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

    Really fear that while we are "ahead" and focusing on transfering players without blanks, you will get outscored from people in your homeleague who just are picking players normally based on fixtures.

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

      Valid point, but hoping to get it back when they start hitting and using wc prematurely to field 11 though!

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

      Good chance the players we want to stock up on will just blank leaving you with a poor score regardless of having fielded 7 or 11 players
      Defoe will get a brace outscore every other popular player combined

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

        Jupp, but its risk in the game always. The right play and the longterm wise correct play is to field as many players as possible with good form in that gameweek and in that period.

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

      Yeah, that's only one or two weeks. Not much good if you have 5 or 6 bad weeks and those two decent weeks.

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

      I'm hoping to field 10 players, maybe take a gamble on my Captain pick.. I'll have 2ft's going into 29 and 5 dgw players with 7 transfers to get a full squad for gw34 and TC.
      WC 36 and BB 37.

      Early planning and all this could go straight out the window in the next few days but if it does, I'll just make a new plan

    5. Sickboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Such a good point this.

  2. andy85wsm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Do we think Jesus might get a start for City in the FA Cup?

    Would be great to see just how good he is.

    1. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      I would have thought so.

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

      Couldn't you tell within the few minutes he played that this guy is gonna be a freak?

      Obviously there is going to be a question about minutes, but he looks like the most exciting entry into the EPL for a while..

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

      I guess so. Whose place is in danger long term, Sterling?

      1. Dr Dream
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        Nobody's and everybody's. Pep will continue to use a full squad.

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

        Him or Aguero

  3. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Hope Hull stay up. Next 3 look tough but they are playing some really good footie.

  4. Bingo
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Who won th Baines or Seamie debate??

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

      Baines last week, Coleman this week

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

      is it still a thing... 🙁 ...
      Go for one and keep
      both are good options

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

        This. Buy one and keep

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

      Both good idea for a WC?

    4. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Mmm a player who may take the odd penalty but will probably be injured in a few weeks or a player who is much more attacking and looks more of a threat in general...only one winner for me

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

        Baines?

        1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 13 days ago

          Oh ok then

          * sells coleman for Baines *

  5. King H
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Would you guys bring in Brunt if you already have Philips and Rondon ? I am thinking that might be too much West Brom.

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

      I have McAuley and Phillips,going good so far

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

      I dont care if you have Phillips or Fletcher or Chadli or Rondon
      Just get Brunt in! !!!!!

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

      I would

    4. Jarnathan
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      If you were looking to replace a defender (like Jones), Brunt is a good option.

      I'd be looking to ship Rondon with or without other WBA players.

      1. King H
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        Looking to replace Lovren. Already have Alonso and Baines.

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

      I have Foster and Phillips. I think triple WBA might be too much.

      1. King H
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        Yeah that's the reason I have not don it yet but most on here are quite confident in the baggies so will give it a go.
        Good luck mate.

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

      i think it would be worth it. they have great fixtures and no blanks

      and rondon is due. could have easily scored a brace last gw

    7. King H
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Thanks all for your replies. That has given me some reassurance that it's a good idea. Plan is Hazard and Lovren to Eriksen and Brunt.

      I guess I will be giving Rondon one more week to get me some goals or he will be making way for the donkey from West Ham.

      Thanks all.

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

    https://mobile.twitter.com/papesouare/status/824898700145160193/photo/1

    Good News 🙂 after the horrible incident that happened with him

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      And now he faces a queue for the left back position!

  7. ShaunGoater123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Morning all,

    Heading off on holiday tomorrow so need to get my team set for midweek now. Annoying as its early and will miss the midweek press conferences etc but just the way it is. I have on big dilemma i'd appreciate any thoughts on, who to bench out of these three:

    A) Pedro
    B) Lallana
    C) Carroll

    cheers,

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

      Lallana

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

    Anyone else tempted to captain a Spurs attacker (Alli/Kane/Eriksen) over Sanchez ?

    Sunderland has conceded 3 or more goals in 4 of last 8 matches

    Watford has only once in last 8. Add to that Sanchez havent been explosive with Giroud in the line up

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

      Absolutely, got my captain firmly on Kane.

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

        kane a slight doubt for next gw ? any updates?

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

          he will play most likely (non owner) in my opinion.

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

      Eriksen 😎

    3. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Would cap Kaner but not 100% and points could go 1 of 2 ways in mid, so no unfortunately.

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

        yh but spurs has averaged 3 goals a game and faces a atrocious sunderland side

        i would be surprised if it doesnt end 4 or 5 nil for spurs

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

          * 3 goals a game in last 10 pl games

          1. Yankee Toffee
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 13 days ago

            Agreed, but I've got Kane, Erik and Walker and of those I'd only consider Kane (and considering the others in my squad with great fixtures) but he's not really gonna get 90,is he?

    4. Chris_White
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Been on Alli since saturday. No plans of changing.

    5. Make United Great Again
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Probably going with Alli or Eriksen.

  9. Yankee Toffee
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Anyone else thinking of flushing some mid funds and going with 3 expensive fwds? Ie) Ibra, Kane, Costa

    And if things go tets up, play 4-3-3...

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

      No lukaku No Party in blank weeks

    2. amit1964
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      i did it for the last 8 weeks,plying cun kane ibra lallana alli phillips...........and now i pull off cun to bring in sanchez

    3. Pegboy
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Thinking about Hazard> Carroll; Diomande>Costa (leaving me with Ibra, Costa, Lukaku) but having 2FTs feels more valuable than switching Chelsea assets around.

  10. Budweiser
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Loving my bench of Pickford, Holebas, Marney and Amat right now..

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

      mines pickford, lallana,pieters,mcauley

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

        But thats a good bench! 🙂

  11. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    £14m for PVA!! 😀 😀

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

      Shame he can't get in ahead of Alonso Baines Brunt..

    2. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Was it Brewster's Millions where Eddy Murphy had to waste an inherited fortune within a certain time period in order to secretly inherit even more money, and no one can understand what the hell he's doing?

      Reminds me of Sunderland and Hull this season.

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

        Richard Pryor.

    3. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Who did he sign for?

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        Palace

    4. pompeyfan
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      idk, not sure he's any worse than Jordi Alba for example. Excellent going forward, but pretty dodgy at the back.

    5. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      If schlupp went for 14m then it's going rate. In fact pva should be worn more on that basis.

    6. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 19 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      A bun for anyone who can guess how it's going to work with Schlupp.

      I'm struggling to find two more similar players in the Premier League so why get em both?

      1. 824545201
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 13 days ago

        PvA is miles better than Schlupp.

  12. Goonther
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Looking to do:

    Lallana ---> Sterling

    Already have Erikson and Sanchez mid...can't afford Alli.

    Thoughts?

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

      would rather save FT

  13. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Hot tip:

    Last night I dreamed that Notts Forest were playing Spurs and beating them 4-0 after 62 minutes, but that Spurs came back to win 20-5, with Harry Kane coming off the bench to score a 6-second hattrick.

    Definitely captain Kane this week! 😉

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

      Doctor!

  14. ChibanzaFC
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Please advise

    Hennessy (Jaku)
    Walker Brunt Daniels (Holgate ; Holebas)
    Hazard Sanchez Alli Phillips Lallana
    Ibra Costa (Barnes)

    0 FT / 0£ ITB

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

    having all of Alli, Eriksen, and Kane--good idea or not?

    transferring out Lallana, and considering Eriksen, Sterling, or Pogba...already have both Alli and Kane; thanks...

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

      Ladt 5 matcches

      Alli - 7 goals 1 assist
      Eriksen- 6 assists
      Kane- 6 goals 2 assists

      I really cant see anydownside in owning all 3 as theyve got form and fixtures

      Not to forget spurs have averaged 3 goals a game in last 10 pl matches

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

        and not worried about not owning spurs def as i already have Alonso Baines and Brunt

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

        thanks; I'm probably going to go for it--although I've been waiting

        they're all playing well, on a good team, and it should be fun

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

    Crystal Palace agree a fee
    with Sunderland for Patrick van Aanholt understood
    to be £14m

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

      So no Brady then

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

        maybe
        Schlupp PVA looks enough of new left sided players that can play left backs ,wing backs,left winger

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

          Aye, and Souare as a backup too.

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

      Allardyce confirms Van Aanholt is having a medical here today. "He's in the process, at the moment."

    3. pompeyfan
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      I wonder if Chelsea will get a piece of that. Good business for them if so.

    4. Akeem
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      didn't they just get Schlupp to play Left Wing Back?

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

        he might play in midfield and cover for PVA too maybe.
        They also are looking at Brady so cant undertand what they will do with all those players

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

          If pva goes oop i wont be able to stop myself getting him even though palace are awful

        2. Mark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 19 Years
          9 years, 13 days ago

          How does Zeki Fryers, a young prospect, feel today. Two identical players brought in on the left-side to presumably cover the LB situation putting him fourth in the pecking order.

    5. Athletic Bilbo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Play so many left sided players that the pitch physically tilts in their favour, genius plan

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

        Pull whole 20 outfield players to the left than unleash your flat track bully keeper down right wing! Usain bolt might get signed up after all.

  17. Chris_White
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    What is your preference here with 2 FT's and 0 itb?

    Personally considering de Roon -> Carroll for the 0.1 unless Rose is confirmed out.

    Heaton
    Rose* / Baines / Brunt
    Sanchez / Alli / Eriksen / Phillips
    Zlatan / Lukaku / Giroud

    Jaku / Yoshida / de Roon / Chambers*

    1. King H
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      I would wait for Rose news. Teams looking really good. I would maybe use the 2fts to fix the bench. Maybe Chambers to Holgate and de roon to Carroll

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

        I'm getting Coleman in next week, so Holgate isn't an option.

        1. Davido989
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 13 days ago

          Coleman for?

          I'd do de Roon to Carroll this week.

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

            Chambers, downgrading Giroud to Carroll/Llorente most likely.

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

      De Roon to Carroll looks good

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

        Cheers mate

  18. crazyasianac
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Kane Lanzini Williams
    or
    Defoe Coutinho/Lallana Walker

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      KLW

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

      How about Kane Zaha Baines/Coleman ?

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

    Any thoughts on this lot? Ta

    Heaton

    Alonso – Baines – P.Jones

    Sanchez (C) – Coutinho – Alli – Phillips

    Ibra (V) – Lukaku – Carroll

    Bench: Foster, De Roon, A.Smith, Amat

    0.8 ITB

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

      Save barring any injury concerns

    2. danishdynamite
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      No issues there, save FT

  20. TSILIKAFENEIAKOS
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    How does that front 8 look ? I will give Kun some more chances and not get Ibra - hope I don't regret it.

    Ericksen - Alli - Sanchez - Phillips ( Carroll )
    Lukaku - Costa - Kun.

    [ taking out Hazard, Lallana, Crouch to achieve the above ]

    I can achieve a Costa - Kun - Kane top 3, but then Ericksen will need to be an up to 6.2 player which I don't find anything good.

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

    SA: I'd hardly think [Wilf would be in contention for
    City]. We'd rather protect him and see what his levels are like [next week].

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

      SA: If it's possible to bring him into the squad for Tuesday then great, if not we won't rush him back.

  22. ChibanzaFC
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    any ideas on how should i use my FT's for the BGW & DGW? Dunno what to do with Barnes!!!!

    Hennessy (Jaku)
    Walker Brunt Daniels (Holgate ; Holebas)
    Hazard Sanchez Alli Phillips Lallana
    Ibra Costa (Barnes)

    0 FT / 0£ ITB

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

    Allardyce talks up PVA and Schlupp

    Van Aanholt was a major saviour in our run at
    Sunderland last season. Major part of that success
    story.
    His Goals and assists contribution was massive. His defending improved under me and he listened to advice. Lot of energy from him & Schluppy

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

      Double up B-)

  24. danishdynamite
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Whatever this weekends FA cup games throws up, I cannot see myself getting to GW28 without a hit or two. (FWIW I am not hit-averse if it's a for a long term move)

    My options - with 2FT's - for this GW are

    A) Clyne > Brunt = playing Hazard away to LIV
    B) Clyne / Hazard / Anichebe > Brunt / Carroll / Lukaku (or Kane, perhaps) for a hit

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

    Scott Dann "has a slight injury" [suspect it could his ongoing hamstring issue]. Late fitness test.

  26. Gotta Wijnaldum points
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Was all set to get rid of PVA... If he moves to Palace, and it looks like he will, should I hold? Decent fixtures there.

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

      Id defo hold him or schlupp will be oop

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

    Mandanda's back in training.

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

      Long-term absentees remain [Benteke / Souare /
      Wickham].

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

      You reckon Mandanda will take Hennessey his spot when fit again?

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

        maybe as he was first choice before injury

  28. La Roja
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Finally there is only one PVA at Sunderland so no confusion going forward.

    Phenomenal Victor Anichebe. it's your world bro.

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

      No PVA on the field for Sunderland Now.
      One will be at Palace And other always injured.

  29. Chris_White
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    Do Sunderland have any left backs now?

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Can't think of any off the top of my head.

      A Spurs captian looks appealing this week.

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

      denayer might play LB with lescott going to CB if they dont sign anybody

    3. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 13 days ago

      Likely put Jones there and Love at RB. Manquillo could come in too. We've made a loan bid for Bordeaux's LB

  30. ZakAFC_
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 13 days ago

    A.) Chambers > Baines/Coleman (-4)
    B.) Play Pieters

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

      B