Podcast
24 December 2014 2679 comments
Mark Mark
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Not so merry, certainly not so high – my rank took a tumble and my co-host rival has taken advantage: in an extraordinary Gameweek, Granville is now breathing down my neck with just two points between us. It’s a nightmare before Christmas.

Not surprisingly, much of this festive ScoutCast is given up to Granville’s ascent, his six million dollar man – Charlie Austin – and the failings of my faith in Diego Costa.

Around all that, we preview the Boxing Day schedule, cast an eye over the Scout leagues and assess the merits of the current transfers bandwagons. I even have time to throw in another Jose Mourinho conspiracy theory. Hey, let me have my fun – I needed cheering up.

Merry Christmas to all!

Ring the bells via this link or join “Hosanna in excelsis” via the player below…

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

  1. Keej
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Who do you think is most likely to start in order out of Sanchez, Costa and Hazard?

    1. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Hazard, Costa, Sanchez in that order.

    2. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      I think they'll all start so it's difficult to put them in order.

    3. Johnny 8
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Costa,Sanchez,Haz.

    4. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Costa...Sanchez...Hazard...

    5. SW6
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Costa
      Sanchez
      Hazard.

    6. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Costa. Due to injury prone ness, saved for Sunday
      Hazard due to actually injury
      Sanchez is pooped, but Arsenal are short right now

      In that order

    7. Back on the horse
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      c
      s
      h

    8. Snikii
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Costa,alexis,hazard

  2. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Sterling or Di Maria? Leaning towards Sterling becasue of the fixtures.

  3. Arsenal USA FC
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Siggy & Sakho -> Sterling & Kane?

    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Nah.

    2. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Nope

    3. For Fuchs Sake
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Just Sakho to Kane

  4. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Hutton or Vlaar? Wanting someone who will play all next 3 games

    1. Chelsea Dagger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      both will play all 3 imo, Hutton more attacking

  5. Azerbaijan Shopping Centre
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    why are people thinking Sanchez will be rested ?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      just because it's qpr

      no other reason

    2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      forms and stats have dropped , looked tired

    3. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      its a myth
      pure speculation
      fantasy managers pretending to be real managers even knowing Wenger has no history of rotating his 11 (didn't rotate last xmas)
      No Wilshere/No Ramsey
      Wenger doesnt trust Campbell and too stubborn to start Podolski

    4. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      I don't and am Captaining accordingly

    5. Azerbaijan Shopping Centre
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      belated thanks guys 🙂

  6. white lightning
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    This is my team with 2.8itb & used ft

    Guzan (Elliott)
    Baines, Ivan, Zaba (Chambers, Hutton)
    YYT, Hazard, Cazorla (c), Siggy, Downing
    Bony, Austin (Sakho)

    But I'm considering a -4 hit - either
    (a) Elliott out, Panti in or
    (b) Siggy out, Silva in or
    (c) Sakho out, Giroud in or
    (d) nothing

    Thanks.

  7. thepuntmaster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    What do I do with this?

    Courtois (WHU)

    Chambers (QPR) - Clichy (wba) - Baines (STK)

    Bolasie (SOU) - Sanchez (QPR) - Yaya (wba) - Haz (WHU)

    Fletcher (HUL) - Costa (WHU) - Austin (ars)

    Bench - Elliot - Bartley (AVL) - Wisdom (MCI) - Marney (LIV)

    Quite a few risks of not playing in there and also want rid of Fletcher. 2 FT with 1.9 in the bank, suggestions?

    1. Batigol
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      I'm going for Giroud this week, QPR don't perform on the road and surely Arsenal will win big. A lot of people here believe it's time for Sanchez to be rested as well.

      Can you do Sanchez & Fletcher to Di Maria & Giroud? Might be too expensive.

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Fletcher > Kane
      and upgrade Chambers after QPR game.

  8. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    do we reckon haz either plays or not at all............ would make me feel better about captaining him

    1. Jude Rooney
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Will be benched for emergencies

    2. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Almost no chance of a 1pt cameo.

  9. Kevtheotter
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    We thinking hazard is starting or not playing at all? I just don't see him being rested especially with city playing so well and with Westham playing great football

    1. si
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Sounds like he is fit. Can't see Jose taking chances with West Ham. He should start.

      http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/548700/Chelsea-Eden-Hazard-Injury-Fitness-Boxing-Day-West-Ham-Boost-Stars-Update-Latest

    2. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      He'll be on the bench and probably come on for a cameo. Mourinho will use his subs to effect a bit of rest for those who start....as most managers will...20-30 mins...

      1. Dr Dream
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        *He'll be on the bench if he doesn't start....but I'd give him about a 60% to start...

        1. Jude Rooney
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 12 months ago

          Agree

    3. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      I'm sure he'll play this game if fit

      1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        *start

        1. Kevtheotter
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 12 months ago

          Cheers lads

  10. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Ffs, wait until tomorrow before asking about Hazard.

    1. Matt
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Should I captain him do you think?

    2. For Fuchs Sake
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Tomorrow?

    3. Kevtheotter
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      And why is that

  11. Batigol
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Is there another website for giving stats on your fantasy performance? I don't mean the superb Gargatron, was there something else?

  12. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Chelsea - West Ham predictions?

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      2-1 chelsea

    2. si
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      2-0. They're not that good really. Especially away.

    3. QPR expects... glory!
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      1-0 if Hazard doesn't play, 2-0 if he does

    4. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Chelsea to concede this weekend

      1-1

  13. Pass the dutch
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Sell sanchez or hazard? For Sterling or Di Maria?

    Cheers!!

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      neither

    2. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      No.

    3. Pass the dutch
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Have costa and giroud btw.....

      1. Pass the dutch
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        Have no fourth defender with manquilo and Yun so can't afford Sanchez of Hazard being benched!

        1. HuttonDressedasLahm
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 12 months ago

          Get another 4th defender then

        2. QPR expects... glory!
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 12 months ago

          Manquilo 😯

          1. Pass the dutch
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 12 months ago

            I know.....ideas for a good alternative??

            1. HuttonDressedasLahm
              • 16 Years
              10 years, 12 months ago

              Money?

              1. Pass the dutch
                • 13 Years
                10 years, 12 months ago

                4.7

            2. QPR expects... glory!
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 12 months ago

              Who else do you have? Your team isn't linked

              1. Pass the dutch
                • 13 Years
                10 years, 12 months ago

                Baines Wisdom Cissokho Yun

                1. Pass the dutch
                  • 13 Years
                  10 years, 12 months ago

                  Thanks btw!

    4. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Just say no to drugs from now on....

      1. FAITHNOMORENO
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        you sir,you are a legend https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl-VAh5lKcE

    5. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      You'll pucj the wrong one, so do neither

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        **pick

    1. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      I'm feeling sick with this Vine..Just look at Costa

    2. Podge
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      I like that you cant say no at the bottom 🙂

  14. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Everyone stop stressing about rotation
    We are all in the same boat, and will have players missing

    Also don't worry about Boxing Day. Sunday is the real problem!

    1. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      upvote

      1. RubeRx
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        pressed it 4 times already and nothing has changed

        1. HuttonDressedasLahm
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 12 months ago

          Ok, try this one 🙂

            1. RubeRx
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 12 months ago

              i feel much better now

    2. QPR expects... glory!
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      This^

      Sunday will be carnage!

    3. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Sanchez is the big one....With such high ownership he doesn't matter. As long as nobody (c) him then everybody is in the same boat.

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        Just make sure your bench is full of solid starters who will bring their two's in 🙂

      2. Malcolm Tucker for England …
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        I keep hearing this... you forget some have benches and some don't.
        i'd love haz and sanchez to be rested

  15. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    according to ben dinnery hazard is having a late fitness test

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      According to Ben Dover he IS fit

    2. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      and will be rested anyway...

      1. For Fuchs Sake
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        He can watch all the games with Sanchez then 🙂

  16. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    hmm hate my defence after this week

    hutton chambers clyne naylor azpi 😕 😕

    how am i gonna sort this mess out............feels like i need city

    1. Timtastic03
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Looks perfectly fine. Would only switch if you had no other worries

      1. Timtastic03
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        I am biased though, currently have Hutton Wisdom Dummett Chambers and Naughton. Any other 5 names would seem incredible from where I'm stood

        1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 12 months ago

          pool have great fixtures but rogers cant coach defence to save his life

          1. Timtastic03
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 12 months ago

            I know, thinking of getting Kolo. Either him or a Sunderland player I'd wanna get rid of this time next week

  17. Super Frank
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Guzan
    Baines, Chambers, Clichy, Naylor
    Sanchez, Fabregas, Silva, Eriksen
    Costa, Bony

    Elliot - Austin, Downing, Hutton

    G2G? (1 FT, 0.9 ITB)
    Who to captain?
    Thoughts on the bench order?

  18. The Nuttmxn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Finished after interruption listening to the scoutcast and the more I hear Mark talk about Costa, he more I want him gone rather than my original plan of save my FT.

    1. Podge
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      But he's DUE 🙂

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        A yellow card

      2. Timtastic03
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        This 😀

  19. For Fuchs Sake
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Pick a captain:

    Yaya
    Hazard
    Costa

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Yaya. The guaranteed starter

    2. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Hazard.

    3. Johnny 8
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Yaya out of those

    4. For Fuchs Sake
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Hazard C and Yaya VC then?

      1. Johnny 8
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        Unless Haz gets a 1 point cameo!

  20. Stupendous
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Anyone else not have A SINGLE SCOUTPICK like me?

    Think this is a first. I should worry right??

    1. Podge
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      😯 How do you not have Debuchy 😉

    2. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      its prob a good thing
      most of those picks seem like they should've been last weeks picks
      panti, zaba, debuchy, caz, silva, giroud

      1. Stupendous
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        Yea some odd ones!

  21. DÏLKS
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Alright lads, already got Toure, but.... Hazard and Jagielka --> Silva and Zabaleta?

    Already got value on Hazard by £0.3?

    1. Top 210 Club
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Why ditch Hazard? He has promised to play on boxing day...

      1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        um...no

          1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 12 months ago

            ok, you read the headline, i'll read the story...

            "I'll be able to play on Boxing Day."....

            1. Top 210 Club
              • 15 Years
              10 years, 12 months ago

              uh huh

              1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                10 years, 12 months ago

                promise? able to = will defo play???

                1. Top 210 Club
                  • 15 Years
                  10 years, 12 months ago

                  You stay in your top 28k m8, let the rest of us worry about top 10k ye

                  1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 14 Years
                    10 years, 12 months ago

                    o-k, well done. you are an heroic individual....

                    1. Top 210 Club
                      • 15 Years
                      10 years, 12 months ago

                      hubris

                  2. Malcolm Tucker for England …
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 14 Years
                    10 years, 12 months ago

                    and you're 16k you donut...

                    1. Top 210 Club
                      • 15 Years
                      10 years, 12 months ago

                      Not after Hazard (c) this week 😛
                      hehe

                      1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        10 years, 12 months ago

                        we'll see if I can pull back that 16pts with sanchez (c) and ADM (vc)... both to be rested too...... 😉

                      2. Top 210 Club
                        • 15 Years
                        10 years, 12 months ago

                        Good luck m8. Hope we both do well.

                      3. Malcolm Tucker for England …
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        10 years, 12 months ago

                        you too fella. merry xmas 😀

                      4. Top 210 Club
                        • 15 Years
                        10 years, 12 months ago

                        merry xmas 😀

      2. DÏLKS
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        Got 2 FT, so sort of fixing it, want Zabaleta!

  22. martyhan
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    which of these would you do? I've Loris and myhill in goal

    A loris to Hart

    Or

    B myhill to pantilimon

    Have 0.5m in bank

  23. Pass the dutch
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Finally time to kick out Manquilo...too late i know.....a good 4.7 option?

    Cheers!

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Kolo?!
      Hutton

      1. Pass the dutch
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        Will Kolo play with Lovren coming back?

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Vergini, got bonus point against Newcastle + next 2 fixtures are good

    3. QPR expects... glory!
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Ward
      Bavies
      Vergini

  24. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    G2G?

    Forster
    O'Shea Naylor Azpil
    Sanchez (c) Hazard Eriksen Downing
    Austin Costa RVP

    SUBS: Schmeichel, Boyd, Hutton, Yun

    1. Top 210 Club
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Sanchez likely not to play, check scout picks... Make sure you play someone who is guaranteed to start and pray Sanchez doesn't come on for a 1 pointer.

  25. Rats Ass
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Hazard too much of a risk to hang on to? Mourinho looking for a reason to rest players, he's gonna take the chance to give Hazard another few days' rest to make sure. Surely.

    1. Top 210 Club
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      nope hazard has promised to play on boxing day...

      1. Rats Ass
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        Don't think it's his decision.

          1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 12 months ago

            read the story and find the promise....
            he'll be fit, but mou has said players will be rested

            1. Top 210 Club
              • 15 Years
              10 years, 12 months ago

              Hazard was rested the other day in the in champs league or cup. If he gets a rest it will be on Sunday. Mourinho won't rest him at home...

              1. GreenWindmill
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                10 years, 12 months ago

                Hazard hasn't missed a game for a while actually...

                1. Top 210 Club
                  • 15 Years
                  10 years, 12 months ago

                  He wasn't in the squad vs. Sporting

                  1. GreenWindmill
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 14 Years
                    10 years, 12 months ago

                    After which Mourinho said nobody would play all the next 6. Hazard has played 3 in a row so is likely to miss one of the next games.

                    1. Top 210 Club
                      • 15 Years
                      10 years, 12 months ago

                      Definitely, but Mourinho will want him for 2 out of the 3, so if he is fit, I feel that he is more likely to miss Sundays game as West Ham a tougher game and Hazard on great home form.Could be wrong, lets see.

                      1. GreenWindmill
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        10 years, 12 months ago

                        I hope you're right, I'm toying with Hazard (c) myself 🙂

                      2. Top 210 Club
                        • 15 Years
                        10 years, 12 months ago

                        Hehe, either way I'm going him (c) and choosing an odds on starter for (vc). Good luck and merry xmas =D

                      3. Rats Ass
                        • 15 Years
                        10 years, 12 months ago

                        If Mourinho were looking at an ideal scenario he might have rested him in another game. But given Hazard's knock, he's more likely to take the opportunity to rest him now.

                        That's what I'm saying. Mourinho will adapt and it's better man management as he has a reason to rest the player. Which is important as anyone who's ever managed anyone knows.

          2. Rats Ass
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 12 months ago

            So he hasn't promised to play, he says he thinks he'll be fit. Still think Maureen will take chance to rest him. Just good management.

            1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 12 months ago

              ^ this

  26. reeceon
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Who to play (in order of preference)

    A) Austin
    B) Downing
    C) Sakho

    1. For Fuchs Sake
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      As you have them

  27. akamal84
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    guyz anyone benching austin against arsenal after rednap reviled rotation plans?

    1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      redknapp should be reviled, it's true

  28. Sol
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Merry Christmas

    Good 2 go ?

    Fanianski
    Baines O'shea Hutton (Wisdom Yun)
    Yaya (VC) Sanchez(C) Hazard Siggy
    Austin RVP Bony

    thanx