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. Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    1. Vinagre?
    2. Is Saliba nailled?
    3. What is the best Licester mid option?
    4. Havertz plays GW1?
    5. James plays GW1?

    I dunno why, but i think that i am going with Havertz insted of Werner in GW1!

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

      1: moving away is the rumour
      2: i like him but many say he isnt nailed
      3:no idea
      4: no idea
      5: no idea

    2. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      1- we need to keep following news.. nothing sure atm
      3- Barnes
      4- should play afaik, but its a risk as it will be hist first game ever

  2. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who is currently the cheapest NAILED defender for:
    1) Spurs?
    and
    2) Everton?

    Regardless of attaching returns.

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

      Dier & Keane?

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

      Dier/Davies
      Digne

      1. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        but Digne is the most expensive, I'm looking for the cheapest

        1. Jullepuu
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Oh my bad. Keane then

    3. Sarri-ball
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Davies
      Coleman

      Both 5.0

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

      Possibly Jonjo Kenny for Everton but maybe keep an eye.

      1. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Davies is nailed guys? I'm not so sure tbh

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

          He is yeah.

      2. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        yea I was thinking to wait and see in gw2, but I'd rather use that for manchester players

  3. Tabasco
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Doherty, Egan, Bissouma
    B) Davies, Tierney, Soucek

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

      a

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

      B if you're just benching your mid.

    3. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

    Thought on this lot?

    McCarthy Steer
    TAA Davies Lascelles Justin Taylor
    Auba Salah Havertz ASM Bissouma
    Werner Ings Davis

    0.5 in the bank for Martial

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

      Double Chelsea new boys early?

      comfortable with 442 most weeks?

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah it's a risk worth taking imo. 4-4-2 until I wildcard and hopefully at that point I have more budget to get better forwards that make it worthwhile to go 3 atb

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

    James or Egan?

    1. Jullepuu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Egan

    2. Sarri-ball
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      james

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

      Egan

    4. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Where’s the .5 saving going?

      1. Concrete
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Ah right....Egan

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

      Egan assured starter

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

      Egan easily

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

      Egan

    8. Penzardlife
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      James. Will be dropped when Chilwell returns but just go to Shaw or a Chelsea CB.

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

    Bottomed:

    ASM vs Saka is a tough one for me. Think ASM is definitely the better long term pick due to being nailed on but could see Saka doing really well for the first couple weeks. For those going with a 5.5m midfielder who do you prefer?

    1. Flaming Flamingo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wouldn't want to waste a transfer on a budget mid, so I'd rather ASM by default

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

        Yeah starting to think this is the sensible option.

    2. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      ASM

      Unsure of game time with Saka

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

      ASM as transfer are probably going to be even more precious this year because of corona virus

    4. Pinturicchio10
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Armstrong

        1. nico05
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          This

    5. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A Kane and Soucek
      B Alli and DCL

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

        A

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

      ASM or Wilson?

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

        I'd start with ASM and monitor Wilson for now.

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

        Wilson but 1m extra

    7. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Which one looks better option?

      A) Dcl & Alli

      B) Mitrovic & Son

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        B

      2. Concrete
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A

      3. Goodfeathers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A

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

        B is what I'm leaning towards

    8. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hi all

      Can anyone confirm whether Adams is likely to start most games alongside Ings or will he still get some rotation with Shane Long?

      Thanks

      1. Flaming Flamingo
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        First choice with some rotation most likely

        1. Concrete
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I think this too

      2. CONNERS
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Great thanks. I think he's definitely worth a go at that price with Saints fixtures. His stats are pretty good too.

    9. grennans2
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thoughts on the below squad? May change out KWP for a Wolves defender (if a 4.5 is confirmed or by downgrading Robbo to VVD). Thanks!

      McCarthy – (Nyland
      TAA – Robbo – Davies – KWP – (Taylor)
      Salah – Auba – Havertz – Armstrong – (Bissouma)
      Werner – Wilson – (Davis)

    10. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Rate these 5m defenders from best to worst.

      Bellerin
      Lindelof
      Rudiger
      Egan
      Dier
      Saiss

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

        They’re all about equal apart from rudiger who won’t play. Just pick one depending on the rest of your defence’s rotation

        1. Sarri-ball
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I really think reece james is being over looked.

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

            He only has to compete with your club captain for a spot

            1. Sarri-ball
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Yeah who is not getting younger. Aspz will be leftback till chilwell back anyway

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

        Egan
        Bellerin
        Lindelof
        Saiss
        Rudiger
        Dier

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

        Dier, Saiss, Egan, Bellerin, Lindelof

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

      Not much hype for Willian, could be a big player for Arsenal..

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

        Yeah should take all set pieces off saka who was terrible at them

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

        Gonna be my 1 week punt

        1. Nightcrawler
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Will he start?

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

            i was thinking 80/20 to start... total guess like.

            Press conferences will hopefully give us some info (they wont)

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

        Real uncertainty over starts IMHO.

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

      Mane or Fernandes?

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

        wk1 Mane
        wk2 transfer to bruno?

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

          overall who do you think?

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

            Bruno for the season

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

              think it's worth having martial aswell or no?

    13. mattyb09
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      G2G?

      McCarthy
      Robbo Tierney Justin Mitchell
      Auba Salah Saka
      Werner Ings DCL

      Nyland; Bissouma, Foden, Taylor

    14. onceuponatyne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Guys, any thoughts?

      McCarthy (Nyland)
      TAA (v) / Doherty / Justin (Lewis / Mitchell)
      Auba (c) / Son / JWP / ASM (Fernandes)
      Wilson / Ings / Mitro

      Looking at Son to Rashford for GW2 and possible JWP to Foden GW3. 1m ITB to do those moves.

      1. The Wanton Trader
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        It looks really nice, bar the lack of Chelsea.

        1. Dr. Rog
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          no chelsea, no 2nd premium mid.
          makes me wonder where the money has been spent

          1. The Wanton Trader
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            He does have a mil in the bank and Bruno on the bench to be fair.

          2. Dr. Rog
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            oh he is on the bench. its not to dissimilar to mine but i squeezed a chelski in there and trimmed some fat in defence

            McCarthy 4
            TAA Davies Justin KWP 4
            Auba Bruno Son Kai 4.5
            Ings+0.5 Wilson Mitro

            1. The Wanton Trader
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              I like it mate.
              We’re along the same lines too.
              I’m going 4-4-2 though with a bit more spent at the back.

        2. onceuponatyne
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah, the lack of Chelsea is a concern.
          I'd like Ziyech or Pulisic - but I don't see either playing this week.

          Might drop Mitro and look at pimping JWP to a Chelsea asset.

          1. The Wanton Trader
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            It’s a good team.

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

      Any word on Brewster moving?

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

        Unlikely before the weekend but sounds like Liverpool are willing to sell with a buy-back clause. Wouldn't be a surprise if West Brom move for him.

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

      Alright, here we go, think this is the one:

      McCarthy (Steer)
      VvD, Doherty, Tierney (Shaw, 4.0)
      Auba, Son, Havertz, Pereira (Reed)
      Werner, Ings, Wilson

      0.5 in the bank to upgrade ings to Martial GW2 and then drop Auba to KDB in GW3. Will bring in Trent later. I know it's missing Salah but I just generally liked how much freedom I have without him so it's a conscious decision.

      Would appreciate thoughts.

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

        Sorry, quick caveat: Dropped Wilson to Mitro and got the 0.5 that way.

      2. King Kohli
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Looks good

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

        Don't like Tierney.

        TAA + 4.5m defender preferable to VvD + Tierney.

        You could even chance Holding or Saliba and get the same result.

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

          You think Tierney is just too much of a punt? I had a bunch of 4.5's at one point but then had doubts about all of them, who would you pick?

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

            I like Tierney, got a good taste of what he's capable of in the Watford match, cracking differential.

    17. FPLteacher - Season 15
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Any thoughts on Tielemans? Would you punt on him or use the 6.5 somewhere else?

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

        imo... VVD at 6.5 or Doherty at 6m would be better value... I get theyre defenders but many seem to be hooked on monies spent per position.

        1. FPLteacher - Season 15
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          My current defense is Tierney TAA WalkerP Doherty Vinagre....
          Who would you get rid of?

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

            Vinagre

            I've gone even harder at the back 🙂 currently: TAA, Robbo, Doherty Tierney & Egan (523).

            I did it 2 years ago aswell, just see value back there. I dont post it often on here as i know it'll be shot down & ppl love "price points"

            1. FPLteacher - Season 15
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Thanks Kenneth!

        2. nico05
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Very much agree with this

    18. Victor Moses
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Think I'm done, any thoughts welcome:

      Ramsdale
      TAA Davies KWP Mitchell
      Salah (c) Auba Son ASM
      Werner Ings

      0.5 ITB for either Ings to Martial in GW2 or to upgrade Mitchell and do Werner to Martial. Auba to KDB GW3.

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

        Very similar to mine so I like it.

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

      Which transfer would you rather make in GW2?

      A) Salah -> Bruno Fernandes
      B) Ings -> Martial

      1. mattyb09
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        B

        1. mattyb09
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          That is my plan.

      2. Lukakus Unit
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Depends on which one (Bruno or Martial) looks to be going up in price that week.

    20. ㅤRising
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      What do you think?

      McCarthy
      Justin TAA Dier
      Greenwood ASM Salah Auba Son
      Werner Mitro

      4.0 / Taylor / Mitchell / Davis 0.0 ITB

      First gw Mitchell plays instead of Greenwood

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Like it very much. Maybe Rodriquez instead of Greenwood?

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

          Yea could be or DCL instead and switch formation. Will see if Sancho joins

    21. Notorious
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nketiah is really tempting instead of Mitro. Could be off to a solid start and some price rises as well. Someone talk me out of it?

      1. mattyb09
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Will not start imo.

        1. Notorious
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah, great pre-season could be a trap but I think he is in front of Laca for sure, at least for the tasty 2 starting fixtures.

          1. mattyb09
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            At best, I see Laca and Nketiah each starting 1 of the first 2. It is an intriguing pick, but I'd prefer Saka as the second ARS attacker.

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

        Have him for first 2

    22. DCSpurs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm going without top tier mids I would end up chasing my tail with the multitude of options. I think I have a nice spread here:

      Ryan
      Doherty TAA Robertson KWP
      Barnes Alli Havertz
      Jiminez Vardy Werner.

      Fabri Phillips Lemina Douglas

      1.5m itb

      GW3 Barnes - Pepe/Willian (whoever is 1st choice)
      Havertz - Mahrez

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

        Thumbs up

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

      Jamal Lewis may be an overhyped LB but Newcastle's Def is solid and a 4.5 Def is not bad choice

      1. The Wanton Trader
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I’m tempted, but there’s just no way he can touch my defence as it stands.
        Will be watching though...

    24. FPL_Devil
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Werner and JWP or Pulisic and DCL?

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

        A due to ownership % fear

        1. FPL_Devil
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          My main worry. Cheers!

      2. Dr. Rog
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        i think the other way, B due to ownership fear.

        1. FPL_Devil
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Pulisic under 5 percent owned. Do you mean his tsb will rocket in the next few days? If pulisic gets above 10tsb I will get him.

    25. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A) Salah,Greenwood and Adams
      B) Pulisic, Rashford, DCL

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

        need 3 starters there? if yes B long term

        1. Bury94
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I'd be benching Greenwood or Rashford GW1

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

        A)

    26. HaffNanner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thoughts on Doucoure as a 5.5 option?

      1. mattyb09
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Wait and see on playing time. I do not believe he will start from the off. Nicely priced with potential though.

      2. Robson-Canoe
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Not as good as others at that price

        1. Lukakus Unit
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Doucoure has averaged 120 points over the last three years (only 110, but not out of order considering Watford were pants last season). If he starts for Everton, he'll do the same.

          Aside from Lundstram (who benefitted from being OOP), there aren't many players in that price range that can say the same.

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

        Jordan Henderson

    27. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Which combination do you prefer? (Different formations)
      A) Bruno + Pereira
      B) Martial + James Rodriguez

    28. KGFC
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Want to have only one from SHU defence:

      Egan or Ramsdale?