Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 234 – Tri-Force

No more no less. Three is the magic number.

In a week where we ponder shifting to a “power three” in our line-ups, the ScoutCast is reduced to its own Tri-force, as Jonty and Andy join me as part of a skeleton crew for this latest episode.

Don’t worry, somehow we still manage to string things out for 80 minutes. After all, there is much to discuss, not least the current emphasis on the big strikers and the demise of Bobby Firmino – the driving force behind my apparently ill-time Wildcard.

Talking of which, with Jonty’s own Wildcard booked in for the international break, he eagerly assesses the forthcoming “fixture swing” that promotes investment in Man City and Chelsea, among others.

Elsewhere your community questions guide us to examine the latest optimum formation and to check in with “piggy bank” Marcos Alonso’s after his cruel 58th-minute withdrawal in the Potteries.

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.

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

1,950 Comments Post a Comment
  1. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Lukaku+aguero+jones > morata + Jesus + Alonso ??? From GW8 onwards!!!

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

      Yes, viable.

    2. Afghanistanislas
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yep, I'm probably doing the same but with Azpilicueta instead of Alonso

    3. Demel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good.

  2. Hakuho FPL
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Nooooooo Kunnnnnn

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

    Morning all, shocking news about Aguero (if true)

    What are you thinking for the Newcastle Liverpool game? Any score predictions?

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

      1-3 may be !!!

    2. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      0-3

  4. Ayew Holding Mee Cork
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Alli/Eriksen + Firmino -> Ramsey+ Laca for free?

    1. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Spurs have hud BOU, why sell? Away at WAT is no easy game for Laca and he's hardly been prolific

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Nope

    3. Magic Bean
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Not for me

  5. machickenz
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    0.1 ITB and 2 FT's. Any suggestions on tranfers?
    Gomes (Elliot)
    Davies Stones Naughton (Clark Mbemba)
    Eriksen Mhkitaryan Chuopo-Moting Doucoure (Cork)
    Kane Lukaku Morata

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

    Foster (Elliott)

    Mee, Davies, Dawson, Naughton (Mbemba)

    Mkhi, Erik, Salah (Gross, T.Carroll)

    Kaku, Jesus, Vardy

    0.7itb + 1 FT

    Thoughts?

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

      any thoughts lads?

      g2g?

  7. jia you
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Fabianski
    Bellerin / Jones* / Davies / Kola
    Eriksen / Ramsey / Ritchie
    Aguero* / Vardy* / Lukaku
    (Nor, Atsu, Ward, Carroll)
    0.8itb

    Wildcarded last week. Also had Mendy* but brought in Bellerin for him on FT this week.
    Now I'm stuck with a crocked Aguero and two other doubts. Unfortunatly I'm also 0.1m short of Kun to Kane!
    Thinking A. atm?

    A. Kun to Jesus
    B. Kun to Morata
    C. Other

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

      A

  8. Van Klinkert Delarosa
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Aguero 'possible' replacement watch-list :

    Out : Current transfer out (round)
    Aguero (52) 9-20-11 : 72,540

    In : Current transfer in (round)
    Morata (48) 6-1-17 : 255,008
    Lukaku (44) 6-12-7 : 87,179
    Vardy (36) 7-9-3 : 113,858
    Firmino (32) 2-2-2 : 28,014
    Kane (32) 13-2-13 : 99,095
    Lacazette (30) 6-2-13 : 55,142
    Jesus (29) 12-6-0 : 10,367
    Chicharito (25) 2-2-5 : 74,957
    Rashford (24) 7-2-2 : 37,287
    Abraham (24) 2-2-8 : 50,467
    Rooney (22) 1-2-1 : 4,307

    * all data was taken at 0400 GMT
    ** will visit this later 6 hourly or 12 hourly.

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

      I'd say only 5 are viable: Morata, Lukaku, Kane, Lacazette and Jesus. Jesus' purchases are slow because of the GW7 fixture; after that there should be a surge.

      And who are the 4K muppets who replaced him with Rooney????? 😉

      1. Van Klinkert Delarosa
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, those are what I'm currently penciled. + Vardy / Firmino

        Those are accumulation of transferred out data this week so, not sure if it was a direct placement for Aguero or not. But you are right, only nutter will buy him let alone swap for Aguero. lol

  9. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Davies or Trippier for one gw?

    1. Magic Bean
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Davies

    2. Demel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Trippier is probably more likely to start.

    3. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Davies

  10. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Hi, best Kun replacement (have Kane)
    A. Lukaku
    B. Morata
    C. Jesus
    D. Laca
    Thanks.

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

      Why do you need a replacement?

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

        Kun in a car accident reports are saying

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

          Wow! Just seen.

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

      I have kaku, so im thinking morata or jesus

    3. Magic Bean
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      This question for everyone is going to depend on if you are WCing in GW8 or not. If so, Lukaku or Laca, If not Jesus or Morata

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

        I agree with this.

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

        Yeah this, just no idea over Jesus or Morata. Probably Morata and then get Silva/Sterling.

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

      see above

  11. Demel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Time to talk about Liverpool.

    With Coutinho back in the team and Mane returning from suspension it is time to think about their pitch time.

    - Will Coutinho drop into midfield? This would leave their midfield very weak defensively. This looks unlikely. Especially in the big games.
    - Coutinho benched? This looks unlikely after Liverpool's 100m+ rejected offer.
    - Firmino benched and Salah through the middle. Salah has played this role for Roma but Firmino brings his team mates into play and benching him ruins the dynamism. This looks unlikely.
    - Mane benched. He was their best player last season and potentially their best goalscorer. This looks unlikely.
    - Salah benched. He has been the player with their best start to the season. They miss his pace of the counter when he is out of the team. This looks unlikely.

    All options look unlikely. But 4 into 3 doesn't work. All 4 on the pitch may also not work. Will they must take it in turn for a spell on the bench? Are 1, 2, 3 or even all 4 nailed on for starting every game? Who is the best option? Time to jump off the Liverpool assets?

    What are your thoughts?

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

      They'll play all 4 for sure, with 2 of Can/Henderson/Wij behind. But they'll definitely rotate and have Sturridge as well.

      Best options: Salah and Mane (hard to replace), next best Cout and then Firm.

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I think when all are available & fit Klopp starts with Mané, Firmino, Salah up top. Coutinho has to start so will be in CM, with two of Can, Henderson, Wijnaldum behind him. Sturridge will be impact sub/cover for injuries.

      Any one of Firmino, Salah, Mané, Coutinho will be good for points, and double up very viable also.

    3. CaptainKeita
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Pointless. It works. All four will play. One midfielder is always the most advance. If not coutinho then lallana. Lallana is back in training so I think he will be ready after international break. To add to all this you are missing that behind these four there is Henderson and Can who both are more defensive and provides the balance.

      Four attacking players is not as far fetched as you make it looks like. I would say its pretty normal.

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

        Really? Even against United and Spurs? They could get vsry overrun. I think all 4 playing is unlikely.

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

          Yeap, even against United and Spurs. Klopp is not Mourinho, he won't pack up the midfield with defensive players vs the big teams and leave out his best players just to suit that style, it's just not his style.

          Firmino, Mane, Salah and Countinho, Can, Henderson behind them, jurgen pressing even these big teams high up the pitch, going for goals. That's Klopp's Liverpool.

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

      I've got Salah and I'm happy to keep him. I can see Cout threading more through balls for him to use his pace to get on the end of.

    5. Van Klinkert Delarosa
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Nah.

      --------------------- Firmino
      -------------Mane ---------- Salah
      ------------Countinho --- Gini / Can

      It's always the plan since the end of last season, Lallana alongside Coutinho once fit.

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

        That would be far too unbalanced.

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

      All four will play, as they did in midweek and somehow drew in Russia.

      When Lallana is fit I fully expect Klopp to stop fielding central defenders, and possibly goalkeeper, since they're largely pointless in his system.

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

      I'm worried for Salah, he's been tested around European weeks as it is and now they have even more quality to come in to allow it.

      Three double digit weeks, two restings already, there's a pattern.

      Mane and Coutinho are 100% nailed IMO, the rest could be rested at any time.

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

        *rested not tested

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

    What’s the update on Vardy ? Is he fit ?

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

      Potentially.

  13. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Suggestions for this free hit chip team this gw? Thanks.

    Ddg
    Cresswell trippier monreal
    Coutinho mkhi shaqiri kouyate
    Kane lukaku lacazette

    Elliot mbemba King hunemeir

  14. Schliegs
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    So Vardy is looking like being out this week and i also have Mendy and Kun... I only have 1 ft.. time to wildcard?

    Also why is Danilos price dropping, surely he'd be locked into left back with Mendy out?

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

      Think I read somewhere that Vardy trained yesterday .. He might be fit

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

      He wasn't last week when the forgotten man played there (I forget his name) 😉

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

      Vardy will play. Delph and Sane have also covered in that spot. Delph just midweek in the CL.

  15. G-Whizz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Got to thank that boy Az for introducing the "Only make transfers on a Friday" rule to me...

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

      That rule has served me well over the years. Haven't seen a single Friday this season.

  16. Trovsmash
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    I have Jones and Aguero.

    Early thoughts are transferring them out for Morata and Danilo, opinions?

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

      Looks good.

  17. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    So looking longer term - it looks essential to have at least one each from city & Chelsea's attacks (& possibly defences) from GW8 forwards?

    Looks like choosing from a pool of: Hazard, Morata, Chelsea def, Jesus, Sané, Sterling, Silva, Danilo

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

      Hazard Morata Chelsea def Jesus Sterling Silva Walker you mean

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Walker is very expensive though... I hate spending more than 5.5 on a def when there is so much value back there this year... why go Walker when Danilo is 20% cheaper? I think they're both nailed

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

      That's my thinking. I'm looking at a WC to get maybe 5 of them in, at the risky expense of United and Spuds assets as I can't afford them all.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I'm keeping hold of Kane & Kaku for the long term anyway - they're too destructive & too stressful not to own 🙂 so leaves 1 fwd slot for either Jesus or Morata & then midfield slots for some combo of Haz, Sané, Sterling, silva

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

      Otamendi should be on that list. Yes all I tried to do for weeks is plan as much city and Che as possible from GW 8 on.
      Che mids other than Haz seem risky but if either Pedro or Willian could nail a spot they could be great value punts.

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

        Well I've knocked up a draft WC squad with Morata, Haz and Azpi, plus Sterling and Kun. Add in Lacaz, Monreal and Salah I'm left with raggedy left-overs to fill out the squad!

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

          If Kun is dead - Kun to Jesus saves a bit.

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

    Play
    A. Mbemba H pool
    B. A. King A bou

    Thanks. T. Carroll already starting too 🙂
    But don't see the point losing Jones with break around the corner - want to hold to have 2FT next week. Good or replace Jones in my scenario?

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

      Play B

    2. MrZ
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Maybe king

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

      Thanks B is what I was thinking too I doubt pool won't score.

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

      Andy King - sneaky little 4.4m asset flying under the radar. Got him in for injured Chalobah early doors. Hope he keeps his place.

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

      i hve king as first sub.

  19. Afghanistanislas
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Planning on getting Morata and (now) Jesus in for Lukaku and Aguero from GW8...would you get Morata or Jesus in for Aguero this week (assuming Kun is out)?

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

      This week neither - I'm getting Lacaz for the fixture, then Jesus GW8 (got Morata already).

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

        Lacazette's a better choice for this week but I can't really afford to get him and then Jesus the week after, I was planning on getting Morata and a Chelsea defender in GW 8 anyway

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

          Yeah, I'm going Kun>Laca this week and Laca>Jesus next, but it means I can't shift any other mediocre assets I was looking to freshen up. Decisions ....

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

        This

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

      espn just reported its a broken rib, pretty safe bet that kuns out id say

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

    Kun - ah for flips sake my team is lighting up like a Christmas tree and it's only September.

  21. Egyptian Giza
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    So if man got Kun Jones Chalobah King Hunemeier Otamendi Atsu and Ritchie in his team would you play the free hit? (Already used the WC)

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

      No, nothinng a hit can't sort.

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

      Ouch! That's horrible. If it were me, I'd suck it up and accept I'll get a disastrous score this week, and hope for better days after the int break.

  22. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Dam, Kun potentially out with broken ribs! Free hit chip not looking that bad now

  23. johnnybeefcake
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Regarding the Free Hit chip,

    I took a -4 Point transfer hit this week to bring in Jones and Morata for Mendy and Firmino. After making my transfers I decided to use the free hit chip as a result of further injuries in my team. After this week, when my team returns back to my initial squad will I have the players I Transferred in beofre activating the chip (Morata and Jones) or will it not count this weeks transfers and leave Firmino and Mendy in?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Mendy and Firmino

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      GW6 team

    3. livingbeetroot
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      apparently not, it works like a temporary wildcard so all your weekly transfers will be undone

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

        does this mean the 4 points won't be taken off me ?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          correct

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

            okay, thank you

    4. MrZ
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Interesting.
      If i did free hit this week & didn't do any transfers, will i have 2 transfers next week?

  24. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Laca or Lukaku for Kun? Got Morata and Kane, Mkhi, Silva

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

      Both viable. Kaku with the easier fixture, but Laca rested yesterday so fresher.

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

        how does lukaku have easier fixtures?

        Laca - BHA wat eve SWA.
        Kaku- CPL liv hud TOT

        kaku has 2 difficult fixtures while laca has 4 easy fixtures in next 4

    2. RIDZ
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Laca to give more money

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

      Laca

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I think he meant this weekend

    4. COYS.
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Laca

  25. RIDZ
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Need advice for this mid-forward play 343

    Coutinho - Eriksen - Mkhi - Atsu
    Morata - Jesus - Laca

    GTG or not?

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

      yeh, good. i'd have salah over cout myself.

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

        that's it, need that 0.3 to upgrade defender

  26. Geezer
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Play Mee (eve) or T. Carroll (whu)?

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

      TC

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

      Mee

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

        everton is hardly a difficult fixture this season and bunley will park a big bus

    3. ENZO SZN™
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Mee

  27. Demel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    With the Aguero news I would like to bring Jesus in for Kun. This week or next week. Any ideas how?

    Foster - Elliott
    Bertrand - Trippier - Jones - Alonso - Mbemba
    Eriksen - Ramsey - Silva - RLC - Carroll
    Kane - Morata - Firmino

    I don't really want to lose Alonso if possible.

    I could do...

    Foster, Firmino, Jones > Joel, Jesus, Hunemier (-4 or free next week). But it means playing one of RLC, Carroll or Mbemba each week.

    I am 0.1m short of Jones, Alonso & Firmino > Creswell, Danillo & Jesus (-4).

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

      Downgrade silva in play maybe? Could be sideways

  28. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    In draft. Someone has dropped Mane. Can you believe that?

    Who to drop from these?
    KDB,Özil,Pogba,Fabregas,Lanzini

    Was going to drop Lanzini but he is fit again. Now thinking Fabregas.

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

      You must have a small draft league! Lanzini would go for me.

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        10

    2. COYS.
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Ozil

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yeh he had crossed my mind.

  29. COYS.
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Aguero possibly out for 2 months... What the !!!!
    Feeling sad for those Jesus owners (164,001 to be precise) who trf out Jesus this week

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

      Aye, that's me 🙁

  30. R.C
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Since when did loling at owners become an issue

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

      Common sense says be a proper human being and don’t lol when a guy has a serious car crash. But do what you want, I don’t care.