Podcast

Scoutcast: New Year’s FPL resolutions

Joe, Andy and Seb help Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers prepare for Gameweek 21 and the New Year.

With Covid continuing to wreck the fixture schedule planning is proving tricky in FPL this Christmas. The imminent scheduling of Double Gameweeks is making team tweaks especially difficult.

To ensure their content stays relevant ahead of Gameweek 21, our Scoutcast trio focus on their New Year FPL resolutions as they look ahead to 2022. This involves pinpointing the changes they’d like to make in the way they play the game.

This chat also takes in the community’s own resolutions, with the importance of managing Fantasy Football in the context of family life mentioned by Joe and many others.

Meanwhile, Seb’s resolution takes in the value of hits, while Andy is keen to avoid planning in such uncertain times.

The Scoutcasters look back on their mixed fortunes in Gameweek 20 and over the festive schedule so far.  

They also reveal their teams for the first Gameweek of 2022, frisk the rest of the upcoming fixtures and check in on the Community Team, which they are managing on behalf of a top manager who is taking a break.

Elsewhere, the live chat community is called on to pose some quick-fire questions to our Scoutcasters, who do their best to give one word answers to the key issues facing Fantasy managers. This section will be a new regular feature as the Scoutcast team tap into the knowledge of the live chat crew even more in the months ahead.

This week’s live show took place on Thursday December 30. 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

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

    New Years Fpl resolution number 1

    Spend less time on ffs

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

      This.

      Still got two days to get my fill, though

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

        Yep, 2 day binge coming up

    2. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      100%

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

      yep this

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

      See you New Year’s Day.

  2. Firmino
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Which one:

    A) James -> Reguilon, play Bernardo
    B) Bernardo -> Bowen, play Alonso

    1. Return of the FF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Probs A given the fixtures

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

      A

  3. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Build for a Bench boost or FH in 22?

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      In this environment it’s impossible to plan one GW ahead let alone two. Might FH 45 mins before deadline but not sure.

  4. Return of the FF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Best Reece James replacements?

    A. Laporte/Dias? Is Laporte nailed now?
    B. Wolves
    C. Burnley for doubles.

    Any other obvious ones? I have DDG in goal.

    1. Man Chest Hair United
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Regulion

      1. Return of the FF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Good shout. Interesting that Royal isn't being mentioned, he's been very advanced.

    2. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      There's a good Hot Topic on this - take a looksee & come back to continue the chat

      1. Return of the FF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Thank you for highlighting this. Brighton now very much on my radar too!

    3. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Cash

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I'm thinking cash or royal

        Regs has more competition for his place than Royal

        Waiting for dgw21 announcement tho

        1. Return of the FF
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Fair on Royal!

          Lamptey/Cucurella also tempting.

          1. Flynny
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Agree.....but find Brighton assets untrustworthy!

  5. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    @TheKopHQ
    Not only did Thiago miss #LFC training today. Alisson & Firmino didn't take part either by the looks of it.

    1. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      That’s ok literally nobody owns them.

      1. Toonmad
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Good for jota owners

        1. Stamford B
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Jota is nailed I reckon whether or not Firmino is fit.

          1. Stamford B
            • 2 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            But who knows. Only Klopp

      2. lespaul
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        not literally

      3. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Firmino impacts Jota
        Alisson impacts TAA CS prospects 🙂

    2. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      could be covid

  6. tissae
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Considering you have no other defenders from those teams, which GK would you get?

    A) De Gea
    B) Sa
    C) Sanchez

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Not A.

    3. L.U.H.G.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      B

    4. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A

    5. space mercenary
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A

    6. Return of the FF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      For what it's worth, I've added DDG for this week and it's not a decision I'm happy with

    7. just a man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      As a Utd fan with Dalot I would avoid their defence until things settle. The Newc game was a new low for a team that have been generally poor for nearly a decade.

  7. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on the below please would mean a -4

    A. James > Cash or Laporte
    B. Martinelli > Maddison/Moura/Gray

    Need to check if Leicester game is still on.

    Thanks

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A Cash

    2. Man Chest Hair United
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      B maddo if the game is on

    3. Return of the FF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A

  8. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Who is most nailed and best option from the Spurs defence?

    A: Reguilon
    B: Bavies
    C: Dier

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      C

    2. Man Chest Hair United
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Two different questions here.

      Most Nailed probably c
      Best A

      1. Grande Tubarão
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Exactly this

      2. School of Poch
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah I guess - more thinking that given the current climate being nailed is more important than ever. I'm aware Reg has a higher ceiling than the other two but with the savings on funds and nailedness are the other 2 better options at the moment?

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

      I think I’d feel comfortable owning any of them.

      1. School of Poch
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Do you think the money saved on Bavies/Dier is worth the slightly lesser ceiling than Reg. Just thinking for my James replacement as I have other issues to deal with as well that the extra funds could go towards

        DDG Bachmann
        TAA Cancelo James White Liv
        Son Jota Bilva Mbuemo McArthur
        Ron Antonio Hwang

        1FT 1.5ITB

        1. WATERMELONS
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Why no love for Emerson Royal guys? Is he not nailed? Looking good so far under conte right?

          Also - no love for Moura?

          1. School of Poch
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            I've considered Moura as an Mbuemo option but would mean the double/triple up potentially and might lean towards Maddi/Bowen/Gray to spread the risk a bit. Not considered ER at all actually, but I guess he is another option

          2. Yes Ndidi
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Moura is a decent option, but how many Spurs do you want? Reggie, Bavies, Kane & Son, possibly Lloris even, are better ways of filling the Spurs quota, even if you do want all your eggs in one basket these days. And for the money, you could have Bowen, Maddy, Gray's going to come good again in a minute with those fixtures.

          3. Return of the FF
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            I've been wondering this re Royal, to me he looks a decent option so I'm not sure what I'm missing

  9. Man Chest Hair United
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Is Sterling to son worth a transfer?

    I got Sterling as a differential but the inconsistent starts don’t seem worth the upside

    1. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Think anything to Son right now is a good move

      1. Man Chest Hair United
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks I don’t rate spurs to score many goals but his goal
        Involvement is so high.

        City obviously score heaps but less minutes for Sterling

        1. School of Poch
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          That's it I think with the postponements and Covid it's hard dealing with Pep roulette as well on top of this and everybody seems to be going Son for the premium of choice atm

    2. dabber7
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Sterling has started 7 out of the last 9 and played 90 minutes in all of those bar one, where he managed 86. He's averaging 8 points in each game he starts. Over the entire 9, that's still an average of over 6 points a game. With Mahrez going to the AFCON he's even more likely to play. I know he doesn't have any DGW's coming up but I think there's still plenty of reason to keep him.

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

    The RMT algorithm caclculates that Gundo will outscore Foden by 2 points until GW26 :O Surely there must be something wrong?

    1. Oscar Slater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      It's quite often broke.

    2. Salan
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Don't trust RMT.

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

      It's an estimate, often wrong.

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

      It's a shaite tool

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

      If RMTs were the be all and end all of fantasy football, the game would come down to who had the access to the most number of RMT tools.

    6. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      RMT is a blunt tool. At it's best it's whack-a-mole, not BI. I think it'd be good if they gave an accuracy rating based on past performance.

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

    Any chance of a Ronaldo benching?

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Always a chance - certainly should be benched!

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Sure, always a chance.

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

      Very unlikely

    4. Salan
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Can't guess, but he should be benched.

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

      No way in hell

  12. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    What are the current rumours regarding Southampton vs New game is more likely to go ahead than not ?

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

      60-40 in favour of postponement

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

      Newcastle have more cases. More tests tomorrow and likely to push for postponement

      1. Yes Ndidi
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Really? Are they hoping they can buy time until all their January signings arrive?
        Caveat:- I am naturally cynical.

    3. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Clubs gaming the system now to put fixtures off until key players are back/reinforcements come in. Turned into a farce now.

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Any proof?

        Newcastle have recalled Matty Longstaff from loan in order to have 13 players.

        1. Do I Not Like Orange
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Covid outbreak immediately after losing Wilson & ASM was as predictable as anything.

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

    Tonight is the night Ronaldo holders are rewarded

    1. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I bloody hope so.

      12.5m for 1-2 points per week isn't the best value.

      Another week like last and he's straight out and amongst my worst transfers of the season.

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

        Still better than Salah 😉

        1. Conor1
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          He is close, just 102 points off Salah score. Might get under 100 by the time Salah gets back from Africa

    2. It’s A Joke
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      If he gets a hat trick that would still make my gw rubbish, thanks to the Alonso/James fiasco

  14. Murder on Zidane's Flo…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Hello all, penny for your thoughts please:

    Looking at ESR (blank) and Mount (LIV) to Bowen (cry) and Maddison (NOR) for a -4 but may have to select only one since I am also carrying James/Alonso so prob just swich one to Reg.

    Questions
    1. Would you do both mud swaps and just accept whatever Alonso serves up?
    2. If Reg and one mid, which one?

    -8 not on the cards as I am quite hits adverse.

    Thanks for your thoughts folks

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Norwich trying to postpone their game!

      1. Murder on Zidane's Flo…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Response below. I'm a reply fail numpty

  15. Fpl_Ludwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Best mid under 6.7?

    I have Bowen and Maddison

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Tielemans

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

      Raphinha

    3. Delta Varane'iant
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Saka

    4. Yes Ndidi
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Gray

    5. space mercenary
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Martineli

    6. Salan
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      For how many GWs?

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

        Don’t know exactly how many gw’s but long term since i am on WC

  16. Root
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Raphinha

    1. Root
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      @Fpl_Ludwig

    2. balint84
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Isn't he off to Bundeslig?

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

    Why are matches starting so late? 20h15 on a week day really?

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

      Game at 7:30 was postponed and they are staggered kick off times for Amazon

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

      It was supposed be the second game, staggered with the first that was supposed to start at 7.30, but was postponed.

    3. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      There was another game too, but it was postponed.

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

      Thanks fellas yeah, forgot about the postponement

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

    I've just seen CHE pen last night, the handball. Oh... My....God.

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

      And then people get upset when we say refs in the PL are nowhere near the league's status and quality. Unbelievable.

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

        To be fair they are not treated nearly well enough to be up to the wanted status and standard of the league

  19. Bruno Commando
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Seeing quite a number of posts on Spurs defenders. Are Brighton defenders dropping off the radar a little? Cucurella looks good...

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

      Duffy and Lamptey also good picks. I think the blank in GW24 might be putting people of them

  20. Murder on Zidane's Flo…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Naturally would be waiting to close to deadline and some reassurance that they play close to deadline so a better chance of relevant news versus if they were playing on say 3 Jan.

    Also, if Norwich are depleted and it goes ahead he could make hay, so I see pros and cons with that. Definitely a case of 'buyer beware' though, of course

    1. Murder on Zidane's Flo…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Reply fail - sorry for the spam folks

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

        Don't worry about it

  21. pablo discobar
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Norwich have requested the postponement now according to sky sports

    1. Murder on Zidane's Flo…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Now to see if they get it...

  22. Eastman
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    James and Bilva > Reguillon and Son -4?

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

      Bilbao just smacks of a transfer that will bite you hard.

      1. Eastman
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Maybe but he's playing deeper now.

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

      Yeah . Good moves.

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

      Was it ever in doubt?

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

        A few owners were a bit anxious as he wasn't seen in training. Think it was just to clear that up.

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

      Why wouldn’t he? It was confirmed hours ago that he was with the squad at the team hotel.

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

      Hopefully. Need him to score a hat trick.

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

    Fill in the blanks, two defenders for the next 6 - 8 weeks?

    Trent, Cancelo, Teirney, ???, ???

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Cash and Reguilon

    2. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Teirney isn't essential imo.

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

        Already have the 3 named & bining Chelsea?

  24. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester-united-vs-burnley-live-22607348

    Big changes reportedly to Man U line up.

    Bruno, Rashford, Greenwood, Telles and Dalot all reportedly rotated.

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Bruno is so bad that he can be rotated and suspended at the same time

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Surprised Ronaldo isn’t after his recent showings…

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

      Yeah . Blame everyone except the real problem. Too big to be benched.

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

      Bruno is suspended

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

      That’s just a journo’s prediction

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

      Predictable. They didn't provide adequate service for Ronaldo

  25. tissae
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Would you do it for a -4?

    Ramsdale -> De Gea
    James -> Cash
    Gallagher -> Maddison

  26. Well you know, Triffic
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Luke Shaw about to become essential 😉

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

      This

  27. mataave
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    No idea what to do here - quite a few injuries and a couple expected to attend AFCON...

    I believe the obvious choice is to switch James, but I want a Leicester attacker too. Any thoughts?

    Ederson - Foster
    James - TAA - Cancelo - Lamptey - Manquillo
    Gallagher - Salah - Jota - Bernardo - Bowen
    Ronaldo - Broja - Dennis

    1FT 0.0ITB

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Norwich are requesting that the Leicester fixture be postponed.

      I'd wait on news about the double game week.

      Potential options:

      Ederson to DDG
      Broja to King (as Saints v Newcastle could also be postponed)
      Bilva has to go
      Salah to Son

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

    Manchester evening news is wrong

    Bailey in for Varane

    Cr7 and Cavani up top

  29. jamie1972
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Got Vardy in a game ago with Norwich in mind, went well....

    Best replacement up to 11m?

    Was half on Firmino but seems he's missed training

    Or maybe go for a but and upgrade Ramsey to Jota (either a -4 or do it over two GW's)

    Thoughts?

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      DCL if Everton games are going ahead.