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. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    For FT - Son > Richarlison or Tony Gloves?

    (Mahrez goes for the other one next week for the blank)

    Leaning towards Tony given Arteta’s little defensive renaissance in progress

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Oops - now that’s a poor TOTP

    2. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Are you up for a punt? ASM is slightly tempting me. Would go for Richarlison tbh

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Who is ASM? Not going to get too punty - need a playing GW28 body, and the two lads are also both OOP & decent value

        1. HammersXI
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Saint Maximin (Newcastle). Maverick move that could pay off

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Maximin is the man 😉

      Martial out of those 2.

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

      I'm getting Tony.
      Manager's remarks on him makes me do it.
      "He's been asked to make runs into the box more"

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

        And yes, i am biased. Not gonna lie.
        Think we'll be good for the rest of the season. Bruno effect + fred matic doing well too.
        I hope ighalo makes good impact whenever he gets chance

      2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Leaning that way too I reckon

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

      I have Martial. OOP, more points otw

    6. Jarnathan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      City and Spurs on the horizon?

      United right at the bottom of the fixture list., but then again, perhaps its the perfect time to play against both sides....

  2. HammersXI
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Already used one FT for Lundstrum -> Taylor early last week.
    Are these changes for -4 worth it?

    Soy + DCL -> Saiss + Jimi (Exact money currently)

    Current Team
    Ramsdale (Button)
    Taylor TAA Stephens (Fernandez Soy)
    Mane Grealish KDB Salah (Hayden)
    DCL Vardy Ings

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I don’t think so - I’d just play Stephens & DCL there tbh

      1. HammersXI
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        You won't get Jimi vs Norwich?

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I have him myself - but in a once off GW selling DCL could bite & no guarantees Jimmy hauls (hope he does though obvs)

          1. HammersXI
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Tbh I'm looking at DCL fixtures vs Jimi fixtures and its quite alarming though I know there's an argument wrt form vs fixture.

            Kinda feel Everton is still v inconsistent and I don't expect much the next 5 games

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

      Not worth a hit

      1. HammersXI
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Hmm would you do those moves if it were FTs?

        Thinking longer-term right now. Already have 11 for GW 28

  3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Everyone on board the Danny Ings (c) wagon this week?

    Too much of an opportunity to pass up vs this Villa defence

    Hoping Engels does an Engels

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Will Mings be back?
      Given you don't own the popular choices, why not?

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Mings might be back if he’s recovered from illness - but even then they’ve still conceded 21 in 11 away games with him starting which is encouraging for Monsieur Ings

        Always risky backing against Mo & Mane - but then again - is Mane’s return actually a positive for Mo?

        In the four games Mané hasn’t started prior to Norwich for example Mo averages an astonishing 13.75 PPG (12, 13, 14, 16)

        In the other 18 that they started together Mo’s average drops to 6.2 PPG (113 points in those 18)

        Maybe this is the game they both grab hauls in though to redress the balance, who knows!

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

      If Mings if fit nahh
      If he isn't, i might give it a try

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

      I don't know if he can outscore Salah. It's West Ham after all.

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Exactly. Not worth the risk with very little upside

    4. HammersXI
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I am tempted, but its Southampton after all

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        They’re worse at home for sure

        But Ings actually scores more points at home (aided by thta ridiuclous baps record admittedly)

        And his biggest haul of the season was vs Villa (aided by the lack of Mings equally admittedly)

        Food for thought

        1. HammersXI
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          It is food for thought that's for sure. But with Mane and Salah I'm not too sure I want to take a risk captain punt at this stage.

    5. Sterling Archer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Hes getting the VC!

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

    Dismal gw. OR fell from 12k > 30k. Anything worth a hit here or g2g? 5.5m itb

    Mccarthy
    taa stevens dunk
    salah kdb grealish traore
    firmino jiminez ings

    button rico dendo soy

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

      All set for this week

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

        Cheers.

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

        Dunk > Doherty worth a hit mate?

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

          Dont think so, maybe next week for free

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

            Thanks

  5. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Really stuck with what to do here. Aguero to Jimenez makes sense, but that still leaves me with Son. Is Son > Traore/Rich really worth a hit? Lundstram to Doherty for a hit is also tempting:

    Pope
    TAA VVD Stephens Lundstram*
    Salah KDB Cantwell
    Aguero Ings DCL

    Button Son* Dendoncker Holgate

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

      Son is long-term. I'd probably deal with him first.

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Jimenez at home to Norwich is too good to pass though, especially when I’m expecting reduced minutes for Kun. Most likely a -4 but not sure who I want in midfield

    2. Aftermath
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'd replace son first, although Kun out also makes sense with rotation this week and blank next. I'd go for a hit personally but it's a gamble

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Deal with the 10.0 injured player first

      This is a classic case of the downside of owning Kun kicking in - 3 consecutive blanks including captaincy vs West Ham at home & uncertainty of his start for Leciester

      Pep basically makes him a no-go zone the vast majority of the time - hopefully he gets a good DGW

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        There isn’t much downside.. I just don’t want him for 30mins over 2 GW’s

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          There’s a fair whack of opportunity cost to 12.0 & a FT delivering 8 points in 3 GW’s

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            There you go again making your own select criteria.. what about his massive hauls the weeks prior with captaincy?

            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              By "making your own select criteria" do you mean "stating facts"? 🙂

              I only see one massive haul - and I think I remember you crowing about transferring him in after that, not before it 😉

  6. sglancelot
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Who do you think will score more in GW 27?

    A) Stephens + Aguero
    B) Mane + Jimenez

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

      B

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

      Forgot to mention its B) with a hit.

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

  7. Aftermath
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Play 3:

    A. Maddison (MCI)
    B. Stephens (AVL)
    C. Egan (BHA)
    D. Fleck(BHA)

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      ABC

    2. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      ACD

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

      ACD

  8. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Early ideas on this lot?

    Ryan Button
    TAA Soy Dunk Kelly* Lund*
    Salah KDB Martial* Traore Cantwell
    Auba* Vardy Ings

    1 FT, 1.9 in bank.
    Players with * could possibly go.

    Cheers for any help.

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Wildcard 😆
      No seriously, Auba to Jimenez

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Or Kelly to Boly

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

      Kelly > Boly. Or maybe save this gw and reassess with 2 fts next gw.

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

      Auba to Jimenez this week then Kelly to Robbo next week?

    4. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Get in Jimenez!

    5. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers all.

    6. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Kelly/Lundy to Doherty

    7. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I would be tempted to hold this week and have 2FT for GW28. See then what to do.

  9. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What to do here?

    Hendo
    TAA Robbo Egan
    Salah KDB Son Fleck
    Kun Ings Wood

    McCarthy Taylor Lascelles Hayden (1ft .1m itb)

    Thinking of doing Kun, Son -> Jim, Martial (-4)?

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not a fan of Tony but not many options so ye looks good

  10. Henning
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    1. Son out for Martial/Fernandez

    2. Son and DCL out for Martial/Fernandez and Jimenez - 4

    Ryan Button

    TAA VvD Sidibe Stephens Lundstram

    Salah KDB Son Traore Perez

    Ings Vardy DCL

    1. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Just 1 for me DCL could score vs arsenal

  11. JT11fc
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Which is better? Wanting to make the move for 3rd Pool player this week

    A. Evans + Mane
    or
    B. Robbo Vardy

    1. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      If Vardy comes back to life definitely B.

      1. JT11fc
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

  12. Akshatjazz
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Guys any change in the midfiled required ?

    Kbd, Salah, traore, Perez, fleck

    1.1m itb

    1. JT11fc
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Fleck out next week

      1. Akshatjazz
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Fleck > Hayden to save and use the money some where else ??

        Or else take fleck > to who ??

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

      Nope, maybe Barnes over Perez

      1. Akshatjazz
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Do you think owning both (Perez, Barnes) is a good differential ??

  13. Jamb0
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Start one:
    A) Lundstram (BHA)
    B) Lascelles (cry)

    1. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Lascelles because its unlikely the Lord will start

    2. Lignja
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Same dilema, i think ill go with Lund again

    3. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

      B

  14. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Guaita
    Robbo, TAA, Stevens
    Salah, KDB, Madds, Traore
    Vardy, Jimmy, Ings

    1 FT 0.0 ITB

    4.0, Lund, Chilwell, Cantwell

    a) Save
    b) Lund -> Boly and play Boly over Maddison
    c) Something else

    1. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I think you can get away with saving this week.

    2. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Save

  15. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Henderson
    TAA - VVD - Stevens
    Salah - KDB - Grealish - Traore
    Aguero - Jimenez - Ings

    (McCarthy - O'Connell - Mooy - Stephens)
    2 FTs & 0.0m

    A) O'Connell ➡️ Saiss
    B) E.Stevens ➡️ Boly
    C) Henderson ➡️ Pope

    Will be doing Aguero & Grealish to Vardy & Barnes next week most likely.

    Cheers! 🙂

    1. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Prob B for me but it’s close

    2. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

    3. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

  16. Up the tics
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Henderson
    TAA - Robbo - Soyunca - Kelly - Holgate
    Salah - KDB - Grealish - Traore - Cantwell
    Vardy - Jimenez - Ings

    2ft 4.1m itb

    I have no clue what to do. All my planned moves have gone out this window due to injury/poor form. Anybody help with some advice?

    1. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Soy/Kelly/Holgate to Doherty

  17. KDB4PREZ
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hey guys what’s the best strat if you all chips bar the TC, am happy with team so No need to W/C atm.

    I seen irbox had a good/different strategy with them is that still your plan buddy?

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

      Sit back and relax for two more weeks, then majority of the things will be clear

      Something like WC in 33, BB in 34, FH in 37 is an option.

      1. KDB4PREZ
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks Holmes helpfull as ever 🙂

  18. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    1ft 0.1m itb

    Pope
    Taa, Robo, Lundstram
    Salah, Kdb, Traore, Grealish
    Auba, Vardy, Ings

    Lascales, Rico, Dendoker

    A. Save
    B. Auba to Jimenez

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

      Save

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

      Have the same question. I will decide after tonight games.

  19. melvinmbabazi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What to do with this lot ? Any suggestions?
    1FT 0.0 ITB

    McCarthy-McGovern
    TAA-Stevens-Aurier-Williams-Rico
    Salah-KDB-Martial-James-Cantwell
    Vardy-Firmino-Ings

    Thanks

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

      James to Traore

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

    How would you fix this team? I’m thinking:

    Kun & Son ——> Jimenez & Mane (-4)

    Ryan
    TAA-Taylor-Lunds
    Salah-Kdb-Martial-Son*
    DCL-Ings-Kun*

    Subs:Button-Cathcart-Soy-Romeu

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

      1FT & 0itb

  21. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best option?
    A. Pepe + Fernandes 352
    B. Maddison + Vardy 343
    C. Fernandes + Vardy 343

    1. Lignja
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      C

  22. olidooley
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Gtg here? 0 FT....0.6 itb to move McGovern to McCarthy for GW28 to have a playing keeper and 11 players

    Henderson
    Robertson TAA Stephens
    Salah(c) KDB Martial Grealish
    Vardy Jiménez Ings

    McGovern Dendoncker Soyuncu Kelly**

  23. Ynwalfc
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Pope
    Aurier,TAA,Gomez
    KDB,Salah(C),Grealish,Fernandez
    Kun,Ings,DCL

    Subs Button,Traore,Lundstram,Kelly

    GTG? Thinking maybe kun to Jiminez?

  24. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Any advice for chip strategy if all chips intact?

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

      54

      https://www.livefpl.net/LMS

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

        Damn it, sorry!

        I'm considering WC in 33 if possible, BB/TC in 34, FH in 37. Can prepare for a GW30 BB, otherwise just going to TC in some single GW.

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

          Almost tc kun this gw, dodged a bullet! Cheers bud

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

            If DGW29 happens, we can use TC in that. Otherwise not many options left 😀

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

              When will we know?

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

                Probably before GW28 deadline

  25. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What was LMS safety score?

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

      54

      https://www.livefpl.net/LMS

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

    What would you do with this team?
    Sidibe, cantwell to go?

    Hedno
    Sidibe TAA VVD stephens
    Kdb Salah Traore
    Kun Jimi Ings

    Mooy, Cantwell, Kelly 3.4, 1 FT

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

      Save FT, will be useful next week.

  27. niaz1982
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    My team currently is

    Henderson (Pope)
    Rico TAA Soy (Lund Kelly)
    KDB Salah Son Mahrez (Dendonker)
    Firminho Ings Woods

    Who would you change Son to and would you take a 4 point hit to make further changes? 1 FT £0.4 ITB

    Thanks

  28. pjanns
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Got 2 FTs.
    The first will be:
    Lundstram --> Boly

    Really in doubt about the second.
    A. Hold
    B. Auba --> Jiminez

    Tempting to just hold.

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

      A

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

        thanks

  29. niaz1982
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    My team currently is

    Henderson (Pope)
    Rico TAA Soy (Lund Kelly)
    KDB Salah Son Mahrez (Dendonker)
    Firm Ings Woods

    Who would you change Son to and would you take a 4 point hit to make further changes? 1 FT £0.4 ITB

    1. niaz1982
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Thinking -4 pts doing Son to Mane and firm to Jimi

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

        Son > Traore

        1. niaz1982
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          What your thinking?

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

            Son > Traore

        2. niaz1982
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Form wise not high up the table and not dazzling the points over the last 5 gw? Good fixtures I guess?

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

            Yes, and explosive. Can get a big haul against any team.

            1. niaz1982
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Thanks

  30. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Any suggestions for this lot?

    Pickford* button
    Taa gomez Egan Baldock soyunchu
    Grealish Sarr* Salah hayden Richarlison
    Auba Vardy ings

    * Indicates want to replace them

    Suggestions and feedback welcome