Podcast

How to handle Liverpool’s blank and the Christmas period

The Scoutcast returns to familiar ground ahead of Gameweek 18 where Liverpool and West Ham have no Premier League fixture.

The latest episode starts at 20:00 GMT on our YouTube channel and runs until approximately 21:00 GMT.

We started thinking about our plans for the first Blank Gameweek of the campaign in last week’s episode and are able to take a much more focussed look now that Gameweek 17 is out of the way.

Joe, Karam and Andy will reveal their plans for Liverpool assets as Sadio Mané (£12.3m), Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.3m) and Mohamed Salah (£12.2m) are all without a match.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are proving a problem for Fantasy managers as they have now lost two favourable fixtures in a row, scoring just once in the process.

Our Scoutcast crew weigh up whether to trust them in a Gameweek 18 trip to a resurgent Spurs under Jose Mourinho.

Finally, after assessing the best differentials and clean sheets for the forthcoming weeks, we will discuss how to approach the Christmas period considering that some managers still have a Wildcard to wield.

1,726 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Henderson
    Lundstram / Aurier / B.Williams
    Son / KDB / Alli / Dendoncker
    Vardy / Rashford / Abraham

    McCarthy, Soyuncu, Salah, TAA

    2FT's already used but have 2.0ITB...anything worth a -4 hit?

    A - B.Williams > Doherty -4
    B - Dendoncker > Grealish -4
    C - Stick and use funds to upgrade somewhere the following GW?

    Thanks.

    1. Roy Rovers
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

      1. Krafty Werks
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        But if i do B then it's kinda just a 1 week punt for a -4 hit as obviously Salah will be back in for GW19 and he'll be sat on the bench at 6.1 whereas if i just play Dendo vs Norwich then i can re-evaluate the following gameweek and put the 2.0 funds into a 'first 11 upgrade' rather than having all that money sat on the bench? (This is for my fanteam squad btw with the 250,000 prize pool and i'm currently 15th in the world!!). Thoughts much appreciated, ty.

    2. All about the galacticos
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

    3. RedAlpha10
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      C

    4. aree036
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

  2. The EJJ
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone getting rid of Maddison? thinking of the swap to Grealish

    1. rkpower1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I was considering it but have had him since early days so a lot of value tied up...

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Just did it . Could regret it but with city and liverpool next two it's worth the risk. He's a class act though in my opinion.

    3. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Madness, especially as city and pool don't bother defending anymore

      1. rkpower1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Agreed re class act, what are the thoughts of ditching TAA, a lot of money for a defender!

        1. DA Minnion (Former great)
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Thought about it too and was looking at a w b . Decided against it for now.

      2. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Liverpool don't need to beat Leicester. They'll defend.

        1. Hy liverpool
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          We won't.

    4. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Hold him

    5. All about the galacticos
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I'm findng it difficult. Maddison hasn't done much wrong, but gotta move with the fixtures.
      I don't have much tied up so i can reverse it after two gameweeks if all goes wrong

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Maddison has been a stalwart of my team - but think im moving on for son...

      2. KINGS
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        He’s gone up from 7.0m to 7.8m. At most stand to lose 0.3m or 0.4m? If you can gain that amount from new player, there’s not much value you lose

        1. All about the galacticos
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          that's tough, i'd hold if had that much tied up.

  3. Roy Rovers
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Change anything to this WC??

    Gazza
    Maguire Lundstram Rico
    Son (c) Sterling Alli KDB Grealish
    Vardy Rashford

    Button Kelly Greenwood Söyüncü

    1. Angelic upstart
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yes, lots wrong with it. No Liverpool players for a start.
      Sterling and Maguire shouldn't be in the team either

      1. Roy Rovers
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Cash ITB for Sterling to Salah

    2. RedAlpha10
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Leicester defender instead of Maguire

      1. Roy Rovers
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Soy on the bench

    3. RedAlpha10
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Sterling underlying stats are great, he just has poor conversion so if you expect that to change which it could then keep sterling otherwise swap to Mané

    4. ResultatFar
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Don’t go with Gaza, Spurs can’t seem to get any clean sheets

  4. Maddamotha
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Any suggestions on how to use a FT here? 2.6itb

    1FT 2.6ITB

    Guiata
    Soy, Lundstram, Rico
    Son, Alli, KDB, Mount
    Vardy, Abraham, Jimenez

    Button, Dendo, Tomori, TAA

  5. yanky
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    WC team, thoughts? a bunch of money in bank to do Richarlison Grealish > Salah 4.5m in two weeks on a free double transfer.

    Guaita
    Targett Aurier Rico
    Alli Son(c) KDB Richarlison Grealish
    Vardy Rashford

    Martin, Maupay, Lundstrom, Soyuncu

    1. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Really nice - not dissimilar to what I plan to do in a couple of weeks - probably going to have someone cheaper than Alli so I can have TAA at the back though

      1. yanky
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        thanks yeah, i know its far out but ill be looking to make those exact moves gw25 alli to taa when spurs play city and pool home to southampton 🙂

    2. ResultatFar
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Always play Lund!

      1. yanky
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        over who though?? targett/rico both great fixtures at home

  6. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Haaland following us on Insta

    He’s coming 😀

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      More likely on porn hub if that's the case.

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      To who? Out of the loop

      1. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Utd!

  7. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    TAA & Pulisic -- Rico & Son -4?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

  8. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Pulisic to Grealish yes or no?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yes. All aboard the Grealish bandwagon.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        It’s so clearly going to fail (also got him in this week)!!

        1. Hart-ake
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          The 4 yellows is horrible

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            If nothing else it will make the benching headache easier if he’s your 5th mid and he gets another yellow! 😆

    3. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I have just done it.

    4. All about the galacticos
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      yes

    5. Joss Ackland’s Spunky…
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Made that move myself. I could even Captain Grealish

  9. FPL_Gyarados
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Alli + Kelly or Lucas Moura + Aurier/Leicester defender

    Really stuck.

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Alli plus Kelly

    2. RedAlpha10
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Alli + Kelly

  10. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Irrespective of price who would you want on WC to complete lineup below as placeholder for Salah/Mané in couple of weeks or so

    A Richarlison
    B Sterling

    Son Alli KDB Grealish *******

    1. yanky
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Im in the same boat. ( see above) I went with Rich

    2. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B

    3. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

    4. Roy Rovers
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      B....but you knew I would say that!

    5. RedAlpha10
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

  11. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Come on guys..

    Pulisic + Tieleman OUT

    Richarlson + Grealish IN

    2fts

    Team for this gw

    Pope

    Lund/Soy/Rico

    Kdb/Alli/Grealish/Richarlson

    Mousset/Vardy/Rash

  12. Duffy Dunk
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Grealish or Richarlison ?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      That's tough.. Probably richarlison

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Short term Rich, longer term Grealish.

      Tbh I don’t ever trust Rich but I get the appeal

  13. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Ive done the following:

    Vardy + Salah -> Aguero + KDB (2FT)

    Willing to take risk on Aguero

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Willing to get a red arrow

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Oh mate why?!

    3. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      bit moronic doing it before city presser but good luck

  14. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    G2G? Obviously some players to be scared of not owning (KDB, Rashford the main ones) but looks good enough I hope!

    -4 0.4itb
    Guaita
    Lunds, Willems, Rico
    Son, Alli (C), Maddison, Grealish
    Vardy, Abraham, Ings
    (McGovern) (Soy, Mané, TAA)

    Thanks!

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I would be more worried if i don't have Jimenez this week

      1. camarozz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Would Jota do??

        1. Hy liverpool
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          Jota stats are intersting and is looking dangerous too.. Very nice differential option imo

      2. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Oh yeah and him. Lol

        Took him out last week for Tammy so not going to reverse so soon. Need to stick to my guns. Obv could hurt but can’t have them all.

  15. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Would you do Maddison 》 Richarlison for -4?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I did this move but i have WC so it's for 2 weeks only..

      1. ZeBestee
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        You did it for free or a hit?

        1. Hy liverpool
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          For a hit.. Over these two fixtures i think richarlison may outscore Maddison by 4 points.

          1. ZeBestee
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            That's interesting. Good luck with that.

            Would you prioritize bringing in Jimi or Richarlison for a hit?

            1. Hy liverpool
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 4 months ago

              It depends for who and for a short term or a long term.. Jimi fixtures are not that good after norwich (i know he would like these counters against pool and city) but at the end of the day they are not a lovely fixtures for any attacker.

              Richarlison imo.

              1. ZeBestee
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 4 months ago

                Thanks and Cheers bro. 🙂

    2. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      nope

    3. All about the galacticos
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      no

  16. Tempestic
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Pulisic topping the goals imminent table. Do we expect him to start coverting these chances or is selling the best option?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I would sell if i have no other urgent issues in my team

    2. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      im keeping but either is fine

    3. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Gona keep thru Southampton game the re evaluate

    4. All about the galacticos
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      already took him out. so for sure he'll deliver. enjoy your haul

    5. Tempestic
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      2 shots on target the last 4 gws... not great

  17. james 101
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Any word yet on when they’ll announce the 4th round cup draw?

  18. Sonder
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    TAA and Jimenez —> Aurier and Rashford?

    Pope, McGovern
    TAA, Soyuncu, Lundstram, Rico, Kelly
    Mane, Son, Alli, De Bruyne, Hayden
    Vardy, Abraham, Jimenez

    2FT, 0.6 ITB

    Thoughts? I’m not sure if Aurier is the defender I want, and I can spend up to 6.1 on a defender.

    1. Connor's Calling
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Think I prefer TAA and Jim longer term surely

      1. KDB4PREZ
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I’d keep jimmy if held to now with this fixture

    2. rkpower1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Struggling on whether to hold or sell TAA myself, what's the rationale or is primary driver funds?

      1. Sonder
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Purely funds

    3. All about the galacticos
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      im holding jimi, would rather lose tammy

  19. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Robbo & Jesus to Aurier & Kane! Sounds good? Gives me the following team :-

    Schmeichel (Button)
    Aurier Lundy Rico Kelly (TAA)
    Son Martial Zaha (Mane Dendo)
    Kane(C) Vardy Wesley

    1. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good to me could be Kane time

    2. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      where's the ginger ninja

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        I am thinking of doing Zaha to KDB as well. Should I?

        1. Rhinos
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          not for a hit, leics unlikely to get smashed

  20. RedAlpha10
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Kdb to Son??
    I already have Alli
    Thoughts??

    1. Connor's Calling
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Why now?

      1. RedAlpha10
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        City’s poor fixtures and Sons underlying stats are better, everyone’s gonna keep kdb after he hauled, but it was against a rubbish arsenal defence

    2. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      do you watch football?

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Damn!

      2. RedAlpha10
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        If you look at his form over the last 7/8 games before that arsenal game it is much much worse than the consistent numbers son has been putting up, don’t let one good game against arsenal fool you, get your head out of your ass

        1. Rhinos
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 4 months ago

          what are you on about, kdb the best midfielder in Europe

          1. RedAlpha10
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Kroos > Kdb and from GW10 to 17 Son has 3 goals 5 assist KDB has 2 goals 1 assist

            Son has 4 big chances compared to kdb’s 0
            Son is shooting more in the box
            Son has a better XG

          2. RedAlpha10
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 4 months ago

            Kdb for sure second best midfielder in the world tho

  21. KDB4PREZ
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Any help welcomed appreciated.

    Feel like mane>Sterling as 2 week punt, bought mane at 12.1 so no real value held in him. anyone else on this path?
    Would give me this team for the week.

    Gaza
    Rico/Kelly/Lundy
    Sterling/KDB/Son/Pulisic
    Ings/Vardy/Rashy(C)

    Evans/TAA/Fleck

    Would save next week and bring mane or Salah back in.

    A) mane>Sterling only Evans playing bench player and plays city
    B) Mane&Fleck>Ali&Richarlison -4
    C)Taa&Fleck>Fernández(new)&Richarlison -4
    D) Pulisic>Grealish then play Evans
    &Upgrade ings to Tammy next week

    Cheers and gl

  22. Joss Ackland’s Spunky…
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Gtg?

    Pope
    Lund, Baldock, Aurier
    Alli, kdb, grealish, son
    VAR

    Zaha, kelly, soy

    Any sub changes?

  23. Cahill17
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Is trossard to Grelish worth a hit?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I don't think so, trossard has a good fixture this week and brighton are playing very good attacking football

      1. Cahill17
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks mate! yeah i agree, i guess i just needed some confirmation bias lol.

  24. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Keep Ings on wildcard?
    CHE TOT LEI coming up

    Who would you get a replacement in 3-4-3
    would consider 3-5-2 as well

    1. Monkey Hanger
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Check his history. He scores against anyone.

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      He still a good option imo... Other options in this range for me are Maupay, grealish and pukki if fit.

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        personally not buying into Grealish hype - think its a bit like Pulisic
        Pukki interesting, hopefully he drops in price. Agree with above comment he does against anyone and those teams not the best defensively outside of Leicester - hmm....

  25. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Tammy, Pulisic, TAA -> Rash, Alli, Aurier (-4) look like good moves? Would give me this for the blank gw -

    Guaita
    Lund Aurier Rico
    KDB Son Alli Maddison
    Vardy Rash Mousset

    Button Kelly Soy Mane (0ft 0.8m itb)

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Good moves, not sure about losing tammy tho! (i didn't have him all season btw)
      Moussett is annoying tbh because he always gets subbed around 60 mins.

  26. SEXY SALAH
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Anything worth a hit lads?

    Heaton
    Aurier | Lundstram | Rico | Kelly
    KdB | Mount | Cantwell
    Kane | Vardy | Greenwood

    Martin* | Soyuncu | Salah* | Mane*

    0FT, 0ITB

    Thanks

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      One of salah or mane to sonny or Mount to Grealish (if you are pretty sure Greenwood is going to start)

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Mane to Son

      1. SEXY SALAH
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks both

  27. aree036
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone looking at Maupay? Good form and fixtures. Bigger points total that Gealish (appreciate diff positions). Only costs £5.8m

    1. ResultatFar
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Owned him ealier in the season. He’s a great pick and good value

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      o/
      Was wondering if he is on penos?

      1. SEXY SALAH
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Groß

    3. rkpower1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Yes my plan is to bring him in as my third striker in the next two weeks

    4. juho
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Great pick for GW20 onwards

    5. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Possibly ings switch gw20

  28. jia you
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Who would you start out of these two in GW18?
    A. Zaha (new)
    B. McGinn (SOT)

    1. rkpower1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Mcginn, newc pack defence with ten men, hard to break down and palace generally uninspiring going forward. Have just sold Zaha for Grealish...

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        hmmm McGinn playing quite deep in recent GWs but has a goal in him tbf, cheers

    2. Aubaaaaa
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      A

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        cheers, currently on A but a bit torn

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

      A

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers

    4. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Tough one! Zaha imo!

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers mate

  29. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Transfers done.-4

    Pulisic/Tieleman/Mings OUT

    Richarlson/Grealish/
    Vertonghen IN

    Lundstram (c)

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      Well done my friend..not sure about captaining lundy thou

    2. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      captaining Lundstram in an away game is stupid especially when you've got Richarlison against one of the poorest defences in living memory

      1. camarozz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah il probably chicken out on that one tbf.

    3. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 4 months ago

      I planned on Lundstram(C) for the next two GWs but Brighton played very well v Palace so that game could be a tough one to call. Might change to Son and go on all in with my triple Spurs in the final game of the GW 🙂

  30. Scout15
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 4 months ago

    Does anyone know what was LMS safety score this week?