Podcast

Scoutcast Episode 315 – Christmas hangover

With a hangover like this Gameweek 20 must have been a great party.

Except it wasn’t. It was awful. Hardly anyone turned up.

The only memories of the last set of matches are of being alone, crying in the kitchen, swearing at teamsheets and wishing for a captaincy haul.

Joe and Andy struggle through their hideous Christmas hangover and their unhappy FPL Christmas Gameweek memories, hoping for better luck in Gameweek 21.

At least they’ve been handed some clues about who will start on New Year’s Day as they consider the players most and least likely to take to the pitch.

They also look further ahead, most notably to Gameweek 24, when Liverpool and West Ham have a Double Gameweek. But which three Reds assets are the best to bring in? And are any Hammers worth considering?

Joe likes to look at fixture blocks during each campaign. With this in mind, our duo answer your questions about the best players for the next mini-season during January. Form, fixtures and a world-class manager mean that Everton’s troops look particularly appealing.

The communities’ roughest and smoothest moves also get an airing, Andy takes his turn picking a differential and there are clean sheets to also consider.

This Scoutcast was first beamed on Monday 30 December via our YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe to get notified of future live episodes.

In addition, the Scoutcast and all our other podcasts are now also available via our Soundcloud channel.

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. The Soundcloud version is in the third player.

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

576 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pacer.
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    PLAY UP POMPEY!

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Your grav looks like a pile of condoms.

      1. Pacer.
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        'looks' like

  2. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    G2G? Start Kiko or Taylor?(worried Taylor may not start and come on as a sub for 1pt) & Should i get rid of Maupay?

    Ryan
    TAA - Soy - C.Taylor
    Salah - Mane - Kdb - Martial
    Vardy - Jiménez - Maupay

    Subs: Macgregor - Kiko - Lunds - Romeu
    (1ft & 0itb)

  3. Pacer.
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Fabs,
    TAA, Hanley, Doherty (Sidibe, Lord)
    Mads, Martial, KdB, Sterling (Mooy)
    Rash, Vardy, Wood

    Hit me. Marks out of ten for tragedy

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Betting against the Pool mids 😉

      1. Pacer.
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Don't fancy the next few. They'll return points but I wouldn't be capping.

  4. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Are BT sport showing any games tomorrow for free like Sky did on Boxing Day??

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Don't think so

    2. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I don't remember Sky showing any games on Boxing day? Isn't that the whole point of PRIME having it exclusively?

    3. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Sky showed games on boxing day? They didnt have the rights to any of them

    4. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not showing for free, they're just showing every game for people who have a subscription

      1. Zenith UK
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Think you mis-read his post mate. Only Amazon are showing the games. Sky/BT won't be allowed to show any

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Bt have new years day fixtures not amazon.

          1. Zenith UK
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Gah! Sorry, got confused on my last comment about Amazon! Haha!

  5. EL tridente
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Just Wildcarded to the following team.
    Hope it pays off!
    Fab, Button
    Alexander, Van Dijk, Soyuncu, Rico, Lundstram
    Salah, KDB, Maddison, Traore, Dendoncker,
    Vardy, Rashford, Maupay

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      it will pay off but you will pay the price during the double game weeks

      1. EL tridente
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Will use TC or beench boots in GW

        1. EL tridente
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Bench

      2. Maddi Son
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        The points he gains by wildcarding early, could easily outweigh the points gained by wildcarding before a DGW.

      3. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Not really, how? With FH and TC to ise, can just navigate doubles with free transfers and couple hits

    2. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Anything left in the bank?

    3. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Mane instead of Salah

  6. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Namely should start right ? Thanks

  7. sandman58
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Any West Ham fans...is Winston Reid an option now Moyes is in charge??...as he was his centre half when last in charge

    1. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A lot of speculation we switch to three at the back with wingbacks, so potentially. However I've not seen Reid play in a while (knew we should've laughed our way to the bank when Arsenal wanted him a few seasons ago)

      1. sandman58
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Lol
        Ok...thanks
        Think its a possibility

        1. Zenith UK
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I can't imagine him leapfrogging Balbuena, Diop and Ogbonna to be honest though

  8. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I need to ditch Pope. Which is a better option:

    A) Fabianski
    B) Foster

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Wouldn't bother this week

      1. cravencottage
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Agree- for next week

    3. Lecky Legs FC
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

  9. Lukakuna
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What cheap striker would or will you bring in?

    A) Ings
    B) Calwert-Lewin
    C) Maupay

    And why?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B or c because of fixtures

    2. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ings. Third for goals in the league so far this season. Takes the chances when he's given them. On fire right now.
      DCL. Great prospect, I've rated him for the past two season just wished he got more of an opportunity and he seems to be now, thankfully.

    3. POLSKA GOLA
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A, b, c in that order

  10. danlynch13
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    On WC any Input much appreciated... Thanks!

    Ryan
    TAA-Soy-Kelly
    Salah-Martial-Mane-KDB
    Vardy-Jiminez-Deeney

    Button-Kabasele-Lunsdstram-Romeu

    0.0itb

    1. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Personally not a fan of Mane/Salah double up. It's a lot of money to tie up hoping they both return each week

      1. danlynch13
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Which would you keep

        1. Zenith UK
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Mane. Salah looks off of the boil.
          I'm flirting with wildcarding and going TAA/Robbo/Mane (and I'm a WH fan which is a sucker punch, lol!)

        2. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          This, just keep Mane, as said on previous post, having both does not work, believe me please, been there.

        3. Zenith UK
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Salah > Alli
          Kabalese > Robbo?

  11. Nerdlinger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I should transfer Aguero out for Vardy in right? I know it's the sensible thing to do - Aguero will likely be rested after playing his first game the other night, and Vardy is 100% nailed on to play - but, I really like having Aguero in my team, especially when no one else has him! Hmmm....

    1. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No point in having him if you don't think he'll outscore the other player.

      1. Nerdlinger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, deep down I know what you say is true, grudgingly!

  12. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    How's this?

    Zaha+Mousset to Traore+Deulofeu(or Deeney)?

    1. Nerdlinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Zaha has a plum fixture this gw...

      1. JBG
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah but Zaha isn't that good of a FPL pick anymore is he? So inconsistent.

  13. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Weird question, but, who scores more among this?

    Martial (ars, NOR) in gw21 and 22
    Or
    Sterling (avl, CRY) in gw 22 and 23?

    Will get Mane in accordingly in gw23 or gw24.

    Cheers all.

    1. Nerdlinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Martial

    2. POLSKA GOLA
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I think Sterling will outscore Martial if price difference not an issue

      1. Nerdlinger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Martial more nailed to start than Sterling tho...

        1. Qaiss
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Sterling hasn’t started only once this season. Man City have an easy cup game coming up where he’ll be rested. And city won’t play a back 3 with two strikers cause they don’t have enough centre backs

          1. Nerdlinger
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Arguably he's just as likely to play in the cup game with Prem title out of reach (yes i know they still need top 4 but...) Devil's advocate n all that

          2. blind faith
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            As a Port Vale fan I hope Pep does rest all his stars and puts a youth team out. That way, we may stand a chance of a draw! ;D

            1. Nerdlinger
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Good luck with that! I imagine you'll face a pretty strong side, sadly!

    3. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Sterling

  14. POLSKA GOLA
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Which combo better for GW 24:
    A) Robbo, Marlial, DCL
    B) Salah, Connolly, Burn?
    Leaning towards A but going Slah-less is a huge risk

  15. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What do you think of Cresswell? Nice immediate fixtures coming up, should be involved in the DGW. Both of his 14 point hauls this season have been against top 6.

    1. Zenith UK
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Good option. If Moyes goes to three at the back could become a wingback... Has a good cross on him too.

    2. POLSKA GOLA
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Wait and see with new manager at WH

    3. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      dont think West Ham defender is a good idea, if you get him now you will be commited to play him until then no doubt, and who have they got in the double again? Is it Pool and Leicester or Pool and Wolves? There is basically a zero chance of a CS in that double.
      Sure maybe Fabianski is an option butt ur literally hoping on save points, not conceding too much and what a pen save?

      Yes it would be nice to have a keeper in a double, but for instance I have Foster who ahs Villa that week, a CS for Foster looks likely, not at all convinced Fab even with a double would outscore Foster.

      1. Zenith UK
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Think you trailed off and got stuck on the topic of Fab when he was talking about Cresswell.

        Cress takes our freekicks and as poster mentioned, his big hauls have come against top 6 sides this season. He can be deadly from a dead ball situation and furthermore we're likely to play counter-attacking football against teams and Cress breaks forward and puts good balls into the box (for the likes of Haller/Antonio)

      2. Maddi Son
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Cresswell scored 14 points against both United and Chelsea.

        Nobody said anything about Fabianski, you made that up in your head.

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          he is a defender, he gets CS points. He wont get any CS points.. the point is relevant with Fab or Cresswell.

          His recent returns; 0,0,6,0,0

          I dont think I could find a worse player to pick in all hoenstly, but if you think he is a good shout then go for it.
          Did you get Pogba by any chance? Thats the same logic tbh, and getting in Callum Wilson. No display of form whatsoever, but get him in anyway based on a double or fixtures that arent even that good.

          1. have you seen cyan
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            sorry he didnt play last, but would have been another 0 probably

          2. Maddi Son
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Couldn't find a worse pick? You're just being ridiculous now. West Ham have Bournemouth, Sheff Utd and Everton before the DGW. Combined with the fact Moyes has just taken over who is known to be solid.

            No I didn't get Pogba, stop making up absolute crap in your head man.

          3. MrZ
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Anyone play lundstram/digne/trent for his Cs?
            That's the same case for cresswell... We want his goals, CS is bonus 🙂

          4. Zenith UK
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            If you look at Cress' track record in a season where he plays over 3,000 minutes he picks up over 100 points... Yes they both benefit from CS points but you're missing the fact that Cresswell has three goals already this season and Fabianski doesn't. Not to mention he has more opportunities for assists/chances created.

            1. have you seen cyan
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              yes just looking at that, he has already reached his max goals for the season lol 😀
              Ah if you guys like him fair enuf, I only get players in who pass the eye test for me. Sorry if I seem harsh just think its a mistake is all

              1. Zenith UK
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                Nobody was criticising your harsh judgement mate, it's that you went on waffling about Fab when nobody was discussing Fabianski. You could argue that he has reached his limit for the season in goals, but then you could argue that he hasn't even gotten started on his assists this season? 😉

  16. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    No Pogba spotted with the squad to London. Owners surely benching him with a tasty game vs Norwich coming up?

  17. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    1FT 1.6ITB

    Save FT? Plan on getting in Salah for Alli before the DGW.

    Pope
    TAA Rico Soy
    KdB Alli Mane Traore
    Vardy(C) Jimi Tammy

    Henderson Cantwell Kelly Lundstram

  18. checkit_j
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Short term and long term?

    A) Fab
    B) Ryan
    C) Foster

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B long term
      C short term

  19. Dušan Citizen
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    when is klopp having a presser?

  20. Lord of Ings
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Captain Kane or vardy?
    How was Southampton been recently defensively

    1. Lord of Ings
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Has*

    2. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Get rid of Kane imo, he’s not worth his price..

  21. xHaTr
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best Targett replacement for 4.5 or less who isnt Kelly or Rico?

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

      Kiko

  22. Partizan 1966
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Fabianski or Ramsdale for 5-6gw?

    1. Maddi Son
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I think this is an interesting discussion. I've wildcarded and have had both of them in my team at one point. However, I think I'm finally set on Foster. I've been impressed with Watford defensively and no doubt that's down to Pearson.

      Still open to change my mind on the keeper but I think Foster looks solid.

  23. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    So if Pogbas not playing tomorrow, Arsenal have a good chance of getting a lovely win hehe. It prob also means Pogba is off this window too..

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

      Pogba hasn’t played all season and Utd have won nearly all their games against teams that don’t park the bus!

      1. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Very true but I think Arsenal will surprise a few tomorrow. About time it happens anyway.

  24. gonzalocampos
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Happy 2020 guys.

    Would you double up Liverpool defense now or wait until the DGW?

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Wait

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

      I’ve gone for Gomez for a 1 game punt before switching to sidibe

    3. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Hard to say without seeing what the trade-off is.

  25. Joyce1998
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    about to activate wc

    A-stick with pope and kelly
    or
    B-pope to ryan and kelly to kiko

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

    2. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      B

  26. Stig
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Which to start?

    Grealish (Burnley away)
    or
    Cantwell (Palace home)

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Could start Cantwell honestly.

  27. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Deulofeu or Deeney?

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Deeney

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Deeney

  28. footballcandy
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Minamino good to go this GW?

  29. Vasshin
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Used Wildcard last week and already felt these were mistakes:
    1. Double up on Ramsdale and Rico.
    2. Keeping Faith with Aurier.
    3. Punting for Deulofeu.
    4. Sidibe was just OOP for one game and probably should have kept Soy.

    This week is too early to change but what should I change next week when I have 2FT?

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'd still want Sidibe even if not OOP. Could you drop Aurier and get Soy back that way?

      (1) may not be a real problem if you can bench Rico most of the time.

  30. gonzalocampos
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    New Year New Wildcard:

    Fabianski
    Evans - Soyuncu - TAA - Van Dijk
    Martial - Traore - KDB - Mane
    Vardy (C) - Abraham
    Subs: Button - DCL - Cantwell - Dunk

    I will play DCL after City. Any advice here?