Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 146 – Closer

Granville and I get cosy on a two-seater sofa – within touching distance – just how he likes it.

In truth, my-host is getting too close for comfort: the mini-league gap is down to just 42 points, with Granville relentlessly chiping away at my previously unassailable lead.

We review Gameweek 16’s events, including my oh-so bitter Dzeko pill, before discussing De Gea’s uncanny form, the demise of Leighton Baines and my latest set-to with Jonty: are there better options than Diego Costa up top?

The regulars wrap themselves around that lot, while Granville, thankfully, keeps his hands to himself.

Snuggle up to the noise via this link or get up close and personal via the player below…

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

3,941 Comments Post a Comment
  1. HVT
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Chambers > Zab for free, any reason not to?

    1. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Nope, go ahead.

      1. HVT
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers CW I have Moore and could do him to Yun but that feels so so boring, I don't like Arsenals fixtures anyway and Zab has nice attacking stats.

        1. Chris_White
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah, I'd rather do Chambers to Zaba. Good move.

    2. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Go for it

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      not 1 I know. Maybe QPR next week 😛

      1. HVT
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        +1 but I need this weeks points this week Nabil 😉

        1. HVT
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          And if Kos returns chambers could be benched.

    4. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Good transfer there HVT.

      1. HVT
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks Innsie, did you email Champ with that (c)?
        Is it a secret?

        1. President John F. Keninnsie
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          I can email you it if you're interested. Don't have your email though.

          1. HVT
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Yea I'm always interested in an excellant players opinion especially when in finding it tough. I'll get my email to you

            1. President John F. Keninnsie
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Ok mate 🙂

              1. HVT
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                I've just sent Champ an email as I've played with him before (uefa stuff) so hopefully he will link us up, thanks I.

                1. President John F. Keninnsie
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Cool, not a problem 🙂

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

      Did the same on Wed.

      1. HVT
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        I think he will miss 1 but there's Definatley possibly 3cs for him in the next few games.

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

    I think being falsely accused of being Rickardinho is definitely my cue to log off...

    Some people just never fail to amuse me...

    Goodnight kids

    1. The Hound
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Uve got the same eyes

    2. SPorting
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I'll only believe it if you quit FPL too.

  3. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Best option (have 2 transfers)?
    A. Lukaku > Rooney/Giroud (keep Baines)
    B. Lukaku and Boyd > Giroud and Downing
    C. Baines and Lukaku > Rooney and Zab (and can upgrade mid next week)
    D. Baines and Lukaku > RVP and Demi

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

      A to Rooney

  4. FootballFanatic365
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    (punt)

    lukaku >

    a carrol
    b giroud
    c cisse
    d benteke
    e crouch
    f Kane

    ??

    1. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      f or a or b

      1. HVT
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        This ^

    3. The Hound
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I did giroud. He's looked good since he came back.

    4. Le Limpar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Kane for Xmas
      Caroll for a one-game fling
      Giroud for a 2 week bunk up

      1. FootballFanatic365
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        giroud i suppose will get more oppertunities from santi sanchez debuchz gibbs ?

        1. Le Limpar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Arsenal are creating the most chances in the league at the moment, but they have tougher fixtures with it...

          1. Shifty
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Why tough though. Not like any of their upcoming opponents are tight at the back.

    5. laGan1n1
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Big Ben

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

      B

    7. Sebbo29
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      for a 1-week punt? Carroll

    8. BobbyV
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      b

    9. Al Bundy
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Carroll!

    10. Tony Yeboah
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      A

  5. GK
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    All good to go chaps? 0.2m ITB

    Guzan (Jakupovic)
    Yun, Baines, Zaba (Wisdom, Clyne)
    Yaya (vc), Hazard, Sanchez, Downing (Siggy)
    Austin (c), Sakho, Costa

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

      Looks good Gk, although uncertain about this Austin (c) love in...

    2. Sebbo29
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      G2G, nice team

  6. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Sanchez (c) - show of hands please.

    1. Lambey
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      o/

    2. Le Limpar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Austin/Sanchez 50/50

    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Get out of 'ere. He's playing the mighty 'Pool

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

        In which case Sanchez (c) (c) (c)

        Who will ya back four be ya reckon BG?

        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Will probably be a back 3 (Skrtel, Yolo and Lovren/Sakho)

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

            😮

            Sanchez (c) (c) (c) (c) (c)

            1. Skipdipper
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              This!!!

    4. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      o/

    5. Podge
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      o/

  7. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Guzan

    Baines Azpi Cresswell

    Sanchez Eriksen Downing Hazard

    Austin RVP(c) Bony

    (Elliott. Siggy Yun Wisdom)

    Wakey > Christmas shopping > Pub....GTG ?

    1. HVT
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Yup, one of the most current teams I've seen on here.

    2. The Hound
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Skip Xmas shopping, leaves you more in the bank for pub.

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        T,other way around...I'm not a fan of pubs, this'll be the first time this year.

    3. HVT
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      TV btw?

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        107.0

        1. Shifty
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          😯

        2. HVT
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          :thumbs up:

    4. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      That's an awesome team. GTG Wakey.

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

    who to captain from:
    A) Rooney
    B) Hazard
    C) Costa
    D) Sanchez

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

      D

      1. the shadowz
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        none of those

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

          None of D?

          1. the shadowz
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            sanchez against Liverpool he wont score mate or even assist

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

              Useful info, thanks Shadowz....

            2. Skipdipper
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              How do you know this? Crystal ball?

  9. ManUtdFan_UK
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Which 3 defenders to play out of Naylor (Hull away), Jagielka (Southampton away), Clyne (Everton home), Yun (West Brom home)

    It's got to be a straight choice between Jagielka and Clyne right?

    1. the shadowz
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Play Naylor/yun/jags

    2. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      play Jags

  10. Koflok
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    No news yet? Being in different timezone kinda mess me up

    1. Sebbo29
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      News on who/what?

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

      Billy Gilmore saying Mirallas out for two weeks....

      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Don't you drag me into this 👿

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

          😆

  11. Just A Hat
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Whats this Ricardinho business?

    1. Andrew
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I was thinking the same, something about a guy quitting FPL, whats the big deal?

    2. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Rage quit FPL because he was too bothered by stats, had a rank of 5k and did 20 transfers. Has Hibbert (c) in his team now.

      1. Just A Hat
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        haha rage quit

      2. Skipdipper
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        So he threw his toys out the pram?

      3. Crystal
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Sounds unstable

      4. Sebbo29
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        cue mass injury of EVE DEF during warm-up and Hibbert hobbling in with a knock, simple tap-in and CS incoming

  12. Andrew
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Captaincy is tough this week, my options are :-

    A. Sanchez
    B. Fabregas
    C. Rooney
    D. Costa

    Who would you go for, currently on D

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

      A or C

      1. the shadowz
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        captain sanchez

        1. Andrew
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Are you a t1t? You have just said not to captain Sanchez above?

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

          This

    2. Skipdipper
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I'm deciding between rooney, Costa, hazard, Sanchez and Austin. Currently on Sanchez cos the bin dippers are woeful

      1. Andrew
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Lol @ bin dippers

  13. ragonian
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Quick question:

    If you've noticed your ML rival has taken hits this week, does it make you:

    A) More likely to take a hit or two yourself?
    B) Less likely to take a hit or two?

    I'm 4 puts behind my ML leader and he's on -8 this week....kind of makes me think it's an extra free transfer or two for myself?

    I could do - Baines, Guzan, Jedinak ==== DDG, Zab, Downing

    1. the shadowz
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      how do u know that your mini league rival has taken hits?....keep baines he will pay of sooner rather later

      1. ragonian
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        he's made 3 transfers this week - I guess I could just do Clyne > Zab and have an 8pt head start!

        1. the shadowz
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          yes that makes more sense, maybe that 8pt head start could be the difference at the end of the gameweek

      2. Skipdipper
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        On their team page tells you how many transfers they've made in the week

    2. Andrew
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      It makes me think about not taking one

  14. pompeyfan
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    For Chelsea fans - Bertrand Traore who's on loan at Vitesse, played brilliantly last night scoring 2 goals in a 4-0 win at Ajax. One for the future.

    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Will probably stay there for another season then be sold...

      1. pompeyfan
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        I would've thought so

    2. Willis.
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      lol

  15. Saniul
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Well, I never opened the team of the guy who was 4th in my ML until I noticed today it is a dead team. 😯

    A front 7 of.

    Sanchez Hazard Mata Eriksen
    RVP(vc) Aguero(c) Crouch

    Only if his defence wasn't shambles...

  16. slowboy16
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Sanchez, Yaya or Nasri?

    1. Skipdipper
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Sanchez

  17. white lightning
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    What combo will score more this week:
    (a) Hart & Chambers or
    (b) Guzan & Zabaleta

    (a) would sell Guzan for Hart
    (b) would sell Moore for Zabaleta

    Thanks

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      B imo

    2. Voodoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      B imo

    3. white lightning
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers boys.

  18. Skipdipper
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    B

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

      tl;dr

      1. Skipdipper
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

  19. Sarri-ball
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    What to do with bentake?

    Swap for giroud (rotation risk)

    Keep him good fixures nailed on but not doing much

    1. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I've ditched for Austin (frontline = Austin, Kane, Costa)

      1. Sarri-ball
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        I really don't know what to do with him.

        Never Thot of Austin.

        1. ViperStripes
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          I'm freeing up cash for Costa > RVP next week.

  20. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Play Dummett home or Naylor away?

    1. Sarri-ball
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Dummett for me

    2. Al Bundy
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I had planned Dummett with Sunderland attacking like school girls. Then I checked some tyne-wear stats and got a bit put off. Hull are awful, Swansea should be able to turn around their away form. Go Naylor

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

      Dum.

    4. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks!

  21. King Huth
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Repost... still stuck with this so call "good dillema"

    silva yaya sanchez hazard downing
    austin rooney kane

    with this front line who to possibly bench?

    A. Hazard
    B. Sanchez
    C. Who??????

    1. Skipdipper
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Kane just because of price. That's an awful dilemma to have each week!

    2. the shadowz
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      you got your self in a serious conundrum my friend but I would say bench kane

    3. Kevtheotter
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I don't envy you... If I had to pick Kane/Silva could be benched

    4. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Bench whichever is lowest in the Captain Poll - that gives you wisdom of the crowd.

    5. sho
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Would bench downing personally. I always favor a striker over a midfielder

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

      kane but reluctantly

  22. Kevtheotter
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    With a back line of

    Terry Baines Clyne Yun and Bruce

    Clyne on 4 yellows and although I can save the transfer this week if he gets booked surely I'll have to ship him so why not now to a city def?

    It's for free.... Don't know whether to save or hit the button

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

      Save FT if can, might be other bigger issues next week?

      1. Kevtheotter
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Like a suspended defender? Surely saving incase of problems is the wrong way to play this game..

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

          If he (Clyne) doesn't get a YC and Terry gets sent off? Then you have a FT to sort Terry and can still play Clyne for another week or more?

          I take the attitude of if I can field 11 (+1 bench min), I save my FT, as You will always have issues down the line to sort.

          Just my opinion.

          1. Kevtheotter
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Cheers mate appreciate it. Haven't decided what to do yet

    2. DF
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Clyne to Zabaletta is good in my eyes

  23. JasonG123
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Play one (note I'm already playing Foster):

    (A) Yun (WBA)
    (B) Wisdom (qpr)
    (C) Dummett (SUN)

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

      Yun

    2. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

      A

    4. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      a

    5. JasonG123
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Wow. Overwhelming for Yun. I was actually going to do with Dummett but I will yield to the majority here.

  24. mitro
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Captaining sanchez = Liverpool's defensive performance of a lifetime?

    1. Podge
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Probably, that or they concede 6.

  25. BBC_TF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Question 1

    A - Rooney + Siggy -> Bony + Eriksen
    B - Fer + Sanchez -> Eriksen + Sterling

    Question 2
    A - Eriksen
    B - Sterling

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Q1 Neither
      Q2 Eriksen

  26. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Costa to RVP (and Captain RVP) for a hit is tempting.....

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Im looking at this too

    2. Skipdipper
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Why all the rvp captain love?
      Villa at home been pretty stingy and his 100% shot to goal ratio is unsustainable

      1. money face bandwagon
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        its still better than most captain options available for this week

        1. Skipdipper
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Sanchez v bin dippers leaky defence?
          Austin at home?

          1. money face bandwagon
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            westbrom has 1 of the best away record..pool at home is not as leaky and arsenal away is not outstanding.

  27. Voodoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Bertrand, Henderson and Rooney to

    Zaba, Yaya & Kane (-8)

    Worth it?

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

      -8 not worth it esp if plyrs will play only if injured

    2. DF
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Close one that. I reckon it could turn a red arrow grey.

    3. grapesland
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Probably just

  28. Kazza_
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Is the below moves worth -4?

    Dzeko > Kane
    Sigg > Nasri / Silva / Erikisen / Sterling

    1. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Just do D > K.

    2. the shadowz
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      bring in kane and sterling

  29. DF
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Panti.
    Bertrand. Terry. Zabaletta.
    Yaya. Sanchez. Downing. Hazard.
    Costa. Austin. Kane.

    Krul. Siggy. Wisdom. Naylor. (0.7itb, 0ft)

    That's where I'm at. So, any love for a Bertrand to Demi hit? And...any offence caused by Yaya(c).
    Or...gtg?

    1. Skipdipper
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Sanchez captain

  30. dudload
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    bony for el capitano?