Podcast

Scoutcast: Wildcard drafts, ‘big at the back’ and FPL Xmas transfer targets

Joe, Seb and Andy help Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers prepare for Gameweek 16 in the latest Scoutcast.

Andy and Joe used their Wildcards earlier this season but wish they had another as they prepare for Gameweek 16’s fixture swing for teams such as Manchester United and West Ham United.

In contrast, patient Seb has held this valuable chip back despite being tempted over autumn to use it. This week, however, he has finally pressed the button.

The Scoutcast crew take a look at Seb’s latest Wildcard draft, the key players he is considering and the challenges he is facing.

A crucial decision is whether to invest in Manchester United’s premium forward Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.4m). Seb presents two drafts, one with and one without the legendary Portuguese goalscorer, and weighs up the pros and cons of each.

This latest Scoutcast then looks position by position at the key players to consider over the festive run-in.

The wealth of midfield options, in particular at Manchester City, is tackled and the future of ‘big at the back’ is another issue looked at. Andy is on hand with recent statistics to consider why there has been a drop-off in performance for a number of premium attacking defenders.

Elsewhere, there are fixtures to frisk, captain plans to discuss and an update on the Scoutcast’s community team, during this packed look ahead to Gameweek 16.

In addition, our trio look back on their Gameweek 15 performance, read out the community’s ‘rough with the smooth’ tales of joy and woe and select some differentials to consider for Christmas.

This episode was streamed live on Tuesday 7 December.

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

377 Comments Post a Comment
  1. rozzo
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Son to Silva for a hit or just play Alonso or King?

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Play both Alonso and King.

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Wow, you must have a banging squad

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

    Thoughts on below ?

    If Son is out:
    1. Toney Son to CR7 4.4mid
    2. Toney Son Mbeumo to King BSilva Bowen -4 2.5ITB

    If Vardy is out as well:
    3. Toney Vardy Son to CR7 King Bowen -4 2.8ITB

    About Vardy, if he plays tomorrow, I recon he won't play New.

    1. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Vardy never plays midweek. He'll be in the XI for Newcastle.

      1. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        So it is a big IF but the game is pretty crucial so he could feature

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

      1

  3. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    With all these Covid interruptions FPL is turning into bingo.

    1. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      All?

      Were you around last season?

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Maybe he's including last year too

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

      How are people guessing when to use their triple captain bonus?

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Wait for a Salah dgw

      2. hustler7
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Got to be double game week for me

      3. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Son TGW

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

        Wait for a Toney dgw

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

        Ah thanks everyone

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

      Son out and bench looking thin with ESR Livra Davis

      1 FT and 2.0 ITB, Son>?? Already have 3 City and 3 Liverpool

      1. TopBinFc
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Mount

      2. Lord of Ings
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Considering ramsdale over DDG..
        Have a feeling Henderson might come in the picture with a new manager.

        1. Amartey Partey
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          He won’t.

          1. Lord of Ings
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Sure?

            1. Amartey Partey
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Yeah. Henderson likely to go out on loan next month.

        2. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I think he might if he grabs his opportunity. The January loan discussion was taken place when OGS was still at the club. Clean slate with all players and too early to call the nailed players after only 1 game imo

      3. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Did Spurs have a massive Xmas party?

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

          Cuddling to much after that Norwich game.

      4. sovietrockettes
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Bruno as Son replacement or is that too extravagant?

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Too expensive until he proves he can haul with Ronaldo in the team.

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

            I guess it would be a christmas punt - the guy doesn't get rotated and I have cash to burn

        2. Amartey Partey
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          It might work out. He’s one people aren’t looking at but who could go on a nice run.

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

            Cheers, this is my thinking as well

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

          Was thinking about that. On WC. Folks here suggested against it. So got Ronaldo in. Your post encouraging me to switch to Bruno instead, who knows!

        4. Dammit_182
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Was thinking of him as salah replacement if AFCON is brought forward actually. Keep the premium mid space warm for his return

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

        Will anyone else be looking at using Free Hit if the Spurs game is called off?

        Have only 1 FT and have Toney, Son, Kane, Reguillion, ESR in my team!

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

          Instagramming*

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

            Fail to below soz.

            That's a lot of players but I'd save the FH. Use your bench and take a couple of hits if you need.

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

              Plus if Leicester after had to be called off too, you'd still be screwed.

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

          Nearly tempted, but I've made one change for long-term and my next one will be the same so I don't think it would help

        3. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Too much uncertainty with Spurs, they could miss more than 1GW.

        4. JoeTweaks
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Your situation is better...I have McCarthy,Son,Toney,Kane,Reguilon,Maupay and Toney

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

            I'm planning to just take hits...free hit doesn't solve the problem in the following gameweek

          2. Amartey Partey
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Two Toneys! That is rough.

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

              This is how life is these days!

        5. internal error
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I wont be wasting it on this week. I've got 6 players in my 15 man squad definitely ruled out, and Foden on top of that

      6. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Regulion tweeting "see you next week" was the most obvious trap I have seen 😆

        Fortunately don't have him!

      7. marcos11
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        What to do here? 0itb and any move would be for a hit.

        Sanchez
        TAA Cancelo Alonso Reguilon
        Salah Son Bilva Jota
        Antonio Dennis
        Steele Toney White Brownhill

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

          Nothing, unless spurs game gets postponed

      8. theodosios
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Didn't watch MU - Palace game, so I have few questions for you dear members.
        How did UTD play? Sancho subbed of early because of...? Who is the best midfield option from MU? I will destroy my team if I want CR7 so I am going for 1 UTD midfielder for sure.

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

          I think the points will be spread out amongst the mids, Rashford played with Ronaldo up top though he wasn't really good

        2. @persecuted_by_mods
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Rashford is your clear option imo, off form but can click at any second now

        3. Gooner97
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Sanchez (Foster***)
          Cancelo TAA Alonso (Livra, Amartey)
          Salah Son Foden* Jota ESR*
          Antonio Dennis (Broja)

          1FT, 0.9ITB

          What would you do with this lot?
          Upgrade attackers, sell a mid or get a backup goalie?

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

            Get Bowen

            1. Gooner97
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Is it worth lose ESR or Foden for him? I don't think so... and Son could be out as well

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

                If Son is out, then scenario will change. Otherwise, I'll sacrifice Foden assuming he'll start this GW and will be a rotation risk thereafter.

                1. Gooner97
                  • 10 Years
                  2 years, 5 months ago

                  He's already rotation risk no?

                2. Gooner97
                  • 10 Years
                  2 years, 5 months ago

                  Would you get BSilva or another mid?

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

                    Between Foden and Silva, I'll prefer Silva. Although, I'm not getting either fearing the pep roulette.

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

                *assuming he'll not start this GW

        4. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Ben Crellin licking his lips.

          1. Fpl Richie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            There's probably trouser stirring at this point

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

              Such a Richie thing to say

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

          Do we think Lukaku starts next game?

          1. Gooner97
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Donkey

          2. TopBinFc
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Stay clear regardless, he was bad before injury

          3. Yordan Letchkov
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            gtg? Replaced Raph/Toney with BSilva/Dennis yesterday before price rises…

            Sanchez Foster
            TAA Cancelo James Rudi Livra
            Salah Jota BSilva Gallagher Gilmour
            Vardy Antonio Dennis

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

              Looks pretty

            2. gart888
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              We've got the exact same team except I've got Guaita, Gunn, Bowen, and Sissoko where you've got Sanchez, Foster, Gallagher, Gilmour.

              Looks good to me. I presume your bench will be Dennis, Livra, Gilmour?

            3. TopBinFc
                2 years, 5 months ago

                Could be without a keeper but looks good

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

              Team g2g? Might not have a playing gk but don’t think it’s worth a hit..

              sanchez
              taa cancelo rudiger alonso
              salah bilva jota bowen
              ronaldo king

              foster esr omo scarlett

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

              A no brainer now, right?

              Kane, Reg and Raph > King, Foden and TAA (-4)?

              1. Warby84
                • 8 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                I’d get Bernardo or Gundog over Foden personally

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

                  Rationale? Bilva is tempting given form

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

                Not making sense to me

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

                  Go on...

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

                    Foden might not start this GW and will be exposed to rotation risk in the coming GWs.
                    Will not ditch a nailed player like Raphina for a hit amid all the uncertainty.
                    TAA is a must but downgrading Kane to King to fund that looks overkill.

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

                      Need a City player given their fixtures. Foden is a rotation risk but he's demonstrated that doesn't necessarily matter. I have no issues with him coming off the bench and picking up points. Raphina's fixtures are terrible - he's definitely gone. Very little value for premium attackers and Kane unlikely to play so of course I'm going to take it as an opportunity to free up funds... ironically to have a better bench 'amid all the uncertainty'. And I'm only doing Reg > TAA due to the match likely being postponed - could save it for next week, but seems silly not to get it out the way.

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

                        Fair chances that Raphinha against Chelsea + 4 will outscore Foden this GW

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

                          I disagree, but that's also not the correct way to account for a hit...

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

                            Kane is definitely going out.
                            TAA is definitely coming in.
                            So you are left with Raphina decision.

                    2. Rupert The Horse
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 11 Years
                      2 years, 5 months ago

                      I see Kane to King as a big upgrade. He’s the worst player in FPL

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

                        Well, can't get much worse - that's for sure!

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

                        Not a Kane fan. This much idle funds not making sense to me. Kane to Vardy maybe, if Antonio is not there already

            6. Sillet Bang
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Ramsdale
              James Cancelo TAA
              Salah Jota Bilva ESR Bowen
              Vardey Dennis

              Foster Toney Regulian Gabriel

              Bench in trouble 🙁

            7. how now brown cow
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Spurs expected to request the postponement of Sunday's match at Brighton (not Burnley) with new positive cases each day this week, but that formal request is not currently anticipated until after the Rennes game. https://t.co/EZKoSEkEIY

            8. Pukki Blinders
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Latest WC draft. 0.5 itb. Thoughts?

              DDG 4.0
              TAA Cancelo James Coufal Dalot
              Salah Jota Bernardo Bowen Gray
              Ronaldo King Broja

              Is the balance destroyed because of Ronaldo?

              1. RandomSauce42
                • 2 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                This looks a bit too much money in your third sub

                I'd probably look to a 4.5m mid in place of Gray

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

                  This

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

                I'll try upgrading Broja (to Antonio) without compromising Ronaldo

              3. The Mentaculus
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 2 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                Wonder about Coufal pick - unclear whether he'll be 1st choice when Cresswell returns & WH's CB injuries may stifle their recent defensive improvment

            9. royals forever
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              What changes would you make to this team for the next couple of GWs

              Meslier Foster

              Livramento Rudiger Cancelo Duffy Mitchell

              Salah Rapinha ESR Hojberg Jota

              Ronaldo Jesus Armstrong

              2 FTs 0.6 ITB

              Any ideas would be welcomed

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

                Raph, Duffy, Armstrong and Hojberg out

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

              It comes down to personal preference on play style, but which of these looks best?

              A: Gallagher to Bowen
              B: Kane to Ronaldo

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

                B

              2. Ajax Hamsterdam
                • 9 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                has to be b.

              3. RandomSauce42
                • 2 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                In isolation B, but only go for it if you're confident you want a premium striker in the first place

              4. Mozumbus
                • 2 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                B

            11. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 8 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              those early transfers to catch .1 will be coming back to bite people on the posterior 🙂

              and we are still working our way through the midweek fixtures … going to be carnage

              1. Amartey Partey
                • 4 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                My early transfer was Son to Bernado. I got lucky.

                1. Black Knights
                  • 12 Years
                  2 years, 5 months ago

                  Unless Bernardo gets injured. Absolutely no need to do that transfer early.

                  1. Rupert The Horse
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    2 years, 5 months ago

                    Although he has risen twice.

                  2. Amartey Partey
                    • 4 Years
                    2 years, 5 months ago

                    Gives me more money to afford other players and get the team I want.

              2. Rupert The Horse
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                Happens every week. Glad it’s starting to sting a few.

            12. how now brown cow
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Raph & ASM -> Bernardo & dennis for free?

              Also, would you do sanchez -> bachman for a hit? Still have WC to use, and fixtures decent for next 3. Only have 4.5.

              1. RandomSauce42
                • 2 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                If it means taking a hit for the GK, I would just do Raph -> Bowen and then do the GK move

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

                ASM Sanchez > Dennis Bachman
                Bachman could be upgraded

            13. Amartey Partey
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              It’ll be funny if Ronaldo blanks against Norwich.

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

                I mean he did just blank at home to Palace. Norwich aren’t walkovers anymore too

              2. Rupert The Horse
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                I hope does. But I don’t really care, I just hope lots of people get him. He’s blanked in nearly every game.

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

                What if he hauls?

                1. Amartey Partey
                  • 4 Years
                  2 years, 5 months ago

                  Yup it’s possible too.

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

                    He's not the only player in the team. So blank risk is spread. Hauling risk is higher I think.

                    1. Amartey Partey
                      • 4 Years
                      2 years, 5 months ago

                      Yeah there is just as good a chance that Dennis hauls and he’s less than half the price.

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

                        Assuming you have funds, you'll do Kane > Dennis rather than Kane > Ronaldo. Bookies gonna bust!

            14. JONALDINHO
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              If Son is back for Leicester would people still sell?

              1. Wild Rover
                • 13 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                No, but he almost certainly will be out.

              2. RandomSauce42
                • 2 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                Yes, his next 2 after Brighton arent great, and with Kane and Spurs in general not firing his ceiling is too low to justify his price right now over the likes of Foden and Bernado

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

                Spurs won't play vs Norwich every week.

                1. how now brown cow
                  • 9 Years
                  2 years, 5 months ago

                  Be lucky to play at all the way it's going.

              4. internal error
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                I really dont think that game goes ahead and i think there's a chance we wont know for sure, before deadline

              5. Rupert The Horse
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                Yes I’m selling regardless

                1. Gooner97
                  • 10 Years
                  2 years, 5 months ago

                  Who are you getting?

                  1. Rupert The Horse
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    2 years, 5 months ago

                    Most likely keep it very simple and go Bernardo. Considering Mount of course.

                    1. Gooner97
                      • 10 Years
                      2 years, 5 months ago

                      I'm leaning towards BSilva as well, considering I own Foden, ESR and Son all potentially out...

              6. Baps hunter
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                I sold to get funds for Bernardo and CR7. He was good vs Bre and Nor, but Spurs as a team and Kane with his current form are real issues. Add this covid situation and even many more want to sell. Players who are tested positive cannot train and that will affect their performances.

            15. bozankrkic
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              What option you'd think as the best out of those:

              1FT, 0.4m ITB

              Sanchez
              TAA Cancelo James Tierney
              Salah Jota Raphinha BSilva
              Kane Benteke

              Steele Mbeumo Livra Obafemi

              A. Kane -> Ronaldo
              B. Kane, Raphinha -> Ronaldo, Bowen (-4)
              C. Kane, Benteke -> Ronaldo, King (-4)
              D. Kane -> Antonio, spread the funds a little bit in the following weeks (change Mbeumo, Raph, Benteke, etc.)
              F. Something else

              Thanks.

              1. RandomSauce42
                • 2 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                No need for a hit for Bowen when you can ply Mbeumo with a great fixture

                1. Baps hunter
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 6 Years
                  2 years, 5 months ago

                  Mbeumo is fixture proof, his own way though.

                  1. bozankrkic
                    • 4 Years
                    2 years, 5 months ago

                    A very unique guy. 😀

                2. bozankrkic
                  • 4 Years
                  2 years, 5 months ago

                  Yes, just thinking his performance and attacking returns aren't that great lately. Honestly, doesn't look promising, but maybe I should wait a little bit more. Thanks 🙂

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

                D, but King

                1. bozankrkic
                  • 4 Years
                  2 years, 5 months ago

                  Thanks mate. 🙂

            16. EL tridente
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              8 players from Spurs are hit by Covid

            17. Sz21
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Best 5.0m or less defender on a WC? Will be starting in my team most weeks.
              Thinking Cash or Coufal.

              DDG.
              Cancelo, TAA, _______, Dalot, Duffy/Williams.

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

                Coufal

              2. The Mentaculus
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 2 Years
                2 years, 5 months ago

                Cash of those. Or Tomiyasu/Lamptey