Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 257 – Carping

The ScoutCast crew are always quick to jump on the shoulders of giants, so when a veteran of the Fantasy Football Scout community starts to threaten a Fantasy Premier League title tilt, we just have to get them on the show.

Matt Kearney aka “Bowstring the Cap” has been about on our pages for seven seasons but never has he experienced one like this. Currently ranked twenty-third in the world, he drops by in this latest episode to offer his take on the campaign and, in particular, the strategy for the run-in.

In truth, Matt was better placed before Gameweek 33 and, along with Jonty, Andy and Az, he joins me to look back at the lowest scoring weekend of the campaign when even the leading managers faltered.

But those gripes are soon drowned by a wave of enthusiasm on the eve of Double Gameweek 34.

That’s the focus for your latest set of community questions, sparking our thoughts on the optimum heavy-hitters, the rotation fears and our confidence in Chelsea to produce over the extra fixtures.

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.

2,406 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Champions united
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    BB 11dgw +salah Without any hit
    Bench kenedy mariappa lowton

    gtg? Or should i make any chnges to my bench or sell salah(very hard decision)

    1. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      If you didn't sell Salah last week, I don't know why you would consider it this week. Better fixture and much better chance of being involved (we all knew he wasn't realistically going to play v Everton)

      1. Tommy J
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        FH choice- see my previous post

        1. Champions united
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          FH IS saved for 35

          1. Tommy J
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            I have 12 players for gw 35 and wildcard and B.B. intact

      2. Champions united
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Sellinng salah not even in my wild dreams

        Just an option if others are considering

    2. Emp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      would probably jusr leave it

  2. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Today's press conferences

    9:00 - Eddie Howe, Darren Moore
    9:30 - Sam Allardyce
    13:15 - Antonio Conte
    13:30 - Jurgen Klopp, Claude Puel, David Moyes, Rafa Benitez
    14:00 - Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho

    1. Robben Mee Blind
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers Ozil

    2. FPL-(VAR)dy
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Darren Moore - famous at last.

    4. Salarrivederci
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks!
      Anywhere I can follow it live?

    5. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Save the moodiest till Last!

    6. Patch
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      After following this for 9 months, still don't know which teams these managers belong to...

    7. A.T
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks

  3. Going Home
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    From next week onwards, do you think Gundogan might be worth the gamble over Mili? Would mean going with triple city mid (Sterling, DSilva and Gundo)...

    Thoughts appreciated

    1. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      no, i will stick to mili until the end of the season

      1. Going Home
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        If I had Mili, I wouln't use a transfer to get rid. But I'm looking at getting a

    2. Alnair
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      He'll play 35 because Fernandinho is out but from then on he's at risk.

      1. Going Home
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        That's what I'm asking basically - is he potentially worth the risk, given City's fixtures and the possible rotation of the first team once the league is tied up

    3. ajones1608
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure on his game time imo

    4. Robben Mee Blind
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Stick with Milli - he's a legend!

      1. Going Home
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I don't have Mili - he's an option to come in next week for the BGW and stay until the end. Thinking maybe Gundogan could be a decent differential until end of season, with excellent fixtures and probably more gametime once the league is wrapped up (rotation oclock)

        1. Robben Mee Blind
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Could be a great pick. Milli has been great for me though since I got him in about 10 weeks ago. I got lucky bench points from him early on and have played him since. Kept on wildcard last week even though no doubles

          1. Going Home
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            This is it. I have a week or so to consider it - starting with seeing how he looks v Spurs tomorrow

            1. Robben Mee Blind
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Good luck!

              1. Going Home
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                Cheers fella - you too

    5. MJM
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Reckon Foden might start a game or two as the league's over, so gundo not necessarily nailed

      1. Going Home
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Don't think he's nailed, not by any stretch. But nobody at Man City will be - and I'm not missing out on those fixtures for a fear of rotation. Just considering Gundo as a gutshot for maybe a couple of decent returns. Mili is the safe option no question

  4. ClipityKlopp
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Plese RMT and feel free to give me advice. FH team
    Degea
    Vert long chilwell 3.9 3.9
    Willian Sanchez mahrez gud 4.2
    Lukaku vardy kane
    I could swap Gud to Milo
    Please please help in a dilema

    1. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Nailed it. Maybe Morgan over Chilwell

      1. ClipityKlopp
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thankyou

  5. Limit80
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Manager of the season? Klopp will probably get it if they win CL. I think Dyche should be in with a shout though if they make Europe.

    1. ajones1608
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Pep or Dyche for me. Do Burnley only get Europe if Chelsea win the FA Cup?

      1. Going Home
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        If Arsenal do not win EL and anyone but Southampton wins the FA Cup:

        Top four - UCL
        fifth, sixth and seventh - EL

        If Arsenal win EL and anyone but Southampton wins the FA Cup:

        Top four and Arsenal - UCL
        fifth, seventh and eighth (assuming Arsenal finish sixth) - EL

      2. Going Home
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        If Southampton win the FA Cup, the lowest place listed misses out on EL (seventh in the first example, eighth in the second)

    2. Make Arrows Green Again
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Official or unofficial? I think official only counts league performance? Might be wrong.

      Official - Pep / Dyche / Rafa (he's kept a Championship side comfortably up)

      Unoffical - Klopp

  6. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Best non Burnley & Leicester double defender 5.2 or under?

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Duffy

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        d'oh, forgot Brighton. Still, I only have Ryan for the save points. Still wouldn't want on of their defenders, but yes, Duffy if pushed.

        1. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Cedric then, although I think it's more in hope of attacking points than CS's this GW. He also has decent fixtures in GW36 and GW37

    2. Make Arrows Green Again
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Nobody. Trippier is your only option unless you want to go Bournemouth (spoiler - don't) and he's a rotation risk.

  7. aleksios
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Which one?

    a) BB34- Ryan-Lowton-Gross-Barnes
    b) BB37-Ryan-Lowton-JWP-Austin.

    Thanks.

  8. Zizou
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    lost at the bottom of last page

    jones to get any gametime, took as gamble on him in my 32wc but hasn't paid off

    keep or ship

    1. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Ship

    2. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Think he will get some gametime, but not enough to warrant keeping (i.e. think he starts one of two in the DGW)

  9. pjomara
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    To keep tabs on rival, its useful to be able to see historic prices to work out who they bought/sell, there's a few good twitter feeds, but this website is handy also:
    https://www.footballfallout.com/fpl-price-changes

  10. Bobby_Baggio
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Which combo please guys......

    Fabianski
    Dunk - Alonso - Robertson
    Silva - Mahrez - Walcott - Eriksen - Willian
    Auba - Kane(TC)

    (Speroni) Quaner - Tomkins - Dawson

    A) Speroni + Walcott > DDG + 5.6m (-4) only utd cover
    B) Speroni + Walcott > Pope + Lingard (-4)
    C) Speroni + Walcott + Quaner > DDG + Young + Barnes (-8)
    D) Speroni + Walcott + Quaner > Pope + 5.7m + Barnes (-8)

  11. Lignja
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Repost, trying to get atleast one replay. Thanks

    A. Lewis Cook
    B. Hojberg
    C. Other 4.5m or less non Burnley mid

    1. Transferred Out
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B - double double

    2. heco87
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A for me

    3. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B

    4. Lignja
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks all

  12. Transferred Out
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Can't believe I'm saying this but I might actually bring in Kante

    1. Robben Mee Blind
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I Kante believe you said it either

    2. ajones1608
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Why? Players like him, Matic & Fernandinho get game time & the odd goal here & there but not very reliable

      1. No Pirlo No Party
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Guaranteed points on BB?

    3. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Why should you?

      1. Transferred Out
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I'm on BB and basically as an enabler to bring in Kane. He has two double gameweeks so could also be an option for 37. He's a guaranteed 4-6 points for my bench, I think more likely to get those extra 2 points than some of the other options at that price

        1. Tshelby
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          It does limited your Chelsea spots and I think there are beter guaranteed 4-6 pointers that have some danger in front of goal options

          1. Transferred Out
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Who? I don't see Bournemouth or Southampton keeping clean sheets. Maybe Ashley Young or Matic, but again I think I would prefer to have 3 United spots without one of these

            1. Tshelby
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Ibe? 2 goals and 6 assists in 1700 min where Kante played 2400 min and has 7 points more

    4. No Pirlo No Party
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I have also considered this!

      Looking for a sub 5.2 MF.

      Something to consider, will having him ruin any future plans for getting Chelsea?
      He would put me on 3 Chelsea alongside Alonso and Willian.

      1. Transferred Out
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah I also thought but honestly I am not really liking the look of Chelsea at the moment anyways I don't think I would get another in

    5. faulksp
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I’m looking for a replacement for Richalson, was thinking Lennon, maybe Kante. Both have dgw and I am playing B.B.

    6. Z3US
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I have Kante - perfect nailed enabler that might get a rare goal/assist/BPs plsy double double GW.

    7. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I got matic for guaranteed minutes. I'm now wishing I got hojberg instead. Will likely get the same points as each other and only 4.2.

      I'd advise you to get him aswell and save the cash

  13. as33
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Hi, is it worth to sell Son>Willian and Auba>Kaku for -4?

    1. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I would if that's your best option to get Kane in

      1. as33
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        rest of the team: Smeichel/Hennesy
        Schelotto, Alexander,Vertonghen, Lowton, Chilwell
        Son, Mahrez, Hazard, Lingard, Gross
        Auba, Kane, Barnes 🙂

        1. as33
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          BB this gw, FH next, TC 37

  14. donkey73
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone considering BB37?

    1. heco87
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      My reservation is that a lot can change between now and then. Could conceivably be only boosting a couple of players.

    2. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Not considering I am

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, after WC in 36

  15. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Gross > Lingard worth a hit?

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Not for a hit IMO

  16. stype
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Will Trent Alexander-Arnold start in the first XI

    1. Silecro
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I'll wait for leaked lineup tonight and ship him out if he isn't on it

    2. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Probably not.

    3. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Wait for the lineup to be leaked

    4. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe but clyne is back now

  17. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    FPL should have their own journo at this pressers. "Listen Jose, which CB plays both games in DGW? Dont give me that rotation bullsh*t. We want a clear answer."

    Maybe today's finally the day we get some clear cut answers. Probably not though.

    1. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      😆

  18. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    My mini league leader has Barnes, so I was hoping to choose someone different.

    But if I choose Barnes then I get a better combination of players.

    What option would you go for?

    A) De Gea, Alonso, Long, Barnes

    B) Courtois, Valencia, Lowton, Austin
    On a FH.

  19. Lord Dragon
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Hi all,

    On my BB this week, 1.8 itb and current team is;

    DDG Ryan
    Christensen Vert Lowton Van der Hoorn Simpson
    Mahrez Gudmundsson Gross Sanchez Sterling
    Vardy Barnes Auba

    Was looking at doing;
    Sterling -> Willian
    Auba - > Kane
    VdH -> Upto 5.2

    For a -8. Does that look sensible? Any suggestions on a defender?
    If I leave VdH in then Willan could be any mid upto 8.0 instead for just the -4.

    Thanks

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Like the Sanchez option.
      Similar to me you really need three DGW players

    2. Invincibles
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Just do Auba > kaku, no hits

      1. Lord Dragon
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I'm 0.5 short for that unfortunately

  20. yer old da
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who for the last defender spot - Cedric or Long?

    Already have Lowton and Saints have a double in 37, but Cedric 0.7 more expensive.

    What would you do?

    1. heco87
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I'd take Long. I think the money will be useful some point soon.

      1. yer old da
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah not sure I can disagree with that - never look a gift horse in the mouth

  21. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Anything missing peeps?

    What would you do with the three highlighted players?
    BB34, FH35, NO TC!

    De Gea / Ryan
    Beavis/ Alonso/ Lowton/ Morgan *Monreal*
    Son/ Willy/ Mharez/ Jlings/ *Dilva*
    Kane/ Barnes/ *Auba*

    Toying with Vardy/ Pogba/ Christ?

    Thoughts?

  22. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Is Mustafi lest likely to be rested this weekend in Arsenal defence?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      *least

    2. Emp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      not sure if least likely but id say highly unlikley

  23. ClipityKlopp
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Please help
    A vert
    B christensen

    1. FPL-(VAR)dy
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      V for victory V for Vertonghen

    2. Robben Mee Blind
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A

      1. ClipityKlopp
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

  24. FPL-(VAR)dy
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Never seen Lewis Cook play.Now have him in my BB team.
    Is he a Kante-like player?
    Why is he so cheap?Must be for a reason

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      1 goal in 110 league appearances.

      1. yer old da
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        TC material

      2. FPL-(VAR)dy
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Ohh..Is he a defensive mid?Does he never get into the box?

      3. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Also had only played 432 minutes in PL when prices were set at start of season.

    2. heco87
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      He's defensive and he is very unlikely to get attacking returns. Should be nailed on for 4 points this week though.

      Cheap because he offers almost no attacking threat.

    3. Robben Mee Blind
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Young and was only a squad player at the start of the season. He's a good player and does get forward a bit but unlikely to get attacking returns

  25. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Right now, who is best option in defence up to 5.4? Can't squeeze smalling unfortunately.

    Shipping TAA out, rest of defence: Alonso, Lowton, Morgan, Vert

    Maybe Cedric?

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Christ rested last week?

  26. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Kane or Lukaku (c)?

    1. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Flip a coin

      1. as33
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Want to get Kaku, is it worth for -4 Son>Willian and Auba>Kaku?
        Smeichel/Hennesy
        Schelotto, Alexander,Vertonghen, Lowton, Chilwell
        Son, Mahrez, Hazard, Lingard, Gross
        Auba, Kane, Barnes

        1. Weasel Boy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          It could work

    2. Bissisine
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kane

  27. Bissisine
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Hi wonderful people. I'm so glad it's soon saturday and FPL.
    Please rate my team from 1-10...
    I will use FH in 35

    De Gea
    Valencia/Alonso/Morgan
    Mahrez/Son/Willian/Gross/Arnie
    Lukaku/Kane

    Thanx!

  28. _figu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Cork should've saved his haul for this GW.

  29. Ace Ventura
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Would ye hold Mustafi to play Newcastle or get rid for -4? Have 5.9 to spend

    1. Bissisine
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe Maguire if you dont have any leicester def.

      1. Ace Ventura
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Sorry should have said. Have Morgan, smalling, Lowton, dunk, Mustafi. Was thinking christiansen or davies

  30. dush64
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Is it weird that I'm genuinely considering captaining Salah this week? He's averaged >10 points at home this season, and I've got no Kane (didn't want to destroy the rest of my team), or Kaku (really think he's being overrated).

    Other DGW captaincy options would be Eriksen, Son, or Mahrez.

    1. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Risky. Might not Start or limited minutes. But he's Salah - could easily haul

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Considering the same