[sbu_large_image] Podcast
8 March 2018 989 comments
Mark Mark
Share:

Rivalries are up and running in the ScoutCast as my old adversary Granville moves 16 points ahead, while Az closes the gap in his chase of Jonty.

Inevitably, Gameweek 31 will likely have a say in these contests, with opinions on that reduced set of fixtures divided in this week’s episode.

Against the backdrop of Ragabolly’s brilliant and extensive research, we investigate the real cost of Gameweek 31 hits and the benefit on offer for Free Hit managers.

Elsewhere it’s the Fantasy Premier League rules that get a grilling thanks to your community questions. We wonder whether the Norwegians have stolen a march with their Fantasy Eliteserien inventions as we assess the merits of the current chips.

Then the controversial bonus decisions of Gameweek 29 spark another appraisal of the Bonus Points System, with Granville taking his turn to be nostalgic as he pines for the mysterious “man in the stand” of yesteryear.

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

989 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Duffy Dunk
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    If Pep doesn't make it clear wether Sterling is fit for STK and having in mind that:
    -ditching him for another good player with a good fixture like Sane, Dilva, Bilva, Willian would be just for GW30 since they blank in gw31.
    -Shaqiri plays vs MCI.
    -Walcott/Siggy may have a decent home game vs BHA but in gw31 they play away to Stoke, and EVE are not good away.
    -CHE play Barca 4 days after CRY, which may limit Willian's playtime...

    ...would you do anything, even for a hit, or just play him and have a decent cover on your bench?

    1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I have 2 FT so will probably ship for Sane. But there's two players (Wally/Siggy and Shaq probably my only acquisitions for GW31 in that case). Or I'll hold and bring in either Hennessy or a Hudd player.

      In short, not a clue

    2. Gimli son of Gloin
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Only have one free transfer so I'm tentative about getting rid.
      If I'm feeling it tomorrow night I may get rid for one of Arnautovic, Mahrez or Ozil for their good transfers around the blank.

    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Arsenal a wounded beast just beat Milan 2-0 away and have 3 ridiculous home fixtures and all the 31 players I keep seeing floated that aren't Liverpool are not inspiring

    4. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I'll start him with a decent first sub.I will be ok even with a cameo.

  2. MarkoSD
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    repost
    3 transfers till 31gw
    Ogbona sterling rlc to coleman mcarthur shaqiri?

    Ddg
    Alonso ward ogbona
    Sterling son stanislas salah
    Wilson kane firm
    Speroni vvd mariappa rlc

  3. stat
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Is VLP's place at risk if Kachunga returns? Debating on whether I should get Baines + Pritchard or Coleman + VLP this GW.

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I asked this question few minutes ago asking for any Hudd fans

      1. Virgil Hilts
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I’m not a Huddersfield fan, but I live here and keep an eye on them. Wagner is not averse to quite a bit of random rotation, so tread carefully, he’s got a few options and won’t be afraid to chop & change game to game.

        1. stat
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Thanks - do you think it's likely that VLP will start the next two though?

          1. Virgil Hilts
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Likely yes, Kachunga not match fit, Quaner hauled off first half v Spurs and looks like he might have displeased the boss, but don’t be surprised by Wagner doing something unexpected with his line ups

            1. stat
              8 years, 4 months ago

              Alright, I'll expect the unexpected

    2. Prøfeßör …
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Not a Terrier but I don't think Kachunga is anywhere near returning (the press conference tomorrow should tell us more). It doesn't make sense for him to return before the international break after such a long lay-off.

      To answer your question, I'm not sure. Surely vLP won't be dropped in such good form.

      1. stat
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers. From what I'm reading, Coleman is more nailed on than Baines so I might go with Coleman + VLP.

        1. Prøfeßör …
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Looks good.

  4. Jay_
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Little warning for Adrian owners that have no back up. I've a feeling that he may get dropped this week. Not been in great form and Hart, desperate for some action with World Cup coming, could come in. It doesn't really make sense long term as he'll be off in the Summer anyway but we're in a relegation dogfight and he may be used for the immediate. Hopefully the team gets leaked before deadline.

    1. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks.This is a crucial game though.Do you really think that Moyes could make that decision?

      1. Jay_
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I'm genuinely worried. Holding a FT back incase it needs to be used on GK instead.

    2. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      +1

  5. Emiliano Sala
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Waiting for prematch article to come :-w

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

    I'd like to see a double clean sheet chip for your GK and 5 defenders.

    I'd also like to see an extra point for each consecutive goal in a match.

    So a Kane hatrick gets 4 points for the first goal, 5 points for the second goal and 6 points for the third goal. Exceptional performances deserve extra points.

    1. boogle
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      First one not for me - not very entertaining hoping for a load of clean sheets.

      Second one already exists - they’re called bonus points!

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        The double clean sheet would require a lot of skill to get clean sheets from all your 5 defenders and GK in a single gameweek. That's why I like.

        Oh and midfielders would get 2 points for a CS, not 1.

        It would also make DGWs and choosing the right chip to play more spicy.

    2. Lazarus Star
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Isn’t a “double clean sheet chip” the captains armband? 🙂

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        This would be for right across your backline.

    3. Rik Waller
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      "Park the Bus" chips is one I like. ie: to double the score of your entire defense + GK for a week

      1. barracuda
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Like that one

      2. barracuda
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Could be used twice a season, same as WC

      3. Lazarus Star
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Also all clean sheet points stay intact if the other team scores in ‘Fergie Time’.

    4. SADIO SANÉ
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      quite like the last one, seems like forwards especially don't get enough points for hat-tricks

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        If you don't get a green arrow after one of your players scores a hattrick it's because he is very highly owned , you didn't have him captain or you have a poor team . If A is the case then adding extra points will make little difference because the vast majority of the game will get those points and if B or C is the case it's your own fault for making poor decisions and you shouldn't get extra points to balance out the fact that you got a call wrong .

    5. Lazarus Star
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      How about a “Rush Goalie” chip where you can play a defender instead of a keeper. (leave both keepers on the bench)

      Would only be used though if you felt your 4th and 5th choice Def was stronger than your 1st choice keeper that week.

  7. Coaly
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    a) Sterling to Siggy, then Ota to Coleman
    b) Save, then Sterling RLC to Shaq Pritchard/Stanislas

    1. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      b

  8. Virgil Hilts
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    I’ll be using 2 FTs to bring in Mane and a cheap BGW31 defender next week.

    I’m thinking Francis of Bournemouth at 4.3 to give me maximum budget to shift Walcott for someone better in GW32. Like D Silva or equivalent type player / cost.

    I’m only hoping WBA don’t score really so not bothered about paying more for a def with more attacking threat.

    Is Francis about the best nailed choice in the bargain basement BGW31 def market, or any better alternatives?

    1. columbo
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Palace defender? Tomkins or TFM. Kongolo of Hudds and maybe Cameron of Stoke could also be ok if you need someone below 4.5, albeit the latter 2 come with rotation risk.

      1. Virgil Hilts
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers, nice to have some more names thrown into the mix to consider

  9. Stevie B
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    What to do with this horror show? Help is appreciate.

    de Gea (Speroni)
    Otamendi, Vertonghen, Fernandez (Robertson) (Ogbonna)
    Salah, de Bruyne, Shaqiri, Arnautovic (Caroll)
    Kane (C), Firmino, Wilson

    1 free transfer and 1.2 in the bank.

    Thank you!

    1. Virgil Hilts
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Looks quite reasonable for a horror show 🙂

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Great show! Be patient.

    3. TOPDAWG
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Depends if u using free hit next week or not?

  10. Fantasyamateur
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Foster - Elliot
    Dijk - Otamendi - Mee - Hegazi - Ogbonna
    Sterling - Salah - Deulofeu - Carroll - Shaqiri
    Kane - Firmino - Agüero

    0.4M ITB, 2FT.

    Either doing Deulofeu to La Parra, or Deulofeu+Otamendi+Carroll to La Parra, Schindler and Walcott for a hit, giving me 9 players ready for GW31 (plus a transfer between 30 and 31)

    What do you guys think? Leaning towards no hit myself, but tempting to have Walcott at home to Brighton..

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Deulofail to Pritchard and save other transfer

  11. Positive vibes
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Hi, which one is better move?
    A. Adrian -> Lossl
    B. Kenny -> Schindler
    (and bench Milivojevic vs che)

    Adrian*
    Alonso, Ota, VVD
    Salah, Mahrez, Lingard, Milivojevic
    Kane, Kun, Firmino
    (Elliott, Mariappa, Kenny*, Tarroll)
    Cheers

    1. Virgil Hilts
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A, I would say with some confidence

  12. aidmata
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Bench Richarlison or Shaqiri?

    1. Positive vibes
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Rich

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Build time machine go back several months sell Rich

  13. Butters_lfc9
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    How do I use my FT's? A little lost what to do. Upgrade Ibe?
    Pickford
    Alonso- Otamendi-Robertson
    Salah-Sterling-Son-Walcott-Ibe
    Kane-Firmino

    Elliot-Schindler-Ogbonna-Quaner

    2FT, 0.9 ITB

  14. barracuda
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    I am thinking to go without any City assets and planning to double up on Chelsea guys, Am I mad?

    1. Nomar
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      As a hatter, mate!

      1. barracuda
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Just worried about rotation mate, fixtures not looking that good. Their away form is not that prolific.

  15. Rik Waller
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Sterling replacement:

    Walcott/Siggy (BRI/sto)
    Stanislas (TOT/WBA)

    Make your vote...

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      if WCing in 32 I'd go Everton, good luck picking the right one

      1. Rik Waller
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Yeh WC in 32

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          yeah Everton then - I almost don't want either because I 'know' I'll pick the wrong one..poor logic, but I'm putting all my eggs in the Bauer basket

    2. Coaly
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Walcott

    4. barracuda
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I will get Stan after Spus

      1. Rik Waller
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Keep Sterling one week? I don't think he has a chance of starting

        1. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Why's that then? He trained on Monday

          1. Prøfeßör …
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            There's a chance but I wouldn't be so confident. He has trained for about 2 weeks now - it doesn't mean anything.

          2. Rik Waller
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Was training before Chelsea too. I think yesterday would've been a perfect opportunity to give him some mins for match fitness but he was not even in the squad, therefore I think he is still recovering and at most he'll be on the bench for Stoke.

        2. barracuda
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          I think I would in your case.

  16. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Which goalie to transfer out for Lossl

    A Adrián
    B Pope

    1. Nomar
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A

  17. 1966 was a great year for E…
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    What's the rationale for WCing in GW32 rather than GW33?

    1. Nomar
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      2 week international break?

      1. 1966 was a great year for E…
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        True - not much money to be made at this late stage, though.

        1. Jimmers
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          If you save your FT in 33 then you will have 2 for 34

    2. Coaly
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Sort team out sooner, clear deadwood

      But less information to go on

      1. 1966 was a great year for E…
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        More chance for things to go wrong! Before the chips came in, I'd always WC in the actual DGW to avoid injuries / players getting dropped etc.

        1. Nomar
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          You have 15 players to choose from and, realistically, how many players will actually get injured in reality?

          1. 1966 was a great year for E…
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            I'll be bench boosting, so I want all 15 playing.

        2. Coaly
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Agreed

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Save a week 33 transfer and have 2 going in to 34

  18. Nomar
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Got 2 FT. Should I do Mikhi to Sané with one of them or keep Mikhi and off load Groß for a cheaper alternative instead?

    1. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I like the Sane move, I'm very tempted to bring him in myself.

    2. barracuda
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Keep Mikhi

    3. ZimZalabim
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      keep mikhi

  19. Atwood
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    FT and 2.2 in the bank. Any good moves to make or should I save?

    Pickford
    Otamendi - Van Dijk - Mee
    Salah - Walcott - Mahrez - Shaqiri
    Kane - Firmino - Wilson

    Elliott - Lingard - Dunk - Ogbonna

    1. Atwood
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      *1FT

    2. Nomar
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Lingard to Silva and bench Wilson.

  20. TSN
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    1 FT 0.2 itb

    Pope (elliott)
    VVD/ota/davies/ogbonna (daniels)
    Salah/sterling/mahrez (richarlison/carroll)
    Firmino/kane/wilson

    Need a lot of changes here.
    Which do u think better?
    a. Take -4 hit this GW and probably -8 next GW and keep WC for later
    B. Take no hit this gw and use WC in GW31

    Cheers

    1. ZimZalabim
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      relax u dont need to wc in 31
      just wait for news on sterling for now
      u have six gw 31 players already and they are all starters wilson the only one thats a slight doubt but u can monitor that this week. u could even save this week if sterling is gonna start, just wait for the pressers tomorrow

  21. TLF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Sane rested v Stoke is unlikely right ?

    1. Rik Waller
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Unlikely. They don't play again until 31st

      1. TLF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        That's my thinking, I watched the second half of last night's match, he looked far from tired 🙂

    2. Nomar
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I’m not sure. David Silva may be a safer pick right now?

      1. TLF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        He is I guess and so consistent, just not got Sane's flare, such an exciting player to own when he's on form.

  22. Vlad Tepes
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Hi! Would you WC 31/32 with this team? I am in a dilemma right now, dont know if I should save two transfers to 32 instead and use WC 33 (easier to make a BB team). Or use my transfers for GW 31 and use WC in 32. My team is:

    Fabianski, Elliot
    Valencia, Vvd, Zanka, Masuaku, 3.9
    Salah, Mahrez, Walcott, Mhiki, Pogba
    Kane, Firmino, Crouch
    1 ITB and 1 FT

    If I use WC in 32: (don't know which transfer I should prioritize)

    A) Masuaku --> Schindler or some other 31 defender (Transfer for GW 30/31)
    B) Pogba/Mhiki --> Sigurdsson (Transfer for GW 30/31)
    C) Crouch --> Mounie (Transfer for GW 30/31)
    D) Other of your choice

    Thanks!

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      C

      1. Vlad Tepes
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        for this GW30?

  23. Trovsmash
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Play one this week..
    A. Willson TOT (H)
    B. Shaqiri MCI (H)
    C. Mee WHU (A)

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Mee

      1. barracuda
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I think Hammers will score one

    2. barracuda
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Shaq

    3. TSN
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      C

    4. Prøfeßör …
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A or B, you have to fancy WHU to score at home.

  24. We Will Klopp you
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Can't stand the sight of Vardy in my team, want City cover, anticipating Arsenal improvement with the next 3 home fixtures. Better move?

    A) Davies, Eriksen, Vardy to Alonso, Silva & Aubameyang -8
    B) Smalling, Eriksen, Vardy to Moses, Sane, Aubameyang -8
    C) Stick

    1. barracuda
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      No way Klopp. Where is your Willie mix?

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        It involves Arnie out and the anticipation seems to be that he'll do well over the next couple at least so had to scrap it

        1. barracuda
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Stick then fella

    2. ZimZalabim
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      c

    3. Rik Waller
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      5th highest scoring forward in the game with great fixtures - Keep

    4. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Leicester have good run of fixtures. Have you lost your mind?

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Nah, just very concerned that Vardy will troll me given the majority of his returns have come v big teams, Mahrez I'm confident will do well, Vardy not so much

    5. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Are you seriously talking about doing A this week???

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Worried that Davies may be benched, maybe it is a whole lot of overthinking. Original plan was Smalling to Alonso after the drop free.

  25. MiLK2018
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Play 2 out of these 4? Lingard (LIV), Shaqiri (MCI), Niasse (BHA), Wilson (TOT)
    already playing Walcott, thanks

    1. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Shaqiri,Wilson

    2. We Will Klopp you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Shaq, Wilson

  26. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Kachunga was back in the pitch.
    https://twitter.com/ekachunga15/status/971487259219365888

  27. MrMajeika
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on my team. have all 3 chips left and planning wc gw32. 1.8m itb 1ft.
    pope (elliot)
    vvd davies mee
    pog sterl Salah Walcott Choupo
    Kane firmino
    (dcl ogbonna hegazi)

    thinking:
    A) Pogba- > mahrez
    B) pogba -> gw 31 player. la parra?
    C) save and bring 2 gw31next week

    can't decide whether mahrez for one gw or give pogba a chance and do 2 next week

    1. Lazarus Star
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      C and do Pogba > Shaqiri in GW31

    2. We Will Klopp you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      A

  28. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Willian or Mkhi

    1. barracuda
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      W

    2. Gruu
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Mkhi for long term

  29. Gruu
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Eriksen to Sane/DSilva, yay or nay?

    Already have Kane. No city cover atm. WC33 probably..

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Nay. Spurs have solid fixtures and city have poor fixtures.

  30. HD7
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    GW30:
    A) play Wilson
    B) Play Ogbona, bench Wilson
    C) Ogbona to Schindler and bench Wilson
    D) Wilson to Mounie

    or maybe Sterling to Walcot/Siggy?

    1. 4-6-0
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I like c followed by e.