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. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Did City look better defensively tonight?

    Just starting to consider Emerson if they get a confirmed blank in 29

    1. Ci Siamo
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ederson

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Hard to judge as they played West Ham who offered nothing upfront

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        They were just content to lose, I guess they play like that this weekend too, maybe they try to have an attack in two weeks time?

  2. DavidKent
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I didn’t seen the Spurs CL game. Those who did, if you already had Ali would you keep or sell him?

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      This is important to me too
      I had planned to sell, but Son injury has made me rethink
      However tonight’s show was poor

    2. Gimli son of Gloin
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      He was poor. I'd probably just about keep him. Spurs shouldn't be too bad if they can keep Ndombele, Lo Celso and Bergwijn fit and in the team.

    3. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Leipzig dominated while he was on the pitch. Spurs improved when Lamela and Ndombele came on.

  3. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bruno or Martial if you had to choose one

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I would not go Bruno yet. And there are better and cheaper options than Martial.

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I have Martial and gonna keep 2 weeks. Let's see how he does.

  4. Tinkermania
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Son not dropping in price tonight?

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Why would you want to hold him?

    2. Young Lingard
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Nah doesn’t look like he’s close
      If people move him in exodus which is likely it could be Friday though

    3. Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      i like doing transfers on Friday night/Saturday morning

    4. Young Lingard
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Check fpl statistics to check the price rise expectations he looked fine today
      But most use your technique so if most transfer him out as expected come Saturday he will fall

      1. Tinkermania
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I already checked. Wanted to be sure I didn't miss anything.

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

    1 FT 0ITB
    I'm GTG, right?

    Ryan
    TAA - Boly - Williams
    Mane - Salah - KDB - Martial
    Auba - Ings - DCL

    (Button - Soy - Dendo - Reid)

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

      Anyone with suggestions? All comments much appreciated 🙂

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Gtg

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

        thanks 🙂

    3. ted mcnure
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I've had this marked down as the gw I get Jimi back
      for me it's for Deeney, but in your shoes, I'd drop Auba

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

        I would hold Auba this week and do it next week if Arsenal don't get the DGW in 29.

  6. bhh
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Having a punt on a cheap striker. Who are you backing
    A) Maupay
    B) Joelinton (as commentators have now latched onto the "hasn't scored in xx hours" stat for him, I think he's bound to bag soon)

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Vydra from Burnley?

      Now with Wood out and Barnes out long term, Vydra could be nailed.

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

      Would avoid both 🙂

      Both is another transfer waiting to happen 🙂

    3. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Jota?

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        DCL surely?

    4. Francescoli
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      DCL and Ings the only budget strikers I'd back

    5. JK 171
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Could go really cheap with long if funds needed elsewhere

  7. Louis Van Gaalstones
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Really don't want to bench Traore against Norwich, but not sure who else, my front 8 are:

    KDB, Salah, Grealish, Martial, Traore
    Vardy, Ings, Firmino

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

      Probably Martial, if any 🙂

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

      I’d bench Vardy

    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy

      1. DavidKent
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        If you’re benching a £9m player, shouldn’t you sell him?

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          This.

        2. Dr. Agabuse
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Hes worth 7this week with City and Traore is worth 7,5 with Norwich

        3. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Obviously, that’s why I wouldn’t own him to begin with

    4. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy could be back with a vengance and they play at home vs City. Not just going to roll over at the King Power.

      I would bench Martial.

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

        Bench Martial at home against Watford? Nah.....

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          So bench Vardy at home who does well against the big teams?

          1. I Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            2 goals in 8 games against the big 6 this season.

    5. sovietrockettes
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Bench Traore, Wolves cannot be trusted after EL

    6. JK 171
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I own Grealish but not expecting much this week

  8. Dannyb
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Wood and Mahrez to Ings and who?
    A Moura
    B Bergwyn
    C someone else up to 7.6

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Moura

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

      Not a spurs player

  9. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    What to do with mahrez.......

    Owners I’m guessing we keep for the Leicester game?

    So frustrated to see Jesus start over him tonight. But I knew the risks when punting on mahrez, shame it turned out exactly the way I hoped it wouldn’t!

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

      Downgrade him to Traore or Grealish (whichever one you dont have), its like owning Alli.
      We being too cheap to pick a premium, but dont want to pick a cheapie either.. we are getting what we paid for. Basically Siggy

      So we might just as well just go for the cheap/value/reliable pick if you cant upgrade to Mane or whatever.

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I own traore and grealish....

        And can’t get mane as I have pool def double up with mo

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

          Siggy? 😀

      2. Dr. Agabuse
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        This is what i learned over the years

    2. Young Lingard
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I’m a morning brought him in on my wildcard . After the result I’m not too bothered
      City will have more place against Leicester if he plays
      That’s IF though !
      Two extreme outcomes are he has a cameo against Leicester and is now out of favour and city play united following
      Or
      He starts turns it on city get a double game week v Utd / Chelsea which he’d have to feature in you’d think
      I dunno
      I really don’t but I will start next game

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Bloody pep Guardiola..... can’t wait for him to get out of the BPL.

    3. Pras (FPL)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      He will start for sure - it’s his old team and other players eg.Bilva, Kun, Dilva (injured) need a break ahead of RM.

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yea you are probably right, just stick with him this week.

        Against his old team is always an exciting thing so fingers crossed and just suck up tonight’s L!

        Cheers.

  10. Tolly101
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    which 2 of these to bench? Stevens (BHA H), Bertrand (AVL H), Boly (NOR H), Fernandez (CRY A) & Barnes (MCI H)

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

      Last 2

    2. JK 171
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Last 2 for me

  11. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Looking for a Martial replacement. GW 29 and onwards.

    Pepe? Too punty? Bruno? Keep?

    1. Young Lingard
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Keep for Watford game

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I'm thinking about GW29 haha not this week.

        Took a hit this week for Vardy > Jimenez to free up some funds and for NOR. Next week I'm buying a keeper since I don't have one (Pope probably) and then I have up to 9.4m to get a mid...

    2. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Like Pepe

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

      I still see value in Martial, waiting for him to start clicking with Bruno.

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Fair enough. He has two more weeks. Maybe I'll keep...

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

          Pepe could work out too...

    4. ted mcnure
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      3rd mid right?
      Traore, Grealish, at a push St Max, Berge (Shef) , Barnes, Mount....and hold on to the money is all. Seems like there's great value in mids atm
      gl

    5. Francescoli
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      If Arsenal gets the double in 29, Pepe is a good shout.

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

      I see Pepe is briefly returning to fashion, the net is cast

    7. Dr Mulholland
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Pépé looks interesting as does Dele Alli.

  12. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Didn't catch the games tonight. Alli poor and worth getting rid of instead of Martial?

    1. DavidKent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Want to know this too. Any views on keep it sell?

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Would rather have Alli over Martial. Mourinho will figure out a way to get his attack firing without strikers.

      Martial is just a lazy player with Ole at the wheel.

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

      he has Chelsea this weekend, thats a good fixture you'd think. But after that, yea probably he goes

    4. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Alli very advanced but ineffective against a good team.

      Wouldn't buy but probably wouldnt sell.

  13. Saka Punch
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Aguero owners what's your plan with him?

    Assuming he probably won't start vs Lei with full 90mins tonight

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

      Ship him after Leicester

      1. Saka Punch
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Not worried about a benching?

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

          Won’t remove him for a hit. Fernandez comes on if he doesn’t play.

    2. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Thinking Kun > jimmy for free

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

    I asked for 11, but 14 will do...

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

      Still going to get arrested though....

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

        When there's grass on the field, play ball.

  15. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Early thoughts, but which two transfers out of those would you make ahead of gw 28?

    A. Grealish to Traore
    B. Auba to Vardy
    C. KdB to Moura/Alli/Martial

    Thanks

    1. JK 171
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not C season keeper even with the blank

  16. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Peacock-Farrell dropped .1 last night

    Who? 😆

  17. Daghe Munegu
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Sidibé Moura Long to Boly Traoré Jimenez - 4 ?

    Yes or no?

    1. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    2. TeddiPonza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

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

      Yes

    4. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Boom.
      3 wolves in one go.
      Wow

    5. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes,after EL game

  18. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best Son replacement?

    A Traore
    B Bruno
    C Barnes
    D Someone else?

    Cheers

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

      Traore

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

      B

  19. Francescoli
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    1.8itb 0FT. Good to go?

    Henderson
    TAA Lascelles Stephens
    Mane Salah (c) KDB Grealish
    Auba DCL Ings

    McCarthy Rico Holgate Elneny

  20. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone see parasite... If so, thoughts? Just seen it so have post film syndrome 😀

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

      Nowhere in my area is showing it. Pretty damn annoying.

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

        It's sooooo goood

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

          It was

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

        I've got parasites showing in all my areas.

    2. BigBillyBass
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      KDB or Salah

  21. JK 171
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hey folks here’s one for you if after g/w1 my rank was 397,369 and then after g/w 5 was 397,369 does that count as the illusive grey arrow? Or am I clutching at straws?

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      You've waited 21 weeks to share this nugget? 😉

      1. JK 171
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Ha no only just seen it.

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

      No, but boringly impressive. My mate made 34 changes to his team, and has the exact points as he would have done, had he left it as his GW1 team

      1. JK 171
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Impressive!! Has he also worked out how many hours he’s spent working on that?

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

          haha he doesnt know yet

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

    Maddisons turn to haul next GW?

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

      More chance of Paul Chuckle being knighted

    2. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Maah

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

        I resist getting in Traore or Grealish. My team would be fully template...

        1. Dr. Agabuse
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I understand.
          Maddison from the week after is what you got as a sweet differential there

  23. BigBillyBass
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    On a scale of 1 to 10 how much did Aguero bottle it tonight?

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

      A lot.

  24. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    So, Aguer blanked. Was my differential C on WC this week. How did he look? Got 1 FT and him and Son to sort out now -_-

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

      Yes

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

  25. davies
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best midfielder/forward for 19.6?

    Salah / KDB / ***** / Traore / Cantwell
    ***** / Jimenez / Ings

    Already have 3 LIV so can’t include Mane...

    Cheers.

    1. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Auba + Martial

  26. Dr. Agabuse
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best GK from gw28-32 except Allison Ederson

    1. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Sorry,
      Please
      ?

      1. Dr. Agabuse
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Pope or Dubravka?
        I will not FH 31, no matter

        1. Dr. Agabuse
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Loris?

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

            Keep guessing

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

      Patricio?

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

        Oi no hints

        1. Dr. Agabuse
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          I have 3 wolves.
          Sorry should have included in the list above

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

          lol

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

    Who will score more in mid-term:

    A. Vardy & Pepe
    B. Maddison & Auba

  28. ZAWAd25
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Son + DCL >> Richarlison + Jiménez (-4)

    yes or nah?

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

      Yes! Worth a hit to get Jimi in there vs NOR. I did.

      1. ZAWAd25
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Cheer! True Joni could easily make up for that hit

        1. ZAWAd25
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Jimi**

    2. JK 171
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Really don’t like Everton’s upcoming fixtures and with blanks/doubles every transfer is really important for me

  29. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Play:

    1. Dunk (shu)
    2. Lundstram (BHA)
    3. Soyuncu (MCI)

    Thanks

    1. ZAWAd25
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      If you think Sheffield will score then I’d gamble on Lund

    2. JK 171
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Play the Lord

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

      2

    4. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      2

    5. Reiger
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      2

    6. ted mcnure
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      213

  30. JK 171
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    For those with free hit still available don’t we want as few games as possible played in g/w 31?

    1. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No. Keep FH onwards and field a good number of players.
      I have FH and want a couple of games to be played so i cam field masbe 9players.
      Except if Pool make it, then everyone will have 11players

      1. JK 171
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Interesting why would u keep it any particular g/w? I’ve still got all chips so feel pretty covered for the doubles

      2. JK 171
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Ps just seen your rank and history that’s awesome!! The season u finished 12 how many points of first were you?