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

    Lets talk about Raul Jimenez. Not seeing him in many teams.

    shu
    MCY
    whm
    FUL
    lee
    NEW
    PAL

    Look at them fixtures, ok the first two are tricky, but come GW3, you'll likely want to use your transfers on City and Utd assets. So, if you want Jimenez, its better to start with him. 8.5, pens, bonus magnet, consistent regular minutes. Is there a reason he's not in more teams?

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

      I call it the Werner delusion

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

        This

      2. St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        You think Jimi outscores Werner this season? I doubt it

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

      I have clear and solid plans to move Vardy to Jimi from GW3 unless Vardy is firing.

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

        And City?

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

          My team currently has Auba, Salah and Sonas well - so quite a few options to make moves to City players when the time comes

    3. mrodgers91
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Been in my team since the start, could be a great pick

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

        I think the main issue is he's not really explosive,

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

      Him or Ings and currently on the Saints man (mainly because he killed me in lockdown and more likely to get hauls).

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

        Prefer Jimenez' fixtures myself but i can see the appeal of Ings.

    5. wheato
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Given the first 2 fixtures, Doherty gone and Jonny out - it’s a wait and see for me on Wolves.

      Easy enough to get in if he looks in the mood.

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

    Anyone here going without Spurs mids?

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

      EVE, sot, NEW, mun, WHM, bur, BHA, wba.

      Just look at them home fixtures, no.

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

        Can't have them all though . Also need to fit utd city Liverpool arsenal ...

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

        I agree they're not that great until WHM.

        I still think Spurs will get ok returns, but case definitely can be made to go without.

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

      Yeah, opting for Kane

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

      Despite good fixtures, they dont appear to be a high scoring team. I dont think Mourhino will turn them loose, especially if they get out to a 1-0 lead.

    4. jon.williams
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Got Hojberg as 5th midfielder, that’s it for now. Need to see them first before investing I think

    5. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

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

      They can't match Salah + Auba/KDB + Fernandes + Werner imo, so no

    7. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

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

      Yes because I have Harry

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

    Thoughts please.....

    McCarthy (Nylan)
    TAA, Robertson, Doherty, (Saliba, Mitchell)
    Aub, S Maximin, Havertz, Armstrong, Salah
    DCL, Mitro, (Adams)

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

      A bit weak up front but I can see you doubled up on Liverpool defence, not too sure about Havertz I would transfer him out for Son instead

    2. jon.williams
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Think that’s a heavy defence when you’re so light up top. I’d rather have one stronger striker

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

        My thoughts behind the double Pool Def over a stronger striker is this.... Robertson £7m - averaged 197pts over last 2 seasons. TAA £7.5M, 197.5pts over last 2 seasons. Only Vardy £10m has come close to that points tally, 192pts over last 2 seasons - but he is £2.5/2m more!

        I think the double pool def is worth way more than a premium striker.

  4. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Sheffield only have 6 midfielders in the FPL list lol

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

    Any thoughts on Iwobi as an early Everton choice?

    Looks like he might be starting and while limited minutes in seasons past, has pretty good returns in those. If he gets a full season he could easily hit 140-150 points.

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      he will get less minute this season

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

      Bahaah, easily hit 150 points? He scored 1 goal last season, with no assists. He's crap and Everton got mugged off buying him for 40m

      1. OPTA FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        dont foetget Bolasie 30M...

        1. OPTA FPL
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          forget

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

          At least when Bolasie was at Palace he could take teams on by himself, a bit like Zaha in some ways. Iwobi has always been crap and a liability.

      2. Limbo
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        That sums it up nicely. Absolute donkey.

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

        He was injured mid season and everton were a bit naff last season.

        18/19 3 goals 8 assists
        17/18 3 goals 5 assists
        16/17 3 goals 5 assists

        With about 1600 minutes so in a full season you'd hope to 5-6 goals and 10-12 assists.

        Decent player hidden in there if he can get a run in the team.

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

    Mccarthy
    Taa, Vinagre, Justin
    Salah, Auba, Son, Soucek
    Ings, Mitro, Werner

    Button, Mitchell, Stephens, Taylor

    Any changes guys?

    Would want to transfer in Bruno in GW 3 but not sure if I would remove Son if he's on form with those fixtures.

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

      Vinagre and soucek both doubts

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

        Soucek a doubt now?

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

          Quarantine

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

      I'm probably gonna remove Salah for Bruno.

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

        Cool cheers guys

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

          Soucek >Ceballos
          Vinagre>KWP

          Decent change?

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

    Best utd defence asset ? Is Maguire worth the extra 0.5 compare to lindelof ?

    1. James VARdy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Shaw if he could stay fit

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

        Cheers

        1. Jimbo-Jones
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          And Williams if he can't!

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

        Arn't united looking for a new LB?

  8. AdamJ91
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this?

    McCarthy, Button
    TAA, Tierney, Davies, Bernardo, Ferguson
    Salah, Auba, Havertz, Rodriguez, Soucek
    Werner, C.Robinson, Adams

    Hoping that C.Robinson can be switched to Watkins if they're the same price, otherwise will need to rethink.

    1. Jimbo-Jones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Robinson won't play. Downgrade him to 4.5 and upgrade Bernardo to a playing defender imo.

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

    How long is Buur nailed for?

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      since when he is nailed? Some fake news report that. 90% I think Traorer will start at RWB, Jota on the LFW and Podence RFW

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

        If Traore is even available...

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

          Why wouldn't he be?

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

        Traore at wing back haha good joke

        1. OPTA FPL
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          what? he played there early last season when Doherty was injured

        2. rjcv177
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          believe it can be its best position for this season.
          He needs space to gain advantage, if starts further the finish line better for him.

          IMO he lacks quality on the ball to provide goals and assist

      3. rjcv177
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Jota was fit last international game. 6.5Mid he can be the answer by GW3

    2. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      that kid even doesnt make 15 professional football matchs, never mind EPL

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

      Buur is not going too start.

  10. Surfeit of Lampteys
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ok I changed me team despite saying I wouldn't. Here it is for gameweek 1. I'm done. Bring it on and see you on the other side of the deadline, chaps.

    Schmeichel McCarthy
    Tierney Mitchell Castagne Egan Saïss
    Redmond Aubameyang Noble Bowen Son
    Werner Vardy Wilson.

    1. Jimbo-Jones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Way too much value on your bench.
      Redmond is a fairly extraordinary pick at 6.5.

      1. Surfeit of Lampteys
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Redmond I think it's cheap as chips. I won't have a bench for GW1 or rather I will but they'll be contributing too 🙂

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

    Imagine the chaos on here before deadline...

    1. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'll have my feet up by Friday. Won't be here till KO Sat.

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Good plan FPL will almost certainly grind to a halt under the weight of numbers as the GW deadline approaches on Saturday, better to be safe than sorry.

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

      I’ve booked some time Saturday morning to panic and post useless opinions on here

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hope they bought that extra server - it was getting very bad the last couple of GW's

  12. offspinnersinahurry
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Would anyone be able to improve this team please?
    McCarthy
    TAA, Justin, Walker-Pieters
    Salah, Aubameyang, Son, Saint-Maxim
    Werner, Ings, Mitrovitch

    Nyland, Mitchell, Gordon, Ferguson

    1. Jay Arell
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Very similar to mine, so I like it lol. Comfortable playing double Soton defence every week?

      Salah to Bruno GW2?

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

        Pretty much yes

  13. Jay Arell
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    People with Doherty, are you not afraid he might not start GW1? First training with the team yesterday and Aurier still lurking around

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      probably, but what should you do? just get him and move on as everyone has him

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

      I really think Mou likes Aurier. So if Aurier doesn't go, I'm not sure Doherty will take the spot! Doherty may have been good at Wolves, I m not sure he will have the same impact on in Spurs to be honest.

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

        Likes him so much that they've been trying to sell him?

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

      Currently on Doherty, but it is a worry. Might switch to Davies if Aurier is still around

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

      Aurier is finished at Spurs now Doherty is there. No comparison. Doherty can actually defend and is better offensively

  14. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Help with this

    A/ Mitro + Armstrong

    B/ Adams + St Max

    C/ Adams + Soucek

    D/ Mitro Soucek

    1. rjcv177
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    2. Jay Arell
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      E) Mitro St Max, both more nailed and Wilson should help NC convert chances

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

        To be honest I don't like the ASM pick... Very good in skills, but not that much a stat player... His best season was 6 goals and 3 assists in la Ligue 1 FR..

    3. James VARdy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Any reason it can't be Mitro + St Max?

      A from those choices

  15. Jimbo-Jones
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    a. Bruno, Wilson (would need to find 0.5 somewhere)
    b. Zaha, Martial
    c Bruno, Mitro

    I was set on b with Zaha playing up front, but now that Batshuayi is back, I'm leaning towards getting Bruno (who I always wanted anyway)

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

      c

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

    MUST HAVE, PICK ONE OR TWO ?

    1. Mitrovic
    2. DCL
    3. WILSON

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

      Wilson

  17. mbsoz45
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    With Vinagree looking a doubt, what's the preference between KWP and Justin?

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

      I've gone Justin mainly because I have McCarthy in goal and don't want to double up on Saints defence.

    2. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Justin for me, because of better team and also the option of McCarthy at the same price if you want Saints defensive cover.

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

      Leicester defense is ravaged so I'm staying away from Justin. Also you'll need to transfer him out once Ricardo is fit, whereas KWP could be nailed long term.

    4. mbsoz45
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      That's thought - I have McCarthy too

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

    Who are we expecting to be in better form during the opening stages of the season

    A. Chelsea
    B. Man U

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

      Chelsea, have better fixtures and a better team imo.

    2. Jay Arell
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think both teams will come out flying

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

      A

  19. Big Hippo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do we think Saliba is nailed?

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

      If Luiz is out, which Ornstein said is highly likely, then for the first 2 games yes imo.

  20. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Here's a brilliant article detailing how left-footed center backs can improve progressive passing and counter-attacking opportunities. It's why Pep and Arteta value them so much. The signing of Gabriel could bode very well for Tierney and Auba down Arsenal's left side.

    https://theathletic.com/2049395/

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

      Cheers

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

      It's so important.

      I really want United to sign one, so Maguire can move over to RCB. Should unleash Shaw/Telles/Reguilon to push up and let Rashford play more narrow. Brandon then a RB, where he should be, competition for AWB.

  21. Wheato182
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Good to go chaps?

    Ryan
    TAA - Doherty - Robinson
    Salah - Auby - ASM - Pereira
    Mitro - Jimi - Werner

    Walton - Mitchell - Bissouma - KWP

    Bank = 1 mill.

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

      Like, although I'd rather have DCL & Kane over Werner & Jim

    2. Jay Arell
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Robinson nailed?

  22. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any pressing concerns here or provisionally GTG?

    McCarthy Nyland
    TAA Davies Justin Ayling Mitchell
    Salah Auba Son Saka ASM
    Werner Mitro Wilson

    1. Jay Arell
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Saka is a transfer waiting to happen

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

    Had Brewster in my XV from day one... out. He might get his move, but even if he does he won't play GW1. Putting a few chips on Lacazette getting his move too. Have upped the blanks on the bench from 1 to 2, trying to be - if not balanced then overpowered for GW2.

    Watch me make a dozen changes yet, somehow. THREE GUNNERS though...

  24. JamTart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A - Davies and Mitchel (double spurs def)
    B - Rotating 4.5s

  25. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who are you captaining?

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

      Salah

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

      Auba?

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

      Salah atm

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

    Is Kane a good choice?

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

    Are we expecting Werner to be a lot better than Martial?

    1. Jay Arell
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think both will be amazing value

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

      Martial > Werner imo

  28. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    2.9m players on Monday - 3.8m today - that's a big spike

    Reckon it'll be close to 5.0m by Friday evening, possibly 5.5m-6.0m by deadline

    Then a late 2-3m stragglers after deadline to get up to 8-ish million again

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Many duplicate teams created too

      Hundreds created each week to win the weekly prize

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

    Edouard Mendy soon to be a CHE player. Time to get in CHE defence...

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

      Is he that good? Never watched him play.

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

      Bench

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

    A. Robertson, Pulisic, Alli +1.0
    B. Digne, Salah, Ward-Prowse +0.5
    A or B? Cheers!

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

      A looks a no-brainer assuming you have someone else who could be captain.
      Also Pulisic might not be fit for the first few gameweeks.

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

        It looks like he will be. Of course it all relies on that. have Werner, Auba to captain. Think taa and Robbo will outscore salah

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

          Seems to check out, then.
          Agreed on the Liverpool defenders.

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

            Cheers!