Podcast

Scoutcast Episode 359 – Making plans amid the fixture chaos

Joe and Az are joined by Rich, aka Flapjack, to look ahead to Gameweek 17 and attempt to make sense of an impending fixture pile-up in the New Year.

With rates of COVID-19 escalating across UK, the top-flight schedule was left decimated in Gameweek 16. First Manchester City’s weekend clash with Everton was postponed, then Tottenham Hotspur’s Wednesday night encounter with Fulham was put back. Both matches will have to be rescheduled at a later date after a high number of club staff and players at City and Fulham contracted the virus recently.

With festive rotation also hitting hard, Fantasy Premier League teams were left threadbare, with all three outfield substitutes needed for those lucky enough to have strong benches.

Our Scoutcast trio digest the latest scheduling developments and how the postponements are likely to impact on their carefully laid plans around Blank Gameweek 18’s limited fixtures and Double Gameweek 19.

While some who held their Wildcard back in Gameweek 16 were fortunate to have already jettisoned Manchester City and Spurs assets, others were less lucky and were several players shy of a full squad.

Elsewhere, the merits of City talisman Kevin De Bruyne (£11.7m) are discussed. Could he once again be a prized asset? Or is he too expensive for his limited open play goal returns?

With the tight turnaround of matches, there has not been time for a Gameweek 17 captaincy video. Thankfully, the Scoutcast is able to help out, with armband options for the next set of fixtures on the bill. Could this be a chance for Spurs investors to reap rewards?

Fixtures are also frisked and transfer plans are revealed during this episode, which was streamed live on YouTube during Liverpool’s visit to Newcastle United. With all three of the crew captaining Reds midfielder Mohamed Salah (£12.6m), there are a few tense moments during the show.

Meanwhile, the Scoutcast delivers some sad news that Az is stepping down from regular co-hosting duties due to other commitments. This ends a four-year stint regularly joining Joe, Andy and Mark on the longest-running Fantasy Football podcast. Joe’s new regular host will be revealed in the New Year.

This latest episode of the 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

470 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Captain
    A - Salah
    B - Fernandes
    C - Kane
    D - Son

    Tough one.

    1. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Same problem.

      Bruno - Mr consistent
      Kane - Fresh. Leeds could be a perfect fixture.
      Salah - Surely won't blank thrice! (shut up about the witch doctor)

      Currently on Kane.

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

      If I had kane I think this week is the one to go with him, going son myself but would be more comfortable with kane somehow

    3. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I'm on C, vc on B

    4. The Senate
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B is the most reliable but I’m also considering D

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

      I would love to stick with Salah because you expect him to score soon but I just can't... The other 3 guys all seem better options and specially the two Spurs guys are set for double digit hauls this weekend. I think this game favours Son but Kane could also easily gets both goals and assists. Im on Son atm.

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

      Same 4 in my team, Kane captain and Salah vice.

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

      Son.

    8. Peskey
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Bruno always

    9. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I’m going Son captain, Bruno vice. Own all.

    10. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not at all.

      Kane (C) Fernandes (VC)

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

      I'm going to keep the Cap on Salah. My theory is.. I don't like overthinking the captaincy - it always leads to bad decisions. Not going to let the fact Salah has blanked twice affect my decision, he still looks like the best captain choice to me.

      Bruno is 2nd choice, he clearly is in top form and its a decent fixture. Cons for this game are that there is a short turnaround, 2days rest whereas Salah has 4 days rest before his next game. Also Villa are no pushover and Martinez is a quality keeper, they kept chelsea out to only 1 goal.

      Kane and Son are 3rd options but Spurs haven't been in good form at all, and it is a bit of a gamble to assume that they will suddenly turn it around against Leeds because Leeds will have a go. For all we know, Leeds could turn up and have such a good go that they actually overun Spurs and win. It could also play out to be a high scoring game, it's quite risky in my view on calling that game.

      Therefore the sensible Cap choice for me is still Salah, Liverpool are creating chances and Salah has 8 returns in 6 games against the Saints. Good enough for me, the 4 days rest also clinches it for me. Plus, I don't like overthinking it, I'm just sticking with Salah for the foreseeable future.

  2. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    4 players to evaluate, BB19 is target. Pick one:

    Taylor / Grealish / Son / Martial

    A) Son + Taylor --- Rashford + Coufal (-4)

    B) Taylor + Grealish + Martial --- Coufal + Rashford + Antonio (-8)

    C) Taylor + Grealish --- Coufal + Barnes

    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      C

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

    3 days ago I bought Charlie Taylor but he seems to be out for 4 to 8 weeks. Dyche's press will clear the things up.

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

      4 to 8 weeks?! for a hamstring? No way... be more like 1-2weeks..

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

        It would be 3 weeks at least but I’m not a doctor

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

          Depends if its a tear or a strain? Could be only a week. Look at Ings, he had what was originally described as just a hamstring injury, but he came back a week later, so it must have been a strain. Only Sean Dyche can clear up how bad Taylor's injury is, but I'd be surprised if it was so bad that it was 4weeks+

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

            Why is Barkley out? And how long has it actually been?!?

    2. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Soothing voice of Burnley's boss will soften the blow.

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

        Haha!!!

  4. andres
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What would you do with this team? Sell city assets surely?

    McCarthy (Forster)
    Coufal Dier Cancelo (Targett, Mitchel)
    Son KDB Bruno Salah (Soucek)
    DCL Bamford Adams
    2FTs, 0.1

  5. fpork
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is bench boost risky now? I can get a full DGW team almost, but what if multiple games are postponed? Is it better to save chip and hope that covid is down after easter?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I would be very hesitant on using BB at the moment.

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I was all in on BB dgw19, but think I will dave it for later. Already have 12 dgw players, will just get McCarthy with my ft before deadline then

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

      Impossible to know. The DGW deadline is 2 weeks away and a lot could happen or maybe not.

    4. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      What if they aren't. No way to know, I'm still playing mine.

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Last minute decision for me. Team set up beautifully for it. Will make decision day before - currently inclined to go for it

  6. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Wow, apologies. 2nd repost. Last article, then bottomed

    Taylor to Robbo done. Have will FH18, and have 12 dgw19 players. Steer, Son, Kane only players not playing twice.

    For gw17 though, bench 1:
    A) Coufal (EVE A)
    B) Justin (NEW A)
    C) Dallas (TOT A)

    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      C

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks

  7. tommo1989
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    McCarthy Button
    Zouma James Shaw Stones Justin
    Salah Mane Bruno Son Soucek
    Bamford DCL Watkins
    £0.8m ITB
    What to do with 2 free transfers?
    Need to use them this week as going to free hit in GW18

  8. SHOOTER MCGINN
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    When does the FPL cup draw happen?

  9. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Someone on the Digital Spy PL TV thread is suggesting that the "obvious thing to do" would be to move TOT vs FUL to BGW18 with TOT vs AVL moving from BGW18 to DGW19 and LIV vs BUR moving from DGW19 to BGW18 to balance it out, meaning no DGW for LIV or BUR.

    #Carnage

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I would love this to happen

    2. jb1985
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Why would they move the Pool game? Is this some TV broadcast thing?

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Spurs and Man U are the concerns fixture-wise as both are in the Europa League. It depends how proactive the PL wants to be amongst a second wave in avoiding possible pile-ups that may not end up happening.

  10. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Ferguson replacement? 7.3m to spend.
    Rest of defence is TAA,Dias,Dallas,Coufal

    A)Robertson
    B)Chilwell (1.2m itb)
    C)Bednarek (3.3m itb)

    1. jb1985
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B - With DGW19 in mind.

  11. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Hi lads, what are my moves here? Plan to FH GW18 and prepare for GW19! Not sure if I'm using any chips in 19.
    1FT, 1.4ITB

    Martinez,Button
    Chilwell,KWP,Justin,Coufal,Mitchell
    KDB,Mahrez,Salah,Bruno,Soucek
    Che,Bamford,Wood

    Thanks!

  12. Pacer.
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Only about two months behind in discussing whether KdB might not justify his price this year

  13. jb1985
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who to bench, Currently thinking B.

    A) Antonio (Everton Away)
    B) Raphinha (Spurs Away)

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

      B

  14. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Who to get in for Taylor?

    1. HD7
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      depens who you have already

      1. Ha.
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Dallas Cresswell Dier Stones

        1. HD7
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Holding is an idea. No DGW but good fixs

  15. Heiro
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Hi all,

    So we think Taylor will be back?

    Could do Taylor OR Mitchel to Holding.

    Thoughts?

    Or double up on West Ham defence for DGW?

  16. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Any strong argument to (c) Bruno over Son?

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

      Loads? Consistency.

  17. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Maddy Dallas
    or H Barnes Justin

    (is Justin nailed for next month?)

  18. leon77
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Reguilon + Grealish = Robertson + Raphinha/Harrison?

  19. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    A. Grealish to Rashford Play Zouma
    B. Kilman to Coufal Bench Zouma.
    C. Killman to Holding Bench Zouma

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

    Had set a little goal for myself to break into the top 1m OR by the end of the year. After yesterday, my rank is now 999,685 😀 I suppose I should take this as goal achieved.

  21. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Need to use 1FT as playing FH in gw18, what would you do?
    (1FT & 0.0itb)

    McCarthy - Johnstone
    Alioski - Justin - Coufal - Balbuena - O’Shea
    Salah - Bruno - Rashford - Son - Raphina
    Firmino - Adams - Bamford

    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Replace O'Shea?

  22. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I’m so happy to have qualified for the FPL Cup 🙂

    1. Bollard
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Me too, i enjoy the customary getting knocked out in round 2 by a dead team each year - can't beat it 🙂

  23. tommo1989
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    If you make a transfer before using free hit, will you have that player for the next GW or is the transfer then void?

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

      Void

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Void

  24. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Coufal, Holding or Balbuena..?

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

      coufal

    2. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Holding, some nice fixtures for Arsenal and he looks solid lately.

  25. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    pick 2 for me to start so I dont have to 🙂

    bowen
    soucek
    klich

    thanks and gl

    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Bowen. Soucek.

      Klich might have a niggle but hopefully plays. And I hope Bowen hasn't been dropped and was only rested.

  26. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martinez, Forster
    Robbo, Coufal,Dallas
    Burno , Salah , Son ©,Soucek
    Kane , Bamford, Adams
    (James , Bissouma ,Dunne)
    Already -4 Any other Thoughts ?

  27. mr. inconspicuous
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Mane or Rashford for KDB?

    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Mane

  28. Bucket Man
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I've no idea what I'm doing really this season. 2FT and lots of issues. 1.4ITB
    McCarthy
    Robertson, Cancelo*, Taylor*
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Grealish*, Bowen*
    DCL, Bamford
    Dallas, Brewster, Lamptey*

    Lamptey to Coufal?

    Then Grealish to Neto/Barnes or Cancelo/Taylor out or Bowen is he dropped now?. Grealish is really annoying me great player but doesn't seem good for FPL.

  29. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Martinez (Button)
    Zouma - Lindelof - Coufal (Kilman - Dallas)
    Bruno - Salah - Son - Grealish (Soucek)
    Vardy - Adams - Bamford

    As plan is FH 18 and BB 19, I need to use my FT this week.

    Grealish ➡ Raphinha as part of BB DGW19 preparation?
    Cash saved to be used for Kilman ➡ Robbo and Button ➡ playing GK for DGWers maximize

    Any other advise..?

  30. Drogo
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Question regarding the Free Hit-chip.

    If I suspect that my current team will drop in prices on the blank GW 18, which it certainly will because I prepared for 15 players on DGW 19, and I got zero players on GW 18. Should I activate the Free Hit asap or alap? Or doesn't it matter?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Doesn't matter