Podcast
14 August 2014 7186 comments
Mark Mark
Share:

A new beginning. On the eve of a new campaign, two grumpy middle-aged has-beens gather in a studio to recall the summer’s feast of football and look ahead to another Fantasy season, full of hope.

There’s no frills. No live video cast. No special guests. Just Granville and I, stripped back and almost unplugged.

Don’t let that put you off, though. Even with our limited powers we at least attempt to cut through the issues currently rattling around in the minds of Fantasy managers.

We assess the Old Trafford revolution, the world without Suarez and the merits of the three-man strike force. We slice through the current transfer trends and weigh up matters such as the Sigurdsson/Bojan rotation, Fagregas vs Hazard and the Chelsea back four conundrum. We also manage to warm up with a nice little argument about the Alexis Sanchez bandwagon – the traditional pre-season barney.

Be there at the birth via this link, or witness the new dawn via the handy player below.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

  1. CTID_
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Whats going to happen GW2 when aguero is back?

    Open Controls
    1. nedfoo
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      WC

      Open Controls
    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Hits galore.

      Open Controls
    3. mookie
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      most will ignore him and jump on the GW1 scorers

      Open Controls
      1. CTID_
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        saving 1.5m that upgrading costa

        Open Controls
    4. money face bandwagon
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      will find a way to get him on gw3

      Open Controls
      1. JuveGeordie
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        For £12M? Not a lot on my end...

        Open Controls
    5. pompeyfan
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I'd want to wait and see how he returns, he didn't exactly shine during the wc

      Open Controls
      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        But BPL is is hunting ground.

        Open Controls
        1. NABIL - FPL otai
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          *his, you know which one.

          Open Controls
        2. pompeyfan
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          yeah true, but always wary of backing players straight after long lay offs, especially the injury prone

          Open Controls
          1. NABIL - FPL otai
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            You do have a point 😉

            Open Controls
            1. pompeyfan
              • 16 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              thanks. My work is done here for today then 😉

              Open Controls
      2. Grimmaldi - Send in the Clo…
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        And he's a player who doesn't look dangerous until 100% fit - certainly a wait and see for me.

        Open Controls
  2. GoonerByron
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Have been put off United defence the last few days because of their injuries but thinking that might be a bit stupid now.. Jones is still a better option that Caulker, right?

    Also, how nailed on is Kaboul?

    Open Controls
    1. QPR expects... glory!
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Pochettino said he hadn't made a decision about the WC players yet. Might mean we see Vert risked without so much as kicking a ball in a pre-season game.

      If that's the case could be Vert and Dier as they were looking to sell Kaboul/Dawson and bring in Musaccio

      Open Controls
  3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Why is everybody and his dog getting Lovren???

    Has the World gone mad?

    Open Controls
    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      What's your back 7 Doos?

      Open Controls
      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Begovic, Green
        Chambers, Fonte, Ivanovic, Dummett, N Taylor

        Open Controls
        1. QPR expects... glory!
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Dummett won't play and his high ownership means that if any of the 4.0's start and get a cleanie first GW there could be a mass exodus from him leading to a price drop.

          Open Controls
          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Whatever.

            But thank you anyway.

            Open Controls
        2. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Interesting.

          Open Controls
      2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        PS I am looking for:

        Eunuch Jelly
        Saniul
        Wakey
        Coldplay
        Siva Mohan
        Spondon Basu, and
        Demented Flamingo

        Thanks. 🙂

        Open Controls
        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Post this again in 5 mins higher on a page and I'll have a look.

          Open Controls
    2. CTID_
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      he scored pre season that why

      Open Controls
      1. Giroud U Kidding
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        a

        Open Controls
    3. money face bandwagon
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      check lovren+Ntaylor rotation..its great imo

      Open Controls
      1. Whazza
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        too expensive to rotate

        Open Controls
    4. Pasqualinho
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      There's a notion that once picked, you don't have to touch him. A settled defence is important so you can use your transfers on more important things.

      It hardly ever turns out that way.

      Open Controls
    5. pompeyfan
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah, I don't fancy a Liverpool defender tbh

      Open Controls
    6. Redhulkster
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Lol agreed ..
      Pool defence falls apart pretty easy..

      I won't go der ..
      Their fixtures don't help either

      Open Controls
    7. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Will be one of the highest scoring defenders this season I reckon. Wouldn't touch him until GW4 though.

      Open Controls
      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        That's my point.

        Open Controls
      2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        The highest 'Pool defender last Season was Skrtel - and he had a barrowful of goals. Be careful, here.

        Open Controls
        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          And? It's a completely different season and I expect us to be MUCH tighter. He'll get a few goals and quite a few CSs imo.

          Open Controls
          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Well, I hope so too - for you. But I won't be getting any 'Pool defenders just yet.

            Open Controls
    8. QPR expects... glory!
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      We all watched last Sunday's game when he looked great and scored. It's a shift from the UTD £5.5's as Evans' injury makes them even more vulnerable than they already were

      Open Controls
  4. king_jackson
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    How many game weeks do you think Reece James will get at left back for utd? If its 4-5 i'm sticking him in. Even with Shaw injured through LVG will just put Valencia and Young at wing backs once Valencia is fit right?

    Open Controls
    1. Redhulkster
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Valencia + young yes

      James nailed for gw1

      But after gw1 ..if he does well..
      It could b a chambers clyne like scenario

      Open Controls
  5. JuveGeordie
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Luis not nailed - so slightly panicing. Where can I get .5M from to get Cahill or Terry? (I'd prefer the former). Unless you can suggest any other top 6.0M defenders?

    * = Potentially swap but for whom?

    DDG / Krul*
    Luis / Debuchy / Davies / Coloccini* / Wisdom
    Hazard / Mata / Ramsey / Siggy / Albrighton - any other 4.5M due to injury?
    Costa / Rooney / Bojan

    Many Thanks!!

    Open Controls
    1. Redhulkster
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Krul to ings
      Ddg does not need a back up mate..

      As soon as ur team budget increases
      Then maybe u can invest in a 4.5 but why now ?

      Open Controls
  6. GunsnRoses
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Waiting for first scout pick of the season?

    Open Controls
    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Haven't even started on them yet.

      Open Controls
  7. Valar(Keith)
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Good opening fixtures, defensive issues look like being resolved when these fixtures turn for the worse and a kind price tag for a manu goalkeeper(rest of the defense injury prone).. so
    How many DDG owners lurking on here?

    0/

    Open Controls
    1. Mr Sarcastic
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      o/

      Open Controls
    2. @ocprodigy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      o/

      Open Controls
      1. @ocprodigy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        I'm really tempted by Szcz tbh, Arsenal keep clean sheets..

        Open Controls
    3. CTID_
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Begovic

      Open Controls
      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        A mark hughes defense though.. stoke are a lot more attacking now. also 0.5 more gets you a manu gk.. may not sound great now but by season end DDG almost guarantees 12+(lower end) CS's while Bego will struggle to get 10 based on last season(he cant be expected to score again either)

        Open Controls
  8. Mr Sarcastic
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Pulis or no Pulis, those fixtures are still there....
    first 3 home games WHM, BUR, LEI, couldn't be much better than that.
    Clyne gives WBA, NEW, QPR

    I'd like to do just Ward => Kelly, but I suppose we can't be sure he is nailed on for gw2?

    Open Controls
    1. Valar(Keith)
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Soton have basically the same defense/better that started last year though.
      Wanyama still in front of the back 4
      Clyne and Fonte have proven themselves last year
      Bertrand.. while boring should be stable
      And now fernandez coming in who is pretty solid
      And not to forget Forster in goal.

      would much rather prefer Clyne over a Pulis-less palace

      Open Controls
    2. pompeyfan
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      before Pulis Palace were almost always terrible in the PL. You may be paying 5.0m for a relegation zone team this season

      Open Controls
    3. Rats Ass
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      If Palace get defence meister Moyes, I might get Ward back.

      Open Controls
    4. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      They conceded 4 to Fulham prior to Pulis' arrival. Fulham for christ's sake.

      Open Controls
      1. @ocprodigy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        😀

        Open Controls
      2. Billy Gilmore
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        At Selhurst Park too...

        Open Controls
  9. saikado
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    1) Can you suggest good midfilder in 5.0 price?
    2) Buy Mata or Eriksen?
    3) Buy Debuchy or Lovren?

    Open Controls
    1. @FPLMason
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      1) cant
      2) mata
      3) debuchy

      Open Controls
    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      1) Davis
      2) Mata
      3) Debuchy

      Open Controls
    3. Redhulkster
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Davis
      Mata
      Chambers (nailed defo for gw1 and 2)

      Open Controls
  10. CTID_
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    will Cameron start GW1? yes or no?

    Open Controls
    1. @FPLMason
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Unknown

      Open Controls
  11. @FPLMason
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Repost
    Didnt get any replies

    Okay lads now that Pulis has left Palace, my back line has become screwed up
    Your thoughts are appreciated
    Clyne-Chester-N Taylor- PvA- Wisdom/Baird

    Also any other suggested backline for 22.5 would be appreciated

    Open Controls
  12. Rats Ass
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    My midfield is 2 expensive players plus 3 cheapos. Thinking it would be more flexible to have more mid priced players. Eg if I need to jump on a bandwagon (eg Tadic) I'm gonna have to sell a big hitter.

    Should I rejig for a more flexible mid priced midfield?

    Open Controls
    1. Grimmaldi - Send in the Clo…
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I think going cheap in attack is always risky and leaves you open for difficulties on getting players in who perform well. I've gone for Rooney/Jovetic/Bojan for my strikers and I know if any of the 9+ strikers gets on form I'm going to have to seriously re-jig my team to sort it out including a points hit. But you've got to go cheap somewhere...

      Open Controls
      1. Rats Ass
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks, there are lots of mid priced mids and one or two will become essential. Worried my team set up makes it harder to do a quick switch!

        Open Controls
  13. super zlatan
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Cahill or terry?

    Open Controls
    1. @FPLMason
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Cahill

      Open Controls
    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Terry.

      Open Controls
    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      JT

      phew, are we getting this on every page?

      Open Controls
    4. OReiMessi
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Cahill

      Open Controls
  14. Re'a Le Vaughn
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Hi, who do think is better of the C role in game week 1..
    Sanchez or Lukaku?

    Open Controls
    1. @FPLMason
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Sanchez

      Open Controls
    2. Scab
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      might as well C DDG

      Open Controls
  15. Scab
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    If aguero is coming back gw2 I might need to remove Jovetic from my team.

    Open Controls
    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I think Aguero will be the trigger for 90% of peoples wildcards on here lol

      Open Controls
      1. @ocprodigy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        More than likely. I have both City strikers, I have no idea what will occur.

        Open Controls
    2. Grimmaldi - Send in the Clo…
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      It depends on how well he plays, if he keeps up his good form then it's not unimaginable for him to keep his place.

      Open Controls
  16. Fantasy Gold
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Any idea when the Scout Picks will be displayed on the right hand side of the homepage ?

    Open Controls
    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      12 hours maybe.

      Open Controls
      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks

        Open Controls
  17. Giroud U Kidding
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Captain for GW1 ????

    Rooney, Costa or a punt on Mata or ramsey???

    What do you think peops??

    Open Controls
  18. Ange187
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    whos starting up front for city this week? and which liverpool players are the best to have in your teams in terms of value?

    Open Controls
    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Try the team news tab above.

      Open Controls
  19. @ocprodigy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Any point having Hoilett as a 5th mid if I really don't want to bench another player for him? First fixture looks tasty but I can't bench a big hitter first GW surely...

    Open Controls
    1. Spencer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      IMO, the 5th mid should be someone you always bench, but always plays so that if you get an unexpected injury he'll come in and get (hopefully) a couple of extra points for you.

      I'm not sure if Hoilett has been a regular.

      Open Controls
    2. QPR expects... glory!
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      He won't start in a 3-5-2 with Remy back in the fold

      Open Controls
      1. @ocprodigy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Who do you think will be the wing backs btw? Isla & Simpson?

        Open Controls
      2. @ocprodigy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        & thank you 🙂

        Open Controls
    3. @ocprodigy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Ah thank you both, didn't realise he wasn't nailed on! Saved me some frustrations there

      Open Controls
  20. Pompel
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Seems I'm going in the direction of cheap or mid-priced 3rd striker - so who's the best option who's also likely to start the first few GWs:

    A) Dzeko
    B) Jovetic
    C) Bony
    D) Gomis
    E) Giroud
    F) Adebayor
    C) Austin
    D) Bojan

    Open Controls
    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      D

      Open Controls
    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      A or E

      Open Controls
    3. @FPLMason
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      The second C

      Open Controls
      1. Pompel
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        oops, bummer!

        Open Controls
    4. Milner4eva
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      stevan

      Open Controls
      1. Pompel
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Fletcher? Maybe, but I cut down the list a bit - too many choices!

        Open Controls
        1. Milner4eva
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          jovetic sorry

          Open Controls
          1. Pompel
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            of course, should've known that 🙂

            Open Controls
    5. Pompel
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      thanks guys - as expected no any consensus on the 3rd striker spot, so I think I'll leave it a bit open and let the midfield/defense options dictate!

      Open Controls
  21. Messi & fabregas
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Only one thing to be decided, please some help:

    A) Mata + Bojan + Rio

    or

    B) Giroud + 5mi mid + Debuchy ?

    rest of my team:

    Krul / eliott

    Jones, Lovren , xxx, duff, bruce

    Fabregas, Ramsey, Sterling, Siggy, XXX

    Rooney , Costa, XXX

    Thanks

    Open Controls
    1. Redhulkster
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      A imo

      Open Controls
  22. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Fill the remaining slots pliz Terry 4.5 4.0 4.0 4.0

    Open Controls
    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Press 'auto-complete'.

      Job done.

      Open Controls
    2. Giroud U Kidding
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Kelly, wisdom , Bruce , Hutton

      Open Controls
  23. Tommytour
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Sod it just going to pick a strong gw1 team knowing I'll probably wildcard early 🙂

    Open Controls
    1. Pasqualinho
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Realising that this may happen is a good first step. Plan for the possibility of an early wildcard and then be pleasantly surprised when you don't have to use it is the least stressful tactic for this game.

      Open Controls
      1. Tommytour
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Two transfers should sort the mess

        Open Controls
  24. pit creature
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Is Wilson nailed on for stoke?

    Open Controls
  25. Tmel
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    13/15 sorted, can I get some help with the last 2? 12.5 to spend

    Bego Gilks
    Jones Terry PVA Moore Wisdom
    Mata Fab Ramsey Siggy x
    Rooney Costa x

    a) Jovetic & Marney: Much better strike force option but leaves a bench of two 4.0 defenders and Marney
    b) Fletcher/5.5 & De Jong? Gives a better flexibility of 3-5-2 or 3-4-3

    If the latter, will bench De Jong in GW 1 and then play him GWs 2-8 versus Villa, Palace, Soton, Hull, Stoke, Swansea & Leicester.

    Open Controls
    1. Schurrle you must be joking
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I'd go with B and even consider Bojan or Jutkiewiz instead of Fletcher. A is a bit risky subwise and considering Jovetic GT

      Open Controls
  26. radawson
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Help!

    A) Eriksen + 4.5m FWD

    B) Jovetic + Marney

    or

    C) Sterling -> Marney, 4.5m FWD -> Giroud

    Open Controls
    1. Konig Luther
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      hard to tell, maybe b

      Open Controls
  27. Konig Luther
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Nacho Monreal most likely to score in PaddyPower. Did I miss something?

    http://i.imgur.com/U0aHcBJ.png

    Open Controls
    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      He's being played up top v PalArse to give them a sporting chance

      Open Controls
  28. Valar(Keith)
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Last season only 2 GKs played every game.
    4 missed one game
    3 missed between 2-3 games
    And 11 missed 4+ games

    Something to keep in mind when we going with 1 playing GK. may end up biting us. Im still taking the risk though

    Open Controls
  29. QPR expects... glory!
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Today is the day the bib theory returns.

    Cant wait to see if Liverpool have a nailed on 5.0 defender!

    Open Controls
    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Who?

      Open Controls
    2. Sarnab
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Manquilo

      Open Controls
    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Not sure anything can be read into things until Moreno is starting, which I doubt will be Sunday.

      Open Controls
  30. Siva Mohan
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    are we still in love with Crystal Palace defenders?

    Open Controls