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

    I really do find it unbelievable that Maguire never gets dropped. It seems he can do what he likes and will still be undroppable.

    1. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Look at his competition

    2. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      As a Liverpool fan, he is undroppable

    3. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      At least Maguire put decent performances in last year, Varane hasn't done much to impress in a United shirt. Lindelof has been their best CB this year

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

      Big MacGuire and Ronaldo running the club

    5. just a man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Who do you drop him for? Jones?

    6. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Captain. Leader. Legend.

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

        No that's Djemba Djemba, greatslest Man United midfielder ever

  2. Hooky
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Chocolate wrists Henessey will chuck in a couple today at least.

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

    Would you ditch Foden or Jota for Maddison?

    1. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      No

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

      No, I don’t think so

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

      Not really. Would ditch someone else, though

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

      No chance.

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

      LEI NOR might be off anyway

    6. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      no unless on WC

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

      No.

    8. TomSaints
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Own all 3

      (Not that it’s Helped me that much…)

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

    How bad is a Ronaldo haul for non owners today?

    1. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      It seems many haven’t captained so hopefully not too bad. Or not as bad as I was expecting at least

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      ~25% EO.

      13 = ~3.25 rise in average.

      Meh...

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

        Need a De Gea clean sheet to offset that.

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

      At 90k for example, if he scored 12 points say, you'd only fall to ~100k or so.

      Still relatively low ownership.

  5. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    May see an on-form Ronaldo tonight, with Fernandes out of the team.

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Sancho & Cavani are very good for Ronaldo, less sure on Greenwood's creativity.

      If Sancho right & Shaw left there's a chance...

  6. Critical Observer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Gonna take a huge stab in the dark here and predict that ManU's gameplan will revolve around Shaw sending one wishful ball after another into the general direction of Ronaldo and Cavani.

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

      This

    2. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      That's still a better plan than asking AWB to try and cross it in.

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

      Yeah, seems like it with both Cavani and Ronaldo together up top.

    4. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      sound plan to target Burnley's weaknesses

  7. SouthCoastSaint
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Dalot owner. Soucek 1st sub.

    Please fantasy gods give me this one…

    1. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Reckon your good. Enjoy the points.

      I get Toney's typical 2 points. Big whoop.

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

      Same request. Really hoping he doesn't appear late on

    3. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I remember the days I had a bench..

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

    Best United defender to bring in? Need to offload James and United’s fixtures are the best on paper, maguire the safest bet? Or will telles/dalot get their spots back do we think?

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Maguire. The end.

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      El Slab.

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

      It’s Maguire. And that’s why no-one’s getting Man Utd defenders.

    4. just a man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      None. They will rotate and they will concede.

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

      Does it matter if their fixtures are good when they are a crap club with average players?

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

        2 clean sheets in the last 3

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

          One of those was against Norwich, not a team banging in goals at the moment. Newcastle showed a fast attack will get at their defence. If you desperately want one then go for Maguire for guaranteed starts or DDG

    6. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Don't buy one.

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

      Maguire. Rotation risk in the FB spots

    8. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I'd avoid United defence.

      I surprised when DDG was flavour of the transfers in about 3 game weeks ago.

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

        Peeps got excited about his save points. Suppose 3 points is better than 2 lol

  9. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Would you WC this lot???

    DDG/Ramsdale
    TAA, Alonso, Cancelo, Dalot, Bavies
    Salah, Jota, Foden, Gallagher, ESR
    Watkins, Antonio, Pukki

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

      No

      1. BrockLanders
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Any suggestions? Have both FHs, BB and TC

        1. EL tridente
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Save FT for GW22

          1. EL tridente
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 3 months ago

            FH

    2. EL tridente
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Things chance so quick right now, so I would save the WC a bit longer..

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

      Nope.

      ESR > Bowen. If need funds, dump Salah for Son early.

      You're all on track for a big DGW22.

      1. BrockLanders
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Looked at that. Could be a real good shout. Might FH this GW

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Don't FH this week. You put yourself another transfer behind for GW22.

    4. Critical Observer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I identify 2 or 3 players you likely want to get rid of - not a chance I'd WC that, come on.

      1. BrockLanders
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        ESR, Pukki, Gallagher, Dalot all probably need to go

  10. Original Sin
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Vardy is out for 3-4 GWs, if i am looking at GW23 WC, can i punt on Ihenacho for next 3 GWs? Is Nacho nailed when Vardy is out?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Nacho going AFCON after this weekend.

    2. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Afcon

      1. Original Sin
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Damn i forgot, already have Maddison, i guess enough of Leicester then.
        Benteke Vardy Ron
        Current front 3. Who to get for Vardy?
        0 ITB

        A. Antonio( rising soon)
        B. Watkins
        C. Anyone else?

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

      AFCON

    4. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      If Nacho and Daka are at AFCON and Barnes still injured, who the hell do Leicester play up front those weeks?

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Perez

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

        Perez Lookman

  11. WD27
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Everytime OGS didnt start/play DVB there was a discussion - why not anymore? Is there something behind the scenes we dont see, i think so?

    1. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      He's obviously not in Ronaldo's gang.

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      That died out months ago, now the whole of United is concerning

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

      He is the equivalent of Ginger Spice - not liked lol

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

    Blessing in disguise for United that Bruno is suspended.
    But who takes over whinging duties tonight.

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Ronaldo

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

        Whingaldo

  13. mataave
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Iheanacho a good option if the Leicester game goes ahead?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      He's off to Cameroon for the AFCON tournament

    2. mataave
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      ignore me, answered above. Better question - who will play as Leicester's striker with Daka & Vardy out?

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Both injured atm.

        OOP Lookman seems most likely.

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

          Perez could start too

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      If on FH.

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

      AFCON

  14. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    If anyone has any other scores to settle perhaps now is the time so we can all start 2022 with a clean sheet?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      * or should that be slate?

    2. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Yep. I will in future will try not to get highly irritated when people use the word "unalive"

  15. rozzo
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Still blows my mind how anyone could have DDG or a United defender

    At least DDG makes about 10 saves a match but surely that tells you the state of the defence

    1. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Saves score points don’t de doh

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

      o/

    3. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      2 clean sheets in the last 3. What more do you want against one of the lowest scorers in the division?

    4. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/24572585

      Posted this just 2 hours ago. I seriously suspect people here don't watch football and just pick players based on green FDR fixtures

      1. Lord.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Yep. And it was refuted then too.

        1. Cok3y5murf
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Errm no, it was disagreed with. No counterarguments, just talking about past points, asking for link, etc.

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

        Everything OK at home mate?

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

      How they are not in a relegation battle shocks me more

    6. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      United played Palace, Norwich, Newcastle and now Burnley with great fixtures and a possible DGW ahead

    7. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Top manager who's starting with improving the defence. CS written all over this match and future matches to come.

      1. Stamford B
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        This

    8. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      shame Cornet isn't fit for this, would've backed Burnley to score

    9. Fantasy Football Friend!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Lots of doubles to come. DDG a season keeper

    10. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Time for a 14 pointer

  16. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    If shaw or awb put on a good performance tonight will they keep their place for the weekend?

    1. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Possibly. I wouldn’t be going near their defenders. The only one safe is Maguire. And he’s Maguire.

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Yeh thanks about right - will see how maguire is tonight

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

      Always a chance. They were the first choice fullback pairing for ages. Match fitness may play a part.

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Mmmm.. think better to avoid

  17. Stamford B
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Best and worst pundit on TV?

    1. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Best: Gary Neville/Jamie Carragher
      Worst: just too many to even try answering this

      1. Stamford B
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Lol. I agree. Hate to say it but Carra is probably my favourite

        1. Grande Tubarão
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah, me too. They’re the only two I ever feel are telling me something I don’t already know with their analysis.

    2. Fantasy Football Friend!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Carragher best, Redknapp worst

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

      Michael Owen

      Not sure who the worst is though

      1. Grande Tubarão
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        😆

    4. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Best co-commentator is McCoist

    5. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Liking Ally McCoist on commentary lately.

      Worst, Michael Owen, by a country mile.

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        McManaman worst, not even close

        1. Stamford B
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          I used to play with him when we were kids. He was more interested in cross country then. 😀

    6. Lloyd Xmas
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      McCoist and Keown.

      1. Lloyd Xmas
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        *Live pundits

    7. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Ray Houghton. Not sure if he’s still on talksport but he just criticises every single thing the players do constantly for the whole game. He shouldn’t have done that he should’ve done this. Like that Bloke off harry enfield.

    8. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Paul Merson comes out with some sh*te too.

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        The top grade variety

      2. MysticMac17
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        He has the drink excuse to fall back on though

    9. MysticMac17
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      The best are Neville, Carragher and Souness (yes he’s grumpy but he only takes sense -You also have to ask yourself where was Pogba?)

      Worst is Owen, Redknapp and Ferdinand (“Man United are back. We are back”). The three of them are absolute idiots.

      1. Lloyd Xmas
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Neville was good at the start, but not now IMO.

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          At least he will return to being good in a few years time when either United have improved or he has let go

  18. Original Sin
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Benteke /Vardy /Ron
    Current front 3. Who to get for Vardy for the next 3 GWs, will wildcard GW23.
    0 ITB

    A. Antonio( rising soon)
    B. Watkins
    C. DCL

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I think you need to wait for DGW announcements to make the best decision.

      (Ben Crellin thinks they'll be announced by 6pm tomorrow, just a guess though).

      Love Everton's fixtures but too soon for DCL personally. Comebacks after a long layoff are a bit slower than you hope typically.

  19. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Got to be a positive for Ronaldo captaincy that Pope isn't in goal for Burnley.

    1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      They breed good goalies though

    2. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Big Wayne is decent mate

  20. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    I really hope Ronaldo doesn't make himself a must-buy tonight.

    My team will struggle to fit him in.

    1. fricky_
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Honestly think Cavani is the better option the way he played

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

      I own him but I don’t think anything he does tonight makes him a must buy

    3. Lloyd Xmas
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      He wont.

    4. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I have a Kane sized hole for him

  21. Root
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    https://twitter.com/norwichcityfc/status/1476644386767257600

    Norwich - Leicester postponed

    1. Giovanni Giorgio
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Here we go again...

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

      Bummer

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

      Leicester may still get 1 match right? I’ve not moved for a Leicester player yet despite the price rises but they should have a midweek slot to make up one right?

  22. 420king
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    With Bernardo to Maddison now off, who should go first?

    A) James (start his replacement)
    B) Bernardo (start Targett)

    1. Dammit_182
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I’m selling James. Bilva is ready for the sell but at least he is fit and not dropping tonight

    2. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      James

  23. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    0-0 written all over this game?

    1. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I hope so

  24. DycheDycheBaby
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Ah wooodie