Podcast

Scoutcast Episode 321 – Son replacements and FPL rule changes

The Premier League’s winter break has conspired to make Gameweek 26 the longest that FPL managers have experienced.

It therefore seems fitting that the Scoutcast is an extended episode, spanning 90 minutes as the crew are finally able to look ahead to Gameweek 27 and beyond.

Among the pressing issues discussed by Joe, Holly and Az is the long-term injury to Son Heung-min and the best replacements for the Tottenham attacker.

Relegation scrappers, in particular, Aston Villa’s talismanic midfielder Jack Grealish, also come under consideration as FPL managers hope the basement-dwelling stars will defy their perilous position to deliver points.

Meanwhile, Manchester City’s financial fair play issues and subsequent Champions League ban are discussed. How will UEFA’s momentous decision affect the Citizens’ chances of domestic success for the season run-in?

The winter-break scheduling also sparks a lively debate on potential rule changes for FPL next season. Could the busy festive fixture period in the game be reduced to create an extra Gameweek in February?

Points allocation changes, player reclassification and revamping chips are among a raft of other FPL tweaks our trio ponder.

This episode’s look at Gameweek 26 sees Az present a ‘dossier’ to Joe concerning his recent Wildcard. This gives Joe a chance to discuss how a serious health scare last year is driving his decisions this time around.

Holly takes her turn to pick a differential, on the back of Lateriser12’s recent success selecting Arsenal’s Nicolas Pepe, who racked up 17 points against Newcastle last weekend. So, no pressure there.

Clean sheets are looked at and our trio round off proceedings by revealing their captaincy and transfer plans.

This Scoutcast was first beamed on Tuesday 18 February 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.

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

896 Comments Post a Comment
  1. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    DCL to jiminez this week a sensible move?

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

      Yes, was my plan to do this week but price rises forced my hand last gw sadly

    2. joelsprylar
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, or Ings if you're not already a owner.

      1. n-doggg
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Got ings thanks

    3. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yes. I’m considering doing it for a hit. Too much?

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

        Cool kids did it for a hit last week

        1. PascalCygan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Ha! Well, maybe I can start the mainstream movement for it this week?

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

            Yeah do it 😉

          2. Rhodes your boat
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Dcl may rise before deadline so if that gets you an extra 0.1 wait till Saturday morning

            1. PascalCygan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Sweet, thanks. Was going to wait until at least Friday to see how Wolves fare on Thursday

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

                True good idea, hopefully jimi bangs in some goals!

    4. Rover
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, done it already after the Friday game. Forgot there's Europa on tomorrow. Luckily waited to decide between Boly and VVD.

  2. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Best premium mid/fwd to own other than Salah & Kdb?

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

      Mane

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Sadiooooo

    3. Rover
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Depending on GW29, Auba or Vardy

    4. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Probs Mane but I’m already tripled with Salah, TAA and VVD

    5. jaybradlights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Eurgh I think I'm dumping KDB for Mane because of potential reduced minutes and expected double blank - feels wrong but think Klopp will want Mane and Salah razor sharp for the return leg vs Atletico

  3. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Cheeky repost...

    Ryan
    Lundstram TAA Stephens
    Martial Salah Traore KDB
    Kun Vardy Ings
    Button Holgate Soyuncu Dendo
    0.4itb 1ft
    A. Replace Lundy/Holgate to Fernández/Taylor
    B. Martial+Kun to Mane+Jimenez
    C. Kun+Lund /Hol to Robbo/Vvd +Jimenez
    D. Something else

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

      Thought about Lund to another SHU defender?

  4. jaybradlights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Do people trust Klopp's explanation for Mane going off at HT against Atletico (so that he didn't get sent off)? He's a relatively straight talker but I don't want to bring Mane in only for him to be benched vs West Ham.

    1. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah there was a high change of him getting sent off

      1. Igz08
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        *chance

      2. jaybradlights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks - was watching the Dortmund game so missed it. Do you fancy double defence or Mane and Salah over the next few weeks?

        1. Igz08
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I’ve got Firmino and thinking of switching to double defence. Reckon it’s better value but not sure what to do with all the spare money

          1. jaybradlights
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Agree that it's better value but I've got nowhere else to put the spare cash either. Trying to stay away from City, Arsenal don't interest me, everyone else is pretty cheap tbh which is making this season all the more confusing.

            I think I'm settled on TAA/Salah/Mane, it's just a question of whether to drop Richarlison with no blanks or KDB with two blanks in the next five

            1. Igz08
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Sold KdB earlier in the season when he was injured. Yeah, not doing that again. But tbh judging by your or I’m the one who should be asking for your advice!

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, Mane is fine.

      Wait for the Friday training pics if you want to be extra safe.

      1. jaybradlights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Any chance of a Klopp press conference before Friday's deadline?

        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Usually on Friday at 1/1.30pm.

          1. jaybradlights
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Fingers crossed - thanks for the response

  5. Surfeit of Lampteys
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    There's a player in the Wales league of CL fantasy whose team name is Lewandowsnowboard and that's got to be one of the worst puns I've ever seen, I reckon.

    1. jaybradlights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      That's really horrible to look at

      1. Surfeit of Lampteys
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Lol isn't it? Sorry for exposing you to its hideousness.

    2. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Pahahaha poor effort

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Rich coming from Pu-li-sick.

      1. Surfeit of Lampteys
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        It's ok to admit you don't get it m8.

    4. Better Call Raul
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      snowboard instead of ski, quite funny imo

      1. Dr. Agabuse
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Brillant imho

  6. Igz08
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Aguero out for a hit for the weekend? Don’t have Ings

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

    Not many good options in Midfield right now

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Salah, Mane, KDB, Bergwijn/Lucas, Grealish, Traore...

      Maybe a Leicester of Saints punt too.

      1. squits
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        add martial in there in a slightly improving utd team

        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          How could I forget, Bruno worth monitoring too.

      2. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Salah, Mane, KDB, Grealish is template. Rest aren't good

  8. The Ejiptian King
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Henderson
    TAA Soy Lund Rico Williams
    Salah KdB Son Grealish Dendo
    Aguero Ings DCL

    A) Son, Aguero > Mane, Jimenez/Vardy (-4)
    B) Son, Lund > Barnes, Robertson (-4)
    C) Nuke the entire team from orbit, it's the only way to be sure.

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

      I like B

    2. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A moves are good but not sure a hit I’d take a hit to get aguero out

    3. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I guess there is a retire button somewhere in the settings

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Considered it plenty of times this season but gonna keep going to the bitter end.

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

      Something like A. Losing Kun as part a -4 feels bad, dont like that bit but I guess your hands tied due to Son. Good options tho Mane and Jimi, dont have an issue with them.
      Whats DCL doing?

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I think I'll keep DCL, he's in form and so is his team, I can't afford to transfer out anyone that plays in 28.

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

          good moves then

  9. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Best direct replacement for Son with no blank in GW28?

    A - Bruno Fernandes
    B - Richarlison
    C - Maddison
    D - Martial
    E - Alli
    F - Harvey Barnes
    G - Other? Who?

    Thanks.

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A for a punt

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      F,B,A,D,C,G(Traore),E

  10. Mata of opinion
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hi guys,

    Who to lose to get Jimi in: DCL, Vardy or Firmino?

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

      Vardy

  11. The Ejiptian King
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Jose's post-match interview is great.

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Sparkling water with lemon 😆

  12. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Dropped 100k this week 🙁 Lund dcl to Egan Jimi -4 didn’t pay off

    Yay to kelly to Taylor to give me this?

    Guaita
    Taa Egan Taylor
    Salah(c) mane kdb Traore
    Vardy jimi ings

    Button Cathcart soy dendo

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good, and well set up for future weeks

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

        Thanks mate, will likely do this move on Friday then!

        1. PascalCygan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Nice one, may both our moves pay off!

  13. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Start of this never ending GW I was expectind red arrows.

    Really chuffed it actually went well and guess the Kun blank has helped me and many other non owners along the way 🙂

    Not a brag but green arrows and up to 66k now, only 49 points from top 10k. I want it, I want top 10k!

    I have never even finished top 100k and been playing since 2011/12 LOL but also never took FPL this seriously until I joined this site last year. So now I am completely hooked to this game and this site.

    Oh, and just a reminder to all, keep KDB. He will destroy you getting rid and you know it.

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

      Nice, the GW started well with Lunds, then it got boring, the middle bit, well that didnt look great. Then KDB cap ends it nicely 🙂

      We still in similar areas, I moved to 60k now with 72 this week (46 off)

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Well done on the KDB cap mate!

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

          thanks, so glad 😀

    2. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Good luck

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks

  14. 'Broadsword Calling Da…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    With Kun as Captian and Salah as VC this week , what could have gone wrong..

    Now i have transferred Kun out for Jimnez (tactical, not rage), I know Kun, blasts a hattie in his 20-minute cameo v Leicester.

    Worst season for armands i can recall.

  15. davies
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    A) Vardy + Pépé/Richarlison

    B) Auba + Maddison/Barnes

  16. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    KDB killing it again. 7th double digit score of the season matched only by Salah.

    1. 'Broadsword Calling Da…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Everyone has KDB though, no differential in mini-leagues (rare), unless you're calling it correctly when (C) him.

  17. Young Lingard
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone have any ideas what the week average might be now post city game ?

    1. Ragabolly
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      57

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

        higher than you'd expect

  18. EgyptianKing
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Mates any feedback on this? What to do?

    2 FTs 0.0 itb

    Pope
    VVD, Robertson, Lundstram
    Grealish, Salah, KDB, Martial, Bruno
    Auba, Ings

    Button, O’connel, Hanley, Greenwood

    Cheers!

    1. Young Lingard
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Depends on what money you’d get back for Lundy? Could cover his blank by moving him to a wolves defender
      Or post city game soyuncu ?
      If under this value I dunno your team is great

  19. George James
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Evening. Some help below would be appreciated doing fairly well at 12k but need a freshen up with some issues.

    Current squad

    Pope • Button
    TAA • Lund • Soy • Rico • Kelly*
    Salah • KDB • Grealish • Cantwell • Son*
    DCL • Ings • Aguero

    A) WC to this

    Pope • Henderson
    TAA • Boly • Lacelles • Basham • Stephens
    Salah • KDB • Mane • Grealish • Traore
    DCL • Jimenez • Ings

    B) Son + Kelly >> Traore + Robbo -4

    C) Son + Aguero >> Mane + Jimenez -4

    D) something else 0.4itb

    Any comments appreciated 🙂

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

      C probably edges it, B isnt bad tho

      1. George James
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers. Leaning to C

  20. FPL Panda
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Traore V Harvey Barnes

    Traore has the extra game in gw31 but I think I prefer Barnes.

    I'm very 50/50 on it tho and thinking the extra game in 31 might be worth it

    What do others think ?

    1. Young Lingard
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Own Barnes and thinking of Traoré
      But I’d only want this if Liverpool were in game week 31

    2. George James
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Traore easy for me.

      Thoughts above ?

  21. Young Lingard
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Don’t own Vardy or aguero
    But in a tight game say 1-1 ; 2-2 I’d have them each on the scoresheet YET by the talk here everyone’s moving them on ..
    A double game week for Kun or a run of form over easy fixtures for Vardy would hurt these owners , No ?

  22. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    What would you do here?

    Ramsdale
    Aurier-Gomez-Rico
    Salah-Gross-Martial-Alli
    Vardy-Ings-Firmino

    Button-Hayden-Sidibe-Reid
    1ft 1.7itb

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Do you still have your WC?

      1. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Yes

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Keep Salah, double Pool defence and get in KDB 🙂

          PLUS sort out your bench!

    2. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Something about that entire squad looks GROSS

      Terrible joke but sadly true I believe.

      1. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        The truth is that my or is 1.5 million and i need many differentials.

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Play WC mate. Your squad is in bad shape.

    3. Young Lingard
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      As above you must have wildcard right
      Play tonight to avoid the insane de Bruyne price rise
      Aka the why no kdb get him !!
      If your rank is good that great going mind you
      Don’t like Bournemouth’s defence I’d start moving them first , good luck

      1. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        cheers mate.

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

      Sort out ur shoddy defence;
      get in the likes of Boly, TAA and Taylor.

      Martial, Gross and Alli all potentially weak as well. Alli isnt a high priority to fix tho. Defence first imo, and decide what you want to do in attack. I wouldnt WC at the moment just because of the lack of blank and double confirmations.

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

        your keeper as well..

      2. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        cheers.My thoughts are Sidibe->Bertrand/Stephens now and Ramsdale->Dubravka in gw28.

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

          They are only short terms fixes, Newcastle and Southampton just cant be relied upon at the back, they could turn garbage over-night and be potential transfers waiting to happen.

          Get safer options imo, Hendersons blanks screwed you over a bit, means you would need 2 keeps if you went him. Go Pope maybe, he plays in 28 and 31.

          1. wulfrunian
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Thank you.Good points.

  23. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Just come out of the cinema after watching parasite. Not sure if the film or KDB haul as him being my only player tonight the better thing 😀

    1. Young Lingard
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Mahrez in the basement turning on lights every time Jesus was through on goal

    2. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Enjoy the film mate? Is it recommended?

      1. Yank Revolution
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Highly recommended, deserving of the Best Picture Oscar.

      2. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Amazing film. Didn't watch the trailer so had little expectations and it surpassed for sure. Went through every emotion, would recommend for sure

  24. Old Gregg
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which move do you prefer?. Thanks

    1) Lund + Redmond > Boly/Saiss/doc + Traoré (-4)
    2) Lund > Boly/Saïss/Doherty
    3) Red > Traoré
    4) Lund + Redmond > Boly/Saiss/doc + Fernandes (-4)
    4) red > Fernándes

  25. UshFPL
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Overall I'm going to go down 22 places this week, as close to a grey arrow as I'll ever get I'm sure!

    1. UshFPL
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      *21 places even

  26. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    73 points in a week I was dreading and that's with Mo captain!

    I will gladly take it!

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

      k

  27. Yank Revolution
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on:
    Firmino/Son out
    DCL/Mane in
    -4?

  28. H-Over United
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Have to do it now before sleeping...
    First to three!

    Kelly to:
    A) Saiss
    B) Lascelles

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

  29. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Guess we are all waiting in vain to find out whether there will be a DGW in 29?

    I might just use my BB in 29 if that is the case so already planning for a proper bench.

    FH I will keep till the very end.

  30. Sterling Malory
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    What is the word on Son? Out for the season?

    Asking because he's in my draft team.

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      He won't be back soon.

    2. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Trade him out