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26 January 2017 954 comments
Mark Mark
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And so it begins. This is our time – the period of the season where the hours of planning and strategising lay the foundations for big hauls to come.

Blanks and double Gameweeks are looming, and we’re clearing our heads in preparation to embrace the variables and manoeuvrings they present. We’re not sure if we’re going to be able to fully exploit them, but we’re certain that, should we fail, it won’t be for a lack of planning.

Guided by your questions, it all starts here, in this latest episode of the ScoutCast, where Jonty and Andy join me to pick through the early “known unknowns” and lay down the groundwork.

Elsewhere in the episode, we overcome Jonty’s “cow on the line” incident to embark on some formation dancing; considering the shift back to 3-4-3 and, once again, entertaining the idea of a big spend in defence.

This episode of the ScoutCast was first beamed live via our YouTube channel on Tuesday night. Be sure to subscribe to get notice of future live episodes.

If you’re a traditional type, you can acquire the mp3 audio version via this link or the first player below, or take in the full visual experience via the second player below.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

954 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. French Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    In terms of Spurs attacking cover what is the order of priority ?

    A) Alli
    B) Eriksen
    C) Kane

    1. joeydordon
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Im probably going by that order but only because 2 of my strikers have no blanks or id have kane in 2nd position

    2. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      depends on team structure and Funds in teams

    3. AlrightGuvnor
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      B, A, C

  2. joeydordon
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Will wc-ing in gw 29 be popular? Justing thinking with dgws looking like a lot of the big teams being involved shouldnt be hard to transfer in players with no bgw for gws 26 and 28 then wc in 29 knowing all the dgw teams.

    1. Pasqualinho
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      It's one strategy, for sure. But will be frowned on by some.

      1. joeydordon
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        Cant see waiting holds any value unless your team got decimated by injuries gw32 onwards

        1. Rhinos
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 13 days ago

          Be more info as to who the best picks are. There's no right answer though, 29 fine if you think you can pull it off

        2. Pasqualinho
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 13 days ago

          I'm all for it, if you want. But the majority will be campaigning for wildcarding GW33 or 36. There will also be a few who want to WC on the week of the doubles and forego BB and TC. They're all valid strategies - but you need to be prepared for criticism by those who are convinced that their strategy is the best, and yours isn't.

    2. only2
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Leaning towards that plan myself

      1. joeydordon
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        Seems like a good option if u can field a full 11 in gw28 without hits! As we can

  3. Pomp and Circumstance
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    planning to transfer out Lallana--considering bringing in Eriksen, Sterling, or Pogba--opinions? have both Alli and Kane

    1. Yome
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Eriksen

      1. Pomp and Circumstance
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        in general, what are opinions on having all 3 of Alli, Eriksen, and Kane?

        1. BobBradleysOpportunity
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 13 days ago

          In a nutshell it's the same as having any three attackers, with the small negative of them taking a bonus point off each other here and there.

    2. only2
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Spurs, united and city are all in danger of getting a blank in gw 28. I would keep an eye on which teams are playing in gw 26 and gw 28 and plan accordingly

  4. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Any suggestions with this team?

    Heaton
    Evans Alonso Jones
    Alli Lallana Sanchez Phillips
    Giroud Kane Ibra

    1FT 1.7 ITB

    Cheers

    1. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Evans --> Brunt is the easiest transfer you'll make. massive upgrade

    2. The 12th Man
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Save
      Or Lallana > Erikson
      Or Evans > Coleman,Baines or Brunt

    3. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Delete your account

    4. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Who is on the bench?

  5. Niemi
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Is Brunt's OOP appeal gone now that he started at LB in the last 3 matches? He's also sharing set pieces with Phillips.

    1. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Nyom back so no. Plenty of threat from left back anyway

    2. French Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      fixtures are still great for him to get several cleanies regardless

    3. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      As soon as Evans is fit he will play oop again

  6. _Gunner
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Current defense: 1FT and 0.2 itb

    Jones Alonso McAuley (Holebas, Amat)

    Save FT or sell Amat/Holebas for someone?

    1. S.Agueroooooo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Save. Also have those two and a FT available. Holebas has burnley at home next week so not the worst option.

    2. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      save barring injury this week, those free will all start with decent fixtures so don't give yourself a selection problem

      1. _Gunner
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        Thanks All

  7. The 12th Man
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Everton offer former player Jose Baxter a contract to play with the U 23s.

    A fresh start for a player currently banned.

  8. Nesvy
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Better pick ?

    a/ Holebas > Funes Mori
    b/ Amant > Holgate
    c/ Save FT

    Alonso - Walker - Brunt - Holebas* - Amat*

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      B

      Holebas only out for one game and then has Burnley

  9. WVA
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Hazard to
    A. Antonio
    B. Erikson
    Have Alli and A about to rise.

    1. Yome
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      B

    2. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      B

  10. Live Lad
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    I need to do 2 transfers to field 11 players if Snoddy is out. That is -4. Might as well do -8 if the new ones will likely pay it back?

    VVD + Hazard + Anichebe to Funes Mori + Eriksen + Gray.

    My gut says Gray. Eriksen will perhaps outscore Hazard. Thoughts?

  11. camarozz
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Only one decision to make this wk.
    Hazard OUT for
    A)Antonio
    B) siggy
    C ) other. ??

    Have Alli,Philips,Sanchez,Costa,ibra,lukaku......

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      I think A is a decent shout. Playing forward at the moment, good form, no blanks, cheap etc. I'm just not sure whether this is the week to bring him in.

    2. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Why not just keep

      1. camarozz
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        No way. He's been very poor. I need to upgrade defense and want double Everton for fixtures n blanks

        1. Rhinos
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 13 days ago

          Yes but why not save and do it next week

          1. Robe Wan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 13 days ago

            This

        2. Tinzelbat
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 12 days ago

          Hazard has been poor 6.3 ppg tell me how many players are better than THAT??????.

    3. S.Agueroooooo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      save

    4. Pep says
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      I like Siggy, maybe Eriksen?

    5. Robe Wan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Hazard loves a big game

      1. _Freddo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        Didn't love it at the Emirates.

    6. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Pool look all over the place at the moment. Why would you swap him for Siggy against a team who haven't conceded a goal in like 5 hours?

      keep and move him on next week with an upgrade elsewhere

      1. camarozz
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        Have two fts for second wk running and can't upgrade elsewhere until I sell hazard.

        1. The Hindu Monkey
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 13 days ago

          get KDB then. be brave, and allows you to downgrade him for anybody in game when it comes to the blank

          means you can also switch a defender for a good option who won't blank in 26

    7. Tinzelbat
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 12 days ago

      Don't sell hazard there is only 4 players with a better points to per match tally than him and 3 off then cost more than he does
      The other being alonso.
      I think people are off there rocker when they say the are selling him I will have him captain against a fatigued liverpool side next gameweek the less people that have him the better for me.

  12. Live Lad
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    I must keep Snoddy now, right? With his move to West Ham imminent.

    1. Robe Wan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      West Ham/Burnley/Middlesbrough

    2. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Could still go anywhere, but any of the other options better than Hull. So yes.

  13. Pomp and Circumstance
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    asked above similarly--is it a good idea to have all 3 of Alli, Eriksen, and Kane?

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      it's not a bad idea, they're scoring two a game

      personally I wouldn't have more than 2, but it's hard to argue against the tactic right now with many from Pool, United and City not performing.

    2. only2
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Might give you a headace later on if they get blanks because of fa cup

    3. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Too much IMHO - pick one of Alli or Eriksen and then Kane as well if you want.

      I only have Alli as I like to spread the love around!

  14. The Hindu Monkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    United just aren't scoring enough goals for Zlatan (c) for me.

    Both Kane and Sanchez just look better options.

    1. Pep says
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      I agree, Kane (C) for me. Although a last second kneejerk could throw it back to Sanchez

    2. Top 210 Club
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      That's if Kane returns from inj as expected.

      1. The Hindu Monkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        not worried, he'll be fine

  15. HurriKane
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Anyone else surprised Alli already got in 90k transfers while Eriksen only has 29K.? Last 10 gw's.

    Alli - 8 goals 4 assists

    Eriksen- 5 goals 8 assists

    Eriksen could be a shrewd differential. He's on Par with Alli in terms of goal and assists over last 10 gw's but not so popular

    (saying that doubling up on both is the way to go imo)

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Goals tend to grab the headlines

    2. shirtless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      I'm selling Hazard for either after the weekend to double up with Kane. Eriksen always burns me as does Hazard! So for that reason I'll probably go with Alli and maybe captain too.

    3. Karan_G14
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Im very happy with my double up.

      1. HurriKane
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        same. got in alli this gw

    4. The Wizard of Ozil
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      I was surprised to see Eriksen is higher owned player than Alli in the top 50.

      1. Pep says
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        Eriksen started producing before Alli

  16. The Hindu Monkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Bench one of Defoe, Crouch and Phillips this week?

    Currently on Defoe as I have Walker and Rose...

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Crouch. Defoe has pens at least.

      1. Pep says
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        Crouch

  17. Tshelby
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Stanislas -> Zaha for free

    Yay or Nay?

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      not this week, give it one

      1. Ha.
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        and I''l give this one

  18. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    It looks like Jese is signing for Middlesborough after Guillem Ballague said that he thinks he will join a spanish club

  19. Typo
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Lukaku - Costa - X

    Who would you place in the X, you can not choose Kane, Aguero, Zlatan

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Carroll or Defoe

    2. Karan_G14
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Carroll/Gray/Rondon

    3. Pep says
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Defoe

      1. Pep says
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        Jesus

    4. Numb
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Why can't we pick Zlatan or Kane?

    5. Judders
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Carroll, decent fixtures and no blanks approaching. If Snoddy comes in then they will score more.

    6. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      I have Carroll

  20. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    another flag for danny rose,great player ,but my word he is high maintenance to own,loves a yellow card and looks like hes going to lose a leg every time hes involved in a tackle,next time I have to choose im going over to the right side and getting kyle walker,anybody in the same boat???...

    1. BB-8
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      I'd still go Rose over Walker. On SP's and bigger threat from open play too.

    2. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Have Rose, but I think it's silly to switch at this stage. Walker has been incredibly lucky recently, but Rose is far more threatening and I think it's only a matter of time before that starts to translate into points. Yellow cards are a concern, but I think it would be more wise to get an Everton player so you don't have to worry about blanks and start using up transfers.

  21. mogadishu
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Choose one to bench:

    A) Alonso (liv)
    B) Brunt (mid)
    C) Coleman (stk)
    D) Cedric (swa)
    E) Barners (lei)

    1. Winners900
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      E

    2. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      E

  22. JayBomb
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Pick 2 to bench?

    A Baines
    B Friend
    C Brunt
    D Azpi
    E Lallana
    F Barnes
    G Gru

    Thinking B, E or F but not sure which 2 to pick? Thanks

    1. BB-8
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      BF

      1. Winners900
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        EF

  23. Zareos
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Which transfer would you make (obviously will wait until after the pressers on Monday)?

    A. Lallana to Antonio; or
    B. Amat to Holgate?

    I have 2 FTs and 0.2 ITB.

    1. Winners900
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Depends on your defence

      1. Zareos
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        Alonso, Walker, Jones, McAuley, and Amat.

        1. Winners900
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 13 days ago

          Then A, Lallana to Antonio

  24. SFC Fan 123
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Current team is:
    Heaton, Foster
    Browning, Alonso, Cedric, Coleman, Valencia
    Carrick, De Roon, Redmond, Sanchez, Fletcher
    Aguero, Giroud, Ibra

    Tempted to switch out Aguero and strengthen midfield, but not sure
    1 FT, 0.5 in bank.

    Any suggestions?

    1. Pomp and Circumstance
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      definitely strengthen midfield

    2. Winners900
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      LOL, that midfield though

      1. Winners900
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        Aguero to Kane, then upgrade a midfielder to Eriksen/Alli, but I dont think you got enough money.

        So probably Aguero to Lukaku, Redmond-> Eriksen/Alli is best for your team

    3. Das Phantom
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Put away Sanchez and that's some cracking midfield you have there:)
      But that's the price you pay for having great 4 defenders and top strikers.

      1. SFC Fan 123
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        Haha agreed, I killed my midfield to bring Aguero in, huge mistake!

    4. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Oof the midfield!!

      Downgrade Aguero and then bring in Alli or Eriksen.

    5. Bunk Moreland
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      I have an even more expensive frontline than you (Kane instead of Giroud) but still have a few decent midfielders (Sanchez, lallana, phillips, stanislas). It's the defense that is the difference.

      You'd want Aguero for the next 3 matches though, how about saving transfer and downgrading Giroud next week?

  25. Zlat-man
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    I dont hate Spurs. But praying that they get knocked out of fa cup before gw28

    1. Numb
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      As a planner, I prefer as much carnage as possible. Hope Spurs get the blank

      1. Zlat-man
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        Ownet of three sputs assets.. So it is making me to think like that.
        Surely there are managers owning three from utd/arsenal and praying them to be eliminated quickly

        1. Zlat-man
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 13 days ago

          Owner* spurs*

    2. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      No that makes it too easy .
      Total carnage is the way.

  26. HesaCat
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Randolph Jaku
    Chambers Walker Pieters Jones Marc Wilson
    Sanchez Stanislas Phillips Eriksen Snoddy
    Kun Ibra Kane

    2FT 0.0ITB

    Chambers and Snoddy > Brunt and Tom Carroll

    What do you think?

  27. Kizza_10
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Yes or no

    Out; McAuley

    In; Baines/Coleman

    1. Pomp and Circumstance
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      yes

    2. LC1
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      No.. Have you seen West Brom's fixtures.

      Definitely aim to bring in Everton defender but if possible at the expense of someone else.

    3. Eze Really?
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      I was thinking other way round or Jones/Mccauly

    4. Pep says
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      20pts in his last 2 homes games

    5. only2
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Looks a litte sideways and Mcauley is a keeper. Great fixtures and no blanks (as I can see). Would try to get in Baines/coleman some other way

  28. Pomp and Circumstance
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    which teams are most likely to have blank GWs?

    1. Numb
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      United, City, Arsenal and Soton

  29. Phil Dagger ⭐
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    No

    1. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      @ Kizza_10

  30. Friday press conferences
    Arteta
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Today's press conferences

    9:30 - Hull, Crystal Palace
    13:00 - Chelsea
    13:30 - Man City
    14:00 - Liverpool, Southampton
    15:15 - Watford

    1. Samurai Blue
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Thanks.

    2. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Cheers

    3. BB-8
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Great work as always Oz.

    4. Pieterke30
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 12 days ago

      Thanks man.

      Do you have any idea if there will be pressers on Monday too?