Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 257 – Carping

The ScoutCast crew are always quick to jump on the shoulders of giants, so when a veteran of the Fantasy Football Scout community starts to threaten a Fantasy Premier League title tilt, we just have to get them on the show.

Matt Kearney aka “Bowstring the Cap” has been about on our pages for seven seasons but never has he experienced one like this. Currently ranked twenty-third in the world, he drops by in this latest episode to offer his take on the campaign and, in particular, the strategy for the run-in.

In truth, Matt was better placed before Gameweek 33 and, along with Jonty, Andy and Az, he joins me to look back at the lowest scoring weekend of the campaign when even the leading managers faltered.

But those gripes are soon drowned by a wave of enthusiasm on the eve of Double Gameweek 34.

That’s the focus for your latest set of community questions, sparking our thoughts on the optimum heavy-hitters, the rotation fears and our confidence in Chelsea to produce over the extra fixtures.

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.

2,406 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Grimace
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Sterling & Gross > Pogba and Willian for -4. Would you?

    1. LonesomePundit
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Wait for pressers - but yeah I quite like that.

    2. CJDW
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      yap, nice move

  2. jia you
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Long suffering Alonso + Maguire defences, is this our time?

    1. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      i hucking fope so, bloody alonso hes been a right troll this season

  3. Expected Toulouse
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Current team: Anything worth a hit if i BB, but already on -8?
    De Gea (Adrian*)
    Valencia Davies Robertson (Mee* Fernandez)
    Salah Alli Mahrez Shaqiri (Milivojevic)
    Lukaku Aubemyang Barnes

  4. Darsh
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Long at 4.0 seems like a bargain now

    1. Rik Waller
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Get him before he triple rises!

    2. Little Frank
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      3.9 PPG plus he plays GW35 for those without a FH. Bargain indeed!

  5. DycheDycheBaby
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    I put Jones in on my wildcard 2 weeks ago, hoping that he will be ready for my BB this GW, as people were saying Smalling could be dropped! Do we think Jones will start against West Brom?

    I've already taken a -8 just to get Kane in, and get Stephens (suspended) out!

    1. LonesomePundit
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      He might play one of the games maybe. Who knows not great news lately admittedly.

    2. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      same with me. seems waste to ditch him now

  6. Smurf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Which Leicester defender is the best pick? I’m on free hit so it’s purely for this gameweek.

    A) Simpson
    B) Morgan
    C) Chilwell

    1. Totalfootball
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Morgan

      1. Totalfootball
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        No rotation

    2. CJDW
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B

    3. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B is most nailed, C offers attacking potential. Depends how punty you are.

  7. ragsyboys
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who will play all the matches the next two weeks ? Long or lowton ?

    1. Totalfootball
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Both i reckon

    2. TallestJohn
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Probably both but I actually think Long's safer. Him and Tarkowski the only fit CBs.

      1. Begbie.
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        yeah this.

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

    Pogba or Lingard better option ?

    1. LonesomePundit
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Pogba if money is no object.

    2. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      IMO Lingard is more likely to give returns but is less nailed on.

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

    captaining Mahrez over Kaku to chase, yes or no? Not sure Kaku will play full time both games

    1. LonesomePundit
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kaku is far safer - chasing though it does sound like a decent plan.

      FWIW I am triple captaining Riyad.

    2. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      kaku is likely to score than mahrez

    3. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      If you're chasing then why not? Who else do you have?

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

        Kaku Kane Son Salah Alonso

  10. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    How is my BB looking?

    Any risk of rotation?

    DDG - Ryan
    Alonso - Robertson - Chilwell - Tarkowski - Lowton
    Hazard - Salah - Mahrez - Gross - Cork
    Lukaku(c) - Vardy - Firmino

    1. LonesomePundit
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      No Spurs?

    2. TallestJohn
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Slight rotation risk with Pool I'd say. Think Firmino and Salah with both play but possibly reduced minutes. Maybe a rest for Robertson?

      Maybe a chance Chilwell could sit out one game for Fuchs?

    3. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      for this week i think less rotation for liverpool so it will be okay

  11. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Couple of tough questions

    1A) smalling/Christensen + pogba + kane(c)
    1B) Christensen + eriksen + Lukaku (c)

    2) how nailed on is son? Worth taking him out for Alli for a hit?

    3) how nailed on is bailey? Was planning to downgrade him to smalling or Christensen to fund either Lukaku or kane.

    1. LonesomePundit
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Prefer 1a with Smalling.
      I would keep Son - reckon he will play about 120 over the both games. Alli likely to get subbed I'd say at some point.
      Who knows with Jose none of them appear really nailed on. I would keep Bailly though.

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      1b
      2 not as nailed as all or Erik
      3 will only play one match I reckon

    3. UnitednationsXI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Very tough to decide between 1a and 1b

  12. Isco Disco
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Long or Chilwell?
    Already have Tarkowski, Lowton, and Morgan in my team

    1. CJDW
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Chilwell

    2. Ciro Di Marzio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Triple Burnley a bit much imo.

  13. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Hi, who is C pick for the scoutcast member? Kane or Lukaku?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Both

  14. seewhyaxe
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    is it nuts to go without Kane this week?

    I can't get Kane in without taking a -8 at the very least.

    1. LonesomePundit
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Not worth it for minus 8.

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Not nuts at all,lukaku a better option imo. Will need Kane from 36 though

      1. Begbie.
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Lukaku has better fixtures but Kane is so much better than him that I think it cancels the fixtures out. Thankfully I have both 🙂

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Not nuts at all.

    4. seewhyaxe
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      thanks guys, i'll stick with Kaku and stay on the couch for Spurs' games

    5. DycheDycheBaby
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      For -8, I did Stephens, Mahrez, Auba ---> Long, Lingard, Kane
      Could easily make up the hit with BB so why not I guess.

  15. BananaNose Maldonado
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Just for this week:

    A) Maguire and Son
    B) Morgan and Eriksen

    I'm currently on B due to security of starts, but I love owning Son.

    Cheers!

    1. LonesomePundit
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah B there.

      1. BananaNose Maldonado
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks.

        I'm also choosing between Alonso and Azpi. Same dilemma: I think Alonso might actually get a rest at Burnley before the FA Cup semim, but his potential is so much greater. Tough call, that.

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B for sure

    3. CJDW
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B for miles

    4. BananaNose Maldonado
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks for the responses, everyone.

    5. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      b for sure

  16. That Was Easy!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Here is my GW34 team with no transfers...

    DDG
    Valencia, Morgan, Lowton
    Alli, Son, Mahrez, Arny, Gudmundsson
    Lukaku (TC), Aubamayeng

    Is there any reason for me to change anything? I would like to carry my transfer into GW35 as I do not have the FH chip left.

    My only consideration is to do Auba > Morata as a differential, however, I'll be getting the same amount of games out of that striker spot over the next 2 GWs anyways.

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Very nice. Good luck (I'd keep tc for Kane 37 personally )

      1. That Was Easy!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        BB'ing in 37, I really like the Newcastle/Swansea/Southampton cheap options in that week. It's really my only strategy at this point as I committed to it on my WC (already have Ayew, Fernandez, Duvbraka on my bench)

  17. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Cheeky repost ...

    A alli azpi very

    B Erik Alonso Bertrand

    Thanks

    1. BananaNose Maldonado
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I'd say B. Are you worried about Alonso playing both? If so, are you able to do Eriksen, Azpi and Vert? Or are you just short of that?

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I d be short yep

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A

    3. The White Pele
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A

    4. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Oops very is vert obviously

    5. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      One more ?

  18. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Too risky to have Long as a starter in a back 3 if your benched defenders are 3.9 fodder?

    Replies much appreciated.

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yep

    2. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      No. Mee is injured so he's nailed on for now.

  19. CJDW
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Which better options for BB GW34 ?

    Vardy + Vertonghen + Smalling (-4)

    or

    Kane + Chilwell + mariappa (-4)

    Rest of team :
    deGea Ryan
    Alonso Morgan Lowton
    Salah Son Mahrez Willian Gudmondsson
    Lukaku Murray

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B

  20. michudagawd
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Is this worth a -4? Salah, Son and Aubameyang ➡ Sanchez, Kane + L. Cook

    1. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      That very well could be, actually yes, yes it is.

      1. michudagawd
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I'd probably captain Sanchez for his explosive potential.

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I d keep salah

    3. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Salah is going to be going hard for the golden boot, I'd want to keep if possible.

      Kane is a must own as well though so try and find a way to get both?

      1. michudagawd
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks for the reply mate. My other option is Auba + Son to Kane and Lingard for free, that the better option?

  21. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Kane or Kaneless guys?

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kane saves pain of scrambling him in later for hits

      1. That Was Easy!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Or just easing him into your team with 2 transfers as GW36 approaches.

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Think your team will be perfect still after these next two GWs? Rather keep transfers in hand for sure

          1. That Was Easy!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Think so! Went a big rogue and put Fernandez and Ayew on my bench for a 37BB, In any case, I'll likely have 2FTs to use going into 36.

    2. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      He's not a priority with Vardy and Lukaku having great doubles, and even Auba with a great fixture. Not likely, but it wouldn't be surprising for Auba to bang 2 in while Kane gets 1 over 2, something like that.

    3. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kaneless now

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

      Less but wobbling

  22. grayedog
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Folks, going for a full 14 BB+Salah this week, 2 FT 0.0 ITB

    DDG McCarthy
    Alonso Christensen Simpson Lowton Tarkowski
    Mahrez Son Salah Willian Hojbjerg
    Lukaku Vardy Barnes

    a) Mahrez+Christensen -> Pogba+Morgan (gives me enough after FH35 to go Lukaku->Kane in 36)
    b) Mahrez+Christensen -> Pogba+Vertonghen/Bailly/Maguire (would have to double-swap in Kane for GW37)
    c) Mahrez+Christenesn -> Eriksen+Morgan (would have to double-swap in Kane for GW37)
    d) Leave as is (would have to double-swap in Kane for GW37)

    Thanks!

    1. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn’t be selling Mahrez. Possibly just Christensen out if you need to use 1FT

      1. grayedog
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Mahrez returns have been poor lately, hence trying to make use of his high cost. Is he really any more likely to deliver than Pogba, given the difference in cost? Or Eriksen, to get Morgan's guaranteed DGW instead of Christensen?

        The only single swap I can make for Christensen is a SOT DEF, as I'm at 3x BUR and 3x LEI already...

  23. Ciro Di Marzio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    A lukaku and Erik
    B Kane and pogba

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A

      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        A I think. Kane over Lukaku, but Eriksen way over Pogba.

        1. Begbie.
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Yep. Eriksen swings it.

    2. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A

  24. Salah’s Sonnet
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Hiya lads, could i get a quick opinion of this lot for this gameweek please?

    DDG
    Alonso - Bailly - Morgan
    Lingard - Mahrez - Willian - Son
    Vardy (v) - Kane (c) - Auba
    ———————————————
    Ryan: Mustafi, Lowton, Cork

    13 DGW’ers, and playing bench boost.

    Any idea where to use a FT? Or best off saving fir GW 35 as i have very few players for that haha.

    Replies most appreciated 🙂

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Great team, save

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers man

    2. Ciro Di Marzio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Of you’re not using FH next week I’d def save.

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah i forgot to mention, no FH chip left, gonna suffer that gameweek so hoping for a big climb this GW.
        I’ll save for sure then, thanks bud.

    3. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      yeah save no point taking out a dgw player

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Agreed, i’m gonna save the transfer, thanks man

    4. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Lovely team. How much ITB?

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers, i just wish it would bloody perform well, maybe this is the GW haha.
        0.3 left in the bank.

  25. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Best duo here?

    A) Trippier & Kane(c)
    B) Bavies & Lukaku(c)

    Bavies is more nailed than Trippier, especially with Rose out, but perhaps Aurier gets saved for the FA cup? I fear Kane a lot more than Lukaku - he’ll have a point to prove after the abuse he received followed ‘that’ goal and he’s still in the hunt for the golden boot.

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B for me

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

      Can see Rose back for @bri so concentrate on the striker

    3. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Could you do Kane and Smalling? Not sure if Trippier is nailed enough but I'd def rather Kane over Lukaku.

      Poch is a nightmare for rotating his full backs too so another reason why I'd look elsewhere with the defender.

      1. Jinswick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks. I already have Smalling. 5.3m available for the defender if getting Kane - rest of defence is:

        Smalling, Lowton, Chilwell, Tarkowski

  26. jose1
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Guys what’s your thoughts on

    Gudmundsson > Matic (-4)

    I have no funds ITB. Matic only option for 2 games at this price. Guarantee starts. What you reckon?

    1. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Hell no. Keep gudmundsson

      1. jose1
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        His a major doubt?

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

          He's trained so as long as he got through it with no reaction he'll be good

        2. Get up ya bum
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          See tweets. Should be fine

  27. leo_messi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Best option here? No WC or FH left.

    DDG
    Davies - Maguire - Long
    Mahrez - Willian - Salah(vc) - Zaha
    Vardy(c) - Firmino - Aubameyang

    Sub Hennessey - Shaqiri - Fernandez - VVD
    1.0 itb

    A) Shaqiri -> Arnautovic
    B) Auba -> Lukaku and C

  28. BeardedOldMan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    A or B?

    A. Sanchez & Barnes
    B. Pogba & Vardy

    Rest of FH team:
    DDG (3.9)
    Vert, Mag, ward, lowton, (3.9)
    Eriksen, mahrez, (cork), (4.2)
    Kane, Lukaku

    1. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A. + Vert to 3.9, Ward to Long and see how you can upgrade Cork. No need in Vert in FH as it is more has appeal for long term

      1. BeardedOldMan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

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

      Oops, I would have to switch out one of the Burnley defenders if Barnes came in

  29. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Courtois
    Valencia Morgan Long
    Willian A.San(c)hez Alli Gudmunsson
    Kane Vardy Lukaku

    Thoughts on FH team? Gudm is too risky? Only way I can fit the others

  30. Perthite
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Does the best use of the 2FTs look like Mustafi & Auba -> Long & Kane? (exact funds for this)

    Will stick with Salah.
    Other changes possible would be Alonso down as an enabler for maybe Vardy->Lukaku

    DDG Ryan
    Alonso Smalling Lowton Morgan Mustafi
    Salah Son Mahrez Willian Gross
    Vardy Auba Barnes
    0.8m 2FT

    BB34, FH35, TC37