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. Philip Jones's Diary
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Is there anywhere we can find what percentage of the top 10k and 100k have used their FH chip?

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

      Using it this week, or have used it before this week?

      1. Philip Jones's Diary
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah sorry, I meant what percentage have already used it? Interesting that only 27% still have it.

  2. brenks
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Ozil or Laca on FH?

    1. Mr Q
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Özil

      1. Mr Q
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        But depends on who u get instead.. i have laca

        1. brenks
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Depends on leaked Pool lineup I guess

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      All depends on whether we have to go mane over firmino

      1. brenks
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        This. What if they're both benched?

        1. Flynny
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Is ozil likely to start??

          1. brenks
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            I'd say yes, he only played EL last three weeks

  3. Mr Q
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    FH:

    Pickford

    Bellerin-Kompany-tomkins

    Salah-Mane-sterling-arnie

    Jesus-laca-firm

    B: mäenpää, kenedy, long, haidara

    0 itb

    Waiting for Anfield express...

    1. SkipperTG
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      If Laca or Salah don't play, are you happy with Kenedy off the bench?

      1. Mr Q
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Spread the funds a little bit better?

      2. WE GO FOR IT
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        They both will almost certainly come off the bench if they don't start. Klopp and Wenger wouldn't want their players having a 10-11 day break before a European SF.

        1. Mr Q
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Then go for zaha/shaq who most likely will start?

          1. WE GO FOR IT
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Depends on you. If you are think they can return if they come off the bench, keep.

            I'd keep Salah. Laca, not so sure.

  4. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Hope Wengers comment put free hitters off Auba, then he starts and scores a hatty 😀

    1. French Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      What’s the story here ?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Wenger said he hasn't decided whether he will play Auba because he wants Europa League players to play and get ready for Atletico

    2. SkipperTG
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      He's in for me.

      If he doesn't play then it'll be Mijo or Shaqs off the bench. Quite happy with that!

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        He will come off the bench 100% at some point though

    3. Fantastisk
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Likely.

    4. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      This! Be nice to have an advantage as an earlier FH user!

  5. French Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Why are people picking Laca over Auba ?

    Auba injured?

    1. SkipperTG
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Wenger's comments suggested he may use this game as an EL warm up

  6. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Any thoughts on this?

    Pickford.
    Bauer, Baines, PVA.
    Salah, KDB, Zaha, Mane, Sterling.
    Jesus, Aubameyang.
    Klavan, Long.

  7. Gobigorgohome
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Now is the time to go big or go home... Sane(C) it is..

    Need to catch rival with 49 points gap and he will captain Auba 99% since he not know this site.m

    1. LC1
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      By name by nature

  8. Make Arrows Green Again
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I'm listening to the podcast and actually taking notes.

    WHAT HAS BECOME OF ME?

    Can we all chip in to buy Granville a new microphone? I would gladly pay up to 45p.

    1. QPRUTD
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Granville always pretends as if he doesn't care about fpl

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        He's such a hipster.

    2. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      you'd have thought a politician would've prioritised their own personal microphone

  9. ☻ Jon Snow ☻
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Think Heaton gonna start next game?

  10. Tosa86
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    my actual tea is:

    DDG - Fabianski
    Naughton - Tark - Robertson - Smalling - Chilwell
    Salah - Son - Mahrez Willian - mc Arthutr
    lukaku - kane - barnes

    for GW35 i choosed Mahrez+Lukaku --> Sterling, Jesus (-4)
    for GW35 captain salah or sterling?

    GW36 --> no changes.
    bank: 2.0
    GW37: how to peak Lukaku instead Barnes? cu willian and son?cut salah and willian???

  11. onceuponatyne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Can anyone point me to a definitive article on how to best increase squad value, or how it works?

    I used to win my league most seasons, but these days usually fall a few places shy of the top.

    I've noticed that most of my competitior squads have increased by 2-5m by the season end, yet I'm lucky if I get a 1m raise...
    ...well, not luck as I clearly just don't understand it enough.

    I feel like I make smart transfers - that often reward me points wise, but I'm not fully understanding the system, and a 4m squad value difference always hinders me at this stage of the season.

    Thanks! 🙂

    1. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      websites like fplstatistics and fantasyfootballfix give indications of when players will rise in value. But generally just bring in the players who did well last week and your TV will increase haha

  12. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Choose one for FH:

    A. Aubameyang
    B. Lacazette
    C. Özil
    D. Mané

    Thanks.

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Ozil

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

      "don't go for Aubameyang"

      All non-FH Aubameyang owners

  13. shirtless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    MY GW35 non-freehit team.

    Foster
    Bauer Van Dijk Van Aanholt
    Salah Sterling Walcott Mane GROSS
    Barnes Auba

    Mariappa WILSON ALONSO

    1FT ; Wildcard GW36, BB DGW37

    Gross>Silva?
    Alonso>City?
    Wilson>9.6m?

    Had Gross since the summer loathe to lose him now! But I want double City for DGW37 anyway so may as well make the change I think..

  14. WVA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I've had Aubamayang since he was 10.4, transferred him out on a fh this week while playing around with my team, now if i want him back he is 10.7, ffs i am crap at this!

    1. Mr Q
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Ouch

    2. Page 302
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Ouch indeed, but at least you'll get back the original 10.4 Auba when the FH expires.

  15. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Which of these would you choose on a FH assuming both start?
    1. Mane.
    2. Firmino

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Mane looked very up for it last game

    2. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Firmino.

    3. Mr Q
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Firm, because of lack of options up front

    4. QPRUTD
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Bobby F big teeth

    5. Jam0sh
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      If both start I'd choose both

      1. Whitetiger14
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Firm

  16. Evil Genius
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    FH this!

    Karius
    Baines, PvA, Bauer
    KdB, Sterling, Salah, Özil
    Jesus, Firm, Ayew

    Nordfeldt, Mili, Long, Mbemba

    1.5m to change it up if Firm is out...blah, blah, blah.

    1. Spike ⚽️
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      It's wonderful

      1. Evil Genius
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        And said with such sincerity 😉

        How's your team shaping up Spikey?

        1. Spike ⚽️
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Hello mate. Not too bad but no FH so going backwards this gw. Good to see you about. So many old timers missing now. Evs 4Vets and yourself even hardly post

          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            🙄

            1. Spike ⚽️
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              It is sad Christina but good to see your old mate above again

  17. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I didn't even realise Everton had a game this week until now. Amazing how incredibly unappealing they are this season for fantasy assets. They don't even come into my thinking.

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Attacking wise, yes. Almost everyone has Baines/Coleman/Pickford.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Really? Don't see them keeping a cleanie at all

        1. WE GO FOR IT
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Most want 3 attackers from at least one of Liverpool or City. So that leaves only 1 defensive spot from those teams.

          Everton have the next best chance of a CS imo. Newcastle have crossed the 40 point mark. Might be relaxed.

          1. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            It makes sense to get an Eve def in on the free hit chip. They just haven't entered my mind as someone without that chip

            1. WE GO FOR IT
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Surely not. City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Zaha are the ones to get for non-FHers

    2. Evil Genius
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      You need EVE players.

      You just have Tosun...

    3. shirtless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Theo brace incoming...

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yep

    4. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I've had Walcott stinking up my squad for about 5 weeks or more. This gw is his swansong in my team. He's due a haul*.

      *by Wally's standards, a 3-pointer.

      1. Whitetiger14
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Newcastle will score and Everton won't score many against toon

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

      Without a FH I am going no where near Everton.

      If I am to take a hit it is for Jesus, Salah etc not the off chance of some crumbs from an Everton player 🙂

  18. QPRUTD
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on Danny Ings if Firmino confirmed out..
    Asking for a friend 😉

    1. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Think there are at least 3 better options for a striker on free hit

      1. Whitetiger14
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Firmino out? When?

  19. Going Home
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    If Salah starts, is he a better (c) option than Jesus?

    1. Jam0sh
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I'd say so yes

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

      Very close. Salah confirmed as not starting would make the decision a lot easier!

    3. QPRUTD
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Salah (if starts) if you are leading in MLs and want to preserve rank
      Jesus if you are chasing

      1. Going Home
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        And if you are chasing in one (40 points behind a guy with FH) and leading another (50 ahead)? haha

    4. Page 302
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      It depends on the rest of team sheet as well. Mané looked lost when he was tasked to lead out the kids vs Everton.

      1. Going Home
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah, but comparing Salah and Mane is a little bit apples and oranges, no?

        1. Whitetiger14
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          The leaked lineup needs to be spot on

  20. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    There seems to be traction here for ozil on free hit.

    Are folk sure he starts?

    Is ozil and laca too much arsenal?

    Thanks

  21. Punty
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Salah(C) here.. bit scared by the 1-point hysteria on here though

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Wait for the leaked lineup.

      1. ThisTimeNxtYrRodney
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Please can someone inform me as to how they find out leaked Liverpool line ups. I've been playing for 11 years and I havnt been able to get this "edge".
        Where do I find "anfield express" and is it 100% reliable.
        Can someone please help.

        1. WE GO FOR IT
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          They've been reliable this season afaik. And you don't need to find it. Once the lineup is up, this place will go crazy.

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

          Twitter - and that's always the gamble. Account holder could have been playing a long game, waiting for this very week!

    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      If the lineup is leaked and hes starting, its the most obvious captain choice ever

  22. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on this free hit team?

    Pope
    van Dijk - PVA - Baines
    Sterling - Salah (C) - Mane - Zaha - Sane
    Jesus - Auba/Lacazette

    If Firmino is in the leaked line up, I think I'll get him and swap Mane for Ozil.

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Nothing to fault. Similar to mine. I've gone KdB instead of Sane and have Firmino and Ozil in my draft.

    2. Jam0sh
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      That looks beautiful BF. I'd probably prefer Sterling over Sane and Butland over Pope if your budget can be stretched

  23. Whitetiger14
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    RMT Pls. WC active and BB in 37.

    Fabianski dubravka
    Yedlin smalling long Robertson fernandez
    Salah sterling Iwobi Zaha arnie
    Kane jesus auba

  24. Scotty B
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Foster Elliot
    TAA Lowton Ake Baines Alonso
    Walcott Shaqiri Lingard Eriksen Hazard
    Barnes Aubamayang Jesus

    1.5m ITB

    Getting two Man City players. Which two would you suggest?

  25. THEKID_88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Best £6m mid for the remainder of the season?

  26. Ryan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Alonso replacements? Already have Otamendi and Mustafi

    Could move the funds into midfield and replace King(4.2). Thoughts?

    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I have one Arsenal spot spare but maxed out on City

    2. Numb
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Apart from City I don't think any defender really stand out at the moment so, yeah, maybe go cheap and upgrade elsewhere.

      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Mid priced mid looks the go then. Not many options with a DGW37 unfortunately.

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

          Hmm, what price can you do if you cheapen Alonso right up?

          1. Ryan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            6.7

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

              Not an ideal price.

              1. Ryan
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Not really no. Could potentially go 0.5 higher if I get rid of Kenedy instead but not sure that helps much.

    3. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      PvA can be a decent punt.

      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Lack of DGW and Palace aren't great defensively. Too much of a punt I feel.

        1. WE GO FOR IT
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          If you want a DGW defender apart from City, it's gonna be tough. I'd say an Arsenal defender but doubling up would be too much. Are you okay with getting someone who doesn't have a game this week?

          1. Ryan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Just means I have to start King against City but the gain could still be worth it. Might as well just save the FT though right, Alonso is last on my bench at the moment.

            1. WE GO FOR IT
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Can upgrade King with the money you get from Alonso?

              1. Ryan
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Yep up to 6.7 once I replace Alonso with Naughton.

    4. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Smalling, play Dummett this week

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

        Though I’ve only skim read your team so it might not work

      2. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah I do have Dummett starting at the moment with Alonso on the bench. Trouble is I have King starting against City

    5. Urchin
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Coleman could be interesting choice..worth a look.

      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        It seems SGWers are my lot really.

  27. Numb
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I don't think that they should have named the Liverpool leak twitter account on the ScoutCast - that's brought it more onto the radar and the club could clamp down on it this week. Or were they trying to level the playing field for non-FHers?

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      It makes no difference to the club. Leaked Pool lineup has been happening for several seasons. It's just the PR structure.

    2. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Blimey. FFS has reached a new level if the Liverpool hierarchy are monitoring it.

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        They couldn't care less.

      2. Numb
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Ha ha, I doubt that Klopp tunes in. But someone at or linked to the club probably does and may tip them off. The account has been fairly unknown until now.

    3. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Rumor is it's F Orca leaking the teams...

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

    Trying to afford KDB,Mane,Salah,Sterling is challenging

    I really want zaha but is it a complete disaster if I settle for Milivojevic?

    1. Darklord_bg
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Not at all. In fact he could do better.

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

        Thank you thats the comment I wanted to hear haha

  29. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Hello! For a -4 should I go Vardy, Mahrez, Alonso to:
    A) Jesus, Lowton, Zaha
    B) Jesus, Lowton, Arnie
    C) Jesus, Lowton, Sterling

    The only thing with A is that I think if I am taking a -4 (my first of the season) then it should be for a player playing in the blank GW and the DGW to maximise the points they can get to make up for their additional -4 cost. However, I do really like Palace's run in. Arnie may be on the wing now Carroll and Hernandez are back in contention and Sterling may be rotated.

  30. farqy
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Worth a -12pt hit to bring in....

    Jesus, Zaha, Arnautovic & Crouch?

    Obvs to replace non-playing wastes of space!