Podcast

Scoutcast Episode 287 – Battling

After a bruising Gameweek 29, the Scoutcast soldiers are ready to wage war on the remaining fixtures of 2018/19.

Helping them out is regular listener FPL Reuser, who has come up with a cunning plan for Fantasy Premier League success that involves collecting a strong armoury of sturdy shields and razor-sharp swords. 

Joe, David, Luke and Andy discuss the best shields, which are high-owned players needed for protection against red arrows. Also covered are the finest swords, which refers to low-owned players with the perfect combination of points potential and solid fixtures.  

Getting the right combination in place may well be the Holy Grail of Fantasy management that the Scoutcast has been searching for over the last decade. 

Our merry band of podcast pugilists also find time to look ahead to the upcoming blank fixtures in Gameweeks 31 and 33 with a focus on the best Liverpool and Bournemouth assets to own. 

While Az couldn’t attend due to other commitments, he did find time to drop by in the YouTube chat during this episode’s live streaming to set us straight about the Everton defence. 

Elsewhere, David lays into Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo and reveals how a discarded plastic bag is now dictating his transfer decisions. 

The Scoutcast troops also mull over the key decisions facing them in Gameweek 30, including the best differential ‘swords’ to acquire, the likeliest clean sheets and their transfer and captaincy plans.

Finally, this episode ends by flagging up the work of the charity Anthony Nolan, which carries out fantastic work saving the lives of people with blood cancer. 

This follows the news from community member FPL Poker Player that his daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia last year. Although in remission, she still needs a bone marrow transplant. People can help support the work of Anthony Nolan by making a donation or signing up to be a bone marrow donor via their website

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.

In addition, the Scoutcast is now also available via our Soundcloud channel and via the third 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

1,485 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    Which scores more gw 30?

    A) Salah C Rashford Son
    B) Aguero C Salah Brooks

    1. wernerhedgehog
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Have A, so probably B.

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 23 days ago

        Salah C?

        1. wernerhedgehog
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 23 days ago

          Yeah. Must win game. Trust only salah for goals.

          1. wernerhedgehog
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 23 days ago

            Sorry, didn't notice you meant C Salah or C Aguero. Would C Aguero anyday.

  2. Depldax
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    For people free hitting in 32 when are you using your BB and TC ( if you have them both?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Most will use BB in 35, TC is unknown.

      1. Marty McFly
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 23 days ago

        This.

        I would imagine a lot of people are looking at using their TC in gw36 for Salah (HUD)

    2. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      TC aguero this week!

  3. Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    Surely that's Rashford on pens for Utd now? - emphatic strike last night, and Poggy's pens always look a bit dodgy...

    1. Flaming Flamingo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      I thought the same thing after Martial scored his against City. Chances are Pogba keeps them.

    2. mookie
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      I highly doubt that.

    3. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Pogba will stay on pens

    4. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Good luck trying to take spot kick duties off the ego which is Paul Pogba

      Also it was the first ever penalty Rashford has taken during a game for United

  4. Cruz88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    Best place to watch highlights of the United match last night?

    1. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      footy room has a vid

    2. wernerhedgehog
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      reddit footballhighlights

  5. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    Need to replace Son, Jiménez & Docherty is this the week or wait till next?

    1. mookie
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      I'd hold Son this week.

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Hold Son this week, ship the other 2

    3. ROLLING THE DICE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Could do Doherty this week.

  6. Merlinho
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    I have to hold onto one of Son or Pogba or Rashford for BGW into DGW 32 when I free hit and GW33.

    Which is best? Rashford is harder for transfers as I’d have to ditch Aguero this week to free up value to get my transfers to work so I’m thinking Son works best...

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Yes Son

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      I’d hold Son, chance he plays in gw33

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 23 days ago

        Hmm, haven't been thinking that Son could be in 33...

  7. jomikijiq
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    looking for a goalie for GW30, GW31 and GW33

    A) Boruc
    B) Schmeichel

    1. ROLLING THE DICE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Boruc

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      A

      He is an absolute bargain

  8. ROLLING THE DICE
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    Morning All,

    Right to save FT for GW31 here?

    Etheridge (Button)
    Robbo Pereira AWB (Jonny, Bednarek)
    Salah Sterling (c) Pogba Son (Puncheon?
    Vardy Rashford Jimenez

    Cheers,

    1. Flaming Flamingo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      You not thinking about using your free hit in GW31? A lot of blankers in there.

      1. ROLLING THE DICE
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 23 days ago

        Don’t have it! With 2FT’s and -4 I should get 8 out.

        1. Flaming Flamingo
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 23 days ago

          Ah, cool. Probably fine to save then.

  9. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    Which of these transfers would you do this week?
    Don't mind taking a hit, FH 32.

    A. Son > Maddison
    B. Son > Brooks
    C. Bennett > Azpi
    D. Etheridge > Boruc
    E. Save

    Etheridge
    Robbo TAA Doherty
    Salah Sterling Hazard Son Pogba
    Rondon Barnes

    Ryan Bednarek Bennett Kamara

    1. ROLLING THE DICE
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Save then any of B, C, D ahead of 31.

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      B and Kamara to King-4

  10. skodaole2
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    Morning everyone, waiting for pressers to find out about Patricio's chances to start this one. In the meantime any Liverpool fans maybe out there? Need to know if there is any chance at all for Shaqiri to start. Did only one sub appearance in the last 4 and LIV need goals. With CL game ahead it would make sense but Klopp seems to prefer Lallana(cant see why tbh) as a sub. Have Shaqiri in a draft league and with GW31 ahead maybe its time to drop for a boring 2-pointer mid like Cork. Thoughts?

    1. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      I always thinks there’s a reasonable chance he starts home games vs any team outside the top 6. Klopp often plays a more attacking midfielder in those games whereas he reverts to a flat midfield 3 away from home and in the “tougher” fixtures.

      With Bobby back and the team under pressure I wouldn’t expect Shaq to get a start in one of the foward 3 positions.

      All that said, he could still lose out in that formation to Keita or Lallana. And the Ox is nearing a return too.

      If you’re looking for value in Liverpool players I think TAA offers the most.

      1. skodaole2
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 23 days ago

        Its a draft league with many teams so only players available are Lallana(wouldnt get him even if i knew he d start) and Shaq who i own atm and if i drop him somebody will get him immediately. Problem is there are no automatic subs so if i use him and gets 0 minutes like two games now, i get 0 from that position. And in GW 31 i wont have the luxury to use many players, will field at least 1 without a game.

        Hope i read sth that will make me keep but with the current info i ll drop him before BUR. Thanks for your comment.

    2. GAMBIT
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Klopp has gone a bit too cautious after our defeat against City. It looks like Shaqiri went start unless Klopp changes back to 4-2-3-1.

      The best I could say is wait and see this game week because we might go about things differently now that we're chasing City rather than leading.

      1. skodaole2
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 23 days ago

        Thanks for your reply, makes sense. Although cant see Klopp changing his approach. Should have done that weeks now, the attacking problem is clear. Watford game was an exception but LIV are clearly out of title chasing unless they change their attacking approach dramatically.

        Havent decided yet, lean towards dropping though since even if i bench him now, i ll have to use Shaq vs FUL and would prefer a safe starting option.

  11. Dannywaz
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    Trent alexander derby

  12. mlm
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    Which pair would get more point?
    1) Pogba+Son
    2) Pogba+Vardy
    3) Brooks+Vardy

    1. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      2

    2. mookie
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      If you mean this GW, then I'd prefer 1.

    3. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Son & Vardy if that were to be an option. Of those though, 2.

  13. Park the bus
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    Aubameyang replacement this week? Have 0 in the bank so can’t be Aguero. Have Rondón and Jiménez. Do I go big ticket and choose Higuain? Or go for King who has great fixtures. Any others? Will be free hitting in 31.

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      higuain

    2. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Vardy? FUL bur BOU hud
      I mean...doesn't get much better?

    3. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Vardy

  14. Blue&White85
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    My initial plan has been Rashford to Vardy but not so keen now. Shaw to Pereira seems more sensible. Thoughts?

    Are Rashford owners still selling this week?

    1. mookie
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      I'm keeping this week but will most likely sell next week.

      1. Blue&White85
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 23 days ago

        Thinking that’s what I’ll do too. Not holding for blanks.

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Sold him last gw.
      Nothing's changed imo. IF anything Romelu Lukaku has cemented his place in the 11 so Rash most likely be shifted wide (imo)

      1. Blue&White85
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 23 days ago

        Yeah, it looks a little like that. Man Utd look great on the counter though, reckon he’ll get chances v Arsenal.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 23 days ago

          Definitely.
          After last night, the spirit will be sky high too.

  15. fenixri
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    This is my 8 plqyers for gw31. Who would you bring for -4? (Money no issue)

    Fab
    Taa Pereira Luiz
    Salah Hazard Fraser
    Higuain

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      vardy if possible

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Mane & Vardy/Barnes

    3. mookie
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Robbo/Mane, Vardy and Arnie.

    4. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Vardy, Mane & King I think would make your team strongest.

      1. Blue&White85
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 23 days ago

        If Arnautovic plays this weekend the him over King for next.

    5. SUPER 11
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Arnautovic

  16. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    Keep or sell Doherty?
    Can we be guaranteed he starts in both games in the DGWs?

    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      depends whether they're still in the cup I suspect.

    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      See what happens at the weekend, if he is benched again sell.

    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Sell

  17. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    6 red arrows in a row since getting Firmino.

    Foster (Lossl)
    Robertson, Luiz, AWB (Doherty, Zabaletta)
    Salah, Pogba, F.Anderson, Frasar (Hojbjerg)
    Firmino, Jimenez, Barnes

    2 FT's, 5.9m ITB (9 GW31 and GW33 players)

    That's my best option ?

    A) Hojbjerg and Jimenez to Hazard and Rondon

    B) Hojbjerg, Jimenez and Firmino to Hazard, Rondon and Vardy for a hit.

    I will only being losing 0.1m TV on Jimenez. A leaves 0.4m ITB, B 0.7m which I'm planning to use to upgrade Zabaletta (or Doherty) next GW.

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Like both options. Vardy fixtures could repay the hit.

    2. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      B

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      IF fit I'd keep Bobby.
      The easy fixtures are not "easy" for Vardy. So it could backfire. (Imo)

  18. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    Pogba,Lukaku and Rashford too much United Attack for GW32 FH?

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Pogba and Lukaku for me

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 23 days ago

        Yeh thinking Aguero,Lukaku then one of Higuain/Jimenez or Rashford.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 23 days ago

          Aguero,Lukaku, Higuain looks good.
          No Salah could be great funds wise

  19. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    Jimenez > King for free

    Yes or No?

    FH in GW31

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Good shout. See if Eddie Howe says anything about Wilson in his presser, although don’t trust the pathological liar regardless!

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      If FH in 31, I wouldnt do the move

      1. _Gunner
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 23 days ago

        Why?

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 23 days ago

          You will then have King for GW32 instead of Jimenez double

          By FHing in 31, you can get King anyway, so not much upside in that move

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 23 days ago

            Agreed

  20. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    Alright lads, here’s the squad for this week:

    Fabianski
    Robbo TAA Digne
    Salah (c) Pogba Son Felipe
    Higuain Vardy Jimenez

    Button Doherty Højbjerg Bennett

    a) Save
    b) Jimenez > King
    c) Doherty > Chilwell

    1. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Any Chips available?

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      A or b.

  21. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    Going to be interesting to see how the PL teams that get through in Europe deal with the fixtures ... and how that impacts upon our FPL teams & strategy ... those that have blown their FH & WC are facing some tough choices and lots of hits I guess ?

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      Those with no WC/FH would have stressful IB from gw 31 to 32.
      Injuries could be detrimental to the squad

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 23 days ago

        The chips are stacked against them 😉

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 23 days ago

          Nice !

  22. Raybigblue
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    Hi
    Can I use triple captain with the free hit in the same week? think I cannot?
    If so probably only option is to triple Salah this week as all chips remaining
    Good shout or other options ...

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      TC in 36?

      1. Raybigblue
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 23 days ago

        Salah v Huddersfield good shout Huddersfield could be down by then and Lpool fighting for the title.

    2. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 23 days ago

      TC32 if you can manage it.

  23. offspinnersinahurry
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    Thanks

  24. Swagat
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    What are thoughts about these moves for -12 over next 2 weeks?

    Jimenez> Barnes
    Shaw> TAA
    Doherty> Tarkowski (upto 4.8m)
    Sterling> Mane
    Rashford> Higuan

    Current Team is

    Fab Boruc
    Shaw Doherty Schar
    Salah Sterling Pogba Hazard Puncheon
    Vardy Rashford Jimenez

    1 FT and 0 ITB.

  25. Merlinho
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    Mapping out options for a free hit in DGW32 and wildcard in GW34 which means I need good cover in 31 and 33.

    Currently have the following

    Option A:
    GW30: Pogba to Maddison and Rashford to Higuain
    GW31: Son to Fraser and Bennett to VVD (hold Aguero)

    Option B:
    GW30: Pogba to Mane and Rashford to King
    GW31: Aguero to Higuaín and Bennett to someone like Rice as maxed on Liverpool and can’t see any good midrange defenders for GW31 (hold Son)

    Option C:
    GW30: Pogba to Hazard and Rashford to Barnes
    GW31: Aguero for Higuaín and Bennett for TAA (hold Son)

    I started on option B but the more I look, the more I prefer A although Mane vs Burnley and Fulham still tempts me a lot...any thoughts?

  26. GAMBIT
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 23 days ago

    Who do I bin this week... Son or Pogba?