Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 201 – Penalty

The cruel mistress that is Fantasy Premier League.

Jonty has fallen a victim, paying the penalty for a few ill-judged decisions, compounded by a huge slice of bad luck as both Christian Benteke and his captain Sergio Aguero missed penalties in a single Gameweek.

He just can’t buy a break right now, which makes it all the more impressive that Jonty should brave another ScoutCast and risk a bruising hour in my company, along with Andy and Granville.

We make sure we conduct a full post-mortem on Jonty’s miserable plight, before delving into similar tales from the community in “Rough with the Smooth”.

Then it’s on to your questions as we consign Hull City to whipping boy status, pry into Pep’s potentially failing relationship with Aguero and dare to cast doubt on the Joe Allen bandwagon.

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

If you’re nostalgic for the old formats, you can acquire the traditional mp3 audio version via this link or the first player below, or watch me get riled via the Google Hangout version in the second player.

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

1,016 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Interesting Article on Walcott

    Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is right on Theo Walcott - Martin Keown
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37707349

    1. Demí
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      So what happens when/if Giroud gets back in the side

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        That's a big "if" given how well Arsenal have played without him and let's be honest even when fit he has looked laboured

      2. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        He won't

      3. Dino
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Iwobi gets dropped I guess?

        It is Ramsey I'd be more worried about tbh but hopefully he'll be seen more as a cm from now on.

        1. Demí
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          yeah Iwobi more likely to miss out. I mean if Walcott's returns would be more negatively impacted. Keown making the point about how Alexis upfront has helped Theo and Arsenal improve in attack

          1. Dino
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            I would take what keown says as gospel. While I think it helps, Walcott has had very impressive spells with Giroud in the team too but he always got dropped due to either injury or not doing enough defensively. Same might happen this season I guess but Wenger tends to stick with winning teams.

            1. Demí
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              True, and Walcott does seem to have improved his defensive workrate so that can only be a good thing.

    2. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Wally (c)?

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        It is on him at present 🙂

        1. El-Kloppico
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          I switched to Costa on friday night last week and regreting it.
          But will he deliver this week?

  2. HellasLEAF
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone bring in Karius?

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      If I was investing in Liverpools defence it would be Clyne

    2. tikka mo'salah
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Mignolet could suddenly be back, and having to use a FT for a GK isn't really what you want.

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Managers tend not to rotate keepers looks like Katius is 1st choice

        1. tikka mo'salah
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          For now, but he hasn't really been tested yet given the games we have played, and his current display doesn't exactly fill me with confidence. Looks shaky.

  3. villian-ty
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Which 3 to play
    Amat Coleman Lovern Holebas Smith?

    1. VS10_
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      C L H

      1. Bobby_Baggio
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        this

  4. lamagica
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Need to get rid of baines..
    Clyne or Fuchs?

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Clyne

      1. lamagica
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        thanks..

    2. supersham
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Same problem

  5. The Left Duke #3
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Jaku/Pick
    Bellerin Vertongen Holebas
    Sanchez Sterling Walcott Firmino
    Aguero Lukaku

    1 more place to fill in my team....who gets the nod??

    A) Smith
    B) Amat
    C) Capoue
    D) Diomande

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      D or C

    2. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      C.

      D is probably only 50/50 to start.

  6. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    James Robson ✔ @JamesRobsonMEN
    Aguero story will continue to run. Guardiola assertion that tactics were right against Barca suggest he could be dropped again
    8:44 AM - 21 Oct 2016

    Kun > who for a hit?

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      LOLz.
      For Diomande then.. You'll be a rich owner 😉

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Tactics were right. City more and held their own against Barcelona. 4-0 did not reflect the performance. Horrendous individual errors cost City big time

      1. Partick Bateman
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Agree. They were still in the game and readying Aguero until Bravo ballsed up. First goal was really unfortunate.

    3. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      There's no Barca in the English Premier League...

  7. El-Kloppico
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Who to bench?
    a) Antonio
    b) Bolasie (already have Lukaku)
    c) Capoue

    Who to give the armband?
    1) Wally
    2) Costa
    3) Kun

    1. Saïss Doesn't Mat…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      b1

    2. Xherdan
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      B1

  8. Is Zlatan a problem at United?
    bigbudgie
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Is Zlatan a problem at United?

    I'm a United fan, and I'm not convinced. He's static, looks clumsy in possession and does not fit into the system. Well, he fits into one system, but is it the right one? United have an abundance of young vibrant attacking players and backed up with solid creative midfielders. The fluidity of the system is somewhat stifled when Zlatan is fixed into that number 9 position.

    I think Jose saying that no one is untouchable is noteworthy. I want to see a plan B from Mourhino which involved Zlatan coming off with 30 minutes to go, changing the system, playing a false 9 or putting Rashford up front and going with different plays.

    Am I being overly dramatic or do any other United fans share this niggling feeling?

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I think he's a fine fit for Utd, it's the build up play and lack of movement and pace down the flanks that has been the problem

      1. Dino
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Why when Rooney plays it is all his fault but when zlatan plays it is the rest of the teams fault.

        Imo both look well past their best and I can't see either being able to do what Jose expects. I was very surprised Rooney wasn't shipped this summer

        1. Your Man With The Hair
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Difference is Zlatan's best was so good he can still play when he's past it. Rooney's best simply wasn't all that great.

          1. Dino
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            I am not a Rooney or utd fan but I suggest you look at Rooney's record 13/14 17 goals 12 assists in 2445 mins, 11/12 27 goals 8 assists in 2830 mins. 09/10 26 goals 6 assists in 2711 minutes.

            To say Rooney was never outstanding does him a grave disservice. If he was getting quality service while playing as a no9 he could be judged like ibrahimovic but he isn't. I don't think it is a coincidence that the two seasons he scored shed loads of goals are the only two seasons he got to play as 9 for utd. It has been his willingness to sacrifice himself for the team that has hurt him the most imo.

        2. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          I've been to several Utd games live this season and Zlatan is always one of the best players on the pitch, constantly having to drop deep to try make something happen because those in midfield are so slow and laboured in their build up play. The problem isn't the striker it's the build up play. Zlatan's finishing has been poor in the last few weeks though for sure.

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Zlatan will end the season on the bench with Rooney and Carrick pulling the strings of those young pups.

    3. Dino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Did you not get the memo? It is against the law to question the zlatan!

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        haha! Worried Zlatan will hunt me down

    4. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      He's been one of our better players this season. His finishing has been a problem. Thats about it.

      1. Eden Hazardous
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        This^

        If he finished his chances , we wouldn't be having this discussion.

        1. bigbudgie
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Well I agree with that too. But chances need to be finished! That's why I want to see a plan B if he is not exactly in red hot form.

      2. Dino
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I don't agree that his finishing is all that is missing. Utd have no attacking fluency and while I'm not saying zlatan is the reason for this I'm will to question whether he might be. He is quite static and doesn't offer runs in behind to stretch teams. A bit like sturridge at Liverpool and Giroud at arsenal the attacking patterns can get quite predictable and dependable when you are playing with a static front man (I know all three offer different strengths but they play a similar role on the pitch).

        Tbf though utds attacking play has been turgid since before safe left so hard to blame it just on the strikers and maybe people will cut Rooney a little slack now since all of RVP, Rooney, ADM, MATA and now Ibra have struggled to score in this team? Maybe it isn't all Rooney's fault?

    5. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I think he's an essential addition and just gives that sense of elitism that has been missing since RVP left. Just wish he could finish...

    6. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      agree almost entirely... if you look at how pool play as an attacking unit I can see no reason at all why martial, rashford, lingard, mkhi - even mata - can't play that way

      herrer is a master presser/passer as well

      zlatan is fine for a certain game, but in others he should be sacrificed to allow more pace and genuine counter attacking

    7. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      It's early days and I think you're majorly overreacting personally. Team still needs to gel, get used to the manager and his ideas.

    8. Fergietime
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I agree, him up front on his own is too one dimensional.

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

      You echo my thoughts mate as a United fan

      I would definitely like to see Rashford get a run as the main man up front as a owner

      Also think Felli should be dropped in place of Carrick judgeing form the ufea cup game it would do Pogba the world of good

    10. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      so it seems Ibra is falling into the Rooney trap of trying to do too much rather than concentrating on what he should be doing.

  9. Bobby_Baggio
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Mornign all. Have 1 FT - G2G?

    Heaton
    Terry - Valencia - Stones
    Sanchez(C) - Firmino - Sterling - Capoue
    Aguero - Costa - Austin

    Pickford - Redmond - Smith - Amat

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Just dont like Terry. City defence is poo and will stones be dropped for sicknote Kompany ? Everything else looks gtg.

    2. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I think I'd play Redmond over Capoue.

  10. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Pickford
    Koscielny, Holebas, Pieters
    Mane, Firmino, Walcott(C), Sterling
    Aguero(vc), Lukaku, Benteke

    Foster--Amat, Valencia, Capoue.....0.0 IT... 1FT

    Reckon I have chosen the correct starting line up here? I have an FT, but don't think I need it. I am actually quite tempted by Sterling to Alli though. Have an odd feeling that Sterling is going to get rotated this weekend. Thoughts?

    1. Demí
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I'm not sure how pep prioritises the cup competitions, but think if Sterling were to be given a breather it would be midweek vs united.
      Lineup looks solid

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I dont know what it is, just have a feeling hes going to play Sane or Navas.

        1. Your Man With The Hair
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Can't see him resting him. He could really do with a win to stop the rot.

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Hope your captain works out well.alli is definitely worth consideration.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        It may become Kun by tomorrow, still not completely decided

  11. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Foster (Pickford)
    Koscielny, Holebas, Stones (PVA, Amat)

    Worth playing PVA since he resumed training?

  12. flippetyflop
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Help me choose 3 from these 5 please!

    Williams
    Walker
    Holebas
    Mustafi
    Amat

    1. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Walker, Williams and Mustafi

      1. Heavy Data
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Walker, Holebas and Mustafi

  13. pjomara
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Diomande (Stoke H) or Capoue (Swansea A)?

    1. Vincent Adultman
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Capoue

  14. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Wenger: “The only uncertainty I have is Santi Cazorla who got a kick. Assessed today. Xhaka suspended.”

    1. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      “Aaron’s progressing well. He won’t be back for Reading, but he could return in time for Sunderland.”

  15. Partick Bateman
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    If you had to take a hit for a midfielder up to 6.3m this week, who would it be?

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Allen

      1. Partick Bateman
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        That would free up some much needed defensive cash. I'll have Capoue and Allen, but I guess that plays itself for the next few.

  16. merin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    GTG?

    Grant
    Walker Coleman Holebas
    Sanchez(c) Sterling Firmino Antonio
    Aguero(vc) Lukaku Deeney

    (Pickford Allen Smith Amat)

    FT: 0, ITB: 0.3

    1. King Henrik
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Yep

    2. umerlfc
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Allen might hurt from the bench. AOA left?

      1. merin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I do have AOA left, but could it be a bit premature to use it now?

        1. umerlfc
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          That chip is never premature to use
          I'm playing it for the exact same reason

  17. AFC49
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Rashford to Austin?

    1. King Henrik
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I was asking the same question yesterday. Austin played the full second half away in the san siro yesterday and Rashford was rested although Lingard and Martial played exceptionally well. So its a coin toss imo. I am keeping Rashford.

    2. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I'm keeping, but only because I wanna cash in on Capoue who is likely to drop tomorrow or maybe on Sunday....

    3. Krul Runnings
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I would tbh.

  18. Nap
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Play snodgrass or allen?

    1. King Henrik
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Tough one tbh. Probably just allen

    2. SAY SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I'm playing Allen.

  19. King Henrik
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Alright guys anyone seen stokes next 4 fixtures. Hull Swansea West Haram and Bournemouth. I am thinking of bringing Shaqiri due to set pieces. Also grant in for jaku. Am i crazy or could it pay off ?

  20. kingozil-The Germans once a…
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Hi lads, long time.
    The season has been a decent one for me with things looking up currently.
    However, I have noticed something very different about this season. This is the first time I have actually tried up on doubling up on mids and it has worked. Fimino and Coutinho for gw6-7, Walcott and Sanchez for gw 8. Is this unique to this season or have I been missing out on this in the past?
    Also, I do think this is one of the most open fpl season with most of the big price names performing well and you gotta think about the opportunity cost of leaving one out. There haven't yet been the Vardys, Mahrezs or Allis up until now.

  21. flippetyflop
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Play one of

    Holebas
    Capoue
    Snodgrass?

    1. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Snoddy

    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Snod

    3. Xherdan
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Holebas

  22. My Name Is Prince
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Capoue looking like dropping in price soon, now's the time to bank that 0.4 me thinks with a free transfer (if no other issues)!!! 😉

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Absolutely

    2. Krul Runnings
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Already done 🙂

      Welcome to my team Darren 2-3 point Fletcher

  23. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Any thoughts on what I should do?

    .4 ITB, 1 FT, WC available

    Schmeichel
    Valencia / Pieters / Stones
    Sanchez / Redmond / Antonio / Firmino
    Aguero / Deeney / Lukaku

    Jaku / Capoue / Evans / Friend

  24. Saïss Doesn't Mat…
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    play smith or vertonghen??

    ...or both??

    Holebas (bandwagon) third def

    decision determines whether to play allen or snodgrass or play aoa

    cech. pick
    vert. evans (susp.). holebas. smith. kingsley (non playing 5th def)
    sanchez. firm. sterling. snoddy. allen
    austin. kun. lukaku

  25. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    "Welbeck could be back in January."

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Should add a place on the bench for him! 🙂

  26. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    How has Cazorla played recently? How much of a threat is Ramsey to his starting place?

    1. Your Man With The Hair
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      He's nailed. Listened to Wenger's press conference after the champions league, can't remember exactly what he said, but the gist was pretty much Santi is nailed.

  27. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    What would you do with this lot?

    Heaton - Pickford
    Baines - PVA - Smith - Holebas - Amat
    Sanchez - Sterling - Firmino - Antonio - De Roon
    Aguero - Lukaku - Deeney

    1FT and 0.4 ITB

    A) Baines --> Clyne
    B) PVA --> Fuchs
    C) Antonio --> Lallana
    D) Baines + Antonio --> Lovren + Walcott -4pts
    E) Other suggestion?

  28. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Start Amat or Pieters?

    1. Partick Bateman
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Pieters.

  29. The Mighty I
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Heaton Pickford
    Walker Coleman Holebas Smith Amat
    Sanchez Firmino Antonio Bolasie Capoue
    Aguero Lukaku Benteke

    1FT
    Really stuck on what move to make
    A) Bolasie > Allen
    B) Bolaise > Snodgrass
    C) Take a hit to get Wally in

  30. George James
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Sterling to Walcott for free?

    1. Krul Runnings
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Not for me.

      Sterling could match him in the next 2 fixtures. And after those 2 you will 100% want Sterling over Walcott given the fixture swing.