Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 211 – Beleaguered

It’s quite ironic that, in an episode that focuses on our experience and strategies of mini-league management, my long-term rival on that score goes awol.

Granville is waylaid by “homework” and misses out, but Luke crashes in mid-cast to join Jonty, Andy and myself as we deliver an 80-minute episode, which includes our dubious insights on navigating a team to mini-league glory – mind games and all.

Once again guided by your community questions, we take on the Diego Costa fall-out, the rising stock of Spurs on form and Everton on fixtures, while finding time to wade in on the demise of former darling Sergio Aguero under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola.

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 a traditional type, you can acquire the mp3 audio version via this link or the first player below, or take in the full visual experience via the second player below.

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

1,731 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone else considering captaining Alonso?

    There is a school of thought that Hull have a weakness at right back.

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      And another school of thought that says Alonso brace was his 1st in his professional career.
      People expecting another brace are dreaming.

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        I never mentioned a repeat brace. But a CS and attacking points could be likely.

        1. OzilFozzil
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Could be an interesting shout...

    2. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Not if you have Sanchez or Ibra in your squad

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        I have Sanchez. There is a tug of war between him and Alonso for the armband.

    3. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      I had a dream it was 1-1 after 30 mins and Costa got subbed.....it's a sign

    4. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Personally I think Hazard would be a better pick if you have him, on pens too.

  2. OzilFozzil
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Baines vs. Coleman debate

    Baines worth taking the extra hit to get him in, or is Coleman just as good value and a differential?

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Baines flagged. I would go Coleman.

      1. OzilFozzil
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Is Holebas > Coleman worth a hit is my next question.

        Thinking of getting him in for a free next week rather...

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Not worth a hit.

          Everton much stronger at home. Can afford to wait for their home fixtures IMO.

  3. Brad1807
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Costa return this week ?

    1. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Most likely, yes.

  4. Darklord_bg
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Anybody planning for the blank Gameweeks already?

    I currently have 2 players from Arsenal, ManU and Liverpool each, and will have to get rid of 3 of them the next 3 weeks.

    Then I see I have to get rid of most of my team for 2 weeks later.

    Anyone investing heavily in Everton, West Brom and Bournemouth players already?

    1. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Maybe I will just bring Chelsea assets for Sanchez and Ibra

      1. TokyoRisingSun
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        No way. Sanchez and Ibra are season keepers

        1. Darklord_bg
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          This.

          I have too much value invested in them, so they will be benched for me.

          But Chelsea looks almost certain to miss GW 28.

          So I was thinking bringing Everton players instead. Alonso is another one I do not want to get rid of.

    2. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Tricky tricky. Most will struggle but not looking great for me who has 3 Man U assets

    3. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Who are likely to miss gw 28

      1. Darklord_bg
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Half the teams.

        The only certain ones to play are Everton, West Brom, Bournemouth and West Ham.

        Hull and Swansea also very likely to play.

        All the rest are very uncertain.

  5. SN
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Hey guys, I'd really appreciate some advice

    ----------Heaton

    Alonso--Brunt--Chamber

    Sanchez--Alli--Phillips--Cabaye

    ----Aguero--Ibra--Giroud

    Robinson, Ake, 3.9, DeRoon

    1.1 ITB

    A. Cabaye -> Stan
    B. Aguero + Cabaye -> Kane/Costa/Lukaku + Coutinho (-4)

    1. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      A and then Aguero to Kane next week

    3. SN
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks guys

  6. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Would you choose Ibra or Lukaku for this GW?

    1. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      You just choose Ibra?

      1. makaveli123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Oh, I misread. Would pick Ibra for this GW though

    2. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Ibra because you're more likely to keep him all the way till the end

    3. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      thanks all

  7. sergioaguero67
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Coutinho or Lallana?

    Please help.

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Cou long term fo sure but this GW his minutes will be managed.

    2. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Lallana

    3. aaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Lallana

  8. aaaaaa
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Sanchez, Hazard or Joe's Lukaku for captaincy?

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Sanch

  9. aaaaaa
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Start Siggy or Crouch

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      sell Siggy even for -4 and get decent player
      Crouch

      1. aaaaaa
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Already on a -4

        1. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          remember that you have to look at all hits separately but I understand your position. anyway tell me how much would you have for new player if you want to sell Siggy now?

          1. aaaaaa
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 5 months ago

            7.7

            1. aaaaaa
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 5 months ago

              Already have Lallana

              1. Lone Wolf FPL
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 5 months ago

                🙂 that would be my suggestion
                think about Pedro that's my advice

                1. aaaaaa
                  • 7 Years
                  7 years, 5 months ago

                  Thanks!

  10. Give Me the Mane
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    When are the blank weeks?

    1. Legomane
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      In the near to distant future

      1. Give Me the Mane
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks, can you tell me which teams are likely to miss those GWs

        1. Blue&White85
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          In week 26 there will be some blanks due to EFL cup. It'll be confirmed midweek who is blank. Man Utd v Man City looks almost certain to be off.

    2. Darklord_bg
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      26 and 28

  11. Legomane
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    City 2 - 2 Spurs
    Aguero(2), Wanyama, Alderweireld

    Would ruffle some feathers 🙂

    1. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      I'd love that, Selling Aguero if he blanked tomorrow

  12. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Frontline of

    Ibra - Aguero - Origi

    Origi obviously a weak spot and rotation risk, and Aguero not delivering. But should one get rid this GW, or ride it out until next week? With 0.0 itb, not seeing many alternatives to ship Origi only, so looking at:

    A ) Aguero -> Costa/Kane

    B) Aguero + Origi -> Costa + Lukaku/Giroud

    C) stick this GW

    your thoughts?

    cheers

    1. aaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      C

    2. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      B looks good. I think Firmino will be up top for Pool

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        So har to second guess the line-ups. If Origi should play, even only from the bench, he could very well grab a goal against hapless Swans

    3. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Stick and do B next week for free. Origi could go big vs Swansea this week, even off the bench

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks , that's certainly one alternative. Could then even downgrade Hazard to make room for Kane

    4. Grand Thibauto
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Origi to Rondon maybe.
      But B with Lukaku looks good for the long run.

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Phillips + FOster enough WBA for me. Lukaku a good option, but will he revert to being a troll?

  13. sergioaguero67
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Whom to play?

    A. Eriksen against Man City (A)
    B. Origi against Swansea (H) (Given his playing time may be cut short)

    Please help.

    1. aaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. Ranger3
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Would be crazy to bench Eriksen given his recent form, and City defence...

    3. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      A by a country mile.

    4. Zareos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      A. Did you see the Everton game?

    5. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      A. Shouldn't even be up for discussion this

  14. Zareos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Who to captain?

    A. Costa (c)
    B. Sanchez (c)

    I always planned on Costa this week but with everything that has gone on over the last week, I'm worried about a possible 1pt cameo.

    1. aaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. LC1
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      A...

      If he plays it won't be a cameo appearence.. he will start and most probably score.

    3. Numb
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      B

    4. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      B.

  15. MOULACTICOS
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Hey guys, opinions please!

    Foster

    Baines McAuley Alonso

    Hazard Phillips Lallana Sanchez

    Defoe Ibra Giroud

    Bench: Jaku Ake Capoue Amat

    Pretty strong team and favourable fixtures this week.

    0.1 ITB - Should i save transfer? and upgrade in GW23

    Thinking Hazard and Lallana -> Eriksen and Coutinho?

    Thoughts and opinions appreciated!

    1. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Save FT, next week do hazard to Eriksen and Ake to rise

      1. TokyoRisingSun
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Rose*

        1. MOULACTICOS
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          I like this! Thanks

          1. MOULACTICOS
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 5 months ago

            Thing is, i wont be able to afford Rose. If i bring in Eriksen, will only have 5.7 to replace Ake.

            I'm pretty happy with Alonso, Baines and McAuley. Therefore my 4th defender doesn't need to be an expensive one.

            I do fancy upgrading Lallana to Coutinho!

  16. jdogg
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Kun and cabaye

    To

    Kane and coutinho?

    For a hit?x

    1. Jusagoras
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

  17. Ruffio
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Play 2:

    A. Holebas (bou away)
    B. Jones. (Stoke away
    C. Friend (whu. Home)

    Thanks

    1. adam28193
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Jones and friend

  18. TokyoRisingSun
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Oh god, just looked at my team and realized that Amat is the only player I have who I've never transferred out since GW 1 😀

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      same here 🙂 plus Jaku

      1. Lone Wolf FPL
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        never mind, Evans too so 3 all together.

        1. TokyoRisingSun
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Had jaku and Evans too until a couple weeks ago 😛

  19. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Bench one of Stanislas,Phillips or Pogba?

    Or play AoA chip and play all of them benching one of Baines or Rose?

    1. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Bench pogba

    2. InSaneMan-e
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Really hard choice that.
      I'd go with Stanislas for the bench personally
      or Pogba (but if he isnt playing against Stoke, then is it worth spending over 8 to have him?)

    3. Giovanni Giorgio
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Bench Stanislas

    4. mcrayeps
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      bench rose

  20. mcrayeps
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    A) Rose + Chambers + Alonso
    B) Baines + Brunt + Alonso

    Which will bring me more points for longer term?

    1. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      A

  21. FPL_352
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Kane to Lukaku this week?

    Then be able to upgrade Lallana to Eriksen for GW23.

    Or stick?

    1. Giovanni Giorgio
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      I would stick. Man City is a mess and Kane is just as likely to score as Lukaku imo.

      1. TokyoRisingSun
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        This

    2. mcrayeps
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      stick

  22. Giovanni Giorgio
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Tom Davies nailed? 4.3. Looks a good option for the 5th mid spot.

    1. Numb
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Not sure what happens when Schneiderlin comes into the team

    2. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      I like the look of him. Could be a real gem if he keeps playing the way he did against city

    3. mcrayeps
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      yes, on the radar for 5th bargain mid

  23. adam28193
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Why is Evans still red flagged?

  24. purple.emu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Great Baines flagged!!!

    What now???

    1. Giovanni Giorgio
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      He should be ready according to Koeman. Rib injury

    2. AlrightGuvnor
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      That is the only problem with Baines, too injury prone!

  25. TheTinman
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    A) Lukaku -4
    B) Origi

    A hit will be taken on Origi this week or next regardless.

    Better to wait? I suppose it is slightly safer.

    1. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Agonizing over Origi myself. Against Swansea, Origi could easily grab a goal even off the bench I guess

  26. zakard
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Alonso (c) crazy ??

    1. Giovanni Giorgio
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      yes

    2. mcrayeps
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      with costa on SC and haz on LWF, yes its crazy

    3. purple.emu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

  27. Gazpilicueta
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    any advice on my team would be greatly appreciated...

    Heaton, Pickford
    Holebas, Azpilicueta, Friend, McAuley, Amat
    Hazard, Sanchez, Allen, Capoue, Rodriguez
    Defoe, Costa, Zlatan

    £1.1 in the bank and 2 free transfers.
    you're my only hope!

    1. purple.emu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Pickford to someone....Heaton will concede

      1. Gazpilicueta
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        i guess this is true, but he still might get some save points? I cant figure out who to get for pickford.

    2. Giovanni Giorgio
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Holebas and Rodriguez ----> Baines and Mirallas/Philips

    3. *sigh*
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Pickford to Jaku?

  28. Evans
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    I have one spare spot on my team, so who would you consider out of this lot ? Note : not long term for one game only

    A) Costa
    B) Pedro
    C) Firminio
    D) Couthino

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      C

  29. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Better option for this week:

    a) Hazard
    b) Costa

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Hazard. Gut feeling.

  30. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Baines to Coleman to sideways? Worried about the injury

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Yes calm down and make sure you have a playing sub