Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 255 – Wilder

Wildcards are very much active among the ScoutCast crew, and while only three of us make this latest episode, all five are in play ahead of the Double Gameweeks.

Not surprisingly, our rebuilding programme dominates the discussion as Jonty and Andy join me to reveal our current squads and our chosen strategy leading into the remaining seven Gameweeks.

In an exhaustive and in-depth episode, the three of us also look back on the success of the Free Hit in Gameweek 31. Then we attempt to offer a balanced view on the variety of chip tactics from this point on, with a team-by-team analysis of the player targets to consider.

We fail miserably of course, with our own bias no doubt shining through, though the conclusion is an uplifting one: whatever your chosen route with the chips to Gameweek 38, we will all win out in the end.

Unless you don’t have your Wildcard and Free Hit, in which case you’re now consigned to spending the next two months behind the sofa and hate us all anyway.

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.

3,353 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Aubaaaaa
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Which one would score more this week?
    A. Van La Parra
    B. Baines
    C. Sterling -4
    D. Ozil -4
    E. Mhki -4

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      C or E

  2. MikeRyko
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Morning all

    All this Smalling & Christensen uncertainty is making me re-think my back line. Which is the best option?

    A – Cech, Smalling, Christensen
    B – De Gea, Mustafi, Morgan / Dunk

    On WC currently, plan to FH 35 and BB 37. Rest of the defence is Tarkowski, Fernandez and Yedlin.

    Thanks

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      A

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      A

    3. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      B

    4. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      B

    5. Homer21
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      B

    6. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      B

  3. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Best 4.5m defender out of these?

    A) Dunk (LEI)
    B) Fernandez (mun)
    C) Marriapa (BOU)
    D) Any other? (not Burnley or Leicester)

    Other 2 defenders on the bench this week are Verto (che) & Morgan (bha).
    So maybe would like to start the defender this week and for BB34.

    Appreciate your thoughts! 🙂

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      I’ve got Fernandez thinking about 37. Can bench him this week

      1. Karan14
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Even I like him as an option but I have to start one of Fernandez, Morgan or Vertonghen then.

        1. Concrete
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 28 days ago

          I have Vert, I’m just going to start him

          Alonso Vert Lowton

          I’m a long termist 😀

          1. Karan14
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 28 days ago

            Makes sense. It’s a better option for the future.

  4. Optic1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Challenge. Invest this 2.3m somewhere where it's still possible to upgrade Auba to Lukaku/Kane for 34 in 2 moves:

    Ryan DDG
    Alonso Smalling Robertson Lowton Morgan
    Salah Son Mahrez Willian Gross
    Barnes Aubama Vardy (2.3itb - all chips)

    1. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Robertson to vertonghen save the money and save the money so you have it to spare for GW34 lukaku move.

      1. Optic1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Would mean Alonso and Willian v Vert and Son this week. Not ideal when Robertson has Palace.

    2. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Son to Alli

      1. Optic1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Side by side I would go Ali all day.... But do we think Sons position with Kane out (assumed) gives him the edge for less cash?

        Ali having no international minutes is a big plus though.

        1. Concrete
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 28 days ago

          Something I’ve been debating. Sounds like Kane is back in 33 and Son has Competition for places. Although Son started v BOU the risk is still there

          If you have .7 spare maybe Alli is the way to go considering 36 and DGW 37?

          1. Optic1
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 28 days ago

            Tough. I can go Ali over Son and still do Aubameyang > Kaku but I would be 0.6 short on Kane.... Struggle to see where that would come from.... Gross > Who?

    3. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Downgrade smalling or gross.
      Willian to hazard

  5. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Who's thinking about downgrading auba to vardy in 34 (if kane unfit) and keeping the cash for GW36 or using the cash to buy a premium defender?

    1. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      I'd be getting Kane in now or GW33. And would keep Auba throughout

  6. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Morgan worth 0.1m over Simpson?

    1. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Yes nailed-on-ness

      1. Henryyy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Who could play for Simpson?

    2. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Club captain should be safe for 34 double

      Think Amerty is back in training?

      So yes

      1. Adams6
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        I've heard this "club captain" thing a lot about Morgan.
        Cahill is Chelsea club captain......

        1. Concrete
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 28 days ago

          Hopefully Puel will consider the club captain as nailed then :fingerscrossed

  7. Big P
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Captain choice?

    A) Lukaku (SWA)
    B) Salah (cry)
    C) Aubameyang (STK)

    1. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Salah

    2. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      B

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      B

    4. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      I'd wait for the Captain Sensible article or here might help you decide before that:
      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/17858541

  8. tractorjess
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Thoughts on Giroud as a WC option?! Seeking a couple of differentials!

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Not nailed

      Go Morata is feeling ultra punty

      1. Concrete
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        If*

    2. Alex_thekid
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      No stay away think of some others

    3. Adams6
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Christ! Now THAT'S punty

  9. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Man U fans .....is Jessie likely to play most minutes over other Man U mids ?? I thinking Son out Jessie in to get funds ??

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Probably play similar minutes ?

    2. Rash
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Lingard could play double the minutes of son and have less points though

  10. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    WC gtg?

    £0.7itb
    DDG
    Alonso, Mustafi, Lowton
    Salah (C), Mahrez, Son, Willian, Gros
    Auba (V), Firmino

    (Ryan) (Vertonghen, Morgan, Barnes)

    BB GW34, FH GW35

    Only doubt I have is Vertonghen vs Bailly?

  11. sentz05
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Can you combine the wc with fh, tc or bb?

    1. Optic1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Come on mate....

      1. sentz05
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        What?

        Can you combine wildcard with any of the chips in the same week?

        1. Optic1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 28 days ago

          No chap.

          If you want to BB in the double you will need to WC the week prior at least.

    2. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      No

      1. sentz05
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Why are people wcing this week instead of next week?

        1. Pulp Minion
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 28 days ago

          In my case I had built to GW 31 (so a lot of crap) and have 2 FT to adjust in GW 34

        2. Whats the Huth
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 28 days ago

          They pressed the wildcard button too early and f**ked up

    3. Pulp Minion
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Nope - one chip a week only

  12. Cak Juris
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Starting line up for FFS Watchlists:
    A. Smalling
    B. McCarthy
    C. Dummett
    D. Barnes

  13. Toonzie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    who is the most nailed on in Burnley backline?

    1. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Mee

    2. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      All 4.

      Mee, Ward, Lowton and Tarkowski will play 90 mins every game until the end of the season, barring injury.

  14. El Matador
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    1 week punt on Jesus?

    1. Alex_thekid
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      You WC this gw?

      1. El Matador
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Yess

      2. El Matador
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Have Mkhi to "cover" Aubam

    2. Alex_thekid
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Playing you in the 3rd round of the cup I think that's all

      1. El Matador
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Ha wow. You certianly are! Feck. Landed myself in that one haven't I...!!

        1. Alex_thekid
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 28 days ago

          You should beat me anyway I'm not WC ing till gw36 or maybe next gw good luck :')

          1. El Matador
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 28 days ago

            Now that you know I'm wildcarding you tell me who your captain is...

            1. Alex_thekid
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 28 days ago

              I've just looked at your team why a 1 week punt on Jesus are you sure that you've wc captain clue it's not Salah

              1. El Matador
                • 10 Years
                6 years, 28 days ago

                Haha all will be revealed soon

    3. Alex_thekid
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Your Team is Ryan Dubravka Alonso Smalling Mustafi Morgan MariappaSalah Willian Mkhi Mahrez YoungLukaku Jesus/Aubameyang Barnes »

      1. El Matador
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Ye.. I posted it earlier.

  15. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    How’s this Wildcard team looking? M

    De Gea Ryan

    Alonso Smalling Fernandez Lowton Morgan

    Salah Mahrez Son Willian King

    Lukaku Aubameyang Barnes

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Like it. Too much in defence personally, I would make King to gross and downgrade Smalling to Tark or Stephens.

  16. The Hindu Monkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Please help me pick. Thanks.

    A. De Gea. Maguire. Monreal.
    B. Lloris. Morgan. Valencia.

    Also second question. I can only cover two of these three defences for next four. Place them in order.

    United. Spurs. Chelsea.

    That right? Or Chelsea above Spurs?

    1. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      USC

    2. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Alonso above everyone else.

  17. UKG
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Is Bavies worth keeping? Looks like he is about to drop in value. Who should I replace him with?

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Not a spurs player I think. Maguire if you can afford?

    2. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      I'm keeping till 34

    3. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Keeping an eye on Alder.
      If he starts this week. He's straight into the team

  18. Boydinho
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Who to bench out of Son, Willian or Lingard?

    1. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Lingard

  19. MFFista
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Currently on a WC, spontan thoughts?

    De Gea
    Smallin-Maguire-Mustafi-Robertson
    Salah-Willian-Mahrez
    Lukaku-Auba-Vardy
    Subs: Lowton, Gross, Kennedy, Maräänpäääääää.
    0.9ITB

  20. Pulp Minion
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    How does this look?

    DDG, Ryan
    Morgan, Vert, Lowton, Dunk, TTA
    Salah, Willian, Mahrez, Son, Gross
    Aub, Lukaku, Barnes

    On WC with BB 34/FH 35
    Plan is Aub + TTA -> Vardy + Christensen for 34

  21. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    How many hits has everyone taken so far this season?

    I have taken 11 = 44 pts

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Only 7 this year so far

    2. Boydinho
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      12 and far from all of them have worked out well.

    3. Viper
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      7 hits = 28 points here

    4. ChuckN
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      13

      Way too many.

    5. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      14 (so far)
      Pretty good for me.
      Can see that nearly doubling from now though, with only a B.B left to play...

    6. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      17 = 68 points deducted.

    7. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      4 hits = 12 points.

    8. emyoueffsee
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      20=80

  22. Viper
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Good morning everyone 🙂

    Go with Mustafi or Verthongen?

    I'm currently on Mustafi because of the next two fixtures plus if any Spurs full back suddenly becomes nailed on through injury etc, they would subsequently become the best option.

    Sound reasoning or save myself a transfer further down the line and go with Vert?

    1. ChuckN
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Mustafi

    2. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Interesting reasoning that could pay off

      At the moment I’m in the Vert camp though

      1. Viper
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        I'm going to have 2Fts anyway (hopefully) and it gives me a chance to assess options e.g Alderweireld gets a 15 pointer and suddenly he's hot property. Mustafi with two really nice games too while assessing

    3. Big Col
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      I’d got Vert now to save the transfer

    4. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      I normally take risks with hits not a big deal so Mustafi is my choice. I am not overly convinced with Arsenal defending nonetheless so will look elsewhere for now.

  23. ChuckN
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    How nailed is Robertson? Worth having over VVD til GW36?

    FH34

    1. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      I would've liked to gone Robertson over VVD.
      I'd say he's nailed. But there is injury concern around Robertson now

      1. ChuckN
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Yeah I have VVD for 5.6 sale price - that 0.6 could go a loooooooooooong way.

  24. wycombewanderers
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Landed on this for the wildcard...

    De Gea, Ryan
    Smalling, Tarkowski, Lowton, Morgan, Stephens
    Mahrez, Son, Gross, Willian, Salah
    Vardy Auba Murray

    Allows me to either

    1)Upgrade Auba to Lukaku pre 34 and have one other ft if an injury occurs or

    2)Upgrade Auba to Kane whilst downgrading either smalling, gross or willian

    So pretty set but any comments or suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

    1. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Stephens not nailed...

      1. wycombewanderers
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        I know, but if I went Cedric I wouldn't have enough to do auba to lukaku. Happy to give him a go as can't see another option for 4.5 and if needs be he can go with my other ft

    2. Dr. Conundrum Caveat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      It's nice. Stephens is not nailed on though. Dunk is a more secure pick.

      1. wycombewanderers
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Filled my quota of Brighton unfortunately!

  25. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    A. DDG + 3.9 keeper or
    B. Lloris + Ryan

    How many points for Ryan on DGW 34 (cpl, TOT)...? 5? 9? DDG worth having despite of that ? Thanks.

    1. wycombewanderers
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      B

  26. Adams6
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Is Auba > Lukaku in 34 now becoming Aubu > Kane?

    Looks like he's back this week or at least next.

    I still think I'm waiting until 36.

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      I think I'll stick to my guns and ignore Kane until gwk 36

    2. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      If he scores a brace vs stoke.
      You still won't get him in for the doubles?

      Ok then.

      Sounds like you've got your blinkers on. As Kane returning has ruined everyone's wc plans.

      1. Caleb's Kitties
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Kane 5 + 1 vs HUD and bou

      2. Adams6
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Hardly got my blinkers on when I'm asking about him? I'm asking people's opinions on him. I guess I've got yours!

  27. Rash
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    For people using BB in 34 have yous considered pope with the idea of downgrading him to 3.9 to fund kaku to Kane?

    1. Judders
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Love this idea!

    2. Viper
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Sounds good. I'll probably downgrade Gross to Gudmundsson myself

      1. Rash
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        I've opted for Kennedy so I don't have that luxury

    3. Adams6
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Nice idea, cheers

  28. sentz05
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Captain Salah or Aumbameyang?

  29. Football Rambler
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Anyone going to captain Auba over Salah this week?

    I think I will, but the fear of going without Salah is strong. I need some differential picks at this point.

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      I'm very tempted but I shouldn't be

  30. focaccia
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Any thoughts on my WC team much appreciated... £1.5 in the bank and Free hit / Bench boost still intact.

    DDG
    Alonso, Smalling, Maguire
    Mkhi, Salah, Mahrez, Willian
    Firmino, Vardy, Murray

    subs: Dubravka, Stanislas, Mariappa, Lowton.

    thanks in advance...

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Not sure about smalling mate

      I'd upgrade to Biailly or verthonghen

      1. focaccia
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Yeah actually thinking of downgrading to a cheaper dgw defender and upgrading firmino to Auba...

    2. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      I’d do Dubravka > Ryan for the DGW.

      1. focaccia
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Intersting. Keep Dubra for now ? Or get Ryan this week?

        1. The Wanton Trader
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 28 days ago

          Just do it now as your on WC.
          You can play Ryan v Huddersfield next GW when Utd play City.
          You’ll be set for the DGW BB too.