Podcast

Scoutcast: Lukaku and the FPL ‘form versus fixture’ debate

Joe is joined by Andy and Seb to help Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers prepare for Gameweek 9.

After mastering the art of nappy changing, Seb and Andy return to the Scoutcast from paternity leave to attempt to get the better of Gameweek 9.

But the next set of fixtures presents several problems to add to their sleepless nights.

Chief among the challenges is the worrying form of Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku (£11.7m), who is enduring a goal drought in the league ahead of a fine run of fixtures starting with relegation-bound Norwich.

The poor form of another captaincy candidate this season, Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.5m), is another concern.

Meanwhile, there are several form premium picks vying for the armband.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (£12.8m) and his sensational form is certainly catching Joe’s eye for the captaincy in Gameweek 9, while Andy and Seb are adamant that fixtures will give birth to fine form regarding Chelsea’s wayward striker.

During a heated debate, the Scoutcast crew put across their arguments regarding form versus fixture.

Elsewhere, there are cheap midfielders to consider as changing fixture runs and form see a number of FPL managers look to shake up this central area of their team.

Before ducking out early to resume baby duties, Seb runs through the latest over and underachievers.

Joe battles with a new pair of glasses as well as a troublesome microphone lead.

There’s a particularly interesting rough with the smooth round-up of the community’s Gameweek 8 tales of woe and joy as well as several viewer and listener questions to consider.

The Scoutcast’s community team, which they are managing on behalf of a top manager who is taking a break this season, is looked at.

In a packed show, there are also fixtures to frisk, differentials to consider and the crew finish off with a final look at their Gameweek 9 transfer and captaincy plans.

This week’s episode was aired live via Youtube on Tuesday 20 October. Be sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel to get notified of future live episodes. It is also available as a podcast.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

374 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    As a potential buyer for -4 I’d like to see Lukaku get a rest tonight or maybe get a goal then dragged early

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Two goals before halftime and then off at 60 would be ideal

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

      Surely after those comments, Tuchel rests Lukaku tonight. Chelsea should beat Malmö with Havertz/Werner as a striker.

  2. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    *Quietly removes armband from Lukaku and gives it back to Salah*

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yup

    2. Babit1967
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Just done the same

  3. Dog and Fox
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A. Armstrong -> Broja for free?

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Too soon

  4. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ole is a bit of a cluster but he has shown in the past he can get results in the big games. Playing on the counter may suit them this week, the problem is they still probably concede 1 or 2

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      It would definitely be typical of him to pull a great result out of the bag just when patience seems to be wearing thin

      1. Ze_Austin
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        What a way to keep a job

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

          Ole barely has one hand at the wheel.

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

      Yeah with Varane(most likely out) and Maguire playing very poorly this last weekend, Shaw having a poor spell I don't see MU keeping a CS this sunday either. I'm still not 100% if I want Lukaku as C over Salah. Maybe the lineup tonight helps my decision... But as someone mentioned in the last article, Liverpool did use up alot of energy against At. Madrid.

      1. Toby Lerone
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Maguire and Shaw have been poor all season. Even AWB hasn't been at his best defensively and that's bad news because he's crap going forward. 1 clean sheet in 27 or something crazy for utd... can't see us keeping one against Liverpool. If lukaku gets rested tonight I'll captain him, if he plays ill captain Mo

      2. dansully3
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Energy ya but if they can't raise it for utd they don't deserve to be contenders. Praying for Liverpool to hammer them!

    3. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      It won't be a walkover. Hostile atmosphere, United will be up for it and they've got the excuse to play on the break which suits them.

      I can see 1-1 or 1-2 something like that.

  5. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Seems I'm leaving Benzema as captain (9 x 2). Switch to Lewandoski? I'm not sure of > 10 points, with the injuries at Bayern

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

      Leave it.

    2. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Lewa (C), set and forget

    3. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Leave it, Bayern tonight will have a tough match. Portuguese teams are always super tough to play against especially when playing at home.

  6. jackruet
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Salah will still be the most captained player in next gw. His ownership is twice than lukaku. Not to mention casual teams who forget to change captaincy. This Twitter and FFS community is really small. Poll Doesn't mean anything. If blankaku blanks once again and salah continues his red hot form.....we are doomed

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

      Pundits will make sure everyone captains Luka, dont worry.

    2. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Let's say salah gets 13, lukaku 2.

      Thats a difference of 11. Not going to be a season ending decision.

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        11 goals is a lot of fpl points

      2. BERGKOP
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        The difference would be 24 in that case. Massive.

        1. jason_ni
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          No its not.

          Why do people always get this wrong lol?

          Salah gets 13 points.
          Lukaku gets 2 points.

          Manager 1) Cap Lukaku, own Salah - Total Points: 17 points.
          Manager 2) Cap Salah, own Lukaku - Total Points: 28 points

          The difference is 11 points. Not 24!

  7. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is Ronaldo > Lukaku worth a hit if am going to captain?

    1. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I can do it for free and still not convinced

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

      Wait and see if Lukaku starts and if Tuchel says anything else about him needing a rest. I still see CR scoring against Liverpool tbh.

    3. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No

  8. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Son or Lukaku more important this week?

    Feeling Son will be the better purchase

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

      Son imo, I badly regret reading those covid news last GW haha... Had him in my WC until then.

      1. Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I wildcarded because of them. Could have gotten away with the 4 no shows i had

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

          Such a bitter outcome that :/.

      2. dshv
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Same

  9. Seekers of Glory
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Do you guys think Jota to Raphinha is worth a -4?
    As Jota didnt start in UCL I am unsure whether he will start at mun

    1. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      If I had a bench, no, I don't think I'd do that for a -4. Leeds aren't exactly on fire are they?

    2. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm looking at this move but for free
      Probably say no for a hit but you can at least be assured Raph starts each week (outside of IB)

    3. Seekers of Glory
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Thank you both.
      Yeah I agree that for a hit it's difficult to make it worth it short term. I just really don't like the look of Jota at the moment and thought that with Wolves and Norwich as the next two it was probably the time to get in!
      I do have coverage but it's Dier or Brownhill so almost certain a 2 pointer ahah

  10. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    1FT 2.9 itb
    Foster
    Azpi Cancelo White
    Salah Raph Saka* Sarr
    CR7 Antonio Toney

    Sanchez Brownhill Shaw Williams

    A) Shaw + CR7 > Chilwell + Lukaku (c) -4
    B) Saka + CR7 > Mbuemo+Lukaku (c) -4
    C) CR7 > Lukaku (c) free
    D) Wildcard

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

      a

  11. Erez Avni
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What’s the right order here:

    A. Sar (EVE away)
    B. Liv (Bur home)
    C. White (Villa home)

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B, A, C

  12. JBG
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    CL fantasy question. Who to captain?

    a) Sane
    b) CR
    c) Mendy (Chelsea GK)

  13. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Chilwell not likely to be dropped is he?

    2 in 2.

    Still own Alonso, and Norwich is tempting me,but its false hope right?

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

      If he starts midweek, then Alonso getting a game is possible. Alonso was getting some of the easier games last year.

    2. drughi
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm benching alonso for Sarr

  14. el polako
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I'm frightened.

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Why?

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Life.

        1. Philosopher's Stones
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Don't be. It's just a fart in the big cosmic wind.

          1. el polako
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Thanks, more like a wet fart at the moment.

            1. Philosopher's Stones
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Yeah, I understand. Those can feel pretty sh*t while they happen. Goodluck for whatever you're going through.

            2. Toby Lerone
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Keep your head up pal

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      What’s up, king?

  15. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    After some deep thought over a coffee, coming to the conclusion Chelsea and City full backs(bar Cancelo may be) are not worth the headache. Centre backs is where the money(and safety) is at this sea.

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Cancelo has no competition, he's the best full back at the club, top 3 in the PL.

    2. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Cancelo is nailed as they come

    3. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Dias got rested last week though!

      I think with any Chelsea defender including the keeper and with any City defender, I'd only be comfortable if I had a great bench.

  16. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Brought in Adam Armstrong last week for this fixture run, only to be left out.

    What would you do with him ahead of BUR?

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I posted about him in the previous thread. Think he's still a hold and see for one more week.

    2. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm benching

    3. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks both... I have a strong 12-13 so benching is an option this week. I think Saints will keep a winning team the same. Plus there's SArmstrong to come back in which muddies the water a bit.

    4. Ross Geller
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I’m playing him (most likely - will decide after pressers) with ESR first sub

      1. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah, I'm pondering this too

  17. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Liverpool just broke one or two of Atletico's defensive records under Simeone (10 years standing). Four full days of recovery between that match and Man U

    Man U attack is still trying, but their defensive stats are worse than Norwich in their last 4. Games against West Ham, Villa, Everton and Leicester, and their biggest implosion yet is their most recent

    I don't think there are enough caveats against Salah this GW. I'm not sure there's any at all, tbh

    A blank is possible, but not expected deep down. These are Lewandoski 2021 numbers, but with added assists

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Klopp goes easy on Ole to keep him in the job 😛

        1. Philosopher's Stones
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          May be even lets him win so United offer him a new contract 😀

        2. Lord Bane
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

      • Joey Tribbiani
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        What were the records?

        1. Chemical76
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          1st time conceded 3 at home in CL

        2. Ze_Austin
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          First time conceding more than twice in a CL home game under Diego - last was against Porto in 2009

          Earliest Atletico has ever gone 2 goals down in a match: 13 minutes

      • El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Well Atletico's form this season has been lacking so far, but I agree LIV attacking form is incredible. The match I was really impressed with was the 5-1 win vs Porto away. They only conceded 5 goals in European competitions playing at home twice in their entire history. The other one was 1979.

      • Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        United usually keep Salah fairly quiet... he has 2 goals in 7 league games against them (ironically both 90th minute breakaway goals as United pushed men forward).

        I fancy Salah to score, but for me there's higher upside with Lukaku who you can see comfortably bagging a hat-trick against Norwich. He's a flat track bully.

        1. FPL_Crisis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Needs Mount and James for this to happen

      • FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Not to mention Liverpool have scored 3+ goals in every away match this season incl CL

    2. BlzE_94
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Not sure what to do with 2FT... maybe Alonso to Chilwell depending on who starts tonight?

      Sanchez
      TAA Cancelo Alonso Rudiger
      Salah Raphina Gray ESR
      Ronaldo Lukaku

      Steele Livramento Sissoko Locadia

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        yeah alonso>chilwell looks good and bank the other ft

      2. jackruet
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yes

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

      Anyone keeping Ronaldo and not switching to Lukaku?

      1. Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Might have a Vardy party instead

        1. Bavarian
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Yes could be a great option

      2. jackruet
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yes. Probably will save the FT. depends on ucl chelsea match

        1. Bavarian
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Cheers mate

      3. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I'm either keeping or switching to Vardy I think...

        1. Bavarian
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Probably doing the same, good luck...

      4. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        unfortunately I have both of these frauds

    4. What if tool. How's your team come out?
      Sharkytect
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Oh my god. I put my team through that "what if" website and it is so depressing. All that time spent every week tracking form, price rises and fixtures, just to discover that my score would have been 24 points better if I had just left the team as it was on day 1.

      1. unclesbasement
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        What is the website

          1. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Yeah, nice scenario but pretty much based upon the strength of the gw1 captain pick.

            But it shows you the potential of patience.

        1. unclesbasement
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          OMG 40 points.. I would have been on 435

      2. Bavarian
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        same here with a +22

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

        I Don't think we play for points. We are manager.. Remember? Love to tinker, love to overthink. That's what the game is. That's why some casuals get more point who forgot to change team but are actually enjoying this thing

        1. jackruet
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Not enjoying*

        2. Philosopher's Stones
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I'm glad you're enjoying this, Jackruet

        3. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          My 2nd year playing this game, I played till GW2 and never touched it again, had a lot on my plate in my personal life at the time. Ended 500k.

        4. Sharkytect
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Hahaha.

          To be fair, I am enjoying this, and not even doing terribly. Currently just inside the top 200k. And I would like to think that those transfers have done some good - strengthened the squad value and put me in a better position cor upcoming fixtures....hopefully

      4. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I'm + 36 so at least that's something

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          That's really interesting. I'm +_12, so I'm doing something right, although I do wish I'd never moved the captaincy off Salah.

          1. Sharkytect
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Or possibly were doing something wrong in your gw1 team selection, depending on how you look at it?

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              I got 106 points GW1 - not shabby at all. Just made decent transfers overall

              1. Sharkytect
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                Wow, just seen your team. Smashing it! Great bench boost this week!

      5. lugs
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        i'm currently 12 pts better off after all the transfer's. hits and captain changes that i did, 516 vs 528, Salah perma cap after gw1 is why its so close

      6. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        It's the dark little secret at the heart of the FPL "Industry"

        How can content be sold when people realise the vast majority of it is detrimental to their goal?

        Over-management kills in FPL, and it's a game where action is often penalised, or at least certainly isn't rewarded as much as "The Industry" would have you believe

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Too true.

          Do nothing is often the best course and let the fixtures run for 5 or 6 weeks.

        2. Sharkytect
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Some of those silent-but-successful managers appear to do very few transfers year after year, and quite often transfers that go completely against the grain...

      7. Danno - Emre Canada
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        11 points worse off here ☹️ That’s the time I didn’t captain Salah right there

      8. adibo
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        9 points difference for me but team value would have plummeted

      9. JBG
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I'm about 30pts better off my GW1 team (Salah C).

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

        6 points down but 3m TV better off.
        Last season, I think I was 100 points worse off vs doing nothing by this time of the season

      11. The Rumour Mill
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Lol.

        Did this this morning, 16 points better off which I'm fairly happy with 🙂

        Its moving the capaincy around off Salah which has stopped the gains being larger, the way he is playing at the moment the permacap really is looking sensible, not only to stop the what if tool pain but also as a viable FPL strategy moving forwards

      12. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I'm up 29 points!

        I'll take that and run...

        http://prntscr.com/1wu0vxn

      13. King Carlos
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        +24 pts after transfers. Happy with that

      14. RedLightning
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Down 30 points. Currently 219k with 519 points - if I hadn't made any changes I would now be 24k with 549.

      15. Zilla
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        -13 but Salah captain skewing the data. Wouldn't have captained him all games anyway.

      16. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        A friend of mine did this and came back with +49 :O

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

        Your current team value is 101.2. If you'd made no transfers, your team value would be 100.1.

        Your current actual points are 554 , and you've made 8 transfers. So your transfer activity and captaincy choices have been worth a total of 68 points!

        Probably because I didnt had Salah in GW1 team.

      18. Osfezt
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        +55 points after 5 transfers. Transfering out Barnes, Digne, Ings, White and Shaw has so far been good moves!

        1. Sharkytect
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          What!?
          In my mini league most people are in the negatives. How are people doing so well? Did you just start off with a terrible team!?

          1. Osfezt
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            I liked my starting team, it would have had 501 points by now if I didn't change anything. I have been very lucky so far at certain points, but at the same time I started the season with a very template side, I haven't kneejerked at any point, taken 0 hits and been patient with players who are showing promising signs. At the end of the day I may just as well been using up all my luck for this season until now!

      19. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I'm 16 points worse off than If I had done nothing...

        I know there are lots of factors. If I had made just one transfer to get rid of Tsimikas, maybe another to remove Barnes for [literally anyone with a pulse] I would have been better off, so there is definitely value to making transfers, but rarely is there an immediate benefit. How often do we feel, either as a result of our own research, gut feeling, or peer pressure, that if we don't use a transfer to get *that* player ahead of *that* fixture you may as well 'delete your team', 'rank killer' etc etc.?

        I will continue to use all my FTs, of course, but this is making me wonder whether it might be worth saving for 2FTs every single time except in emergencies: give that extra FT a little more value knowing you don't have to do a like-for-like. Definitely something to consider. Cheers!

        1. Osfezt
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Totally agree with your thoughts here regarding transfers! One thing I have learned this season is just how valuable information is. IMO its often more valuable than the shiny new toy everyone wants to get in asap or TV for that sake. More often than not, doing nothing is better than doing *something*.

          1. Make Arrows Green Again
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            100%! And I'm as guilty of it as anyone else.

            For example, I've been a bit unlucky with some 50:50 picks and the most recent was when I went with Pepe to be a bit different on WC about 3 weeks ago. In that time ESR and Saka have both been great and Pepe hardly played. Then before the weekend I switched to Saka and he got 0 and Pepe got an assist.

            Now I'm half hoping Saka is out of the next game so I can sell him for Mbuemo. After *one game*! (and with three good fixtures to come). I definitely need to chill out a bit more : )

            1. Osfezt
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Bummer about the Pepe transfer, that's the mean side of variance right there. Mbeumo is likely to be a good pick for a good handful of weeks going forward with those numbers and fixtures (considering him atm myself). Hopefully that works out for you!

          2. Sharkytect
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            As an example - look how crazy everyone went for Ronaldo and everyone who bought him straight away assumed they were onto the winning formula as he scored twice straight away.

            But that was against Newcastle. He costs 12.5m and has scored just one more goal, and now has poor fixtures. Anyone who DIDN'T buy him back then probably hasn't suffered. Especially if they had vardy all that time instead

        2. Sharkytect
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          There is an article somewhere on here about the life-long value of transfers. I.e. assessing transfers over the full time that you own the new player, not just for that first gameweek. We only have 35 free transfers a season - got to remember that we can't use all of them with a focus only on this week's fixtures

    5. Jet5605
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Have 2 FT and 1.2 ITB. Which option looks best?

      A - Doucoure & Bruno > Townsend & Son
      B - Doucoure & CR7 > Townsend & Lukaku
      C - Bruno & CR7 > Son & Lukaku
      D - Other suggestion?

      Sanchez
      Cancelo - Rudiger - Livra - Duffy
      Salah (c) - Bruno - Benrahma - Doucoure
      CR7 - Antonio

      Foster - Coufal - Gilmour - Perica

      1. Balls of Steel
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        C but depending on Lukaku mins in CL

    6. Lord Bane
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Recently joined this great community and the scout league is it worth getting the paid membership guys?

      1. CONNERS
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I guess it depends on your intended useage of the site.

        If you happy to get by with some of the free articles and pick up bits of info from the forum then probably not.

        If you intend on using the data and want unrestricted access to the members-only articles then yes.

        1. Lord Bane
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Thanks mate appreciate the reply

      2. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Mine A or B advice is not enough?

    7. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      DCL has suffered a set back in his recovery

      source - fpltips Instagram

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        that's interesting, thanks

      2. Balls of Steel
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Read that yesterday...was looking at bringing him in this week 🙁

      3. drughi
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        townsend still on penalties then I guess, nice

        1. Skonto Rigga
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Richarlison's closer to a return, I think he'll be ahead of Townsend on penalties based on what Benitez has said previously.

      4. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        What’s his source?

        1. Steve The Spud
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I don’t know but he’s been consistently reliable with everything for me - 45k followers on IG not that it necessarily means he’s reliable

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

        I think his flag moved from yellow to red yesterday so seems legit

    8. Quan MisTaka
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Considering

      A) Saka + Lukaku to KDB + DCL

      B) Saka to Foden

      1. Quan MisTaka
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Just seen about DCL injury setback. Another forward youd bring in with KDB?

      2. David Brains - OH NO!
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Don't take out Lukaku!

    9. Daniyal
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      2FT, 0.1£ ,thoughts ?

      A) Ronaldo + Jota --> Lukaku + Raphina ( Play Marcal & Bamford)

      B) Ronaldo + Jota + Williams(-4)--> Lukaku + Raphina/Mbeumo + Rudiger/Cancelo

      C) Ronaldo + Jota + Bamford(-4)-->
      Lukaku + Vardy + Mbeumo

      1. David Brains - OH NO!
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I think the hits on A or B will pay off

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

      Vardy over Lukaku for me.

      This frees up enough cash for Salah and Son in midfield as well as an all-premium defence.

      Son also provides a great captain option from GW12 onwards.

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Fine for now, 1 lukaku haul and vardy blank and it all looks very different

      2. David Brains - OH NO!
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I quite like having vardy and lukaku... but the sacrifice is son - might look at a switch down the line

    11. Tomas_brolin
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Who to ship for Raphinha this week?

      A. Jota
      B. Greenwood

      Currently on B with Rashford back

      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        A.

        I think Greenwood's been so good he has a better chance of keepong Rashford out than Jota has of keeping Firmino out.

      2. David Brains - OH NO!
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        A

    12. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Looking for a differential? The template is becoming increasingly set after all.

      Toney is already close to template as the budget striker and judging from on here will become more so. Alternative? I'm thinking Edouard. I may be a Palace fan but this is in spite of that not because of it. I'm historically dubious of palace attackers. Thought preseason that he was one of the most interesting possible newbies and had been hoping he'd go to Brighton to finish some of this chances 😉

      Look at historical record of Toney and Edouard and there is an equal case for each. If anything Edouard as a former great hope of the French age group sides shades that.

      Look at fixtures and Palace and Brentford have almost identical runs and have faced the same opposition so far, Both teams have 10 goals and look capable of scoring well from 9-20. Only difference is Palace have City at the start of the run and Brentford at the end.

      Stats so far? Better for Toney but relatively equal. Neither as yet has had that many big chances so in each case you're buying potential. In favour of Edouard he has Eze and possibly Olise to come in.

      Ownership 2% versus 16%. Not sure that reflects reality.

      1. David Brains - OH NO!
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I reckon Toney is owned by lots of dead teams that started with him and no longer play

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Lots, yeh. But I sold him after GW2 and brought him back 2 weeks ago. No intention to move him on for some time now. My other 2 strikers, Lukaku and Antonio will probably go before he does.

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            But Edouard - I've had my eye on him since his debut. If DCL is out for a while yet, either Ed or Nacho will be my next striker in.

        2. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Possibly true that about dead teams. Fair point.

          Yet to see Edouard mentioned on here at all though or included in a RMT. Not here so much this season admittedly. Simply thinking that this is a fair punt to get ahead of what looks to be template choice. Toney will be well ahead of 2% come what may

      2. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Toney has been better value so far but Edouard offers better points per match. If he starts more often he could well be the more reliable goal scorer.

        This looks likely in fact.

        As involved as Toney is he's currently ranked 17tn in the form table.

        I get that his price enables points per million elsewhere to be gained. So does Edouard.

      3. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        A Celtic supporting friend of mine tells me Edouard is the business, will definitely do well in PL he thinks. But Ayew, Benteke, Zaha, Gallagher, other attacking options to share attacking points with when he gets up and running. Too early yet for him as an FPL pick for me. Toney is topdog in a Brentford team that's more attacking than Palace right now, though they might run out of steam.

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Interesting one on GI

          Toney has had much less importance to Brentford threat than most of us expected preseason no? Could become more central when fixtures and they take a different approach.

          Half possible that Edouard will go wider to accommodate Benteke - but think that less likely - and would have him as comfortably main threat at Palace.

          1. GreennRed
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            We'll have to wait and see on both. There was a lot of Toney expectation based on his last Championship season. He's stepped up pretty well for me, Championship no comparison to PL pace. I think a lot of Edouard owners got him after seeing his two goals off the bench. But by my friend's account he's a better striker than Toney.

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              I just need another GW or two to be convinced Edouard is nailed to start. The PPM stat is worthless at the moment given his short minutes. I'm happy to be not at the front of the bandwagon queue, particularly as it involves dumping Antonio, which I'm not willing to do just yet.
              The same goes for Nacho - I need surer evidence that Rogers will stick with his return to a 352 and start Nacho alongside Vardy.
              Incidentally, I can only contemplate these changes to my front line as Duffy and Livramento are doing well enough to stay in my defence as opposed to a second Chelsea or City defender.

              1. pingissimus
                • 5 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                Close to 100% nailed really

                Benteke got the central spot simply because Edouard is more versatile and could play wider. The issue is that Vieira rates Tekkers and will give him consistent minutes off the bench when Palace have worn down the opposition with that pressing.

                The dark scenario is that Edouard gets the Ayew spot.

    13. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Do you think it's worth to get Redmond/Elyounoussi?

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

        Fixtures say yes. I'd have the latter over Redmond.

      2. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I’m watching Ely, just not sure his minutes what his minutes will be like once S Armstrong is fit, if he’ll impact his minutes

      3. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        No.

      4. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        cheers both

    14. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      So, already used a FT to do Alonso > Azpi.

      Ramsdale
      Cancelo TAA Azpi Rudiger Livramento
      Salah Rap ESR
      Antonio, Ronaldo

      Foster, Greenwood, Scarlett, Doucoure.

      A. Save
      B. Ronaldo > Lukaku -4(C)
      C. Ronaldo > Vardy -4
      D. Doucoure > Mbeuno -4

      1. David Brains - OH NO!
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Save and captain Salah