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. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    because of extensive fraudulence during the first 15gwks i have no city,also with jose loving 1-0 wins at best ,no spuds,you also have lampard with his trying to fit any 6 out of 11 into attack most weeks ,just my take on why covid didnt effect my side too much this week ...

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

      You got lucky.

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Well played, nice to see sensible decisions pay off

  2. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best moves here with 2FTs and 0.3m. Currently planning to play through gw18 and gw19.

    Martinez --- Forster
    Cancelo Coufal Dallas -- Taylor Lamptey
    Salah Bruno Son Kdb -- Burke
    Dcl Watkins Bamford

    - Have 8 gw18 players but that includes lamptey/burke so effectively 6
    - Have 6 dgw19 players

    Lamptey >> Holding or Stones the best move?

  3. C'mon the Fylde
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any suggestions, guys?

    Martinez
    Dias Dallas Bednarek
    Salah Son Bruno Soucek Zaha
    Bamford Kane

    Button Watkins Coufal Taylor

    0m itb

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

    Am I G2G for the next GW? Bench order sorted or would you rather play someone else?

    Martinez
    Dallas - Dier - Holding
    Bruno - Soucek - KDB - Salah
    Bamford - Kane - DCL

    Bench: Meslier - Coufal - Anguissa - Stones

  5. Marcin the Pole
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Are we fairly sure that Balbuena was just rested, rather than dropped?

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Someone please reply to this

    2. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah he needed a complete rest but Dawson's MOTM performance in a 4 man defence worries me now

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

      I want to get him as well, would like to know this too

    4. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm worried about him now. Dawsons performance has caused a real problem.

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

      West Ham have a big squad (no coincidence they were the only team outside the big 6 backing 5 subs) - I would expect continuous rotation risks while the fixtures are coming thick and fast.

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

      Balbuena comes straight back in. He is nailed imo.

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

      If it’s for the double gameweek in mind I would swerve our centre backs personally.

      Balbuena was indeed rested but with Dawson’s performance we now have 4 CB’s competing for 2 spots. The only player I can’t see getting rested regardless of whether we play a back 4 or 5 is Cresswell.

      If you can afford it, Fabs the easiest way into our defence for the double.

      Even Coufal’s a risk, despite his rest this week we now have Johnson & Fredricks all fit at RB so I envisage rotation there too.

      1. Carlton_Goal
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I have to disagree a bit there, I think Ogbonna has been outstanding and there is no way he would be rotated for the double gameweek.

        I think for the double there will be a lot less rotation as there is more of a break both before and after it, whereas this week we will have played 3 times in 6 days. We only had 1 day rest in between the last 2 games hence Balbuena, Coufal, Bowen, Fornals each being rested in one of the 2 games.

        Moyes has shown earlier in the season that he doesn't like to rotate so much and I think this week was the exception given the smaller gap between games than usual

        1. BoleynWin
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Agreed on Ogbonna, been the standout pick for this season for me. Although Bowen would be close behind & he’s had two benchings within a week which was surprising for me. He was due a rest don’t get me wrong but if the second choice has a game like Dawson did against Saints or Johnson against Brighton etc then Moyes starts having a bit of a selection headache. Great for us fans but awful for FPL haha.

          3 games in 8 days this week and 2 games in 3 days during the double gameweek, I personally still see rotation coming but just guesswork really. You’re right about Moyes historically disliking heavy rotation though.

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

    Best option for this team? 2 fts, 0.2m itb. FH in 18. Maybe TC in 19.

    A. Kdb Brewster > vardy Neto
    B. Kdb Brewster > Kane saka
    C. Kdb Taylor > rashford justin
    D. Kdb Taylor Brewster > vardy saka Justin
    E. Kdb Taylor Brewster > vardy

    Martinez
    Robbo zouma Dallas
    Salah kdb Bruno son soucek
    Dcl bamford

    Forster coufal Brewster Taylor

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      E. Kdb Taylor Brewster > vardy Neto holding

  7. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Grealish is a massive pick for this gw. Worried not to own him tbh

    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I want rid of him but may have to keep again.

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I wish he’d been a massive pick this week just gone. Could have done with the help to be honest

    3. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      dont fret ,4 misfires out of the last 5 ,traore has knocked him off free kicks,el ghazi off pennos and if he sets up watkins hes going to miss anyway,

      1. Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He is gonna score Vs ManU for sure

        1. Jordan.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          buy him then ,its your team have fun...

    4. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      he cuts inside... oh what a goal that is ..

    5. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He's very soon gone from my team

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

      Why?

  8. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on Taylor?

    1. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      im gonna take him out and then he will playxD i swear xd

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

      Wait one more week

  9. leon77
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Reguilon + Grealish for Robertson + Raphinha/Harrison?

  10. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which GK to start

    Johnstone (ARS)
    Martinez (mun)

    1. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Martinez

  11. The Mighty Hippo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I can field eight players in gw18, should I just stick with that or play the FH chip?

    Leno
    Dias Regulion Cancelo
    Grealish Son
    Kane Brewster

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Stick

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      That looks good enough to me.

    3. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Brewster doesn't count as a player

  12. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

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

    How is this plan looking for the next 3 GWs:
    - GW17: Grealish ➡ Raphinha
    - FH BGW18
    - BB DGW19 with Kilman & Button ➡ Robbo & Fabianski (-4)

  13. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Surely Salah can't blank 3 in a row?

    1. dark91
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He definitely can but let's hope he doesn't

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

      Before last GW
      "Surely Salah can't blank 2 in a row?"

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Mathematically he can. Practically maybe not. Will he? Who knows?

    4. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      yes he can

    5. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      The witch doctor says he can

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

      wouldnt have thought so,but the evidence says he might ,there is a lot of the pool team just not playing well ,they were mostly very ordinairy last night ,toon won a lot of 50/50 and really only robbo with maybe 7/10 played well,somebodys gonna get smashed soon when they all start firing...

    7. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Don't forget the Zambian witch doctor

  14. C'mon the Fylde
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Have you all shipped Zaha?

    1. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nope.

      1. Konstaapeli
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Why would I against SHU?

    2. Captain Scarlet
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’ve brought him in as I can see him returning against Sheffield United and Arsenal...

  15. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 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!

    1. FPL_Motty
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If you're FHing in 18, then plan for 19. I think Mahrez is a big issue in that squad, you already have KDB and Mahrez is just.. a trap. If possible move him to Son? As Son now has an extra fixture, Mahrez does also but doubtful he'll play 2 in a row. Or downgrade Mahrez to another double gw player, and upgrade mitchell to make use of a BB in 19. You dont need a backup keeper and if you upgraded Mitchell you'd have almost an entire team of double Gwers, easily worthwhile using BB.

      1. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        That is some good advice. I'm not sure tho if I want Son or to prepare for bench boost? Can't do both really

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Sure you can. It's unrealistic to expect to have 15 players with two games in a double gameweek. Son has Sheff U in gw19 and will potentially outscore many inferior players who people get just because they have a double. Many dgw players may also only play once.

          1. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Actually Rover you're quite right. Thanks man

    2. boogle
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Similar spot to you and I'm thinking Mahrez > Rashford

  16. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Lads, quick questions please:

    McCarthy / Steer
    Robertson / Dias / Cresswell / Saïss / Dallas
    Salah / Bruno / Son / Grealish / Soucek
    DCL / Watkins / Bamford

    (1) Any reason to play one of Dallas (tot) or Cresswell (eve) over Saïss (bha) or Dias (che)?
    (2) Any reason to play Soucek over one of the other mids?

    Many thanks and Happy New Year!

    1. FPL_Motty
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hmm tricky one. I'd honestly be tempted to drop Watkins, since you have Grealish and probably Villa will struggle to get attacking returns against Utd, so doubling up is risky. Who is worth playing over him though? Saiss and Dias are the right options, its then a toss up between Dallas and Soucek. Personally I play Soucek every week because you can never predict when a set piece goal is coming, and I also wouldnt be afraid of playing Dallas this week, I own Dallas as well and will play him, not fully confident that Spurs will score big, or at all. Dallas has been so attacking lately, he's not a bad option. Honestly up to you though mate, really tough calls as theyre all decent options this week. If you had to pull my arm I'd play Soucek over Watkins.

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thank you very much for your thoughtful response, mate, I do appreciate it!

  17. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Will Chelsea and Man City play this gw?

    1. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

  18. kime67
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Taylor a bit of a headache. need to get him out and could get coufal but not sure now because he got benched. also not gonna trust mitchell starts. i may be forced to lose one of dias or cancelo. wich one should i get rid of for justin? and taylor to someone under 5.3?

    1. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Coufal benching probably a good reason to get him now. He's rested and fresh.

    2. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      ok thanks. might do that

  19. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on lamptey fitness?

  20. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    With Taylor being out with a hamstring, do we think Pieters can hold that spot for both the DGW19 fixtures?

    1. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Don’t think they have anyone else

    3. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wouldn’t risk it as it’s another transfer waiting to happen

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Pieters at 4.3 bargain though?

  21. The Gambler.
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Do we think Holding is nailed?

    1. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes. Been our best player in recent weeks plus was captain too

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Holding or bellerin?

        1. James D
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          defo holding

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

      I think so.

      1. Konstaapeli
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Gabriel and Mari are left footed and Luiz is total bum.

    3. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      taylor replacement? might go that way too

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Do arsenal have best chance for cleansheets next few games?

        1. Konstaapeli
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Wouldn't say best. But there's always a chance.

          1. Stranger Mings
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I see they are top this week with 40% chance and then have 2 nice fixtures coming up

  22. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    For my bench boost dgw19 team?

    (Already purchased a reserve keeper last week, so I’m more or less at the point of no return and have to play BB)

    A. Dias & Brewster

    B. Lowton & Rodrigo

    Option b is likely to require a hit to get Dias in after the double

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  23. mr. inconspicuous
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I have exact money for KDB and Brewster to Kane and Soucek, is it worth it for a -4?

    1. George Agdgdgwngo
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Keep KDB.

    2. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

      1. mr. inconspicuous
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I will most likely captain him against Leeds

  24. The Gambler.
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any pressers today? Tweets show just 3?

  25. DonBenzema
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How nailed is Justin coming into the DGW? Want to get rid of Taylor now, but find it quite difficult finding a good replacement. I'm using FH in GW18. Would love your input on which option is best

    A) Taylor and Mendy -> Justin and someone like McCarthy (-4)
    B) Taylor -> someone under 4.6 like Holding

    Rest of my defence is Zouma, Dias, Dallas and Coufal

  26. Super John McGinn-
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What to do then, still go ahead with bench boost 18?

    Martinez, Forster
    Robbo, Dias, James, Dallas, 3.9
    Salah, KDB, Bruno, Grealish, Soucek
    DCL, Bamford, Adams

    2 FT 0.5 ITB

    A) KDB + Adams > Raphina + Kane
    B) KDB + Son
    C) James + Forster > Johnstone + Coufal (leaving money to do 3.9>Pieters)
    D) Other

  27. thischarmingman
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Harrison vs Klich vs Raphinia - consensus on here seems to be Raphinia for that Leeds mf slot - but why? Harrison form is better and higher on the ICT index - are those worthless metrics? I haven't seen them play lately, so any input appreciated.

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Raphinia is a player that passes the eye test like Lamptey but that doesn't mean they are better fpl players.

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

      I would at least say not Klich now there is uncertainty over if he will take any penalties or not. He's also on 4 YC so could be suspended soon. Harrison vs Raphinha is very 50/50 imo, both stand a decent chance of getting points

  28. kime67
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    is coufal a worry now? would you buy?

    1. thischarmingman
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Why is he a worry?

      1. The Gambler.
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Paternity leave ?

    2. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Buy. He's had a break.

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

      He's had his rest now. Far better player than Fredericks. I wouldn't worry too much, would still buy him especially with the double gameweek in mind

  29. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Start 2:

    A. Dallas
    B. Dier
    C. Tierney
    D. Coufal

    1. kime67
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      dier tierney

    2. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C and probably A

  30. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who to captain? Who’s your captain?
    A. Bruno (AVL)
    B. Salah (sou)
    C. Kane (LEE)
    D. Son (LEE)