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

    Anyone tempted by a Grealish for England performance on Sunday?

    I've suddenly convinced myself!!

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

      Naa

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

      Do you think Villa will what Chelsea?

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

        *beat

      2. Gomolon
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I don't, which made my last transfer of the season a nice dull Watkins to Bamford. Would've loved to do Kane to Aguero but this is probably the dry run for the Champions League final

  2. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Definitely doing DCL to Antonio, also thinking Jota to Raph. Which other moves do you like?
    A) Son to Mane
    B) Vydra to Bamford (bench Lingard)

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

      B yeah

  3. EWH2020
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Start one:

    A) Rudiger
    B) Greenwood

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

      B

    2. Gomolon
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B - less clean sheets on last day of the season

    3. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

      B

  4. JBG
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I'll try again, as I didn't get any response to this and bottomed last article :/.

    21pt lead in my ML. Differentials are: Bruno*(if he starts) v Son, Lingard* v Rodriguez(if he keeps him) and R.James v Phillips

    *My players.
    If Bruno doesn't start I'll probably get City player or Son just to block him even more. Am I good?

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      get Son and you good

    2. All about the galacticos
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      If someone is chasing they will bring in Mane for Bruno and captain.
      Son is probably a poor shout, he may transfer Son out.
      So you may end up transfer in inferior player.
      In a similar situation but i'm the one chasing, lol.
      I may captain Mane or Antonio, and hope Salah blanks.
      21pts is most likely good enough. But who knows it's final day.

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

        It's my Bruno v his Son.

  5. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    who will get more points (opinons)
    a. Robbo
    b. Nacho

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

      A

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

    Final H2H game and rival has BB with these players. How many do you think each one of them will score:

    Areola
    Konsa
    Aina
    Watkins

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

      6
      1
      0
      2

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

        I calculated a total of 10. Definitely cannot afford to take a hit as that will set me back by about 14 even before the GW starts.

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      2,2,2,5-7

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

    Zaha and Son -> Mane and Raphinha (-4) ?

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

      yes

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

    Do your homework & follow your own instincts. Mane over Son seems a good choice. Liverpool in front of their own fans with an improving Mane home to Palace (without Eze) and Son away to Leicester (who have everything to play for) and playing in a side who were worse than woeful at home to Aston Villa.

    1. jimmyharte
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Spurs also have it all on the line. Europa spot and finish above Arsenal

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

        that didnt help against villa, terrible display from spurs

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I see a lot of hype over Mane by taking Son's place. I can see positives, but just as many negatives.

  9. jimmyharte
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who's getting most points this week?

    A) Bamford
    B) Raph
    C) Iheanacho

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

      Tough one that, I'd probably favour Bamford

      1. jimmyharte
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah I think the same too. At this stage can't afford to get it wrong!

  10. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Football FPL is over for a while. It is amazing how many put there all into the game and have so little else to look forward to. Maybe some can take the time to push their compulsiveness to other interests.
    Go down to your local hospital, kids home, street sleepers and do something outside of money to make people's lives happier.
    repeat no 3

    1. Jonny HOW SON?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      For many it's an escape from day to day life.
      And let's be honest the last year has been extremely difficult, so it's a good thing you have something to turn your attention to and not worry about the negative things.

  11. DavidHopkin
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Chasing 15pts in ml. Very different teams already, with 8 differentials and only Son, Kane, Salah in common.

    I'm worried about Bamford, is 7 differentials enough to make up 15pts and bring Bamford in for Watkins.

    My frontline is Watkins, Nacho, Kane, they have Bamford, Kane DCL.

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Enough to lose 20 points too unfortunately and the more likely outcome.

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

      You can't be bringing in their players this GW. Go look at Raphina/Harrison or Dallas if you want some Leeds

      1. DavidHopkin
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks. Sounds like risk it and get Dallas for shaw then and maybe Watkins to Antonio too.

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

          Good moves

  12. quayle99
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Dubravka Sanchez
    Trent Dallas Shaw* Targett* Mitchell*
    Salah(c) Perriera Zaha* Son Greenwood
    Kane Bamford Iheanacho

    Zaha Shaw Mitchell Targett > Rafinha Tierney James Tarkowski -12 going all in

    What do you think of this -12
    worth it on a bench boost?

    im ahead in my leagues, good rank just trying one last haul

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

    Did Bielsa mention anything about starting 11 apart from GK. Rodrigo for example? Just saw Rodrigo highlights on Leeds website means he would start this game as well?

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

      nothing as of yet. Think Bamford will start up top 100% and will be between Rod and Roberts...

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

    Rival will TC Salah. 12pts ahead of me. Do I go the same and hope the 5-6 differential best him. Or do I go different? If so, who?

    Thinking Jota+Dcl >> Raph+Bam and putting captain on them?

    Mendy
    TAA. Holding. Rudiger
    Salah. Son. Greenwood. Jota. ASM
    Kane. Antonio
    (Forster. DCL. Digne. Ward)

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

      Swap Salah for Mane and captain and just hope it's Sadio's day instead?

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

      I think you gotta go differential and pray Salah blanks. Leeds would be a sensible choice.

    3. DannyDrinkVodka
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      If Salah blanks, I doubt that Mane will haul at home........go with Leeds

  15. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Leading ML by 24pts. Thoughts on team (0ft, 2.0 itb)
    Mendy (Forster)
    Holding Phillips Dawson (Shaw* Holgate)
    Salah (c) Lingard Raphina Bruno* Son*
    Kane, Bamford (Vydra*)

    -4 hit for:
    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 or Dallas

  16. CrazyNeighbourhoodFC
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Currently leading in ML by 14pts and my backline includes:

    TAA, Dallas, Shaw, Digne and Konsa

    Is it worth to take a hit (-4) to bring in Chilwell for Digne and start him?

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

      I don't like the -4. Chelsea have conceded in a few now.

      Maybe play Digne and hope for some assists.

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

        Thanks for the advice, (-4) on a defender for one last game doesn’t sound sensible....

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

      14 point lead and you want to throw away 4 of them? I wouldn't personally. Is Chilwell even nailed? Not paid much attention to Chelsea wingback rotation.

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

        Good advice, maybe I should just start Digne and don’t overthink too much

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

    Looking to finish on a high after a whopping 49.5% rank rise last week.
    I need just two points to crack top 100k (I realise that's no great brag)

    Would you:
    A) Kane & Torres
    B) Aguero & Havertz (pending PC news)
    C) Other

    Then which mid to bench out of:
    X) Son
    Y) Lingard
    Z) Raphinha

    Rest of team is:
    M-Dubs
    TAA/Philips/Dallas
    4 of: Salah/Son/Lingard/Raphinha plus Torres/Havertz
    Bambam/Toni plus Kane/Kun

    Bench: Pickford/Digne/Dawson plus surplus front 8.

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

      B

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

        Not gonna lie. I really like the idea of having those two as differentials.
        PCs may make my decision easier.
        Only other factor is that I am chasing down a 9pt gap in my top ML and Kane is the only real 'sword' that the leader has against me. So half an eye on A with Kane as a 'shield' and Ferran being my sword.

        But Kun could be the ultimate sword of all!

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

      A
      X - reluctantly

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

        I know! I love Sonny, but his hauls just aren't consistent enough in the latter part of the season, and he defo has the toughest fixture.
        Only hope is that Leicester needing to push for a result leaves gaps for Son (and his pace) to exploit.

    3. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

        Your ID and your opinion are contradictory!
        🙂

    4. CrazyNeighbourhoodFC
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A and Y

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

        Gotta love it when everyone as divided as your own opinions are!

  18. Baron Penguin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play?

    A. Forster
    B. Martinez

    Buy?

    1. Antonio and Harrison
    2. Bamford and max 7.2 (have Raph/Jlingz)

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

      Martinez, Bamford and Ferran. Just wait for early team news and pick one of the starting city boys for the fun.

  19. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Damn, Dallas is one of my differentials against my ML rival and now he is likely to play RB

    1. ritzyd
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Sorry, my fault, brought him in last noght for the first time this season

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No he won't

    3. swanseag55
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Why is he likely to play RB now? What have I missed?

  20. Il Capitano
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Assuming Shaw doesn't feature and I get my autosub, which pair do you prefer?

    A) Robertson & Targett
    B) Dallas & Digne
    C) Dallas &

    1. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      oops C is Dallas and Robertson (-4)

      1. Dreaming of glory
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        This

        1. Il Capitano
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Does look head and shoulders over the other options I admit, just don't know if I can bring myself to take a hit for a defender on the last GW.

  21. Booked4Dissent
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    It would be silly for Ole to start Bruno, but Bruno is stubborn so may insist. I would start Mata or Beek at 10, but I am not him. Cos of the uncertainty Bruno -> Mane makes sense.

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

      Carrying momentum into the final can be just as important as a few days rest.

      1. Booked4Dissent
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yeh if drawing at home to Fulham and two defeats before that was considered momentum

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

    Leading 41pts in my paid league.

    would you do the following moves for a - 4?

    a. Coleman/DCL > Robbo/Wood

    b. Ward/Brono > Philips/Mane

    c. Ward > Phillips for free and bench DCL & Coleman

    Cheers

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

      C, no hit needed, you have this in the bag

  23. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    JWP >>

    1. Raphinha (have Dallas and Bamford)
    2. Torres

    Thanks

  24. vincentwsho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which to buy, Lingard or Raphinha?

    Seems that Lingard is safer due to high ownership in top 10K, but Raph seems to be playing better recently?

    I've tried comparing the stats, but both have different ones that are better than the other.

    My no.2 rival has Lingard and 1 transfer, while no.3 has both Lingard and Raph....

    1. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably raph

    2. Mike2795647
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Raph personally, at home in front of crowd in premier league for first time in 16 years

    3. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'd lean Raph

  25. quayle99
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    does james start for chelsea? or safer to get rudiger?

    1. Party time
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Rüdiger

    2. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      At a bit of a loss. 15 points back and rival has those in caps. What’s the plan?

      MENDY/Martinez

      RUDIGER DALLAS taa
      SALAH GREENWOOD mahrez bale willock
      dcl Antonio

      KANE (bench)

      1ft
      1. Salah, dcl > mane (c), bamford
      2. Dcl, bale > mane (c), bamford
      3. Dcl, bale > auba (c), bamford

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

        Don't like the idea of benching Kane. Taking a hit puts you 19 points back as well.

        Dunno what your bench defenders are like, but i'd probably play Kane and look to make a transfer involving Greenwood, Mahrez or Bale depending on which has lowest likelihood of playing.

        1. Dreaming of glory
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          2 defenders who are now out (1 definitely anyway).

          He’s covered me well bringing in pretty much everyone we both have a week or 2 after me. Kane is because Spurs look like they don’t care anymore

          I know he will captain salah so need to take a gamble I think but agree the -4 makes life harder

    3. Mike2795647
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Have Greenwood and Bruno, Bruno is Changing to Raphina, would you do a -4 and bring Mane in for Greenwood as well?

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

        depends how much you are chasing lad

        1. Mike2795647
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Not chasing, have 60 point lead over 2nd

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

            go for it as you have it in the bag!

    4. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Who are the 7 people who you like to have a dinner with?
      All to be associated in football in some way.
      Mine are:
      George Best or Gaza if he were not available. (great entertainment)
      Arsene Wenger (What made him think about change in football)
      Malcolm Glazer (Asking will he go to heaven)
      Jurgen Klopp (How to win friends and influence people)
      Sepp Blatter(How not to win friends and influence people)
      Pele (My boyhood Icon that I promise would leave Ronaldo in his wake)
      Albert Einstein (He could talk about anything I am sure)

      1. DannyDrinkVodka
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Sir Alex doesn't make it?

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          A close one with Wenger or Einstein. Just prefer the other two characters

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

        I have some news for you regarding George Best

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

          Peter Crouch would be one of my 7 FWIW - his Podcast is worth a listen if you haven't already

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

            Alex Scott, Carlo Ancelotti and Ronaldinho are other names that spring to mind

            1. Eze Really?
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 10 months ago

              All for much different reasons. The first female mentioned. Well done!

          2. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            I must say, he is coming to light. Like his football, an underrated talent.

        2. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          So you are an angel then?

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

            Yup, just call me Juan Pablo then

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

        Saint Maximin, Pogba, Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho, Zidane, Van Der Sar, Mourinho

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Ibra, Jose worth a shout. Why VDS though?

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

            Loved him as a GK, but I would like to know his personality. Whether he is Kahn type or Cech type? 😀

            1. Eze Really?
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 10 months ago

              Bruce Grobs was a major character. Now that is a thought. I have spoken to him at length.

      4. Hooky
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Having Gaza would be explosive

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Exactly. A different scope of conversation for sure.

    5. FPL_Hazards
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A) Antonio and Bamford
      B) Mane and Rodrigo

      1. Il Capitano
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        A

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

      2 Free transfers. 0.1 ITB, Thinking Ferran Torres and Firmino in for Son and DCL depending on any United team news

      Current team: Lloris, Coufal, Dallas, Phillips, Shaw, Bruno, Son, Salah, Lingard, Bamford, Kane
      Bench: Fabri, Saka, DCL, Coady