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. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Best 6.5 def to start the season with? Valencia?

    1. CREAM
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Azpil

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

      Miner a option personally I think better values in 5.5 like mustafi lidolf and Trippier

      1. CREAM
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        trippier not nailed

    3. Make Arrows Green Again
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I'm not sure that's the best way of looking at it... Surely pick the players you think are essential and then decide if you can afford them?

      FWIW Valencia, Azpi, Moses in that order probably.

    4. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Good for CS and an odd goal/assist. But I think there are other players in that price category that offers more attacking threat

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

      Looks fully valued imho. Might even be better value for a mill less. Kompany was my 1st def, Trip & Kolasinac followed, chuck in Lindelof and I might be sorted! 😆

  2. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    I am the only one who prefers mustafi over lindelof?

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

      no

    2. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I'm not convinced of his nailedness.

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

      Rob Holding may challenge his position.

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

    How are people seeing Milner? Starter with pens.

    1. CREAM
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      strong

    2. La Vida Latte
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Like him. Bur a lot of CL qualifications in the beginning make me worried about rotation

    3. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Would rule out Liverpool signing a left back or even moving Clyne over and playing trent alaxander at right back. Joe gomez and Flanagan can also play there. I would avoid see how Liverpool do remember they will play champ league qualifier and may be distracted plus gw3 and 4 are awful fixtures

      1. Kryten
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Wouldn't rule out*

    4. A.T
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Loads of interest and then Liverpool will sign a lb and it'll be over.

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

      Depends who they buy. Can't see Robertson being a great improvement so he might remain as LB w/pen's and reasonable value.

    6. MGD
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah, thanks guys. It's alot ouf money invested in alot of "ifs". But if it would go well its a great investment.

    7. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Liverpool are like Bournemouth.. try and beat you by scoring more goals; not by conceding less. Milner is 0.5 overpriced imo.

  4. jay01
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    A)
    Heaton/Begovic
    Lindelof, Trippier, Cedric, Francis, Hunemeier
    KDB, Coutinho, Philips, Stanislas, RLC
    Kane, Aguero, Deeney

    or

    B)
    Heaton/ELLIOT
    Lindelof, Trippier, Cedric, Francis,MONREAL
    KDB, Coutinho, Philips, Stanislas, RLC
    Kane, JESUS, Deeney

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      WBA/BUR: BOU 182 . WBA 62 . STK 211 . CPL 109 . WHM 102 . HUD 165 . WAT 330

      1. jay01
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        sorry what?

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Never mind. 🙂

        2. Whats the Mata?
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          wba and burnley rotation

  5. H-SF
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Is having two 4.5m midfielders a problem?

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I think that it is. Yes.

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

      I think rotating rlc and Carroll may work out did it successfully with Capoue and Allan last year

      1. H-SF
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        That's what I'm thinking

    3. Sting in the Tail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Not if you play 4-3-3

  6. Wingate
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Has anyone done any good 'Points Per 90 per £Million' analysis to see true value based on last season points and this season price?

    I did a few by hand last night and was interesting to see some of the results...

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

      I'm typically suspicious of such analyses, at least unless a high-enough minutes floor (say 1500) is applied. Small sample performances typically don't extrapolate well in points-based games like FPL.

      I'd be happy to crunch the numbers, though.

      What were the interesting findings you came up with?

  7. Cal1umz
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Morning guys!

    Please pick:

    A - Fabregas + 4.5 def
    or
    B - Tadic/Redmond + Cedric

    Thanks in advance!

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      C - Pedro and Cedric?

    2. CREAM
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      B. fabregas not nailed

  8. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone got any reasons to pick Yedlin over Mee or vice versa?

    1. Olivier Bernards watch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I think Yedlin could be a decent shout actually. His pace is a real offensive weapon, and ritchie is very good at making space for him by cutting inside on his left, plus he should be nailed now anita's gone. However, i'm currently really unsure how we're gonna do overall with so little transfer activity...

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

      Yedlin is a fast FB, assisted a few and got a goal. If he's nailed and I think he is he looks a good rotator for 4.5 with a nice run of fixtures after TOT.

    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Mee, Burnley at home.. fortress.. enough said

  9. Olivier Bernards watch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Would appreciate some opinions on the following options from anyone in the know:

    (a) J Ayew

    (b) Lindelof

    1. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      No.

      Yes.

  10. ronty
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    First draft done:

    Foster/Bego
    Lindelof/Cedric/Dawson/Francis/Lascelles
    Couti/Sane/Pedro/Mkhi/RLC
    Lukaku/Jesus/Tammy

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Nice team. But you will be chewing the carpet on Sunday night.

      1. ronty
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        will be out and about 😛

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

    Kolasinic is playing LCB in today's match.

    1. Olivier Bernards watch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      is monreal playing?

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

      Kolasinac of course.

      Cech
      Nelson Bielek Mertz Kolasinac Bramall
      Coq Willock
      Ozil Walcott
      Welbeck

  12. YoungPretender
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    #1 Draft, thoughts?

    Foster Myhill
    Bertrand Cedric Lindelof Trippier Tomkins
    Tadic Mane Pogba Willian Loftus-Cheek
    Lacazette Lukaku Defoe

    Too much Saints and United?

  13. Les Majesteux
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    I find it impossible to have a decent team with Lukaku - Lacaz - Kane on top together.

    So far i am on:

    Foster
    Lindelof - Bertrand - Monreal
    Countinho - De Bruyne - Pogba - Ritchie
    Lukaku - Lacasette - Gayle

    Bench: Begovic - Loftus - Rangel -

    1. Les Majesteux
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yedlin last sub

    2. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Was Ritchie any good last season? He never performed last time round in the league.

      Iv Lukaku Kane Lacazette upfront...

      1. Les Majesteux
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        He did good in Championship.

    3. MJM
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      No spurs cover could be a problem

  14. shearer9
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Is Yoshida nailed on?

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

      Dunno, but I sense he's ahead of Stephens.

      1. shearer9
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Poor selection of 5.0 defenders this year. I want to pair Yoshida with Cedric

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

          Ake could be great, Dawson if he just attacks the space at SP's and Cedric looks nailed. 3 decent 5's, probably more.

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

            Daniels too but I'd prefer Ake.

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

              We'll have a feature on Bournemouth coming out soon on WGTA - I did a deep dive on the underlying numbers of their defenders, and Ake was my top pick of all players there. I'll let you know when it's out!

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

                Everyone seems te think BOU simply conceded loads and went back defensively during his starts. It wasn't the case at all 😆

                1. penman26
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 11 months ago

                  11 clean sheet last season! bournmouth are good- its just they got destroyed a couple of times by teams when playing away from home

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Hard to be sure. There's Yoshi and Stephens to partner VVD. If VVD goes will Saints bring in a new CD or will they both play?

  15. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    What do you get for the extra .5m getting Bertrand over Cedric?

    Ta 🙂

    1. Olivier Bernards watch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      a warranty

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Can I send him back if he proves faulty?

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Yes. - 4 for depreciation. 😉

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

      All the productivity 😆

    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      These were my thoughts: Saints were one of the lowest scoring teams, last Season. Therefore assists are at a premium.
      Saints recorded 14 clean sheets last Season.

      Cedric.

    4. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      . 5 feels more important early on. I am going Cedric seems to arttack as much as Bertrand alough that opinion not checked the stats

    5. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Bertrand may get the odd set-piece

    6. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      more assists.

    7. penman26
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Goals is what you get! plus he can play left wing so chance of an out of position defender playing in mid

  16. Duffy Dunk
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    This is my initial selection, I set it up yesterday and just once, since I didn't have more time to tinker with it. Please tell me what you think:

    Forster, Foster
    Holding, Dunk, Alonso, Lindelof, Trippier
    Alli, Coutinho, Phillips, Groß, Ritchie
    Lacazette, Defoe, Gayle.

    There's 2m remaining budget if you want to suggest upgrades

    1. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Looks like too much gone on defense , no utd cover and they have great early fixtures

      1. Duffy Dunk
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I'd like to have more from ManUtd, but none of their mids convinces me, while Lukaku has to adapt.
        Last year the preferred to play it safe, not scoring many goals, so I could get DDG or another def, but isn't Lindelof enough?

        1. @fpl_phenom
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Yes enough for defensive cover but I like Lukaku for attacking cover.

          1. Duffy Dunk
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            If he shows at least decent signs of blending with the team and scoring, I think we'll all jump on him.
            Kind of hope he doesn't, as I want to keep Lacaz in my team

    2. penman26
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      why lindelof!? will he start ?

  17. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    The consensus on here seems to be that Fabreags will play while Haz is out, but isn't the natural replacement Willian?

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yes.

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

      Yes.

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      There's no consensus - it's a serious issue. That's why I'd rather Zaha or Lanzini at that price - both nailed.

  18. ponsio22
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Ramsey, B. Silva, D. Silva, Poga, Miki, Son, sane, pedro, sigi, walcott.

    Who you got?

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Just Pedro.

    2. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Pog and Sane

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Sane. Pogba and Pedro are worth considering too.

  19. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Seeing there's no starting 4.0 options at the moment.. any chance the new brighton left back comes in at 4.0?

      1. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        yeah just read this.. i was wondering about the bloke they announced this morning

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

          Suttner? Hmmm... looks a bit experienced, 3 yr deal, feels a bit 4.5

    1. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Doubt it mules as 4.0 very few rarely work out except unexpected youngers coming through

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

      No

  20. 1-1 at Newcastle
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Foster - Elliot
    Cedric - Lindelof - Lejeune - Rangel - Tuanzebe
    Fabregas - B Silva - Mane - Alli
    Lukaku - Lacazette - Defoe

    Bit worried about two 4.0's but think Fabregas could play in the hole with Bakoyoko signed, Hazard out too.

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

      Tuanzebe is a waste of a United spot. If Bakayako signs (big IF still), Cesc will not make the team - they don't have a player in the hole, they play 3-4-3.

      B.Silva massive risk.

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        ^^^.

      2. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        agree with all of this

      3. shearer9
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Reckon Pedro will play?

    2. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Avoid B Silva at the moment. He's new to the Prem and will be eased in slowly.

    3. 1-1 at Newcastle
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      cheers all

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

    Weird move from Swansea. Surely that will only serve to knock £5-10m off Siggy's price?!

    1. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Ye it looked like the manager was trying to flog him on sky sports

  22. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    i think i've got it...

    foster/myhil
    Lindelof, PVA, bertrand, Dawson, yedlin
    Sane, Ramsey, Tadic, Ritchie, Carrol
    Kane, Lukaku, firmino

    thoughts?

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Nope. Must try harder. 🙂

      1. Lord Flashheart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        🙂

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Not for me but it's okay. Maybe too lightweight in midfield.

      1. Lord Flashheart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        cheers

  23. H-SF
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on Yedlin?

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I try not to ... 🙂

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

      Interested in him. He's a bit of a liability though, so I'm wary they'll sign someone

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      tbh, i didn't pay attention to Toon last season. Yedlin, Clark and Lascelles are all 4.5. Dunno who the best one is.

  24. icelemontea
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Comment
    GK - Foster (Darlow)
    DF - Davis,Lindelof,TommySmith (Hunemeier,Ake)
    MF - KdB,Miki,Eriksen (Loftus-C,Knockaert)
    FW - Lukaku,Lacazette,J.Rodriguez

    3-4-3

  25. shearer9
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Why is Ramsey not playing today?

  26. Ask Yourself
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Smashed it yes?¿

    Foster // Myhill

    Cedric Trippier Francis Lindelof Bertrand

    Alli Fab/Willian Mane // RLC Carroll

    Lukaku Kane // Gayle

    1. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      no city attack cover?? try again

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Not planning on touching it until it's certain

    2. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Of the most balanced I've seen.
      Looks good

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yes- ish.

      Brave to go big at the back - like me!

      The Fab/Will thing is an imponderable. You might prefer a nailed-on at that price, such as Lanzini. Or upgrade that spot and demote Gayle to a 4.5 benchie.

  27. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    How about something like this, based on the current highest owned players..?

    Foster (Myhill)
    Lindelof Cedric Daniels McAuley 4.5
    Alli Coutinho (RLC Carroll Romeu)
    Kane Lukaku Lacazette

    Same formation below, you could fairly easily cover the best captain options every week:

    Foster (Myhill)
    Cedric Stephens Dunk Clark Yedlin
    Sanchez Pedro (RLC Carroll Romeu)
    Kane Lukaku Jesus

    Thoughts?

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      You are spending far too much money upfront, imo.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        just a draft, my final team will be a fairly boring 442 I'm sure - but this looks an interesting tactic

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Top one a 523 or 433?

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        523

  28. reason17
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Foster - Myhill
    David Luiz - Lindelof - Cedric - B Mee - Francis
    De bruyne - Alli - Tadic - Knockaert - RL Cheek
    Lukaku - Lacazette - Gayle

    1.0 ITB

    thoughts?

    1. MJM
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Good team, unsure about Tadic though, maybe downgrade Luiz

  29. Alexieishere
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Begovic - Gomes
    Morgan - Naughton - Lascelles - Schindler - Dunk
    Alli - Salah - Sane - Willian - Ritchie
    Lukaku - Lacazette - Murray

    0.5 ITB, thoughts?

    1. MJM
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Very weak defence, perhaps replace one of your more expensive mids

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

    Remind me, if I have a perma-bench 4.5 forward, I should be going for the lowest owned or someone in the low-middle?

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

      i.e. Murphy or McBurnie?

    2. Alexieishere
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Lowest owned so the price fall is slower

    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Something like that. That's why I am leery of RLC.

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

        Yeah, understand it, but when there's the chance of them playing, and getting good points, it's always worth the risk.

        None of the 4.5 forwards stand a chance