Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 153 – March

Simon March, aka Dufflinks, has been hanging around these pages since August 2011. A veteran of six Fantasy Premier League seasons, this campaign started more casual than ever, with Simon resigned to snatching the occasional live match from the other side of the world.

Against the odds, by Boxing Day he was fourth in the world. Six weeks ago, he reached the summit. As you read this, Simon sits on top of the FPL world by 30 points with his Wildcard still tucked away in his pocket and the whole Fantasy Football Scout community behind him. No pressure.

With Granville absent with a hangover from a mid-life stag do and another United disappointment, this week’s ScoutCast is dedicated to Simon’s story, as he wakes in the early hours to join Jonty and myself for a special edition.

We overcome countless gremlins to discuss how Simon gets by on rations of four live matches a season, how he can recall every point hit he’s ever taken and how one lucky cat may just hold the secret to his success over the remaining ten Gameweeks.

We end this episode with a shout-out to community legend, Doosra – get well soon Doos.

We’ve included a fully edited version of the ScoutCast on iTunes and via this link or the player below.

If you want to see Simon, myself, Jonty and the lucky cat in person, you can view the full un-edited Hangout movie below. Be warned – it really is a “warts and all” production.

Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel if you want to get an alert for next week’s Hangout and future live episodes.

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

1,988 Comments Post a Comment
  1. jcooper911
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Hey guys would love your view - currently:

    Forster Given
    PVA Wolly Terry Kos Clark
    Hazard Silva Sanchez Eriksen Ibe
    Aguero Austin Kane
    0.2 ITB

    Plan for the coming weeks:
    GW 29 SAVE
    GW 30 Clark > Naughton
    GW 31 Wolly & Kos > Rose & Dawson
    GW 32 Austin > 7.5 or less striker (Berahino/Pelle?)
    GW 33 Any transfer that helps
    GW 34 WILDCARD

    Thoughts? Am i good to go this week, benching Wolly, Clark & Ibe?

    1. Reckoner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I don't plan that far ahead myself, so pretty hard to asses anyone else. 🙂

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        +1

        1. jcooper911
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Maybe im getting ahead of myself indeed. figure im good to go for this weekend though right??

          1. Siva Mohan
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Yes

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

      Wildcard left!?
      Just prepare your team as well as possible for Gameweek 33; get all the best players in for that gameweek. Then wildcard!

      1. jcooper911
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        thats what i am trying to do, starting next week!

  2. Gooner Kebab
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Morning guys, any news on Wollschield? Keep or sell?

    1. jcooper911
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      keep for next two weeks, then swap out i think

    2. JariL
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Stoke presser starts in about 40 minutes, hopefully we'll hear something then.

      1. Gooner Kebab
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        cheers mate

  3. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Just did a comparison of Ivanovic v Terry

    Pretty conclusive for the Serb

    Noticed though that Terry on has 1 YC in 27 games! 😯

    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I'd be interested in seeing an Ivan vs Hazard comparison

  4. Teror
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Dilemma:

    Play PvA or Bertrand? (next to Terry & Bellerin)

    PvA seems the obvious choice as it's Villa at home, but what if he comes off the bench for the last 12 minutes like last time? Worth the risk?

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Pva definitely

      I am, as long as I don't do Clyne to Ivanovic

      1. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Pva...poyet should give him a start if they want to make an impact imo..!!

    2. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      PvA and he should start.

    3. Demelbrush
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I agree. Play PVA. He will probably start and get CS and attacking potential and bertie will probably only get you 1 or 2 anyway

      1. Le Limpar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        He will "probably" start - [period] - and he has some CS and some attacking potential - I guess you mean.

        1. Demelbrush
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Yes Proust.

          1. Le Limpar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Yes [comma] Proust.

  5. John t penguin
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    John Terrys Dog is not available at the moment
    leave a message and he will get back to you as soon as possible

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      That's ruff.

      I'm sorry.

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

    How long til Hull's presser? (in hours and minutes)

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I actually can't stand Bruce for some reason, he just gives me the impression of incompetence.

  7. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    I find myself wanting to strengthen my bench. I bet Chelsea rest some players after their 120 minute European loss.

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I'd always try to have at least 13 playing outfielders.

      1. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        They all should play but Boyd and Keane are unlikely to get any points of consequence

    2. Demelbrush
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      cork is handy for that now I'd say

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Who do you think will get a rest? I have Hazard only who I think will start...

      1. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Probably 2 of the defensive 4 with Luis and Zouma coming in. Cahill and Azpi hopefully as I own Ivanovic. Hazard out would be a disaster.

  8. Demelbrush
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    wasi baird bertie pva hutton

    wasi > ?

    A. naughton
    B. bellerin

    I have my WC for the double and a plan to get terry if I get either so its a straight pick. Ta lads.

    1. Teror
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Wasi > Bellerin

      Hutton > Naughton.

    2. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      lOOk below..

    3. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      B

    4. Demelbrush
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      cheers lads. Bell it is.

  9. The FPL Units
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Go the Black Caps.

  10. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Bellerin..

    1. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      reply fail..to DEMELBRUSH..

      1. Demelbrush
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        still appreciated...

        1. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          cheers!!

    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      (C)

  11. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Re-post

    Foster
    Vertonghen | PVA | Koscielny
    Puncheon | Hazard | Silva | Sanchez
    Kane | Austin | Aguero
    Krul | Wollscheid | Clyne | Boyd

    1 FT & 1.6 ITB

    A. Vertonghen >> Ivanovic
    B. Vertonghen >> Terry (can save 0.9)
    C. Save FT

    Please suggest..

    Thanks!

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      3 replies not enough?

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        need more Kuqi.. 🙂

        1. S.Kuqi
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          My answer is still B. Ivan is tempting but not sure if worth 0.9.

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      save

    3. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      A..

    4. jcooper911
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      save.

  12. theoldgit
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    With West Ham's defence in tatters I'm going Giroud (C).

    1. Le Limpar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Samesies.

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

        Doing Austin out Gru in for FT

        🙄

        1. Le Limpar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          We did talk about how this might happen!

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

            We certainly have

            You win, I lose. Game over

            1. Le Limpar
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              (c) and all is forgiven

    2. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      might work out with jenkinson,tomkins out & reid doubtful...

    3. mipola
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Sanchez (c) here.

    4. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      And I dont even have any Arsenal attacker 😀

      1. theoldgit
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Just remembered. last time i made Giroud (C) he was benched and got me 0 points. Time he made up for it.

        1. Siva Mohan
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          last time i made Giroud (C) he was sent off and got me -4 points. 😆

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

            Timing

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

          Last time I made Gru (c) he got me -4

          🙄

  13. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Fellaini likely start for United?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      even if he does he will do nothing

    2. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      No

  14. Teror
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    1 FT / 1.7 ITB. What should my priority transfer be?

    A. Caz > Ozil

    B. PvA > C. Dawson

    C. Ibe > Cork

    1. jcooper911
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      out of those three probably a

  15. Le Limpar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Playing Rose ahead of PVA mad?

    I am already playing Eriksen and Kane - and do fancy Spurs to win the game. Rose so attacking, and United very poor on his flank... thinking all on the Spurs win.

    PVA attacking too of course, but chance of a cameo and also Sunderland are cr*p.

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

      Play rose

      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        this

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

        *tears* 😀

      3. Teror
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Play PvA.

        1. Teror
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          this

    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Coin flip

    3. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Rose all the way!!he will be hard to stop imo with his runs..

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

      No Di Maria though, so flank will be better protected. Think you're banking on United not scoring at home. PVA all day for me

      1. Le Limpar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Is Januzaj any better cover though? And tbh it's Valencia and Smalling that is the bigger issue.

        Plus I don't really feel I'm banking on Utd not scoring after his 8 pts in 90 mins without a cleansheet last time out. I'm more banking on a goal or assist.

        1. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          thats why rose is so tempting(attacking potential+bonuses)

        2. Demí
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          I just think you're overrating Rose's attacking threat. Clean sheets should be the first though imot. Fair point about Januzaj. If Rafael starts as is rumoured though, Valencia will likely be ahead of him. That's much better cover than last time out.

          1. Demí
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            *thought imo

          2. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            hmmm...maybe 😯

          3. Le Limpar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            That would certainly be much more solid.

            I'm being more swayed by team form though over all x4 sides in this equation: Utd defence in trouble, Spurs attack playing nicely - Sunderland defence never any good really and Villa in a Sherwood Revival Wonderland.

            Also Utd v Spurs stands out in my mind as a high-scoring game - where an attacking fullback could easily get something.

            1. Demí
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Yeah, those are fair points. Just giving the other side of the coin i guess. I think PVA is still the safer pick should he start, but Rose probably has the bigger upside, given our form.

              Agree on the high scoring game bit though

              1. Le Limpar
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                Cheers. It's probably one I'll flip-flop on tomorrow morning and ultimately get wrong.

                There's always a chance they both play too when you're a Zouma owner!

            2. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              previous game was a 0-0 i think...nothing is guarenteed!!..but rose is much more attacking imo and villa are starting to stretch their legs(sherwood effect maybe).. benteke(if fit),agbonlahor & sinclair can give a torrid time to sunderland's defence..

    5. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      PVA

    6. Demelbrush
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I'd play PVA frankly. Both good attacking potential but prefer PVA in relation to CSs.

  16. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Not sure if I'm just bored but can you help me with this weeks decision please.......

    Pants
    Pva Bellerin Lescott
    Cazorla Hazard Silva Eriksen
    Kane Aguero Austin

    Krul Pieters Clyne AJ
    3.3 itb

    A. Clyne to Ivanovic (bench Pva, get Toby next week)
    B. AJ to Puncheon (bench Eriksen/Austin)
    C. Caz to Ozil/Sanchez
    D. Save it

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      E. AJ to Siggy

    2. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      AJ owner 😯

      stick with Clyne.. Pieters to Ivan/Terry or C

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Hmm, interesting

    3. jcooper911
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      c for me

  17. drughi
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    I miss total fpl scoutpicks, what happeneed to that site ?

  18. wolves_simmo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    With the OX out for 3/4 weeks....who gets the right wing spot for Arsenal?

    Welbeck? Wally?

    1. Le Limpar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Neither right now I don't think.

      Giroud
      Alexis Ozil
      Cazorla Ramsey
      Coquelin
      Gibbs Kos Per Bellerin
      Ospina

      Could be a rare start for Walcott and a rest for one of Ozil, Alexis or Cazorla but AW has seemed hellbent on keeping that lot together in the league.

      1. Le Limpar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Just put Gibbs in there as some token rotation but coin flip between him and Monorail

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

      Anyone but Walcott

    3. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      It has been Welbeck. Whether that will change for this game is anyone's guess

    4. Le Limpar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Basically it's Ramsey and Ozil and Cazorla's roles change a little.

  19. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Boss on @Alex_OxChambo: "It's a hamstring injury. He'll be out for three to four weeks."

    "Flamini is available and Gabriel will return to training on Sunday."

  20. Whazza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Wohoo Nikica's knee is OK 🙂

  21. kalmoffit
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Pantilimon or Krul? Everton and Villa have each scored four league goals this year. I'm thinking Villa are hitting better form than Everton.

    1. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      pantii

      1. jcooper911
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        +1

  22. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Arsenal FC @Arsenal

    Boss on @Alex_OxChambo: "It's a hamstring injury. He'll be out for three to four weeks."

    More team news: "Flamini is available and Gabriel will return to training on Sunday."

    Boss on @JackWilshere: "It's very difficult to say when he will be back. We have to respect his recovery."

    1. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      SIVA by the looks of it where do you think cazorla will be slotted in the midfield??

  23. Whazza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    I'm actually excited about Leicester-Hull this weekend, huge game for both clubs!

    1. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      ^this and bdw kramaric+n'doye both can bag some points.... 🙂

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        **Schlupp

        1. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          ^this

  24. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Wenger on @m8arteta: "He's back in full training today. I think he'll return in three weeks."

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Bench warmer from now

    2. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      good news for arsenal but i don't think his injury is affecting arsenal in any way DOOS(coequlin has been an able replacement imo!!)

  25. # Young Gun SEAMUS #
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    will azpi play or luis play ??

    1. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      hard to tell...maybe luis as mourinho will rest azpi..

  26. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Aguero's pitch time might be a concern this WE I guess.

    I can't see him playing over 65 min. What do you think?

    1. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      65 mins or a full 90 mins...doesn't make much difference for Aguero...if he is on song the damage will be well done before the 60mins or so...

  27. _nod
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Need to bench either Eriksen or Defoe. Defoe right?

    1. _nod
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      But he is at home vs. Villa. Hmmmm

    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Form over fixture.....ah, bith no form

      Stats over form then. Eriksen

    3. tokara
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      play both!

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

      Defoe

  28. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    If you were 2400th

    Would you get a Chelsea defender to solidify or Schlupp as a punt and hope to move up that way?

    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Depends what your goals are

    2. _nod
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      As Previous commen. If you're winning a ml, maybe play it safe. If not go for death or glory. : )

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        89 points ahead of 2nd place (current FPL champion)

        Goal is top 1000

    3. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      If I were 2400th I wouldn't be asking on here.

  29. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Play Rose or Clyne? Bringing in Ivanovic so one of those needs to go.

    Bellerin the other defender.

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Play Rose

    2. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Rose...

  30. Mr.K
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Play Phillips or Puncheon?

    1. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      puncheon..a much safer bet!!