Podcast

Scoutcast Episode 263 – squads and strategies for FPL Gameweek 1

The start of the new season is just days away and the Scoutcast crew are still full of doubts about their 15-man Fantasy Premier League squads.

Andy, Az, David and Mark join me to mull over our likely strategies for the start of the 2018/19 campaign as well as reveal our current line-ups.

Across our 82-minute chat, a consensus emerges on backing Manchester City and Liverpool premium assets. But that could all change depending on tomorrow’s transfer deadline day deals and surprise team news.

Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth look set to supply our teams with a supporting cast of bargain enablers due to favourable fixtures. Well, for now at least.

But the groupthink soon breaks down when we discuss forward options, with Mark looking exclusively for value up top, while the rest of us are more keen to splash our cash.

The hive-mind soon returns at the end as we reveal our top choice for the Gameweek 1 armband, so to help those daring to shun a certain Egyptian we also offer up a host of alternative captaincy options.

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.

Also, this week we are publishing a series of videos looking in detail at each of the Scoutcast regulars’ current Gameweek 1 line-ups.

Rate My FPL Team #1 – Bargain Hunting at Crystal Palace

Rate My FPL Team #2 – Maximum Man City and Liverpool

Rate My FPL Team #3 – Daring to be Salah-less

Read more with Scout

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3,764 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Urchin
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Tottenham have held talks with Schalke of the Bundesliga over a loan move for Danny Rose (Guardian)
    Toby also on the way out.

    Davies nailed? Walker-Pieters an option?

    1. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Davies would be nailed. 4atb too

    2. Aussiemilan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Davies pretty nailed, can move aurier or trippier over tho, hes played them there before

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Spurs would be too undermanned. Neither are going unless replacements are already lined up and coming today.

    4. Urchin
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers guys. I guess maybe 4 ATB reduces Davies' appeal.

  2. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    What do we think will be BOU’s first choice back 4?

    Simpson—Ake—Cool—Daniels

    1. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Until that me new lb completed his ban

      Adam Smith/Francis can play RB

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      No. Ake is forst choice but injured.
      Daniels is not first choice. He'll play 3 games until the first choice Rico has served his ban.
      I doubt Simpson will be first choice.

      1. Regin
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        i thought adam smith will be first choice RB

    3. Homo Neanderthalensis
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Ake has played as a defensive midfielder all preseason so doubt he will be in the back 4... more likely as defensive mid.

  3. HellasLEAF
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Pogba may be undervalued at 8.0 this season.

    Think a nice start can see his price rise quickly.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      He hates Mou and wants to go to Barce.

    2. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      He absolutely love to play for Mourinho LOL

    3. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      agree!

    4. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Hope he goes to Barca, Mou doesn't deserve him, Mourinho might have been a great manager but he's a travesty of humanity...

  4. Kim Jong Kün
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Is Joshua King really worth a punt? Pretty sure I started last season with him and he sucked.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      With nice opening fixtures and that price a good punt for 3rd striker. Wouldn't want to rely on him though.

    2. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah, that's why he's "worth a punt"... Not guaranteed returns, so it's a punt, that it could work, although be prepared for him to suck again 🙂

    3. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Save yourself a mil and get Frazer in a mid spot instead. I like him as my punt.

      1. Kim Jong Kün
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Who is Frazer?

        1. Bram
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Ryan Fraser - valid option.

          1. Kim Jong Kün
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 10 months ago

            Got it - thanks. Feel like there are 15 Ms I want and nothing interesting elsewhere though...

    4. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Finished last season well and shown some form in preseason - with their fixtures I think King is a decent punt for the money. Currently have him as my 3rd striker.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Bou infamously start seasons very slowly though. They'd need to buck that trend.

  5. Nigawan
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Hey guys, kindly help me decide 😀

    a) Foster with Mccartey or Patricio or Fabianski
    b) Robertson or VVD
    c) Shaw or another 5mil defender
    d) Jota or Richarlison
    e) Tosun or Mitro

    1. Homo Neanderthalensis
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Patricio & Fab
      VVD
      Another (Bailly maybe)
      Jota
      Tosun

    2. Aussiemilan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Foster Patricio
      VVD
      Tarkowski, mee (honestly if you can scrape another 0.5 would make a world of difference to choice)
      Jota
      Mitro in a coinflip

      1. Nigawan
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        if I drop tosun , I will get the extra 0.5. what should I do with it , which 5.5 def should I go for?

        1. Aussiemilan
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          Luiz, Bellerin, Bailly, LaPorte, stones, McGuire even sokratis popped up with a goal for dortmond every now and then.

    3. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      A) Patricio
      B) Bobbyson
      C) Another 5mil def
      D) Richarlison
      E) Mitrovic

  6. My Name Is Prince
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Davies a great option if Rose going on loan for the season, don't you think?

    A) Firmino - 5.5m (Armstrong currently, but this bracket is very meh to be honest) - Tomkins

    B) Arnautovic - Jota - Davies

    1. Aussiemilan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      B, im on King - Jota -Davies

      1. My Name Is Prince
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        I have King already!

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      B

  7. Fantasynørden
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Let’s say Alderweireld completes his transfer to United today. What do we know about Toby Alderweireld-Peters?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      huh?

    2. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Haha!!

    3. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Walker-Peters will play, at least 1-2 GW while Davies will be in central defense until others return.

    4. Sharkytect
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Hahaha

  8. Urchin
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Fraser a good option as rotating fifth mideo? Good combo with Liecester.
    But who to pick in Lie midfield?
    A. Albrighton
    B. Gray
    C. Ghezzal
    D. Diabate

    No budget for madisson

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      I am playing Frazer every week.
      Fodder that 5th spot on someone like Stephens and spend the cash on an upgrade elsewhere?

    2. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Cairney much better then Fraser. Go back and check the 5 m rotating pair

  9. Papasthathopolous
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    A) Eriksen , Tomkins , Jimenez
    B) Jota , Luiz , Arnautovic

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      B

  10. Ninja Monkey
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    RMT: 0.5 itb.
    Begovic (Patricio)
    Daniels/Robbie/Boly (Bednarek/WB)
    Salah/Sanchez/Mane/Jota (McD)
    Austin/Kun/King

  11. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Does Fabiasnki increase or decrease his scoring output this season... Better defence playing in front of him but that potentially means fewer shots to save.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Right. Hammers won't be close to being relegated so he'll be less busy saving shots, but they should get more clean sheets. So, prob he'll end up with a similar total - providing he plays as many games. Adrien is lurking.

      1. Aussiemilan
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        This is the reason I don't want a bar of Flappy, there is a solid actual battle there for first place between the sticks this year!

  12. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Which mid for GW1?

    A) Jota (EVE H)
    B) Richarlison (WAT A)
    C) Sessegnon (CPL H)

    1. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      A

  13. KeepCalm
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Sorry been away so dont mind if i ask this

    Why am I not seeing Kane in teams? I remember his interview after WC where he was saying he will try to get himself ready for GW1

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Prob less than 50/50 that he'll start, and we all know his wonderful record of scoring zero goals in August.

      1. KeepCalm
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        But surely thats just being superstitious

        NEW away and FUL home are not bad fixtures for someone like Kane

        1. Wild Card this!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          It's not being superstitious - it's called statistic.
          Statistic that doesn't say he will never score in August but pointing towards the fact that it might takes him longer to get in shape after the break - for example 😉

        2. Hot Fuzz
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 10 months ago

          to risky for12.5 imo new and ful are not that bad at the back wouldn't be very surprised if both games are lowscoring.and I had Kane twice in the last 3 season from the start never again.give him couple of weeks and a full working squad and he will be Gold from September onwards you can again say no Kane no gain hahaha good luck

    2. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Doesn't score in August 😉

    3. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Main issue is Spurs ... well under-cooked with so many players back late.

      Also concerns about settling into a new stadium and the fact Kane has hardly had a rest.

    4. KeepCalm
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers all. No Kane then

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Have a plan. When Kane looks ready, I can do a 2FT to shift out Auba or Kun and a 6.5 mid to Kane + 5m mid.

  14. zizoo10
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    i'm happy with my team, with 2.0 itb

    Patricio
    Mendy • TAA • Tarkowski
    Salah • Mane • Bilva • Rich
    Aguero • Zaha • King

    Norris • Masuaku • AWB • Peltier

    1. Frank Koscielny
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Nice. I’ve got a similar team with Robertson + 1itb. Feels nice!

    2. Hot Fuzz
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      it does look good and your right it feels even better 🙂 I got 4 different to your and a bit of your bench. spend 1.5 more then you at the back in a 442.when I see these teams it feels like they are way over budget +spare cash just awesome can't wait good luck dude

  15. seewhyaxe
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Who are your GK pairs?

    Pondering the following

    1. Pickford / Stele

    2. Foster / Fab

    3. Ryan / Button

    1. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Patricio 4.0 or Patricio Foster...

      1. Kane Toads
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        why Pat? Im currently on Fab + 4.0m

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Mine is Patricio/Hamer

    3. seewhyaxe
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      I haven't seen Wolves played yet, Patricio ,whilst a great gk on its own, so I haven't thought about it.

      Has wolves' defense been impressive?

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Was in Champo, but Rui is a superb shot-stopper.

  16. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    WHich one?

    A) Mane, King & Tosun

    B) B Silva, Kamara & Aguero

    1. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      A, if not Salah.

      1. Aubaaaaa
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        no*

  17. fplchampzzz
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    A - Tosun + Austin + Fraser
    B - King + Austin + Richarlison
    C - Tosun + King + Fraser

    Which is better? Thanks!

    1. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      C

  18. Isco Disco
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    What's with all the B. Silva love?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Pep loves him.

    2. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      7.5, nailed on GW1, form...but transfer waiting to happen

      1. Isco Disco
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah the last part ruins it all.

    3. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      did you watch him in pre season and CS matches? machine mate!

  19. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    A. Mane + Zaha/Arnie
    B. Firmino + Richarlison/Maddison

    A or B? Thanks.

  20. Eze Really?
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Ederson (Stelkers)
    Robertson Shaw Boly Fuchs WB
    Salah Bilva Moura Mane (Cairney)
    Kun King Tosun

    Any glaring errors?

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Isnt Fuchs done for? I'd have thought tht LB is Chillwell's.
      Having all three Shaw, Bilva and Moura in your team seems disastrous. 2 at most, I feel. All three bound to be rotated heavily by GW3.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Seems so.

      2. Eze Really?
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        Has crossed my mind. Unsure about Fuchs. Bilva and Moura is a double gamble but I take early WC anyway. Shaw is 5 and a gamble but 2 weeks points I hope.

  21. Gorgles
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Is it okay to start a 5.0 midfielder, or should I find money to upgrade?

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      some pretty good 5.0 mids starting so to answer your question, yes, okay to start a 5.0 mid lad.

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Depends on the other 10 starters. I'm happy to have 5m Cairney in my first XI.

    3. Aussiemilan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Depends if the rest of your team can carry him

    4. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      I have a 5.0 mid starter (Costa) albeit rotating with a 4.5 defender (Tomkins).

      Some potential decent value from 5.0m mids this season.

  22. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Are the Scouts all picking basically the same team again this year ? Mendy Robertson Salah 9.5 Jota Richarlison Aguero Arnie, fodder blah blah blah 😉

    1. Kim Jong Kün
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Hahahahaha and we all think we are original....

    2. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      That is how they create a template..

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Stop it! I've got all but one of them 🙁

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 10 months ago

        🙂

  23. ludaslol
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Who scores more?
    A) Salah DDG Richarlisson
    B) Mane Sanchez Ederson

  24. Kim Jong Kün
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Really torn between B. Silva + Pedro!!! Thoughts??

    1. Aussiemilan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      B.Silva easily, better team, better fixtures, better form

  25. motit
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    when new players like Kepa usallu added to the FPL system?
    I mean, how much time from the announced of the transfer?
    there is a time in the day when the FPL system updated?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      We're in new territory here with the transfer window closing hours before GW1 deadline. FPL Towers will be going crazy sorting all the new signings. We're just going to have to wait ....

  26. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    no palace for me ,Liverpool gw2 massive clash of players,so going forward with pool only...

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      Triple City, Pool AND Palace for me - the 3 Palace will be benched and covered GW2.

  27. zizoo10
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    team complete, no need for early wc. very flexible

    Patricio
    Mendy • TAA • Tarkowski
    Salah • Mane • Eriksen • Rich
    Aguero • Zaha • King

    Norris • Masuaku • AWB • Peltier

    • I've never believed in rotating gks, and it's done me wonders in the past
    • Auba a must by GW3? Zaha > Auba, Mane/Erik > an inform 5.5 hopefully
    • TAA not nailed? Straight swap to Lovren

  28. Splinters
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Hi all, this is (hopefully) my final starting XI.....having said that 60 hours is a long time in FL....... 🙂

    RMT please:
    Foster/Speroni - sticking with a cheapie between the sticks. Can tfer out if Watford have a mare assuming Speroni does not start.
    Robertson/Coleman/PVA/AW-B/Malone Risk with Coleman but worth an initial punt
    Salah/Mane/Bilva/Kennedy/Ward
    Aguero/Laca/King

    Cheers!

  29. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Which one to choose?

    A) 4.0GK(bench) + Zaha/Arnie
    B)4.5GK(2x4.5 rotating) + King

    1. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      A. Go for 4 mill reserve keeper from same team. I like Zaha.

  30. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 10 months ago

    Better option?

    a. mili arnie
    b. Zaha richarlison

    1. Aussiemilan
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. Poppa Klopp
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      B easy

    3. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      A

    4. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 10 months ago

      b