Podcast
24 December 2014 2679 comments
Mark Mark
Share:

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. bring back diop
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    bony or van persie
    sterling or silva

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

      Bony silva

      1. bring back diop
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        thank you

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

    anyone want tekkers after this week...... tempted

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

      Very tempted I am.

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

      good pick for weeks 19-20
      possibly better than Costa

    3. Lallana_
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Costa>Giroud this week (Done)

      Doing Giroud>Benteke or playing Sakho the next and keeping my FT

    4. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Yes, I am saving my FT this week so that I have 2 FTs to free up enough cash to allow me to swap Sakho out

      Right now I'll be doing Baines to Cahill, but Lloris to Panti/Guzan is also an option

    5. Randy_Marsh
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Yes the best striker on good fixtures along with Austin

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

      Costa and bony do benteke and austin next week for me

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

    right, kids in bed so time for santa to sort the presents..

    night all, have a healthy and merry xmas

    1. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Have a good one

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

      you too malcom

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

    Repost

    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

    1. Pie-o-My
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      If you go with an expensive keeper I'd personally play him every game and get 4.0. On that basis, hart and keep Myhill.

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

      A

  5. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Yaya or Silva

    Cazorla or Giroud

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

      Silva for long term and santi

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

      Silva and Giroud

    3. Randy_Marsh
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Yaya & Giroud

  6. Liastro ⭐️
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    2FTs, 0.1m in the bank... Any ideas with the 2FTs? No idea this week.....

    Pantilimon - Hamer

    Baines - Clichy - Hutton - Wisdom - Yun

    Sanchez - Yaya Toure - Hazard - Sigurdsson - Boyd

    Costa - Bony - Sakho

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Do you ever have an idea?

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

      Did Costa & Siggy to Fab & Giroud earlier this week, still not regretting it........yet.

  7. CTID_
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    So who is everyone captaining? I'm going for YAYA insted of Sanchez,Costa or rooney

  8. laGan1n1
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Haz > Di Mafia for free, also have Oscar

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

      no

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

      No

      1. laGan1n1
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        ok, why ?

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

          Hazard will prob play, in great form. Di Maria won't be matchfit if he plays.

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

      God no

      1. laGan1n1
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        tnx guys, but i will probably get in ADM

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

          I'd love that too but not for Haz and not before i see him getting close to 90min without injury.....

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

          Good luck

  9. Lyonnais
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Hart / Elliot
    Baines, Azpilicueta, Hutton / Wisdom, Yun
    Sanchez, Yaya, Hazard, Sigurdsson / Downing
    Costa, Austin, Kane

    1 FT, 0.1 ITB

    A Save FT
    B Costa ---> Giroud (C)
    C Costa + Yun ---> Giroud (C) + Zabaleta -4

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

      I like B. Gives you a great captaincy option as well as funds to shift Yun after Boxing Day.

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

        I would mainly do it because of the captaincy option. Don't know who i should captain out of my current squad. Sanchez and Haz both are big rotation risks.

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

          I'd captain Yaya out of that lot. Again, I would do B though.

  10. SweeSwee
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Still no news on Hazard?

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

      Negative
      Prob won't get anything else, Mourinho won't give anything away Pikachu

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

      too late now mate, won't hear anything unti the deadline

    3. Kshitiz Basnet
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Hazard of back with the grope if the news is correct...
      http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2014/12/chelsea-tv-headlines--hazard-back-with-group.html

      1. Kshitiz Basnet
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        I mean *group

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

    think ill hit the hay too...........travellin long distances tomorrow

    think ill sneak to the toilet during xmas lunch and alter my team 🙂

    merry xmas all, have a goodun

  12. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    If you had to free up 1.0 which of these moves would you do (after Boxing Day)

    a) Lloris to a 4,7 or less keeper

    b) Baines JT/Cahill/Azpi

    c) Yaya to Silva

    d) Sanchez to Cazorla

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

      Loris to panti

  13. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Merry Xmas all 🙂

    Any ideas on this lot?

    Elliot Pantilimon
    Yun Duff Baines Clyne Chester
    Hazard Yaya Sánchez Albrighton Sigurdsson
    Costa Austin Bony

    Decent 3rd defender & Albrighton are main issues without changing core players.

    Worth getting Boyd & Hutton in for Chester & Albrighton or something else?

    Xmas cheers in advance.

    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      I think Albrighton should be your priority, along with Yun

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

        This. Boyd on the tightrope is a little worrisome though.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 12 months ago

          Grrrr. Should have sorted Albrighton ages ago.

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

            Indeed. Not envious of your position given the limited funds in the bank you've got. Might make most sense and bang for your buck to free up funds by selling Costa and getting someone of actual quality in for Albrighton and then do Yun next week with the free transfer.

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

      Any FTs, ITB?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        Oops 2 FTs, 0.1 iTB

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

          Yup, hose 2 sound like your best option

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            10 years, 12 months ago

            Still stuck with Yun and Duff lol.

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

              Either that or you gamble on downgrading someone? Yaya will be off in 3 - could try to make it work until then

              1. TorresMagic™
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 16 Years
                10 years, 12 months ago

                Somehow I think a hit could be better overall. Cheers.

    3. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Sound like good moves

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

      Duff > O'Shea/Brown if you can afford

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        Can't afford 🙁
        Tbh not sure i'd want SUn def with Pants.

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

      Anything in the bank TM? You're stuck between a rock and a hard place with Yun and Duff both out injured and worth naff all

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

      I'd definitely do the transfers you wrote

    7. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      How much itb?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        0.1, 2fts

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

          Ouch. Suggest you remove the concrete shoes (Baines) before jumping into the water with a Citeh defender and upgrading other areas

      2. Fantasy Gold
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        Just seen post above. The moves you suggested are sound transfers.

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

      Merry Xmas TM

    9. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Cheers all. Maybe a hit elsewhere would sort Duff/Yun instead.

    10. A.T
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Only use one transfer

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

    It's Christmas. Surely Lukaku will hand out presents to his owners this week? Last week he trolled us with coal 🙁

  15. melvinmbabazi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Do Foster -> Panti for - 4?
    Yay or Nay

    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      NAY

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

      Nay.

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

      Never take a hit on a keeper unless they won't play

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

    Do families in England open presents on the morning of the 25th or at midnight of the 24th?

    In the states its the former, while in South America its normally the ladder

    Just curious.

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

      *latter

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

      The former

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

      Depends if you have young kids or not

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

      Here in Sweden christmas is a done deal, it is the 24th that matters.

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        +1

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

        Good to know thx

    5. Randy_Marsh
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      On the morning in Ireland

  17. AH 🙂
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Who do I captain and vice ?

    Guzan,
    Azpi, Zabaleta, Baines,
    Siggy, Sanchez, Hazard, Downing,
    Bony, Rooney, Austin

    Subs : Krul-Naylor-Dummet-Cattermole

    1FT and 0.7ITB

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

      Captain Bony Vice Sanchez

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

      Bony(c) , Rooney(vc)

    3. DrunkPhilosophy
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Rooney to Falcao with ur FT? I might do the same move.

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

        Save transfers, they are very precious this time of year!

  18. melvinmbabazi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Merry Christmas to you all!! 🙂

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

      Merry Christmas!

  19. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Pick one to swap in for Siggy for a free transfer

    A) Silva
    B) Cazorla
    C) Eriksen
    D) None, keep Siggy

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

      D

    2. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      D

      Fit, rested and playing Villa.

      People are far too impatient

      I've had Siggy from the off, unless he's out long term no way I'll be selling

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

      D

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

      Keep for this week DV8R
      A rest might have done him mighty good
      I don't have him but I'm scared of what he will do on Fri

    5. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      D.

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

      D

  20. bring back diop
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    giroud or bony

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

      Damnd
      Giroud if you have Siggy

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

      Giroud. Don't fancy bringing in Bony with him leaving so soon.

      1. bring back diop
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        good point forgot about that

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

    not sure how it's possible,but sanchez with the estimated 5.82 in RMT tool is prefered captain over costa who's estimation is 6.03.
    good buy world.

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

      Nailed on

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

        sanchez more nailed than costa? in what world is that the fact?

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

          Sorry misread, time for bed me thinks

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

            it's cool buddy.
            have a good night's rest.

  22. DrunkPhilosophy
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Worth keeping Rooney one more week after what LVG said today?
    I want to switch him to Falcao, but I also feel 2 FT for sunday will be ideal.

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

      What did he say?

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

        That he doesn't mind playing Rooney in midfield, and he was basically praising how he had played in that position which is worrying, I dont want to end up with a 10.5 forward playing as a defensive midfielder!

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

          I saw that...thought you were referring to something else...so what in that makes you want to keep Rooney? That screams red flag to me. I am planning on getting rid this week.

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

            I want to drop him as well, but with Di Maria back, Mata could be dropped and Rooney moves back behind RVP and Falcao? that would be much better.

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

              Fellaini is still out...can't see Rooney switching position for the Newcastle game. Either way it is too much of a worry given his price tag. Gotta get rid.

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

      save

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

        No - get rid - get someone in that you would probably get in as part of your 2FT on Sunday.

    3. S.Kuqi
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      I would drop him. Might even do it for a hit.

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

    Think I'm ready to go https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/45786544/Screen%20Shot%202014-12-24%20at%2022.00.01.png
    Got Downing coming in if Hazard doesn't play. Too much of a lottery to take a -4 hit this week, could get a big hitter in only to be rested.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Posting your team beats a screenshot every day.
      Looks solid though.

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

        Ah really, thought it would be the other way. I guess it means you don't have to open a new window. Thanks for the advice and a Merry Christmas to you!

  24. S.Kuqi
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Hazard or Sanchez as a captain?

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

      Sanchez

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 12 months ago

        Currently leaning towards that way despite this forum seems to think him being rested.

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

      Hazard

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

      Alexis

  25. Norco
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Play Cresswell or Hutton?

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

      Hutton

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

        Hutton

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

        Thanks lads

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

    Interesting C poll this week on the home page...I'm not sure the wider world will se it that way

    Hazard's injury will surely put the vast majority off C Hazard...and last weeks poor show may dent Sanchez a bit.

    Giroud inwards has been a very popular transfer this week with Costa > Giroud, Rooney > Giroud and Lukaku > Giroud being very high in the transfer activity table...It'd be nice to know how many of those intend to C him...quite a lot I would have thought.

    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      If I had Giroud or RvP I would (c) them

      I am on Sanchez (c) Rooney (vc)

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

        I have RVP but I'd go with Giroud over him...sadly...

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

      Wouldn't make much sense to not captain Giroud if one had him for this gameweek I don't think.

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

        He's looking like the stand out certain starter along with Bony...Hazard and co may well better them on a more reliable week but it all seems very risky for some picks.

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

          Agree. I will be captaining Bony myself as I do not fancy doubling on Arsenal attack and bringing Giroud in.

    3. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      I reckon Sanchez will be the most captained player by active players

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

        Do you think so...Of those with both Giroud and Sanchez who do you think they would go for this week MJ ?

        1. MJ6987
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 12 months ago

          Maybe 50/50 although far more people have Sanchez than Giroud

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

            yeah..you might be right at that.

  27. AH 🙂
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Rooney to Falcao a waste

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

      😎

  28. JAC THE CAT
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    My front 3 are

    Costa, Rooney, Austin

    Pick one to ship out

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

      Keep them

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

      Rooney.

    3. Oz lotto
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      fatboy

    4. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      If you forced me to choose

      Costa, no way am I selling Austin

    5. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 12 months ago

      Keep them all.

  29. melvinmbabazi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    Need some help on who to start?

    ADM-Fab-Silva-Eriksen-Siggy
    Costa-Bony-Kane

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

      bench sig of those mate I reckon

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

        Thanks

  30. Fantasy Gold
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 12 months ago

    I'm really shocked Yaya isn't near the top of the captain poll this week?

    Am I missing something?

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

      Only the hysteria about who rests when