Podcast

Scoutcast Episode 286 – Hopeful

Recorded during the last few minutes of Gameweek 28’s fixtures, the Scoutcast crew cling to the hope of huge points hauls right to the final whistle. 

For Az and Joe, though, the evening proved particularly frustrating as they are left to settle for a mere dribble of 11th-hour returns from the likes of Paul Pogba.

At least one of the crew saw their hope rewarded. Special guest Adam Hopcroft, who was filling in for the red-flagged podcast pair of David and Luke, ended the night on 62 points to set him on course for his sixth top 10,000 overall finish. 

Amid the excitement of a Gameweek finale, the crew also find time to mull over the key players, teams and talking points of the week.

Chelsea’s strong fixture run comes under scrutiny, as does the potential of a Leicester side under new management following the appointment of former Celtic and Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers. 

Chip strategy is also revisited with recent injuries to key players and the strong form of Newcastle presenting further challenges and opportunities as Fantasy mangers navigate the upcoming blank and double Gameweeks.

Gameweek 29 is then looked at in detail, with clean sheet and differential prospects put under the microscope. 

Proceedings take an unusual turn when Monty Python’s Life of Brian and He-Man earn mentions.

The crew finish the show by revealing  their transfer and captaincy plans. As the old football cliché goes “they can take the despair, it’s the hope that kills them”.

This Scoutcast was first beamed live via our YouTube channel on Wednesday 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.

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

2,335 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Sonder
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Please help me choose:

    A. Laporte --> Pereira
    B. Laporte --> Luiz
    C. Laporte --> Lascelles

    Thanks in advance!

    1. CliveTilds
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. bel24
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B

  2. CliveTilds
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Do you think Mane rises again before the game week starts?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      50/50, big traffic tomorrow.

      1. CliveTilds
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I have exact money for Son > Mane next GW. Would you take a -4 and do it this week if he looks set to rise tomorrow?
        Son price drop doesn’t affect me.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I wouldn't.

          1. CliveTilds
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks.

  3. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Captain Sterling (bou) or Pogba (SOU)?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Raheem

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Raz for me

  4. SuperMane Returns
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    SCook/Son/Jota to Schar/Hazard(c)/HBarnes for a -8????
    (This brings in 3 more BGW31 players for me, giving me 8)

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'd keep Jota for this gw. Other 2 moves are good imo

  5. Amey
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Hello guys,
    I'm settled for this team this gw after a -4.
    Fabs
    Robbo, Doherty, Pereira
    Salah,Mane,Pogba, Jota, Sterling ©
    Higuain,Barnes

    Hamer,awb,clyne,kamara
    1.9m itb

    Plan is to do
    Jota,Kamara, Sterling >> Kings, Hazard, H.Barnes near gw 31 deadline.

    Good plan ?? Or need some changes ??

    Thank you !

    1. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Good team and projected transfers. Keep an eye on Bournemouth to see if King looks worth it.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thank you mate 🙂
        One of King/Wilson is on the radar.
        Awesome run of fixtures + playing blanks. Great combination imo

  6. MMN
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Can't decide whether I should go Sterling for next two then Hazard or Hazard straight ...

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Had same dilemma. Chose Sterling for next 2.
      Will © him in both gw's.

      1. Lord.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Me too.

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Straight to Haz I reckon

  7. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Help here, im already going to take -4 hit gw29 and maybe also in gw30, should i take another -4 in gw31 and have 9 players and save FH for later or no?

  8. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Best of these keepers to navigate the blanks through to GW33?

    a) Schmeichel
    b) Fabianski
    c) Dubravka
    d) Heaton

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

      C isn't guaranteed 33 game. Boruc home record still 1 conceded in 3 and should have defensive players back

  9. Clintymints
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    To bring Sterling and Barnes in, I need to Drop Rashford and Son.

    But also have to shave off cash by getting rid of Kola or Digne. Digne can surely go of those two letting me get Chilwell in for one of them next week...

    So Which 4.3 defender or less is best to get in for Digne?

    1. Connor's Calling
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Diop?

      1. Clintymints
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Have old man Fab but there's not much goin is there!

        Hate to double up on the wham defense but the fixtures prob are the best. I could just get a sh!tter and save the pennies but it's all about the blank innit

        1. Connor's Calling
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Schindler?

          1. Clintymints
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Pretty sure I winced at that 😆

            I guess Diop will have to do. Should get me a solid 2 pts in 31 I guess

    2. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Montoya

  10. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Worth saving 0.3 by doing Sané out, Sterling, Vardy in tonight?

    1. Fitzy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Getting two players for one seems a no-brainer!

      1. Connor's Calling
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Lol. Auba goes too

        Wondering if I wait for pressers or save cash for my WC

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Auba the other one ??

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Where's the downside?

      1. Connor's Calling
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Press conferences / team news

  11. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Help here chip strategy still undecided, im already going to take -4 hit gw29 and maybe also in gw30, should i take another -4 in gw31 too and have 9 players in gw31 and save FH for later or no?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Look at GW33.

      1. Nightf0x
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Which means FH not in 31?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I mean what team will you have in GW33 either way?

          1. Nightf0x
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I didnt look that much forward actually, the problem is in my h2h ML im joint leader and playing vs the other leader in gw31 where he will 100% FH, so players and a -4 i will lose im thinking of TC salah

            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              You won't beat the FH team most likely unless you free hit. H2H is rubbish fwiw with chips.

  12. Maddamotha
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Vardy or Higuain? Cant decide

    1. MMN
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Lol was just about to post this

      1. Maddamotha
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Who do you choose?

    2. Wonderful Wizard Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Vardy

  13. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Everyone going with maddision,H.barnes from Leicester,isn't gray too an option now??

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      He is definitely. I'm waiting this gw to watch who plays better from those 3 Midfielders. Would get one next gw for sure

  14. dezille
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    A) Anderson > Hazard
    B) Son > Sterling
    C) Anderson > Sterling/Hazard, but would require a hit next week to get in Mane & Vardy/Higuian

    Convince me either way between raz and haz...
    Rival will (C) Sterling and is chasing.
    Planning to use FH GW32. Sterling blanks in 31 and likely 33. Is it worth getting him for the next 2 fixtures.

    1. noahzark22
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      not worth it. Son has ARS and sou, which are pretty good fixtures.

  15. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Brooks, Gray or Harvey Barnes? Anyone have a strong preference?

    1. noahzark22
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Brooks.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers. Do you reckon he starts the Huddersfield game next weekend? Bit worried that he's been out a month.

        1. noahzark22
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          That's a bit concerning, haven't read any reports. But if healthy Brooks.

          If not healthy, likely Gray

        2. Mysterion
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          On the bench vs Arsenal so seems likely

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I guess 30 mins vs Man City, then starts vs Huddersfield. Risky though when there's similar priced options in Leicester's midfield and they're not an injury concern.

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

              True but I think he's more integral to Bournemouth than any of the cheaper Leicester mids are to Leicester, unless Rodgers gets them firing instantly and also doesn't rotate much with so many options out wide (can't see both things happening)

              Unbeatable value at 5.0 too

    2. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Barnes

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        He had 8 shots against Brighton, apparently, not one on target. Not sure if Rogers is going to fancy him.

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

      Gray if plays 90 every week

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah, this is where I'm at currently. A lot of potential in him.

        Apparently Rodgers showed interest in him while at Liverpool?

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          😮
          That's informative.
          If that's true Gray is a No-brainer

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Thank you for the link

    4. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Barnes atm.
      Only because will definitely get Kings/Wilson. So Bournemouth attack covered

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        That was my original tactic, but I'm not sure Wilson is going to make it in time for Huddersfield. I'm thinking of a Vardy and Gray double up - the fixtures support it.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Overkill in my case as already have Pereira. Triple Leister would be too much imo.
          So Gray/Maddison/Barnes + Josh King is on the cards

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Nice. Just checked and I can afford Fraser + Vardy, so could go that route. Thing is, I'm now thinking Gray offers excellent value!

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Completely agreed

    5. jia you
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Barnes cant hit a barn door, I like Brooks but Gray is the dark horse who could bring you the most points.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        You read my mind 🙂 Cheers mate.

  16. noahzark22
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    HALP! Save my transfer or do something with it?

    Fabianski
    Lascelles, Robertson, Chilwell,
    Ward-Prowse, Son, Salah, Mané, Pogba
    Rondón, Aubameyang

    Bench
    Button, Wan-Bissaka, Kamara, Digne

    2.4 ITB

    Could do JWP to a Siggy, but EVE have up and down fixtures. Bornemouth has good fixtures to finish the season. Maybe Maddison or Barnes with the new manager.

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Kamara->Arnie or JWP->Maddison/Anderson.

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

        Anderson? 😆

  17. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Vardy or Higuain to replace Lacazette?

  18. Begbie.
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Auba to Higuain worth a punt? Not watched Chelsea much so no idea how he's looked.

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

      Highlights available on YouTube. Looks like running through molasses in Hudd game where 2nd goal was ridiculous deflection

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      He will hit goalscoring form soon I reckon as hes a class striker but hasnt really done enough for me yet! FULcould def change that though!

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

        Too slow and predictable for this league unless against whipping boys

  19. I Have No Idea What I'…
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Which do you think would be the best move?

    A) Pereyra > B.Silva
    B) Pereyra > Gundogan
    C) Pereyra & Auba > Sterling & Zaha (-4)
    D) Pereyra & Auba > Sterling & Arnie (-4)

    My team is below (free hitting in the blank Gameweek):

    Guaita (Etheridge)
    Lindelof VVD TAA Doherty (AWB)
    Pogba Salah Siggy (Kante & Pereyra)
    Auba Jiménez Rashford

    Would really appreciate some help.

    1. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Either A or C for sure.

  20. TAT
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Any reason worth waiting on pulling the trigger on Son/Auba > Sterling/Higuaín tonight – or is it better to wait for team news and get them for 0.2 more tomorrow?

    1. pressdpm
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I pretty much always wait for team news. It's saved me many times. Annoying to miss out on a rise but if you can afford it, I'd hold.

      1. TAT
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I definitely can afford to wait - but I wouldn't be surprised if I'm 0.2 out of making a move later. Bound to happen, haha!

  21. pressdpm
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Evening deadzone
    2FT's 1.9 spare
    Thinking Son/Rashford > Hazard/Barnes
    Sound good?

    Fabianski
    Bennett - Robertson - Kolasinac
    Salah - Son - F.Anderson - Pogba
    Rashford - Jiminez - Aguero

    Speroni - Digne - Wan Bissake - Biling

    1. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I would go either A or C.

      1. YEAH PITCH!
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Ignore me, another miss reply lol.

      2. pressdpm
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Third time lucky pal, you're looking for the guy two posts above right?

        1. YEAH PITCH!
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah haha. I'm regards to your team, I think it depends when you are free hitting.

  22. YEAH PITCH!
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Either A or C.

    1. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Oops. Meant to reply to PRESSDPM.

      1. pressdpm
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        No you didn't!

        1. YEAH PITCH!
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Replied to your post now. Finally! Haha.

  23. jia you
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Having such strong captaincy and midfield options - Sterling, Hazard, Pogba, Son, Mane - I'm expecting a huge GW! But thats usually when you have a nightmare haha!
    Sterling captain for me, as he done me so well in 25 and 26, but BOU not terrible at home. Its their away form thats shocking!
    Hazard is so tempting with that Fulham defence!
    Raz n Haz owners, who are you opting for?

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Bournemouth without Cook and Lerma though... A real soft touch at the moment.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        thats true, a bit of a soft belly about them atm

  24. olliejames
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Best replacement for Son for 8.1m?

  25. Fingerspitzengefühl
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Was just about to transfer in Vardy, but checked the Leicester twitter/home page for pics before doing so. Could find pretty much every player besides Vardy on the training pics/video. Am I reading too much into this?

    1. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I think so. Vardy will be crucial to Rogers style of play. Counter attacking and getting in behind.

      1. Fingerspitzengefühl
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Oh I'm sure he'll be nailed on, was more alluding to the fact that he might be injured since he wasn't training?

        1. YEAH PITCH!
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          That is possible. I'd still go for it though. Can you wait until more news tomorrow or are you tight on price?

          1. Fingerspitzengefühl
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I can afford to wait, so better safe than sorry, right?

            1. YEAH PITCH!
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              For 0.1 difference in value, absolutely. It is annoying when you lose 0.1, but I think it's even worse to transfer in a player that could be out.

              1. Fingerspitzengefühl
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Fully agree. Thanks for the replies

                1. YEAH PITCH!
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  You're welcome.

    2. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      He is at a party.

  26. Tabbara
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Which option is better:
    A: Luiz for Laporte (Bench perreira)
    B: Hazard for Son (play Perreira)

    Thanks

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B

  27. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Son about to square up against Carl Jenkinson and people are selling him?

    My word.

    1. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Haha.

    2. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Great username by the way.

    3. pressdpm
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'm only thinking about selling. The derby could easily be high scoring.

  28. Wonderful Wizard Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Did price changes already happen?

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      1 hour to go

    2. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Not yet.

  29. SuperMane Returns
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Which one do I drop to bench folks?

    (a) Almiron (whu)
    (b) Rondon (whu)
    (c) Jota (CAR)

    Thanks in advance 🙂

    1. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      That is tough. A or C. Maybe wait for some team news tomorrow.

  30. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Ben Mendy likely to start this weekend?