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. One More Hit
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I'm.not.convinced by captaining Vardy. Unless he's a completely.hands-off parent, surely he'll be exhausted due to the new born?

    Great fixture on paper and great opportunity for the rocking baby goal celebration but not sure if that's enough of a factor.

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Got rested last game!

      1. One More Hit
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Not sure one game's rest outweighs the sleepless nights! Then again he likes a few cans of red bull right

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

          How do we know he’s has sleepless nights though? Was only born like a couple days ago!

          1. One More Hit
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            I've got two kids...

            1. Eat my goal!
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Have you got a nanny?

            2. Pat Bonner
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Are you a multi millionaire?

              1. One More Hit
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                No, but I'm also 32 and born in Sheffield. There the similarities end

    2. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Game is away, will have at least one night good sleep.

    3. Monkey Hanger
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Vardy just pops into his cryo chamber, and voila, instantly revitalised. 🙂

    4. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I’d say he can’t wait to get out of the house - will be a massive welcome break for him & could gleefully eviscerate a woeful and lacklustre Newcastle who are no doubt full of gravy & pies after Christmas

      Wouldn’t be at all suprised by a double return, even a treble or dare-I-say-it quadruple return

      The guy is lethal under Rodgers - I still don’t know how the hell he finished that chip at that pace vs city - he’s on top of the world form-wise

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        This , boy is happy Adrenaline pumping , will be goals , plenty time for rest after the game

        1. JBG
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          I'm predicting 2 goals and 2 Bebeto celebrations.

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Vardy (c) chaps

            Let’s fly together 🙂

    5. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Its only been couple of days. I fear he must be tired.

  2. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Fabianski a good choice?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      If you want saves.

      1. Rhodes your boat
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        This, not sure on hammers clean sheets!

  3. THEKID_88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Start Rico or Kelly?

    1. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rico. More attacking

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        But worse defence

        1. PompeyUpNorth!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Agreed but I’m going Rico as I think Norwich will defo score. Pukki is due 1 or 2 imo

    2. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rico

  4. PompeyUpNorth!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    How do I burn a transfer? 2 FT 1.0 ITB.. tempted by Kane to Aguero!

    Ryan Button

    Aurier Soy Rico (Lundy Kelly)

    Maddy Salah Grealish KDB (Cantwell)

    Kane Tammy Vardy

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Aguero would be a nice differential!

      1. PompeyUpNorth!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Yep that’s my thinking. Need to make up 50 in ML So could catch people out plus Kane ain’t really firing atm and stats not brill

    2. Sasquatch Slayer
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      You could use it to prep for double gameweek by freeing up some value with a Grealish to Traore

      1. PompeyUpNorth!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Thank you. Appreciate the reply

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

    Eurghh, bottomed.

    Quick one for curiosity guys:

    A) Rashford + Maddison

    B) Alli + Ings

    Option B would allow for VVD over Gomez. Really like Option A though, especially with Maddi’s fixtures

    Cheers

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

        Cheers

    2. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

        I think it seems the best choice. Right, sorted then and good to go. Cheers.

  6. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Ryan
    TAA Kelly Soy
    Alli KdB Mane Maddison
    Kane Vardy(c) Abraham

    Subs: Button/Rico/Lundstram/Dendoncker.

    Save FT?

    1. DMP
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Save.

    2. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I would yep! Tempted by rico over kelly?

    3. Fernando Torres
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Tough call Kelly vs Rico, probs both blank

  7. DMP
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Play Rico vs. WHU or Kelly vs. Nor?

    Ryan
    Soy Kelly Kiko
    Salah Mane Kdb Alli
    Vardy Ings Maupay

    Traore Rico Lunds

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rico

      1. Rhodes your boat
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Nice team by the way

        1. DMP
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          TY. 🙂

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Play Traore over Maupay

      1. DMP
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Bookies says that Watford has more chance of getting CS than Chelsea.

        1. Coys96
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Play Maupay. Traore has only scored against City & Spurs, and they're both top 6 sides

        2. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          ok then

    3. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rico

      1. DMP
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Assist potencial?

        Palace more solid.

        1. Coys96
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Assist potential and think Norwich will score. Tbh I think both will get 1/2

  8. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Happy new year all! Am I gtg for first gw of 2020?

    Guiata
    Taa soy rico
    Salah mane kdb moura
    Vardy(c) jimi Maupay

    Button kelly Lundy dendo

    0ft 0.0itb

    1. CMJC
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah - Rico or Kelly Colin toss tho. Guess makes sense as have Guaita

      1. DMP
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        This.

      2. Rhodes your boat
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah that’s my thinking, good luck

      3. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Rico

    2. DMP
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      GTG.

      Great team either. 😉

      1. Rhodes your boat
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks 🙂

  9. CMJC
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Alli or Moura? On WC and already made .3mil on Alli. Will most likely go Son later.
    Thanks

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Alli easily

      1. CMJC
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah - cheers.

    2. CMJC
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Only because worried of potential rest/Alli looking a lil tired last couple...(think already convinced myself to stick)

    3. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Alli, I have moura and he often looks a lot less involved than alli!

  10. Joyce1998
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    best 4.2 defender for now ??
    leaning towards kiko

    A- kiko
    B- c taylor
    C- el moha

    1. CMJC
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Kiko of those

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Kiko

    3. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Kikooo

  11. rdamjan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Stones is back? So I can`t delaying Otamendi transfer anymore...

  12. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    1FT, do I do Henderson to Fabianski? Don't like Sheff defensive double up for next 5.

    Henderson
    Trent Soy Aurier
    KdB Mane Martial Cantwell
    Kane Vardy (c) Ings

    Button Grealish Rico Lundstram

    GTG elsewhere?

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Go for it, or could do grealish to Traore? rest is gtg

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Might do that next GW, as looking to do 2 week punts before getting Salah in.

        Possibly Aguero and Traore for Grealish and Kane. Or Auba and Sarr.

        1. Rhodes your boat
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Good idea, aguero Traore looks good

          1. Coys96
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Thanks!

  13. Ritchies Magic Hat
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    For this week only which sub 8m FW do you think is best pick?
    I'm leaning towards a punt on Wood at home against Villa defence

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Seen wood mentioned quite a lot on here yep

    2. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Jimi good also

      1. Ritchies Magic Hat
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        yeah it's a toss up between Wood and Jimi really. Rival in ML has Jimi so I might just play safe and go for the Wolves man.

  14. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on this wildcard for gw 22?

    Ramsdale Button

    Taa holgate Lundstram Kabasele Gibson

    Mane kdb salah tony dendo

    Vards DCL Jiminez

    Thanks!

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Really like it, not too keen on ramsdale though

      1. Ritchies Magic Hat
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        agree - would go for Ryan but apart from that it looks great

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks all would you go for it?

        1. Coys96
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Let's see your current team first

        2. Champions League Varane
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Would that be better?

          Ramsdale ~Ryan/Foster

          Kabasele ~ Kiko

          Dendo~Carlos Sanchez

          1. Champions League Varane
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Guaita

            Targett Soyuncu Rico Hanley Lundstram

            Mane Salah KDB Ali Richarlison

            Vardy Greenwood Ings

            Current team

  15. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    It looks like for most people it's straight choice between dropping Maddison or Alli to get Mane.

    If so which are you planning to let go for Mane?

    1) Maddison
    2) Alli

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldn't yet, but 1

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        this

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Tough , I would drop Maddison at this time

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

      Drop Alli imo

    4. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I had to part w both and add Traore to make it work.

  16. Joyce1998
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    final part to my wc team

    A- ryan and kiko
    or
    B- pope and kelly

    team
    pope/ryan
    taa, soy, gomez
    mane, kdb, maddy, traore
    vardy(c), rashford, ings
    subs- button, lund, oriol, kelly/kiko

    1. Ritchies Magic Hat
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A, Pope's fixtures take a turn for the worse after this GW, and Kelly is only nailed short term. I'd also switch Button to somebody who is less likely to drop in price.

  17. TheDragon
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    2FT and 1.0 ITB

    Ryan
    TAA, Soy, Aurier
    Salah, KDB, Alli, Grealish
    Vardy, Jimenez, Abraham

    Any suggestions? A combo of Aurier, Alli, Grealish, Abraham out?

    In terms of Salah I think I’ve got to stick with him

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Aurier and Grealish out

      1. TheDragon
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        For...

        1. Coys96
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Sarr and Digne. But actually Digne can wait a week.

          So just Grealish to Sarr now and Aurier to Digne next week.

          I would defo keep Alli and Abraham has 3 good fixtures

          1. TheDragon
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Thanks 🙂

            Really struggling this season

            Captain Salah as a glutton for punishment?

            1. Coys96
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Tough one but probably. Most likely to score 10+

            2. Coys96
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              I'm surprised you're struggling as you have a very good team btw

    2. ppv
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Build some money up and do Alli to Mane by wk 24. Maybe Aurier to 4.3 Watford defender this week and save transfer. Can downgrade a striker later

  18. Return of the FF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Any advice here, everyone?

    Pope
    Kelly / TAA / Tomori
    Traore / Alli / KdB / Mane
    Ings / Jimmy / (V)ardy

    Gazza / Grealish / Lund / Rico

    2 FT, £2.6m ITB

    I'm thinking I need some Utd cover, most likely for Alli, and my defence could be stronger. Possibly a keeper switch although Pope's been fine. What are you troops thinking?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Grealish to Martial and bench Traore. And Pope to Fabianski

  19. Tempestic
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Start Digne or Rico this gw?

    1. Tempestic
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Slightly concerned of a West Ham manager bounce

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Digne

  20. Super John McGinn-
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    What to do with this mess then?
    Thinking Rich + Zaha > Martial + Maddison or Alli + Traore

    Gaz, Button
    TAA, Soycu, Lundy, Rico, Kelly
    Mane, KDB, Rich, Zaha, Grealish
    Kane, Vardy, Connolly

    2 FT 0.8 ITB

  21. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Aguero will kill it next few weeks I think. Thoughts?

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Pep will sub him every time he gets to one or two returns

    2. Hands Guber
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I wonder if he'll start v Everton tbh. He surely won't be involved v Portvale and then there's the League cup on 7th v United so you'd think he'll start tomorrow and be rested for 7th then with Jesus playing against Portvale.

  22. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Fabianski vs Liv and Leic. How many goals conceded are you expecting in the dgw?

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Save points

      Save points as far as the eye can see....

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Save pts!!!

    3. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      2 and 1, 2 and 1 save points with chance if peno save.

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

      3 points for 2 games 😀

  23. One Wheels Enough
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Joe saying that 200pts would be a good return for the 4 GW's across Xmas seems a bit low... I'm on exactly 200 already (58/66/76) with a week to go! I think 250+ will be needed for some green arrows...

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

      yea im on 174 for last 3 and I have had a shocker

    2. Rash
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      It's all relative, depends on the averages of those weeks.

    3. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      glad to have scraped past 100 .... 39 / 56 / 48 = 113

    4. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I’m on a 187 with two hits

  24. Jealous Viper
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who's the best defender under 4.5?
    Leaning towards Holgate

    1. 1zverGGadeM
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Kiko is my fav

      1. 1zverGGadeM
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        In case you owning Rico ofc..

  25. bOttOmEdpOstrEpliEr.
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Chance of Aguero starting tomorrow?

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Same question, would wildcard just to get him in tbh. The ultimate safe captain just pure quality

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

          I thought about Aguero but mane he’s costly when ya can spread the funds to great effect elsewhere

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

            man*

          2. @persecuted_by_mods
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Yeah but he's just a cert for captain whereas Salah sterling have let me down numerous times, more than I care to admit

          3. bOttOmEdpOstrEpliEr.
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            I think he starts because there are many other players who need rest.

      • tractorjess
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        1) Best 6.6m midfield option? Before I take a punt on Keita...

        2) Keep James or Grealish?

        Already own whichever I keep from 2), and Traore.

      • ChuckyPancamo
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Having an absolute shocker. Haven't had KDB since he got injured in week 8 and rather than bring him in last week I took a 4 point hit to transfer in and captain Salah. Do I just need to lose a Liverpool midfielder for KDB or ride double Liverpool mids until week 24?

        Pope
        VVD Soy Kelly
        Martial Grealish Salah Mane
        Vardy Maupay Jimenez

        Button Cantwell Rico Lund

        2.1 in the bank

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

          Answer is clear, lose Salah imo. KDB a must

        2. Sasquatch Slayer
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Find a different way

      • Return of the FF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Is Kane becoming essential or am I panicking

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

          Becoming?
          Essential?
          This is Kane we’re talking about yeah?

        2. Mona Lisa
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          You're panicking

        3. Sasquatch Slayer
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Panicking

      • arndff_
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Maupay to Jimenez

        Yay or Nay?

        1. Return of the FF
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Yay

        2. Yank Revolution
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Si

      • Nightf0x
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        delofeu to

        A) wilson (good fix., But awful team form)
        B) tammy (dont like his fix.)
        C) ings (will get him back in team gw27)
        D) jimi (the one i most keen on getting)
        E) DCL (can switch to him if maupay didnt work out)