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. makaveli70
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    play one:
    1-Ogbonna
    2-Kenny

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Kenny

    2. GreenArrows
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Same issue, I think Kenny

  2. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Look Ok?

    Foster
    Ota Vert Maguire
    Salah Sterling Poggy Son Arnie
    Kane(c) Firm
    Elliot Kenny Ayew Masuaku

    0ft 0itb

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Very good. Very to Jones IMO

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Vert*

    2. Homer21
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Pretty much like every other team on here, and yes it does look good

  3. Pigs in Blankets!!!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    All, which is more nailed for regular minutes?
    1) Gomez
    2) Robertson
    3) Other options???

    Only have the £4.8m funds.....

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Tough one.
      Probably Gomez.

    2. Rsforstar
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      robertson

  4. KLOPPTOMANIA
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 3 months ago

    Who I need Utd would Sanchez take the position from?

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Maybe Martial or Lingard?

    2. MTPockets
        6 years, 3 months ago

        No idea, but others have mentioned potential impact on Mata, Martial, Lingard.

      • KLOPPTOMANIA
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Yea thinking as a Lingard owner may be time for switch but maybe wait and see

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

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

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

      1. DV8R
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Not sure about Ibe though

      2. Homer21
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Worth a go, bournmouth concentrating on league so ibe could be good

      3. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        I think there is better value to be had than selling Eriksen and Richarlison combined, to give a very good midfield without Ibe but with Alonso

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

          Eriksen-> Mahrez. Richarlison-> Shaqiri maybe?

          1. Hotdogs for Tea
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Shaq, Lingard, Ramsey, Zaha ... if you get two in this price range or even squeeze in Mahrez, you can afford Alonso as well ?

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

              If I bring in Alonso for Otamendi and just hope Christensen plays the next few.. Risky tho.

              1. Hotdogs for Tea
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                All of the Chelsea CBs are now fit (Cahill minor muscle issue), it is a rotation nightmare and a lot of money in Christensen to have benched, so wouldn’t sell Ota before Christensen.

                I would plan the next few weeks moving out Christensen (if he gets rotated) Richarlison Eriksen RLC and bringing in Alonso, Mahrez and whom ever else you can afford ?

      4. spatel2
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Id rather CalvinL for Awey or Wilson - save IFT for potential blank coming up in gw 28

      5. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        CL has to go though

    4. R.C
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      should I get Sane in instead of Alli this GW?

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        If nothing else pressing, yes

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

        Yeah medium term it's a better move

      3. bench boost for every gamew…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        i wouldn´t recommend it-)

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

        short-medium term yes until Jesus is back

      5. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Alli nailed, Sane .... umm .... not sure

        Alli plays GW28, doubt Sane will

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

        just swapped Alli to Sane. He starts scoring

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

      Since GW 18 my OR has gone:

      GW 18 - 281.3K
      GW 19 - 233.9K
      GW 20 - 176K
      GW 21 - 168.1K
      GW 22 - 164.2K
      GW 23 - 126.1K

      Hoping GW 24 pushes me near top 100K, aiming to beat last years PB of 86K, this is my 3rd season

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Nice run 🙂

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

        Congrats mate great work

      3. Homer21
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Always good to see the green arrows!

      4. spatel2
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Similar improvement since gw 18:
        GW18 735,460 £103.2
        GW19 714,453 £103.6
        GW20 495,814 £104.1
        GW21 386,862 £104.6
        GW22 354,307 £104.3
        GW23 235,648 £104.9

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

        keep up the good work!

    6. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Top of the morning to you ladies and gentlemen!

      Would you mind awfully if I captain Mane this week ?

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Go for it - good luck!

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Thank you sir!

          I see 33 other fine fellows have succumbed to is charms in the captain poll.

          1. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Or you have voted 34 times 😉

            1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              🙂

      2. GreenArrows
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Could be a good differential

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          I'll be fine 'n dandy if he outshines Salah this week.

      3. Homer21
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Carry on

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Camping. tx.

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

        Yeah he's a streaky player and you get to watch him on Monday. But comes with risk with all the kane captainers

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Hopefully Saints can show some of their old solidity at home.

          They weren't devoid of promise last week.

    7. Cheshire Duck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Pick one to bench :
      A- Bellerin
      B- Stones
      C- Alonso
      D- Van Dijk
      E- Smalling

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

        What's your team? Expensive looking bench

      2. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Guessing this is draft?

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

        Is that really your defence

      4. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        A

      5. Cheshire Duck
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Yes this is draft, would be too expensive

    8. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      What to do with this lot for this GW? 2FTs, 0.5 itb

      DDG
      Ogbonna Christensen Otamendi Vertonghen
      Sterling Salah Arnautovic Son
      Kane Firmino

      subs: Speroni Mee DCL RLC

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

        Would take time to replace rlc think he's out a few months then roll the ft

      2. GreenArrows
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        DCL > Quaner, use cash elsewhere ie christensen

    9. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      (C)alah or (C)terling?

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

        Salah out of those 2

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

        Tough but salah from a biased Liverpool fan

    10. St. Joseph
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Salah missing training put me off to (C) him

      Should be kane / sterling this gw

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

        Kane!

      2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Missed training! 😯

        Hmmmm.

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          He has a sniffle

          1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            What's the severity of the sniffle?

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Enough to be told to sit out training with two other players

    11. FPL ElasticO
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      I am looking to save my FT...... What do you guys think??

      Fabianski
      Alonso/ Azpi/ Jones/ Otamendi
      Arnie/ Sterling/ Son/ Salah/ Lingard
      Kane(c)

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

        gtg, hold

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

        100% save

      3. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        depends on your bench

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

      Keep Pope or not? 5.7 itb if Pope ditched

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

        Have you got a back up keeper?

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

          no, elliot won't start I'd guess

    13. Delusional
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Hey there. My team is -

      Pope
      Christensen, Jones, Otamendi, Vertognen
      Sterling, Salah, Arnautovic
      Kane, Firmino, *Morata*
      (Speroni, Ogbonna, Gross, RLC)
      2ft, 0.2itb

      I'm set on Morata to Kun but I need 1.2 to fund it. Not sure what to do.
      Maybe Gross to a 4.4 (Romeu, Carrol)
      Or Vert to a 4.8 (???)

      Any guidance warmly appreciated.

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        3 up top is not good value, lots of mids and forwards outscoring the forwards for much less ££££ - perfect time to lose your 3rd striker and go big in midfield where the value is ?

        1. RamaJama
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Agree, downgrade Morata and upgrade gross or rlc to Son, Pogba, Lindgard, Mahrez ett.

          1. RamaJama
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Etc

            1. Delusional
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Interesting. I guess I'm blinded by how good I see Agueros prospects. Food for thought. Cheers.

        2. Going Home
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Disagree - my Kane, Firmino, Aguero front three is scoring excellently and the mf (Lanzini, Sterling, Salah, Lingard) is more than holding its own. Each to their own

          1. Hotdogs for Tea
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Maybe, but three up top means you are paying for it elsewhere ? no Alonso and probably a weak defence and cheap 5th mid? ... like Pope (Elliot) combo,
            Kenny Ogbonna Mee
            RLC etc

            1. Going Home
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              No Alonso, but Otamendi and Jones at the back. Obviously a cheap fifth mid, but no different to a cheap third forward if you play five in midfield as they warm the bench (and, before the injury, RLC was getting more consistent points than a 4.5m forward). Like I said, each to their own, but while Jesus is out, there are three nailed and excfellent forward options

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

        if you still want Aguero, then Morata+Firmino -> Aguero+Wilson,
        but I would say Morata+Gross -> Wilson+Mahrez is better, don't play with 3 premium forwards

        1. Going Home
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Why not? Until Jesus is back Kane, Kun, Bobby looks delicious

      3. Dreaming of glory
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Vert > kenny
        Morata > kun

        Then switch from 3 upfront after u see how kun goes in the next 2

        1. Delusional
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Yuss.

        2. Going Home
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Like this

    14. vova
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Any transfers I should be looking to make or G2G?

      Pope Elliot
      Alonso Jones Schindler Ogbonna Dunk
      Salah Eriksen Sterling Lingard Carroll
      Kane Firmino Ayew

      0 ITB
      1 FT

      Cheers 🙂

    15. Manumana
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Gtg ?

      Hennessy
      Alonso Vertongen Jones
      Salah Sterling Marhez Arnautavic
      Kane C. Firmino Wilson

      Speroni Kenny Obgonna RLC

      Thx

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

        Yes. Nice team.

      2. The Wanton Trader
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        I like it a lot...

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

        Looks very good.

    16. Bat Man
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Alli to Sterling for a hit?

      1. Bury94
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Not this week no

        1. Bat Man
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Thanks

    17. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Best replacement for RLC:

      A) Lewis Cook
      B) Tcarroll

      Cheers

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

        If no extra cash I would go for TC or maybe McArthur.
        I am looking at maybe punting on Ibe at 4.8.

        1. Going Home
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          McArthur is a good shout. I have 0.1 ITB but as I have a front three of Firmino, Kane and Aguero I don't really want a benching headache so the cheaper the better

          1. Delusional
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            I have the same issue and I've arrived at Oriol Romeu. Looks like a regularly playing bench fodder enabler.

    18. Steiner
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Foster
      Daniels, Otamendi, Alonso
      Sterling, Young,Lingard, Salah GroB

      Kun, *Kane*

      Grant, Rosenoir, Mee, Naisse

      1 Free transfer
      £0 ITB
      Wildcard available.

      Any suggestions? Want to get Arnie in but can’t seem to do it without losing key players!

    19. barracuda
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Morning folks, Swansea v Liverpool prediction?

      0:4

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

        1:3
        Liverpool loves to concede on the road.

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

          True that plus Ayew in good form

      2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        0-6

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

        2:1

      4. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        1-1
        Swans have tightened up, lost just once in the last 5 in all competitions, all 4 CBs and Naughton are fit, expect 3 CBs and five across the middle to clog things up, Ayew on the break and Bony to beast the Pool defence

    20. ShaunGoater123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Was planning on moving Christensen on for Stones for a -4 but now have the RLC news. what would you do here:

      A) Christensen > Stones -4
      B) Christensen & RLC > Danilo & Albrighton -8
      C) RLC > Sako - 4

      I have Depoitre as my 3rd striker who i was rotating with RLC. 0.6 ITB

      Thanks,

      1. thomashl
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Why would you want to move Christensen for a hit? Chelsea is great at clean sheets if nothing else atm. And for a similiar-priced def from city? Nothing that can't wait, given that CHE plays Brighton this week.

        If anything, C. But avoid the hit if possible. Think like this: Will Sako(-4) outscore Depoitre this week?

        Good luck, mate!

        1. ShaunGoater123
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 3 months ago

          Sorry i should have mentioned I have Alonso aswell

          It's more that I'm worried Depoitre won't play, but to be fair you make a good point! I can't see Sako getting too much given his fixture.

          Cheers for the reply!

          1. thomashl
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 3 months ago

            Aha, I see. Yes, I own Depoitre as well, it's not fun. Other moves I've considered:

            Depoitre -> Wilson (seems in decent form)
            Mid -> Ibe or Ox if you need cash

            1. ShaunGoater123
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 3 months ago

              Yeah I'm looking to move him on. do you think he'll play this weekend?

              Wilson seems a good alternative i think

              1. thomashl
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 3 months ago

                I don't know, seems impossible to predict... moving D on for a hit seems like a worthwile thought, feels like just having him is like -2 every week lol.

                Jordan Ayew is also picking up owners, but personally I'd rather have Wilson for a Bournemouth side that at least scores SOME goals.

    21. Tomcooper9
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Best Pope replacement:
      A) Pickford
      B) Heaton (when he returns)

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        B) Ward coming back soon helps.Shame they picked up defensive injuries recently, but the A team should be reunited soon.

    22. Gearoid
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Who do I downgrade in mid to boost defence? Thinking either Erik or Mahrez or Son to Arnie and the upgrade either Marriappa or Holgate.

      DDG Elliott
      Ota Mee Robertson Holgate Marriappa
      Salah Sterling Lingard Ericksen Son
      Kane Firmino Quaner

      Thanks all

      1. thomashl
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        I'm considering moving Son after this gw. Three tough ones coming up for Spurs.

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

        *Erik to Mahrez

    23. lasmons
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Courtois
      Otamendi - Gomez - Mee
      Salah - Sterling - KdB - Arnie
      Kane(C) - Firmino - Wilson

      Elliot - Zeegelaar - Duffy - RLC*

      Good to go? Will ship RLC next week if he is out for a long time.

    24. Patch
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Already have DDG, Jones and It's...at this point the boat has truly sailed for Alonso...

      Is that realistic view or I should still pursue?

      Either Alonso or aim for Mahrez...

      1. Duffy Dunk
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Try getting Alonso

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

          I also have Ota...am I defence too heavy or is it usually the case when fixtures get congested etc that we should be relying on heavier defence mode...

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

      Need a keeper.

      Karius or Pickford? (I have Kenny)

    26. anish10
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      RLC owners - you planning to keep or swap out?

      Seems a waste of a transfer but useful having a playing sub.

      1. Jon Bones Jones
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 3 months ago

        Sell next gw. He could be out for the rest of the season.

    27. Stokelona
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      Morata on a suspension, Morata to Lacazette for free?

    28. spatel2
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 3 months ago

      GTG?
      0ft 1.7itb

      DDG
      Alonso (VC) Jones Christensen Ota
      Salah Sterling Son Arnie
      Kane (C) Wilson

      Elliot Lingard Ogbonna Quaner

      Thx