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7 April 2021 211 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 31.

Scrutinising Wildcards has become a staple part of Scoutcast episodes over the years, from Mark’s selection of ‘magic bean’ Ruben Loftus-Cheek to Joe’s disastrous Jason Puncheon punt.

This time around, Joe once again puts his head above the parapet to reveal his early Wildcard draft.

A dramatic fixture swing, emerging enablers and the changing form of top sides are key factors in many FPL managers’ decision to fire up their second Wildcard ahead of this Friday’s deadline.

But some are waiting a little while longer, while others, such as Seb and Karam, have already deployed the chip earlier this year.

With the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ in mind, this episode is aimed at all FPL managers to help guide them through the season run-in, featuring the best teams to target and the most eye-catching players to bring in.

Our trio also consider their ‘Wildcard checklists’, looking at the key factors in deciding to use the chip as well as their top tips for selecting the best 15 players.

Joe advocates flexibility, Karam urges FPL managers not to ignore Manchester City assets and Seb argues against booking in too many future transfers.

Meanwhile, the crew look back on their Gameweek 30 highs and lows, as well as those of the community in the return of ‘Rough with the Smooth’.

Their transfer and captaincy plans are revealed, next four fixtures are frisked and Karam takes his turn to pick a differential.

In addition, the community’s questions on Wildcards and more are answered.

This episode was aired live via YouTube. Be sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel 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

211 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 hour ago

    Considering a few swaps here, but this is my current WC draft. Any initial thoughts are appreciated. I still have my BB.

    Mendy, Forster
    Dias, TAA, Shaw, Rudiger, Coufal
    Gundo, Lingard, Salah, Son, Jota
    Kane, DCL, Iheanacho

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 hour ago

      I’d do DCL to Vydra and Dias to Holding to get the funds. Then upgrade Gundo to Bruno. Need him. Dias a rotation risk with city focusing on cups and he’s a 6 point merchant anyway. DCL shouldn’t be near any WC drafts imo

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 hour ago

        Thanks! Those are definitely doable. And fair enough about Bruno.

        Fwiw - DCL would be a keep. They do have decent fixtures and the extra game, which is why I was thinking I might hold. But happy to tinker some more.

  2. Super John McGinn-
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 hour ago

    Thoughts on wildcard draft?

    Mendy, Forster
    TAA, Dias, Shaw, Rudiger, Coady
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Jota, Lingard
    Kane, Inheancho, Vydra

    Went with Vydra over Davis due to having 3 players blanking in 33, any other changes Leicester defender etc?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 hour ago

      Arise, Sir Super Jack Grealish!

  3. bigdip
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 hour ago

    Bench 2 defenders:
    A)Shaw TOT (A)
    B) Rudiger CRY (A)
    C) Phillips AVL (H)
    D) Coady FUL (A)
    E) Fofana WHU (A)

    1. Super John McGinn-
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 hour ago

      A E

    2. JONALDINHO
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 hour ago

      C and E

    3. Moderately content penguin
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 51 mins ago

      DE

  4. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 hour ago

    Alonso, worth a punt to triple up with Mendy and Rudiger?

    1. FPL_Motty
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 hour ago

      Don't think so anymore. He was pretty liable for some terrible defending, feel tuchel will want a more solid bsckline after that embarrassment

      1. DannyDrinkVodka
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 hour ago

        cheers, who is the best option in your opinion up to 5.9 (don't want City or Spurs as I already have to make room for GW33 transfers)? I've already got TAA Shaw Rudiger Holding

        1. FPL_Motty
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 hour ago

          You can still triple Chelsea with azpi, hes 100% nailed. Or Cresswell/ coady would be my picks

          1. DannyDrinkVodka
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 hour ago

            Tough one, Cresswell has more attacking potential, would you agree?

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 hour ago

      No

  5. artvandelay316
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 hour ago

    Repost

    A or B. Do I...

    A) Stick with this squad, save 2FT for next week:
    Pope (Forster)
    Stones, Rudiger, Cresswell (Dallas, Mitchell)
    Salah, Lingard, Gundo (C), Bruno, Mount
    Kane (VC), DCL (Bamford)

    B) Do DCL > Vydra + Dallas > TAA (and play him) for -4, giving this squad:
    Pope (Forster)
    Stones, Rudiger, TAA, Cresswell (Mitchell)
    Salah, Lingard, Gundo (C), Bruno (Mount)
    Kane (VC), Vydra (Bamford)

  6. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 hour ago

    Probably already asked: Gundo and Stones chance of playing, it's slim isn't it?

    1. FPL_Motty
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 hour ago

      Stones probably slim. Gundo 50%?

    2. artvandelay316
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 hour ago

      Not necessarily. Gundo will have enough rest and didn't play last weekend, same for Stones. I have currently got Gundo as captain even! But may change to Kane or Salah.

      1. Brehmeren
        • 15 Years
        5 years, 1 hour ago

        Wow, that's risky. I've removed Gundo for a hit (for Salah though).

    3. JJO
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 hour ago

      They have one more game before PL match

      1. JJO
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 hour ago

        Sorry my bad

  7. Crystal Pulis
    • 15 Years
    5 years, 1 hour ago

    Why have so many ppl activated their Wildcards? Am I missing smth? Cheers

    1. FPL_Motty
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 hour ago

      Lots of fixture swings

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 51 mins ago

        ^ What Motty said. But some (not me) are probably waiting until 34.

    2. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 12 months ago

      To set your team up optimally for the last 8 weeks to take advantage of thy fixture swings. Opportunity cost is likely greater saving it for later, as less gameweeks to impact, compounded by many holding undesirable short term assets like triple Leeds and overexposure to City.

  8. Vman
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 hour ago

    So after a few tips and advice I now have this w/c team!

    Leno
    TAA Rudiger Shaw
    Salah Gundo Bruno Son Lingard
    DCL Kane

    Forster/Iheanacho/Coufal/Phillips

  9. Pukki Blinders
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 hour ago

    Best combo on WC?

    A. DCL + Holding
    B. Wood + Shaw

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 hour ago

      B, save you what may be a valuable transfer down the line for when Holding loses his spot

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 hour ago

        Probably won’t need to, he’ll be rotting 3rd on the bench at that stage

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 58 mins ago

      B

  10. sirmorbach
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 hour ago

    On WC:

    Martínez / Forster
    TAA / Dias / Coady / ________ / ________
    Salah / Bruno / Jota / Lingard / ________
    Kane / Iheanacho / ________

    A. Cresswell, Shaw, Gündogan, Wood
    B. Rüdiger, Holding, Son, Vydra

    1. Super John McGinn-
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 hour ago

      B

      1. sirmorbach
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 hour ago

        Cheers, sir. Good team, you reckon?

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 hour ago

      B for me

      1. sirmorbach
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 hour ago

        Appreciate it, sir

    3. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 55 mins ago

      B. Nice team.

      1. sirmorbach
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 54 mins ago

        Appreciate it, sir

  11. Thomas Magnum
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 hour ago

    Two questions.
    Anyone on WC going without the Son Kane duo
    And is it crazy to do Dias > Mendy(mci)... I am chasing in ML

    1. sirmorbach
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 hour ago

      I'm considering going without Son, but not sure yet

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 hour ago

      As much as I hate Spurs I think Son + Kane double is essential on WC

  12. FPL Daniel
    • 16 Years
    5 years, 1 hour ago

    Son close to a drop. Why people are selling when he has an upcoming double

    1. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 12 months ago

      Music to my ears. Sell sell sell people!

  13. Shark Team
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 hour ago

    He gets criticized a lot at times but Antonio Conte is such a great manager. Great achievement winning the Serie A with Inter.
    *Also Lukaku could be top scorer of the PL if he was there

  14. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 hour ago

    On wildcard...A or B?

    A. Phillips + Salah + Bamford
    B. TAA + Maddison/Raphinha + Jesus

    1. The White Pele
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 52 mins ago

      A but not Bamford

  15. FPL Daniel
    • 16 Years
    5 years, 1 hour ago

    When we will know the Villa and Everton double?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 hour ago

      Before it happens.

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 hour ago

        A very knightly response

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 16 Years
          5 years, 48 mins ago

          And when exactly is that ?

  16. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 hour ago

    A) Phillips + Bruno
    B) TAA + Maddison

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 15 Years
      5 years, 1 hour ago

      Oof really tough. Probably B

    2. The White Pele
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 53 mins ago

      A

  17. waltzingmatildas
    • 15 Years
    5 years, 1 hour ago

    I desperately need to get some money to upgrade defence on wc. Would you do any of these?
    A) vydra to brewster / davis
    B) mendy / Martinez to sanchez
    C) veltman to mitchell

    1. The White Pele
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 53 mins ago

      C if other 2 bench fodders are ok

  18. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 56 mins ago

    OK, so here is the amended draft with £ ITB for Sterling(C)>Bruno in GW 32:

    Mendy Forster
    TAA Rudiger Holding Cresswell Shaw
    Salah Sterling(c) Son Jota Lingard
    Kane Iheanacho Davis

    G2G?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 50 mins ago

      Only concern is Cresswell- he was pushed back with Masuaku coming into team and no Rice may limit clean sheets

      1. DannyDrinkVodka
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 48 mins ago

        Cheers, struggling to find a suitable replacement.....any suggestions?

        1. dunas_dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 47 mins ago

          Leicester defender. Castagne if can stretch otherwise Fofana

          1. DannyDrinkVodka
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 31 mins ago

            Cheers, I can afford Castagne.........could be a nice punt!

  19. The White Pele
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 55 mins ago

    who are the must have for onw GW punt?

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 44 mins ago

      Take a punt on the Pep Roulette!

  20. Vazza
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 52 mins ago

    Best option?

    A. Ayling >> Robbo (free)

    B. Ayling, Gundo >> TAA, Neto (4pt hit)

    C. Veltman, Watkins/Antonio >> TAA, Iheanacho (4pt hit)

    D. Stones, Ayling >> TAA, Saiss

    FH available for BGW33

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 48 mins ago

      B

    2. Vazza
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 33 mins ago

      Anyone else please?

    3. Thomas Magnum
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 30 mins ago

      D

  21. sirmorbach
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 49 mins ago

    Martínez / Forster
    Dias / Stones / Cresswell / Azpilicueta /  Dallas
    Salah / Bruno / Gündogan / Raphinha / Soucek
    Kane / Antonio / Watkins

    To WC or not to WC? Can't really decide.

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 49 mins ago

      WF for me

      1. sirmorbach
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 48 mins ago

        Appreciate it, sir

  22. FPL Daniel
    • 16 Years
    5 years, 49 mins ago

    Why people are getting Vydra ? Is he an assured starter?

    1. el polako
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 46 mins ago

      They just misspelling Vardy.

    2. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 45 mins ago

      He's played regularly past few weeks and got a few goals and assists. Decent bench fodder option.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 16 Years
        5 years, 44 mins ago

        Who is his competition? Does he plays because of some kind if injuries?

        1. PascalCygan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 42 mins ago

          Barnes got injured a couple of months ago but it seems, even with Rodriguez available, Vydra favoured to partner Wood.

  23. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 46 mins ago

    How about this WC and plan for next few weeks?

    0.4ITB

    Martinez Forster
    TAA Phillips Rudiger Coady Holding
    Salah Sterling Bruno Lingard Neto
    Kane Iheanacho Welbeck

    Sterling to Son next week, freeing funds to bring Villa/Everton players back in as and when DGW confirmed.

    Welbeck (like Watkins, who's there now) would be benched 31+32 and come in for 33+34 (Sheff Utd + Leeds).

    Thanks!

    1. The White Pele
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 35 mins ago

      TAA & Phillips too much imo. not tempted by jota?

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 32 mins ago

        I was, and I got Jota in early on my WC so I'll have the price rise from him at the very least!

        I've gone off him a little, though not ruled him out for future games.

        1. The White Pele
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 27 mins ago

          i'd get him but if you don't, TAA & Phillips blocks you.

          1. PascalCygan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 20 mins ago

            Cheers, yeah, it’s a risk I’ve considered. Hoping to save FTs so if Jota looks nailed / makes a case for inclusion, I’ll reassess.

  24. sirmorbach
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 44 mins ago

    Any changes to this WC draft?

    Martínez / Forster
    TAA / Dias / Cresswell / Rüdiger /  Coady
    Salah / Bruno / Son / Gündogan / Lingard
    Kane / Iheanacho / Vydra

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 43 mins ago

      I would be tempted to sell Dias and Creswell

      1. sirmorbach
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 40 mins ago

        Appreciate it, sir!

  25. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 43 mins ago

    How would you complete this WC?

    XXX -- Forster
    Taa Rudi XXX -- XXX XXX
    Salah Bruno Son Jota Lingard
    Kane Iheanacho -- Davis

    A: Leno + Shaw --- Coufal + Holding
    B: Leno + James --- Coady + Holding

    1. artvandelay316
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 27 mins ago

      A

  26. Boyhowdy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 41 mins ago

    Weeks taking a hit or more = 10. Green arrows in those weeks = 4.
    Weeks taking no hits = 19. Green arrows in those weeks = 15.
    Week 1 no arrow so I didn't count it.
    Moral: no hits.

  27. Enzo the Baker
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 32 mins ago

    Would you rather have:

    A) Dias + Shaw
    B) Cancelo + Reguilon

    Other defs are TAA, Rudiger, 3.8M fodder.

    Note that I will be using FH in GW33 so I can move Reguilon to Shaw for that week if needed.

    1. artvandelay316
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 25 mins ago

      I wouldn't be looking to bring in any City now. Ok to keep them for this week but after that they need to go.

      1. Enzo the Baker
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 20 mins ago

        Cheers Artvandelay. Mostly using the city defense as a hedge against losing ground in a closely-fought ML I'm in where most folks have Cancelo

        1. artvandelay316
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 15 mins ago

          I am similar in the mini league I am in - the number 2 position is chasing me with three City (Ederson, Dias and Gundo). I have Stones and Gundo. I am looking to offload Stones next week. Out the two options, I think A is probably the better choice, as Dias has been more nailed than others this season and Shaw will be a good option too.

          1. Enzo the Baker
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Thanks AVD, sorry I took so long to get back, missed your comment!

  28. artvandelay316
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 28 mins ago

    Third repost. Help please.

    A or B. Do I...

    A) Stick with this squad, save 2FT for next week:
    Pope (Forster)
    Stones, Rudiger, Cresswell (Dallas, Mitchell)
    Salah, Lingard, Gundo (C), Bruno, Mount
    Kane (VC), DCL (Bamford)

    B) Do DCL > Vydra + Dallas > TAA (and play him) for -4, giving this squad:
    Pope (Forster)
    Stones, Rudiger, TAA, Cresswell (Mitchell)
    Salah, Lingard, Gundo (C), Bruno (Mount)
    Kane (VC), Vydra (Bamford)

    Any other suggestions welcome too, this is just my initial idea.

    1. Vazza
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 mins ago

      Its a tricky one.

      DCL could easily get some returns against Brighton. Difficult to say the same for Dallas vs City however.

      TAA and Vydra could also get decent returns but for a 4 point hit I’m not sure it’s worth it.

      It’s a coin toss for me.

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

        My instinct says just roll the FT into next week. I really like DCL against Brighton

        1. artvandelay316
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 12 months ago

          Cheers. Yeah I also was thinking he could do something good against Brighton. I'll save I think.

  29. g40steve
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 20 mins ago

    Bale > Sterling C 5.8% owned?

  30. Vazza
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 13 mins ago

    Best option?

    A. Ayling >> Robbo (free)

    B. Ayling, Gundo >> TAA, Neto (4pt hit)

    C. Ayling/Veltman, Watkins/Antonio >> TAA, Iheanacho (4pt hit)

    D. Stones, Ayling >> TAA, Saiss (4pt hit)

    FH available for BGW33

    1. Vazza
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 6 mins ago

      Third post. Help please.

    2. artvandelay316
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 12 months ago

      C I reckon.