Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 150 – Costly

Granville and I raise out bats to the grandstand as the 150 comes up for the ScoutCast. Fittingly, we choose to spend the milestone episode moaning about Diego Costa, for very different reasons.

Chelsea’s “agro magnet” dominates discussion on the eve of an expected three-match ban that will end my love affair with the grizzled goal-getter. Meanwhile, Granville is left smarting from Costa’s 16-point Gameweek 22 haul as he does his best to make light of the 59-point chasm that now separates our teams.

Elsewhere, we glide through the ScoutCast regulars, whilst taking time out to lament Kevin Mirallas and his latest bout of Baines-bullying that robbed us both of belated returns.

Count the cost via this link, or pay your dues via the handy player below…

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

3,842 Comments Post a Comment
  1. davies
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Any better options in Punch's price range?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      No.

      1. Not Irish
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Nein.

    2. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Victor Moses says hello.

    3. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Walters?

    4. simsey
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Walters will play up front with Diouf and Bojan injured

      1. Super PVA - Small Spuds
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Diouf injured?

        Now on pens though...?

    5. bdwhite91
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Elia not an option?

      1. simsey
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        I think Elia has a touch of beginners luck about him
        He's never been prolific and personally I dont thinjk he'll ever score 2 goals again but maybe (just maybe) he's never played in a side as good as this southampton one. So erhaps he'll rip the rest of the season up!
        Basically I'm undecided
        What you reckon??

  2. JAC THE CAT
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Austin + Silva ---> Giroud + A.Johnson?

    Cracking fixtures and form

    1. Not Irish
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      AJ cracking form? Really?

      1. JAC THE CAT
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        In the last 6 GW's he's got 7, 8, 11

        Now been moved to the middle behind the front 2 and the best fixtures of any team

  3. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    It's fairly even so far...

    I've posted, and updated several times this season about "touches in the box" stats being as good a way as any to pick five mids...budget permitting of course...It's not the only way but as good a way as any and easy to do. In order to try and prove or disprove the point I've compared them to five other more "set piece" type picks (loosely speaking)....

    Top players for "touches in the box" for the season to date...assists and goals...

    Hazard. 4. 8
    Sanchez 7. 12
    Chadli. 5. 7
    Sterling. 5. 4
    Silva. 2. 6

    Total. 23 assists and 37 goals

    Top "set piece" picks

    Eriksen. 1 8
    Downing. 7. 5
    Cesc. 15. 2
    Oscar. 7. 6
    Siggy 8. 4

    Total. 38 assists and 25 goals

    Very close...

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      It's what they do with it when they touch it that counts.

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Sorry, wrong site.

        1. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Haha...yeah agreed....It started with somebody asking..."if you had just one stat to pick you mids which would it be"....Well if you came from Mars and knew nothing the "touches in the box" stat would do the job just fine...

        2. The Nuttman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          😆

    2. CABAYE4
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Not that close if you think about it.

      Extra 15 points plus a lot more bonus for the touches in the box.

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Maybe, yeah...In reality they would be mixed together of course...Quite an interesting stat though...

  4. Ruudy Van
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    I have a reliable source telling me both RVP and Falcao are starting this weekend. But who does that leave losing out in Midfield??

    Mata? ADM?

    1. Not Irish
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      AdM #10, Mata on the bench. Here's looking at you, La Roja. 😉

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Hahahaahaha

      2. Ruudy Van
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        This is what I expected but then thought ADM played all of Cambridge and Mata didn't.

        1. Not Irish
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          He was pulled at the half against QPR.

          HE'S BEEN DROPPED AGAIN PEOPLE

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            😆 😆 😆

      3. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        LVG said mata was rested. Clear indication of his starting. Also check his history, he started last 8-9 games and completed 90min bar QPR game

        1. Not Irish
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          LvG wasn't exactly forthcoming the last time he dropped Mata now was he.

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Wow, he was taken off at HT and now that means he's dropped? Phew

            1. Not Irish
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              You laugh just as you and everyone else did earlier this season when I said he was about to be dropped. How'd that turn out?

              1. La Roja
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                I don't about that. I focus on this GW and Mata is first on team sheet

                1. Not Irish
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 4 months ago

                  We shall see, amigo. 😎

                  1. La Roja
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 4 months ago

                    We certainly will my friend

    2. A.T
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I don't know

    3. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Source?

      1. Ruudy Van
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        My friend who's a coach at UTD. And to add to the excitement I'm going on Saturday and now captaining Falcao and have ADM also.

        1. Not Irish
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          lol

          1. Ruudy Van
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            I'm assuming you bursting into uncontrollable laughter is because you don't believe me. But I can assure you I speaketh the truth.

            1. La Roja
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Ben Dinnery finally joins to FFS, hello mate

        2. Parm
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Why don't you just ask your friend?

          1. davies
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            🙂

          2. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            😀

          3. Ruudy Van
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            He doesn't like revealing too much being 'professional' and all that malarkey.

            Before I know it I've got the starting XI and not a good idea giving out that info.

            1. Not Irish
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              May I have his name? I won't tell anyone...

            2. Parm
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              If he was professional enough he would be leaking information in the first case.

              Now, any idea on upcoming set-piece routines? Phil Jones is interesting me...

            3. Epic Fail
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              I'll ask him for you.

            4. La Roja
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Please stop it 😆

              1. Ruudy Van
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                Following this mocking I need something to get my spirit up.

                *Flicks on channel 4 'The Mega Brothel'

              2. A.T
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                😀

    4. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      LVG is bonkers...you can expect anything with a nearly full squad...Rojo up front and ADM selling programmes...

    5. Ruudy Van
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Can I have an apology when both RVP and Falcao start this weekend (barring training injury Friday)

      And then have a statue built in my name when my Falcao captain punt is a success? Not too much to ask?

      1. Not Irish
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        I've been saying this for over a week, without the BS ITK nonsense. What do I get?

        1. Ruudy Van
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          An invitational to the crystal maze but in the final round the tigers are not in cages- in memory of El Tigre's hat trick.

          1. Not Irish
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            What is this acid inspired nonsense? Perhaps you do know LvG after all.

            1. Ruudy Van
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              The philosophy has been beaten into me over years of World Cup Semi Finals. Fletcher broke rank when Van Gall stated the team must go to the toilet together.

              1. Not Irish
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 4 months ago

                😆

    6. Super PVA - Small Spuds
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Keen to get RVP. Source though?

      1. Ruudy Van
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        I can't afford RVP so have to go Falcao. But promise they'll both start.

        1. Super PVA - Small Spuds
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Bookmarked. Make sure you're back here after the team sheet is announced!

  5. super711
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    What do people think about games being called off cause of the snow
    Ain't snowing in london but up north seems to be quite heavy

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      It will turn to slush tomorrow

    2. A.T
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      If it snows a lot near the grounds then games might get called off. Otherwise it should be fine.

    3. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Nah, they played at Sheffield Utd last night, it needs to really really really snow.

    4. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      All games will go ahead.

      1. A.T
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Unless it snows a lot

        1. Twelve years a slave
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Ice could be the problem

          1. A.T
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            It'll be either ice or snow that's bad for games going ahead. Anything else shouldnt be a problem. But it has to be very near the grounds too otherwise it doesn't count.

          2. Patio Kev
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            The pitches will all be fine, they are all heated.

            Ice may indeed be a problem if it threatens spectator safety.

            Thing is, daytime temperatures are still above freezing at the moment.

  6. World XI
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Gabriel Paulista

    He is primarily a right-sided centre-back but also has experience playing both right-back and left-back.

    New RB for Arsenal then? derailing the Bellerín train.

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Ouch

  7. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    RMWCT

    Foster, Krul
    Terry, Koscielny, Fonte, Wollscheid, Pva
    Walcott, Oscar, Tadic, Eriksen, Boyd
    Falcao, Giroud, Aguero

    1. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      No Hazard?

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Nope! Have to be different to the template or im not going to increase my rank much. I will either plummet or rise.

    2. Super PVA - Small Spuds
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Why Falcao over RVP? Just money. Money is no object for me. What do you think for a 3 week punt?

  8. Parm
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on Ospina?

    Is his spot safe enough for him to earn a place in my WC team?

    1. davies
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Nope.

      1. Wez88
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        I think I'll get him in. Easy to swap for Heaton/Panti if he ever gets dropped

  9. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    If you had to pick just one, money no issue:
    Rvp
    Adm
    Rooney
    Falcao

    1. davies
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      ADM

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      B

    3. Super PVA - Small Spuds
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I've got RVP at mo. So much money to spend too!!!

  10. clouduk
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC

    Foster Myhill
    PVA Baird AZI Bellerin Bertand
    Eriksen ADM Hazard Sanchez Moses
    Giroud Kane Aguero

    Abit worried about spurs double up but no sure on alternative??

    1. davies
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Eriksen > Sterling?

      1. Judas
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        no keep erik. drop kane

    2. premierglaser
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Oscar?

    3. Judas
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      no arsenal, or utd defence.

  11. davies
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    About to pull the trigger...

    Cesc + Ings > Punch + Giroud (C) for a hit.

    YAY or NAY?

    1. Super PVA - Small Spuds
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Hmmmm. Possibly...

  12. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Is Sanchez a doubt for this weekend?

    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Scout tweets

  13. Wez88
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone getting Ospina?

    1. Zasa
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Many, though I'm personally settling for the Boss Kos

  14. davies
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Kramaric to score at OT.

    1. Not Irish
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Surely he can keep his pants on until evening time.

      1. davies
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Score the winner*

        😉

        1. Not Irish
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Keep dreaming. Karma owes you a rollocking. 😀

          1. davies
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            I'm fearing the worst, admittedly.

            I can see us causing problems, though. Schlupp, especially.

            1. Not Irish
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              👿

            2. Super PVA - Small Spuds
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Think Schlupp is the man for me? Would get him in if not for horrendous fixtures.

    2. Hypnos
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      hoping for that too

  15. Judas
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    A: De Gea + Panty rotation. With Stoke defender
    B: Foster + Panty rotation. With UTD defender (saves around £1.2m)

  16. bennyp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Any changes to this line up?

    Pants - (Foster)
    Terry - Bert - PVA - (Moreno - Wasil)
    Sanchez(c) - Haz - ADM(vc) - Chadli - (Boyd)
    Aguero - Kane - Austin

    0.1itb and 1ft.

  17. Pringle
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Potential risers anyone?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      FPLStatistics

  18. hankscorpio
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    help appreciated guys

    Foster
    Wisdom bertrand Cameron
    Chadli ADM Sancez Hazard
    Aguero Costa Kane
    (Boyd, Wasil, PVA)

    2FT 0.0ITB

    Costa & Cameron --> Giroud & Terry?

    Or am i better upgrading chadli to sterling?

    1. simsey
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Ditch one of the Spurs lads
      Chadli to A Johnson (if fit) or Walters (he'll play upo front with crouch cos Diouf and Bojan are injured)
      Swap Aguero or Costa for Falcao (or another United Fwd this week) United should put 3 or 4 past Burnley. Can always get Aguero or Costa back for nxt wk

      1. hankscorpio
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        think i can afford to miss out on Arsenal attack this week? (if sanchez out that is)

        1. simsey
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          No
          I have Sanchez and Giroud myself, fully expect 3 or 4 from Arsenal as well, Villa are truly awful.
          I have neither Aguero or Costa this wk, going with Giroud, Falcao and probably Rooney, still havent decided, playing my WC at the mo so decisions to be made
          I'll just swap Rooney or Falcao to Aguero for nxt wk

      2. Super PVA - Small Spuds
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Diouf injured?

        1. simsey
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Ah, i just saw the yellow flag over his name but now I see it says fatigue
          Thanks for pointing that out, maybe Walters not the best option then...

  19. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    No rush yo change Costa yet right?

    Looking like no price changes again..

    1. The Nuttman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      No need to rush at all, time to window shop, have a lovely meal, maybe some Pelle alla arrabiata 😉

      1. Herman Toothrot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Mmmm....Pelle

  20. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    RMT?

    Pantilimon
    Jones Fonte Wisdom
    Di Maria Hazard Sanchez Sterling
    Aguero Giroud Pelle

    Bench: PvA, Baird, Marney, Jakupovic

    1. simsey
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Pantillimon rotates well with Krul

      Personally I'd have Defoe or Berahino before Pelle but other than that I like it

      1. Klopp's Kids
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        cheers

        1. simsey
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          No bother
          On the other hand Pelle is a good punt.
          He's been playing well all year and is probably due a few goals so why not.
          Good luck with it

  21. Lyonnais
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Would you play the Wildcard ?

    Hart / Elliot
    Baines, Cresswell, Wisdom / Hutton, Wasilewski
    Sanchez*, Hazard, Di Maria, Downing / Sigurdsson*
    Costa*, Austin, Kane

    Ospina / Foster
    Terry, Clyne, Jones / van Aanholt, Wisdom
    Sanchez, Hazard, Di Maria, Puncheon / Boyd
    Agüero, Giroud, Kane

  22. Clam. ☘️
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone going triple arsenal attack for next few fixtures?

    1. CABAYE4
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      There's not 3 nailed on attacking players and they won't score enough to validate 3 attacking spots.

    2. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Really tempted if Costa out will get Giroud then get Walcott/Ramsey for Chadli

    3. simsey
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Caz, Giroud and Sanchez is tempting
      Currently have Koscielny kut could change things around and get another defender allowing a 3rd Arsenal attacker - I'm thinking about it

    4. Ruudy Van
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Id go along the lines of Kos Sanchez and another

    5. Zasa
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Triple Arsenal, but with Kosc as my third slot. Wouldn't feel too comfortable relying on 3 attackers to save my GW

  23. Parm
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Just me or is anyone else heavy on players at home this weekend?

    1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Trying something a bit different with my wildcard and every player in my squad is at home.

  24. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Is the WC available until next Saturday ?? 11.30am...

    1. bdwhite91
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Believe so

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah. Hover cursor over the question mark on the transfers page for confirmation.

      1. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks guys...

  25. Viper
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    How does this look for the weekend?

    Pantilimon

    Terry Bertrand Baines (Wasilewski Hutton)

    Walcott (c) Hazard Sanchez Moses (Boyd)

    Aguero Austin Kane

    -4 will be taken for this 🙂

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      That captain choice.

      I salute u sir

    2. simsey
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Oh dear....
      Well for this wknd it looks ok, except for captain choice, very dodgy

      I dont like your bench players tho...played your WC yet?

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Nope, next week

        1. simsey
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Sweet, then you'll be fixing it all up then
          Good luck with Walcott!

  26. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Has anybody else got a friend for Chelsea starting 11 by any chance? We've got solid one for manu thanks to Ken

    1. Not Irish
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Cuadrado will start, I'm told.

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Your pal is cushty 😮