[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

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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.

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

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

    The depth of conversation here is A or B questions

    Anything about strategy is too much to handle apparently

    1. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      no decent posters left

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

        Time to become a patreon I think

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

        you're being too hard on yourself

    2. Rotation City
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Everyone's just working out where to put that last 0.5 I spose. I'm the same.

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

        Keep it in the bank

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

        Upgrade whichever CP player you have I guess...

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

    Sane Nailed??

    1. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      yes man city have a threadbare squad with minimal options

  3. Messsiaah
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A. Mahrez Tomkins
    B. B.silva Pva

  4. That Was Easy!
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Another one overlooked on here..

    Sakho @ 5.0

    He got 18 bonus from a mere 1600 minutes. That’s over 1 bonus point a game, kinda incredible that.

    1. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      bit dull compared to pva but he's a good pick

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

      I'd love Sakho but it's hard to ignore Tomkins at 0.5 playing right alongside him.

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

        *0.5 cheaper that should say, of course.

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

      People overlook PvA at 5.5

      People overlook Sakho at 5

      People overlook Tomkins at 4.5

      People settle for WB at 4

      Can't have them all I guess

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

        This

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

        You forgot Schlupp OOP

    4. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yep, basically a 5.5/6.0 on real ppm - class act

  5. Random Name
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Wan Bissaka is already an FPL legend. I usually go for a 4th 4.5 defender and a 5th non playing 4.0 defender.

    I can't turn down two 4.0 defenders this year

    1. Nicks93
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Me neither

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

      Remember Amat... What a guy

  6. Hermanos FC
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    RMT
    Ederson
    Robertson Mendy Bailly
    Salah Mane Jota Hughes
    Aguero King Zaha

    Foster Cairney Daniels Tomkins

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

      The RMT police are on the way.
      When you get shunted to RMT, someone will ask why you have Foster,Daniels,& Tomkins when you could strip 1.5 out of them & put it to upgrading Jota or Hughes (&why youd play hughes before tomkins gw1)

      1. Hermanos FC
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Hahaha...just suggest what to do?

  7. Nicks93
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Is it known whether leno or cech will be first choice?

    1. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      jay leno is better than cech so leno

  8. Homo Neanderthalensis
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Do we think Hazard will be starting from GW1?? Named as captain for this season.

    1. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      very unlikely

  9. Guru Mediation
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Any love for schlupp around here?

    1. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      long term no but decent punt till he gets dropped

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      oop nice, maybe dropped, hardly a solid pick but punty for sure

    3. Rotation City
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Foxes finally saw him for the rubbish he is. Pray CPL remain ignorant.

    4. Kane Toads
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      David Munday seems keen on having him in a team. Check out the RMT scoutcast #1 -

      https://youtu.be/EwhD5aE6kLs

  10. AF90
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Sigurdsson.....bargain differential or overpriced?

    Hadn’t considered him until a few days ago but in my team at the moment - an old favourite!

    1. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      good option for sure

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

      He'll probably be on every set play including pens if Baines doesn't play

      Might be worth it if you can afford it

  11. ZakAFC_
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Bernardo Silva or Mahrez?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      1.5 dif, like Neves or Jota...

    2. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      depends how you use the 1.5m

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

      Bilva for me

  12. Wilshere Knowledge
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Midfield of Jorginho, Kante and Kovacic is brillaint, but there’s no goals there...

    Willian doesnt score much, Morata is trash, who the hell is going to score their goals?

    Hazard would need a mega season for Chelsea to even score 50 imo! 😯

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

      Either that or they get trashed every game

    2. Sanchit
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Mertens wasn't a goal scorer either. Look what sarri did to him.

  13. AdamJ91
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Which one would you prefer?

    A) TAA & Eriksen
    B) Shaw & Mane

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

    Is Firetog here by any chance?

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

      I am by some chance, what’s up ?

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

        Nice to hear from you bud

        I just read this article you did last year and was blown away by it. I had always been stuck in the thought that most of your budget should go to the attackers and your bench should be the bottom of the barrel (4.5m and 4m). This idea is found in a lot of fundamental guides I feel

        I'm going to give your strategy a go this season. Spreading my funds across the whole team.

        Having 3 premium mids/attackers that play all games, then rotating all of the defence and mid-priced mids.

        But, are you not concerned with the fact that someone like Mendy could be wasted on the bench?

        E.g. The team I have at the moment has Mendy and Bellerin... I'm planning to bench both in favour of Fraser and TAA

        Foster (Fabianski)
        Robertson, PvA, TAA (Mendy, Bellerin)
        Salah, Eriksen, Richarlison, Jota, Fraser
        Aguero, King (4.5m)

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

          I also have Mendy and he’s on the bench. I’m playing Fraser instead.

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

            Another Q is based on Premium Attackers

            I think you have zero premium attackers. So, what would you do in the case of someone like Aguero becoming undeniable with his form and fixtures?

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

              I had planned to go heavy in midfield with de Byrne and hazard but I haven’t seen enough evidence from Chelsea that they can adapt to the new 433 quickly and also how Hazard will play in the system. So I have switched hazard out for Aguero, which also meant I had tho lose de Byrne as I have double city defence.

              I’m currently going for minimal risk so on a 433 with Aguero Zaha king, whereas it had been 442. It needs 3 transfers to revert back if and when I feel I need to.

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

                Do you actually try to stick with a formation?

                With this team I have now, I can see myself playing 4 different formations in 4 GWs

                I feel like I'm Bruce Lee and formless - aka formation-less

                The way I see it now is just picking 3/4 premium big boys that play for all/most games. Then the rest are all around 6/7m and all rotate. Which would give me multiple formations. I think in GW3 I'd be playing 541

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

                  I have a preferred formation but I’m prepared to bench premium defenders away to top sides. I have two city ederson, mendy, two pool robbo and TAA and two palace PVA and awb. So depending on the fixture I could play 5 at the back or 3. Ideally I’m playing 4 with awb on the bench.

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

                    Got it, love the whole idea pal, it has changed the way I look at the game

                    Anyway I can get in touch other than here?

                    It was nice to have a tactical chat rather than A vs B discussions

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

                      Yep, glad I spotted your shout out. Thanks for that.

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

                        You got an email or Twitter we can chat on in the future?

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

                        @firetog_

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

                        Nice one mate

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

          It was interesting to see marks team on the scout cast last night. He has a 4 def a 4.5 def but the lowest price of a mid or forward is 6.5. He plans on rotating his 6.5 forwards and mids. So interesting to see he was adopting a similar strategy.

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

            I think it's the way forward. It's a reoccurring theme to see overpriced strikers underperforming. But, there are a few instances where they do perform

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

              The only two high priced strikers that had a decent ppm per price were Aguero and Aubameyang. Kane was disappointing at 5.9, but if he returns to 7.5 from the previous year he would be tempting.

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

    Mkhitaryan or Richarlison?

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Rich.

      Micky massive risk imo.

      Reckon it will be Aub, Lac, Oz, Ram, Xhak, Tor front 6 long term.

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

        I’m going with Tosun. Two Everton players seems risky. Jota is another option in that price bracket. But don’t know much about him

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          I personally think there’s better options in budget forwards than budget mids atm. Would go Rich, and reconsider Tosun if you dont want double.

  16. E25
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    The below leaves 0.5itb
    Foster
    Mendy Robertson Tomkins
    Salah Mane Bernado Richarlison
    Aguero Arnie King

    Fabianski 4.5 def AWB Hudson-Odoi/Stephens

    Best 4.5/5.0 defender recommendations?

    ..And thoughts on:
    A) Use the 0.5 to upgrade 4.5 mid to Neves
    B) Downgrade 4.5 def to Bednarek and use the 1.0 elsewhere or save... ideas welcome

  17. Nicks93
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A) Mane+Zaha

    B) Firmino+6.5 (Jota or Pedro)

    1. AdamJ91
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Prefer A

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

      yeah me too

    3. Chillada
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A

  18. sozopol
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    OK here's one: I need 0.5. I currently have Arnie and Zaha, but I could swap one of them for King and get the 0.5. Which one?

    A. Arnie and King
    B. Zaha and King.

    Currently I am on A.

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

      A

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

      A

  19. That Was Easy!
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Eriksen, really want go with him and own for a long time. Reasonable to go with him over Mahrez/B. Silva, etc?

    1. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      id you think spurs good enough then why not

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

      I'm a Spurs fan, I LOVE Eriksen. I want him him long term too. But currently he is not in my team and Bilva is.

  20. Kane Toads
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Thinking of a new team name:

    Absolutely Fabianski ??

    1. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      keep thinking

  21. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Sanchez or Eriksen? Thinking Sanchez for the opening game rush.

    1. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      can't beat an early rage transfer

  22. Tinydancer
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Ok guys I am going to go crazy and go with Mendy + 4 4.5s (possibly Wan-Bissaka). I do like the look of Cedric at 4.5 (know he might not play gw1). Has anyone studied what 4.5s rotate well ? Will be going Fabianski / Foster as Gks (Due to now knowing who will start for Southampton)

  23. That Was Easy!
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Another thought is Wilson, obviously an injury waiting to happen, but he could be flying a bit under the radar with King’s good preseason.

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

      Do i remember Wilson scoring a brace or a hatty in gw1 or 2 a few seasons ago?

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

        He definitely did, against West Ham 3 years ago.

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

    Is a double-up of Jota and Jimenez too much? Good value in both.

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

      in my opinion yes, considering we really don't know how wolves will adapt to the premier league.

      Will they be a team who attacks, sits deep in the big league?

      I'd go for 1 max

  25. Scheister
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    5.5 left for 3rd Def:
    Maybe Luiz or Shaw, then to Bellerin in GW3?

  26. Positive vibes
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Hi, who is better?
    A. DDG, Tomkins
    B. Ederson, DLuiz/Bavies
    C. Particio, DLuiz/Bavies

    Thanks

  27. Danno - Emre Canada
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Evening, so Mane or Firmino basically it will be Mane and King up front or if I went with Firmino up top it would be Pedro or Jota in midfield, what do we think chaps, cheers

    1. Dušan Citizen
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      firm n jota

    2. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      its purely personal preference there's no right answer

      1. Danno - Emre Canada
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah it's a close run call, or I have Firmino and King and forward fodder becomes midfield fodder maybe that's a better route

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

    So, most “nailed” 4.0 defenders then.

    Wan Bissaka
    Peltier
    Bednarek

    Any others to consider?

    1. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      scholetto may get a few games

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

      To be honest I think Bednarek is a trap, doubt I'll get him myself. The other two should be nailed unless there are some deadline day signings.

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

        It’s a shame because the 3 listed actually make a very nice rotation.

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

      Bennett has a chance for Wolves

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

        They are signing Dendoncker though, which doesn't strenghten Bennet's chances.

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

          i thought he was a defensive mid though ?

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

            Played CB last season. Not sure how Wolves see him, but can play both positions.

  29. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Auba or Aguero? For when Auba was playing last season, he was really good.

  30. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Pick one from each

    A. Arnie or zaha
    B. Sanchez or Eriksen
    C. Pedro or Jota

    1. Dušan Citizen
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      zaha erik jota

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Oh wow I have exactly the opposite in my team right now

        1. Dušan Citizen
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          and I've got those 3

      2. DantheManinaPan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Agree

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

      Jota/Sanchez/take ur pick...

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

      Zaha Sanchez Jota

    4. There Can Be Only One
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Zaha Erikssen Jota

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

      A Arnie
      B Eriksen
      C Jota

    6. SpaceCadet
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Thanks for the replies everyone. Jota seems very popular, still not entirely convinced by him tbh.