Podcast

Scoutcast Episode 278 – Greatness

Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them.

Mohamed Salah certainly provided a timely reminder that he is already one of Fantasy Football’s all-time greats on Saturday, with a hat-trick at the Vitality Stadium against Bournemouth.

But even that impressive display is seemingly not enough to convince all of the Scoutcast crew that the Liverpool attacker should be an essential part of their festive lineups.

Joining Joe, David and Luke in this week’s episode is Adam Hopcroft, who has featured on our Meet the Manager series and is among those still looking to ditch the Egyptian.

During a “Salexit” discussion in our community questions section, Adam reveals that there may well be better premium assets who are more deserving of attention.

In contrast, Joe and David are still backing the Reds’ marksman following his recent goal glut, which also includes a midweek strike against Napoli in the Champions League. Meanwhile, Luke is resolutely continuing his no-Salah policy, even though it cost him dear last time out.

Salah unsurprisingly dominates the crew’s look back at Gameweek 16, including a special instalment of Rough with the Smooth, dedicated to those who jettisoned the Liverpool man before his weekend heroics.

The crew also provide an update on the latest whipping boys and the potential captain candidates who look set to exploit their frailties over Christmas.

Elsewhere, our community questions section takes in the emerging battle between Fantasy Premier League’s old guard of veterans and the new, social-media-and-price-prediction-site-savvy managers on the scene.

The crew round off with a look at the best differentials and clean sheet prospects in Gameweek 17, as well as revealing their transfer and captaincy plans.

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 or the first player below. Or you can take in the full visual experience via the second player below.

It is also worth mentioning that FFScout moderator Rotation’s Alter Ego has collected this latest episode’s timestamps to help find particular sections. This can be found as the top comment in the Youtube version.

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1,902 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Eytexi
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 6 months ago

    Don't own any City assets myself, but was looking to bring in both Sterling and Sané this week. Are they the two to bring in after playing 90 minutes tonight?

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      I wouldn’t risk it. Better to hold off I reckon, either could be rested.

    2. palace ash
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      One of them will be benched with Mahrez replacing the other.

    3. MTPockets
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Every week's a gamble with them, but owning Mahrez was even less fun.

      • Crouching Tiger
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Pep has too many good options

      • Numb
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Obviously not

      • dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Should play then get a week’s rest as will be rested in Caribou cup.

    4. palace ash
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Which should I do?

      A) TAA to Bellerin/Digne/Stones
      B) Martial to Anderson
      C) Success to Kamara
      D) 2 of the above for -4
      E) All 3 for -8
      F) Hold

      Fabianski, Patricio
      Robbo, TAA, Doherty, AWB, Bennett
      Sterling, Sane, Martial, Richarlison, Gunnarsson
      Kane, Aubameyang, Success

      0.3 ITB, 1FT

      1. FPL_352
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        A and B

        1. palace ash
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks. Which A option?

      2. Wetdream
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Just b

    5. Ludde
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Need one defender and midfielder for maximum of 14.5. Hitting out Alonso and Richarlison. Crazy?
      A. Son and Alderweireld
      B. Kola and Sane

      1. FPL_352
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        B

        1. Ludde
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          What about rotation? Son and Luiz sound good also

    6. AFC49
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Patricio
      Doherty, Laporte, Alonso, AWB
      Salah, Sané, Richarlison, Murphy
      Kane, Jimenez

      Button, Wilson*, Digne, Højbjerg

      1FT, 2.3 ITB

      A.) Murphy > Snodgrass
      B.) Salah > Sterling, Murphy > Anderson (-4)

      1. AuFeld
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Doing A myself.

    7. Crouching Tiger
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Rashford will start.

      1. Nascimento
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Ok thanks

        1. Crouching Tiger
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          No problem. Just confirmed that with my mate Jose.

      2. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Will he get points though? That’s the name of the game. And I have my doubts that he will continue to start matches. History says not.

        1. Crouching Tiger
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Rashford has good history against Liverpool, and those matches are always a gamble, either could win. I'm a bit worried as double Liverpool defense owner. Not getting him myself, but could be a punt for someone...

      3. TRIPOS TOPPER
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        good to know his one pointer is locked in (assuming he doesn't get booked)

    8. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      No firm news yet on TAA, but what's your plan if he's ruled out?

      A. Buying ____
      B. Saving as I have ____ coming off the bench

      1. FPL_352
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        A. kola

        1. Legomané
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          My back line is

          TAA Kolasinac Doherty (AWB Chambers), so probably adequate cover providing no other injuries. Chambo a bit of a worry after his no show..

      2. Pierce34
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        If it looks like he'll be back the GW after, then B with Wan-Bissaka (I don't expect Palace to keep a clean sheet but I'd rather take my chances and save the transfer).

        If conclusively ruled out for longer, then A - with either Lovren or Robertson, depending on my plans elsewhere in my team.

      3. AuFeld
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        B. I've had TAA since GW3. Probably AWB.

      4. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Saving, playing Balbuena.

        He’s too good value to sell if it’s just a one week injury.

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

        Buying David Luiz or Robertson

        1. Legomané
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          My problem is limited funds - only 0.1ITB, so 5.4 to spend. Nobody really taking my fancy. Could double swoop Eriksen TAA > Son VVD, which has slight appeal, but not overly keen to take a hit so soon after my disaster WC 😆

      6. Planet Head
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Decided to lose him now before he drops and get Luiz. Fixtures swayed it.

      7. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        C) Keep and do Richa to Son and play Son instead of AWB

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

        B Schindler

    9. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      6 points from 7 players in UCL fantasy tonight - four of those players scored precisely 0 between them 😆

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        I had Under Rashford and Ronaldo

        1. Pierce34
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Nice! Mahrez, Kimmich, Chiellini, Bonucci, Baumann, Blind and Mantalos here 😀

      2. Mysterion
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Kimmich and 3 others?

        1. Pierce34
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Yep, look above.

    10. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      That 90 mins has at least convinced me to shift the VC from Sterling to Auba (Kane C). Could have really done with at least one of the PL teams out of the CL to give us a break from all this rotation crap.

      1. Numb
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Makes no difference as Kane will play

        1. Rage Against The Raheem
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          He could get a cold again...

      2. Pasqualinho
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        The ones who came second in their groups are going to have a tough time progressing. Some cracking ties await.

    11. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Pep just texted me

      Mahrez starts this weekend
      Goodnight

      1. Fingerspitzengefühl
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        That text went to all of us, but does Sterling and Sane start too?!

        1. Bonus magnet
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          He’ll sleep on it he says

    12. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      GKP: Foster (Patrício)
      DEF: Laporte, Doherty, Robertson, Wan-Bissaka (Balbuena)
      MID: Schürrle, Sigurdsson, Hazard (Kenedy) (Martial)
      FWD: Wilson, Aubameyang (V), Kane (C)

      1FT, 1.2 IDb

      If no other issues, Siggy to Anderson is a no-brainer?

    13. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Laca to mitro for free? Yes or no?

    14. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Just saw Muller's red card 😆 What is he even trying to do?

      1. Rage Against The Raheem
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        He thought he was Jackie Chan for a second there

      2. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        When he got sent off, Bayern were a Muller light.

      3. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Payback for Anne Frank

    15. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Man City will play one of Ajax, Atletico Madrid, Roma and Schalke in the last 16

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Atletico would be some tie!

      2. Syd.
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        I like the way you put them in alphabetical order

        You certainly have a knack for arranging letters

    16. Front 442
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      What to do GW17

      Fab/Hamer
      Robertson/Doherty/Delph/AWB/Duffy*
      Salah/Hazard/Rich/Fraser/Kayal
      Kane/Jiminez/Wilson*

      1ft 1.0m itb

      a)Rich>F.Anderson
      b)Kayal>Snodgrass
      c)Hazard>Sterling
      d)Jiminez>Chica
      e)Delph>Kolasinac
      f)Duffy>Kolasinac
      g)Hazard>Son/Eriksen
      h)save

      1. Mysterion
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        F

        1. Front 442
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks

    17. BucketHead
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      With a budget of 5.4 mill and a back 5 of Alonso /balbeuna /robbo/Bennett/wba.

      Who would you transfer in for Bennett??

      1. Rage Against The Raheem
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Doherty

    18. Scotty B
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Any chance Mitrovic rises tonight?

      1. fr3d
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Why don't you check?

        1. Syd.
          • 15 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Don't be silly

          Why would he do that for the community team

        2. Scotty B
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Only on 77% So should be ok?

          1. fr3d
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            77% on a Wednesday, no way he's rising

      2. Mysterion
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        B

    19. Planet Head
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      What's that OoP doing on Snoddy?

      Just checked his heatmaps and he seems to have been playing in midfield as usual, what gives?

    20. Ray In Bruges.
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Richarlison or AWB first sub?

      1. fr3d
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        I'm going Rich as I can't see Palace keeping a CS this gw

      2. Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Rich

        1. Legomané
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          FWIW, I have Camarasa as my first sub ahead of AWB, and would certainly rate Rich over Cam!

    21. jbenny1107
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Ages 24 and 22, both will start the weekend. Man City must win.

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Mahrez owners wont be happy with him being 27 so.

          1. Rainer
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Brilliant 😀

      2. Syd.
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        SAS

        Lethal force

      3. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Agreed

      4. Team Bobcat
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        If only it were that simple. Every game is a must win.

    22. konrad.sygula95
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      What would you do with this team?

      Fabianski/Hamer
      TAA/Digne/Laporte/Dunk/Awb
      Salah/Sane/Siggy/F.Anderson/Gunnarson
      Kane/Wilson/King

      0.5itb

    23. Badluck Jonathan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 6 months ago

      Who’s playing pep roulette at the weekend then? Likely from 3 of Mahrez, Aguero and ?

      1. Badluck Jonathan
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        *front

      2. MTPockets
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Could be Sane, Sterling, Mahrez again

          1. Badluck Jonathan
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Yep. Could be a lot of things.

        • dunas_dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Sané

      3. Scotty B
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Schmeichel
        TAA Kolasinac Alonso
        Pereyra Dilva Anderson Hazard
        Kamara Lacazette Kane

        Stekelenburg Richarlison AWB Digne

        Dilva & Laca > Sterling & Mitro -4 tonight yay or nay?

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Why would you do it tonight?

          1. Scotty B
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Mitro could rise. Only slim chance though

            1. Now I'm Panicking
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 6 months ago

              If the move was for exact money and you are 100% sure it is far and away the best move this week maybe consider it.

              1. Scotty B
                • 12 Years
                5 years, 6 months ago

                Have exact funds

                1. Now I'm Panicking
                  • 9 Years
                  5 years, 6 months ago

                  Up to you whether to take the risk then mate. Good luck 🙂

                  1. Scotty B
                    • 12 Years
                    5 years, 6 months ago

                    Is it risky?

                    1. Now I'm Panicking
                      • 9 Years
                      5 years, 6 months ago

                      Any early transfer has a risk, otherwise everyone would do their transfers early.

        2. Syd.
          • 15 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          I have a novel idea

      4. PepSala
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Richi to Sane or Son worth it for a hit?

        1. klavan
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          no both could be rested

      5. Strchld
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Martial, Trippier, Trent, Wilson.. how many of them are out next weekend?

        1. Team Bobcat
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Sane sterling aguero vardy the list goes on... but how many of them are really out

          1. Strchld
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Im worried because I have all of them. Had also Arnie and Mane and tranferred them out for a hit. I had 6 players injured... Now just 4.

      6. Richd
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Stop being fannies. We got sterling and sane knowing any benchings we can handle with the improved bench without Salah or Hazard (or both). Suck it up and don’t even think about it, else why did you join the points wagon?

        1. Big Ping
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          ...... you're alright

      7. Black Panther
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        What are fellow Lacazette owners doing this week, keeping or selling?

        1. jbenny1107
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Selling. Laca, Rich, TAA to Kane(c), Snoddy, Bernadek for -8

        2. Badluck Jonathan
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          I’m probably keeping

        3. Scotty B
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Selling

        4. Richd
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Keeping. Stupid to move on after one game.

        5. Numb
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Keeping

        6. Business Cat
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Keeping for at least the next two...will see if there's any more benching or yanking shenanigans on Emery's part

        7. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Keeping, great next 2 Fixtures!

        8. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          i bought for this good set of games cant flip flop

        9. Team Bobcat
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          I cant affors a (-4) to sell him. One of my worst buys this season

        10. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Ask the question after he starts tomorrow.

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

        D Silva & Murray OUT
        Sane or Son & IN

        Sane or Son thoughts?

        1. jbenny1107
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Sane. Can't see him not starting even if Mahrez starts for Sterling.

        2. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Son. Best attacker near the price.

      9. VardysParty
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Salah to Sterling this week?

        1. Badluck Jonathan
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          I’m starting to get cold feet

        2. Annie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          No

        3. Richd
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          It’s hard to know when to move due to rotation scares.

          My advice just do it. Pull that bandaid off

        4. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Hazard maybe?

      10. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Surely Lovren nailed for the Xmas period? Worth bringing in instead of Schindler?
        Rest of defense is Robertson Digne Doherty AWB Duffy*
        Was going to do Duffy > X

        1. Syd.
          • 15 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          He should be nailed given that Matip and Gomez are out but Lovren has had loads of injury issues this season, seems to miss every other match due to an injury so that would make me wary of getting him

        2. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Not sure he will physically be able to play all their games, but even so would certainly consider at that price,especially if TAA is out for a while and you have him.

        3. Nice to Finally Michu
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Ah the injury concerns, a fair point I’ll consider thanks

      11. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 6 months ago

        Own Sane/Silva/B.Silva, aslong as 2/3 start this GW I'll be happy

        1. Richd
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          Isn’t dilva out for sure ?

          1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            B.Silva 🙂

            1. Richd
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 6 months ago

              ..... read what you posted again.

              1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 6 months ago

                Its been a long day at work sorry haha, meant Sané/Sterling/B.Silva

        2. Syd.
          • 15 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          The boss says Aguero may be back in time to face Everton on Saturday, but admits Silva could be out for “a few weeks”.

          “Silva not able, Kevin not able, Danilo not able, Sergio isn't ready," he said.

          "[Silva will be out for] a few weeks. Last game he was substituted, not too big but he stops for a few weeks.

          "Maybe he [Aguero] has a chance for the weekend."

        3. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 6 months ago

          1/3 already out...

          1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 6 months ago

            Meant Sané/Sterling/B.Silva, apologies