Podcast

Scoutcast Episode 343 – Are Liverpool and Arsenal players key to Gameweek 1?

FPL managers can tell when they are only a few days from the start of a new season because niggling doubts, worries and second thoughts about players start creeping in.

That’s certainly the case amongst the Scoutcasters Joe and Az, who this week are joined by Let’s Talk FPL’s Andy.

Manchester United fan Andy is even doubting the points potential of Red Devil’s midfield hero Bruno Fernandes (£10.5m).

Meanwhile, Az is looking to start the 2020/21 campaign with two bargain basement midfielders. And Joe has found himself with not one, but two £6.0m midfielders, much to Az’s derision.

In this lively season opener, the crew nearly come to blows over defensive strategy, with Liverpool and Arsenal assets taking centre stage in the discussion. There’s also some tough talking when they chat about midfield and attacking options.

The Blank Gameweek 1 for both Manchester clubs is also looked at, as the Scoutcasters consider the best strategy to cope with the absence of these teams, as well as the need to bring in their assets during September.

Fixtures over the next four Gameweeks are frisked and Joe takes his turn in the hot seat to pick a differential to help FPL managers take an early lead. Well, that’s the plan.

This Scoutcast was first beamed live via our YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe to get notified of future live episodes.

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.

Best players by position:

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

1,009 Comments Post a Comment
  1. luke25
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Seeing highly successful players state that being patient with players is key rather than panicky has led me to try out keeping some players for the whole year (injuries permitting of course). Reckon Kane is going to be one of them

    1. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Easy to say now, harder to actually do!

    2. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Indeed. Finding set and forget value and then trying to use FTs on captaincy (without overdoing it) is where I'm trying to strive for

    3. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Try and do this for TAA, Dier, and Werner,

    4. dekikide
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, I got Kame for similar reasons, but seeing nobody else taking Kane into account makes me doubt my choice.. I personally thought 10.5 for Kane is way to cheap.. But nobody else seems to think the se way 😀

      1. luke25
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Aha he's one of the few that's been in every one of my drafts

  2. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best 4.5m mid and why?

    Don't think Gordon can be an option given the signings Everton have made. Stephens feels so boring. Is Bissouma nailed? Lemina or Anguissa from Fulham?

    1. luke25
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Whilst I don't rate him at all I think BUrke has the biggest potential

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Reed is nailed when fit

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Who is Reed?

        1. F4L
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Harrison Reed. Was on loan last year from Southampton and was Fulham's best midfielder (he's a deep lying play maker), and he signed on a permanent deal this summer. He's my 4.5 mid of choice.

    3. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Romeu

    4. Dybala10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Reed for me. I want a guaranteed 2 pointer and the likes of a Cantwell will not be available for a while.

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Agreed

    5. LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Oli Burke as an OOP at Shef Utd

    6. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bissouma.

    7. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks all.

  3. jaguar shark
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Why are folks worried about Justin? Don’t think he’ll start?

    1. Moxon
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think he'll start until Pereira is back

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Should start, but likely to be out as soon as Pareira is fit again. Solid pick if planning an early WC.

  4. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) ASM and Ings
    B) Richarlison and Rodrigo/Mitro

    Thoughts ??

    1. Kushal
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  5. Kushal
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Son AsM Dcl Saiss

    OR

    B) Alli Havertz Mitro Johnson

  6. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    In my 7th FPL season... just don't tell there was a more difficult gw1 team selection than this season's...

    1. luke25
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      no City and United makes it the toughest GW1 to pick for a long time considering most want assets from both teams

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Becomes much easier when you plan to WCGW3 safely in the knowledge you’ll have a tonne more information by then we could not possibly imagine now

      1. LangerznMash
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Are you bench boosting before your GW3WC?

      2. luke25
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        But equally you've lost your wildcard early on in a season that could be affected by COVID

  7. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which option lads?

    A) Doherty ASM
    B) Davies Wilson

    1. The Sarjeant
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B.

  8. The Sarjeant
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I didn’t want to take any risks for GW1, but I think I’m going to risk Havertz and Wilson. Just makes my team so much better and my plan easier to do.

    1. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You only live once

      1. LangerznMash
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Reincarnation?

        1. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I think you will be dissapointed

          1. LangerznMash
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I wasn't last time 😉

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Care to share your vice and cunning plan with us?

  9. Neo-Viper
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Adams or DCL

    1. The Sarjeant
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      DCL.

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      DCL is a great pick if you can find the extra mil

      1. Neo-Viper
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Boils down to :

        Son Souchez DCL/Adams (1m)
        vs
        Alli Havertz Davis

    3. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Adams

    4. Neo-Viper
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers boys!! Which one of the two vs you think I should go for

  10. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Don't fancy a SOU/BRI double up... Which is the better option?

    (A) Ryan & Walker-Peters

    (B) McCarthy & Webster

    Slightly leaning towards (A).

    1. LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If you don't fancy the double up don't do it!

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Why not... You're betting on a team to do well. Might as well go for it. FWIW, I think Southampton are far better to bet on than Brighton.

    3. Dybala10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  11. Kushal
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Having two 4.0 defenders (mitchell and Johnson) to get 4 big hitters in midfield good plan ?

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I am tempted. Johnson and banking 0.5 to upgrade somewhere vs relying on Justin is a conundrum rn

  12. Totti
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    best 3 4.5 defenders?

    any suggestions plz

    1. HTL
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Dallas, Lascelles, Charlie Taylor are probably all nailed on to play

      1. Totti
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        justin and KWP?

        you don't fancy them?

        1. HTL
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Sorry, yes, I've got KWP as well. TAA is my other

  13. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Adams or CWilson the better pick to start with?

    1. Totti
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      i'm spreading the risk
      starting with ASM and adams

      and might shift to wilson if he got the form with newcastle

    2. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Adams

  14. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which 4.0m Defenders are starters?

    1. Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mitchell so far

      1. OneDennisBergkamp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Aren't there a couple at Leeds?

  15. Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any thoughts?

    McCarthy/Nyland
    TAA, Dier, KWP, Vinagre* / Mittchel
    Auba, Son, Salah/ Bissouma, Stephens
    Werner, Ings, Mitro

  16. adstomko
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Could Havertz play as a false 9 this weekend, with Werner on the left?

    1. Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nope....he is 10 or wing

      1. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Not so! He has played up front.

      2. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He's played as a striker multiple times.

    2. stat sifter 888888
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe, more likely as a 10 though.

    3. Totti
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      this is the exact i think will happen
      as kai havertz used to play this role with leverkusen
      and werner not a no.9 he plays like mane in liverpool

    4. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Doubt there’s any point when he has Giroud fit

  17. The Legend Squad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMT? Relatively template but happy with that to start at least.

    £1m ITB to do Auba & Son to KDB & Bruno after GW2...

    McCarthy
    TAA Robbo Dier KWP
    Mane Auba Son Soucek
    Werner Mitro

    Nyland Mitchell Reed Davis

    1. Saka Rice
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Davies more nailed than Dier I think.

      Not sure about KWP is he looking the best 4.5?

      1. The Legend Squad
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I think Saints will do brilliant things under Ralph. Been a huge turnaround since that 9–0 loss to Lei.

        I’m also a Saints fan!

      2. The Legend Squad
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Flitting between Davies and Dier. Not much in it it seems

    2. Paulie Walnuts
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like the idea

  18. stat sifter 888888
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hope Leicester sign Brooks or McNeil soon for best value midfielder.

    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd really like us to sign them both!

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Both could just be the to oc to get Rodgers and co. back up and running

        1. Ser Davos
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          *tonic

  19. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Spurs want reguilon?

    Davies ---> dier?

  20. Roysgotnoboys
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Where have the question marks around Vinagre come from?

    1. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mendes going bonkers

    2. Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He is not nailled at all

    3. Riska
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Interest from Porto

    4. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Think I saw Wolves signed some Brazilian left back - Macal or something?

      Competition for the spot

      1. Z
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Marcal...yes

    5. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A bunch of half @rsed online rumours reposted here as gospel.

  21. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Jamal Lewis or Jamaal Lascelles?

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      or Manquillo*

      1. Riska
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Newcastle fan here: of those 3 my money would be on Manquillo. Lewis is maybe the safer shout with no other real left back cover right now through injuries, but Manquillo is far better than Krafth and massively improved over the season.

        1. Gabbiadini
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          does Jamal play GW1?

    2. Paulie Walnuts
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Jamal

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        What do you expect of him attacking returns wise?

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Jammers

    4. Dybala10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I've switched to Lewis. I don't need for GW1 but even though Lascelles has got me the odd goal over the years, he has an annoying knack of getting yellowed.

  22. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Portuguese paper Record reports that Wolves consider Vinagre an ‘asset they will not give up at any price’

    Looks like it's back on lads. 😀

    1. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Back off

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        What do you mean back off? I'm saying Wolves are keeping him no matter what, news reported in the last hour.

        1. Gabbiadini
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          is he ahead of Marçal though?

        2. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          You said back on

          I said back off

          Meant vinagre not you

        3. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Well if its news reported in the last hour that counts, God help us all

    2. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      There is a chance he plays if Marçal needs time bedding in and they don't sign a LB (Telles)

      1. Drexl Spivey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Marčal screams auxiliary, imo.

    3. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      My fourth defender spot since opening

      Justin--> vinagre -->kwp-->lewis-->Vinagre

    4. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yay, options just getting better by the day. Wilson, Doucoure, Rodrigues, today Havertz and Pulisic confirmed, now Vinagre.

    5. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Could be a gamechanger

      There'll be some value in that Wolves backline

      Marcal a nice price

  23. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Soucek/Wilson or StMax/Mitrovic?

    1. Jimjam
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      The latter

  24. foreverton
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Fraser (6.0)
    B) ASM (5.5)

    Disregard price. Who's the better pick for GW1?

    1. Paulie Walnuts
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Fra

  25. Paulie Walnuts
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Cream Pie

    1. Paulie Walnuts
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Sorry wrong text

  26. Fero1905
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Zaha & DCL
    B) Alli & Mitrovic

  27. Godfrey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What do we say? Pulisic to play 60 minutes+ or 10-30 minutes as a sub. 5 weeks out of training, to quick to return from the start?

    1. Paulie Walnuts
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      20 mins sub

    2. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd wait on Chelsea midfield until GW3

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thrown on at half time with Chelsea 3-0 down as they are an un-gelled mess.

  28. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Callum Wilson to start GW1?

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      yes

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A lot of us are hoping and expecting so

  29. Fernandito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A Adams Davies Ryan (343)
    B Brewster Doherty Ramsdale (442)

    xxx
    TAA KWP xxx Ayling Mitchell
    Auba Salah ASM Bissouma Pereira
    Kane Werner xxx

    1. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      V similar backline

      I'd start with a 4.5 in goal, Davies 442

      Keep cash itb as we don't know whether the value will be in cheap strikers and/or mids. They'll all punts atm

  30. The Big Larsbowski
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A. Egan, Doherty, Wilson and Adams
    B. Saliba, Dyer, Firmino and 4,5.

    I know it screams A. But Firmino gives med Martial in gw2 with no hits. And they play Leeds at home.