Podcast

Scoutcast Episode 321 – Son replacements and FPL rule changes

The Premier League’s winter break has conspired to make Gameweek 26 the longest that FPL managers have experienced.

It therefore seems fitting that the Scoutcast is an extended episode, spanning 90 minutes as the crew are finally able to look ahead to Gameweek 27 and beyond.

Among the pressing issues discussed by Joe, Holly and Az is the long-term injury to Son Heung-min and the best replacements for the Tottenham attacker.

Relegation scrappers, in particular, Aston Villa’s talismanic midfielder Jack Grealish, also come under consideration as FPL managers hope the basement-dwelling stars will defy their perilous position to deliver points.

Meanwhile, Manchester City’s financial fair play issues and subsequent Champions League ban are discussed. How will UEFA’s momentous decision affect the Citizens’ chances of domestic success for the season run-in?

The winter-break scheduling also sparks a lively debate on potential rule changes for FPL next season. Could the busy festive fixture period in the game be reduced to create an extra Gameweek in February?

Points allocation changes, player reclassification and revamping chips are among a raft of other FPL tweaks our trio ponder.

This episode’s look at Gameweek 26 sees Az present a ‘dossier’ to Joe concerning his recent Wildcard. This gives Joe a chance to discuss how a serious health scare last year is driving his decisions this time around.

Holly takes her turn to pick a differential, on the back of Lateriser12’s recent success selecting Arsenal’s Nicolas Pepe, who racked up 17 points against Newcastle last weekend. So, no pressure there.

Clean sheets are looked at and our trio round off proceedings by revealing their captaincy and transfer plans.

This Scoutcast was first beamed on Tuesday 18 February via our YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe to get notified of future live episodes.

In addition, the Scoutcast and all our other podcasts are now also available via our Soundcloud channel.

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.

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

896 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Firmino
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Did Martial -> Mahrez this GW? Sell or keep Mahrez?

    1. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Might as well keep as he's due minutes on Saturday

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

    Goodnight for kun owners, 90 minute run out

  3. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best Mahrez replacement?
    Martial or Bruno?

    1. squits
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Martial plays CF

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

      Might get Traore all being well tomorrow

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

    Been in the bath an hour yet still cant get these dirty Doucoure points scrubbed off

    1. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      lundy points here 🙁

  5. boogle
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Save this week, then Lord + Grealish > Pereira + up to 8M mid

    A) Barnes/Maddison (triple LEI)
    B) Traore (double WOL)
    C) Moura

    1. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Why lose Grealish?, I know he blanks in GW 28, but so consistent. Can't you just bench him?

      1. squits
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Greals is Villa. When they score he's always involved or close by. I sold him once, bought him back recently and have learnt my lesson. He is a season keeper

        Ran spurs ragged on Sunday, against weaker teams he'll be amazing

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I concur

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

        fixtures after the blank look pretty bad

        1. squits
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Unless it's city or liverpool teams will struggle to stop him

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

          and most of his points have come from better fixtures

  6. TRIPOS TOPPER
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    my ML rival picked Martinelli and Mahrez

    bench: Soy and Grealish

    🙁

  7. Rocky FPL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Aguero owners, what are you doing?
    Surely not gonna play 90 before Madrid and then a blank and so easy fixtures.
    On the flipside, not many premium options in the game.

    1. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      *NOT so easy fixtures

    2. TRIPOS TOPPER
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      who needs premium when you have Ings, DCL and Jimi?

      1. Rocky FPL
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        DCL fixtures are scarym

        1. squits
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Ings Jimi and Auba way forward mate!

    3. StayoutheSpiceZone
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      He’s got to go

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

      Can't have 12 mill sitting there not scoring, also captain twice now with 4 points return.

  8. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hendo
    TAA • stephens • lascelles (Holgate, lund )
    KDB • Salah • Grealish • Son ( dendo)
    Ings • Vardy • DCL

    3.7 itb and 1 FT

    Son to Mane yes or No?

    1. boogle
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      yeh why not

      1. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        the only problem is DCL to Jimi will be a bit difficult, will be possible at someone's expense

  9. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Matt Doherty on Traore: “Last season I was going forward a lot more but this season I have been coming more inside and linking the play with him. When I fling it out wide to him I am trying to get in the box because I know he is going to skin the full-back and get the cross in.”

    https://twitter.com/mh59bur/status/1230242798215090176

    Lovely bit of lingo & brilliant for owners. If you’ve got the cash to take him over Boly, go for it!

    1. boogle
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Hmm not sure how to read that, I'm reading this season he isn't getting forward as much?

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Not really forward less and in better positions when he is up there, watched him a lot when I owned him for ages earlier in the season, he's been unlucky not to return more.

    2. TomSaints
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’ve enjoyed having him the last few weeks

    3. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Boly is the only way

  10. WorldCupDanB
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I haven't touched my side all season and haven't paid any attention to whats happening with blanks and doubles etc. So I'm going to start playing again this week, is there an article that explains it all and gives ideas about chip/wildcard strategy?

    1. Lord.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Its never come up here

  11. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Kelly to Taylor and play him over Cathcart the move here with 1FT 0.0itb?

    Guiata
    Taa Egan Cathcart
    Salah(c) mane kdb Traore
    Vardy jimi ings

    Button soy dendo kelly*

  12. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Henderson
    TAA VVD Lundstram
    Salah(c) KDB Grealish Traore
    Vardy Ings DCL

    McGovern Dunk Soyuncu Dendoncker

    1 FT, 3.9 ITB

    1. DCL >> Jimenez
    2. Vardy >> Jimenez
    3. ?? >> Martial
    4. Save FT

    Thanks all

    1. squits
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      1 Fixtures turn horribly

    2. StayoutheSpiceZone
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      4

  13. SHOOTER MCGINN
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    When KDB is 12.5m next year, will you get him?

    1. StayoutheSpiceZone
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I will, he is superb to watch

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

      No, Mahrez can cover KDB so I’ll just take him.

    3. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      If he starts playing in advanced role every week i will have him even at 13.5

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

      well he’s the best value player even if he was 12.5 this season. He wouldn’t be in my team all season but some of it for sure

  14. StayoutheSpiceZone
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Early KDB departure from this game, do u reckon he starts on Saturday?

    1. Iggypop
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      100%

      1. StayoutheSpiceZone
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Great. I’m gonna start him then. Traore will probs remain on bench - even though they have Norwich

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Hard to tell but I wouldn’t be over thinking it by benching or captaining.

      Just let him do his thing, if it’s 1 point, so be it.

      1. StayoutheSpiceZone
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yes.

        Grealish KDB DCL and Traore vying for me bench - don’t want to leave the points on there!

        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Ughhh, enjoy the headache!

        2. squits
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          KDB will start no doubt now he came off.

          I'd say DCL out of that lot, tricky mate.

          1. StayoutheSpiceZone
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Lol, yes I know. Though arsenal are still dodgy at the back imo. At the moment it’s Traore, but that could alter! Could do with a Traore slight injury tomorrow!

  15. Iggypop
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Players won't b gettin rested they've just had the week off! 2 games a week won't be an issue!

  16. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    1FT&0itb...I Have Kun & Son, would you get rid of one for free or both for a -4? If get rid for who?
    Subs:Cathcart/Spy/Romeu

    Front 7:
    Salah-Kdb-Martial-Son
    DCL-Kun-Ings

  17. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    And then experts like Irbox said that Kun is essential for WHU at home.

    I hope you will enyoj in your well deserved red arrows

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

      Captaining Kun wasn't a stupid decision though, didn't work out but we know he can score 3-4 in those games.

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah i see

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

          But essential no, that's true.

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

      Dont blame Kun. Blame VAR!

  18. Hana
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Well my Mahrez punt didn’t pay off. I want Jiminez for Deeney but will have to sell Mahrez to free up the funds.

    Mahrez to:
    A) Fernandez
    B) Richarlison -poor fixtures
    C) Traore - double up with Jiminez
    D) Barnes - potentially week too early given they play Man City
    E) other

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. Sergeant Slaughter
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Keep Mahrez. I am.

      1. Hana
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Considering it, but then I don’t have an easy way to get Jiminez.

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

      I'd leave it for now

  19. JBG
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Arsenal need to lose to Olympiakos for a City DGW29, right?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    2. Hitmonlee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Think so

  20. QUEN
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Evening guys

    Can someone provide me with information about when the doubles are likely? & when we will know more

    TIA

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      34 & 37.

      After 31.

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        City/Arsenal might need to squeeze a game in in a different GW with European progression.

  21. Ozzy smith
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    61 all out, old rank - 81,613 new rank - 81,321

    1. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Nobody cares

      1. Ozzy smith
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Just showing a ridiculously slim margin you absolute tool. Not a brag, just a “look how fine the margins are”.

        1. StayoutheSpiceZone
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Don’t worry about him mate, great OR too- well done

          1. Ozzy smith
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah personally, I find these posts interesting when comparing your own rank and score.

        2. Niho992
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          i dont care anyway tbf

          1. Ozzy smith
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Why are you on FFS or playing FPL lol?

    2. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      well done

    3. SweepaKeepa
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Almost an elusive grey arrow!

  22. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Im 0.2 off :O
    Bobby, Alli and Rico > Jimi, Mane and Gomez

    1. Ozzy smith
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Shhhhh

  23. MGD
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What are those who are still holding on to Vardy doing?

    1. StayoutheSpiceZone
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Hoping he pulls his finger out!

      1. MGD
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Good fixtures after City

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

      4 blanks is not the end of the world. After this City game his fixtures looks pretty good. I am putting him in next game week again.

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

      I'm just leaving him and seeing what he does vs Norwich/Villa

  24. joelsprylar
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is it time for bench boost?
    Best fixtures for my bench i seen this season and i probably won't own more then 11 dubble game week players anyway?
    Don't have any wildcard and can ditch my second keeper to a 3,9 after this.

    Pope against Bournemouth @home
    Lascelles & Hayden against Palace @way
    Willams against Watford @home

    Hit the button or not?

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’m BBing this week as the fixtures are good and I’ve no WC to sort a bench for a DGW. I think it’s a good week myself

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

    Thoughts here. Essentially it's about a third pool spot...
    Ryan
    Lundstram TAA Stephens
    Martial Salah Traore KDB
    Kun Vardy Ings
    Button Holgate Soyuncu Dendo
    0.4itb 1ft
    A. Replace Lundy/Holgate to Fernández/Taylor
    B. Martial+Kun to Mane+Jimenez
    C. Kun+Lund /Hol to Robbo/Vvd +Jimenez
    D. Something else

  26. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Save FT this week? Not sure who to.get for Son right now! any thoughts appreciated! 

    Pope
    Stevens Stephens Boly TAA
    Salah KDB.Barnes
    Firm Jimi Ings
    Henderson Mooy Fernandez Son
    0.6 ITB

  27. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Mane or Vvd/Robertson as the 3rd pool?

  28. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Barnes or Traore ... Hmmm

    1. Hitmonlee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Barnes.

      Wolves defender

  29. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    If you have the money and choosing between double pool attack or defence, you surely go the attack right.

    1. Hitmonlee
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not really

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

      I like the defense with the two wingbacks. Then you got both defense and possible offensive returns.

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      depends what you can do with the money saved elsewhere.

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        thats the thing, I just assumed I would go double at the back, but in reality there is potentially 4/5mil in my bank and no one I want to spend it on.
        I think the reason most going double at the back is purely value, and not because they believe it will outscore Salah/Mane

  30. AlpoShearer
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What to do with this slot?
    2FT and 0,3 ITB

    A. Lundstram to Boly
    B. Aguero to Vardy
    C. Something else

    Henderson
    TAA - VVD - Stephens
    Salah - Traore - Grealish - KDB
    Jiminez - Igns - Aguero

    Pope Lundstram - Perez - Lascellas

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Aguero to Aubameyang