Podcast

Scoutcast Episode 380 – Final Gameweek decisions and differentials

Joe and Seb are joined by Karam to look at the key issues facing Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers ahead of Gameweek 38.

It’s been a tough year, with the Covid-19 pandemic impacting on all walks of life. Top-flight football has been no exception, with fans unable to attend matches for much of the campaign and players forced to isolate for periods.

The season has been tricky for FPL managers to navigate, but it has also provided a welcome distraction for many.

Now, after 38 long, arduous weeks, the final set of fixtures is here and Joe, Karam and Seb are on hand to guide viewers and listeners over the last hurdle.

The Scoutcast crew take in the prospects for teams with something to play for, most notably a seat among Europe’s elite in the Champions League. Winning is vital and lots of goals will be needed for the likes of top captaincy candidate Mohamed Salah (£12.9m) and the rest of his Liverpool team-mates.

For other teams there is still pride to play for, as well as some extra cash for final league placings. Leeds’s first Premier League home game in front of fans for 17 years, against West Bromwich Albion, looks particularly enticing.

Meanwhile, West Ham United’s Michail Antonio (£6.6m) and Burnley striker Chris Wood (£6.5m) offer intriguing alternative options for FPL managers to consider.

More differentials are discussed when Joe looks at his ‘unfashionable players’ list once again to find more low-owned gems with strong points potential. Over the last few weeks, this list has correctly predicted strong returns from the likes of Manchester City’s recent hat-trick hero Ferran Torres (£7.0m) and Arsenal’s impressive youngster Gabriel Martinelli (£4.9m), who scored in midweek.

There are mixed fortunes for the community in the penultimate “Rough with the Smooth” round-up. This contrasts with Joe, Seb and Karam’s performance in Gameweek 37, as just a handful of points separated them.

This latest episode finishes off with the crew revealing their final transfer and captaincy plans of the campaign.

The Scoutcast will be back next week for the final show of the season to look at the lessons they’ve learned and their blueprints for FPL glory in 2021/22.

This episode was aired live via YouTube on Thursday 20 May. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to be 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

770 Comments Post a Comment
  1. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on team (0ft, 2.0 itb)
    Mendy (Forster)
    Holding Phillips Dawson (Shaw* Holgate)
    Salah (c) Lingard Raphinha Bruno* Son*
    Kane, Bamford (Vydra*)

    A) Bruno to Mane
    B) Vydra to Antonio (bench Lingard)
    C) Son to Mount/Pulisic (or anybody 11.6mn or lower)
    D) Shaw to Robbo

    1. FPLord
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A or B both look strong

    2. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Like C to either for a punt

  2. Your Man With The Hair
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Would you keep DCL vs MCI? Shipped 8 in their last 3, but you have to assume Pep will use this game to address that ahead of CL final?

    1. FPLord
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Definitely better options out there. If you don't have other fires to fight then yes

  3. Nedvěd11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Would you go -4 with this lot:

    JWP, Greenwood, Mahrez, Son, Salah
    Nacho, Kane, DCL

    *DCL is going out for Bam or Antonio

  4. butt0n1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    DCL to Antonio worth - 4? Already chasing 17 points.

    1. FPLord
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No, you need luck anyway, so why not hope for a DCL goal. Your rival will probably have Antonio too

    2. Your Man With The Hair
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not for a hit, no.

    3. Reece’s Pieces
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      If your rival(s) don't have Antonio then maybe but every chance DCL scores against an open City team

      I have DCL and will play him

      Take a hit punt on something else or maybe a non-Salah captaincy punt

    4. butt0n1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Thanks for replies! Good points and will go for sure non-Salah captain.

    5. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      17 becomes 21 before a ball is kicked

  5. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Last transfer this season and needs to be an important one!
    Leading ML by 1 point...

    a) Watkins > Antonio
    b) Mahrez > Pulisic
    c) Digne > Dallas

    Martinez
    TAA, Philips, Rudiger
    Lingard, Salah (C), Bruno (VC), Willock
    Nacho, Watkins, Kane

    Forster, Digne, Mahrez, Mitchell

    1. Reece’s Pieces
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      So important. I'm the same - need to bridge a 12pt gap to win my ML

      Antonio or Dallas there. Equally good

      1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Swaying towards Dallas as that give me more balance i.e. not playing both Pool defenders

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      The value is probably in B but is Pulisic the right choice?

      He's not nailed on by any means and is often benched in critical games too.

      1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Agreed want a punt but could easily backfire

  6. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    DCL + Bruno to Bam + Mane for -4?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yep.

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

      Yes

  7. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    1 FT and 1.5 ITB

    A - Wood > Bamford
    B - Bruno > Mane
    C - Other suggestion?

    Mendy
    Dallas - Holding - Lindelof
    Salah (c) - Son - Lingard - Raph - Bruno
    Kane - Antonio

    Forster - Wood - Rudiger - Holgate

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B is the obvious move.

  8. drughi
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Llorente out means dallas RB ?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Is Llorente out?

      I was going to bench him probably but this is why I'm waiting before I do my final transfer.

      1. Super Sharpe Shooter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        yes Bielsa confirmed it

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

          Is that L Ayling CB and Dallas RB then ?

        2. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Cheers. Just seen he's flagged now.

    2. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mostly, but I reckon he'll go up a lot, he always does and the rest of the def and CDM cover for him.

  9. Super Sharpe Shooter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Advice welcome...

    Forster
    Trent-Digne-Holding
    Salah-Son-Greenwood-Bale
    Nacho-DCL-Kane
    (McCarthy-ESR-Dawson-Mitchell)

    I'm 5 behind in 2nd in one private league and 30 ahead at the top of another, overall rank 58k.

    a) Digne & DCL to Dallas & Bamford (-4)
    b) Digne to Dallas
    c) DCL to Bamford
    d) DCL to Antonio
    e) Something else? (0.1 ITB)

  10. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who is the better Leeds option from the eye test? Stats pretty even last 4 matches.

    Raphinha or Harrison

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Raph has more about him.

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

      Prefer Raphinha

    3. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Raphinha for me

    4. ZAMUNDA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Raph

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

    Martinez
    TAA Rudiger Coufal
    Salah Greenwood Lingard Raphinha
    Kane DCL Antonio

    (Guaita Digne Shaw Jota*)
    1 FT & 1.7m

    DCL ➡️ Bamford for free?

    Thoughts? Any other obvious transfers?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      It's been a season of DCL to Bamford and back again or Ings it seems.

  12. Davidwes
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    How likely is foden to start?
    Foden---> Raphina for a -4?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Depends on Pep's view over match sharpness and injury risks.

      All will surely be rotated at 60 mins or 30 you'd have thought.

      Everton playing away could be a bit physical which is a consideration, but there not a dirty team or manager.

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        You'd imagine that Aguero will be earmarked to play some part too which lessens the potentially available spots for forwards too.

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

        Guardiola isn't a 60-min rotation guy. He only makes one sub (or two in case of injuries/red cards). So it's a feature or cameo basically for any option whether it's Foden, Mahrez or even KDB

  13. Cheeto__Bandito
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which scores most?

    A) Kane + Raphinha
    B) Antonio + Mane (-4)

    1. Reece’s Pieces
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A for me

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

      If Kane returns to old, going to be sad faces

  14. Reece’s Pieces
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Welcome any points on this team/bench and one key transfer.

    I've got 12 points gap to win my ML. Rival has Antonio and Nacho so I can't mirror them.

    Areola
    Trent, Dallas, "Digne"
    Son, Salah (C), Lingard, Raphinha
    Kane, Bamford, DCL

    Subs: Patricio, Cresswell, Pereira (W.Brom), Konsa

    ONE key transfer:
    1. Digne for Robertson? Team as above then
    2. Pereira for Benrahma and play Cresswell?

    1. Super Sharpe Shooter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Of these, definitely A. Or I would also consider Firmino for DCL if you can reach him

      1. Reece’s Pieces
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks. Firmino is just out of sight.

        Robertson is my instinct. Prob a nervy game for Liverpool won by one goal (1-0 would do it then)

        Benching Cresswell after 10+ non clean sheets seems a sensible differential when rival will likely play Coufal.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'd be tempted to keep and play Pereira as the form differential there tbf.

      1. Reece’s Pieces
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Pereira will be first bench or even in the first 11 over Son.

        Digne vs City is unappealing and I dont fancy relying on Cresswell. Pushing me to Robertson as I won't risk any hits

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I bet Digne is the surprise with assist points!!

          1. Reece’s Pieces
            • 2 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            I do worry about that. He is in form too. I feel he won't get a CS or a goal, but the assist potential is on.

  15. Bruno Commando
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Does it make sense to do Greenwood + Coleman to Raphinha + Dallas?

    Rest of team:
    Forster
    TAA Shaw ____
    Salah Bruno Lingard _____
    Kane DCL Antonio

    Subs: Meslier ESR Coady Mitchell
    0.0 ITB

  16. Fernandito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Think im down to these 2 options, which would u go for?

    Mendy
    TAA Dallas Holding Coady Fofana
    Salah Lingard Mahrez Greenwood Jota
    Kane DCL Bamford
    2m itb 2FT

    A Kane & Jota to Antonio & Mane
    B Jota & Fofana to Raphinha & Robertson

    1. Super Sharpe Shooter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B. Kane will be motivated if it's his last Spurs appearance and has a great record at Leicester

      1. NULL-X-VOID
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        the same logic could've been applied to the last game where it was his last home stadium game, in which he has a huge ass record. Kane isn't in the zone tbh

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

      B by miles

    3. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Keep Kane, stay away from Mane, I'd choose B by a mile. Although take someone else than Raph, target Willock or Utd second-team kids

  17. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Can this FH team save my season?

    Dubravka | Gillespie
    TAA Tierney Dallas
    Salah Harrison Son Auba
    Wood Antonio Firmino
    | Raphinha Mee Coufal

    0 ITB

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Possible.

      Get on the local city newspapers for team selection insights if you have time.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Why not Newcastle players?

    3. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Try Torres as a differential given Aguero doesn't play (after pep's presser), huge diff and has proved his goal threat every single game he's played. Willock as well.

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        What did Pep say about Aguero?

        Not match fit for a farewell?

  18. NULL-X-VOID
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I see people are hyping Mane up, but idk. Firstly he has had 2 goals since GW20, in which he missed just GW21 and 22 and has played 90 mins the other 4 games. Tbh I just don't rate him as a goal threat, at his point Firmino has had more goals than him in that period. If Jota plays, he'd be my top priority given you already have Trent and Mo.

    1. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Overl Trent > Mo > Jota/Robbo > Any other Pool Asset

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      He's frustrating to own but it's simply spending the Bruno money for many.

      1. NULL-X-VOID
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        doesn't make sense, it's the last GW, why not get in an ultra diff like Torres/Willock/Harrison with a proved goal threatt

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I would. Have Torres.

          Is Willock fit, some kind of strain mentioned by Bruce?

          1. NULL-X-VOID
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Big up, I'm waiting to the same, waiting for Pep's presser, If Aguero is fit, he'll play over Torres for sure.

            Groin I think, waiting for the presser but didn't seem bad.

  19. anish10
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    reckon Greenwood plays this weekend?

    1. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      If he starts, Ole will bench him soon. At this point they don't have anything to play for, no sense putting 1st team players where they can get injured

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Nah.

  20. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Will Klopp give an ‘honest’ update on Jota & will Ole give any clues to team selection?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Klopp most likely to play it coy.

  21. Budgies
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    16pts behind leader in my paid league, could do with some feedback on the below team going into last GW.

    Martinez
    Dallas, Alioski, AWB, TAA, Philips
    Salah (c)m Lingard, Son, Bruno
    Kane

    (Mendy, Torres, Inheanacho, Vydra)

    His last team out:

    Mendy
    Robertson, TAA, Digne, Dawson
    Son, Foden, Sigurdson
    Watkins, Kane, Iheanacho

    (Sanchez, Pereira, Shaw, Greenwood)

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Torres could return points.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'd play Nacho too.

  22. Ruudy Van
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A) Bruno to KDB
    B) Greenwood to Torres
    C) Bruno to mane

    Expecting my rival to do C or Lloris to Mendy to block me.

    I will have to captain someone not Salah I think as well.

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A or B could pay off.

    2. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B could be good

  23. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Start Rudiger or Digne?

    1. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Rudi by a mile.

    2. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Rudiger

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Digger

    4. Ruudy Van
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Rudiger

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers guys and I will.

        I can also see Digne and Everton returning points at Man City somehow.

        Say 2-2?

    5. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Been asking myself this. On Rudi.

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers. You've been making good calls all season!

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Nah, some bad calls recently. Good calls were earlier on.

  24. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Would you use a FT to improve Pickford (mcy) here?

    Pickford
    Trent, Dallas, Coufal
    Salah, Son, Mahrez, Bale
    Bamford, Antonio, DCL

    Meslier, ESR, Digne, Mitchell
    Bank 1.1m, 2FT

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Save points?

      Everton are decent on the road.

      Man City wobbling...

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

    Start Forster and bench Pickford in goal?

    1. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      isn't Mcarthy been the first choice in the last weeks?

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

        Forster should play this one.

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

      That’s my plan.

  26. NULL-X-VOID
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Ik its a very punty move, but given it's my first full season (ik my number says 7, but I've never played an entire season cuz of work/life) and my OR being 200K, I'm looking at Utd's 2nd team, Telles is my priority given the state of Wolves defence.

    Any of you targeting the same given the low EO of those players.

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      That makes sense.

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        But Wolves are solid enough too.

        1. NULL-X-VOID
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          conceded 10 goals since 32. Idts.

  27. OLLY G
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    What bench order please?

    (A) Zaha
    (B) Shaw
    (C) Digne

    Thanks.

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      CAB.

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A,C,B

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        You're right play Zaha first.

        Just fancy Digne to assist.

    3. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      ACB, don't think shaw plays and Zaha always better than Digne in isolation. If Siggy starts, I don't see Digne getting anything

  28. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Struggling to see sensible moves, 1FT poss -4?

    Martinez
    Trent, Dallas,
    Son, Salah, Lingz,
    Antonio, Kane, Bamford

    Button, #Bruno, #Shaw, #Jota, Godfrey, Thomas,

    1. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      depends OR tbh, if, under 10K, I'd use that FT to get in Ederson.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Play Godfrey and shift out Bruno and Jota for surprise benchings.

      What's this Jota may play noise about?

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

        slim chance hes available but can't imagine he starts, cameo at the very best.
        would sell for sure

      2. NULL-X-VOID
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Klopp's last week presser. He stated that on the second look of his in, it was found out it's not that serious, said he might play the final game

  29. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bruno going to start last GW you think?

    Yes or No

  30. Nay08
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    so, I need to chase 28 points to get 1st position in my mini-league. what should I do?
    1. transfer out Castagne/Keane
    or
    2. transfer out Son/Kane, but have to play Castagne/Keane/Phillips in defense

    the others 3 def are Dallas, Coufal, and Phillips. I'm not sure I'm confident enough to play Phillips.
    I still tinkering with who should I transfer in, but the popular TAA/Robbo route only accessible if I upgrade Phillips (because I already have Salah and Mane) and one other transfer (not enough cash, only 0.3 ITB) which mean a -4.

    or maybe any other options? anything will be appreciated, thanks.

    the team right now:
    Leno, Foster
    Dallas, Coufal, Phillips, Castagne, Keane
    Salah, Mane, Lingard, Raphinha, Son
    Bamford, Iheanacho, Kane

    1. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      1 by a mile, Castagne

      If it was me, I'd downgrade Mane for TAA in a second. If it's an ML, you need to look at the other teams and decide a differential on that basis, but tbh TAA is a must for 38.