Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 254 – Diminished

Gameweek 31 might be diminished but, despite the curtailed fixture list, we’re giving it the full-fat ScoutCast treatment.

In fact, guided by your community questions, Jonty, Az, Andy and Granville join me as we dissect each of the four matches that make up Saturday’s offering – analysing the player targets from each as we seek to cater for the Free Hit managers and the chipless alike.

Looking further ahead, we also indulge in some wistful Wildcard discussions as we offer views on when to activate the refresh ahead of the looming double Gameweeks.

This ScoutCast was first beamed live via our YouTube channel on Tuesday evening. 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 on 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.

1,722 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Mahrez to stanislas with a -4? Have 7 players for gw31 will be 8

    1. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Yeah if wildcarding next week.

      1. Nightf0x
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Wc 32 or 33

    2. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Someone else instead of Mahrez if possible, unless you're using WC next GW anyway. But Stan looks a good buy.

      1. Nightf0x
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Other 4 will play gw31

  2. ryacoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Already got Bauer (and Shaqiri) which GK should I get?
    A) Butland
    B) Pickford

    1. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      A all the way.

    2. RIPAguero
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      A
      But I prefer Begovic over Butland this week.

  3. Duffy Dunk
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Who's the best 3rd forward if wildcarding next week?
    A) Murray (LEI HUD cry+mci)
    B) Deeney (BOU BUR hud)

    1. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Barnes, Murray or Ayew.

      A.

    2. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      A

  4. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    any chance that Stanislas rise two times so i can get that 0.1m if i get him now, kinda need if tor my wc 102.2 sell value on my team...

    1. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      If he rise today, I think he has a good chance for another.

      1. Lignja
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        thanks i think the same...

      2. Pep says
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Lot of price for changes are likely skewed sue to the FH chip so it's unlikely imo

    2. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Maybe if he rises tonight and then scores at the weekend, he might rise again.

  5. Big Col
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Which are the better picks?

    A) Zaha or Stanislas? (already have McArthur & Wilson)

    B) Coleman or PVA?

    1. LonesomePundit
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Stan and Coleman.

  6. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Foster
    VVD - Schindler - Mariappa (Ota, 4.0)
    Salah - Shaqiri - Walcott (Mahrez, Iwobi)
    Firmino - Wilson

    Is it worth a hit or two ?

    A) -4 .. Iwobi -> Stanislas
    B) -8 .. Iwobi + Kane -> Stan + Mounie

    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      I would do A.

      1. NATSTER
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Thank you.

        If compare with Kane -> Mounie for -4, would you still choose Stan ?

        1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 14 days ago

          Yes. I think he's key.

  7. jia you
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Free Hitters, who is on your bench?

    My bench: Butland, Bolasie, Schindler, Dawson

    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      If I FH, Butland will be playing, and Shaq will probably be on my bench.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Punting on Hennessey over Butland, actually going without any Stoke players myself as I went Bolasie over Shaqiri first sub. GL mate!

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 14 days ago

          Hennessy has been in shocking form lately.

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 14 days ago

            Just feel that Palace will do well in that fixture.

            1. Royal5
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 14 days ago

              They are all about attack though. Defensively they are unreliable, to say the least.

    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Lossl, Pva, Stanislas and Zouma atm

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Might start Stani over Shaq.

      2. jia you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        ...those first two subs should be playing imo! Stan 100%! PVA 75%,depending on your other defenders? 😉

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 14 days ago

          Yeah, could start PVA for his attacking potential. Currently on Baines, Coleman & Ake. It´s a lottery :/

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 14 days ago

            Cool, I'm also going Coleman + Baines, GL mate!

  8. LonesomePundit
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Worth a hit to get rid of Quaner for Mounie/King?
    Or just roll Collin out in the vain hope he starts and maybe sneaks an assist.

    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Not an easy call, but I would stick.

      1. LonesomePundit
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Cheers. I have no hope in Quaner really doing anything more than 1. But chances are Mounie/King don't get more than 5. Might back them both to score to soften the blow.

  9. upforgrabs
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    I already have Stanislas and Wilson in my team. Going to use a transfer on Kane. I do fancy me a Cherries triple up with King. Only other striker I'm considering is Mounie. Just need that confirmation by Howe tomorrow.

  10. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Which goalkeeper for this GW if you had free choice?

    1. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Butland

      1. OneDennisBergkamp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        I don't see the appeal??

        1. Forza Papac
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 14 days ago

          None of them have appeal, but you asked for one.

          1. OneDennisBergkamp
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 14 days ago

            I know, I mean the appeal as the overall choice. Been poor recently..

    2. RIPAguero
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      If I had complete free choice Karius.
      If we're considering you'd want 3 Liverpool attackers then Begovic.

  11. Judas
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    They have done it again!

    Jonty and Granville passing glasses of water to each other thought cyberspace at 15:25 during tonight's Scoutcast!

    Link to clip:
    https://twitter.com/FPLJudas/status/974445211937116160

  12. melvinmbabazi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Bring Shaqiri for -4 and Bench Niasse (Cant field 8 attackers)

    or

    Play Niasse

    1. RIPAguero
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Play Niasse, not worth it for a -4.

      1. Woy of the Wovers
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        My thinking too. In much the same position.

    2. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Not easy. I would not be targeting Shaq. I would also not want to count on Niasse. Do you have Stanislas or Zaha?

      1. melvinmbabazi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        No

        1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 14 days ago

          Get Stan then, not Shaq.

          1. melvinmbabazi
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 14 days ago

            Was looking at getting both?

      2. melvinmbabazi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Current team:

        Schindler
        Salah Mane Mili
        Wilson Niasse

        1. Woy of the Wovers
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 14 days ago

          Get Firmino

  13. mash
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Pickford Fabianski
    Alonso VVD Davies Schindler Duffy
    Salah Sterling Walcott Arnautovic T.carroll
    Kane Firmino Wilson

    2FT, £0.3m in the bank

    Planning to WC in GW32 or 33

    Are these good use of the FTs?
    Alonso & T.Carroll -> Baines & Stanislas

    These would get me 9 players for this week - yay or nay?

    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Yep, do it.

      1. mash
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        cheers!

  14. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Begovic or Lossl?

    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Lossl for me.

    2. RIPAguero
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Begovic.

    3. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Butland would probably be better. Think I'd prefer Begovic of the two though.

  15. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Should I FH or go with this for -8?

    Schindler Vvd
    Salah, Walcott, Stanislas, Shaq
    Firm, Mounie

    Fwiw, I have checked and I can pretty easily navigate through 35.

    1. LonesomePundit
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      I'd run with that. Free hit won't make it much better and is worth saving - if not for 35 perhaps even the doubles.

    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      FH for sure

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Don´t take a big hit for this GW, will even leave your team in a poor shape for the upcoming GW unless you plan to WC next week.

    3. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      save the FH. I dont have mine, wish i had lol.

    4. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      I would pick a GK as a hit - borderline I will accept - rather than a defender.

      Not clear who the hits are for.

      1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Hey Woy.

        Hits were for Mounie and Stan. They would be in any FH team. I will not take another hit, and am inclined to FH. Just checking sense.

        1. Woy of the Wovers
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 14 days ago

          Hi EJ,

          I would think FH must be worth more than 8pts in GW35. You got WC for GW32/33 obviously

          1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 14 days ago

            I think it is worth more than that: erase the -8 and give me 5 players for free. 10-point minimum and almost certainly more because I would bring in Mane, Stan, Mounie, Zaha, etc. Plus subs. Another way of looking at it is that to get 11 I would need 20 points in hits.

            1. Woy of the Wovers
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 14 days ago

              True.

              Would you also be getting players back that you don't want?

              1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
                • 11 Years
                6 years, 14 days ago

                No. Good question and that is what I like: the team I get back for 32 is good, and I only need to do Kane to Auba. Tbh, I have prey much made up my mind,but I wanted to solicit arguments against. 🙂

  16. Totti
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Will kane drop tonight?

    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Not according to FPL Stats, but yes according to FFF.

  17. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Currently have 7 players for gw31, mahrez to stanislas with a -4 or no ? Wildcarding in gw32-33 probably 33 and will get mahrez back in so do it or no?

    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      For me, no. Too easy to look at the upside while ignoring the downside - he might not even play.

  18. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Butland or Lossl?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Butt. CP have been creating plenty lately. Unlucky to lose against United.

    2. Homo Neanderthalensis
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      I’ve got both on freehit. Playing lossl I think.

    3. RIPAguero
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Butland, but I prefer Begovic over both for this gameweek.

  19. Scheister
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    I need to pick just 1. Already have Stan. Any suggestions much appreciated, Cheers!

    Kane to:
    A) King
    B) Wilson
    C) Mounie

    1. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      C

    2. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      C

    3. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      I too think Mounie is the best one week punt.

      Also not bad fixtures after if you don't have a WC

    4. RIPAguero
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      C

  20. Scheister
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Seeing a lot of love for King. He's great this week, but better than Wilson?
    Thinking Wilson is more nailed, more likely to score, and on pens.

    1. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      King is on pens

    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Wilson is in terrible form. You sure he will even start?

  21. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Schindler mane salah firmino mounie shaq wally, do mahrez to stan -4? Wc gw 32-33

  22. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    King or Wilson?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Talk to Scheister.

      1. Scheister
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Ha, can't make up my mind. But thinking Mounie 🙂

    2. Homo Neanderthalensis
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      King on form. Wilson isn’t so much atm.

  23. Totti
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    kane to
    A) king
    B) wilson
    C) tosun

    1. RIPAguero
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      A out of that lot.
      But I prefer Mounie

      1. Totti
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        already have him

        1. Woy of the Wovers
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 14 days ago

          Firmino

    2. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      A

    3. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      King imo. Don´t rate Huddersfield.

    4. We Will Klopp you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      King, WBA and on pens

  24. We Will Klopp you
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Not inspired by Lukaku so definitely feeling a 352 once the gw is over.

    Order these options from best to worst
    Sterling
    Son
    Sane
    Silva
    Mkhitaryan
    Willian

    1. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      i have same issue here but here my order
      Mikhi>Sterling/sane/Silva>Willian>Son...
      and i would put mahrez too in my choice

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Cheers, already have Mahrez and he won't be leaving any time soon

    2. Udo
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Whats ur front 3? Because I'm struggling with 343 or 352.

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Aubameyang Firmino Kane atm

  25. Salarrivederci
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    On ScoutCast they all talked about using their WC next week, but I actually kinda like my team when it returns after my FH this GW. Should I use my WC too or should I just do Kane -> Aubameyang + B.Silva -> someone, and then use my WC in 34?

    Lloris
    Otamendi, Moses, Mee, Lascelles, Simpson
    Salah, Sterling, Richarlison, B.Silva, James
    Firmino, Vary, Aubameyang

    Surely I could do James + B.Silva out (-4) over 32-33 and then WC in the DGW?

    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      You're not the only one.

      Don't be fooled by fixtures though. If Arsenal and ManU have the fixtures then picking up the Spurs and Chelsea players won't be so bad for GW32. Since you probably need a slot of Kane anyway the 2 FT for GW34 can get him in if he's back.

      Certainly better than keeping to dross we have acquired in GW31.

      1. Salarrivederci
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        I see.
        Think that since I only had Richarlison, Salah and Firmino who plays GW31, which resulted in my use of FH, then my team actually looks alright for GW32 and 33. Should just WC, BB and maybe even TC in 34 I guess 😉

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      No bench boost/TC in 34?

      1. Salarrivederci
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Used my FH for this week since I only had Salah, Firmino and Richarlison 😉

        Still got WC, TC and BB. My question was if I should WC right away or w8 till the DGW. I can easily field 11 players for the next weeks.

  26. hogree
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Anyone else taken a -8 this week? #thewildlife

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Salah C Mane Stan Allen
      Firmino Wilson Mounie

      No hits. May do -4 for defender. Leaning Adam Smith for attacking threat

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      yep, -8

    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      \O/ gotta risk it for the biscuit!

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Taking hits to get attackers and defenders from opposing teams is not risking just foolish

        1. hogree
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 14 days ago

          V true

          Francis
          Mane VLP Zaha Salah Stan
          Firm Tosun

  27. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    7 players gw31, make it 8 mahrez to stan -4? Wc gw32 or 33

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      I have 7 no hits. I have and rate Stan 4th best points hope behind Salah Firmino Mane

  28. RoysCallerAnne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    When I was growing up there were 3 kids from the bottom of the road that looked owls.
    Proper barn owl a likes.
    That Draucula shaped hairline, teeny hooky noses and big flat heads on them.
    I doubt they could do that spinny around head thing though.

    Oh sorry. Mounie or King please.

    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Mounie. And Christ that's some bad story-telling technique! 😉

      1. RoysCallerAnne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Mounie it is so. Cheers.

        I see you are having a late night conundrum.

        TC spunked on a flagged player and now wallowing in the mire of a -8 or spunking another chip.

        Coming to get ya.

        Obligatory 😉

        1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 14 days ago

          I love that you have hung onto that "flagged player" thing this long--I had genuinely forgotten.

          But of course one represses bad memories. 😉

          But I must confess to feeling a bit mired at the moment. I think you just goaded me into full-on spunking. 🙂

          1. RoysCallerAnne
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 14 days ago

            That's my job.
            Someone's gotta do it 😀

    2. Fitzy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      At least your street probably didn't have any rats or mice... 😆

  29. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    Price Changes - 16th March 2018

    🔺  Stanislas (6.0), van La Parra (4.9), Mounie (5.9), Mané (9.5), van Dijk (5.7), Tosun (6.8)

    🔻  Rüdiger (5.8), Forster (4.6)

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      3 up

    2. Viper
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      It wouldn't let me make my transfer, is there a few minutes where we're shut out? Was trying since 1:10 to bring in Stanislas

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        Of course. Happened earlier.

        1. Viper
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 14 days ago

          Damnit. Literally didn't get a chance all evening

      2. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        1:10 is too late. That's borderline cut off time. Happened to me and lost count of times people told don't leave it until 10 minutes past

      3. NATSTER
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 14 days ago

        To be safe, you should do it at least 10 minutes before the change.

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Cheers TM

    4. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Stan/Moun/VVD up!!!!

    5. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Cheers

  30. Theres mo limit
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 14 days ago

    ive all 3 liv but it would be pretty funny if Watford won to nil

    1. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      It will be funny for me only if it was Mariappa who scored those two.

    2. Gentle_Turks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 14 days ago

      Hilarious.