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. Johan Queef
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    It's hit season....2FT with GW31 in mind (apart from Sterling...i'm just scared of City)

    A) Sane, Auba, Camarasa - > Sterling, Higuain, Hayden (-4)

    B) Sane, Auba -> Sterling, Barnes

    Thanks people.

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Can you afford Sterling Vardy/Higuain?

      1. Johan Queef
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Unfortunately I'm 0.1 off for Higuain (could do Vardy but not convinced by him still).

        The Cam - > Hayden move allows me the extra funds.

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I'd go Sterling Vardy then gl

  2. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Thinking of dropping salah next gw for mane to free up fringe player strengthing cash for the blanks - sound like a good idea?

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

      I have both now but no Chelsea or Spurs

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Too many moves - got taa and vvd

        Got haz too

        Salah is doing f’all

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

          I want him for 31

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

          But defenders probably cover

          1. Eat my goal!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah. I just can’t decide how best to strengthen for the blanks whilst also getting rid of dead weight like kamara and Bennett

    2. Wheyyyy
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Can u get him back though? Salah against Fulham in 31 could be huge.

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        So could mane, no? He’s the form player right now. But I hear you - last time I took salah out it hurt lots

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

          Definitely! Thats why I'm sticking with both 🙂 anyone else you can upgrade to Mane?

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

            Ah just saw you're doubled up in D. Tough one, could work out depending on your upgrades, could also backfire!

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

      selling the highest scoring player in the game when he has good fixtures and plays in upcoming blanks is not something im considering

  3. Ynwalfc
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    No one fancy Kane? His scoring record against Arsenal is Really good and when he hits form he’s one of the best in the league and plays every game

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

      Everyone’s goal scoring record against Arsenal is really good

    2. Ynwalfc
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      🙂

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

      Should I sell Aguero?

      1. Ynwalfc
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Aguero’s minutes could be limited but he’s in brilliant form. I’ve gone with Kane this week instead of Kun. It’s a bit risky but hopefully will pay off. Just can’t see Kane not hitting form and banging in a load of goals like he normally does.

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

          I was joking. I'm not selling Kun with next 2 fixtures even minutes risk.

          1. Ynwalfc
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            🙂

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

    Gtg? A bit scary to double up on Wolves & Pool defenders, but why the h*** not? 😉
    1 FT
    1.0 ITB

    Ryan
    Doherty - van Dijk - Robertson - Jonny
    Salah - Sterling (C) - Pogba - Son
    Jiménez - Rashford

    (Boruc, Rondón, Pereira, Townsend)

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

    Alisson
    Doherty - Lascelles - Pereira - Robertson
    Salah - Son - Pogba
    Rashford - Jimenez - Agüero

    Bench: Button, Richarlison, Laporte, Camarasa.

    2FT and 1.3M ITB.

    Going for the FH32-strategy and therefore building towards GW31.

    Son and Laporte to Hazard and Diop/Tarkowski (which is the better option? Got 5.1M available for a defender if I bring in Hazard...

  6. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    is brooks done now?

    1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Was on bench midweek.

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        hmmmm

  7. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Captain Sterling or Pogba this weekend lads???

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

      PogBOOOOOOOOOM

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

        Got to go Pogsy surely

    2. tucaoneo
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Sterling

      1. C'mon the Fylde
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Pogba

    3. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Sterling

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

      Sterling

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

      Currently on Sterling

  8. Master Kane
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Out for a budget DEF to carry me through 31 & 33.
    A) Schar
    B) A Smith

    Ticker and player ratings suggest Bournemouth's Smith. But Schar has some good form.

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Sc

    2. Marquis-Cha-Cha
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A. Mind those yellow cards though.

      1. Master Kane
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Didn't notice that. It takes the shine off of him a little (seeing it's for 31 & 33 XI)

        1. Marquis-Cha-Cha
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I went for Lascelles. 4.6

          1. Master Kane
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Prefer Newcastle over Bournemouth then? Good alternative.
            Bournemouth appear to have the better home fixtures, but Newcastle seem more solid of recent

            1. Marquis-Cha-Cha
              • 8 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Yeah. BOU can be really bad at the back. NEW seem to keep things close home and away.

    3. Master Kane
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      So who would play more out of Clyne or A Smith (dam that 0.1m off)

  9. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Which one is better ?

    A Harvey Barnes
    B Demarai Gray

    1. C'mon the Fylde
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. Master Kane
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Barnes for me

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

      B can score so that's a plus

    4. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A

  10. Marquis-Cha-Cha
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Fabianski / Boruc
    TAA / Lascelles / Doherty / Robertson / Pereira
    Salah / Pogba / Son / Fraser / Billing
    Aguero / Rashford / Jimenez

    2FT / 2.0ITB

    a. Son & Billing to Hazard & Hayden
    b. Keep looking

  11. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    jimi or aguero (c)?

    1. C'mon the Fylde
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Kun

      1. Master Kane
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        This

    2. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Jimi, kun won't start imo

  12. HD7
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I know there is still time until GW31 but do you think...
    Doherty to Ake -4 is worth it before 31?
    Ake has 31 and 33 nice home fixtures

    1. Master Kane
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I'm 0.1m off Ake, but would be my choice

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

      He needs to score at that price with cheaper available

  13. Football Heaven
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Son and Auba > sterling and vardy -4?

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Oh yeah!

  14. dhirst
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Let’s put this to bed once and for all.

    Auba to:

    A.) Kun
    B.) Vardy
    C.) Gonzalo
    D.) Other

    1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Higuain?

    2. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Having Vardy I am going for pipita!

  15. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Current team:

    Patricio
    Shaw Diop TAA
    Felipe Son Pogba (vc) Salah
    Rondon Aguero (c) Rashford

    Subs: Hamer Richarlison Bennett Pereira

    1 ft. What to do?

    A. Salah and Son to Mané and Sterling (-4)
    B. Son and Richa to Mané and Fraser (-4)
    C. Son and Richa to Haz and Brooks
    D. Save
    E. Something else

    Thanks.

  16. azz007
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Is hazard dropping tonight?

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

      Nope

      1. azz007
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        On - 74 on fpl stats?

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

          Yeah but being bought heavily, see the blue arrows next to target %

          1. azz007
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Makes sense

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

              He's spent the best part of a week dodging a drop despite being -100, no chance he drops now 😉

    2. tucaoneo
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Nah

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

    Son Arnie => Sterling Barnes -4?

    Or play both

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Only son sterling

  18. Bushman
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Just played my WC and changed 9 players with the intention of FH31 and TC/BB in gw32, hence I'm trying to max gw32 players now. Any comments gratefully received:

    Allison (Boruc)
    Luiz Lindelof Robbo (Bennett, Bednarek)
    Pogs Sterling Mane Haz (Romeu)
    Rashford Jimi Higuain

    I will prob downgrade either Mane or Hazard to enable me to upgrade Higuain to Aguero. Just nervous about Pep's comments this week.
    Cheers folks

  19. tafrère
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I know it's almost impossible to predict Pep line-ups, but do you see Aguero as a risk for saturday game ?

    Surely with the tittle race so intense, City line-ups will become more stable throughout the end of the season, no ?

    With no midweek match to come for City, can we safely put the armband on Aguero ?

    Or is Pogba a much safer choice + amazing fixture aswell ?

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I think kun won't start

  20. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Pick one from
    A) Sterling
    B) Hazard
    C) Mane

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

      Depends on your longterm plan. Mane to prepare BGW27, Sterling for immediate returns. I'd avoid Hazard.

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

        *BGW31.

        1. Wolfman180
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I want to prepare for BGW but having no City players scares me, especially as my ml rival has Aguero. I want to get rid of Auba and Son but I can't decide on who for. Half tempted to give Auba one more week but ive been saying that for weeks already now

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

            Auba (C) worked well last GW. London derby could go either way, hard to predict.

            No City would worry me too. Sterling loves to score against BOU.

            1. Wolfman180
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Makes me wish I had've captained Aubs instead of Salah!
              Why would you avoid Hazard btw?

          2. Peter Ouch
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Don't be scared without city. They won't score much with a tired kun and no dinho. Dinho is essential, so the rest can be replaced, not him

  21. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Anderson to Pedro

    or

    Pereyra to Gray

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

      Pereyra to Barnes

  22. FantasyHenrik
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Good evening!

    Current team:

    Fabianski
    Robertson D. Luiz Doherty
    F. Anderson Son Pogba Salah
    Aguero Jimenez Rashford

    Guaita Lascelles Pereira Højbjerg

    2.8 ITB, 2FT's

    Any tips for who to transfer out to field a decent side GW 31?
    Currently have 7 playing in GW 31. Would atleast like to field 9-10.
    Planning to FH gw32.

    Any of these transfers any good?
    Rashford --> Higuain?
    Rashford --> Vardy?
    Son --> Hazard?
    Son + Rashford --> Hazard + Barnes?

    Best regards,
    Henrik

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

      son to hazard is fine

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

        Great, thank you for your time.

  23. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Best combo for this week

    A) hazard and rondon
    B) higuain and Maddison

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

      A.

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

        Cheers

  24. Ynwalfc
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Etheridge
    TAA,VVD,Luiz
    Pogba(C),Sterling,Salah,Jota
    Kane(VC),Jiminez,Barnes

    Subs Guaita,Kolasinac,Westwood,Bednarek

    GTG? Thanks guys

  25. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    kante worth a pop as a playing 5th?

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

      Harvey Barnes better imo

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

      Brooks better choice imo from GW30 onwards.

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

        Or this

      2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        will he play again

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

          Monitor in GW29.

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Brooks.

  26. Riggs
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Preparation for GW31:
    Auba for:
    1) Vardy (later bring in Hazard)
    2) Higuain (later bring in Maddison) + that will give me a lot of cash for later GW (I don't have Wildcard)

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

      50/50.

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      2

    3. Master Kane
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      2 with no WC

  27. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    VVD, Neves and Auba
    To
    TAA, McArthur and Kane

    For - 4?

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

      not if planning for 31

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Bit sideways.

  28. Jonny HOW SON?
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Would you rather get:

    A) Double Pool defence
    B) Salah & Mané

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A, for me.

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

      Not Salah.

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

      b if planning for blanks as there are few 9m+ players available but lots of decent defenders in 4.5-6m price range

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

        also salah is the best player in the league

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

          Not right now.

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

            yes he is

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

              No.

  29. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Would really like Bernardo Silva as I can see Man City tearing Bournemouth apart with the injuries they have. But save the FT with FH32 in mind?

    Patricio
    TAA, VVD, Lindelof
    Sterling(C), Pogba, Salah, Son, Anderson
    Higuain, Barnes

    Speroni, Rice, Yedlin, Long
    1.8m ITB

    Planning Long > Wilson if he's fit in time for GW31.

  30. YEAH PITCH!
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Which one first?

    A) Digne to TAA?

    B) Son to Maddison?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      A

      1. YEAH PITCH!
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Thank you. Already have Robertson and Salah. TAA over Mane?

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah, I think so. I brought in TAA last week and I'm expecting him to pretty much match Mané for 4.5m less.

          For 9.7m, I want to feel safe (well, as safe as possible) captaining them. Not sure I would with Mané.

          1. YEAH PITCH!
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Really good advice. Thank you. What other Liverpool players do you have?

            1. Twisted Saltergater
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              TAA, VVD and Salah.

              1. YEAH PITCH!
                • 5 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Wow, you had a good night last night then.

    2. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      son likely to outscore maddison this week imo

      1. YEAH PITCH!
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I think you're right. Thanks for advice.

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

      Maddison doesn't deserve the hype

      1. YEAH PITCH!
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        No?