Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 227 – Lift Off

An unprecedented summer podcast arrives following the Fantasy Premier League launch, as Jonty, Andy and Luke join me in the afterglow of a joyous day.

Technically “on the beach” and fighting back to full fitness, we nonetheless brave the airwaves to chime in on the price list, reclassified players and some early formation dancing.

We glory in the potential bargains, lament the overpriced and make bold claims on our lineups that will doubtless be reversed come August 11. If Andy has Chris Brunt in his Gameweek 1 squad, I’ll eat my Free Hit chip.

The FPL Draft game gets a rinsing, and we end the show with our proud declaration of our team ID’s. A conclusion that leaves me feeling rather inadequate even before a ball has been kicked.

This ScoutCast was first beamed live via our YouTube channel on Wednesday 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 on 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.

2,760 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jimmers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Scoutcast? in July?

  2. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Great to have the scoutcast back. What an unexpected surprise 🙂

  3. TopMarx
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Good to be back and hear your thoughts, thanks guys

  4. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Good to be back!

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Chris Brunt, Andy?

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Those fixtures!

        1. Legomane
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Triple WBA defence....oh oh!

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      What do you think of mata? Seems to fly under the radar every season and another kind price tag as a result

  5. The Truth Is...
      6 years, 11 months ago

      How are Chelsea likely to line up in Midfield?

      1. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Willian initial bargain.

    • thunder_mike
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Awesome to be back, caught some of it live, looking forward to listening tomorrow.

    • Legomane
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Sweet - just catching up now 🙂

    • thunder_mike
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Anyone else looking at a 433 with Alonso instead of a 343?

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Might as well get fabregas or Willian for the same price.

        1. Legomane
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Alonso and Willian here

        2. thunder_mike
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Alonso gets CS and will probably get more minutes.

          1. FPL Virgin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            All depends on if Sandro signs for me.

            Alonso can only get 1 clean sheet a game. Willian and Fab could rack up goals and assists. Higher ceiling.

            1. Snevitz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              That's ridiculous, why can't Alonso get assists and goals as well as clean sheet points?
              With a cleansheet earning him 4 points in addition to racking up goals and assists he has a higher ceiling than the midfielders.

      2. Legomane
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Yup

    • Helia
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Double Man U or double Southampton defence could go not bad with their fixtures. I might start with both. Thoughts?

      Foster
      Bailly lindeloff Bertrand Cedric
      Alli Coutinho KDB
      Lukaku(c) Defoe benteke

      Elliot loftus mee Carroll

      Or benteke, Carroll > Jrod, tadic

      1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Wouldn't double up on both, one or the other at most

      2. Snevitz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I like the double double, I'm just concerned that Bailly's lack of attacking means he does not justify £6m.

        1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          It's high risk high reward for sure

        2. Helia
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          yeah i thought the same, but not willing to go valencia for the extra .5

          cheers lads

          1. Snevitz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            triple Southampton defence instead?

            1. Helia
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              Haha nah I couldnt go all In... maybe bailly to Daniels I was thinking

    • Flynny
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Any views on this lot Please?

      Foster elliot
      Lindelof trippier Cedric dunk mee
      Alli coutinho Ramsey rlc Carroll
      Kane lukaku Defoe

      Thanks

      1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Good, not sure I would want to play one of RLC/Carroll every week though unless your playing 4 at the back. If that's the case I would get a 4m def and upgrade Dunk to possibly a West Brom/
        Bournemouth def

      2. Frank Black
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Trippier not a starter, Dunk question mark and generally speaking the defense is too light. Also, no Ramsey and Carroll and Defoe is too pricey.

        1. Flynny
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Trippier should start once walker leaves

        2. Snevitz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Defoe is great value, the same as he was for most of last year.

        3. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Don't see a problem with Defoe, not much value below 8m. Bournemouth score goals and Defoe scores goals, plus he could well be on pens

          1. Flynny
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            So is that a general thumbs up for this lot?.

            Could easily downgrade dunk to Rangel and upgrade mee to daniels...

            1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              Yeah at this stage you can get away with a non playing 4m defender. Hudson/Long probably at this stage have the best chance of minutes

      3. Helia
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I think I've missed why so many people are going ramsey, but nice team indeed.

    • We Will Klopp you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Who rotates well with Heaton (beautiful pattern of home games)? Thinking Fabianksi so far

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Alternative is De Gea and 4.0

      2. I Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Personally I wouldn't rotate a 5m keeper.

    • Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      After much f5 f5....:D

      My team is picked anyway

    • PC ALLSTARS
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Right guys I'm thinking this
      RMT please, cheers!

      Foster
      Simpson, Francis, Alonso,

      Sanchez, Alli, Pedro, Allen,

      Kane, Jesus, Wells,

      Subs, Myhill, Rlc, Hudson, Hanley,

      1. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Sanchez in RMT shocker!

      2. HellasLEAF
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        It's July 12th...

        Surely the RMT's are early

    • Pariße
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I feel so sorry for Mandanda, never really got a chance in the Premier League due to his injury. Can't really tell how well he performed in the games he did play for Palace, but I think we might've lost a FPL gem with him returning back to Marseille 🙁

    • Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Youre favourite 4.5m DEFs?

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Lowe. Maybe Simpson but he's a scumbag. Mee.

        I think I'm onto something with Lowe though.

        1. Dezrar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Agree, so long as Malone doesn't walk in and take his place. Hopefully Malone plays higher up & we have a 4.5 def on penalties!

      2. Vault Boy
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Francis, Mee, Tomkins & Yedlin

      3. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Charlie Taylor is class, have Leeds fan friends.

      4. Henryyy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers guys

      5. Ramboros
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Lowton/Mee. Good home record and strong home games to start off the season.

    • 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Is Milner is a good choice as DEF, regarding first two game week Liverpool will facing not so strong team?

      Thx.

      1. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Liverpool started well last year, I expect the same. Favour their attackers though...

      2. The Legend Squad
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        You have potentially the highest scoring defender for 6.5m. If he's on pens, he'll outscore any 3rd striker at the same price level, he's straight in my team.

        1. Miami Monkey
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Problem is you have to play him every week. I like to rotate defenders on fixtures, and I would buy 6.5m strikers who are in form

      3. Helia
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        If Liverpool don't sign anyone his straight in for me

    • Vault Boy
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A) KDB & Firmino
      B) Aguero & Tadic

      1. Slartibartfast
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        a

      2. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        A

      3. UnitedFan
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        A

      4. Ligdon
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        A

    • Postman Ty
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Is the FPL FFS league up and running? Anyone got the code?

      1. StalkingDwarf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        There a hot topic

        1. Postman Ty
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          cheers

      2. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        you should be auto in?

    • Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I honestly don't see the hype around a 5 at the back and maybe even a 4 at the back. There's a lot less cleansheets in the first half of the season usually and if you are effectively gonna rely on attacking returns from defender then you might as well rely on that from midfielders and attackers who are actually more likely to provide attacking output

      1. Netley Lucas
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        There seems to be a tipping point under 7m for 'attackers' though, just where the premium defenders kick-in. 4-4-2 kind of looks good 😆

        1. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Idk, I think there is real potential in the sub 7 bracket. Deeney, austin, rodriguez, berahino, gayle. All players that id expect more from.

          1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Austin for me is the one to watch.

          2. Ser Davos
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Ew would rather grab a premium defender than juggle that lot about

      2. A Team Of James McCleans
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Same here, always have and always will play 3 at the back

      3. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Hmmm...think that was disproven. if it was 2007-2008 then yep, uber def was the bomb from the off then. triple stoke was sexxxy

        1. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Ive looked at the stats, last few seasons nearly 60% of total cs come in second half of campaign...

          1. Evil Greg
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            if there's several teams running 3-5-2 (IRL) then there's a possibility wingbacks could shift the template. never has there ever been so many 3-5-2's before.

    • FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Is Alonso in the clear?

      Chelsea will beat Juventus to the £28m signing of Real Madrid right-back Danilo, 25. (Daily Mirror)

      1. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Even if he is, 7.0 is not worth it for a defender

      2. Vault Boy
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Alonso plays on the left does he not?

      3. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Alonso...gonna divide opinion. I like to look for value from the off plus a lot of players who are off a similar price so the switch is easy. everyone's third forward should be 8.5, can switch to 90% of the player pool etc

      4. I Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Beat Juventus? We just used our last non-EU spot on Douglas Costa. Not even a target anymore.

      5. CloudSky
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Danilo plays on the right.

    • Vault Boy
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      What mid-priced (6-0m-7.5m) MIDs do you guys like best?

      1. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Tadic, redmond, ramsey, mata, lanzini, ayew, antonio, willian, fabregas, wijnaldum, lallana are the group id be picking from

        1. Vault Boy
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          None of them really stand out to me, I'm on Zaha and Phillips at the moment. For me Fab is a no-brainer provided he's nailed.

          1. Stats Don\'t Lie
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Personally I am not a fan of the west brom mids and I prefer townsend over zaha for 1 million less or even just going ultra cheap with RLC

        2. We Will Klopp you
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Stanislas too imo, ceiling could be high this year given how well he did with little playing time

          1. Stats Don\'t Lie
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Yes, I forgot to mention stanislas, really like the look of him but struggling to fit him in my team, may hold out initially as fixtures aren't the greatest so will give time to judge form

        3. Evil Greg
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          I like Willian best, highest upside with set pieces and big team.

          Really like lanzini. wait for west ham to show form though, bit jeckyll n hyde.

          1. Vault Boy
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            A lot of people suggesting Willian, is he nailed?

      2. Helia
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I like Willian and lallana the most but there are some other good options that were mentioned above ^

      3. UnitedFan
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Zaha, Ramsey, Lanzini

    • goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      anyone wanna fight me? i need a massive pay day, more forehead will sell the fight

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Square up, you've been irritating me with your three at the back formation.

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          you're too nice pal i'm thinking about the guy below

          1. ★Kuntheman★
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            I'd pay to see that one to be fair

      2. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Grow up mate

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          first potential opponent duly noted

          1. ★Kuntheman★
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            *grabs popcorn* this is gonna be good

          2. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Those days are long gone buddy I would still end you in under 3 seconds though. You don't want to be threatening the wrong people mate

            1. goriuanx
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              you're my little beech sit down

              https://media2.giphy.com/media/26gJyIscAHtBNcc00/giphy.gif

              1. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 11 months ago

                Of course I am Paul.

                1. ★Kuntheman★
                  • 8 Years
                  6 years, 11 months ago

                  Lol is that why you wanted to know TM's name so badly?

      3. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Cash me ousside how bout dat?

      4. StalkingDwarf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        You need to start some arguments on FFS. Build up hype.

      5. A Team Of James McCleans
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        U wan' sum? Ill giv i' ya

      6. Zasa
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Hell in a Cell vs Mark

        1. ★Kuntheman★
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          I'd pay to see a Royal Rumble with Daniel as #30

          Arena goes silent, buzzer goes on, "JUHUUUUUUUUUU"

          Crowd goes wild

          1. Zasa
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            lol, I'd see that

        2. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          😯 where have you been

          1. Zasa
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Work & college 🙁

            Good to see you though, Berbs

            1. goriuanx
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              sweet, hope all is well! 🙂

      7. TopMarx
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Boxing or MMA?

    • reo19uk
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      How do you do a draft league can't see an option for it!

      1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Doesn't open till next week

    • Football Weekender
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Even before the release of the game I was seriously considering 4-4-2 and now I can actually price it up, it seems to work quite well...

      Foster
      Azpilicueta, Trippier, Lindelöf, Cédric
      Coutinho, Sané, Fàbregas, Ramsey
      Kane, Lukaku

      Myhill, Francis, T.Carroll, Murphy

      1. GuyIncognito
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        4-4-2 is a low EV play.

        1. Football Weekender
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Not familiar with that term - what's a low EV play?

      2. Netley Lucas
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Scarily similar te mine 😆

        Foster
        Trippier Kompany Lindelöf Kolasinac
        Fàbregas Ramsey Coutinho Sané
        Lukaku Kane

        1. Football Weekender
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Great minds and all that 😉

      3. Jafalad
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        It's an interesting option but then you have to remember that defenders will always be the lowest scoring players in the game. 343 for me.

    • Tiamani Warrior
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Is Stephens or yoshida ahead in the pecking order if vvd stays? Does either compliment him better?

    • Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Seems to me that RLC is going to be a key player early on. If he nails down a CAM spot for Palace then those extra funds freed up by playing him instead of benching him could be a really smart move...and leave Carroll as another 4.5 on the bench.

      Palace have ok fixtures for the first 4/5

      Definitely one for the pre season watch list.

      1. A Team Of James McCleans
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Capoue 2.0?

        1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Hopefully

      2. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        One potential idea for those of us playing 442...

        Play RLC GW1 (352) but bench someone like a 4.5 Watford defender instead.

        Switch to 442 from GW2...

      3. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Yep, the loan move coming just after release was great.

        Mesa over Carroll

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Actually,screw that, Carroll will probably play most games

    • Vault Boy
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Pick one:
      A) Kompany
      B) Kolasinac
      C) David Luiz
      D) Alderweireld
      E) Other DEF at 6.0m or below

      I have no cover for the teams of the players above, I currently have Lindelof, Milner, Cedric and Rangel.

      1. A Team Of James McCleans
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Mcauley?

        1. Vault Boy
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          I have Fosterat the moment, not sure I'd want to double up as they only had 6 cleanies last season.

      2. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        B/A

      3. StalkingDwarf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Kolasinac

      4. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Kompany was bang on it end of last year

        1. Vault Boy
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Exactly my thoughts, I also remember he had a explosive beginning to the season a couple years ago too. He's on the top of my list in the 6.0m range.

      5. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        D

    • COYG
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Have Kolasinac and Lindelof, which 3rd defender?

      1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Cedric

      2. A Team Of James McCleans
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Mcauley/cedric?

      3. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I have those two and went Cedric as my 3rd

    • I Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Think I'm gonna stick with this until preseason games and more signings make things clearer. Feedback and criticism welcome.

      Foster (Myhill)
      Lindelof - Cedric - Dawson - Dann (Mee)
      De Bruyne - Coutinho - Pogba - Tadic (Carroll)
      Kane - Lukaku (Murphy)

      Not worried that my 3rd striker won't play. Two playing subs should get me through until wildcard. Will switch Carroll to Loftus-Cheek if he looks likely to start.

      1. noquarternt
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Looks good mate. Wouldn't have Dann personally, their fixtures aren't that great to begin with. Good luck.

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Would rotate with Mee who has West Brom, Palace and Huddersfield in his first three home games. Dann would start against Huddersfield and Swansea. Might be better of going for a 4.5 Palace defender but I like Dann's goal threat and not really sure which 4.5 will start under the new manager.

      2. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Looks quite decent. Agree with you on 3rd striker and on waiting till preseason. Preseason will offer up options for sure, for now there isn't much tinkering necessary

    • COYG
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Thoughts on firmino

      1. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        in my team, he will get BAPS to cover his loss of 1 point cleanie n 1 point goal extra.

      2. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Enabler for other Pool attackers in real life at no.9. Frustrating as an FPL mid. Even more so now as a frwd.