Podcast

Scoutcast Episode 282 – Battling

The community reached out to the Scoutcast crew this week for help in battling against an emerging template led by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian’s 50% ownership and six double-digit points returns in his last eight starts have left Fantasy Premier League managers forced to look for other options in the search for a significant green arrow.

Joe, David and Az consider some key strategies to counter the high ownership of players such as Salah, as well as Manchester United’s Paul Pogba.

Doubling up on attacking options is among suggestions made by Joe, especially as this has proved a successful tactic in seasons past.

Az instead has been looking for differential captains, with Raheem Sterling the latest to be handed the armband in an attempt to beat Salah backers.

Meanwhile, David is following the advice of 2014/15 champion Simon March in keeping the game simple. He advocates backing obvious selections who are in good form and leaving others to make risky, and perhaps calamitous, moves.

Elsewhere, the crew look back on their Gameweek 23 scores, find out about the community’s roughest and smoothest recent moves and also consider the merits of drafting in last weekend’s hat-trick hero, Wolverhampton’s cut-price midfielder Diogo Jota.

Impending blank and double Gameweeks also come under scrutiny, in particular, the merits of investing heavily in Manchester City, who are among teams set to see matches postponed due to cup commitments.

The possibility of a double Gameweek 25 makes the outcomes of this week’s League and FA Cup games crucial to David, Joe and Az’s transfer plans as they finish off with a look at Gameweek 24’s likely moves, best differentials and possible clean sheets.

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.

Become a Member and access our data

Memberships for the 2018/19 campaign are now available for the price of just £10.

Join now to get the following:

  • Plot your transfer strategies using the fully interactive Season Ticker.
  • Get projections for every Premier League player provided by the Rate My Team statistical model.
  • Use Rate My Team throughout the season to guide your selections and transfers.
  • Get access to over 130+ exclusive members articles over the season.
  • Analyse our OPTA-powered statistic tables specifically tailored for Fantasy Football Managers.
  • Use our exclusive tool to build custom stats tables from over 100 OPTA player and team stats.
  • View heatmaps and expected goals data for every player.
  • Use our powerful comparison tool to analyse players head-to-head.

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A FANTASY FOOTBALL SCOUT MEMBER

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

747 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Will Pep bench/manage minutes of the player with 5 more attacking returns than the next best City player since Mendy was injured now that Mendy is back?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldn't have thought so.

    2. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I think this assumption about Mendy/ Sane is just that and we kn5Pep can change his mind.

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

        Not an assumption though
        Proven facts from over the last two seasons
        Yes, almost certainly - Sane will now play less minutes

  2. wernerhedgehog
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Thinking of getting De Bruyne over Sane (for F.Anderson) this GW.

    Worthy Differential?

    1. Kub3
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Probably stick with Sane who’s the form player and guaranteed starter. I would wait unti KDB has had some starts

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

      KDB done nothing to warrant getting him

      1. wernerhedgehog
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Not yet. But apparently he looked good in the Burton game (yes a throwaway), and was decent against huddersfield (4 key passes).

        Likely that Sane will lose some, perhaps negligible, minutes in the future. Bringing a nailed on player - and we know KDB can be - on the cheap could payoff in a few weeks.

        Bringing KDB just to save a transfer looks unwise for now, but would like to canvas alternative opinions

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

          As posted earlier Sane has 5 more attacking returns than any other City player since Mendy injured. The idea he will get rotated is based on early season minutes, wasn't properly fit, annoyed at Euro snub, is a popular talking point that doesn't hold much weight imo

        2. Pieterke30
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          KDB was poor in first half vs Huddersfield, better in the second. He is not at his best yet, and that’s why he played 60 mins yesterday - same with Aguero.

        3. wernerhedgehog
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          To @Kiwi:

          I still believe the Sane-Mane comparisons are somewhat warranted. Pep stated on record keeping Sane off due to Mendy's form. https://www.goal.com/en/news/pep-guardiola-no-issue-leroy-sane-world-cup-snub/faqxf5vgbn2h1owrb04j7t4gt

          Still I agree, Pep would be silly to boot Sane, maybe when the fixtures pile up

          To @Pieter:
          Yeah he was a bit naff in the Huddersfield game, but the memory of KDB scoring on his 2nd game out (GW18) after the 1st injury lingers... He can be quick off the injury.

          Perhaps this recursive injury might dampen a bounce-back.

          ----
          Thanks both. Had to remove any lingering doubts on Sane.

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

            Did you see my post that Sane 5 goals 6 assists since Mendy out is 5 more attacking returns than the next best City player?

            1. wernerhedgehog
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 3 months ago

              I take your point.

  3. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    *crickets...

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      tweet tweet

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Nah, I'm not on Twitter Holmes

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          well done, not a good place anyway... 😀

  4. Pieterke30
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Have seen many saying Higuain’s arrival will be a good thing for Hazard owners.

    Hasnt anyone considered that Higuain might actually steal some (or all) pens from Hazard? He was the designated taker at Napoli, Juve and Milano - correct me if Im wrong.

    I can really see Eden letting him take the first one they get as a welcome gift or sth. And what if he scores it?

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

      Classic wishful thinking

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Why would I wish that?

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

          I agree with you on the Hazard owners thinking his scores will improve with Higuain arrival. Wishful thinking

          1. Pieterke30
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 3 months ago

            Ah, ok. My bad.

    2. Meltens
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I agree with the sentiment that Higuain might steal/get some pens from Hazard but overall I think Hazard still keeps them.
      Hazard has scored 45 out of 52 attempts throughout his career, in comparison to Higuaín’s 19 out of 27 (according to Transfermarkt https://www.transfermarkt.com/eden-hazard/elfmetertore/spieler/50202).

      Of course, it's all speculation at this point.

    3. SirT83
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Might he become a good asset? Higuain that is.
      Any news on the price?

    4. Unliklinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I've got Hazard atm. I'm keeping him because its part of my overall startegy, but if Higuain becomes 'the' Chelsea player or even 'one of the', then I'll happily swap...

  5. FPLAdmiral
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Good to roll FT for 2 next week or anything worth a transfer? 1.1m ITB.

    Fabianski
    Robertson, Digne, Doherty
    Salah (c), Hazard, Pogba, Richarlison
    Auba (vc), Rashford, Jimenez

    (Button)(TAA, Camarasa, AWB)

    1. Depldax
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      As Limp Biskit would say..."Keep Rollin Rollin Rollin Rollin"

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I have sane lamelle ings. All the same after that. So it must be a good template side. Dead zone created by cup games. Until after no decisions to be made

  6. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Chelsea fans: "Our strikers cant finish their dinner ffs! We need someone who's hungry for more!"

    Higuain: *finishes dinner* somebody called me?

  7. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/premier-league/topVerursachteElfmeter/wettbewerb/GB1/plus/1

    Does this mean Brighton has conceded 12 penalties out of which one has been saved?

    1. rainy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      On that chart, "Missed" means the kicker missed the shot.

  8. WE GO FOR IT
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Patricio
    Robertson Digne Luiz
    Richarlison Hazard Sane Salah
    Rashford Jimenez Wilson

    Foster | AWB Camarasa Kelly

    1 FT and 0.7 ITB
    A. Wilson -> Zaha. Differential.
    B. Wilson + Hazard -> Auba/Aguero + Lamela (-4)
    C. Wilson + Hazard -> Zaha + Eriksen (-4)
    D. Wilson + Rich -> Zaha + Lamela/Moura (-4)
    E. Save

    1. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Spurs mid could be a good option but will have to wait and see for the next 2 cup games.

    2. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      E

    3. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers both! 🙂

  9. Manumana
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Thinking about doing

    Guaita & Rich to Lloris & Jota

    1. Manumana
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      For a -4

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Good

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I have sane lamelle ings. All the same after that. So it must be a good template side. Dead zone created by cup games. Until after no decisions to be made

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

      Think I will do the same, cheers!

      1. Manumana
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Thx very much for confirming this

    4. FPL Forward Thinker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Patient if your wanting to wait a few days to see if Richarlison has a DGW in 25.

      Keep eye on fpl stats so your not blocked from the move on price

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

    Mendy’s back!
    Glad I didn’t make an early transfer for Sane now. He’s no longer an option
    Maybe I’ll get Mendy in, or Sterling. Hmmm. Lots to think about now, including the blanks

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      i may drop sterling for next few weeks and get him back for double 😛

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        *get him back after blanks

        *facepalm*

    2. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Agreed even I’m looking to get Sterling in this week.

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

      I don't think 27 mins in a cup game qualifies as 'back', and I wouldn't expect that him to start this week instead of Sane. Far more likely that Sane gets an early shower in the next couple, before Mendy is actually back.

    4. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I’m keeping Sane until the blank then getting in Mendy and Sterling

  11. Bojaninho
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Rondón our for?

    Jimi

    Ings

    Keep

    Any others Rashford and Kun other strikers.

    1. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Keep

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

      Haha
      Looks like we’re going to need to replace kamara

      1. circusmonkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        I might keep him. Cheap, save a transfer. Apparently fpl doesn't force you to replace him. Only replace at wc /fh.

  12. Subzero (-4)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Is it fpl discovery that you can find out how heavily owned players are in the top 10k? I've looked through the site and can't seem to find that info? Thanks

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Livefpl.net easier to navigate

      1. Subzero (-4)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks 🙂

  13. bigbudgie
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Who saw the premier league hatrick stats?

    No Brighton player has scored a hatrick since 1980....

    Man Utd's last hatrick....RVP in 2013

  14. FPL Forward Thinker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    If one player starts the season on the managers naughty step he generally does not start matches or play at all. If a manager is playing alternative tactics in away matches against your top two title rivals or a huge derby vs your city rivals that same player might step to bench.
    In other fixtures he plays, looks exciting, gets many assists, scores some goals.
    In the fixtures he plays as winger for 90mins in front of his talented left back teammate (also playing 90mins) his team win 6-1 & 5-0.
    These two players have played 100% game time each against Non Big 6 opponents when not on naughty list or injury list. Fact.

  15. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    RMWCT, 1.3 ITB

    Heaton Speroni

    Robbo Digne Shaw WB Bednarek

    Salah Sterling Pogba Jota Camarasa

    Aubameyang Rashford Ings.

    1. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Why keep money ITB on WC? Upgrade Shaw or Dinge

      1. NUFCAndrew
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        To who?

  16. Nüno Vippan
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Why Mitro isnt red flaged? He has 5 yc, right?

    1. FPL-Gutten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      10 YC for a suspension after Christmas.

  17. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Morning guys. Any ideas what to do with this lot?

    Patricio
    Doherty, Shaw, Robertson
    Salah, Hazard, Pogba, Richarlison, Pereyra
    Jimenez, Rashford

    subs: Button -- Wan-Bissaka, Kamara, Balbuena -- 1 FT, 5.2 ITB

    A) Pereyra -> Sane
    B) Kamara & Pereyra -> Aubameyang & Stephens (-4)
    C) Something else, what?

  18. Cruz88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Just seen the Kamara news. I'd say how the might have fallen, but ..

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      He should be flagged in FPL surely.
      12k people bought him this gw 😀

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

        Don’t make the same mistake as FPL did when flagging TAA

        Wait for official confirmation from Liverpool first.

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

          Fulham I meant

  19. Amey
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Listened to the scoutcast for the first time.
    Good stuff.

  20. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Sané and Mané

    Same price

    Same position

    Nearly the same name

    Do I transfer S to M?

    1. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      No

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Nope

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

      Completely silly. Have both maybe

    4. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Not this week, maybe after that. Definetly an option.

    5. FPL Forward Thinker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Mane might not get a game for Liverpool because Mendy is back for Manchester City! 🙂

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

        Accurate

  21. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Any ideas on how to improve this team?
    All my differentials (Martial, Richarlison, Ings) haven't worked out for the last few weeks.

    Ryan Button
    Robbo TAA Doherty Bednarek Bennett
    Salah Hazard Pogba Martial Richarlison
    Rashford Ings Kamara

    1Ft 5.4 itb

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

      Rich is not a differential. He's a group think template flop

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        😀

  22. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Tottenham to win and both teams to score is 10/1 tonight. Pretty good odds I'd say?

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah, except Tottenham wont win.

      I expect Chelsea to win, and probably qualify.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        I don't know about that, they looked appalling vs Arsenal

        1. Pieterke30
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          Well... hope you didnt place any bet