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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Read them all in one place

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3,764 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Peltier or Bennett? Could Bennett be nailed?

    1. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Bennett not nailed

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Peltier

  2. barracuda
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Will Hazard start in GW1?

    1. Snikii
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      doubt it

    2. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I have Chelsea mates in the ML who are in despair over
      what's happening. It's all a wait and see for a couple of weeks for me.
      Plenty of other decent options which you could then swap in if
      the Chelsea situation settles down.

    3. barracuda
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers troops

  3. Powers106
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    a) Shaw + Stones
    b) Mendy + 4.5

    Currently on a light defense: Hoedt - Boly - Mendy - Holebas - WB and probably plan to FT a new 4.5 after GW1 if needed.

    Cheers!

    1. Snikii
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      neither tbh

    2. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      b

  4. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Which keeper, (also have Mendy)

    A) Kepa
    B) Ederson

    1. DeathoftheParty
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Ederson... Who knows what Chelsea will be like at the back.

    2. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      ederson. lots of bankable cs in that start they have

    3. Chockky
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Kepa, like Brook said we don't know what Chelsea are gonna be like at the back but if they are weak then their are save points aswell as CS which they will get a few of.

      Ed for safety
      Kepa for the thrill

  5. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    A) Eriksen + Mendy
    B) Sanchez + 5M Defender

    1. MartialMatas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      A. Prefer others over Eriksen but it still works

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

      A

    4. Bggz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      b is a differential on this site so dont get put off

    5. Bullet Eder
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      A

    6. Chockky
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      A IMO, I feel Alexis is over priced and got a feeling united are going to have a lesser season

  6. MartialMatas
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Which one?

    A - Smalling Austin Kenedy(benched)
    B - Shaw Bilva Kamara

    1. Snikii
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

    What's the kepa price prediction?

    1. MartialMatas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      5.5

    2. Snikii
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      5.5

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

      Cheers guys

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

    Strawpoll
    A) Bavies + TAA
    B) Shaw + Robbo

    1. MartialMatas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. Snikii
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      a easy

    3. Cheshire Duck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      tough choice. For first GW : B
      Then, Shaw is unsure to be nailed, so A

  9. In Like Flynn.
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Has any news on Maddison's fitness for the first game
    been forthcoming?

    1. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Wow

      Flynny! HI! How are you!

      We'll have to wait for the pressers i guess.

      1. In Like Flynn.
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Hi LR, back in the land of FF.

        1. Lateriser 12
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          How's the back? I remember you having some problems.

          1. In Like Flynn.
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Still pants.
            I had a tumor which was a problem but all sorted now.
            Time to get back working.
            But I'll fit a season of FF in around it. 🙂

            How are you?

            1. Lateriser 12
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 8 months ago

              Damn. Those things a trickey. As long as it's all sorted.

      2. In Like Flynn.
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Good to see you.
        Keeping well?

        1. Lateriser 12
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Yes

          Getting married in December 🙂

          1. In Like Flynn.
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Brilliant! Congratulations.

            I wish you both everything you wish for yourselves.

  10. cruzex
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    lukaku will start this GW1?

    1. Snikii
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      nope

  11. Son is Rising
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Any reason why there is no love for VVD? Every man and his dog is going Robertson instead...

    1. Snikii
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      look at their ownership?! VVD is higher than Robo

      1. Son is Rising
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah but I mean amongst the non casual crowd. E.g. Kane is higher than Aguero/Aub and KDB is the second most owned midfielder because of casuals. Noone here has them.

        1. Snikii
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Most on here are casuals

    2. Typo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Gamblers. Im going VVD, solid man, will prob put 1 or 2 goals. Season set and forget for me. Robbo might get some more rotation with Moreno looking OK

      1. Son is Rising
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah my thoughts too. Robs won't be as safe around the Champions League games.

  12. Lukaku91
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    guys help
    rmt pls - any suggestions appreciated

    foster
    mendy robertson tomkins
    mane sanchez richarlison lucas bilva
    aguero firmino

    bench: fabianski kamara wan-bissaka peltier

    0.5 itb

    1. Lukaku91
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      oops wrong page

  13. Gol D Roger
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    RMT!!

    DeGea
    Tomkins-Robertson-Mendy
    Salah-Pogba-Richarlison-B.Silva
    Arnie-Aguero-Zaha

    Speroni--Cairney--Zanka--Pielta

    Pogba is the obvious concern going into Week1, however waiting on Mou's conference to get more solid info, if he does start may shuffle around to maybe get sanchez in, or stick with Pogba

    otherwise thoughts?

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Send this over to the RMT article please 🙂

      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2018/08/06/rmt-collection-niemi/

  14. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    A) Costa
    B) Cairney

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Cairney more nailed

    2. Dacra
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Costa is my 4th mid, can become someone else if it doesnt work out, just seems more fun.

    3. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks both. Flair vs stability, then?

      1. Dacra
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I reckon so.

  15. Dacra
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Why so much Mane love?

    Consistently outscored by Eriksen, hich allows 3rd Liverpool to be Firmino, who also has every season outscored Mane.

    1. FPL_ANT
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Hoping this year he gets over 3,000 minutes

      1. Dacra
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        He get injured and sent off too much for that 😀

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Eriksen might get a slower start as not full spurs squad ready

    3. Son is Rising
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Potentially on pens and his ppg is higher than Firm

      1. Dacra
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I don't think he's on pens.

          1. Dacra
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Oh, it must be true then..

            I think they'll likely be shared, that seems to be the spirit in this Liverpool team at the moment.

    4. Firmino
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      This will be Mane's season. 16/17 he had injuries, 17/18 loss of form and replaced by Coutinho in front three.

    5. Jebiga
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      This ! For me Firmino have the best price in entire FPL this season

    6. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Agree

  16. Super Silva Haze
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Crystal Palace have finalised deal to sign Swansea forward Jordan Ayew on season-long loan, medical today. Takes Loftus-Cheek role but also option up front. No more #CPFC arrivals expected but exits are with offers on table for likes of Puncheon & Riedewald (not going to #Swans)

    David Ornstein

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

      hmm, good or bad for Zaha? Aint got Zaha in my team

      1. Gregor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Bad i’d say, might push him back to the wing and affect Schlupp as well.

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

          nice

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      5.0 last season? 5.5 now maybe?

    3. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Blimey that just tips the scale out of favor for Zaha for me. Tosun, or Arnie it is then

  17. ManTree(v2!) or just JAY!
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Best 4.5m goalkeepers for first 3 games?

    1. lsorin
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Hart for me!

  18. Typo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Boly vs Doherty - Cointoss?

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

      Noone?

    2. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Boly as he is a beast

    3. Costa Nostra
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Doherty for attacking returns. Will be much further up the field

    4. Joe
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      No, Boly is more nailed.

  19. lsorin
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    is Iwobi going to start?

    1. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I don’t think so. Could be Ozil, Mkhi and Auba starting behind Laca.

    2. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      No

    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Not in my opinion

  20. Totally J
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    What you think?

    A. Mane, Townsend, augbameyang
    B. Salah, Mkhitaryan, zaha

    1. lsorin
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      A because of Salah.

    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      B easy

  21. RichRover
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Tosun or Wood for 3rd forward? Please.

    1. Dacra
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Austin, because im a cheapskate.

    2. lsorin
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Tosun

    3. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      If have to choose between the 2, Tosun. Wood is a doubt. Have you considered King?

      1. RichRover
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        King on my watchlist, with Mitro.

    4. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Comfortably Tosun, I’d also consider King and Mitrovic.

    5. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Tosun out of them 2

    6. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Tosun will have some insane firepower behind him, and easy fixtures. Toffees score - they just can't defend.

      See how Wood gets on in Turkey tonight. i think Europa will cause him to be rotated or exhausted.

      1. RichRover
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Good thinking about Europa

  22. Tornado
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Just look at ozils salary!!
    https://www.spotrac.com/epl/arsenal-f.c/payroll/

    Essential?

    1. Jebiga
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Hmmm, for that money he must do something this season...

    2. Jaws
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Essential garbage

  23. Jebiga
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    So Bernardo Silva is expected to start first 5-10 gw's ?

    1. lsorin
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      more like the first 2... and limited minutes probably...

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I have him now and don't know what to do to be honest . I d rather go for someone more expensive who I can deal with as a cash cow

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

      Im going Mahrez, think he has more goals in him.

  24. Lukaku91
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    best midfielder for 5.0?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Neves

    2. lsorin
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Cairney and Kennedy

    3. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Cairney

    4. RichRover
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Cairney

  25. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Pick 2.

    Zaha, Arnie, King, Mitrovic.

    1. lsorin
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Arnie and King

    2. Lukaku91
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Zaha King

    3. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      King and Zaha

    4. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I like Arnie + King

    5. BananaMan
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Zaha & King

    6. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Arnie and King

    7. RichRover
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Z,A

  26. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Presser times?

  27. Tauruspt
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Ederson/Kepa and Hammer - 9.5
    Fab and Patrico - 9

    Is the rotation saving .5 a better shout?

  28. Bobby_Baggio
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Morning all. Which do you prefer guys?

    A) King, Stephens, Ozil (Stephens will be bench fodder)
    B) Kamara, Cairney, Eriksen (Kamara will be benched fodder)

    1. Cheshire Duck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      A. King in great form. But 2 difficult fixtures for Ozil.

      B is too weak. Eriksen might struggle till all his teamates aren't back

  29. Cheshire Duck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Final hesitation : Jota or Maddison ?

    1. BananaMan
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Jota

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Go for Jota imo

  30. Patty
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Presuming Rose leaves.
    A. Ederson, Stek, Bavies, Kabasele
    B. Patricio, Foster Mendy, Pereira

    The last defender will be in a 3 way rotation with AWB and Peltier

    1. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I like B.