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. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I still have Grealish, cant seem to shake him off, is it time now with fixtures turning?

    1. The_Fish
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I’m keeping for now, he’s the talisman.

    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Planned him to Barnes next week but not doing it now

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

      I think what your trying to say is;
      Ew, I hate these dirty points! They're all over me, get them off!

    4. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Surely keep for the Southampton game.

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

    Last Man Standing Update 🏆 (655 teams)

    Safety score = 54
    Top score = 92 (3 managers)
    LMS average = 62.47 (-0.56) = 61.91

    105 eliminated, 550 through to GW27
    Up to 16% out or minimum 88 next GW.
    Congrats to all the survivors 🙂

    1. Fudgy
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Oh yeeeeees

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

      I got 54!

    3. Monya Meow Meow
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Phew I got 56!

    4. robdag
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      First time getting an LMS top score for me, I think!

  3. osceola31909
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    So will Vardy start scoring goals again or is his form gone for the season? Trying to decide whether to get him back in for Leicester's good run of games.

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

      Wait for one more

    2. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      there's no point speculating right now imo, wait till he shows something then consider making a move

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

      Hard to say, but what are the alternatives?

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I'm planning to hold Auba through hisw blank unless Vardy does something against City

        1. The_Fish
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Sounds like a better plan to me.

    4. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yes he will because I got rid of him this week. All vardy owners; you're welcome.

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

    Foster Button
    TAA Lund Soy Dunk Rico
    Salah KDB Grealish Traoré Dendoncker
    Auba Ings DCL
    1 FT 4.3 ITB.
    Roll the FT? Or anything else I should do this week?

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Rico or Dunk to another LPool def?

  5. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    A Son to Traoré on free ( after Wolves EL game)
    B Play Barnes and reassess with 2 frees in 28 ( an take 1 price drop on Son with no lose in vale)

    Pope
    TAA Stevens Stephens Boly
    Salah (c) KDB Son*
    Firmino Jiménez Ings

    Henderson Barnes Fernández Mooy

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A. As you might want Traore for mid-long term. Has high ownership and next is Norwich so better bring him now. I would play Barnes anyway ahead of Stephens.

  6. rainy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Price Changes - 20th February 2020

    🔺  Calvert-Lewin (6.2)

    🔻  Gazzaniga (4.3), Colback (4.3), Hoedt (4.2), MarÍ (4.9)

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Who the hell owned Mari.

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

        He's a sophisticated pick, a talking point at dinner parties

      2. Dthinger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Amos dropped a few days ago and I had similar questions, but also "who the hell is Amos?"

      3. el polako
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Who is Mari ?

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Did not expect DCL to rise with the upcoming fixtures.

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

        The colour blind got caught out, it was a sea of green

        1. FC Hakkebøf
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Didn't really check up on it tbf

      2. Greek Freak
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        They're not that hard from an attacking point of view, other than Liverpool. I'd expect DCL to keep scoring.

    3. A Fat Spanish Waiter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers rainy. First time in my FPL career that I’ll be selling a player immediately following a price rise. Hope I don’t regret it.

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Me too. For Ings

  7. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which move do you prefer and why? 1 FT

    A) Aguero -> Ings
    B) DCL -> Ings
    C) Lundstram -> Boly

    Team linked in profile if you find it nessecary.

    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      kun just needs to go

    2. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      not B. Why would you ditch a player who has a game in 28?

  8. Nabs Kebabs
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    So replacement is just a headache

  9. osceola31909
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Ryan - Button
    TAA - VVD - O'Connell - Stephens - Lascelles
    Salah - KDB - Martial - Grealish - Traore
    Aguero - Jimenez - Ings

    2 ft, .1 in the bank.

    A) VVD --> Saiss, then do Aguero, Martial --> Vardy, Mane next week
    B) Aguero --> DCL, then do VVD, Martial --> Mane, Periera next week
    C) Ryan --> Pope
    D) Hold and see what happens this weekend

  10. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Wood for Jimi is worth it for a hit? Would have to play Lascelles or Stephens in his place

    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      definitely

    2. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I would play Lascelles if it is for a hit

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah its a real touch and go... will have to wait for news on Wood's injury status.

        Can see Palace nick a goal, but Newcastle on the road just screams a park the bus game

        1. Nabs Kebabs
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          it's just an obvious long term move imo. Nvm the hit this week.

          1. Scholes Out For Summer
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Good point! Jimi home to Norwich is also a juicy fixture. The original plan was Wood as a differential all the way until GW 32 as he doesnt have a blank for GW 31 but not turning out too great

            1. Nabs Kebabs
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              hamstring injuries are not to be messed with

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

    Thoughts on Son > Pepe? (Can bench in 28)

    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      decent but plenty of question marks still on Pepe. He isn't anywhere near nailed.

    2. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn't. Too much of a rotation risk.

  12. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Best keeper to have for next 5-6 GW?
    Pickford needs to go.

    Pope or McCarthy?

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

      Ah look beneath.
      Reckon Dubravka as he has a 50percent chance to play 31 and better fixtures than Pope

  13. Nabs Kebabs
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    what's the deal with Adam Traore? Is he actually fit? Why was he benched last GW?

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Was injured in the game before the break

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        but it's a recurring injury isn't it?

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

          Shoulder separation I think...not sure if its a reoccurring one (in that he's had/hadn't this type of injury before). And he did come on as a sub so he's g2g I would say.

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

    What GK would you suggest from GW28-32?
    I am planning on saving my FH for a DGW and not playing it in 31 regardless of the Chelsea Pool cup game result.
    I have 3Wolves already so
    thinking
    Dubravka
    Pope
    Loris
    Atm

  15. Baltic Revolution
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Are there any double GWs confirmed after the upcoming blanks next week?

  16. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Kun > Jimmy for free?

    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      no brainer imo, i'd do it for a hit...

    2. osceola31909
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yes.

    3. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Probably gonna do this myself so it's a yes from me.

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers. So pissed with the kun blank might just pull the trigger now.

  17. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    How many playing players in GW 31 would you want as a bare minimum to not play Free Hit?

    1. Greek Freak
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Probably around 6.

      1. Greek Freak
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        (That is, because that implies the six already in the team would be good players to begin with - e.g. from Liverpool and Wolves. Then I'd be less worried about the extra players in a free hit)

        1. BNMC
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          That's why I like to strengthen my bench in the weeks leading up to a big blank. I wouldn't want to be forced to play the likes of Rico or Dendoncker, for example.

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      7-8

  18. BNMC
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Boly (NOR) or Fernandez (cry) this week?

    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      boly

    2. zøphar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Boly

  19. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Keep Auba for one more week or get Jimmy? Would do the transfer next week anyway.

    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      do it, but ideally you want auba and jim if possible as I do

  20. BNMC
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Mourinho played down Dele Alli angrily throwing a water bottle and one of his boots to the turf after being taken off midway through the second half. “I think he was angry with his performance, not with me,” he said. “I took him off and the team improved.”

    Not boding well as an Alli owner. Maybe it's just a case of one bad game but still a bit worrying.

    1. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Well he's not gonna be dropped is he, so what's the concern exactly?

  21. chaser123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on Saiss as a pick?

    1. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah get him.

  22. fedolefan
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which of these moves would you prefer if you had 2FT?

    A) Maupay + Son -> Ings + Alli
    B) Maupay + Son + DCL -> Ings + Traore(7.0m) + Jimenez (-4)

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B, solely on not getting Alli

  23. jimmybob
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hi guys,

    Any thoughts on the below wildcard team:

    Pope // Hendo
    TAA // Gomez // Lascelles // Stephens // Boly
    Grealish // Richarlison // KDB // Mane // Saka
    Vardy // Ing // Jimenez

    0.1 ITB

    Feels like a good blend of form and fixtures, gives me a starting XI for GW and some differentials against the guys i'm chasing (50 points to make up at the moment).

    I'd like to get Perez in, I think he'll do well with upcoming fixtures as he seems to like teams who are struggling - but i can't bring myself to take anyone out; Grealish has been good to me, and although Rich has some shite fixtures, i'd back Everton to get a goal against most of them if not necessarily a win (ars, mun and che)

    1. jimmybob
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      *gives me a starting XI for GW28

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

      Mo so highly owned tho...even if he does "just ok for him" you're going to plummet fast unless every other player on your team can compensate for it each week...a lot of pressure!

      1. jimmybob
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks for the perspective. Salah "only" has .7 points per game than Mane, i can love with that and use the extra $ elsewhere

  24. Nabs Kebabs
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Henderson
    TAA Robbo Stephens
    Salah(c) KDB Son Grealish
    Aubameyang Jimenez(vc) Ings

    Pope Rico Hayden Soyuncu

    1FT, 0.3m

    Cpnsidering Son, Rico -> Richarlison, Boly (-4). Any thoughts?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Only Son to Richarlison. Boly move next week for free.

      Robertson and Son to Boly and Mane is an option.

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        How do I know I would get Boly for free next week?

        There's a high chance I would want to move Grealish on and Auba to Vardy could also be on the cards (if Vardy does something against City)

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Then you can delay Boly move again, with that defense, this move is not necessary yet.

          1. Nabs Kebabs
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Nah I'm keen on Boly. Wolves defence is solid and he is bloody tall he always looks like he can score from set pieces. Likes baps too.

            Soy - Lei def has turned to kak.
            Stephens - Shouldn't have brought him in after watching Soton's def against Burnley
            Rico - lol

            Boly would be a great addition.

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

              I was gonna bring Boly in this week if not for the Son injury...

      2. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        the second option you mention is definitely worth thinking about

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

      Sound moves. You dont fear Everton's fixtures?

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        not exactly a fan but they've been excellent under ancelotti

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

      Like the moves. I am more interested in DCL though instead of Richarlison From that attack.

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        DCL is better value than Rich but I'm happy with Auba, Jim, Ings

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I'm so stubborn with Vardy ....
          Almost feel stupid atm. Hopefully he gets back in form. If i get DCL it'll be for Jimenez i guess.
          Not sure about it

  25. MaRooney 5
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    who scores more in GW27:

    a. Greaslish, C. Taylor
    b. Traoré, Mee?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I think A

  26. De Gea is GOAT
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Really unsure what to do with this team guys. Any help is much appreciated.

    2 FTS and would love to have Traore and Jimi but i seriously cannot find a way to bring the latter. Was considering dropping KDB until last night. Thanks all

    Hendo
    Digne TAA Lunds Stephens
    Mane Salah KDB Trossard*
    Vardy Ings

    Kelly Mousset Cantwell

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      How much cash?

      Digne to Boly, Trossard to Traore is an option.

      Digne to Lascellas/Boly, Mousset to Jimenez if possible is better.

      1. De Gea is GOAT
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        0.0 itb unfortunately Holmes. Strongly considering the first option but i really want Jimi. Option 2 is impossible

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

      I'm in the same boat as you. Wanted to take out KDB.. hmm

      I would think Digne -> Boly / Lacelles / Saiss and Mousset -> Jim
      Else, Digne -> Boly and Trossard -> Traore

      1. De Gea is GOAT
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks mate. I still think that KDB won't be getting much points in the next few GWs but considering he's so highly owned its a risk to take. I have nothing to lose so might just go for it.

  27. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    First time feeling the need of high TV, cant find any easy and safe route to Mane! 😀

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      You really like salah Mane double up ?

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

        It's what Im trying to do too...he's a must when playing each week, which he should. And still a differential for now.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          It's an intriguing option tbh.
          Double defense looks great too !
          I think i can also get that attacking double up without sacrificing elsewhere. Just need to take a hit this GW though.
          If Pool goes out of cl, it'll be a no brainer though IMO

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

        I do, more exciting than double defense and waiting 90mins for CS points 😉

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Ha ha
          I won't sell KDb though. He's so highly owned. Pure Rank killer !!

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

      Do you really need Mane?

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I dont need Mane but I may have to get 3rd LIV soon?

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

          Always easier to get a 2nd defender.
          Have the same issue.

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

      Does "easy and safe" mean "without a -4 pt. hit" or does it mean you just don't have enough of the total equity on players you own to make "Mane in" happen financially?

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Yes, financially. Willing to drop Kevin for Mane but not sure who will enable it.

        1. Nabs Kebabs
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          i sold kdb once. learnt my lesson.

          1. Holmes
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            I have been considering this since 4-5 gameweeks but somehow he stays 😀

            Just dont like their fixtures, couple of blanks, Real Madrid in-between.

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

          After yesterday's performance and early sub I would think KDB is nailed and he isn't worth taking out for a downgrade

    4. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      don't think both are really necessary but thinking I may do the move you suggested and flex my TV 😉

  28. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    McCarthy button
    TAA Egan O'Connel lascellas Stephen
    KDB Salah Traore Mahrez* Hayden
    Jimmy Ings Wood*

    A) Mahrez to Mane
    B) Wood to Vardy
    C) Do nothing

    Can do A) now and B) next gameweek or vice versa or both next gw

    Suggestions?

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

      A

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

      Both transfers would be for a hit.

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

    Thoughts on Richarlison as an option?

    Horrible fixtures + likely plays in 31 + leaves spare ITB ...

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Not much competition for him, decent placeholder till next big thing.

  30. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Despite decent fixtures (other than Vardy maybe), I'm still thinking ahead to the blanks in gw28.
    2FTs, 0.7itb
    1) Auba, Fleck > Jimenez, Fernandes/Martial
    2) Vardy, Aurier > Jimi, VVD/Robbo (Auba > Vardy ahead of 28)
    3) RYan > Dubravka + roll

    Ryan, Button
    TAA, Aurier, Soyuncu, Lunds, Rico
    Salah, KDB, Grealish, Fleck, Cantwell
    Auba, Vardy, Ings