, 3 months ago

                                Sterling will be rotated and KDB will go back to playing to deep while Sanchez goes crazy on Man U(not at all biased if you know what I mean)

                                1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                                    6 years, 3 months ago

                                    Haha okay 😉
                                    I hope you are right !

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

                                  Son has outscored KDB by 23pts in last 9 game weeks

                                  1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                                      6 years, 3 months ago

                                      But Sanchez hasn’t......

                              2. Delhidynamo
                                • 9 Years
                                6 years, 3 months ago

                                Kane
                                Salah
                                Aguero

                            • Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                                6 years, 3 months ago

                                What happened :(?

                                1. Red Dagger ✪
                                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                  • 6 Years
                                  6 years, 3 months ago

                                  Went to the Darkside for a bit it seems.....

                                2. BROOKLYN GOONER
                                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                  • 12 Years
                                  6 years, 3 months ago

                                  smoke break

                                  1. Red Dagger ✪
                                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                    • 6 Years
                                    6 years, 3 months ago

                                    Do you ever see the Always Cheating lads at the Black Horse BROOKLYNGOONER?

                                    1. BROOKLYN GOONER
                                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                      • 12 Years
                                      6 years, 3 months ago

                                      I haven't, but I've only been there a couple of times. Even though it's in my neighborhood, it's still about a mile walk. Was there in December and had an amazing spicy burger, so need to get back soon! 🙂

                              • Delhidynamo
                                • 9 Years
                                6 years, 3 months ago

                                Gimme some sweet validation bois

                                Pope
                                Otamendi Jones Alonso Chilwell
                                Sterling Salah Mahrez Arnautovic
                                ------Aguero(c)------Kane------

                                1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                                    6 years, 3 months ago

                                    No Bench, But XI looks good this week.
                                    Although I don’t trust Kun as captain, but I guess that’s why you brought him in

                                    1. Delhidynamo
                                      • 9 Years
                                      6 years, 3 months ago

                                      Quanarldo ,Robben LCheek , Maldiniappa

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

                                  Hennessey - Speroni
                                  Alonso - Otamendi - Jones - Ogbonny - Kiko*
                                  Salah - Sterling - Lingard - RLC* - Carroll
                                  Kane - Firmino - Vardy

                                  1 x FT, 1.7m ITB

                                  A. Deal with Kiko or RLC
                                  B. Save FT
                                  C. Other ideas?

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

                                    B

                                  2. Delhidynamo
                                    • 9 Years
                                    6 years, 3 months ago

                                    RobbenLC to all Brighton?

                                  3. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                                      6 years, 3 months ago

                                      Probably save.
                                      Although I think Oggy will concede.
                                      + Carroll isn’t exactly the best mid to have playing every week, but hard to find a decent replacement for RLC at that price

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

                                      What are your plans for keepers, Jaf? I have the same but might go Pickford at some stage. Thoughts?

                                    • Bad Kompany
                                      • 6 Years
                                      6 years, 3 months ago

                                      Save this week imo. Watch to see if Ox is nailed as he could be a good replacement and if Palace sign a new keeper

                                  4. FPL Doctor
                                    • 9 Years
                                    6 years, 3 months ago

                                    Hi guys,

                                    A - RLC --> Ibe

                                    OR

                                    B - DCL --> Wilson
                                    ??

                                    1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                                        6 years, 3 months ago

                                        B out of those.
                                        Although it seems like RLC will be out for a while; I just don’t trust Ibe

                                      • Geezer
                                        • 13 Years
                                        6 years, 3 months ago

                                        B

                                        1. Big Test Icles
                                          • 10 Years
                                          6 years, 3 months ago

                                          With king back, do you still think Wilson keeps his place?

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

                                      Lloris + DCL to Pickford + Vardy (-4)?

                                      1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                                          6 years, 3 months ago

                                          Who can you play instead of DLC this week?

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

                                            Kenny

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

                                              I would play Kenny.

                                              1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                                                  6 years, 3 months ago

                                                  Yeah play Keny and save imo

                                        • FPL Doctor
                                          • 9 Years
                                          6 years, 3 months ago

                                          Play Ogbonna OR Masuaku?

                                          Feel like despite lack of points, Masuaku has the 'eye-test' for a goal or assist. Thoughts?

                                        • RohanVaswani
                                          • 12 Years
                                          6 years, 3 months ago

                                          A) Courtouis Christensen TCarroll

                                          B) Pickford Christensen/VVD Ible

                                          C) Courtouis VVD TCaroll?

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

                                            Don’t like T Carroll

                                        • NATSTER
                                          • 13 Years
                                          6 years, 3 months ago

                                          Is it Sako who will earn a starting place on the absence of RLC ?

                                          I now have 1 attacker officially out for a while and another is no longer sure starter. What would you recommend ?

                                          .. KDB - Sterling - Salah - Lingard - RLC*
                                          .. Kane - Firmino - DCL*

                                          a) DCL ->> Wilson
                                          b) RLC + Lingard ->> Arnie + 5.2m MF (Iwobi / Xhaka / Sako / Milivojevic)
                                          c) RLC + Christensen ->> Arnie + 4.5 DF (Ogbonna / Dunk / Chilwell)

                                          1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                                              6 years, 3 months ago

                                              Tough to advice you without knowing your whole team. Which formation are you seeking to play?

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

                                                Thank you in advance. It now looks like this and I previously rotated DLC & RLC for 3-5-2 / 3-4-3

                                                Foster (Speroni)
                                                Alonso - Ota - Christensen (Mariappa, Rosenior)
                                                KDB - Sterling - Salah - Lingard - RLC*
                                                Kane - Firmino - DCL*

                                                1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                                                    6 years, 3 months ago

                                                    If you only have 1 Ft, I would do DCL to Wilson.

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

                                                      Thank you. I might have to lose 0.1m on RLC. 🙁

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

                                                C

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

                                                  Thank you. Which cheap DF would you suggest ?

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

                                                    Ogbonna

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

                                                      Cheers.

                                            • Geezer
                                              • 13 Years
                                              6 years, 3 months ago

                                              Pope (Elliott)
                                              Ogbonna Ota Jones (Duffy) (Naughton)
                                              Salah Sterling Son Arnie Lingard
                                              Kane (C) Firmino (DCL)

                                              1FT, and 2,7 M in the bank.

                                              I’m thinking DCL and Naughton to J Ayew and Alonso for a hit.

                                              Should I do it or do something else?

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

                                                I got Alonso in for a hit this week. He's essentially playing as a striker.

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

                                                  Cheers. Is Ayew the best replacement for DCL at max 5.3?

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

                                                    Depends if you want to play him every week.

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

                                                      No. Will play 3-5-2

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

                                                Those moves look good. I would get Alonso as soon as possible.

                                              3. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                                                  6 years, 3 months ago

                                                  Assuming you can’t do Naughton to Alonso without the other on?
                                                  Do it if you think Alonso will outscore Ogbonna by minimum 4. Usually not a fan of hits for players you won’t play, but transfers are good.

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

                                                    Yes. Need and extra 0.1 m

                                                    1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                                                        6 years, 3 months ago

                                                        Just tough fixtures coming up for Swansea and Abraham might be back.
                                                        But I guess you won’t be playing him anyway

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

                                                          Will be 1st sub. But I don’t want an 4,5 like Quaner and McBurnie

                                                • Bad Kompany
                                                  • 6 Years
                                                  6 years, 3 months ago

                                                  For some reason this article went to having 0 comments for me and even though I was logged in I couldn't comment on anything for a little bit. Did this happen to anyone else or was it just me?

                                                  1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                                                      6 years, 3 months ago

                                                      Everyone.
                                                      System was down for a bit

                                                      1. Bad Kompany
                                                        • 6 Years
                                                        6 years, 3 months ago

                                                        Okay. Was just checking to see if something was wrong with my old computer

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

                                                    For GW28, which GK would you prefer:

                                                    Begovic vs NEW
                                                    Lossl vs SWA
                                                    Fabianski vs bri

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

                                                      Begovic

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

                                                    Adrian Elliot
                                                    Christiansen Jones Kenny Ogbonna Otamendi
                                                    Doucoure Lingard Salah Son Sterling
                                                    Firmino Kane Vardy
                                                    Considering
                                                    Elliot>Max 5.6 and playing bench boost
                                                    1.) Bench boost?
                                                    2.) Max 5.6?

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

                                                    🙂

                                                    1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                                                        6 years, 3 months ago

                                                        TM, are you playing around with the servers again.....?

                                                    2. We Will Klopp you
                                                      • 7 Years
                                                      6 years, 3 months ago

                                                      Apologies guys, one of Morata's shot had hit the servers

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

                                                      i was on the bog and ffs is my go to site....i couldnt relax until it was back

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

                                                      where to spend the cash? 1ft 2.2mil

                                                      ddg (pereria)
                                                      alonso christ ota holgate(duff)
                                                      salah sterling son ling arnie
                                                      kane(dcl,quaner)

                                                      moves to make? under 7k or

                                                    5. jazzy30
                                                      • 6 Years
                                                      6 years, 3 months ago

                                                      Hi Guys, lloris to start over Pickford or not this gameweek??

                                                      1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                                                          6 years, 3 months ago

                                                          Yes

                                                        • PocketZola
                                                          • 6 Years
                                                          6 years, 3 months ago

                                                          no

                                                        • Eze Really?
                                                          • 9 Years
                                                          6 years, 3 months ago

                                                          Yes IMO.
                                                          A lot of money tied up with keepers?

                                                          1. jazzy30
                                                            • 6 Years
                                                            6 years, 3 months ago

                                                            yes..saving a transfer this week, will have two next week , and outwards are going the spurs players..

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

                                                        What are peoples thoughts on Kdb. Can see him run riot in at least one of the 2 next home games against Newcastle and WBA. Seems to be playing closer to forwards but I assume he will drop back if Silva back in. A lot of assist potential against teams who will be pushed back

                                                        1. Licious Lizard (delete acc)
                                                            6 years, 3 months ago

                                                            Great option for the next couple. Wish I had him, but Sterling seems better value if he can stay nailed.

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

                                                              I have gone both Kdb and Sterling. Aguero too expensive for me and I had to get rid of Hazard.

                                                          • NATSTER
                                                            • 13 Years
                                                            6 years, 3 months ago

                                                            I hope KDB will get handsome points as I will not switch to Kün and keep him running in my team.

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

                                                            Brought him in as my captain for the next two fixtures. Two blanks would be a killer but I'm like a dog with a bone on this!

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

                                                          Which option better this week and for long run
                                                          A) mee
                                                          B) Wilson - 4(quaner replacement)
                                                          C) djik - 4(dunk replacement)
                                                          D) shaq/ox - 4(rlc replacement)
                                                          Help plssss??? And why??

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

                                                            D with Ox worth to try. Wilson has two matches away and VvD would need time to suit the team

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

                                                              Y ox instead of shaq