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. gauzah
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this draft?

    Martinez 4.0
    TAA Justin KWP Taylor 4.0
    Salah Auba Son Perreira
    Vardy Wilson Mitro

    Any better combinations I can make with Son Perreira Wilson?

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

    Jimenez /Werner /Ings

    Good?

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A bit too good. To the point where you have probably compromised a lot in other areas of your team

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

        This

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

        Mccarthy/Pope
        TAA VVD KWP Douglas Mitchell
        Auba Son ASM McNeil Stephens
        Werner Jimenez Ings

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

    Who is the best defender for £5M for set & forget purposes?

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

      Egan

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

      Dier/Davies/Saiss/Coady

    3. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You are not going to like the answer.... Coady. Played every single minute last season, club captain, Wolves have good defence. However, this guy has ZERO (0) attacking potential.

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

      Dier

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

      Saiss or Egan

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

      Thanks guys. I really like the Coady pick.

      1. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        😀 Didn't think my suggestion would come out on top!

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

        For set and forget he has to be the best choice

    7. Guba
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Saiss or Egan for me

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

      Saiss, Egan

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

    Which combination do you prefer from GW2 onwards? (Different formations)
    A) Bruno + Pereira
    B) Martial + James Rodriguez

    1. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Sloths
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    3. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B is very punty, I like it

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

      B

  5. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Simple one:
    A. Egan and McCarthy
    B. KWP and Ramsdale

    1. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      A

    3. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

    A) Bruno + Mitro
    B) Rash + DCL
    C) Greenwood + DCL
    D) Martial + 8.0 mid (who?)

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

      Martial, Alli

      1. KUNingas
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

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

    Which combo is better

    1. Alli, Fernandes
    2. Son, Rashford
    3. Alli, Rashford, 1.0m

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

      2

    2. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Son + Rashy is sexy

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

      2

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

      2

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

    Pick one:

    A) Ferguson Bissouma Wilson
    B) Saiss ASM Brewster

    McCarthy 4.0
    TAA Davies Taylor ***** Mitchell
    Salah Auba Alli ***** Soucek
    Werner Ings *****

    Cheers.

    1. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B out of those

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      B

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

      B

  9. Guba
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    So I think I've finalised my team for now, it's somewhat complicated but rotates through the first few weeks nicely.

    McCarthy (Nyland)
    TAA, Egan, Saiss, (J.Lewis, Mitchell)
    Auba, Son, Alli, Pérez, Armstrong
    Werner, Mitro (Martial)
    0.0 ITB.

    GW1 352
    GW2 rolled transfer, 343 benching armstrong (has spurs) for Martial. Bench Saiss (has city) for J.Lewis who has BH at home.
    GW3 Auba -> KDB. Alli -> Pulisic/Havertz if looking good. 343 benching Pérez (has city), armstrong fixture good again. Saiss back in.
    GW4 Pérez -> Bissouma + Egan -> Robertson (hit-4 if got Puli) for the fixture swing between SHU and Pool. 343 from there on.

    Gives a good playing bench, really like Lewis as a prospect and covers Wolves bad fixtures perfectly. Perez just a 2 game punt to cover Martial GW1 and Armstrong's bad Tot fixture.

    The main bad point is no Salah.

    Thoughts?

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Fecking love this. Well done mate. I am going without Salah to begin with myself. Let's see how that goes.

      1. Guba
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks man, yeah I'll be hiding behind the sofa for the Leeds game. Thing is I wasn't captaining and planned to sell in gw2 for bruno so just thought really what's the point.

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

          Perez is a weird one imo..rather go barnes or ward prowse

          1. Guba
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I'd have considered Barnes but don't have the 0.5 extra. JWP would be a bit counter productive as a reason for perez is I want to cover Armstrong's bad fixture. The alternative to Perez needs to have strong gw1 and 2 fixtures.

        2. Stormbringer22
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Exactly mate. I've benched Bruno for your Martial, but still - same reasoning.

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

      I like it well enough.

      Why Egan over Dier? Spurs defense and fixtures are better imo. Rotates just as well.
      Perez is a punt indeed. But it could work. You're almost hoping for a ton of people being out with Armstrong on the bench vs most people's Bissouma and Davis.

      1. Guba
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers for the reply, I just don't fancy Spurs defensively at the moment that's all really. I like Everton's additions and they'll have a strong midfield, Southampton are an attacking side too. I may still change my mind on that one though. .

  10. unclesbasement
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do you think its a bad idea selling salah for bruno for gw2?

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

      A lot of people will be doing that. Most people will want a man united option for GW3 captaincy.

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

        Yeah im really tempted to do the same...gives me 1.5 also to work with which could allow me to upgrade my defence and get martial in also...however i feel wrong in not having salah.

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

      No, but then I've been wrong in the past.

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

      That was my plan. Decided though I preferred Martial to Bruno with the extra cash. Salah not great fixtures in 2 and 3.

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

        I can get both

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

    Rate these defences in order of CS potential for the first 8 Gws

    SHU
    Man Utd
    Spurs
    Wolves
    Arsenal
    Southampton

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

      Wolves
      Spurs
      United
      Southampton
      Sheff
      Arsenal

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

    Which team gets the most clean sheets this season (barring Liverpool, City, and Spurs)?

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Chelsea with Silva coming in imo

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      United.

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

      United

  13. The Frenchie
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What about downgrading Van Dijk for Gomez?

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Aerial threat is worth the extra
      Would just try get in Robertson though

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

      Don't do it

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A very steep downgrade...

  14. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How will Pep line up his 6-a-side teams?

  15. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How is it (3-4-3)? 1.5M ITB. Son -> Bruno, Auba -> KDB later.

    McCarthy
    TAA KWP Justin
    Salah Auba Son ASM
    Werner Wilson Mitro

    Nyland Stephens Mitchell Taylor

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

      I like it- very similar to mine. Main difference is I'm going with Adams over Wilson as didn't fancy the Newcastle attack double-up.

      Planning similar transfers too, but then I expect a few million others are doing the same...

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I'm thinking ASM and Wilson will "boost" each other.

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

      Yep, both could do well. I think I will wait and see how Wilson settles in first.

  16. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bottomed

    Which combo is better

    A. Dier/Davies, Werner
    B. Doherty, Ings/Jimenez

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

      A

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

      A

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

      A

  17. vandebeek
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How nailed is Maitland-Niles?

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

      Not very mate. Probably best avoided

    2. Red Red Robins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Luiz being out would force Tierney to stay as cb, meaning Maitland on carry on on left side id have thought

  18. shalji
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ramsdale
    TAA Mitchell Doherty
    Mane Havertz Saint-Maximin Auba
    Mitrovic Werner Antonio

    Subs - Nyland, Bissouma, Vinagre, Taylor

    Any thoughts?

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

    No matter how well I try to plan my team, a hit in GW2 has that feeling of inevitability about it.

    I'm not one to chase price rises, but missing out on a transfer due to 0.1m is a tad annoying.

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

      I’m set up to take a 4 point hit for GW2 and there’s nothing wrong with that

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Im happily taking a hit GW2 for both Bruno and Tony.

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

      The prices could go crazy on Saturday evening for Manc players. Can you have one on your bench this week?

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

      I think it's justifiable if there's enough of an upside.

      My hit would involve doing Salah to Bruno and one of Mitro or Adams to Martial. (Have 1.5 ITB).

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

      I could have one on the bench but that would involve losing Son and playing a 4.5 defender instead to avoid the hit.

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

      I'm keeping 0.5 spare, just can't risk missing out due to a 0.1 rise!

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

      Im also getting Bruno and Martial in for hit.

  20. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which combo is better

    A. Son, Ings/Jimenez
    B. Alli, Werner

    1. Guba
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Really tough one, could go either way. I'd say B for for the first few weeks

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

    Thinking about this group...thoughts?

    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)

  22. bobfredbob
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Most returns - Diangana or Peirera?

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

      Probably P, more assist potential

  23. GreenWindmill
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone have any insight into how secure Reece James is in the Chelsea team and whether Luke Shaw is fit to start the season? Suspect it's guesswork from everyone but wanted to confirm...

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

      Yes it’s all guesswork at this stage. Even if they are both declared fit to play, there are still subject to rotational risk

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

        They are still*

    2. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Reece will get minutes, but is defo second fiddle to Azpi. Avoid is my recommendation. As for Shaw, I am not sure

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

      James is not nailed unfortunately. He will share minutes with azpi at right back

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

      Reece has just had to withdraw from England. He's also a risk because he'll only get minutes while Chilwell is out, and thats only a possibility with the alternative of Alonso.

    5. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks all, so James is too risky due to rotation and nobody has heard about Shaw. Sounds about right, just checking I hadn't missed anything 🙂

      Guess I need to play it safer then. Boooring!

  24. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ramsdale McCarthy
    TAA Stevens Egan Johnson Mitchell
    Salah Havertz Alli Bowen Gordon
    Werner Ings Adams

    1m ITB

    Completely different ain't it?

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

    Good or does it need work?
    Mccarthy/Pope
    TAA VVD KWP Douglas Mitchell
    Auba Son ASM McNeil Stephens
    Werner Jimenez Ings

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It needs work mate, defo. Sort out the goalkeepers and downgrade the attack. Pump the money into midfield and upgrade that bench a bit

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

        Thank you bud! Definitely taking your advice

  26. jtreble
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    My WGTA **Zombie** Team. Improvement suggestions welcomed. TIA.

    Johnstone
    TAA ∙ Robertson ∙ Dallas ∙ Ayling
    KDB (C) ∙ Rashford ∙ Havertz ∙ Foden
    Werner (VC) ∙ Martial

    Button ∙ Taylor ∙ Bissouma ∙ Brewster

    0.0 ITB

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

      Interesting to see you have got Foden. I am deliberating over him or Laporte on the bench in week 1, what do you think? It's an ok team.

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

        Foden was my last pick. I though about Laporte but I decided to go with 10 attackers every week ...

    2. MosF94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Didn't realise WGTA are still running their Zombie league? Good to hear if so!

  27. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which option looks best and does the rest look decent enough to get this season started?

    A) Son, Bissouma
    B) Alli, ASM

    0.5itb
    McCarthy
    TAA, Davies/ Dier, Egan
    Salah, Auba, XXXX, Soucek, XXXX
    Werner, Ings
    (Steer) (Mitchell, Davis, Taylor)

    0.5itb for Ings > Martial (probably)....

    Cheers gents 🙂

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

    A. Werner + ASM
    B. Havertz + Willson
    and
    C. AMN
    B. Egan

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

      A and Egan

    2. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A and D

  29. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Still undecided...

    A. Egan, Havertz, Alli (442) or
    B. DCL, ASM/Armstrong, Son (343) ?

  30. AuFeld
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How accurate do you think is the whoscored predicted line up for Liverpool vs Leeds?

    Alisson
    Williams | VVD | Gomez | Robo
    Keita | Fab
    Salah | Firmino | Mane
    Minamino

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

      You think that TAA wont play?

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

        That's what they are predicting. Personally, I'm waiting for more info, if any at all.

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

          Yeah...me too...but with TAA out with Manchester clubs, i am gonna play WC sooner then i wanted

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

          He played last night, 87 minutes, I didn't watch it. Was he alright?