Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 255 – Wilder

Wildcards are very much active among the ScoutCast crew, and while only three of us make this latest episode, all five are in play ahead of the Double Gameweeks.

Not surprisingly, our rebuilding programme dominates the discussion as Jonty and Andy join me to reveal our current squads and our chosen strategy leading into the remaining seven Gameweeks.

In an exhaustive and in-depth episode, the three of us also look back on the success of the Free Hit in Gameweek 31. Then we attempt to offer a balanced view on the variety of chip tactics from this point on, with a team-by-team analysis of the player targets to consider.

We fail miserably of course, with our own bias no doubt shining through, though the conclusion is an uplifting one: whatever your chosen route with the chips to Gameweek 38, we will all win out in the end.

Unless you don’t have your Wildcard and Free Hit, in which case you’re now consigned to spending the next two months behind the sofa and hate us all anyway.

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.

3,353 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    BOTTOMED
    So I'M ready now! G2G u think?
    DDG,Ryan
    Bailly Christensen Tarkowkski Lowton Morgan
    Salah Mkhi Mahrez Willian King
    Auba Vardy Firmino
    1.3 ITB
    33 Mkhi to Son
    34 Auba to Lukaku
    34 bb 36 tc

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      If this is a WC team then I suggest to include Big Rom as from now on. Even without him team looks good though.

    2. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      good plan. but not sold on christensen. id look for a way to get alonso in

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Sit back and relax

    4. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Why are you prioritising Son over Kane

      Big mistake imo

  2. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    To get Kane in gw34 which option do you prefer?

    A) Auba Vardy ----> Kane Murray.

    B) Auba Mahrez ---> Kane Gross

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Umm... Probably A

    2. Mo Mané No Problems
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A because you don't want to lose Mahrez

    3. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      For 34?
      And Leicester has a double too.

      Neither. I'd keep Auba.

      Try again. Downgrade Willian etc if you can

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        why willian. he is in great form with 2 great fixtures in dgw34?

        1. Whats the Huth
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          He's not nailed unfortunately.

          Think long term. Not just 34. Especially if you're wildcarding now

        2. the snazzy viking
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Willian is a poor man's Hazard

          avoid

    4. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A imo. Maybe J.Ayew or Barnes over Murray.

    5. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      cheers all.

  3. Afghanistanislas
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Which two would you pick out of these (have DDG as well):
    A) Smalling
    B) Christensen
    C) Vertonghen
    D) Mustafi

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      AD

    2. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      cd

    3. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      CD

    4. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      What about alder over vert.
      D the other option

  4. Wardinator
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    On WC. Please fill in the blanks with option A or B

    De Gea. Ryan.
    Alonso. XXXXX. Maguire. Stephens. Lowton.
    Salah. XXXXX. Mahrez. Son. GroB.
    Auba. XXXXX. Barnes

    A) Vert, Willian, Vardy
    B) Mustafi/Smalling, Hazard, Murray/Austin

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. Afghanistanislas
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

    4. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

    5. Wardinator
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks guys, I was expecting this response I just really think Hazard will do well for the run in

    6. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

      Think long term

  5. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Kane in for 34 OR 36?

    1. Meinhoff
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I'm going for 36 I think, unless he scores big before 34

    2. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      33

    3. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Hope it wont be necessary to bring him at 34, so the plan is at 36

  6. Champions united
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Play morgan or lowton

    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      lowton

    2. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      lowton no brainer

  7. Borisalandoris
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I WC'ded! Took me 12 days but my team got butchered and I have no FH so I kind of needed to in the end. Going for GW 34/35 balance and hoping to carry to FT into 35

    Cech Ryan
    Kompany Mustafi Smalling Lowton Vertonghen

    Salah Son Mahrez Willian Gudmun

    Firmino Auba Barnes

    1. lugs
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Brave getting Kompany in , although it could actually work out great cos i expect City to really attack the next 2 games with their best team possible to try and wrap up the league

      1. Borisalandoris
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I know I thought it could work even if for just this week. If he's fit he'll play I believe and he's an amazing goal threat. Plus shipping him for alternatives is easy. I'll assess it as the hours pass by!

        1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I think the opposite is true. Could well be Stones and Laporte this weekend. The league is won, it's CL Pep is focusing on now. Even though he's obviously saying the opposite

  8. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Which is the best option to get Kane back in 34?

    A) Groß ➡️ A.King
    (Alonso in the team)

    B) Groß ➡️ Gudmundsson
    (Bailly over Alonso in the team)

    C) Groß ➡️ Ki
    (Bailly over Alonso & double Burnley defence)

    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. Slaps
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

    4. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Which forward will you sell? Auba?

  9. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Two. big doubts on WC.

    A) Is Smalling nailed on?.

    B) Is Robertson safe from rotation given midweek cl tie ?

    1. Meinhoff
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      No to both imo

    2. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Both a no for me.

    3. Slaps
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      No from me

  10. Stevie B
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Is Davies nailed for the Spurs? Or is Vertonghen better? Thank you!

    1. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Davis rotation risk unfortunately
      Vert is nailed.

      But go for alder

      1. Stevie B
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Thank you. Will Alder play? His last game was in week 10.

        1. Whats the Huth
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          He's played in the international. He's back with the first team. I'd expect him to start this weekend

          1. Whats the Huth
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Double check his minutes in the international break first

        2. Niemi
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          He's been out for long and looked rusty for Belgium. If fit he should be ahead, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Sanchez get some game time. There's also a lot of rumours that he won't sign a new contract, so we might get a situation like we had with Walker last season..

          Go for Vertonghen if any IMO

    2. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      rose might get a game in gw34

  11. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Is Toby Alderwereld nailed?

    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      u must be joking.. he is no where near nailed on.. big rotation risk 😉

    2. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I'm sure he is.
      If you have not wikdcarded yet.
      Hold on and assess this weekend games.
      Eyes should be on Kane and Alder for your WC team

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Back fit now, Martinez said he needs game time to justify his World Cup place, likely to fight his way back in tibthe Spurs team ... may mean the Spurs CBs sharing minutes in the doubles ?

    4. Slaps
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I think asking is an indication that he isn't! Still think he is a good option...

  12. SheBangsTheDrums
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Which combo?

    A) Gross & Barnes

    B) Gudmonsson & Murray

    1. Pogboom
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Slaps
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      B

  13. Pogboom
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    So after infinite drafts, I've ended up with this team. G2G?

    De Gea - Ryan;
    Monreal - Lowton - Yedlin - Morgan - Alonso;
    Son - Salah - Mahrez - Kenedy - Willian;
    Lukaku - Aubameyang - Barnes;

    GW34: Auba & Yedlin Vardy & Vertonghen (12 DGW players)

    1. Pogboom
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      *OUT: Auba & Yedlin
      IN: Vardy & Vertonghen

  14. minges
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Son & Chillwell

    Or

    Willian & Maguire?

    Would have hazard also in both scenarios

    1. Pogboom
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Son & Chillwell

    2. Slaps
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I do like Maguire but just don't think he's worth the extra cash. Go with B

  15. Champions united
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Bought son on WC now after looking his fixtures and kane might come back
    Is it still fine to keep him??
    Che stoke city briton(DGW)

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Better options out there

  16. Stevie B
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Barnes or Murray for the wildcard? Thank you!

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Toughie... Probably Barnes since he is cheaper 😮

    2. Slaps
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Murray, great fixtures and in form

    3. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I dont think Brighton fixtures look to good. Only Huddersfield that are ok. Palace Burnley away, + top 4 in last six games.
      So Barnes for me.

  17. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Do you think Kasper-Dubravka can offer something more than Dubravka-Ryan for 0.5m till season end? Even if its just 1 extra CS?

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Fabianski Dubravka rotate better but means SGW player in 34

  18. adey70
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Aubameyang conundrum. We are assuming he’s nailed because he is unavailable for Europa League. But... if Europa League is now Wenger’s priority, is there a chance Lacazette starts in PL to improve form & fitness for cup?

    1. SheBangsTheDrums
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I can't see Auba being benched!

    2. Slaps
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I would be surprised if Aub was benched

    3. lugs
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      but what if Laca gets injured playing in the league ? , you're over thinking it lol

      1. adey70
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. Just checking. Probably looking for a reason to ditch Aub for someone cheaper!

    4. HNI
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      You have to be kidding me. Lacazette isnt a machine that he can be injury free. Wenger will want to preserve him like a delicate darling

      1. adey70
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        That’s a no, then?

    5. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      No

  19. Slaps
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    On WC, BB 34 and FH 35
    De Gea
    Smalling, Mustafi, Morgan
    Gross, Salah, Mahrez, Willian
    Vardy, Aub, Firmino
    Ryan, Lowton, Gudmundson, Tark

    0 itb, am I right to keep Firmino? Only other player I can see outscoring him in the next 3gws is Luk, and I just can't find a way to get him in...

    1. Wardinator
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Smalling, Mustafi and Willian all rotation risks. I would say it’s time to ditch Firmino who has no doubles, to a Barnes/Murray/Austin and use that 3/3.5 million to upgrade those 3 to Alonso, Vert & Son

      1. Slaps
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Really good advice, thanks for the time

  20. zakard
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    My final WC

    bb 34 / FH 35 / TC 37

    Ddg (Ryan)
    Alonso Smalling Mustafi (Lowton, chilwell)
    Mahrez Salah (c) Willian Son (Gross)
    Barnes Auba Firmino

    00 itb
    G2G ?

    1. pesh18
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Nice one

  21. FootballFanatic365
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    firmino vs vardy for ( gw 32 -34)?

    discuss

    1. Slaps
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I think Firmino will get more if he plays all three matches. But could start getting reduced minutes due to champions league.

      So in short - Vardy

    2. Batchain
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe just Vardy with the double GW34.

  22. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Willian has started just over 50% of the games in PL ... surprised he is in so many WC teams ... bound to be rotated in the doubles ? 🙂

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

      Agreed

    2. HNI
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Form over anything for most. last 3 matches played almost full and good points and stats

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Started just 1 in 8 before then though when there was the double game week churn of PL & CL .... Fabregas, Pedro and Drinkwater all to share his minutes in 34 ? Even Bakayoko has started more games than Willian 😉

    3. FootballFanatic365
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      yes surely b4 the fa cup tie

    4. Batchain
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Chelsea need to win now. Conte will play Willian as much as possible (as he has lately). I think even he sees Willian is their best player.

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Lately as in the last 3 games ?

  23. The Tinkerman
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Starting to wonder why I’m selecting Son on WC. If Kane is back soon (which looks likely), he’ll probably be the one to be downgraded for funds and his next two aren’t great.

    1. HNI
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Stoke is a good one

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

        But the funds could be potentially used better elsewhere. Like upgrading third striker to Vardy and replacing him with Groß or similar

  24. HNI
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Trying to fit in both Auba and Lukaku in same side is nightmare!

    1. Slaps
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Agreed, I just ended up with Luk

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Not really, even with a low TV, its affordable

  25. bigbudgie
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Alexis Sanchez on wildcard: Discuss

    1. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      No
      End discussion 🙂

    2. Delhidynamo
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Unsure to start with that price tag means a no go , Rashford over him for a punt

    3. Slaps
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Nope, go with Luk for premium Utd cover...

    4. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Used WC to drop Sanchez
      Discussion over 😮

  26. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Smalling nailed on for the rest of the season?

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

      Nope, sadly

      1. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Bailly a safer bet?

        1. bigbudgie
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          De Gea, Bailly, Valencia

          1. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks think I'll double up with de gea and Bailey

    2. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      No
      End discussion...

    3. Slaps
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I think the only nailed Utd defender is Valencia

  27. Lazerball
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    On WC.
    I have Mahrez and will likely have Matic or Lingard.
    I'll want to keep this player to at least GW34. Pick one.

    A. Lukaku
    B. Vardy

  28. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    hello guys, having already used my FH (got a decent 116pts), I have all my other chips left.. What's the best strategy for the last few GWs?

    DDG
    Alonso Mee Duffy VVD
    Son Mahrez Salah
    Auba Firmino Wilson

    Adrian, Richarlison, Atsu, hune

  29. Ruffio
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Current. WC steam

    De Gea. Ryan.

    Alonso. Cedric. Dunk. Morgan. Lowton.

    Salah. Son. Mahrez. Willian. Gudmundson.

    Auba. Vardy. Murray.

    Rank around 1mil.
    Season a write off as somehow too stubborn to own salah until now.

    This being the case. Anyway it’s worth forgoing salah. Maybe upgrading to Kaku.
    And seeing as an experiment. How well can I do without having owned him!?

    Thanks
    Any other general WC tips. 0.1 itb

    1. Slaps
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Depends on what chips you have left of course. But if you are getting Salah now at the current price there may be a case to go without him and choose other premium players with more fixtures.

      But I wouldn't!

  30. Scotty B
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Who should I start from these?

    A Shaqiri
    B Ake
    C Van La Parra
    D Schindler

    1. MarkoSD
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A all day