Podcast

Scoutcast Episode 323 – Reacting to the Double and Blank Gameweeks

This week is pivotal for Fantasy managers as they look to navigate their way through a tricky set of fixtures as the season nears its conclusion.

The midweek announcement of a Double Gameweek 29 for Manchester City and Arsenal is among the key developments that our Scoutcast trio of Joe, Pranil (Lateriser12) and Az discuss in this busy episode of the Scoutcast.

They are also keeping a close eye on how Blank Gameweek 31 is shaping up, with this latest episode broadcast on Tuesday during Liverpool’s defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup .

The deployment of chips will clearly be crucial in the Gameweeks ahead, so our trio look to cover as many permutations as they can.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of other topics to consider, including the ‘form versus fixtures’ debate that Southampton and Everton’s strikers are creating.

Teams and players who are highly motivated also come under scrutiny, with relegation and European places still up for grabs. In contrast, those already dreaming of their holidays are also debated in their chat.

The ‘Rough with the Smooth’ round-up of your Gameweek 28 scores focuses on how Leicester’s wavering form has been a hindrance for some and a blessing to others.

Az takes his turn to pick a differential, with a former favourite firmly in his sights.

Clean sheets get an airing and the Scoutcast crew round up proceedings with a look at their transfer and captaincy plans for Gameweek 29.

Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel 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.


BLANK GAMEWEEK 28 FPL MATCH REPORTS

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

1,978 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Worth doing Mcarthy to Leno for -4 ?
    McCarthy fixtures getting worse and arsenal have good fixtures plus the DGW. Feel like -4 gets covered in the DGW itself.
    Thoughts?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Nope.

    2. Volley127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      No chance.

      Southampton vs one of the worst (if not the worst) attacking teams in the league and Arsenal have a double including City away. Not sure how you’d reasonably feel -4 is covered in the DGW alone.

    3. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      McCarthy - home to NEW - good chance of 6 points
      Leno wont get 10 over 2 games given they play city away in one of them.

    4. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      haha nope

    5. FantasyHero
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Thanks for the feedback.

    6. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Nahhh

  2. andres
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Will we know all the blanks before next gw?

    1. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      All the blanks for GW31 will be confirmed tonight. GW34 blanks (if any) not known till after the FA Cup quarter-finals in GW31.

      1. andres
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 24 days ago

        Thanks

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      might be able to make a judgement on GW34 from the teams that qualify this round and especially after last eight draw

  3. Amey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Might sound a bit weird, but who'd you keep from
    VVD & Vardy going forward ??

    Really can't bring myself to sell Vardy although that has stalled my green arrows recently.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      tough one, LIV not kept a CS in a few games and LEI and Vardy have been poor. Keep VVD for BGW31

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 24 days ago

        Exactly !
        Same thinking tbh. Just have too much faith in Vardy

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 24 days ago

          Vardy hasn't delivered since last year, got to get rid

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 24 days ago

            Yeah
            You're right

    2. FantasyHero
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Well given VVD plays in 31, I would hold for now.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 24 days ago

        Thanks mate.
        All for that guy Doherty 😀
        He's in Insane form & I'm worried he'll keep it up for the rest of the season.
        So ...

    3. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      do you have Auba? If you have an option, I would give Vardy 1 more GW with Villa home next gw.. from this GW forward I would say VVD

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 24 days ago

        I don't have Auba.
        Not intending to bring him tbh.
        Won't © this GW & can't play FH in GW 31 so not sure about getting him atm

  4. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    a) Vardy + Barnes -> Auba + Saka (-4)
    b) Vardy + Stevens -> Auba + C.Taylor (-4)

    in addition Ings -> Jota (-8). I have Jimenez and Boly
    1) Yes
    2) No

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      B2 - bring in Jota next GW

    2. FantasyHero
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      None

    3. melvinmbabazi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      a

  5. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    2Ft folks, is it worth this ?

    Fernandez and Vardy to Pépé and Jimenez

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      no

  6. FOMFF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    RMFHT please

    Pope
    TAA, Doherty, Lascelles
    Salah, Mane, KDB, Saka
    Auba (C), DCL, Jota

    Fodder, Fodder, Fodder, Fodder.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Mane > Pepe

    2. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Waste of a FH if not getting 5/6 double gameweek players

    3. Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      What's the reason for this free hit?

      1. FOMFF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 24 days ago

        Already used my WC. ML rival has Auba and don't want to rip the team apart.

  7. Surfeit of Lampteys
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Do a shot every time Lee fpl family says 'for his/their part.'

  8. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Should I do Vardy&Bobby to Auba&Jimmy for -4 or only Bobby to Jimmy? Or keep both and hide behind the couch?

    The team is:

    Ramsdale Martin
    TAA Taylor Soy Cathart Egan
    Salah KdB Martial Barnes Dendo
    Vardy Bobby Ings

    1ft, 1.0 itb

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      I would take the hit

    2. The Colonel
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      I'm in same scenario but want to shift one of those plus Martial (two tough fixtures then a blank).

  9. R.C
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Are KDB and Otamendi nailed for both the games?

    1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      definetly not maybe

    2. FantasyHero
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      KDB should be

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      nope

    4. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Pebbles probably plays one, don't think he could be trusted with Otamendi - both might start Burnley to give Fernandinho a rest before Real.

    5. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      It’s Pep. No such thing as nailed on.

    6. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      If Mendy isn’t playing tonight I think he could play both

  10. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    GTG or hits needed?

    Pope
    TAA Saiss Egan
    Bruno Mane Mo Kdb(c)
    Jota Ings DCL

    Bench: Gazza Stephens Fernandez Hayden
    0 FT, 3.6m ITB

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Just going with KDB into the DGW? (not saying you're wrong! I'm only going with Auba)

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 24 days ago

        If I was to go with only 1 player in the DGW then it should be Auba

  11. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    0FT 0ITB
    Huge couch or make a transfer?
    Henderson
    Cahill TAA Boly
    Salah Bruno Fleck Mané
    Jiminez Ings Auba.

    Bench:McCarthy,Adama,Lascelles,B.Williams.

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      What do you need the couch for?

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 24 days ago

        Not having KDB

  12. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Hayden to Saka is worth a -4 hit?

    1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Who are you benching if you do this?

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Depends on who you’d play otherwise. You’d surely bench Hayden, right?

      1. FantasyHero
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 24 days ago

        Ya the benching is going to be a dilemma.
        My team:
        McCarthy button
        TAA Chilwell Saiss Lascellas Stephens
        KDB Mahrez Salah Barnes Hayden*
        Auba Ings Jimmy

  13. matiakez
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Jimi to Jota feels so sideways but is it worth it to get Auba?

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Get Auba

    2. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      not really... Jimenez on pens

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      why not?! Auba is nailed with two games and you cover wolves forward with Jota who is on form at the moment

    4. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Might be, can always get Jimmy back in 31.

  14. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Fernandes>Mahrez worth a -4?

    1. Fozzyb34r
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      No. Doubt Mahrez plays both

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 24 days ago

        this

    2. Kuzser
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Don’t think so

  15. Nubi
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Rams mcgov
    Taa Robertson Saiss Holgate Lascelles
    Salah Kdb b.fernandes Grealish dendo
    Vardy Jimenez Ings / / 1ft 1.2 itb

    Options im exploring for -4
    A. Vardy / grealish to auba & saka
    B. Vardy / robertson to alonso/gomez/c.taylor
    C. Maybe another suggestion which im not seeing clearly ? Thoughts ?

  16. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    I’m 1.5m short from that team below.
    Who would you sacrifice here?

    1) Doherty-> Saiss
    2) Pepe Sarr -> Fernandes Doucoure
    3) Vvd Sarr-> Gomez McNeil
    4) Pope Sarr-> Button Doucoure (button Pepe-> Pope Richarlison for gw31)

    Pope- McCarthy
    Taa-VVD - Doherty- Cathcart- Taylor
    Salah-KDB -Pepe - Sarr -Saka
    Auba - Dcl- Jota

  17. Strchld
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Which one would you pick?

    A) If I dont play my WC now, I can get only 7 players out for free GW31. FH34, WC35-36 and BB37. (can get all dgw players for BB GW37)

    B) If I play my WC now, I can get 11 out GW31 and Auba for double. FH34, BB37. (cant get all benefits to BB37 and have to start bring in players who haves a dgw37.)

    1. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      I'm doing B

  18. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Can't decide who to start between Grealish and Soy? Leicester better chance of a cleanie than Grealish goal?

    1. MSTRKRFTSMN
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      How have you still got Soy?

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 24 days ago

        Not lost any value, and I had other fires to put out

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Grealish
      One moment of brilliance enough to take CS away

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 24 days ago

        Amey speak with straight tongue. 🙂
        Our defence looks dodgy to me - I'll be shipping Soy when I WC.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 24 days ago

          Ha ha

      2. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 24 days ago

        I'm on Jack atm yes. But that could be said for any defender, bar the Trents and Dohertys...

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 24 days ago

          Leicester play with high line so are susceptible to mistakes imo.
          But yeah, go with your gut

          1. My heart goes Salalalalah
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 24 days ago

            Cheers mate

  19. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Is the DGW in 34 or 35?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      34 & 37 - 35 should just be a normal one.

  20. Fozzyb34r
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Iheanacho and Grealish to Auba and Fleck (-4)?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Yep

    2. NotsoSpursy
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Yes

  21. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Who to sell out of Jimenez, Jota, and Ings to make way for Auba for -4?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Ings

      1. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 24 days ago

        I am toying with Mane-> Pepe, Ings-> Auba. Worth it for -8?

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 24 days ago

          If Mane isnt starting, then it can work. Otherwise it could horribly go wrong.

          Auba(c)?

          1. Rolls-Royce
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 24 days ago

            If I get Auba, I'd captain him.

    2. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Are you going to capt Auba,
      Otherwise I wouldn't bother, for a hit.

      1. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 24 days ago

        Possibly. But Salah can easily better Auba's output this GW.

    3. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Don't sell either of the Wolves players - that would be bonkers with their form and a game in 31. It would have to be Ings, then you'd probably have the optimum forward line for this week.

      1. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 24 days ago

        Would you, Mane-> Pepe, Ings-> Auba for -8?

        I might pull the trigger if Mane is benched.

    4. NotsoSpursy
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Tricky. Ings could deliver this weekend. But Ings if u have to

  22. NotsoSpursy
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Currently on -4 anything else worth a hit?

    Maybe Cantwell -> Saka is the only one

    Pope (button)
    Gomez, TAA, O’Connell, Fernandez, soy
    KDB, salah, Bruno, dendonk, cantwell
    Ings, Aub(TC), Jimmy

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      G2g

    2. NotsoSpursy
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Thanks

  23. Gaztafari
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Should I be Bench Boosting or TC Kevin this week with this team?

    Pope (TOT) McCarthy (NEW)
    VVD (BOU) Soy (AVL) PVA (WAT) Gomez (BOU) Saiss (BHA)
    KDB (ARS,mun) Salah (BOU) Fernandes (mci) Barnes (AVL) Saka (WHU, mci)
    Aubameyang (WHU,mci) Jimenez (BHA) Nketiah (WHU,mci)

    Lucky with wildcard last week putting lots of Arsenal in, blissfully unaware or potential DGWs.

    1. NotsoSpursy
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      TC

    2. Clay Davis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Looks like the ideal time to bench boost to me. Everyone playing, and mostly at home. Opportunity might not present itself again

  24. FPLGeezer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Hearing talk of gw34 possibly being a single gameweek with fixtures from blank gw31 moved to gw34.

    Has anyone worked out which teams would need to reach the FA cup SF's this scenario to happen or too early to tell without knowing the quarters draw?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Source? I see no reason why they would do this, and they haven't done it before.

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 24 days ago

        Sorry misread, thought you were saying the 34 postponements would be moved to midweek 34 to make it a SGW. What you are saying is impossible though I think as different teams will blank in 31 and 34

    2. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Interesting - where did you hear this?

    3. FPLGeezer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Thanks guys have seen in it comments/threads on Twitter today and last night on posts by Ben Crellin and Lateriser12 though neither has been the ones posting it but those participating in the discussions.

      Might not be possible as Jarvish says and people just speculating hence wanted to clarify.

  25. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Bruno (have since his first GW) and Ings TO KDB and Nketiah/Martinelli?

    =-8 yay or nay?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Nah

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 24 days ago

        Sure? Will be priced out otherwise when Ings drops!

  26. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    So will DGW 34 consist of the fixtures from 28 that got postponed due to the Carabao Cup + the ones that got postponed in 31?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      It's never that straightforward will be a mix.

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Highly unlikely

  27. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Mane and Ings out for Mahrez and Auba (-8)???

    Would leave me with 3 dgw players for next week and, using my FTs, 9 for the blank gw in 31.

    Yes or no?

    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Nah.

    2. NotsoSpursy
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Not sure
      Mahrez not guaranteed DGW

    3. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      The only way I can get Auba is to sell one of TAA, Mane or Trent.

      Hmmm

    4. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Pepe instead of Mahrez.

    5. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Close, but no from me.
      Mane and Ings have good fixtures this week.
      Mahrez unlikely to start twice in my opinion.

  28. FPL FREAK
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Hello everyone..

    Mccarthy.
    TAA. Egan. Hanley.
    Salah. Mane. Grealish. Sarr.
    DCL. Jimenez. Ings.

    Subs: Mcgovern. Taylor. Perez. Simpson.

    Grealish + Ings > KDB + Aubameyang for -8......??

  29. Gringo Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Would you go Firmino and Traore to Auba and Dendoncker for a hit?

    1. MOTHRA
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Probably not.
      But I feel your Firmino pain.

  30. MOTHRA
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 24 days ago

    Why the love for Saka? Surely he’s limited in game time, irrespective of the DGW.... what am I missing?

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      Cheap, so easy to bring in, worth a punt if you have a spare transfer, or if freeing up funds to turn Vardy or Ings into Auba.

    2. MSTRKRFTSMN
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      And why no sterling love? He’s due a haul and likely to start both games isn’t he?

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 24 days ago

        Sterling has been so bad this season and he costs a fortune

        1. MSTRKRFTSMN
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 24 days ago

          But he’ll start both games don't you think?

          1. Jullepuu
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 24 days ago

            No guarantees of that happening

            1. MSTRKRFTSMN
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 24 days ago

              If you had to bet on how many games he would start, what would you bet?

              1. Jullepuu
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 24 days ago

                Depends on the odds

                1. MSTRKRFTSMN
                  • 10 Years
                  4 years, 24 days ago

                  All 3 outcomes are 2-1

                  1. Jullepuu
                    • 4 Years
                    4 years, 24 days ago

                    I would guess 2 then

                    1. MSTRKRFTSMN
                      • 10 Years
                      4 years, 24 days ago

                      Hence why I think he’s being overlooked here. Personally I laughed all season while my mates cling onto sterling while I let mane rip it up instead. But I’ve not been hurt like you have by previous form. Emotionally. Deeply.

                      1. Jullepuu
                        • 4 Years
                        4 years, 24 days ago

                        He just costs too much that's all

                      2. MSTRKRFTSMN
                        • 10 Years
                        4 years, 24 days ago

                        Mane to sterling tempting me. Maybe even Salah and free up more cash

      2. potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 24 days ago

        The doomsday clock on that haul has stopped and needs new batteries

    3. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 24 days ago

      He is good for the 8th attacker spot but that's it