Podcast

Scoutcast Episode 378 – Best players for the season run-in

Joe and Seb are joined by 2016/17 Fantasy Premier League champion Ben Crabtree to look at the key issues facing FPL managers ahead of Gameweek 36.

There are just three Gameweeks left of this tricky, pandemic-hit campaign so each transfer and captaincy decision needs to be carefully planned around those remaining fixtures.

There is also the challenge of navigating Blank Gameweek 36, when Chelsea, Arsenal, Leicester and Manchester United players miss out due to FA Cup scheduling.

Luckily, Joe and Seb are joined by former FPL winner Ben to look at the teams and players to spend those final, precious transfers on.

Our trio breaks down the season run-in into the top assets by position, with West Ham, Leeds, Liverpool and Everton assets dominating their chat.

Targeting relegated Sheffield United’s porous defence and blunt attack is another key theme to emerge.

For goalkeepers, there is plenty of advice for those like Joe, who have two non-playing shot-stoppers going into Gameweek 36. Is it worth a transfer to replace the likes of Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy (£5.2m)?

Leeds midfielder Stuart Dallas’s (£5.3m) out-of-position classification as a defender makes him a shrewd backline pick, while Manchester City’s midfield maestros could be worth investment despite the threat of rotation.

The Scoutcast crew’s chat about attackers will be of particular interest to those who have invested in Leicester marksmen Kelechi Iheanacho (£6.3m) and Jamie Vardy (£10.3m). The Foxes have a dire end-of-season fixture run, while there is a long queue of forwards ready to step in and help propel FPL managers up their mini-leagues.

Joe, Seb and Ben catch up on their progress in Gameweek 35, with fixtures still to play. Ben takes his turn to pick a differential and captaincy and transfer plans ahead of this Friday’s deadline are revealed.

There is also a virtual award ceremony on the show, with Joe showing off the incredible trophy he has won as the winner of children’s charity Barnardo’s FPL Challenge Cup this season. He also gives information about how to donate and support their work supporting and protecting young people.

This episode was aired live via YouTube on Wednesday 12 May. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel 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

261 Comments Post a Comment
  1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Still cannot decide. Pick one please.

    A) Nacho to Antonio
    B) Nacho to Bamford
    C) Bruno to Mahrez

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A or B, I'm taking both

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

    3. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      You want Bruno for Fulham at home

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yes. A or B then.

    4. FeverPitch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A I think

    5. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

    6. justaguy9
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      i think A but tough one

    7. Blanka
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Priced out of DCL?

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Have Kane and DCL. Who would you pick between Antonio and Bamford?

    8. West End Exile
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

    9. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A or B

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        That's what the issue is. Cannot decide between those two!

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

    Is it worth doing Mendy > Meslier for -4 (Forster 2nd GK)?

    1. Fuddled FC
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Depends how you rate the chances of Forster playing?

  3. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Last week's rank 4.1 million after losing 5 players to the Man U-Liverpool postponement.

    This week's rank currently 7.6k with 8 to play. The ups and downs of FPL.

    😀

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      How many Wolves?

  4. FeverPitch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    On a free hit and need to decide

    A) Mahrez and Jota (Antonio on the bench)
    B) Mane and Raphinha (fodder on the bench)

    Playing Foden and Salah either way. Was leaning towards A but WBA concede soooo many chances on Mane’s side...

  5. AD2110
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is Watkins back for the palace game?

    1. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yes. Suspension tongiht.

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Shitkins out!

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Fake news

  6. Fuddled FC
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    If Forster and Veltman do not play i have 9 players...

    Is it worth -8 to do?

    Mendy & Nacho > Meslier & Bamford/Antonio

    1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      yes

  7. Thursday Press Conference times
    Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Thursday Press Conference times

    Bielsa - 9am
    Bruce - 9.30am
    Parker - 1pm
    Guardiola - 1.30pm
    Hasenhuttl - 1.30pm
    Potter - 2pm
    Dyche - 3.30pm
    Smith - post-match
    Ancelotti - post-match

    https://twitter.com/ffscout/status/1392753711731167233

    1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No spurs/west ham?

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Tomorrow

    2. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      cheers

  8. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    D-day for my mini leagues today - it's all built up to this.

    I need Bruno and DCL to go mental, villa to concede and Salah to stay quiet-ish!

    1. Brimble82
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Agree - don't think it's an exaggeration to describe tonight's games as 'pivotal'

      I'm chasing down a lead in my ML (that I gave up too easily) whereby the leader has Martinez & Targett (no EVE) and I have DCL (no AVL).
      A DCL goal is a minimum 12pt swing! Second one you'd think 9pts!

      Can't wait.

      1. More Cowbell
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Sounds similar! Neither of the two I'm chasing have Fernandes which is wild!

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Interesting.

    3. West End Exile
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Greenwood to outscore Bruno and I'll be happy.

      1. Brimble82
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Both to get in the money, and I'm satisfied.

      2. More Cowbell
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Do you think Greenwood get's a start tonight?

  9. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    0.1 itb 1ft No chips left

    Martinez
    Veltman Webster KWP N.Phillips
    Salah (c) Jota
    Kane DCL (vc)

    Schmeichel Holding ESR Rashford Bruno Nacho

    A) Rashford + Nacho > Bale + Bamford (-4)
    B) Rashford + Nacho > Raph + Ings (-4)
    C) Rashford + Nacho > Bale + Antonio (-4)

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A or C

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

      I’d be tempted to do C and look to get raphinha the week after

      1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yh was thinking that myself, it would be raph and dallas the week after if they perform well against burnley

      2. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        What you think to Lingard + Bamford (-4)

        1. FeverPitch
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I mean could be decent but my preferred two would be Antonio and Raph personally. With Antonio back in the side I prefer him over Lingard

          1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Thanks dude

  10. buzzkill
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Morning all!
    I have 2 FTs and a 33 point lead to protect in my ML.
    My rival triple captained Bruno, I only captained him and he has his BB, mine has gone. We have almost identical teams except he has Mount to my ESR, Dunk to my Castange and Wood to my Vardy.
    This week I can field 9 if I use my 2 FTs so I'm thinking I need goals to extend my lead.

    What do you think of Vardy and Nacho to Ings and DCL? Both have home fixtures against relegated sides and form to boot.
    Alternatives are Bamford or Antonio.

    Or do I play nasty by blocking Wood and hope for the best?

    Help is appreciated folks! Driving myself mad thinking about it.

    1. Quan MisTaka
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      What do youthink his moves will be based on money in the bank, FTS and his BB?

      1. buzzkill
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        He's hinted at swapping Dunk out for someone, which I think is a wasted transfer. He has 0.1 ITB which gives him a 5.0 defender for this week. I'd be looking to get an attacker if I was him but there's no one he could get for Nacho's value so he'll have to hold. The 5.0 looks the most likely or possibly Mount to a 7.2 midfielder, (Zaha?). Neither scenario is a threat to me.

        1. Quan MisTaka
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Only thing you have to be worried about is his BB really. Assuming Bruno doesnt completely go off on one tonight.

          Ings always a risk imo, id go Bamford and Antonio in and use the extra cash to upgrade ESR or defense next week?

          1. buzzkill
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            My only concern with Antonio is once West Ham are out the running for top four they might give up - nothing to play for etc. I'll be getting Bamford in for DCL for the final day as I think Leeds will go mad and DCL is playing City.
            ESR upgrade will give me a benching headache as I'll have 3 strikers and 4 good mids so my 5th mid has to be bench fodder. Would rather spend it on defence as you say. Maybe a premium City like Laporte or Mendy

  11. Quan MisTaka
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which is the better move to fund the Nacho transfer everyone seems to be doing

    A) Bruno to Son
    B) Jota/JWP to Raphina

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. buzzkill
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B for sure

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

  12. Monster Muppets
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    So glad i made bam and dallas move yesterday.
    Would have been priced out now..

  13. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Nobody want Nacho for 38? Spurs at home? Could be a goal fest

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Could be decent but I much prefer Antonio (SOU), Bamford (WBA) or Wood (shu).

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Reckon to the -8 mate?

        Bruno+Shaw+Nacho >> Son+Digne+Antonio (-8)?

        Forster
        TAA. Ward
        Salah. Jota. ASM
        Kane. DCL
        (Mendy. Shaw. Nacho. Bruno. Greenwood. Holding. Rudiger)

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Like those transfers should pay off specially if Bruno & Shaw miss GW38.

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Antonio or Bamford?

    2. buzzkill
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'll be looking to get Bamford in for the final day party

  14. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    hey guys, what to do here with 2 FT and 0.2 ITB? Chasing my ML by 60 odd points..and have lots of blank players

    Ederson Johnstone
    AWB VEltman Saiss castagne struikj
    salah bruno lingard greenwood raph
    wakins kane nacho

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Blankers out

    2. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Castagne and Nacho to Bamford and Dallas/Everton defender

    3. Monster Muppets
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Castagne + nacho --> Coufal & Bamford

      1. tibollom
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        thanks guys, the guy i am chasing will have same front line if I take Bam.. any alternatives? Ings somehow?

        1. Bucket Man
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Castagne to Phillips allow for Ings? If not Antonio?

          1. tibollom
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            thanks mate, not enough to get ings but could do that for Antonio.Is philips nailed?

          2. tibollom
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            other option would be AWB, Castagne + Nacho to Coufal, Lowton + Ings for -4pts

  15. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Martinez
    TAA Digne Coufal
    Salah Bruno* Jota Lingard
    DCL Watkins Nacho*

    (Guaita Greenwood* Shaw* Rudi*)
    1 FT & 1.8m

    Bruno & Nacho ➡️ Kane & Raph

    For a -4 to field 11 starters. Thoughts?

    1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      yes

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Good moves. Guess you could also go Son and Antonio/Bam?

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah I could but I just feel more confident about Kane & Raphinha.

        Son or Bale or Mahrez is a toss up & also Antonio or Wood or Bam is a toss up. I'm more likely to get it wrong I feel.

  16. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    those on FH houghts on everton double up with Rich and DCL?

    Sheff utd hauls over the past weeks

    35- Eze 14, Beneteke 8
    34: Bale 21 Son 12
    31: Laca 13
    30: Harrison 13
    28: Nacho 17, Vardy 13

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No thanks

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Worth a shot or Sigurdsson and Dom

  17. melvinmbabazi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Pick 1 of Bamford/Antonio/Wood for the last 3 games?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bumford

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Ant Man

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Antonio or Bamford. Tricky call

    4. The Big Fella
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Wood

  18. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any chance holding gets a game 37 and 38? Palace and Brighton not to bad

    1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      yes

  19. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which 3 strikers should I take on my FH this week:
    a) Kane
    b) Bamford
    c) Antonio
    d) DCL
    e) Ings
    f) somebody I haven't mentioned here

    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      ACD

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Bucket Man not picking his own striker and going Antonio instead?

        1. Bucket Man
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Think it will be tough for us this week. Burney a physical side, would go for Rapha and Antonio over Lingard and Bamford.

          1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Ok. Love the team. I hope they continue doing well!

    2. West End Exile
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A B D

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

      not a ,looks not quite the same since latest injury ,b,c,d could all easily match him for 5m less coins

  20. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Also what chances does Rudiger have of playing 37 and 38? Will he be rotated?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I guess he will start in 37. depending on whether they are in race for top 4 or not, he may also get a start in 38.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Mendy to play the last two too?

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I would think so. Lose to Arsenal should force their hands.

  21. Bucket Man
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hi Guys. Better GW so with FH trying to get into top 200k at the end. Hits best to avoid or not a bad week for a -4. Thoughts appreciated. 1FT 1.7ITB

    Martinez
    Dias, Dallas, Veltman?
    Salah, Lingard, Perreira, Mount*
    Iheanacho*, Bamford, Kane
    Areola, Bruno*, Shaw*, Rudiger*

    A) Mount to Mahrez/Foden/Rapha/Siggy
    B) Nacho to Antonio/DCL
    C) Both to Foden and DCL -4
    D) Both to Mahrez and Antonio -4

  22. built_this_city
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hoping to get 22 points from these bad boys tonight for the big 100 after hits -

    Bruno (c), Greenwood, Shaw, Jota, Salah, Phillips, Konsa, Martinez

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Both games ending 0-0 will do the job for you 😉

      1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I hope not! only 1 defender in this game haha

  23. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which Duo you taking

    A) Bamford + Bale
    B) Antonio + Bale
    C) Ings + Raph
    D) Antonio + Raph
    E) Bamford + Lingard

    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      D

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      D

  24. Help Me!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Sorry for a long one, I'm first time in top 100k but my stupid mind forgot to play BB this GW. And now am adjusting to play it in GW37.
    Current Team (1FT 0.0ITB 9 starters for GW36):
    Guaita-Forster
    TAA-Godfrey-Shaw-Fofana-Holding
    Jota-Greenwood-Son-Salah-Lingard
    Kane-Iheanacho-Vydra

    So now trying to get Leeds/WestHam, and 11 starters for GW36.
    Leaning towards a -8 by Fofana,Iheanacho,Greenwood to Coufal,Raphina,Bamford.
    This would give me 0.4M ITB with which I can do Vydra to Antonio.
    All the field players will look good for GW37, but the keepers... for them I'm just gonna cross my fingers and hope Guaita can have a good game, and Forster plays.
    I can also get Ayling instead of Coufal which would allow me to do Jota to Raphina instead of Greenwood. And this may also allow me to keep Iheanacho and drop Vydra, which would mean getting Bamford but not Antonio but would also be saving a -4.
    I hope it makes sense and I'm open to other ideas. Thanks for reading.

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Vydra to Antonio will need more than 0.4

      I like the idea of Jota to Raphinha instead of Greenwood. Chances of Ayling and Coufal keeping CSs are likely to be same, so Ayling is not that bad either.

      1. Help Me!
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Oh my bad, 0.4m is if I keep Iheanacho so 6+0.4=6.4.
        Anyway the Vydra to Antonio should be 1.6m.

      2. Help Me!
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        It's a matter of having 3 Leeds or 3 WestHam players at the end.
        Another clarification is that the Vydra to Antonio would be a FT for GW37.

  25. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best defenders for 37&38?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Lindelof, a Newcastle defender might also work

      1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yh quite like dubravka but a gk move now is sort of pointless

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Dallas and somrige else

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        *someone

  26. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    AWB, Castagne + Nacho to Coufal, Lowton + Ings for -4pts? Would give me the team below

    Ederson
    Saiss Coufal Struikj Lowton
    Salah Lingard Raph
    Kane Ings Watkins

    Johnstone Vetlman Bruno Greenwood

  27. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Think I'm set on this WC team, however easily influenced if you think there's some improvement...

    Pickford (Meslier)
    TAA / Digne / Dallas (Stones / Coufal)
    Bale / Son / Raph / Salah (Greenwood)
    Ings / DCL / Antonio

  28. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Leeds likely to keep a clean sheet in the next two? Not so sure myself

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Haven't been keeping a lot away from home. Next two are away.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Dallas really that good of a pick? Unsure

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Every time he scores a goal I curse myself for transferring him out. It's all about his attacking instincts.

  29. Reeker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Have Shaw, Rudiger, TAA, Dallas and Castagne.

    Need a defender this week for 11. Doing Castangne to somebody. Who would you pick?

    1. Coleman/Digne. Game against SHU and have enough great defenders to cover the rest of the season.
    2. Dias - Good option for next 2 weeks
    3. Coufal - Great fixtures till end

    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      1. West Ham haven't been as great at the back recently. I have Dias and am worried he might be benched in 1 or 2. Sheffield United a great game for Everton.

  30. dylano21
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Would you rather have

    A) Philips + Salah
    B) Son + Robertson

    1. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B