[sbu_large_image] Podcast
8 August 2018 3764 comments
J0E J0E
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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

Visit our PRE-SEASON PAGE to get the latest pointers from pre-season friendlies and read scout reports on new players by CLICKING HERE.

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Goalkeepers | Defenders: Budget | Defenders: Mid-Price and Premium | Midfielders: Budget | Midfielders: Mid-Price | Midfielders: Premium | Forwards: Budget | Forwards: Mid-Price |Forwards: Premium

Also check out our detailed statistical analysis articles on every team comparing data for the last two seasons to highlight the players to sign and the players to avoid:

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

Read them all in one place

Become a Member and access our data

Memberships for the 2018/19 campaign are now available for the pre-season price of just £12.50. This will increase to the regular price of £15 after the first Gameweek of the season.

Join now to get the following:

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J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

  1. Flynny
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    What is the better combo please?

    A....zaha Stephens in a 343

    B...jota kamara in a 352

    Thanks

    1. The Baby-faced Assassin
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A

    2. Geezer
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A

  2. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    This site is nothing without Mark. We want the main man back!

    1. Mr. Funny Name
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Hope FFS post Mark wont be the same as United post Fergie

      1. DeathoftheParty
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Lolz

    2. Geezer
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Why has he stepped back?

      1. Mr. Funny Name
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I presume working with the official site is taking up a lot of his time and he mightn’t be able to commit to the site here as much as he used to

        1. Geezer
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          I understand

    3. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Its a bit harsh for guys who run it now. I really like Mark but also like the work of current lads. Also Joe as a host of scoutcast is very good! Really like that guy!

    4. The Mandalorian
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Would be nice if Mark explained why he won’t be around as much and were else to find him etc.

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

      Are we really in the AM (after Mark) FFS era? It certainly seems that there is a concerted effort to transition the day to day running of the site to others, with Mark having far less visibility. I would assume he has taken up a more strategic behind the scenes role alongside his other non FFS commitments, a natural transition and reward after 10+ years developing and running the site.

      The flip side is that it's a real shame as for many (myself included), the site and community won't feel the same without Mark and the other old heads at the centre of the action. The site and content feels different, unfamiliar, and this is a strange feeling when you are used to things being written and done in a certain way. An odd dichotomy when you feel happy for the success of the site but disappointed about the necessary changes this success brings!

      My question is-- will there still be a preamble?

    6. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Here here!

  3. Klaren
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    De Gea Boruc
    Robertson Van Aaalholt Shaw Cedric Dunk
    Salah B Silva Moura Richarlison Neves
    Firmino Zaha Arnautovic

    2.0m ITB

    Would really appreciate any thoughts/suggestions

    Thanks in advance!

    1. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Please post this in the latest RMT article 🙂
      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2018/08/06/rmt-collection-niemi/

    2. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Please post this in the RMT article 🙂

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

  4. The Overthinker
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Which ones better and why if possible.

    A) mkhi Coleman Doherty
    B) jota Mendy Daniels

    1. Geezer
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

  5. mr messi
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I'm having second thoughts about Richarlison. Isn't a Milivojevic a better pick? Haven't seen him in many teams.

    1. TAT
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I guess there are teams with a Tomkins-WB-Zaha solution.
      Still considering him, but have Zaha already, so that might be too much.

      1. Gashead9
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Mili was great value last season at 5.0. Not quite such a good option at his new price, and many believe that Palace will not have as many pens as last year!

        1. TAT
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Good point.

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'm going with Mili and Rich.

  6. camarozz
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Iv changed things around a little..

    As it stands iv front 7 of

    Salah/Siggy/Bilva/Jota(Stephens)

    Aguero/King/Firmino

    Lost Mane,Richarlson and Zaha

    Mistake to move from the template??

    1. Chris_White
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Lovely team

    2. Klaren
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'd keep Richarlison and Zaha over King and Jota personally, but none of them are bad choices.

    3. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Please post this in the latest RMT article 🙂
      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2018/08/06/rmt-collection-niemi/

  7. The Mastermind
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A or B???? Help!

    A -
    Lloris
    VVD - Luiz - Davies
    Sane - Salah - Richarliison - Schurrle
    Aguero - King - Tosun

    B-

    Lloris
    VVD - Luiz - Mee
    Silva - Salah - Richarliison - Sanchez
    Aguero - King - Niasse

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Please post this in the latest RMT article 🙂
      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2018/08/06/rmt-collection-niemi/

  8. Doolittle
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Slightly unusual question as this is my first season playing in a new timezone. The FPL deadline is showing as 19:00 on Friday for me - is that 19:00 UK or Melbourne?

    1. Tev
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      UK. Friday night kick off 8pm

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      You do realise 19:00 in Melbourne would be Friday morning in UK?

      1. Doolittle
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Yes, I realise the time difference (I'm from the UK) , hence my question - I just wanted to ensure I didn't miss the deadline! I haven't played FPL since 2015-16 and the deadline could have been moved forward for some reason.

    3. infa fred
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      That’s for the uk

  9. Valar(Keith)
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I remember owning Fraser last season and he used to get benched randomly. Is he nailed on to start? Was he rotated due to injury? What's changed this year to make him an option again?

    1. infa fred
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      He has had a good pre season is why people suddenly want him

    2. Tev
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Stanislas injury will probably help

      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Ah. Though he was injured for most of the season last year too. That being said if Fraser is actually nailed this season I want him too. Steady points for a long spell last season I remember.. then the benchings began

        1. _Greg
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Stanislas long term inj too.

        2. Tev
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          If he was injured last season then apologies, pointless comment from me. Think (hope) he is nailed this season though, for the start at least

  10. pjomara
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone else think the newly promoted teams's players are junk and have been wrongly inflated?

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Wut

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Some of them like sessegnon definitely

    3. Brehmeren
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Maybe a little premature assessment?

      1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Think he picked the wrong day to quit sniffing glue

    4. Maddi Son
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Just Sessegnon who should be 6.0 but apart from him... nah.

  11. Bobby_Baggio
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Best 8m or below midfielder but NOT BSilva? Thanks all.

    1. infa fred
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Jota

    2. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'm starting with Lucas Moura

    3. Geezer
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Richarlison

  12. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I see a lot of people against having money on the bench at the start of the season but could it not be a valid tactic in order to maximise your chances of landing the gems/bandwagons?

    1. DeathoftheParty
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      How much would you say is too much. I'm pretty happy with my bench and I've spent £18m on it.

  13. The Baby-faced Assassin
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Pick 1 -

    A) Robertson + Jota (3-5-2)
    B) TAA + Arnie + 0.5ITB (3-4-3)

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A

    2. Manani
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      who's the forward bench folder?

      1. The Baby-faced Assassin
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        That would be Kamara

  14. Planet Head
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Please tell me Kepa's name is pronounced like "keepa"

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Dunno, but I'm not attempting to pronounce his surname.

    2. TAT
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      "He's a keepa!"

    3. GREEN IS GOOD
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Nah Kepa rhymes with lepar.

  15. Soapy
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Any chance of Kane starting this weekend you reckon?

    1. Brehmeren
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

    2. infa fred
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      He probs will yet I wouldn’t bring him in as he always has slow starts and has never scored in August in the prem

  16. Too Mane Men
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone know where I can find the Members League code?

    Also, anyone running any decent cash leagues I can jump on?

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Go into members section, then look towards bottom right corner or right hand side somewhere

      1. Too Mane Men
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Found it! Cheers dude

  17. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A Ryan / Neves / Sanchez
    B ddg / Jota / b Silva
    Thanks 🙂

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      One more ? I know it s a tricky one 🙂

  18. The Mastermind
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Sane and Schurrle or Silva and Alli?

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Alli silva

  19. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Finally feeling settled on this, feels good 😎

    De Gea

    Mendy, Robertson, Shaw

    Salah, Mané, BSilva, Jota, Richarlison

    Aguero, King

    Hamer, AWB, Peltier, Kamara

    0.0 ITB

    1. Mr. Funny Name
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Cuff him boys

    2. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Please post this in the latest RMT article 🙂
      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2018/08/06/rmt-collection-niemi/

  20. Gashead9
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Bottomed on last artice...

    Many on here considering 2 x 4 mil Defs? I am on Wan-Bissaka & Peltier currently, have 2 mil spare ITB so should prob upgrade one. I would be happy to keep both though if I knew they either were nailed

    1. Emery thing I do
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      They both seem relatively nailed. I’m starting with AWB and then Kamara upfront. If Kamara doesn’t play I’ve got Peltier as back up!

  21. Mr. Funny Name
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Think the lads want yous to post RMT’s in the RMT article

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      It would certainly give us a chance to enjoy checking some RMT's out 😀

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

      1. Reedy
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Hey there Lego man. Did you get an answer to my question yet? 🙂

    2. Countess Weffie von Wobbego…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Would work better with a tab, preferably the first one.

  22. twisterteo
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Lloris + 4m or Fabiansky-Foster and 0.5itb

    1. infa fred
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Fab fos

  23. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I'm struggling to find mid to high priced forwards i want (apart from Sergio) and have ended up with Augero - Austin - Mitrovic.

    Too lightweight? Firmino is the only other one of interest but i don't really want rid of Mane or Salah

    1. Manani
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Auba?

      1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Maybe after those first couple of games... as with so many of the big guns

    2. The Mastermind
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Tosun?

      1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I've kinda boycotted Everton, despite the kind fixtures. Mistake? Maybe. Him and Richarlison are on the shortlist as maybes

    3. Gashead9
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I am going Austin & King with Kun. I think most are going light up top, not too lightweight imo

      1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Well, we know Austin is really an £8m forward in disguise 😉

        1. Gashead9
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          As long as he stays fit & injury free!

    4. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      It's fine dude. Premium Mids is the way to go.

  24. Manani
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    who's your mid budget forward?

    seems like the popular ones (i.e. Zaha, Arnie) are playing reverse OOP

    1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      As above... with Austin AND Mitrovic at the minute. Hoping they are both starters and on pens lol

  25. Lionac
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A) Costa & Auba
    B) Sanchez & Austin

    If B than would make switch for either Auba or Laca if starter after GW2

    1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'm currently on B

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

  26. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    jota and firmino or mane and deeney?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      is firmino a risk of minutes with sturridge?

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Don't think so

      2. Don Kloppeone
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I was at the friendly v Torino last night and apart from a lucky tap in, Sturridge was pretty poor - finishing just not there at all

        1. Deli Alli OxenFree!
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Agree that Sturridge wasn’t great that match(LFC was pretty flat all around in the second half). But Sturridge has actually looked really great in this PreSeason! (Top Reds scorer)...
          HOWEVER, Don’t see Firmino’s game time threatened by him. In fact, I would love to see Sturridge up top w/ Salah, and Firmino feeding them like he does with mane/Salah on the reg...

      3. Gianluca Busio's Hair …
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        maybe a risk of minutes with fitness, for now. I have him and am sticking. he could bag a brace before halftime.

  27. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Would signing Zouma increase your confidence in the Everton defence to select Pickford as set and forget keeper?

    1. Mr. Funny Name
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      No, he played for stoke last season

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

    3. ⚽️ Barry Chocolate ⚽…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Nope. Silva is crap defensively

    4. infa fred
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      No

    5. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      no, was quite poor last season

  28. tm370
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    RMT - 0.5 in the bank

    Ederson
    Van Djik, Daniels, Shaw
    Salah, Neves, Richarlison, Mahrez
    Firmino, Aguero, King

    Stekelenburg, Coleman, Hudson-Odoi, Wan-Biss

    1. ⚽️ Barry Chocolate ⚽…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Shaw, Daniels will be out by gw3

    2. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      RMTs go to the RMT rehoming center, which can be found at

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

      🙂

    3. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Please post this in the latest RMT article 🙂
      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2018/08/06/rmt-collection-niemi/

  29. Stephen Ireland
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Any chance we could get an A or B article set up?

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A Yes
      or
      B No

      1. Stephen Ireland
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Please post this on the dedicated A or B article.

  30. Gashead9
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Am not seeing a lot of love for Sakho on here, his ppm last season was impressive, higher than Tomkins and PVA, and he's a absolute bonus monster. Am I missing something?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      good shout but is he a little injury prone? might be the reason why

    2. ⚽️ Barry Chocolate ⚽…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Nope. Pal have better budget options in terms of value