[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.

Pick your FPL team for 2018/19 using our list of best available players, sorted for your convenience by position and price:

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. jai1212
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A. Mkhitaryan
    B. Jota
    C. Richarlison
    D. BSilva

    Pick any 2

    1. Fuddled FC
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B & D to start with

    2. Cofinho
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      CD

    3. Markus
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B, D

    4. MC Hammer
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      DBAC

    5. HapHazard (H2)
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      If you have the money then CD

  2. Fuddled FC
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Is this defence too weak?

    PVA Boly TAA WB Peltier

    It allows a cracking midfield.

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

      It is

    2. FPL_352
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      For the first couple of fixtures, no. 3 at the back?

    3. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      WB, PVA and Boly are good value, as is TAA providing he starts. You could have a problem in GW2 if he doesn't, but in the long term I'd say you're okay with that.

    4. EmreCan Hustle
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      PvA is a luxury pick at best. Not a reliable one. It's a little weak

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

        Don't say that - I've just joined his ML!

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          😀

      2. Fuddled FC
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers guys..allows Erik Mane Salah Jota in midfield which is awesome so tough decision

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

          Looks good - go with your gut.

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

          I wouldn't call that cracking midfield either...where the went? In forward line?

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

            the "money" 🙂

    5. Mr Q
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Have the same! Pva and boly nailed. Hopefully wb/Peltier can support the games where taa doesnt play. Good for the 6-8 first weeks

  3. amit1964
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    a) bilva
    or
    b)jota+1

    1. FPL_352
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B.Silva

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        this*

      2. amit1964
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        thanks but dont you think he will drope for kdb in game 2-3?

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

          Not necessarily. Think of Bilva as this year's Dilva.

    2. Fuddled FC
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Bilva to start but prob not long term

    3. MC Hammer
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Silva B

  4. EmreCan Hustle
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Good morning DZ.

    A couple of questions.

    1. Is Austin a decent shout? No doubt about his potential, but will he start for sure?

    2. Deeney and Ighalo had a very good partnership for Watford. Can we expect the same from Gray and Deeney?

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

      no and no imo

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Austin unlikely to start?

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

          He'll start but he's rubbish

          1. EmreCan Hustle
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            Ok, point taken.

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

              Austin a good pick imo

    2. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Hughes seems to be favoring 2 up top so Austin looks pretty safe currently. That said though Saints have looked woeful so far in preseason.

      1. Bram
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I think Gray/Deeney is more likely to be either/or with Gray having the edge for now.

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Cheers Bram.

    3. Pukki Party
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Mounie is my favourite for the 6.0 striker spot. Did ok last season 7 goals, good pre-season, just two hard fixtures to start the season.

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

    Pick one to start at least the first 3 x GW's please?

    a. Richarlison

    b. Lucas Moura

    c who else would you look at? already have Neves & Hughes.

    Cheers

    1. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      For a 3 week punt Ryan Fraser has some preseason form and nice fixtures.

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      any response lads?

    3. MC Hammer
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Jota or Milo.

    4. korbendallas82
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      EZ from the Scoutcast had Maddison, from Leicester.

    5. Aussiemilan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      im on Maddison and Jota

    6. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers boys

  6. ooooo
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    What changes?
    Patricio
    Robbo Mendy Tomkins
    Salah Mane Mahrez Jota
    Aguero King Arnie

    4.0mil Stephens WB Peltier

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

      wrong article

  7. Sandy Ravage
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    For the first 4 games:
    A - Milivojevic
    B - Jota

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

      Both for me.

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

    3. n-doggg
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

    4. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

  8. Tmel
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    a) Walker + Jota
    b) Tomkins + Mahrez

  9. Eden Wizard
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Rosexit = Benailed Davies

    1. n-doggg
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Would be sweet

    2. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Nailed but potentially at CB early on.

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      They are in for Layun from PSG

      1. InvertedWinger
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Layvin Kurzawa*

        Miguel Layun is a whole other LB

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Yeah sorry 😛
          Kurzawa

    4. Zilla
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      CB for the first 2 GWs at least though

  10. Dannyb
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A Mane and King
    B Richarlison and Firmino

    1. super zlatan
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Same dilemma as me.
      I’m currently on B

    2. MC Hammer
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      King has form

    3. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'm currently on A but also have Firmi.

    4. Demel
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B for me.

  11. Big Col
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Keep switching on this but;

    A) Salah & Arnautovic

    B) Sanchez & Firmino

    I’m sure most will say A because of Salah, but Arnautovic has very tough fixtures and is it really such a risk going without Salah?

    1. Champ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I would go with A. Salah is a better captain choice. Arnie can score against most teams

    2. MC Hammer
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A , Arnie is underpriced he will do good.
      I wouldn’t want to rely on Mou and Alex at that price.

    3. n-doggg
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A and yes

    4. Demel
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A for the captaincy. I am not convinced by Arnie myself.

  12. Gamst - Up (?) the Rovers
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Good morning. Any thoughts on when Kepa will be registered in the game?

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

      Today is likely.

      1. Gamst - Up (?) the Rovers
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Is there a certain time they usually do it? I've got Courtois and Caballero in my draft team.

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

          I think it varies but I didn't think it was first come first served with new draft picks. Or has that changed?

        2. Andy_Social
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Before GW1 deadline! FPL Towers will have all the TDD incomers to process - should be manic!

  13. Champ
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Has anyone here used the six game projections much?

    Not sure about the data myself

    Would be interesting to know how accurate they were in the past...

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

      I have to mixed success. Good for an indicator but little more.

    2. Champ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Ok thanks

  14. Cofinho
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Final decision
    Arnie or Zaha
    Bsilva or Lucas Moura (Having Kun, no spurs cover)

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

      Silva for me. I don't like the Moura love.

    2. MC Hammer
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Arnie & Silva

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

    Good morning DZ

    Current conundrum

    A) TAA, Mane, Aubameyang/Aguero + save 0.5m
    Or
    B) Robertson, Sanchez, Firmino

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

      A

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

        With Kun or Aub?

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

          Kun for first few weeks

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A

  16. Firmino
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on this defence: Pickford Mendy TAA Bednarek Peltier AWB?

    Allows me to have one extra big hitter (Eriksen).

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      If TAA doesn't start its very weak IMO.

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

      You could quickly end up in trouble with little way out. High risk.

    3. Cofinho
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Dont do that

    4. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Horrible. When Mendy and TAA are rotated you're really screwed.

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

      If you replace TAA with Robbo or any other premium defender you might get away with that. At least one of those 4.0 will be nailed.

  17. Azathoth
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Pls remind me where we post our RMTs.Thanx.

  18. supercolso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    morning chaps, Do you think Ederson will start at the weekend? Bit worried as Bravo has started every pregnancy season game.

    1. rainy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      'pregnancy season' 😯

      1. supercolso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Lol. Predictive text. Pre season.

    2. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yes. I'd wash my hands before touching your autocorrect 😉

      1. supercolso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        will do. Anyway what do you think, Emerson or Bravo to start. Thinking of switching to 2 x 4.5 instead. Opinions please?

  19. rowdog24
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Sanchez or KDB for first few GWs?

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

      Sanchez as KDB is likely to be out.

  20. ooooo
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Which one?
    A) Firmino + Lucas Moura
    B) Arnie + Mane

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

      B

    2. Azathoth
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

    3. Demel
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

    4. ooooo
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      thanks

    5. MC Hammer
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

  21. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Final shoutout for a deadzone league
    If anyone would like to join
    662304-357033

    1. rainy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Have a sticky. Good luck 🙂

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

        🙂

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

      joined, if you're keen join FPL madness 874814-481570

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

      these leagues for bragging rights or money leagues lads?

  22. amit1964
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    hii
    can not decide:
    a) jota
    b) rich

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

      Rich

    2. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Jota!

  23. AnfieldLad
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A) DDG Jota Rich (3-5-2)
    B) Pickford Eriksen WB/Peltier rotate (4-4-2)

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

      With B I could do Pickford to 4.5 and upgrade a 4.0 def

    2. MC Hammer
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A

      1. super zlatan
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        A

  24. InvertedWinger
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Has anyone rotated 4.5 GKs before?
    I'm looking for any information on if points generally come predictably from fixtures to make it value or might it be counter productive if not.

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

      Search rotation in the toolbar.

    2. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Before? Yes. Never again. Sickening seeing your benched keeper racking up the saves while the 'easy home game' one lets in an 89th minute softy.

    3. Bram
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I usually go 2 cheap keepers but you've got to be prepared for often picking the wrong one!

  25. MC Hammer
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Where is the team news page?

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

      I think they are waiting for TDD to pass.

      1. MC Hammer
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Doubt that will change things too much

        1. Bram
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          It's currently only in the members section although some haven't been updated since May.

  26. super zlatan
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Final piece of jigsaw for me

    A) mané and king

    Or

    B) jota and firmino

    1. rainy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

      1. super zlatan
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers rainy.
        That’s what I currently have.

        1. rainy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Got Jota, strikers doing my head in 😛

    2. Cofinho
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A

  27. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    2 of Zaha/Arnie/King in 343 or 1 in 353 + Jota ?

    1. MC Hammer
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Zaha and Arnie, proven players

  28. Pancake
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Is Hart a serious option now for first few weeks?

    1. MC Hammer
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      When was the last Calamity Joe was a serious option?
      He willl play but you stay away

  29. Jayben23
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Best 5.5 defender , which is nailed ?

    1. MC Hammer
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Bellerin or PVA

    2. Andy_Social
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Luiz or PVA

      1. MC Hammer
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Is Luiz nailed?

        1. n-doggg
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Worth a punt imo

        2. Bram
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Not compared to PVA. Luiz seems to be favored currently but I think he's pretty horrid in a 4.

        3. Andy_Social
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Pretty sure he is.

  30. Mikey44
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    1- Is Shaw likely to start for United from GW2 onwards?
    2- Is Neves on all set pieces for Wolves?

    Thank you

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

      1 unknown
      2 unknown

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

      The assumption is that Young will win the place for Shaw but if he gets off to a good start who knows.

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

      1 Young might be back.
      2. Mostly

    4. MAVER!CK
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Young might be back..but he might slot in at RB as Valencia's injured. But then again Darmian had a decent preseason at RB and shaw didn't sooo..