Podcast

Scoutcast Episode 263 – squads and strategies for FPL Gameweek 1

The start of the new season is just days away and the Scoutcast crew are still full of doubts about their 15-man Fantasy Premier League squads.

Andy, Az, David and Mark join me to mull over our likely strategies for the start of the 2018/19 campaign as well as reveal our current line-ups.

Across our 82-minute chat, a consensus emerges on backing Manchester City and Liverpool premium assets. But that could all change depending on tomorrow’s transfer deadline day deals and surprise team news.

Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth look set to supply our teams with a supporting cast of bargain enablers due to favourable fixtures. Well, for now at least.

But the groupthink soon breaks down when we discuss forward options, with Mark looking exclusively for value up top, while the rest of us are more keen to splash our cash.

The hive-mind soon returns at the end as we reveal our top choice for the Gameweek 1 armband, so to help those daring to shun a certain Egyptian we also offer up a host of alternative captaincy options.

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.

Also, this week we are publishing a series of videos looking in detail at each of the Scoutcast regulars’ current Gameweek 1 line-ups.

Rate My FPL Team #1 – Bargain Hunting at Crystal Palace

Rate My FPL Team #2 – Maximum Man City and Liverpool

Rate My FPL Team #3 – Daring to be Salah-less

Read more with Scout

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3,764 Comments Post a Comment
  1. machickenz
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Hey Fellas! Rate this squad please 1-10

    Ederson (Stekelenburg)
    Robertson Boly AW-B (Bednarek, Peltier)
    Salah Eriksen Siggy Milivojevic (Stephens)
    Aguero Firmino King

    Or should I downgrade Siggy/Milivojevic to Neves and use those extra funds to make my defence better?

    1. JJO
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Downgrade Mili and tgank ne later

      1. JJO
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        *Thank me

    2. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      firmino not nailed

      + siggy > richarlison saves you a valuable 1m

      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        I would beg to differ about Firmino.

      2. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        As nailed as it gets

    3. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Too risky to go with 3x4.0, so downgrade midd to bolster backline

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

    Thoughts?
    Ederson/Kepa and Hammer - 9.5
    Fab and Patrico - 9

    Is the rotation saving .5 a better shout?

    1. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Based on my 2 x 4,5 GK rotation experience you will end up with a similar point either of Fab or Patricio alone. And that will probably be 15-20 lower than any 5.5 GK (maybe even not!). So I decided to go Patricio and 4.0 assuming 1m is more valuable than 15-20 points.

      1. Deli Alli OxenFree!
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Good point mate!
        Unfortunately, Ederson is my way into the City Defense (with those fixtures!)...so gotta spend more.
        but bet you’re right...lol

  3. Link
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    In a draft league and after a United defender. Smalling/Jones/Bailly all available. Who to go for? (currently on Smalling)

    1. Gol D Roger
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      bailly is nailed if fit

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        No he is not. All the evidence points to Jones. I'm not sure where this Bailly love in comes from.

        1. Link
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          Smalling got most minutes towards end of last season right? Goal threat too and no world cup so should be safe for tomorrow at least?

        2. Agger
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          Jose signed him. The only United centre half which has recovery pace, and he's a fan favourite. He's a rock and definitely starts!

          1. goriuanx
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 7 months ago

            Under Mourinho, DDG+Lukaku+Pogba+Valencia+Jones have started the most games (%) when available. Bailly is nowhere near them.

            1. Agger
              • 7 Years
              5 years, 7 months ago

              Because he's been Injured half the time and you can't just bring him straight in when he comes back.

          2. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 7 months ago

            Jose signed Bailly and Lindelhof, but doesn't seem to trust or rate either. You can see why the United board don't want to spunk more obscene amounts on his current choice(s) of CB - especially when his choice (Boateng) is so unexcited.

            So, Leicester will keep hold of Maguire, Boateng won't come, the loan options mooted are no upgrades on the shower Mou doesn't fancy. Quite a mess, I'd say. Can't see the players running through walls for him in the coming matches.

  4. raoulduke71
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Good enough non-Salah?

    ............................Patricio...............................
    ..........Robertson Tomkins Mendy..................
    ....Mane Jota Sanchez Richarlison Bilva.......
    ...................Aguero Aubameyang.................

    Wanbiss/peltier/kamara

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Bench too weak

    2. Jackie Moon
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Looks good, but I’d still prefer Salah and Zaha/Arnie/etc over Sánchez and Auba. Plus a bit extra for elsewhere.

  5. xRedArrow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    RMT (final draft):

    Foster-Fabianski

    Robertson-Coleman-Cedric-Tomkins-WanB

    Salah-Sanchez-Bilva-Jota-Odoi

    Kun-Arnie-King

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Bold to go with Odoi... Defence a bit weak

      1. xRedArrow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Coleman to Bailly help?

        Plus Odoi is my 3rd sub behind (Cedric/Tomkins/WB).

    2. Kemosabe1
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      I'm impressed u have fit sanchez into that as well... not sure on Coleman otherwise good. 7/10

      1. xRedArrow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Everton fixtures are sweet....
        Coleman to Bailly???

        1. Kemosabe1
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          They are... just not sold on Everton atm... I know u can't judge to much in preseason... but they have seemed a shambles.

          It could pay off. Not sure bailly has even been cleared from injury? Maybe luiz? Chelsea 4 at the backhand he has attacking threat

  6. AceKn1ght
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Score predictions for the Man U v Leicester game?

    1. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      1-0

    2. Gol D Roger
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      2-1 United

    3. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      1-1

    4. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      1:1

    5. AceKn1ght
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      I think I'm going to go for a boring 1-0 United...

    6. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      3-0

    7. lugs
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      2-0 , Sanchez brace 🙂

  7. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Seems quite likely Zaha isn't gonna be playing up front

    1. Neo-Viper
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      why?

      1. StoichkovFPL
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Jordan is commin

        1. Gabbiadini
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          as backup. Why would you not use your best asset to its fullest?

        2. Jafoole_88
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          wait a minute, you referring to the world-class Jordan Ayew (ex-Aston Villa, Swansea)?!? he'd displace anyone

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 7 months ago

            He's certainly no upgrade. Dunno why they bothered, assuming Zaha stays. Maybe it's for the near-certainty Tekkers gets injured.

  8. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    I'd just like to say it's laughable how many fpl mangers are discounting mili

    🙂

    but hey I don't mind

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      You can get neves for 5.0... Mili 2.0

  9. Snikii
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Firmino + Davies or Auba + Cook?

    1. FPL Panda
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Bavies and firm

  10. TATTOOED_2
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    A) Robertson, Tomkins and Richarlison
    B) TAA, Shaw and Mkhi

    1. No_Mo_Salah?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      A

  11. Albert Cole
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Stephens and Hudson-Odoi the only applicable 4.5 mids?

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Billing, Gunnarsson, Hojbjerg are some other options.

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah Billing looks like a starter (based on preseason only)

  12. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    A. Firmino + Richarlison + Jota
    B. Mane + Richarlison + King
    C) Mane + Jota + King

    1. Orion
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      I went with A + Mane

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Also an option yes. It's really tough! King seems to be the flavour of the week though. Bournemouth also have better fixtures.

    2. machickenz
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      B>C>A

    3. No_Mo_Salah?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      C for me

    4. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Seems like the question of the day. I went A, because i like Firmino over Mane and a lot of options in 6.5 mids if Jota doesnt perform; Mili, Maddison, Richarlison, Sessegnon?

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Yup.. only a few in the 6.5 or less category (Austin, Mitrovic, Jimenez)

  13. AandyzZ
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Really struggling with this..?

    A- Eriksen + Kamara

    B- Jota + Arnautovic/Zaha

    1. No_Mo_Salah?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      B

      1. AandyzZ
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks

    2. Viiksisika
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      B if no one of those goes to bench. But with Richarlison maybe?

      1. AandyzZ
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        With A kamara would be benched and I have Richarlison also, thanks for your input

    3. Deli Alli OxenFree!
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      I like B better
      ...but think you will really want a second ‘premium’ MID (assuming u have Salah) to Swap around with weekly Trans.
      So, if u go w/ B, but Eriksen would be your only 9+MID, make sure u have an alter options/exit-strategy

  14. cassanata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Not much love for Kane on here. Any reason for it other than the August jinx?

    1. Kemosabe1
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      May not even start or get a full game. World cup squad

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      His value just works out too poorly

    3. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      He'll be much cheaper by September if he fails in August.

    4. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      I’ll definitely want him by December given Spurs fixtures. If he looks fits and scoring at the start of the season then I can I can upgrade from Aguero reasonably easily.

  15. Viiksisika
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Quickie!

    A. Auba and Mane
    B. Arnie and Salah + 0.5m

    1. No_Mo_Salah?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      B

  16. FPL Panda
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    A - Firmino and Lucas Moura

    Or

    B - Arnie and Firmino

    1. FPL Panda
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Arnie and mane

    2. No_Mo_Salah?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      B

  17. Kemosabe1
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Ayew to palace... how does this effect zaha?

    1. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      both up front?

    2. Deli Alli OxenFree!
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Which one?
      Prob take a couple GW’s till he gets game time either way tho

      1. Kemosabe1
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Jordan ayew a deal has been agreed apparently. Is he back up to benteke? Or does he push him out? He was a good option at swansea

  18. Iggypop
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Wouldn't be surprised if Kane plays on Saturday, he never sits out! even when he should!

  19. Trying To Win Dalot
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Currently DDG plus Fab - is it worth downgrading to two 4.5s (say Fab and Foster) and spending the additional 1.5 to upgrade a 4.5 def? Already have Robertson and Mendy

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Downgrade fab to 4.0

  20. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Weird how there's only one striker option in between 7m and 9m and it's bloody Giroud

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah. Isn’t it the same with mids and Pogba?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Bernardo Silva, David Silva, Son, Willian, Ramsey, Ozil etc. Obviously not to start the seaosn but in general

  21. No_Mo_Salah?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    A. Aguero, Jota, PVA or
    B. Auba, B Silva, Tomkins?

    Thanks.

    1. Kemosabe1
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Aguero bsilva tomkins til gw 3.... then aguero to aub

      1. No_Mo_Salah?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Have Ederson and Mendy so would need to lose 1 Man City player...

  22. Fassy
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Adama Traore 5.5
    Kovacic 6.0
    Kepa 5.5

    1. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Kovacic could potentially be v good

  23. OldBenKenobi
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Got a bad feeling that Trippier will be the top scoring defender in GW1 😆

    1. Deli Alli OxenFree!
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Heard anything about him getting the start?
      Don’t think he’s played PreSeason at all

  24. Ibra
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    I don't have anyone from Chelsea, Spurs or Arsenal. Threat or opportunity?

  25. soulsaver
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Morning guys!
    Is Jota worth the extra 1.5 over Costa,as most seem to believe they will both play upfront....

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Traore could steal gametime from Costa i believe.

      1. soulsaver
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Jota it is then! Cheers Man!

  26. Hairy Potter
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Are SSN presenters on some sort of bonus for how many times they say “over the line”?

  27. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    There's a NEW POST

  28. Deli Alli OxenFree!
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    BEST 4mil GK? (reasons appreciated)
    [for Pairing w/ Ederson as a set & forget]

  29. jumpas 4 Goalposts
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Just looking at 3 potential affordable attacking defender options be it "out of position" or wing back I was just wondering could anyone enlighten me to the following

    Defenders in question are Doherty and Schlupp

    1) Doherty being a right wing looks an enticing option. When Jonny Otto was bought it looked like that he would fill in at left back but now it seems that Zinchencko will play there. Otto could potentially shift to the right being versatile and a right footed player however he lacks the attacking endeavour of a wing back and is more a "safe as houses" option. After the Saiss Experiment seemed to fail in the last Wolves Friendly, It wouldn't surprise me to see him playing as part of the back 3 replacing Bennett. or if Dendoncker comes in he could replace Bennett either. or does this put either of Coadys or Bolys positions under threat? Therefore I'd assume as an out and out wing back Doherty could be safe. but then after seeing videos of Traore dribbling the ball from his own half at blistering pace and the athletic beast he seems to be, could he be the potential right wing back ala Victor Moses. They have Jota, Costa and Cavaleiro as wide options in the front 3.

    So are Dohertys days numbered with the arrival of Jonny Otto and Traore?

    2) Schlupp seems to be a favorite of Roy. Roy plays more of a 442 structure. Kouyate and Meyer have arrived. Meyer probably more of a replacement for Cabaye. Kouyate maybe more cover for defensive Mid and centre back. Does the arrival of these players nudge Schlupp out of the picture? or maybe signing a centre forward does as maybe this shifts Zaha or towsend into Schlupps position. Schlupp having played left back before though probably offers decent cover for PVA when he bombs forward.

    Can Schlupp hold onto his midfield position?

  30. MGD
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Ederson
    Mendy - Robertson - Cedric
    Salah - Mané - Moura - Richarlison
    Aguero - Arni - Zaha

    Speroni - Masuaku - Dunk - Wan Bissaka

    Moura will be Mhiki GW 3, probably.

    My 2 worries are Arni and Zaha ATM with King and Mitro looking interesting..

    1. anish10
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Moura is a transfer waiting to happen

    2. Gol D Roger
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Arnie better option than Zaha, rumours Zaha wanted out and the news that they are signing Ayew today doesnt help
      He's been great pre season but I would swap Zaha for King and use that extra 1.0 elsewhere