Podcast

Scoutcast Episode 354 – How can FPL bosses fit in Salah, De Bruyne and Fernandes?

Joe and Az are joined by Karam to look ahead to Gameweek 11 and assess the key challenges facing Fantasy Premier League managers.

Chief among their concerns is the postponement of Friday night’s clash between Aston Villa and Newcastle United. There is a chance that it could be rearranged within the Gameweek but if not, FPL managers face some tough choices. Should they bench or swap out the likes of Villa talisman Jack Grealish (£7.7m) or Newcastle striker Callum Wilson (£6.5m)?

Our Scoutcast trio also discuss the three most talked about players of the week: Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (£12.2m), Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne (£11.7m) and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes (£10.9m). These midfield picks are showing remarkable consistency but with hefty price tags, it may be tricky to fit them all in. Can they be ‘covered’ by the likes of Reds midfielder Diogo Jota (£6.8m) and City winger Riyad Mahrez (£8.3m)?

Pep Guardiola’s latest round of roulette is also on the bill. This chat will be of particular interest to those clinging onto City rotation risks such as Raheem Sterling (£11.4m).

Meanwhile, Joe, Az and Karam give their top tips for climbing up the rankings ahead of Christmas. Within this section, Karam takes his turn to pick a differential, which garners approval from Joe and Az.

The usual features are also covered in the show, with next four fixtures frisked, rough with the smooths aired, and transfer and captaincy plans revealed.

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

In addition, the Scoutcast and all our other podcasts are now also available via our Soundcloud channel.

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.

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

1,349 Comments Post a Comment
  1. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Any suggestions? Raz out or keep?

    Mendy (Steer)
    Cancelo Justin KWP Taylor Mitchell
    Bruno Sterling Son Grealish Romeu
    Kane DCL Watkins

    0.2 itb, 2ft

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Raz to KDB cap imo

      1. iL PiStOlErO
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        0.1 short, will have to use other ft then. Who else out? Watkins? Cancelo?

    2. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Think sterling will be on the bench the weekend so get rid

  2. Jimmy Boy
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Werner is so frustrating. Tempted to get rid for Jesus but know a haul will come as soon as I get rid as he looks dangerous in every Chelsea game. Also, Mane out or hold for one more week?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Hold both - this could be Werner's week vs Leeds

    2. drughi
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I wanna bring werner in, think he will get some serious points against leeds and everton

    3. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Really hoping Werner gets double digits vs Leeds, seriously considering downgrading him to Bamford. Plus Pulisic back now which doesn’t bode well for Werner either

  3. TKC07
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I have got Wilson, Grealish, Konsa, Martinez, Forster (second GK), Mitchell and Sterling to address this GW. What would you do in this situation?

    1) FH this GW?
    2) -8 to field 11 players (assuming Sterling plays)?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      1

    2. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      1

  4. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Can I get some help please? I have 3m itb and 1FT

    Martinez
    Coufal / Kilman / Chilwell /
    Jota / Son / Grealish / Bruno
    DCL / Kane / Werner (c)

    Bench: Kilman, Stephens, Douglas

    A. Son to KDB and play Kilman
    B. Son + Kilman —> KDB + 4.6
    C. Son + Kilman —> Mahez + any defender
    D. Kane + Stephens —> Jesus + Mahrez (but i’ll have a benching headache)
    E. Any suggestion?

    Bench; Lamptey, Stephens, Douglas

  5. Bennyboy1907
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Forster (Martinez)
    Robbo, chillwell, Lamptey (Coufal, Mitchel)
    KDB (c), Bruno, Bissouma, Zaha (Grealish)
    Vardy DCL Bamford

    1FT and 1.3ITB

    IF zaha is playing should I roll my transfer?
    I could play Coufal instead of zaha too. And it’s 10 men without keeper but I’m happy with that

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

    For one week only would you rather have:

    A) PVA (wba)
    B) R.James (LEE) - double up with Chilwell

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

      B

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

      probably A. Baggies a bit toothless, Leeds could score

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

      probably PVA

    4. The Mantis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B for me

    5. luk46
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

      James is better any and every week.

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

    A) Kane Podence to Bamford KDB (-4), 1.0 ITB
    B) Kane Hamez to Bamford KDB (-4), 3.2m ITB
    C) The above, but get Jesus over Bamford
    D) Ziyech Hamez to KDB JWP/Bowen (-4) + some spare change ITB

    Tough one. Team linked

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

        Cheers mate - interesting you think keep Podence over Hamez, why's that?

        Was pretty set on A before, and then selling Hamez for Jota next week maybe

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Hamez just looks like an assist the assister now. Doesn't return much away from home and fixtures getting tough. Also don't trust his fitness record as the fixtures start coming thick and fast.

          Podence quite a bit cheaper and Wolves will have to find a new way to attack with Jimenez out which Podence/Neto/Traore will be central to.

          1. Miguel Sanchez
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            That delayed sale of Hamez isn't a bad idea either mind

  8. F4L
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    With the approval of the Pfizer vaccine, hopefully PL players are vaccinated soon and there'll only be 3-4 weeks to worry about players testing positive.

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

      Bruce has a pending pre-order for the first batch.

    2. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I dont think PL players will be getting priority over general public tbh

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        You gotta be kidding

      2. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I wouldn't prioritise a player above a more vulnerable person, but I don't see that as the issue. Clubs have the money and the logistics to administer. There's plenty of vaccine to go around. The shortfall is the manpower & logistics to make it happen. I reckon what we'll see is large stocks of vaccine without the required logistics & skilled personnel to deliver

    3. The Artist
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Would be great for the PL, but IMO hard to justify vaccinating players when there are so many at-risk communities (frontline health workers, elderly and folks with underlying health issues) for whom the vaccine represents life over death. My guess is athletes get it late winter/early spring. The optics of them getting it before at-risk communities would be absolutely terrible.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        This is so ideal. But we live in world where they don't matter.

        As soon as vaccine is successfully tested all the millionaires will get them ahead of the vulnerable part of whole world. We all know that.

        1. Baby Bowen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I think it’s a bit different with a pandemic at hand, but maybe I’m too innocent and you’re right.

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            I've seen people selling goods for quadruple of original price during initial lockdown and Government being late in taking action. I have no hope 🙁

            Whatever, happy that it's finally out ! We all need some fresh air don't we

            1. Baby Bowen
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              I need a night out...

    4. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I will never have that vaccine not in a million years. Research don't take blindly what our lying Governments say about it. I'm healthy and plan on staying that way.

      1. Baby Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        It will be used as blackmail for freedom

  9. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I'm one of those with no GK, Grealish and Wilson this week. Tried so many different options but not happy with any.
    Suggest anything on the below please?

    Martinez* / Button*
    Bellerin / Cresswell / Chilwell / Kilman (Mitchell)
    Jrod / Bruno / Salah / Bissouma (Grealish*)
    DCL / Vardy (Wilson*)

    TC Bissouma?

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      You have a decent 10 there.

      Im in a similar posiiton and just gonna roll with it

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

      If you're comfortable going keeper-less for a week (I probably am) then replacing Kilman could get you through the week. How much ITB / FT?

      1. The Mantis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Interesting, just the 1 FT but 2M ITB. Trying to find a way to KDB but I just can't this week it would seem

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

      - Do you want to keep Martinez?

      If N, sell for whoever you want. If Y, keep. He got 1 last GW so 0 isn't a big difference.

      I'm not sure Wilson is worth shipping unless it's for Jesus somehow. Other mid-priced forwards haven't got the best fixtures & Wilson has three good ones after what would have been AVL.

      How much value have you got tied up in Grealish? Mahrez would tempt me for this GW in isolation, as KDB is too tricky for you to bring it without busting up your team(?). I would say drop J-Rod, but he has a game...

      Your defense may have a tough time this week. Either upgrade Mitchell to someone with a good fixture, or maybe Grealish had to go temporarily.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Good post

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

          Thank you. May very well be bad advice though - you never know!

      2. The Mantis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks for the help, I've had a few of these thoughts myself.

        Martinez I don't care to keep or not, but I don't want to waste a transfer there I don't think - he has quite good fixtures soon so I'll probably ride that one out.

        Grealish I've earned 0.3M on, but again I think I want to keep him just due to fixtures and the fact he's quality.

        I have been looking at Jrod to Mahrez. Jrod will inevitably be sold but I was holding for this week against Burnley, but maybe I'd rather Mahrez for a way into City.

        I am looking at a -4 now for Kilman or Mitchell to James and Jrod to Mahrez, not terrible moves and haven't taken a hit this season yet...

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

          I'd lose Mitchell over Kilman.

          I would want to sell Hamez (I sold him last week, as part of a minus!) but I'm not convinced this is the week a sale would pay off given the opposition/other blankers you have.

          Don't shy from hits. My last two have paid off. Would just say be sensible with the situation you're in.

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

        Nice post.

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

    A) Kane Bowen/JWP
    B) Bamford Ziyech

    who would you rather? Do also have Son for Spurs if that has any bearing

    1. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Different price points by about £3mil aren't they?
      A)£17m ish
      B) £14m ish

      Individually Kane will probably score the highest points. I'm hoping Leeds don't get anything against the best defence in the league.
      Disclaimer huge Chelsea bias. 🙂

  11. The Artist
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    McCarthy or Meslier as replacement for Martinez? Or do I roll the transfer and go into GW11 with no keeper? That seems suboptimal...

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

      You’ll be regretting either trade next week.

      Annoying but keepers regularly get 1-2 points anyway

    2. Arctic monkeys
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm rolling the transfer and playing with no keeper. I don't think its's worth it, both McCarthy and Meslier could concede.

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

      The answer depends on whether you want to keep Martinez or not.

      If you do, just roll with the 0. He only score 1 last GW so it's not all that different. If you do, just pick one and roll with it.

      I had a FT and for unrelated reasons brought in a new GK this week (before this postponement came about); I picked McCarthy.

      I prefer the better team but the fact I already had Forster helped sell it. Honestly I think Meslier/Johnstone/McCarthy are all roughly as good as each other.

  12. Amey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Everyone taking hits to bring IN City players with effectively no bench this GW. Will be carnage !

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

      Not really. It's really KdB or bust for most people. I think most will be fixing their bench/getting rid of Villa assets.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Value in Grealish would make most keep him. Watkins will go for most though yeah.

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

    100% keep grealish and looks like you can field 10 outfield players.

    I personally would not take a hit for a keeper. No cheap keepers are better for more than 2 weeks and then you’d be stuck. I would consider a hit for a premium long term keeper e.g Mandy but still not great.

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

      Great reply failure

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I liked it 🙂

  14. thetommy14
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Sell Cancelo for Reguilon?

  15. seanie3
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    With cancelo playing 90 mins last night, is it fair to say Mendy is now nailed LB for city and I should move Cancelo on from my team...

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

      It's fair to say no firm conclusions can be drawn. There was lots of evidence to suggest Cancelo was first choice prior to this. Mendy hasn't been trusted by Pep for a long time, I certainly wouldn't call him nailed by any means just because of the last couple of games. If you have nothing else to use FTs for or no reserve defenders I'd get rid, but otherwise wait. I'm holding this week.

  16. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    How would this look for next gw, if I took a hit to get Mahrez in for Grealish as a punt? Could easily bring him back in gw13.

    Mendy
    Chilwell, Justin, Cancelo
    KDB(c), Bruno, Mahrez, Ziyech, Jota
    Vardy, DCL

    Button, Coufal, Brewster, Targett

  17. Parsnips
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is Barkley > Mahrez the best transfer?

    Ryan
    Chilwell Coufal Robo Cancelo
    Jota Anguissa Bruno KDB
    DCL Werner

    Martinez Mitchell Watkins Barkley

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

      How are you going to get Salah next week?

      If it doesn't matter to you, I suppose yeah, Barkley > Mahrez has highest upside for this week.

  18. myteamissheeeeeeeet
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Yo Yo Yo!!!

    A. Ziyech & Targett to James & Mahrez (own Chilwell)

    B. Ziyech & Targett to Jota & Walker (own Cancelo)

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

      B

    2. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Don't get rid of Hakim, he could haul this week

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

      I'd get rid of Cancelo ahead of Targett. I really don't think he'll play and at least Targett is cheap and useful in the following weeks.

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

    Any case for putting the armband in Sterling?

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

    Any case for putting the armband on Sterling?

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

      Oops

    2. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      It's a big gamble. No guarantee he starts, could make a late cameo for a point. That's a nightmare with other good options this week.
      IF that's a big if, he does & hauls he is a differential, but too risky IMHO. Good luck if you do though!

  21. Carefree Crew
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    *Martinez*, (Forster)
    Chilwell, Cresswell, Lamptey,
    *Sterling*, *Foden*, Ziyech, Salah,
    Vardy (C), DCL, Brewster.

    Subs: Coady, (*Grealish*, Dunne)

    0FTs & £0 ITB.

    No playing GK which I'm not wasting a minus 4 on. So I'm playing with a maximum of 10 men anyway.

    A) Gamble Sterling & Foden will get some minutes & return something or Coady comes in away to Liverpool for one of them. (No other playing subs)
    B) Sterling to Bruno minus 4, as I planned to get him after the Manchester derby anyway.
    C) B + Foden to Jota for a minus 8
    D) Something else?

    Concerned if I remove City assets for Fulham it could backfire.
    Keeping Grealish as I'd only waste 2 transfers getting him back in.
    Ziyech next 2 are Leeds & Everton so I want to hold. Not selling Salah either.

    I'm really struggling to make a decision, any ideas welcomed please. Thanks.

  22. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    On a week like this if in doubt sit tight while all around go on a hit frenzy 🙂

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Good point

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

      Easier for some more than others with the cards they've been dealt (or more accurately, picked from the pile).

    3. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yep, easy when you have starters though . Seen some teams with 4 players out and no bench , that's frenzy time

  23. Debauchy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Mahrez starting , my take 95 % a starter ?
    Yes do'nt second guess Pep but some of his moves are really blatantly obvious.
    As a Foden holder I know Pep has him assigned primarily to the CL games and I see him starting there again next week ( sub at best this GW)
    Why would Pep stunt the sudden improved form from Mahrez , well no he wo'nt he's not an idiot though we call him that from time to time

    So on a free Foden to Mahrez (have KDB) a no brainer right ?
    I have no issues with starters , strong bench

    A. Aye
    B .

    1. Carefree Crew
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Fellow Foden owner & been looking to sell, just had other fires to put out.
      Yes to Mahrez, form, fixtures, rested mix week after scoring a hat trick & Peps comments about players that score get to play.
      Lower rotation risk them Foden who can't get a start in the PL.
      Good luck mate.

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

      Aye

  24. zman575
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    hey guys need some help following mahrez's rest and the villa game being called off.

    current team is as follows

    martinez forster
    chilwell lamptey justin coufal mitchell
    bruno kdb ziyech grealish burke
    werner vardy dcl

    I have 1 FT

    A. Roll a transfer
    B. Vardy and Burke to mahrez and bamford (this means playing bamford this weekend away at chelsea ahead of coufal who wont do anything at home to man utd)
    C. Martinez to meslier

    I was already considering b before mahrez's full rest tonight as it gives me 2 players for an average jamie vardy and both leeds and city have juicy fixtures.

    Thanks all