Podcast

Scoutcast Episode 286 – Hopeful

Recorded during the last few minutes of Gameweek 28’s fixtures, the Scoutcast crew cling to the hope of huge points hauls right to the final whistle. 

For Az and Joe, though, the evening proved particularly frustrating as they are left to settle for a mere dribble of 11th-hour returns from the likes of Paul Pogba.

At least one of the crew saw their hope rewarded. Special guest Adam Hopcroft, who was filling in for the red-flagged podcast pair of David and Luke, ended the night on 62 points to set him on course for his sixth top 10,000 overall finish. 

Amid the excitement of a Gameweek finale, the crew also find time to mull over the key players, teams and talking points of the week.

Chelsea’s strong fixture run comes under scrutiny, as does the potential of a Leicester side under new management following the appointment of former Celtic and Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers. 

Chip strategy is also revisited with recent injuries to key players and the strong form of Newcastle presenting further challenges and opportunities as Fantasy mangers navigate the upcoming blank and double Gameweeks.

Gameweek 29 is then looked at in detail, with clean sheet and differential prospects put under the microscope. 

Proceedings take an unusual turn when Monty Python’s Life of Brian and He-Man earn mentions.

The crew finish the show by revealing  their transfer and captaincy plans. As the old football cliché goes “they can take the despair, it’s the hope that kills them”.

This Scoutcast was first beamed live via our YouTube channel on Wednesday 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 or the first player below. Or you can take in the full visual experience via the second player below.

It is also worth mentioning that FFScout moderator Rotation’s Alter Ego has collected this latest episode’s timestamps to help find particular sections. This can be found as the top comment in the Youtube version.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

2,335 Comments Post a Comment
  1. AYLD28
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Debravka
    TAA Doherty Pereira
    Sterling (c) Mane Salah Son Pogba
    Jimenez Rashford

    Hamer Rondon Kolasinac AWB

    2 FT 0.6 ITB

    1. Son + Rashford > Hazard + A.Barnes
    2. Son + Rashford + Kolasinac > Higuain + H.Barnes + Luiz (-4)
    3. Something else

    1. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

    Patricio
    Robertson | Digne | Pereira
    Felipe Sterling Pogba Salah
    Jimenez Rondon Arnie

    Foster | Camarasa AWB Kelly
    1FT and 2m itb

    A. Arnie to Vardy
    B. Arnie + AWB to Vardy + Bennet (-4)
    C. Arnie + AWB to Zaha/Murray + Chelsea defender (-4)
    D. Arnie + AWB to Rashford + PVA (-4)
    E. Other

    1. AYLD28
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      First person I’ve seen thinking of Rashford in

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Great form, nice price.

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

          DGW looming. Will be FHing in 31 so him not having a fixture doesn't matter as well.

    2. Tsssst
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Why you taking Arnie out, fixtures looking good

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Good fixtures but a player being consistently crap .

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

        His injury record is too poor.

    3. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Hmmm, I'm bringing Arnie in. Good luck! :).

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

        His injury record and West Ham's form worries me. 1 win in 6 games.

  3. Going To Win This Year
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    People who have wildcarded already, how many hits are you having to take to field 11 on game week 31?
    Currently only able to field 9 without hits...

    1. Poseidon.
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      0. I’ll still be able to field 11, no hits

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Fixtures are one thing. Playing utter crap is another.

        1. George Sillett
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Reply fail

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Freehit.

  4. DR0GBA
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Considering Wildcarding because of how bad the last few weeks have been and my rivals who have already used their WC have caught up..

    to avoid wildcarding and getting the players I want for this GW how does this sound?

    Auba, Salah, Son > Aguero, Mane, Sterling (-8)

  5. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Fab
    Robbo Doherty Kolasinac
    Salah Sterling Pogba Son F.Anderson
    Vardy Jimenez

    Hamer Rondon Digne AWB

    1ft 0.7itb

    What would you do lads?

    1. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Save

    2. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Rondon over Felipe maybe?

  6. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Fab
    Shaw TAA Digne
    Salah Mane Pogba Son
    Kun Rondon Arnie

    Hamer McNeil Bennett AWB

    1.9ITB 1FT. Save?

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Save

  7. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Would you still get Sterling in this GW if you have Aguero already?

    1. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      For whom

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Son

    2. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'm considering it.

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yes. He'll have same points regardless of you having Aguero or not.

    4. JELLYFISH
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      It’s a decent option if you’re planning on bringing in Haz for gw31 as it’s a sideways move

    5. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      yes, did it just now

    6. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Relatively strong support here ... cheers!

  8. Merlinho
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Draft question.

    Waiver out Stones for Young - yay or nay? I already have Lindelof, just no idea how long the Stones injury is and rotation risk once he’s back...

  9. Pat Bonner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Got to do this tonight or will be priced out, look good? Got 2ft

    Son and Aubameyang to sterling and Vardy

    FH in gw32 so sterling is for 2 gws

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      looks good...on paper

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks

    2. JELLYFISH
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I like it

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

    3. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Good
      How many in gw31 without hits?

      1. BURNS
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thinking same moves

      2. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers, got 9 without hits but includes puncheon

    4. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Made these moves last night so yes from me

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

    Alisson
    Robertson - Pereira - Doherty
    Felipe Anderson - Son* - Salah - Pogba
    Rondón - Jiménez - Aubameyang*
    (Hamer - Puncheon - Wan-B* - Balbuena)

    Worth looking at:
    Wan-B/Son/Auba > Luiz/Sterling (c)/Higuaín (-8)?

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Leave Luiz a week and avoid another hit

      1. TAT
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        That's definitely an option. Have little to play for at this point, so I'm itching to take a few chances though.

        I'm also toying with the idea of just Son > Sterling just to see if Auba might get a goal when everyone owning is shipping him out.

    2. Geordienufc1
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Team looks very similar to mine, as do the transfers you are considering. I probably wouldn't take the full -8, perhaps the Wan-B -> Luiz move might be better done another week. The other 2 transfers I like though.

      1. TAT
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah, the Luiz transfer is mostly down to ta a risk he might get a clean sheet + maybe some bonus points.

        as I mentioned in the above comment I'm also toying with the idea of just doing the Son > Sterling move just to see if Auba might get a goal when everyone is shipping him out. Hopeful at best though.

    3. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Can you just do sterling and Higuaín this week. Palace might hold Burnley. Sterling the best captain candidate this week I think

      1. TAT
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I definitely can (for a -4). Wan-Bissaka is still injured, isn't he? That's why I mentioned the Luiz transfer.

        If I bring in Sterling it's with the armband in mind for sure!

  11. fridge
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    What's the general consensus if people have all chips left? I can't find the old article on it

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Depends on your team and how many you can get out in 31

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Get enough key players for 31/33 even if not 11. FH32 WC34 BB35 TC a good SGW fixture

      1. Bobby_Baggio
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        This

      2. fridge
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Awesome, thanks. I've got 2 FTs so should be able to work to a decent amount of players for 31

  12. JELLYFISH
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Evening all, 2ft’s and 2m banked but at a bit of a loss as to what to do with this lot?

    Fab
    Luiz Doherty Kola
    Salah Pogba Mane Son
    Rash Kun Jimmy

    (Steel, AWB Bednarek Camarasa)

    options under consideration are:
    A) Son > Maddison, Kolas > Any Pool DF
    B) Rash > Vardy, Kolas > TAA
    C) Son > Haz, Rash > Barnes, Kolas > TAA -4
    D) Rash > Higuain, Son > Maddison, Kolas > TAA - 4

    Thoughts?

    1. FOMFF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Kola>TAA role FT

      1. JELLYFISH
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yes was considering that as allows me to keep Rash for saints. I’ve still got my doubts over TAA game time, but my planned GW34 WC gives me the option to change it. Cheers

  13. Geordienufc1
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Hi all, opinions much appreciated. All chips in the bank though building to a (depleted) side for 31 with FTs and a few hits. Don't think I can ignore City for the next 2 though.

    Patricio (Hamer)
    Robbo | Shaw | Digne | Doherty | Wan-B
    Salah | Pogba | Son | Anderson | Ward
    Auba | Jiminez | Rondon

    1 FT, 2.7mil itb.

    A) Auba + Son -> Aguero + Hazard (-4)
    B) Auba + Son -> Sterling + Higuain (-4)

    A little worried about Kun's minutes. Also tempted by the differential factor of the 2nd pairing, given I'm languishing at 60K OR and need to make up some ground.

  14. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Sterling(c)!!!

    If I had slightly larger balls I would be tempted to tc him!

    1. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Why are you so sure about his captaincy?

    2. Geordienufc1
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      TC seems a risk (I guess any TC shout would be), though I agree he's a good option. If I bring him in this week I'll probably C him.

  15. Gringo Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Ederson/Etheridge
    TAA/Robbo/Pereira/AWB/Jonny
    Salah/Pogba/Son/Hudson Odoi/F.Anderson
    Aguero/Jimenez/Vardy

    1FT 0.7

    What would you change here?

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      roll it

  16. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    which?

    A) son sane auba -8 to haz sterling vardy
    B) sane auba -4 to haz/sterling vardy/higuain
    C) sane auba -4 to aguero mane

    1. BURNS
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B. Sterling/Vardy

  17. LIARS POKER
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Bench 1

    A) Robertson
    B) TAA
    C) Doherty
    D) Pereira

    Currently on D

    1. FOMFF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      agreed.

      Bench 1:
      Doherty
      Kola
      Maddison
      Rondon

      Currently on Maddison

      1. The 5% Team
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        kola or madd

    2. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      D

    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      D efinitely

    4. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      D

  18. korbendallas82
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    76 p. Up to 28.000. Pretty happy, even tho I sold van Dijk. And wolves lost.

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Nice rank. Keep her lit. Can easily make 10K.

      1. korbendallas82
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. 38.000 is my best Finnish. Never been this high.

  19. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Anderson and Son to Mane and Brooks/Barnes (-4)

    Super tempted...

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Nah

  20. Dele
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Crazy how little clean sheets Fabianksi has had. Is he really a good option? :/

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I think so especially with upcoming fixtures and playing gw31 and gw33

    2. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      It's not crazy really. West Ham have been pretty dreadful at the back.

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      All about the saves. Good job his defence ain't the best.

    4. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      mainly save points....still 4th ranked keeper, but other have been gaining grounds recently.
      Fixtures are good though

    5. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    6. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Diop for cheaper and with a goal threat

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I went with Rice instead of Diop before he scored. Had 1 shot off target the entire season before that

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I got in Diop the same week he scored.. proper jammy 🙂

  21. Snooze ya lose
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    1. Son to mane
    2. Salah to mane
    3. Save

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I did 1 regret coin flip Son over Mane 3 weeks ago. Was covering rival and United game put me off

    2. bautasten
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      1 or 3. I think I would go for Mane 'cause of better form.

    3. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      1

  22. bautasten
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    A) Son -> Sterling
    B) Son, Auba -> Sterling, Vardy (-4)
    C) Son -> Mane
    D) Auba -> Vardy

    FH32, Would captain Sterling if I get him, but original plan was to get Mane as my third liverpool-player. What would you advise?

  23. SALVA
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Can we get a Yay or Nay?

    Son, Digne to Mane, Yedlin

    For free.

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      yay

    2. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yay

    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yedlin didn't play last game

      1. SALVA
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah just recognized that. Do you know why?

    4. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I would be happy for free

  24. acidicleo
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Son replacement ?
    A)Gw 29 and 30 - sterling and transfer in haz gw31 (-4)
    B) get haz from gw 29 and no hit

    Cheers

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      probably B

      either of them, or even keeping son, could prove good though

      1. acidicleo
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Son has to go sometime before gw31..
        So maybe its time now

  25. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    First time Sterling owner this szn! Currently (c) as well over Pogba.

    So with that in mind, be prepared for zilch from him this weekend 🙂 soz.

    JK I really hope not. Outscore Sergio, Raz!

  26. DR0GBA
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Fabianski
    Luiz Robbo Pereira
    Salah Pogba Anderson Jota Son
    Auba Jiminez

    Woodman Barnes AWB Kola

    A) Play WC
    B) Auba, Salah, Son > Aguero, Mane, Sterling (-8)
    C) Auba, Son > Vardy, Hazard (-4)
    D) Auba > Vardy
    E) Salah, Son > Sterling, Hazard (-4)

  27. FPL AXE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Salah and Richarlison out for

    Mane and Sterling?

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      anything to get rid of Richa 🙂

      looks good

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Sell Salah at your own peril - when I did earlier this szn, he scored a hattrick.

      The second pairing is obviously stronger overall tho

    3. fantasygurumd
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      This is exactly what I am considering. Definitely seems attractive, especially with 2 FT.

  28. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you captain outa this lot?

    Etheridge
    Robertson, bennett, yedlin
    almiron, mane, pogba, erikson
    Vardy, aguero, Higuaín

    Bench, boruc, scook, awb, Fraser

    1. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero.

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Pogba or Higuain

    3. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      either pogba or kun. if you go for kun have pogba or hig vc

    4. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Pogba.

  29. _Ninja_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    A. Son to Mane /Hazard (which one)
    B Digne to TAA

    Patricio Fabianski
    Robbo Doherty Digne Pereira AWB
    Salah Sterling Son Pogba Felipe
    Jiminez Rondon Deeney

    1. SALVA
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Mane

  30. Pirlø's Pen
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Aubameyang -> Higuain (FT) seem reasonable?

    Patricio
    Robertson Pereira TAA Doherty
    Salah Pogba FAnderson Almiron
    Aguero (C) Aubameyang

    Button Rondon Kolasinac Gunnarsson