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. dylano21
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Would you rather have

    A) Foden
    B) Mahrez
    C) Bamford
    D) Pepe
    E) Harrison
    F) Cresswel

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

      Bamford

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      How many do we pick? Bamford the standout if Just one

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      C if just one

    4. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bam bam

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

    toughts on Son and DCL and Bamford and Mane?

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

      They are all good players.

  3. Sheriff
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hovering at 30k:

    Martinez
    Trent Holding Dallas
    Salah (c) Bruno Son Lingard
    Bamford Kane Watkins

    2FT. 0.3 ITB.

    Pretty much set on one of the two strategies which focus on the two teams I expect to go large:

    A - Bruno/Watkins to Firmino/Raphinha
    B - Bruno/Watkins to Rodrigo/Mane

    Thoughts/Preference?

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I think there's more goals in B.

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

      whats your bench?

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

        Bench is Forster, Shaw, ESR, Mitchell. Not expecting much from them - famous last words.

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I prefer A as you have Bamford

    4. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

  4. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Afternoon gents

    Currently at 9.5k OR. Unlikely to catch my cash ML leader who is 49pts ahead (I'm 3rd - v. competitive league!) so it is playing for best rank... any of these look good?

    A) DCL > Antonio
    B) DCL > Firmino
    C) Shaw or Masuaku > Robbo
    D) Greenwood > Raphinha
    E) Son > Mané

    1FT 3.1itb
    Mendy
    TAA, Dallas, Shaw*
    Salah, Son, Lingard, Willock
    Kane, Bamford, DCL
    (Forster) (Greenwood*, Coleman, Masuaku*)

    Cheers!

    1. NETFLIX & CHILWELL
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bloody hell!

      That is competitive!

      I'd do A.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks mate

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

      A and C for a hit

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Hmm I'm so wary of a hit in final week - could work though!

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

          Loving the Willock inclusion. DCL -> Firmino for me there.

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Ha thanks mate - got him last week for Jota

            Bobby F could be a nice differential if he can keep up this recent form

  5. DycheDycheBaby
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which option is best? (ML rival is 15 points behind and likely to get Mane, I have Salah)

    a) Digne --> Robertson
    b) -4 JWP, Son --> Willock, Mane
    c) -4 Digne, JWP --> Robertson, Raphinha

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

      A

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      That's tough actually

      I could see C paying off

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

    Do I start Greenwood or Martinelli?

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

      Or Castagne

    2. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      GMC in that order

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

        Cheers. What was said about Greenwood?

  7. Traction Engine Foot
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Do you think Dean Henderson will start against Wolves?

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      100%

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

      I reckon so

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yep

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

      Depends if OGS wants to rest players or to give the EL final team te chance to be set

    5. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Been some talk about Grant might getting some game time.

    6. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Thanks all

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

    Is there any chance of Gundo starting? Best off to start ESR?

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Doubt he starts tbh

  9. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any suggestions of where I should go for dinner tonight? I’m currently thinking Dorsia

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

      Fridays are all about fish and chips

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

      Not unless have a reservation. Try the sea urchin at Le Bernardin.

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

      Dorsia is fine.

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

      Dishoom if you’re based in London

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

        Yes yes my Indian food

    5. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

    Which option:

    A) Iheanacho (TOT)
    B) M.Perieira (lee)
    C) Bamford (WBA) -4

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

      B

    2. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    3. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Depends on what you are playing for and how close in points.

      I'd lean towards C

    4. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

      B

  11. Oh Mane Mane
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    17 point mini league lead going into GW38. This was a 34 point lead before GW37...

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

      Game over

      1. Oh Mane Mane
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Starting to feel the heat !! haha

        What’s my best move to protect this lead? Do I need to get Bamford? Or should I just forget about rivals squad and attack with 2 Transfers and a -4, Bruno to Mane & Shaw to Dallas?

        My squad (1FT, £1.5ITB)

        Meslier, Forster
        TAA, Coufal, Shaw, Holding, Konsa
        Salah, Bruno, Lingard, Raphina, Son
        Kane, Antonio, Vydra

        Rivals Squad (1FT, £0.0ITB)

        Martinez, Areola
        TAA, Shaw, Godfrey, Llorente, Rudiger
        Salah, Bruno, Lingard, Raphina, Jota
        Kane, Antonio, Bamford

        Thanks

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

          Take the hit and attack!

  12. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    crazy to punt on Pulisic / Havertz..?

    1. Rhys85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I like the Pulisic punt!

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

      Yes

    3. Patron
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No, just looks like Kai won’t start and I wouldn’t gamble on him.
      Do we think Pulisic will start?
      If so Im getting him too.

  13. artvandelay316
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Was Solskjaer hinting that Bruno will play?

    Tempted to keep him now - can get Torres in for El Ghazi instead, but that leaves me with the question of who to bench: Lindgard or Greenwood? Either will be first bench cover for Bruno.

    1. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Hard to say - I feel like Greenwood has enough chance of playing as older players will need to save their energy more but Greenwood can keep up the confidence with a good final week. Bruno feels like more of a risk, but both could cameo

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

      what did he say ?

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

          Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: "You want to go into the final with loads of energy but also lots of confidence. We'll make a few changes."

  14. A-L
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Meslier out the priority or something else? Level on points (and transfers!!) at top of mini league. 1.3m ITB.

    Meslier Forster
    Dallas TAA Dias Shaw Reguilon
    Salah Son Foden Greenwood Lingard
    Kane Bamford Vydra

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

    Based on the comments from Ole, do we think Bruno / Greenwood get minutes?

    1. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Hard to say - I feel like Greenwood has enough chance of playing as older players will need to save their energy more but Greenwood can keep up the confidence with a good final week. Bruno feels like more of a risk, but both could cameo

  16. AppleDunk
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Raphina or Harrison for Bruno?

    1. Rhys85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I think I slightly prefer Raphinha.

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

      Raph is the better player, but considering recent form I think there's nothing in it

  17. rokonto
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    So taking gw20 as a starting point the world leader has accumulated 1117 points. I have 1203 since gw20!
    Me thinks i need to get a better start next season!!!

  18. Rhys85
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Stuck with two rubbish keepers for the final game week, but want to use my FTs elsewhere:

    Start Forster (whu) or Guaita (Liv)?

    Might be moot if Forster doesn't play.

    1. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Just start forster and hope st least one of them will play.

    2. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Forster

  19. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Do we think Bruno is among the few OGS said he’ll rest?

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

      yes wont risk repeat with Maguire

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

      I think he has to rest him. Imagine if he got injured in a nothing game and couldn't play the final

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

        Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: "You want to go into the final with loads of energy but also lots of confidence. We'll make a few changes."

    3. Party time
        2 years, 10 months ago

        A few changes = 2 to 3 players chopped off

        Lots of confidence= Bruno, Rashford

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

          I see Mata replacing Bruno and depending on the game, Bruno may make a cameo

      • El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        OGS would be absolutely INSANE if he plays his best player in a "nobody cares" match 3 days before an European final.

        1. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Looking at betting books, clearly the market is expecting ManU heavy rotation...

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

      Have Jota and want him to become Mané.

      Is it crazy to downgrade Kane to Wood/Antonio/Nacho? Have 2 FT so no hits

      1. FPL Theorist
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Not crazy at all

      2. Big Al Stankovic
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        If you don’t have Bruno, then maybe that’s the cash cow to go to.
        Not crazy at all, even though Kane is going for the golden boot.

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

          Hmm I do have Bruno, but I'll have 6.9 to spend on a replacement for either. The fwd options are so so much better than mids at that price

    5. SINGH
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Holding or Phillips? Already have TAA

      Raphinha or Saka?

      1. Big Al Stankovic
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Phillips and raph

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

        P & R

    6. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Who would you want the most this gw?

      A) Mane
      B) Robbo
      C) Bamford (-4)

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

        A of those

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

        A

    7. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Allioski or Phillips as cheap defender punt?

      1. Big Al Stankovic
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        If you don’t want another pool player, then Phillips is your guy.

        1. Traction Engine Foot
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Scrap that, I'd forgotten I can't get Phillips if I get Mane in!

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

      Greenwood owners, what we doing?

      1. Traction Engine Foot
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Selling I think. It could bite me though

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

        Wishing him well for the final and the final attacking spot in the England squad.

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

        Likely selling but waiting as long as possible.
        Can’t decide who to buy 6.6m or under

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

          you got triple leeds already? one of Raph/Harrison look good. Lingard is still 6.6

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

            Own Dallas Harrison and buying Bamford this week
            Sold lingard last week
            Wanted Foden but doubt he starts

    9. Mr Bird
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Ok so just heard the Meslier news and my back up is Forster.
      Should I risk no GK or risk no Bruno?
      Lingard would come in for Bruno.

      A) Bruno > Mane
      B) Meslier > Allison/Ederson

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

        B

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

      Greenwood to Grealish

      Or Cavani to Bobby?

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

        Bobby has the higher ceiling

      2. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Go for Firmino, Grealish facing CHE defense

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

          I just fancy Grealish at home with fans to put in a real performance with a firm eye on England selection too.

    11. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      How much would Kane be priced if he moved to City before the game opened? 13?

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

        12-12.5
        Nobody should be 13
        Plus Kane would get the occasional rest in a Pep team

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

        12 max

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

        Even at 13 I think he'd be a must-have. Would be interesting to see - force people into a choice between Kane, Salah or both + dross

      4. FPL Theorist
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Ideally yes, but more likely 12.5.

    12. PurpleCobra
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Already decided on Antonio in this week, but who for?

      A) Watkins (Better form but tough fixture)
      B) DCL (Poor form but possibly weakened city defence)

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

        He could troll again but would sell DCL

    13. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bruno to Mane a no brainer right?

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

        Not really a no brainer, what if he starts? will that be fine for you? if yes, then its a no brainer.

        1. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Bruno wont start

      2. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Right

    14. gooberman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      This is going to be a painful few days trying to make decisions. There are so many different ways I could go and I need to balance trying to push for top 100k (currently 148k) with trying to nurse a 23pt mini league lead.