Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 258 – Freebie

Arriving in the midst of a lukewarm Double Gameweek, the latest episode of the ScoutCast is more intent on looking ahead as the entire five-man crew press the button on the Free Hit chip.

We’re back to full strength, as Granville, Jonty, Andy and Az join me to discuss our approach to Gameweek 35’s slimline schedule, inspired by another round of your community questions.

That attacking riches on offer from Manchester City and Liverpool dominate the early chatter, as we give our take on the run-in targets least likely to suffer from rotation to feature for Free Hitters and the “chipless” this weekend.

We then pan for Gameweek 35 gold in less familiar territory, as we re-open the Coleman vs Baines debate ahead of their meeting with a Newcastle outfit perhaps already in flip-flops after four straight wins.

End of season template busters help round things off before we career into the regular weekend preview to offer early thoughts on the Gameweek armband.

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.

2,431 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Richd
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 6 days ago

    Those of us on FH need to make 3 FH teams that we can action at speed.

    One with the Liverpool leak being all the main guys playing.

    One with the leak showing mass benching.

    One safer middling team if no leak.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      And one filled with stoke, Everton, Newcastle and west Brom players

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      The leak is normally withing plenty of time before the deadline.

      1. Numb
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Yes but there has been a time where there was no leak but the line up became known 1 minute before deadline

        1. Mark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 17 Years
          6 years, 6 days ago

          Yep, Liverpool always go about 45 seconds early. No idea why that is but it's consistently true.

        2. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 6 days ago

          Yeah true if there's no leak at all.

    3. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      I'm away Saturday morning with no internet 🙁

      guaranteed red arrow

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Where are you going? Outerspace?

        1. the snazzy viking
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 6 days ago

          hiking

  2. Volley127
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 6 days ago

    More points in GW31 (4 fixtures) than GW34 (15 x2)

    1. Richd
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      Take out Salah (c) and nowhere close.

      1. Richd
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Gudmunson and Gross smashed it as budgets. All the template strikers scored - Kane, Vardy, Lukaku.

        DDG and Ryan both got decent scores.

        It was a nice weekend that could have been immense without damn benchings. but thats part of the game.,

        1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 6 days ago

          This

        2. ignis88
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 6 days ago

          Vardy didn't score though, wish he did.. Which one of Vardy, Kane, Lukaku would you switch to Jesus?

          1. Richd
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 6 days ago

            he did

            1. ignis88
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 6 days ago

              My bad, forgot about the first game!

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

      I played freehit and got 62 points- my pre free hit team that reverts scored 92 points!

    3. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      Salah(c) outscored my while team

  3. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 days ago

    Needed more "variety" on the scoutcast. All 5 were pursuing the exact same strategy and a few people trying something different would really add to the show.

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      It needs less people on it. 5 is far too many.

    2. Richd
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      Scoutcast is my fave, but theres plenty of other pods out there. Almost too many..,

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      Who do you suggest?

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Someone like Nick would have been great this week: https://mobile.twitter.com/NickTriggerlips/status/987070266072158208

      2. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Epic fails missus.

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 6 days ago

          They'd have to host the video on Redtube.

      3. Desperately Seeking Dusan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        I saw Jay Eggers has his own YouTube. Given his consistent finishes might be worth a listen.

    4. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      Didn't we all vote to get you on? Is this how Brexit's going to be? 😆

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        I do remember a bit of a movement on here to get me on. It would genuinely be an honour.

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

          *off*

        2. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 6 days ago

          The people voted in their hundreds, it almost broke the system 😆

      2. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        I only saw a captain's poll.

    5. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      Are you pitching for a spot again?

    6. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      It's a fair point. Off the top of my head 4 podcasts I listen to had either presenter on a different chip strategy to one another heading into the blanks and doubles...(Planet, Cheating, FML and Surgery - can't actually remember what the WGTA guys are doing 😯 )
      Healthy discussions mostly.
      Scoutcast does feel like it resorts to painting by numbers, almost because it feels that's what's expected of it sometimes. Luke had an extremely fresh take on things and I feel like both Andy and Az have become neutered into dullard status over the course of this season to a degree 🙂

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

        hey I sold Salah for Alli a few weeks ago, I ain't no dullard!

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

          Harsh on you dude, you are the only one that tries to do something different, like chucking your TC at an injured Kane and selling Salah for the wrong Spud 😉

          Seriously though, great season for you playing your own game !

  4. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 6 days ago

    Alonso Mahrez and Vardy

    To

    Kompany Sterling Jesus?

    1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      I'd be reluctant to lose both Mahrez and Vardy

      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Thanks

    2. Richd
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      It seems good for this week, but come 37 you could be really mad .

      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        City have 2 better doubles than Leicester
        Alonso waste of space now and they are crap
        Aguero injured.

        I see where you are coming from but that's speculation

        Cheers

        1. Richd
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 6 days ago

          I posted that Hazard would be benched earlier and got a lot of abuse.

          I say this why? Because you've gotten rid of nailed players for a HIT to hope that some city guys play. Seems like this could explode it your bum, but good luck

          1. Stupendous
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 6 days ago

            Good points and I see below also thanks

            1. Richd
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 6 days ago

              No worries. Don't get me wrong, i'll be getting City players. But not at the expense of DGW players like the ones you've listed.

              There's other ways. whats your team ?

              1. Stupendous
                • 11 Years
                6 years, 6 days ago

                Cech
                Tark Long Holebas Robertson
                Son Kenedy Salah
                Barnes Vardy Kane

                Ryan Alonso Mahrez Willian

                1 ft .1itb

                1. Richd
                  • 11 Years
                  6 years, 6 days ago

                  Hmm to be fair it's tough for you to get City unless you do something.

                  I don't want to recommend riding Salah to someone as i'd feel bad.. but thats what i've done 😉

                  1. Stupendous
                    • 11 Years
                    6 years, 6 days ago

                    Yup thanks

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

          Exactly, City’s double is FAR more favourable, so why anyone would prefer Leicester’s over theirs is laughable.

          1. Richd
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 6 days ago

            I agree.

            I just don't think City -8 or -12 beats Lei, if that makes sense. Or it could bite someone.

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

              Well i’ve taken a -4 for Ota, Sterling and Jesus. I’d say that was worth it. Just Leicester aren’t even trying, can’t even score against Southampton, they’ve definitely given up and on the beach imo.

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

      I just got rid of all the same three, worth it. Mahrez and Vardy are useless.

      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Cheers. Complete opposite of answer above. This is why we ask!

      2. Richd
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Do people not learn?

        They are NAILED. This is very valuable. Vardy has also been on an incredible streak.

        1. Stupendous
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 6 days ago

          Mahrez is on his holidays now.

          1. Richd
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 6 days ago

            So will the City boys too.

  5. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 days ago

    Maximum 5.4 for a defender for the remainder of the season.

    Thinking Chambers or Cresswell. Anyone else?

    1. Ziyech on the Bench
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      LLoris?

      1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Defender Defender, keepers are DDG and Hennessey

  6. the axolotl
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 6 days ago

    Would be great if this thread wasn't spammed by disappointed folk, aghast at their lack of fortune.

  7. Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 days ago

    23 pt gain on my rival to go top of our ML for the first time this season 😎

    14 pts clear with FH35 TC37 to come.
    He has WC(35) and TC BB in his back pocket 😯

    should be an interesting run in...

  8. Zilla
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 days ago

    So what is your plan if Salah, Firmino and Mane are benched?
    Panic and do something stupid for me

    1. MTPockets
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Last minute fluck up probably.

      • Netley Lucas
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        If Klopp wants prep then he'll go full strength, then rest/recover v sto

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      Wrapped up my MLs today. Mans rich.

      1. Red Dagger ✪
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Why don't you link your team?

      2. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Didn't know you played Soccer.

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      Which 1 of these Spurs players would you least want for 37 double? (Helps me decide what to do this week (no FH))

      A Eriksen
      B Kane
      C Son
      D Vertonghen

      1. Ziyech on the Bench
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        probably D

    4. Richd
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      I'm keeping a good chunk of my players despite 'disappointment', and sticking to my plan.

      Alonso, Willian, Mahrez, Vardy, Kane are all staying.

      I may offload Lukaku for Jesus, but thats about as far off plan as I dare go.

      They are big name players with good doubles. Doing a -4 to remove each is total madness when City and Spurs could rotate just as much.

      The Burnley boys will be perfect bench fodder.Even Moore will remain.

      1. Ziyech on the Bench
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        good luck mate, leicester are on holiday break already

        1. Richd
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 6 days ago

          Removing a 2-3 pointer for a -4 mean you'll need someone nailed and special to beat that.. and within same price bracket.

          And saying Mahrez is a 2-3 is madness. He's very consistant normally.. so thats his absolute floor.

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

          I’d bin mahrez and vardy in a heartbeat, and have done so.

    5. Ziyech on the Bench
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      Hey guys,

      Got 7 players at the moment for GW 35 including (Fernandez, Ogbonna...)

      Should I take -4 to bring in David Silva, KDB, or Sane? Got Sterling at the moment.

      I would need to sell Mahrez for KDB & Lingard for Silva/Sane

    6. AYEW KI-EDEN MEE
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      Stoke players firmly on the radar now. Burnley leggy

      1. Netley Lucas
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Bauer? Butters? Shaq?

        1. AYEW KI-EDEN MEE
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 6 days ago

          Yep

    7. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      BREAKING NEWS: FPL Towers at hand for bonus points system flaws, bringing floods of tears and prevalent anger and disgust for Chilwell owners worldwide

      https://i.imgur.com/7UWqtKE.png

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        FFS 😀

    8. ignis88
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      Any ideas what to do with this team??

      Hennessey De Gea

      Lowton Chilwell Smalling Alonso Long

      Mili Alli Arnie Mahrez Gudmundsson

      Vardy Kane Lukaku

      Considering:

      Vardy --> Jesus,
      Mahrez/Alli --> KDB/Sterling ,
      Alonso --> Walker/TAA
      (-8)

      GTG?

      Probably need to do these today, as Jesus going up and have 0ITB.

    9. @FPLDIARYFPL
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      Went Velencia, Morgan and Alonso as thought they were guarentee to start.. :/

      1. Richd
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        No guarantee's in this game i'm afraid. Unlucky mate. I got 2 of them as well.

      2. Distinctly Average
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Exactly the same as me buddy.

        It burns, it really does

      3. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        So did I. Rmt was predicting 99.44 pts. I got 67.

    10. Toby Lerone
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      Furious with the Morgan benching!!

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        this 🙁

      2. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Yeah I had Alonso Morgan lowton and to top it off Long

      3. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        "Morgan the captain nailed" and I chose him, not Chillwel.

    11. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      A) Willian Gross to Sterling Arnie/Zaha/Mili
      B) Gross Mee to Sterling 4.7max (Long/lejeune...?)
      C) Other

      cheers! (NO FH)

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        any 2 moves would be for a -8, which im willing to take but no more than that

    12. Fuchs Mane Kante
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      Salah starts.

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        link

        1. Fuchs Mane Kante
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 6 days ago

          Golden slipper.

          1. Richd
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 6 days ago

            /ban/

    13. Woys_Stowy
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      Punting on a differential TC in GW35 to try catch ML leader.

      A) ozil
      B) zaha

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        i would not do either of them. try jesus or sterling if you want differential tc

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

      So negativity aside.

      Gross, Gudmunsson and Barnes were budget options for this DGW and really paid off. Are we all keeping?

      1. the snazzy viking
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        For sure. Barnes will be a lovely attacking option for GW36+38

      2. Cok3y5murf
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        I'm keeping Gud and Barnes and benching because they're cheap anyway.

        But Gross (6m) owners have to sell because of poor WC planning 😎

        1. Richd
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 6 days ago

          I was willing to offload Gross, but the penalty suprise and Brightons ability to win pens makes me think he could be a better version of Mili for the run-in

      3. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Gross and Barnes owner only.
        Gross will probably make way for Sterling this week.
        Will likely keep Barnes until 37, where I'll swap him out for JAyew

      4. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        gud highest scorer for me....never expected that

        1. Richd
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 6 days ago

          He was a nice suprise. I almost sold for a hit.. as we didnt know he was defo playing, and watching him.. tidy little player!

      5. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Gross is a jammy bugger

    15. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      that went well.......thanks triple lei 🙁

    16. Fuchs Mane Kante
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      Barnsy broke me even just about.

      75k for the run in.

    17. ENZO SZN™
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      Of course Morgan didn't play when Leicester kept a clean sheet. Worst defender I've ever bought this season.

      1. Netley Lucas
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        The fans were happy with defensive changes on seeing the sheet

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 6 days ago

          And who predicted Valencia to be nailed...

    18. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      1) Mahrez > Sterling
      2) Mahrez > Mané
      3) Vardy > Jesus

      Current squad for gw35 (no FH -- will have to play with 8):
      No GK
      Lowton, Robertson, Mariappa
      Salah, Gudmundsson, Mili, xxx?
      Barnes, yyy?

    19. drughi
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      Expected more from mahrez and vardy this dgw

      1. Richd
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Vardy did as I expected to be fair to him. Mahrez needs to play better to get his big move or it's going to be too late, if it isnt already

      2. yakirh
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        This DGW has been a complete let down

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 6 days ago

          True 🙁

      3. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        DGW37 they have two home fixtures. I think I'm going to keep Mahrez for that. I've sold Vardy for Jesus.

      4. SheBangsTheDrums
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Mahrez has been tripe for the last few weeks!

    20. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      A - Alli -> Sterling
      B - Mahrez -> Sterling

      I also have Son
      Sold Vardy for Auba

    21. jdp219
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      I'd rather keep Vardy over Mahrez, but isn't Jesus the better option for the run-in?

      1. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Self reply fail. Long day...

      2. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        I had the same quandary. Jesus gives you another captain option.

      3. Netley Lucas
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Yes

    22. MALDINI'S EYES!
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      BB was a success at least. Definitely right decision and to save TC for 37!

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Luck or good strategy?

    23. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 days ago

      zaha or milli?

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        Milli. On FKs, corners and pens.

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

        Its a great question and one I was just pondering.

        I prefer Zaha and more differential than mili

      3. jdp219
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        I went Mili. He's cheaper and on pens.

      4. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 6 days ago

        thanks all