Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 259 – Smooth

Just as we witnessed in Gameweek 31, the Free Hit chip does its thing, granting the ScoutCast crew and many in the Fantasy Football Scout community the smoothest of landings as we begin preparations for another Double Gameweek take-off.

Jonty, Andy and Az join me for the Gameweek 35 post-mortem, as, driven by your questions, we ponder whether this season’s debut chip has rendered the blanks as the best opportunity for a rank hike.

However, this is no time to rest on our laurels, with another double-header looming. That fuels discussion on Manchester City, Spurs and even Swansea City’s players; assets at opposite ends of the Fantasy spectrum, united by the potential of two fixtures in Gameweek 37.

To invest in those spoils, we need to make sacrifices, so we assess the midfield makeweights and ponder if Marcos Alonso can finally shake Jonty’s curse, or whether we should all cash in on the Blues banned wing-back.

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.

1,696 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    I am set on Alonso-> Davies.
    Would you take a hit to bring in Sterling/Silva for Mahrez too?

    DDG.
    Lowton, Morgan, Naughton.
    Mahrez, Son, Willian, Salah.
    Kane (c), Barnes, Vardy.
    Fab, Gross, Fernandez, Alonso.
    1ft, 0,0m.

    1. fkmzcgp
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Alonso and Mahrez >> Davies and Sterling (-4) seems like a common move this week, probably worth it

    2. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      I’m looking at them moves too but the thing stopping me is that I am taking out two DGW (who can do very well) for two other DGWers

      1. Joletouriste
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        I'm in the same boat... Thinking of maybe go for Mahrez -> Sterling this week and keep Alonzo for the dgw

  2. Zenith UK
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Pope
    Vert, Chilwell, Lowton
    Willian, Gudmund, Mahrez, Kenedy
    Kane (C), Lukaku, Vardy

    DDG, Gross, Smalling, Monreal

    A) Vardy & Mahrez > Jesus & Sane (-4)
    B) Lukaku, Mahrez, Willian > Jesus, Eriksen & Sane (-8)
    C) Lukaku, Mahrez, Gross > Jesus, Eriksen, Bilva (-8)
    D) Lukaku, Mahrez, Gross > Jesus, Son, Sane (-8)

    This was my previous post, turns out I'm priced out of A & B. C isn't looking all that attractive so looks like D is the one?

    1. Joletouriste
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      -8 seems expensive... I'll do Lukaku for Jesus this week and maybe Mahrez for Eriksen then look to move Gross next week for Arnautovic instead. Or you can go for Jesus + Son and keep your options open for next week

  3. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Captains this week gentlemen
    Kane for me.

    1. skodaole2
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Son

      1. fkmzcgp
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        also very tempted by Son

    2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Jesus

      1. Babit1967
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        Kane

    3. Fantastisk
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Salah

    4. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Salah if announced as starting, otherwise Kane

    5. barracuda
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Wait for the pressers

    6. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Kane

    7. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      ‘Arry

    8. nevins84
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Mo

  4. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Seeing lots of teams without Salah ?? .....are we convinced he will be rested given that Mane was at hospital and must be a doubt and no OX or Can.......

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      He won't be rested

      1. Babit1967
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        I don’t have him and I’m shitting bricks, I also can’t get him back without a -8 , just preying

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Salah owners = he'll play
      Salah non-owners = he won't play

      1. Fantastisk
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        Anfield Express =

      2. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        What about those thinking to buy him?

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 11 days ago

          Wait for news 🙂

  5. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    On a WC. BB in 37.

    De Gea - Ederson
    Smalling - Cresswell - Naughton - Vertonghen - Cedric
    Dilva - Eriksen - Arnautovic - Sterling - Willian
    Perez - Kane - J. Ayew

    G2G?

    1. fkmzcgp
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      I wouldn't want to bring Willian in but then again he is an awkward price so not many other options

      1. Slitherene
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        I could go with Ramsey, but he is more likely to be rested than Willian.

        1. Lemongrab
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 11 days ago

          Arsenal will be out of the Europa League by next week so Ramsey should play the remaining league games

          1. Going Home
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 11 days ago

            only a couple f days between a second leg in Spain and a league game. Could easily only play one of the DGW

  6. Pep's Money Laundry
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Guys I got Sterling and will get Jesus next week but I want one more midfielder. Which of these 3 would u get?

    A. Sane
    B. DSilva
    C. BSilva

    1. Fantastisk
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      None - rotation risk too great.

      1. Pep's Money Laundry
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        Don't mind rotation. They will play at least one game in gw37. I can see city scoring 5 or 6 in both games.

    2. Cruz88
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      B

  7. Dele
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    UNLEASH THE FOREHEAD!

  8. barracuda
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Could KDB be a differential TC in 37? Or too risky?

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Too risky, great player but not great fpl player

      1. barracuda
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        Who from CIty could do a better business or shall I go TC Hazard?

        1. XabiAlonso
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 11 days ago

          Jesus

          1. barracuda
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 11 days ago

            Shame he lost them pens, cheers for the input. Will monitor.

        2. Pep's Money Laundry
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 11 days ago

          Jesus, sterling or kane are gw38 tc options imo. Salah in gw38

          1. Pep's Money Laundry
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 11 days ago

            Meant gw37

            1. barracuda
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 11 days ago

              No worries, got ya. Cheers mate

  9. Fantasyamateur
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Alright lads, in need of some advice here! 5700 overall and pretty tight in my ML with price money so any mistakes could be costly..

    Team for next GW:
    DDG (Ryan)
    Lowton - Tarkowski - Christensen (Morgan, Naughton)
    Willian - Alli - Mahrez - Gudmundsson (Gross)
    Lukaku - Kane (C) - Vardy

    0.0M ITB and 1FT.

    What should my next move(s) be here?

    1. fkmzcgp
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Mahrez out - you need some Man City players

  10. Prison Mike
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Who to start?

    A) Arnie (MCI)

    B) Barnes (BHA)

    1. fkmzcgp
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      B

    2. Fantastisk
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Barnes is on fire, Brighton defense reportedly terrified.

  11. DenDanskeDuo
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    10 points behind ML leader - He has Sterling. Should I need to do Mahrez --> Sterling for -4?

  12. Bouncebackability
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Couldn't see any Burnley tweets so here it is. Ben Mee still out, so K Long still an option.

    http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/16187523.Ben_Mee_ruled_out_of_Burnley__39_s_game_with_Brighton/

  13. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Salah has never scored against Stoke at Anfield. Fact!

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      He has never played Stoke an Anfield. Fact!

      1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        And he won't this week..........

  14. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Is going without Kane suicide?

    1. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      It's a big risk, but that's what the games all about

  15. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Come along AE, I want to make my transfers!

    1. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      This - lost 0.1 on Auba last night because I am waiting to see whether to sell him or Firmino for Kane

    2. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      They are still tinkering Pool line up and whether to include Salah

      1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        Salah not seen at Stoke........

        1. MGD
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 days ago

          Never really understood this. Even if he won't play the game atleast he should show up at the arena to watch it?

          Atleast i would

    3. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Was at about 1700 last week

  16. fkmzcgp
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Bottomed - G2G for this week?

    DDG
    Lowton, Tarkowski, Morgan
    Son, Willian, Sanchez, Sterling
    Barnes, Austin, Kane (C)

    Ryan, Gross, Kiko, Alonso

    Next week I think I'll do:

    Willian, Alonso and Barnes >> King, Davies and Jesus OR Iwobi, Cedric and Jesus for a -8 hit

  17. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Leading in my ML with 16 points.Thinking to do
    Mahrez to Arnie & Lukaku to Kane for a -4.

    Do it or Don't?

    1. fkmzcgp
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      I like those moves

  18. Fantastisk
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Most of the day will be spent refreshing AE Twitter.

  19. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Friday’s Pressers –

    09:00– BOU, WBA
    09:30 – EVE
    10:30 – LIV

    12:30 – TOT
    13:00 – MUN, HUD
    13:15 – CHE
    13:30 – MCY, NEW, WAT, WHU

  20. Mini Mane Mo
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Friday Press Conferences

    0900: Bournemouth, West Brom
    0930: Everton
    1030: Liverpool
    1230: Tottenham
    1300: Huddersfield, Man Utd
    1315: Chelsea
    1330: Man City, Newcastle, Watford, West Ham

    Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/live/43918850

    1. william prunier
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Cheers

  21. #Swish41
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Free hit has seen me gain 25 pts on rival and I have a 4 pt lead (yay). But my team is now back to the following:

    DDG
    Christensen (Swa) Lowton (BHA) Long (BHA) (Morgan, Duffy)
    Salah (STK)© Willian (Swa) Lingard (ARS) Mahrez (CPL)
    Vardy (cpl) Lukaku (ARS) Kane (WAT)

    With an eye on the doubles, looking at 1 or 2 of:

    1. Mahrez > Sterling
    2. Salah > Eriksen (if AE has Salah out)
    3. Lukaku > Jesus
    4. Christensen > B. Davies
    5. Willian > Ramsey
    6. Duffy > TAA / Van Der Hoorn

    All a bit of a lottery now with the resting of players (both in my team and prospective transfers)….any ideas would be gratefully received!!

    Currently thinking 1 and 2 OR 3 this week (-4), and then a couple more for the DGW...

    Cheers all

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      1&4 this week

      3&5 next week

      1. #Swish41
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        Thanks mate, I am broadly on this. Son/Arnie also in the mix

  22. Gegenpress
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Brought in Bernardo Silva and Laporte for a -4 (Out went Willian and Christensen).. Genius or not, we shall wait and see:

    My thinking was as below, WAS I RIGHT OR WRONG?

    Bernardo Silva: City have won the league, we haven't seen much of him. Pep probably has the best time now to get him involved in competitive Prem games, see how he fends and see if he needs to stick his hand in his pocket to invest in another winger and replace him as back up or not.

    Laporte: Again best time for him to play and get Prem experience (We've seen Otanmendi already benched twice in quick succession - he's been very good this season maybe time to take a back seat). Laporte will need prem experience for next season as he'll probably be a starter, what better time then to give him a run of games now.

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Risk v Reward - good luck and hope it works out for you ... Sterling Sane & Jesus for me 🙂

      1. Gegenpress
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        Cheers mate, I'm comfortable in my mini leagues and at 20k overall. Want to try break 10k so went for a few differentials (thinking behind not sticking to Sterling Sane Jesus as template)

        But looking at a -8 next week to bring Jesus in for the dgw

        Rest of my team is:

        Lloris (Ryan)

        Tarkowski Vertonghen Laporte (Smalling Morgan)

        Salah Mili Mahrez BILVA (Lingard)

        Lukaku Barnes Kane

        Will either replace Lukaku Barnes Mahrez with Aub Jesus and bench fod or Morgan Mahrez and Barnes for 2 Bench players and Jesus.

    2. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Bernardo Silva has not been involved in only three City games all season. I know he has come off the bench most times, but think that he will likely have more appearances than any other midfielder...

      1. Gegenpress
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        I agree, he comes off the bench a lot.. But it'll also be interesting to see whether David Silva will be playing regularly or if he'll get time off for his family reasons..

        1. Going Home
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 11 days ago

          I agree with this. I hear a lot about his "family reasons", but he hasn't missed a game since Leicester on 10 Feb. Will be interesting to see what happens now the league is won and the home celebration is out of the way

        2. Annie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 11 days ago

          David Silva in Spain according to some on Bluemoon forum.

          1. Gegenpress
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 11 days ago

            Yeh it's fairly serious with Silva.. It's to do with his son, very sad! So I think that as there is no point risking him he may sit out now and get some time off. Spanish player in the WC as well so I'm sure Pep (Spain) doesn't mind giving him rest to keep him fully fit

  23. anish10
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Christensen > B. Davies for -4?

    1. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Yeah

  24. John Colby (Capt)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Morning everyone.
    I'd like to hear your thoughts on this burning issue - is it better to have a triple captain for gameweek 37 or 4 players extra for the double gameweek with the bench boost chip?

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Depends on the bench but 4 players with DGW's is the safer option.

    2. #Swish41
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      depends on the bench..but bench is likely to outscore a single player (8 games v 2)

      1. John Colby (Capt)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        Cheers lads

      2. Going Home
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        It's not eight games v 2 really, as you ought to be getting four players out on BB whenever you play it. It's therefore four games v two (and the two should be from a much better player)

        1. #Swish41
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 11 days ago

          The q was for GW37, which would be 8 v 2

          1. Going Home
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 11 days ago

            My mistake, actually four v one. You have to consider the benefit of playing the chip in a DGW over a SGW, not in isolation.

            So basically do you back the player you place the TC on to outscore

          2. Going Home
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 11 days ago

            My mistake, actually four v one. You have to consider the benefit of playing the chip in a DGW over a SGW, not in isolation.

            So basically do you back the player you place the TC on to outscore the four bench players in the additional game. I would generally argue yes, as the bench players will generally be two/three pointers and the guy you captain you back to score double figures (it’s why you captain him).

            FWIW I played bench boost in GW34 with I think six SGW players in my squad and racked up 99 points. Don’t be blinded by DGW players!

    3. skodaole2
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      TC gives you one extra player(2 games), BB gives you 4 extra players(up to 8 games). So its a matter of whether you believe a player gets 180 mins and scores big in both games. BB seems ideal in 37 i already used it earlier though so its a TC for me

    4. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Without knowing any details of your plan it's hard to comment either way. But I played BB on gw34 and my bench got me 29 points. Will tc get that?

    5. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      TC imo

      The basis for this is that you basically get one (probably) gun player, with (probably) two excellent fixtures playing two more times. That is surely better than four bang average bench players.

      For example, would you rather have Kane (wba) and (NEW) or McCarthy (swa), Naughton (SOT), Chilwell (ARS) and Kenedy (tot)?

  25. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Friday Press Conferences

    0900: Bournemouth, West Brom
    0930: Everton
    1030: Liverpool
    1230: Tottenham
    1300: Huddersfield, Man Utd 
    1315: Chelsea
    1330: Man City, Newcastle, Watford, West Ham 

    Source: This Means More

    1. william prunier
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Hulked

  26. TheBabyfacedAssassin
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    DDG
    Christensen, Lowton, Morgan
    Salah, Mahrez, Willian, Gross
    Kane, Lukaku, Barnes
    Lingard, Cedric, Simspon (Ryan)

    1 FT, 1.2 ITB.

    A) Lukaku > Jesus
    B) Mahrez > Sterling
    C) A+B (-4)
    D) Save and wait for more information next week.
    .. Or even other suggestions? Cheers.

    1. #Swish41
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      A and B seem vogue and are when I am thinking

  27. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    I'm trying to decide who to downgrade to get Jesus (currently have Willian and GroB). Which pair would you prefer for DGW37 ?

    A) Willian and Andy King

    B) GroB and Kenedy

    1. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      B

  28. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Noooooo, Auba dropped in price last night? Had exact cash for Auba + Ota ---> Davies + Kane. Can't afford it now. Damn. Anyone worth getting who is cheaper than Davies?

    1. william prunier
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Alfie

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Lascelles 😎

    3. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Mawson or Dummet

    4. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Smalling given that you have no United cover.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        I have DDG. Do you think Smalling is nailed?

        1. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 11 days ago

          Started last 12.

    5. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Smalling

  29. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    With Jesus likely to be off pens and Gundogan not always on the pitch, who do we think is next in line for City?

    Could it be Sterling considering he scored a penalty at Watford earlier this season?

    1. william prunier
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Gk?

    2. Gegenpress
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Ederson

      1. boc610
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        I think Ederson taking pens can be ruled out for reasons of sportsmanship. Pep certianly wouldnt allow it against teams who are still fighting for their lives. it would just be taking mickey.

        1. Going Home
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 11 days ago

          This - it's a throwaway statement which has been taken out of context for FPL purposes

    3. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Surely not. Sterling's finishing can't be trusted.

    4. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Maybe Silva?

      1. Gegenpress
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        Which one

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 11 days ago

          Ederson Silva

      2. Annie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 days ago

        B?

    5. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Ederson

    6. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Why is Jesus off Pens?

    7. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Having penalty takers in my side has lost me more points than gained over the last 2 season I don't even bother worrying about it anymore.

    8. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      I think Gundagan will play at least 3 out the 4 remaining games. So if he is not in the pitch, I think Jesus will take it

    9. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      He shouldn't have taken that iirc - got him in trouble with Pep

  30. nevins84
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 days ago

    Is Lacazette a risky option this weekend?
    Worried he may have his mins managed, could do him to Auba for an FT?

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 days ago

      Good change that Lacazette is rested this weekend