Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 231 – Eavesdrop

This is a very strange experience.

Denied the opportunity to host this week’s ScoutCast by BT’s shortcomings and with the Wildcard active, I am forced to join you and eavesdrop while my decision-making is torn apart by Andy, Jonty, Az and Luke. I have to admit, it’s pretty tortuous.

It’s like my hands are firmly fastened to the couch while the quartet lapdance* their critique around me. How I want to get “involved”.

Aside from appraising my “ill-timed” Wildcard, the boys tackle your other community questions.

They consider the Liverpool double-up, question whether midfield coverage can replace either Kane and Lukaku, debate whether Alonso is essential and then look at how fixtures can shape cheap defensive acquisitions.

I’m pretty sure they answer them all exactly as I would. In fact, listening back, they appear to justify my Wildcard for me. I can hardly wait for next week.

This 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 on the first player below, or take in the full visual experience via the second player below.

* writer cannot call on any personal experience when making this comparison.

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

2,666 Comments Post a Comment
  1. gunnerboy
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Why is Brady in so many WC teams?Flavour of the week?

    1. Zareos
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      His underlying stats are impressive. But it's still Burnley.

    2. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Brady is a meh for me.

    3. Midlands Saint73
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      AUS - awesome underlying stats.

    4. J T
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      He hit the post, got an assist, on free kicks and corners, good fixtures, 4.5m

      1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        wish he was ...

        1. J T
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Me too.. 5.5m* typo

  2. sk018
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Who to bench?

    A) Mee
    B) Dawson
    C) Richarlison
    D) Ritchie

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      D.

    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      C

  3. Nesvy
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Who play?

    a/ Monreal
    b/ Trippier

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A.

    3. KISSES
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

    4. danishdynamite
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

    5. CJDW
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A

  4. The Tinkerman
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Discovered Mark's WC team on twitter earlier and now feel like I should change mine up, for some reason... can't fault his reasoning though. Tried to shoehorn in Bavies for Jones, but he won't fit.

    Foster, Elliot
    Jones, Cedric, Naughton, Ward, Wimmer
    Alli, Salah, Mkhi, Carroll, RLC/James/Chal
    Kane, Kaku, Firmino

    Can't settle on that final 4.5m mid spot, and Ward/Mee is a gamble. Only slight discomfort is with Jones, but easy to replace.

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

      Why would you get rid of Jones?

      1. The Tinkerman
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Liverpool, Spurs, Chelsea and Everton in the next 8, he faces competition from Smalling, Lindelof etc. And he is very injury prone.

        Has been superb so far though.

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

      I'd rather Jones

  5. Jasօn
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Hi guys ... this is my first time posting this season.. would you please comment on my w/c?

    Lossl

    Cedric - Jones - Noughton

    Silva - pogba - Salah - Carroll

    Morata - Lukaku - Kane (c)

    Bench - Atsu - Shindler - mbemba

    I know I have been greedy up top but I'd appreciate your thoughts... Thanks

    SG

    1. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Midfield way to weak. Front like too expensive. Got to give one of them up.

    2. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I like it. I don't think mid is too weak, mbemba is injured though and won't play when their other players return from injury, so you may wanna up grade to a 4.5 somehow...

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

        Yeah I tried just shy of 0.2 ... w as thinning of riding out the storm as my defence have got decent fixtures as a whole

    3. The Wizard of Ozil
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Hey mate, not bad I'd be happy with that. I like Schindler pick. Not convinced on Silva, he's pretty popular on here but I feel like his best fantasy days are behind him. 2 assists though I can see why.

    4. Meppelfield
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I would look to get firmino in and upgrade the stability in the team. Youve got a few injury risks( like Jones) and rotation risks (like silva, salah to some extent). Thats ok, but to compensate i would make sure that the bench consists of starters, as they are likely to be called upon.

      And united fixtures are shifting rapidly from good to bad, just putting that out there.

    5. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good to me

    6. Flying Finns
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Great team. Mid not too weak. Might switch silva also e.g. Antonio

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

        Really want mci cover and Silva is nailed atm

    7. Jasօn
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks for the feedback guys!

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

      I can do mbemba + Jones out = dunk & mee in . Thoughts?

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

    Any suggestions here?

    Foster Elliot
    Alonso Jones Cedric Hegazi Naughton
    Eriksen Mkhitaryan Salah Brady Atsu
    Lukaku Firmino Chicharito

    WC active , ITB: 1.0

    1. aleksios
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      solid

    2. Flying Finns
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good

    3. UpAndAway
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Plan on getting Kane?

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

        Lukaku -> Kane once he starts firing.

        1. UpAndAway
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          I have the same front 3 and have $$$ for the same move. Would love to own both Kane and Lukaku though.

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

            Yeah, I haven't figured out how to get both with my team...

  7. aleksios
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Play Hegazi or Mooy?

    1. Flying Finns
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Mooy

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

    Best 4m or under defender that plays?

    1. J T
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      None

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Elliot.

      1. Gregor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Scratch that, nope, none.

    3. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      None

  9. timPgoodwin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone else tempted by Rashford at 7.5?

    1. The special 5
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yes I'm looking how to get him in

    2. MagnetBPS
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Good option but he doesnt deserve 1/3 FWD slot. Firmino, Lukaku, Kane are all better

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

      Is he nailed?

      1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        He will rotate with martial

    4. pilgrimchris
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I like him. I know he isn't as nailed on for minutes as lukaku but he has 6 points less so far for 4.3m less spend

  10. MagnetBPS
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Why people are captaining Lukaku vs Stoke(A)?
    Manutd had a similar team last time they played against stoke, which they needed a Rooney 94th min FK to get a 1-1 result.

    Other options are Firmino and Morata

    Firmino: Scores/assists many liverpool goals. In a team that score loads per game. Liverpool often do well against the top 6 teams. In pens. Mancity often concede a lot of goals according to previous results against Liverpool.

    Morata: Same as Firmino, which he is involved in Chelsea's attack. Leicester(A) is a really good fixture based on previous games against Chelsea.Hazard being back will make Morata get more chances. Leicester defense is horrible if they play like they played against Arsenal.

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Not sold on the lukaku love either
      He isn't the same player away from home. And last away game it was nearly a disaster for lukaku captainers until clement changed formation and it changed the game. Stokes defence is made of sterner stuff. Best case scenario is he gets 1 goal IMO.

    2. Ramboros
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Manchester City have conceded the fewest chances so far this season, and Liverpool only scored once in both games against them last season. Firmino doesn't perform as well at home as away, and neither do Liverpool.

      Leicester are one of the best home teams in the league. They are a lot more difficult to beat than Stoke.

      1. MagnetBPS
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Will Mancity stop Liverpool's attack? Tbh, Mancity played teams with weak attack. Leicester might score goals, but do concede goals. Both are high scoring games. However, Manutd vs stoke will always be a low scoring game.

    3. J T
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Because he has 3 goals and a missed pen in 3 games? This Utd team is far better than previous years with arguably a better manager.

      1. MagnetBPS
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Ofc he will score goals if Manutd score 2 4-0 wins. Will Lukaku score a brace? Unlikely

        1. FPL.team
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Why is it unlikely? Stoke aren't that good...

          1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            I think they are better than people have expected this season

            1. FPL.team
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              I rememeber Jonty saying the opposite on this weeks ScoutCast.

  11. beetlejuice
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Morning lads, require assistance;

    DDG
    Stephens | Yoshi | Alonso | Mee
    Mkhi | Ramsey | Atsu
    Kaku | Chica | Kane

    Elliot | Caroll | Willian | Rosenior

    2.4 ITB , 1 FT

    A) Save FT and keep the starting 11
    B) Save FT and play Willian instead of Atsu
    C) Ditch Willian to Salah

    1. beetlejuice
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Captain Chica btw.

    2. Flying Finns
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      C

  12. The special 5
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Silva to Fenerbache potentially

    1. beetlejuice
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Fenerbahce brought Vincent Jansen on loan.

    2. danishdynamite
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Leaving aside whether Silva himself would wanna go, it would be 50.000 shades of crazy for Pep to allow it

      Leaving aside the on field ramifications, the fans (I assume) would never forgive him for selling him, surely?

  13. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    morning all, this is my current WC team, would be interested to see your opinions on it.

    GTG or changes needed?

    Foster
    Alonso - Jones - Naughton
    Alli - Salah - Mhki - Brady
    Kane - Lukaku - Abraham

    subs: Elliot-Duffy-TCarroll-Rosenior

    £0.1itb

    Not happy with Abraham but can't see what else to do? Not sure Im brave enough to ditch one or two of Kane/Lukaku/Alonso!.

    Thanks in advance.

    1. Kevtheotter
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Salah and Abraham ---> Brady/Jese/Atsu and Firmino?

    2. Meppelfield
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Go 4-3-3 by downgrading salah/mkhi to a 4.5 mid bench fodder, upgrading abraham and upgrading a defender from your bench.

  14. insertcomedyname
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Depending on the weekend's action, I think Willian and Kola will need to go. Main two options at the mo are:
    A) Salah and Naughton (assuming a price rise doesn't scupper it)
    B) Brady and Alonso (leaving me some cash in the bank)

    Views appreciated on which is likely to yield more points.

    1. Flying Finns
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Tough one, but would say A

  15. Ready Manager One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Comments much appreciated!

    KDB and Gabbi to Silva and Firmino (-4), yay or nay?

    Current team:

    Foster
    Daniels Jones Stephens
    Pogba Salah KDB Mooy
    Kane Kaku Gabbi

    1. bros
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yay all day long

  16. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Ramsey and Willian chances' of starting?

      1. LewanGOALski
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        thx.
        maybe I'll swap him for Brady or Ritchie

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          I'm not sure . He is not close to a drop so don't do anything hasty .

    1. beetlejuice
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Benching Willian myself.

    2. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Ramsey will start I think

    3. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Strong.

  17. Ramboros
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Janssen on loan to Fenerbache. Not the most impactful transfer, but more minutes for Llorente in the cups is good for Kane in the league.

  18. The Tinkerman
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Burnley fans,

    Should I be worried about Charlie Taylor taking the place of Ward in the starting XI any time soon?

    He was clearly bought in to replace him eventually, and Ward is getting on a bit.

  19. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Play 1 :

    A) Mee (CRY)
    B) Atsu (swa)

    1. beetlejuice
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Mee

  20. timPgoodwin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Who is the best midfielder for 6.1m or less? ...

    1. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Depends how risky you feel, Richarlison and Jese are both quite exciting players.

      1. timPgoodwin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks, his fixtures could be better but I like him.

    2. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Richarlison for me. Seems to be playing as a striker

    3. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Brady.

      1. timPgoodwin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Not keen on a Burnley attacker, their away form worries me and not sure who will be converting the chances he creates, Wood seems an average player to me.

  21. Johqvist
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Has Poch said anything about Aurier yet? Don't know if I should transfer Trippier out.

    1. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Said he is unsure on his fitness, unlikely he plays this week IMO

    2. Bald Eagle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      He's OK for this week, next one Aurier starts I believe.

    3. Johqvist
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers!

    4. The Kolarov Mane ⚔
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      You look familiar

      1. Johqvist
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Brady for -4?

  22. purple.emu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    What's all the fuss about Brady he plays for Burnley whom don't score great, they play Liverpool away next week. Atsu looks more tempting and the fixtures look better....?

    1. J T
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      He has created 12 chances hit the post and got an assist, he takes free kicks & corners, fixtures come good and he's only 5.5m.. need I go on?

      1. timPgoodwin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Burnleys fixtures are only good when they play at home. Just can't get on-board with a Burnley attacker.

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

          Snap, newcastle look like they can score a few when they want.

  23. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Given I am already starting Yoshida, should I play:

    A) Fraser
    B) Stephens
    C) Carroll

    Cheers!

    1. LewanGOALski
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      C

  24. Kryten
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    So with Huddersfield starting so well whos going down this year?

    My money's on Brighton Bournemouth and Newcastle .. gonna be some decent clubs going down

    1. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      West Ham I think. And hope

      1. Kryten
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I think they have a good enough squad with Antonio, lanzi and little pea. Could be bilic sacked and them going on a run later in season

      2. KISSES
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        No way

    2. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Bri. WHU and CP ... assuming no managerial changes. No doubt Big Sam is waiting in the wings for his usual massive paycheck for working only five months of the year.

    3. built_this_city
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Arsenal, Brighton, Palace

      1. Kryten
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Hahaha arsenal have been getting some abuse this week

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

        I don't think Huddersfield and Brighton will have the staying power.

        Hammers and Palace will improve with changes in their management. The knock-on effect will be a change at Newcastle. Ashley won't be able to replace Rafa with quality and they'll implode as the fans fear.

        So, the 3 promotees to go back down!

  25. Scotty B
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A Forster & Naughton
    Or
    B Fabianski & Cedric

    1. KISSES
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B

  26. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Repost

    morning all, this is my current WC team, would be interested to see your opinions on it.

    GTG or changes needed?

    Foster
    Alonso - Jones - Naughton
    Alli - Salah - Mhki - Brady
    Kane - Lukaku - Abraham

    subs: Elliot-Duffy-TCarroll-Rosenior

    £0.1itb

    Not happy with Abraham but can't see what else to do? Not sure Im brave enough to ditch one or two of Kane/Lukaku/Alonso!.

    Thanks in advance.

    1. Kevtheotter
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Scroll up...

  27. KISSES
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Going 352 on a WC, what do you think..

    Foster Elliot
    Alonso Cedric Mee Naughton 3.9
    Mane Dele Brady Eriksen Miki
    Lukaku Firmino 4.5

    1. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Not a fan would have two players on bench not playing. Also no flexibility to get another heavey hitter up top if a bandwagon appears

  28. timPgoodwin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Which do you prefer? I am leaning towards 'B' as it is more exciting ...

    (Cedric, Pogba and Abraham OR Jones, Richarlison and Rashford)

    A) Foster - Eliot
    Mee - Lowe - Alonso - Naughton - Cedric
    Salah - Eriksen - Pogba - Mkhi - Carroll
    Firmino - Kane - Abraham

    OR

    B) Foster - Eliot
    Mee - Lowe - Alonso - Naughton - JONES*
    Salah - Eriksen - RICHARLISON* - Mkhi - Carroll
    Firmino - Kane - RASHFORD*

    1. KISSES
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A

  29. johnthepg
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Fabianski or Foster for up till w12?

    1. KISSES
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Fab

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Fab out of the two but prefer Naughton for Swans cover.

  30. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Morning campers.
    Good to save this week.

    De gea
    Dawson Yoshida Bellerin
    Brunt Mane Erik Ritchie
    Lukaku c Kane Mounie

    Dunk Carroll Francis Elliot