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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Arsenal | Bournemouth | Brighton & Hove Albion | Burnley | Cardiff City | Chelsea | Crystal Palace | Everton | Fulham | Huddersfield Town | Leicester City | Liverpool | Manchester City | Manchester United | Newcastle United | Southampton | Tottenham Hotspur | Watford | West Ham | Wolves

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3,764 Comments Post a Comment
  1. amsemp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    A) Cairney
    B) Hughes

    Keep switching between the 2!

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I'd start with Hughes and see how he does!

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

    Hmmm, why am I tempted to do Salah + Austin > Mane and Lacazette?

    Is this madness?

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      So tempting to go without Salah! Robba Mane Firmini looks so tasty plus the funds for elsewhere

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

        If Laca was nailed id do it..

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

      Going without Salah, just to have Laca is madness

  3. GinjaWhinja
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    You all can laugh at me, but my 'under the radar' pick for this year is N-Golo Kante.

    £5m, guaranteed starts, BPS.

    Most importantly though, he is likely to be the most advanced midfielder in Sarri's 3. We haven't seen them all together yet (Jorginho, Kante and Kovacic), but it makes sense. Kovacic I don't believe has the goals in his locker, he's more of a Pirlo player and N'Golo's legs mean he'll be offered freedom to get forward, up and down the field. I'm convinced of it, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Leaving money ITB to swap him out, if it doesn't come off. For those of you with budgets in mind, underestimate him at your peril.

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Really not a good fpl option lol

      1. GinjaWhinja
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        He is if he plays as a box-to-box number 8, which he's very capable of doing. Especially when he's only 0.5m more than the cheapest midfielder in the game. A great enabler, but also a great prospect IMO. Sarri will be the making of him.

    2. amsemp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I’ve thought this too! Of the 3 man midfield, one has to roam forward and Kante looks the most likely.

    3. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Doesn't get BPS in fpl

      1. GinjaWhinja
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Wait until he starts adding goals and assists to his game. He has the talent and the ability. He's just been never afforded the freedom. That's about to change.

        1. FC Hakkebøf
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          But he is not a goalscorer.. nor an asister. He will most likely be assisting the assister. So pick him at your own peril 😉

    4. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Not the worst punt, but can't see it tbh.

      If you're right, everyone will just get him in for 5.2/5.3 anyway

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Even cheaper. Most people will prolly just think it is an odd goal / odd assist. Won't rise unless he scores back to back points, which I find VERY unlikely

      2. GinjaWhinja
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Fair point. Just thought I'd throw it up there to be ridiculed. Excited to see if the gamble pays off

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

      I think its a good shout. Kovacic is expected to be further forward with Kante B2B, he could easily get a handful of goals and assists this season if he gets in the right areas.

    6. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Rather just pick Neves and settle for his penalties + corners

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Though I'm not bringing him in either. Maybe on a Wildcard if he is Mili 2.0

    7. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I looked at this too tbf

  4. WVA
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    A. Ddg Azpi Bavies Mkhi 433
    B. Foster Bellerin Mane Bilva 343

    1. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      A.

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

    I might eat my shoe, but people please understand, Laca will not start, Emery will not start with two forwards against City.

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Was thinking this too but with Ramsey being out he probably will start with Auba Laca Mkhi Ozil Torreira Xhaka

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

        Guendouzi starts 100%

      2. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        This. And with some City stars set to miss out, he might be able to beat them by playing effective counterattack football

        People have a City win written all over, but I don't think it's gonna be that easy for them this time around. First game of the season, New Manger for Arsenal, they will be eager to put up a strong performance

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

          exactly, if you want to play counter attacking, you dont play Laca who is good against a low block sitting defense.

    2. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Any evidence for this at all?

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

        Yes, Last 3 pre-season games where they played combined 15 minutes together. Auba not being the best at tracking back. I would even go as far as say Iwobi would have a better chance to start instead of Laca

  6. funny money
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Darmian or Shaw???

    Or ignore Man U 5.0 and go for someone else?

    I have taa

    Thanks!

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

      Both risky. I'm gunna wait and see with utd defence for now

    2. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I’d ignore. Will avoid united for now.

  7. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    What do you think of a Richarlison and Siggy double up

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. funny money
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Yuck

      1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        This

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

      I would avoid to begin with. Everton have great fixtures but remains to be seen how they'll perform under Silva. I'd pick one, have personally gone with Richarlison and the extra mill

      1. funny money
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Me too

    3. Mesh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I think one is enough

    4. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      1 is enough. I would go for Siggy. On set pieces and can get goals and assists.

  8. Bullet Eder
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    With everyone seemingly backing Wolves to challenge City and Liverpool for the title this season, I am surprised nobody is considering Raul Jimenez. Good aerial threat, possibly on pens and a real 3-5-2/3-4-3 enabler at 5.5 Cheapest nailed forward I suspect?

    1. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      On watchlist for me...

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

      Not nailed is he?

      Jota could play middle with 2 of Costa, Cav, Adama.

      1. Mayor of Flair
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Is Jota a rotation risk?

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

          No. Its Jota + 2 others.

    3. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I don’t think he is nailed.

      Jota is good enough to take that forward role

  9. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Mon in all,

    Best three picks for 15m
    A Schurrle, Tomkins, Kabasele
    B Jota, Wan-B, Kabasele
    C Fraser, Tomkins, Lowton

    Got a 4.5m MID and need a 4th MID and 4th/5th DEF pairing...

    1. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      B.

    2. Cowboy John
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      B

  10. RIDZ
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    If Mendy not start, who will play there?

    I am playing 352/442 with Mendy-Robertson-Bellerin-Cedric-Wanbis
    is it safe?

  11. Whats the Huth
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    A 4.5m defender that you would be happy playing week in and week out.

    Not Tompkins

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Boly maybe?

      1. Whats the Huth
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Only wolves defender I’d be happy playing week in and week out is the keeper. Due to save points.

        Boly would just be a 2 pointer every week I reckon

    2. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Boly a good shout...

    3. Cowboy John
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Boly

  12. Mesh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Is there a reason why a lot of people are going with a 4.5/4.0 non-rotating keeper combo this season?
    Can't remember many doing this in previous seasons.

    1. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Mo

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

        ?

        1. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Cheap option to facilitate having Mo Salah

    2. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Always be done

  13. Mayor of Flair
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Cairney or Neves to begin with?

    1. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Cairney. Neves DM

    2. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I’ve gone Costa

  14. Demel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    What price do you expect Yerry Mina to be at Everton (5.5m?)

    And will he be in your team?

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      No chance until I have time to reassess how solid they are defensively after that dreadful pre-season.

      1. Demel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Even with his aerial threat? A similar player to Sakho who is a BAP magnet.

        1. Rotation's Alter Ego
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          I like my defenders to keep clean sheets 😉

          Coming in at 5 would be interesting

    2. Cowboy John
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      5.0

      1. Demel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        He would be straight in for me at that price.

    3. Foozeball
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Maybe 5.0 same as Digne? 5.5 would be too expensive to consider him unless Everton massively improve defensively

      1. Demel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        I can see him coming at 5. I think he would be a great option at 5.

  15. Backonthecoupon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Agonising over Mendy v Robertson. Cant afford both. Why was Robertson rested for the Torino friendly and Moreno named Captain? A lot of the Mendy love seems to be around City playing 352, but will they actually?

    Why has everyone else gone for one over the other?

    1. Demel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Mendy and TAA.

      1. Whats the Huth
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Two very risky picks there

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I have both, but Robbo was the 2nd on my team sheet after Salah

    3. funny money
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Ignoring Robertson because I have taa + 1m

      Opted for Mendy as my 6.0

      Just hoping he plays - not certain

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

        I think Mendy will play but possibly as a LB rather than a LWB a lot of the time.

        He looked a bit heavy before his injury.

    4. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I’ve got both.

  16. Joe
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    A) Bavies and 5.0 mid (Ralls/Neves?)
    B) 6.5 mid (Milivojevic/Jota) and 4.5 def (Cedric/Dunk?)

    For context, I already have Richarlison and Cairney in midfield, and AWB in defence.

  17. Toonzie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    who rotates well with tomkins?

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

      Bournemouth I think

    2. banskt
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Kabasele

    3. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Bournemouth

    4. Sotamendi84
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Bournemouth

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

      Bournemouth

  18. goldensock
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Ok I think im done barring any last min transfers.. what do you think guys?

    Foster
    Robbo tomkins mendy
    Mane jota salah bilva
    King aguero mitro

    Boruc boly wan b hudson o

    I have 1.5m in bank but plan to get auba in gw3. Downgrading mane to richarl and upgrade mitro or king to auba depending on how they perform

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Please post these in the RMT Community Article 🙂

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

    2. RichRover
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Really nice, hope it works out for you

  19. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Is it worth downgrading Lloris to a 4.5m rotating pair to cover Mendy and Shaws poor fixtures in GW1 (ars) and GW3 (TOT) respectively ?

    A)

    Lloris, 4.0
    Robertson, Mendy, Shaw, 4.0, 4.0

    B)

    4.5/4.5 rotation
    Robertson, Mendy, Shaw, Daniels, 4.0

    1. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      B

    2. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      B. But would choose someone else but Daniels in the 4.5m slot.

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Bournemouth covers Robertsons and Shaws poor fixtures in GW1 and GW3, planning to WC after 4GW's so not worried beyond that.

  20. Oooof
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Hadergjonaj is my £4.5m defensive punt - anyone else interested?

    He can play a bit in midfield and has been very attacking in an ‘underlying stats’ kind of a way!

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

      Nice pick hope it comes off for you!

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

        Thanks mate

  21. Fantasynørden
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    A) Luiz and Jota
    or
    B) Tomkins and Bilva

    1. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      B

  22. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Start one of the following

    A) jata
    B) austin

  23. Bram
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    "Crystal Palace have finalised a deal to sign Swansea and Ghana forward Jordan Ayew on season-long loan, subject to the 26-year-old passing a medical today.
    (Source BBC).

    1. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Ooooh

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

      That probably ends their interest in Ings

  24. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    is Jorginho nailed ? will he play more attacking role or def?

    1. Demel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      He is nailed in a defensive role.

    2. ZACTAY
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Yes would've thought he was nailed. More of a defensive role I believe but could chip in with the odd assist.

    3. Backonthecoupon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Looks like he will defo be pivotal to them but in a deep lying playmaker role

  25. Gee_mm
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Bertrand or Coleman ??

    1. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Neither, both teams’ defence are leaky. Won’t go there until we see how their defence is like when the season starts.

      But if I have to choose, I would choose Coleman. Everton a more attacking side and Coleman could get some assists.

      1. Gee_mm
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        True. 1.5 ITB, Bertrand out, who'd you choose

  26. Whats the Huth
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Is TAA nailed

    1. Demel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Nobody knows for sure at the moment.

    2. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      No, 50 50 Clyne starts and TAA comes on later

  27. Miro
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Hey guys, likelihood of Austin starting in gw 1 please ?

    1. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Very high as Hughes seems to be playing 2 up top.

      1. Miro
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        cheers

    2. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      High I think. Pre-season games have been 4-4-2 I think with 2 strikers starting out of 3

  28. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on this team guys ?

    patricio
    mendy - robbo - shaw
    salah (c) mane - bsilva - richarlison
    aguero - zaha - king

    fabianski - cedric - stephens - AWB

    Any feedback much appreciated.

    Thank you.

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Please post these in the RMT Community Article 🙂

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

  29. ZACTAY
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Good morning everyone, opinions on:

    Salah and Arnautovic or Sanchez and Firminio?

    I am expecting Salah to keep banging in the goals but I also have Mane in my midfield and although with all the negativity around United at the moment I still think they will start strong with their tasty looking fixtures for the first 8 weeks or so and Sanchez should be at the heart of most of it. I do think Arnautovic will be a good player this season but I am put off massively by West Hams opening fixtures which include Liverpool, Arsenal, Wolves, Everton, Chelsea and Manchester United all within the first 7 weeks.

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

      Salah is a must but I agree with Sanchez . I have both 🙂

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

      Salah+Arnie for me

  30. For Fuchs Sake
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    How many are going without Salah then ?

    1. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      50% (ish)