Podcast
26 January 2021 678 comments
J0E J0E
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Joe and Seb are joined by Karam to look at the key issues facing Fantasy Premier League managers ahead of Gameweek 20.

After a Blank then Double Gameweek in quick succession, FPL managers can look forward to a ‘normal’ set of fixtures this time around.

But FPL is rarely easy this campaign, in which Covid and increasing scheduling problems have wreaked havoc across top-flight football.

A chief concern is injuries to some of the most well owned and reliable players, with both Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m) and Leicester talisman Jamie Vardy (£10.1m) sidelined for weeks.

Our Scoutcast trio look in detail at the best replacements for both, with a wealth of options to suit all budgets. Are Tottenham’s Harry Kane (£11.2m) and Son Heung-min (£9.7m) the obvious targets for those who are currently without this magnificent attacking duo? Or are there cheaper, emerging options to consider instead?

Liverpool’s recent poor form is also under scrutiny. Is Mohammed Salah (£12.5m), who is excelling in the Cup but not the League, worth keeping amidst the upcoming mixed set of games?

Elsewhere, there are some excellent FPL teams showcased in the Scoutcast’s rough with the smooth round up of Gameweek 19, fixtures are frisked and Seb takes his turn to select a differential.

Finally, this latest episode signs off with our three Scoutcasters revealing their transfer plans and captaincy decisions.

This latest episode of the Scoutcast was first beamed live 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

678 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Doar1986
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Current team
    Martinez/McCarthy
    Chilwell, stones, coufal, target, Mitchell
    KDB, Salah, Soucek, foden, Bruno
    Watkins, Bamford, Antonio

    Who should I replace KDB with

    A. Grealish
    B. Sterling
    C. Son

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      C

    2. Baron Penguin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      D. You could play 3-4-3 and save the FT.

  2. Weeb Kakashi
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Grealish is now an even better option with Penalties.
    Decent fixture run for the long term. Most Chances created in the League. Probably season keeper?

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Grealish doesnt seem keen on taking pens. I would expect Barkley to take the next one

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        If El Ghazi is on the pitch then he takes them.
        Otherwise Grealish.

        1. internal error
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I wouldnt be so sure about that. We were told it was between Jack and Watkins not long ago, and Grealish seemed more than happy to relinquish pen duties

          1. Weeb Kakashi
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Remember Dean talking about El Ghazi taking them and Jack when Ghazi is off.

          2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Smith said himself it's El Ghazi and if he's not on the pitch it's Grealish

            1. internal error
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              That was after El Ghazi took it. Before that game, he said he would let Watkins and Grealish decide. So its not set in stone that Grealish is taking a pen if El Ghazi isnt playing

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Feel like he'd probably miss - he doesn't seem confident on taking them.

    3. Chandler Bing
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      He's not on pens tho.

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        He is when El Ghazi is not on the pitch. Dean himself said it

        1. internal error
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Dean said Watkins or Grealish

    4. Captain_Shirokov
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Barkley is on penalties

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Source? Remember Smith saying its Jack.

  3. Lieutenant Frank Columbo
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Morning all .... would you start Coufal away to Palace or Dallas away to Newcastle?

    What is your thinking for your decision?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Dallas - NUFC are sh1te

    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      dallas
      newcastle are shite

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        We are allowed to write shite. Who knew?

        1. John Nerdelbaum
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          they let you in regards to newcastle

    3. Moderately content penguin
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Dallas

      Palace are a much better team than Newcastle right now and tend to score at home

    4. ShaunGoater123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Im going Dallas.

      Palace are better then newcastle

    5. Lieutenant Frank Columbo
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Excellent, thanks .... you’ve all mirrored my choice and, indeed, my reasoning.

  4. bros
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Chances of Zouma & Alioski playing this week?
    Thanks

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Tuchel tried to buy Rudiger once
      Think Alioski might go if Leeds' CBs are fit

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

      Low- with Frank’s departure maybe Zouma has a slightly better chance

      Alioski will always be at risk with coops etc back

    3. Tanaka'd
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Don't think Alioski will play. Dallas at LB

  5. SM001
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Justin / Cancelo / Cresswell
    Barnes / KDB / Fernandes / Gündogan
    Watkins / VARDY / Bamford

    Fabianski / Soucek / TAA / Alioski

    A) KDB + Vardy to Kane + Son (-4)
    or
    B) KDB to Sterling

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

      A long term for me.

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. rubberdignerapids
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Kdb to son and play TAA imo

      Then Vardy to Kane next week

  6. ZAWAd25
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Rashford to Son for a hit? Don’t have anyone good to come on for Rashford if he misses

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

      Not for a hit- just hope he starts.

      Who else is on your bench

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

      Yes

    3. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe save that move for next week. Hope that Rash plays and Son has Liverpool anyway

  7. FDMS All Starz
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Kdb to who?
    A) Sterling
    B) Gundo...allows me to do Adams to Kane next week
    C) Mane
    D) Save FT (start Justin/Adams)

    My team:
    McCarthy
    Alioski - Coufal - Stones
    Salah - Son - Bruno - Raphina - KDB*
    Bamford - Watkins

    (Johnstone - Adams - Justin - O’Shea)
    (1FT & 0.3itb)

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

      B

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B

  8. rubberdignerapids
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Good to go? Feels a bit weird playing 5-3-2

    McCarthy (Johnstone)
    (C)ancelo, Robbo, Stones, Dallas, Coufal
    Bruno, Salah, Gundo (Lookman, Soucek)
    Antonio, Bamford (Vardy)

    4.7 itb 0ft

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Could be maverick

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Me too.
      Solidarity.

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

        Technically it’s 6 defenders if you count (C)ancelo

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          “That’s right, Iceman. I am dangerous.” – Maverick

  9. cuppatea78
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    How would you suggest I improve this team?

    McCarthy
    Stone Dias Justin
    Grealish Son Fernandes Salah
    Bamford Kane Antonio

    Steel, Konsa, Mitchell, Mendy

    ITB £0.8

    Thanks

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Choose a captain

      1. cuppatea78
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Bruno (C)
        Kane (VC)

        1. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Looks great

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

      Bank the transfer

  10. mcsteely
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Lost on last page..
    A: KDB > Grealish
    B: KDB > Gundo
    C: KBD & Rashford > Grealish & Gundo (-4)

    1. cuppatea78
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Tis week I would probably just do B but would look to get Grealish in after that as well.

    2. Gudjohnsen
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B for now then you can reassess at the weekend.

      Grealish could get a YC against Burnley.

  11. Sheffield Wednesday
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    For GW20 fixtures, is this my optimal formation, keeper and captaincy?

    Ederson [wba]
    AWB - Stones - Dias(v) - Cresswell
    Salah - Fernandes(c) - Son
    Bamford - Wilson - Antonio

    Martinez [bur] - ESR El-Ghazi Mitchell
    4.1M 0FT

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Probably

  12. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Bench Holding or Justin?

    1. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Holding

  13. sp1122
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    G2G? Bit worried about benching Bednerak and Robertson.

    Martinez
    Dallas, Stones, Dias(vc)
    Salah, Bruno(c), Foden, Grealish
    DCL, Bamford, Kane

    Bench: Steer, Robertson, Bednerak, Anguissa

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      G2G

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

      No one else to bench in the team so correct call. G2G.

    3. sp1122
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Thank you.

  14. The FPL Units
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Gtg or take a hit for something? Bench right?

    Marty
    Stones Coufal Holding
    Salah (B)runo Son Guido Grealish
    Wilson Bamford

    Bench: Button Bednarek Brewster Mitchell

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      That'll do Units.
      Brewster should always be last on bench.

  15. Gharvey
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Bamford, Kane or Werner for next 3gw. I’m so tempted by Werner

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Kane if you can afford him.

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Kane

  16. EWH2020
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    In a few months time we will all laugh about the time Gundogan was the most hyped FPL asset in history and vow never to make that mistake again

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      *weeks

      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Potentially this week lol. But so cheap it doesn't matter.

    2. Gudjohnsen
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'm not so sure.

      He's on pens and assists also.

      5.6 is a low risk imo

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

        Hes still filling up one of your player slots

        1. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Rather him than Soucek

          1. Sheffield Wednesday
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            This discussion aged well...

    3. popcoin
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      this is my gut instinct also. But what if he keeps scoring for 2 or 3 more weeks? Worth it at that price

    4. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      At least Gundo is in good form (for now), though I haven't bought him yet.
      The most hyped player this season was one who had not played any matches in EPL yet was considered by the horde to be essential. Rhymes with "Learner".. learnt my lesson.

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

      I'm thinking there are going to be a lot of Gundogan to Foden transfers next GW (after Foden gets a brace only for him to be benched the following week)

  17. Bobby_Baggio
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Draft question please. Which would you prefer:

    A) Adams
    B) Barnes

    And one from below:

    1) Keane
    2) Konsa
    3) Boly

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B and 2

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

        Cheers

  18. Mikei
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Play Maddison or Antonio?

    Martinez
    Stones Cancelo Dallas
    Gundo Son Bruno Salah (Maddison)
    Bamford Kane (Antonio)

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Antonio

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      The antman

  19. Vazza
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Who is likely to score more points in the next three gameweeks

    A. Cancelo
    B. Gundogan

    Should I bring Salah in

    1. Yes
    2. No..

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      cancelo

      no hurry

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

      Anyone please

    3. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B and no rush for Salah

  20. Zlatan F.C
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Are those with Robertson sticking with or selling?

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

      100% sticking

    2. boomboom11
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Think I'll be selling in order to fund Son and Kane. Don't think he's a bad option but with KDB out I think the 4 premiums of Son, Kane, Salah and Bruno is going to be hard to argue with.

  21. Ando
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Play Zouma (WOL) or Smith Rowe (sou)?

    Leaning towards Smith Rowe as Saints have both their first choice fullbacks out.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      EDM

  22. EWH2020
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Why is Foden so Overlooked?

    - one of City's best players this season
    - top goal scorer
    - cheap

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Feast or famine option

    2. FDMS All Starz
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Because Bernardo can play through the middle while 2 of Sterling/Torres/Mahrez play on the wing...you can never be sure with pep

    3. Garth Marenghi
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Rotation

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

      I’ve got him and I’m happy to take a punt on him. If he doesn’t come on you’ve got your bench. I believe he’s the best city player atm after KDB

  23. Zlatan F.C
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Coufal or Soucek?

  24. sminkypinky
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Funny how quickly i’ve again forgotten the rotten feeling of disappointment after last gw.
    Excited about the next gw and really liking the look of my team.
    Just know the pain is going to be so sweet when they all fail me again!

  25. Vazza
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Would you make these moves

    AWB, Zouma, KDB => Cancelo, Salah, 4.2m def (for bench)

    4 point hit

  26. Garth Marenghi
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Sterling over Kane next 3?

    A) yes
    B) no

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

      b

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

      Hell. No

    3. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Big Nope

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

      Kane is one player you get in your team and forget. I’ve learnt that the hard way

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

      Yes

  27. popcoin
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Do I need talking out of getting DCL this week? Long term move, I believe that with all the supporting cast back at Everton he's going to be scoring again and want to get ahead this week, despite the tricky game v Leicester. Or more sensible to wait a week?

    1. Garth Marenghi
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Could be wrong, but don’t think you’ll miss much if u wait

    2. Tanaka'd
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'd wait a week. Like you say, tricky game so see how he looks.

  28. mtaw101
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Deciding whether to transfer Zouma out for a hit is making my head spin. Worried he'll come back in and Chelsea could keep clean sheets against Wolves and Burnley but don't want to keep him if he's benched and miss out on Shaw at home to Sheff U or another Man City defender (probably Dias) who I want asap to go with Stones for the next few weeks. Thoughts?

    Current Team
    Martinez (McCarthy)
    Zouma Stones Targett Alioski (Coufal)
    Salah Bruno (C) Soucek KDB (getting Gundogan as 1 FT) (Jones)
    Kane (V) Bamford (Decordova-Reid)

    Want to upgrade Jones and Reid asap as well with the KDB money so kind of tempted to take a couple of hits in the coming weeks....

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

      Never take a hit for a defender

  29. Steadzz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    1) Vardy > Werner
    2) Vardy > Cavani

    I'm a Chelsea fan and Wernrer (despite his penalty miss) is looking sharper to me and i see a turnaround very soon. But is it too big a punt and will he end up being benched tomorrow?

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

      Both are big punts tbf (and both could be benched)

      1. Steadzz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        And i think that's why i'm slightly more inclined to go back to Werner. That said, i'm going without Bruno again and already have Pulisic...

  30. Captain_Shirokov
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Dier (LIV)
    Coufal (cry)
    Soucek (cry)
    Adams (ARS)

    Can only play one - who should it be?

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

      Between Coufal and Adams for me
      Would actually lean towards Coufal who has higher xGI stats than Adams in the last 4 games played and some CS chance