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. Lav
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do you think Jamal Lewis is likely to start right away for Newcastle?

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

      He's the only fit left back in the squad so he should. I guess there's a slight chance Bruce doesn't want to throw him in before he's had much chance to integrate with the rest of the team in which case he could be on the bench then start in GW2 but I expect him straight in.

      Only guessing though really, hopefully we get some better information from the press conferences.

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

      Given the fitness issues, I would say yes.... but he is still a NEW defender so take with that info the perils it brings with it!

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

    A) Martial, James Rodriguez, Davies
    B) Mitro, Bruno, Taylor

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

      A

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

      B but a different 6m striker

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

      That's genuinely quite tough

      I'd lean towards A

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

    I think I get my final team:

    McCarthy
    Alexander-Arnold / Van Dijk / Justin / Walker-Peters
    Aubameyang / Salah / Son
    Werner / Adams / Mitrovic

    What do you think? I made a "sacrifice" with Ings to Adams then I can get Werner.. I'm still thinking about that move:

    In: Wilson / 4.0 defender like Buur or Struijk
    Out: Mitrovic / Justin

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

      Would rather Mitro + Justin tbf...

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

    Auba dominating the captain poll. No one fancy Salah at home?

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

      I’m indifferent. I’ll do what everyone else does i don’t have a strong opinion on it

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

      Gone with Auba, literally on the basis that one of them will go out for KDB and Auba has 2 good fixtures. Could only fit one of Auba + Salah in my team

    3. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      assumed Salah would be top of that, I'm on Mane

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

      I think it's because quite a number are going Mané over Salah so that will dilute the pool that would've gone for Mo.

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

      Ownership will be partly why

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

    This is your front 7 on your GW3 WC wth a really strong defence too btw.

    KDB Bruno Havertz Ziyech
    Martial Wood Batshuayi

    Stop pretending you’re not going to WC then and plan for it NOW.

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

      Naw.

      I can do this for free by GW3.

      James Fernandes Son Havertz
      Werner Wilson Martial

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

        KDB will make your bum hole chew your seat every weekend

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

          Fine. Then I can have:

          KdB Fernandes Son Havertz ASM
          Werner DCL

          Also another option. Basically the two FTs in GW3 can transform my team at no cost. I can mini wildcard if I have to as well. That's why I really want to roll FT in 2 and why I'm benching Bruno.

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

            Which planned transfers will get you to that out of curiosity mate? Cheers

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

        Looking good that

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm going with this with a -4 by GW3

      KDB Bruno Havertz ASM
      Martial Werner Adams

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

        Not bad

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

    Trying to answer to as many questions as I can but this thread just goes so quick. I give up 😀 Slow fingers typing on that phone...

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

      The season start finally approaches! Just wait until Friday eve!!

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

        I know. The traffic on here has been steadily increasing since the game re-launched

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

    Rate my team:
    McCarthy(Martin)
    TAA,Davies,Justin(Mitchell,Johnson)
    Ward Prowse,Auba,Salah,Havertz(Bissouma)
    Richarlison,Werner,Mitro

    Going to swap salah for bruno which will allow me to improve my defence and get martial if richarlison isnt doing well in the first few gameweeks

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

      Not keen on Richarlison at all, but that's just my opinion

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

        why?

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

          An 8.0 - 8.5 midfielder will outscore him comfortably

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

    Thoughts on this please:

    McCarthy
    Trent, Egan, Coady
    Auba, Pulisic, Rodriguez, ASM
    Werners, Ings, Richarlison
    (Button, Mina, KWP, Lemina)

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

      Not bad but I feel that midfield is a little light.

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

        Think Mane/Salah aren't essential with their fixtures

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

      Are you an Everton fan?

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

        Nope, but look at their fixtures after Spurs

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

      Downgrade Richarlison and upgrade midfield

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

      Gotta agree with the others - downgrade Rich and upgrade one of your (Le)Minas

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

    Howz this team looking guyz?

    McCarthy
    TAA | Doherty | Saiss | KWP | Justin
    Auba (c) | Son | ASM
    Werner | Ings
    Bench - Brewster, Bissouma, Bruno

    0.5m ITB to do Ings to Martial OR Son to Rashford

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

      Looks decent. I have similar but planning on Bruno after GW1 and have Salah. Could work either way tbh!

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

    Which combo is better-

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

    1. All For One
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

    These pages are moving so fast!

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

    I have 23m - I need a (1 X Def) (2 x Mids) and( 1 X Fwd) Who do you choose?

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Seriously

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

        Looking for a loan?

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

      Mate, you need to do a bit of the thinking as well...

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Might need the rest of the team.

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

    Final two drafts, please pick

    A .
    Mccarthy(nyland)
    Taa davies justin (mitchell, bernardo)
    Salah armstrong auba son (bissouma)
    Werner miteo callum

    B.
    Mccarthy (nyland)
    Taa davies justin (taylor, mitchell)
    Soucek Salah Auba Son Asm
    Werner DCL (brewster)

    Final choose??

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

      A

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

      B

  14. Aaa
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    GTG?

    Ryan/Nyland
    TAA/Davies/Egan/Taylor/Mitchell
    Salah/Auba/Pereira/ASM/Saka
    Werner/Martial/Adams

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

    Bottomed/ no replies

    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

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

      B

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

        Thanks Bobby - Son vs Alli is basically the sum total of all my tinkering atm - Alli is starting to look sharper but Son is clearly better at his best - question is how wide will Son play with Kane back together on the pitch with him....

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

      A

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

        That's what I'm on atm - the doubt is whether Son will end up playing wide (which is far less appealing from an FPL perspective). Also ASM with Wilson and Fraser could suddenly become a must have!

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

    Would you rather start with:

    A) Saiss/Vinagre
    B) Justin*
    C) Egan*

    *sell for nailed Wolves defender in GW3

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

      I am starting with Saiss personally

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

      Starting with Egan...if Sheff U don't look as solid as last season then another 5.0 can come in at some point.

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

      Egan for me

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

    Ok, so here’s the thing.
    I’m aroused by new FPL assets as much as the next guy...

    However, bitter experience over the years has taught me that this sometimes can be disappointing more often than rewarding.

    So, for now I’m planning a sound side with a focus mostly on starters to get me up and running with a solid start

    Then WC away from that dullard approach once things are more clear in 6 or so weeks to hopefully a high performing team!

    I have 1.5m ITB for flexibility GW2

    E.g. Salah or Son can become Bruno or use it elsewhere...

    What do you think:

    Ryan Steer
    TAA Coady KWP (Webster 4.0)
    Salah Auba Son JWP Soucek
    Ings Mitro (JRod)

    I appreciate there may be slight doubt with JRod but he should be okay with Barnes still out, and he finished the season well. Not sure the latest on Soucek?

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

      I like your approach. I have punted a bit too much on Chelsea myself with both Timo and Havertz to start with but it is a risk I am willing to take. Have played it safe in the past and has bit me when the new guys start racking up the points. No shame in starting safe though as long as you have the flexibility to quickly jump on the bandwagon and I think you have that flexibility.

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

        I hear ya. Best of luck.

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

          You too mate

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A nailed on new player is less risky than someone like JRod imo. At least you know they're going to play!

      Webster might not player either. Ben White may be taking his spot.

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Heard Veltman is another threat for the CB spot.

      2. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Oh right, JRod not not a risk with Barnes out. NM, good team Champ 😀

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

          Cheers thanks for the tip GB!

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

      Why on earth would Werner not start? Been training with squad for ages and scoring in friendlies and internationals...

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I almost feel like I need to experience it to learn my lesson

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

          Lol good luck

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

        Yeah great player

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

          @jon

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

      At this point, going without Werner is the maverick move...

      Team is mostly sound. Webster might not play since they've added Veltman + White.

      I think this team will do fine. I'm not content with fine though. I'm willing to roll the dice on an aggressive team with double ups and I can WC if things don't work out. Double Chelsea, double Newcastle, double Southampton defense. All those teams have great fixtures to take advantage of. I will move it around after to something a bit more balanced.

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

        Good back up plan with the WC. I have often ended up using it a week or 2 before I wanted and find I get better use out of it after 5or6 weeks in. Chelsea are looking in good shape squad wise in attack for sure. Good luck!

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

    Which combo is better:-

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

    1. All For One
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A) Son,Ings

    2. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Similar to my question a few posts down

      Same dilema here. I just can’t decide.

  19. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hey guys! Going to have a 1v1 FPL Draft with my mate! Any suggestions on which players to target!

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      15 players each?

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yes TM! I'd love at least a few suggestions!

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          With no budget, the 10 best mids, 10 defenders, 6 forwards & 4 GKs pick themselves.

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

    Who would you have as a City bench player ready for week 2?
    Laporte or Foden?
    Is it matters, it is Mitchell or Bissouma in place of the one not picked.

    1. All For One
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Laporte more nailed on

  21. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Would you rather have
    A) Alli & Werner
    or
    B) Son & Ings
    ?

    1. All For One
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

    The more I think about it the more I'm seriously tempted to go without Liverpool attack. Can do so much with the money saved and Liverpool's fixtures aren't great

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

      Have done that myself. Can always get Salah if he starts hauling

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

      Well I don't have Liverpool attack.. Instead i have Kane as a striker, and TAA + Robo in the back..
      The downside is im gonna feel really really bad watching that first game and hoping Salah/Mane wont go crazy..
      I see most people have Either Salah or Mane.. I'm probably crazy..

  23. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    No one fancy a punt on Willian for the first 2 GWs?

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

      I think Pepe is a better punt than Willian, has something to prove (obviously the massive price tag) and can be quality. Think he will start well, and I'm tempted to put him in GW1.

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

        V nice shout

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Maybe if the deadline was changed.

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

      Im. If I would be sure he starts both games..

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

      I considered it briefly and even had him in my team. Changed to Havertz though since Willian was only going to be a placeholder for Kai or Puli anyway. Thought I would just risk it and save myself a future transfer

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

    Is Doherty definitely starting ? Aurier is not away yet is he ?

  25. -GK22-
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Scores out of 10 for this?

    Ramsdale
    Davies, TAA, Justin
    Aubameyang (c), Salah, Son, ASM, Pereira
    Werner, Wilson

    4.0, KWP, Brewster, Douglas

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

      Nice . What's your plan for utd gw2 ?

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

      I like it. I'd be hesitant with Brewster as it stops you being able to get Robertson in later down the line if he stays at Pool.

  26. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Long scoutcast. I'll watch the second half later. Highlight was Andy wanting to fight Jonty.

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

      Can't say he s my favourite punter but I liked Andy in this scoutcast from what I ve seen

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

        He's been far less passive which is good to see.

  27. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How is SHU Utd Norwood as a 5th mid? He'll be mostly my first sub but I can rotate him with Armstrong.

    He had only 1 goal and 3 assists last season but is pretty much nailed. I guess.

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

      On pens but mainly a deep 'assist the assister' type when they actually score a goal

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

      He's on pens as well. Or was anyway, not sure if anyone has displaced him

  28. AD105
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Pick 2

    A) Mitro
    B) Adams
    C) Wilson
    D) DCL

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

      A + C

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B and C

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

      B D

      A in place of B for long term

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

        This

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

    A) Alli, TAA, Coady
    B) Son, Robertson, Justin

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

      A

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

      A

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

      Alli robbo and non fodder?

      Fancy taa to drop and robbo to rise early doors for inexplicale reasons of logic

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

    Davies or dier ?

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

      Davies