Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 146 – Closer

Granville and I get cosy on a two-seater sofa – within touching distance – just how he likes it.

In truth, my-host is getting too close for comfort: the mini-league gap is down to just 42 points, with Granville relentlessly chiping away at my previously unassailable lead.

We review Gameweek 16’s events, including my oh-so bitter Dzeko pill, before discussing De Gea’s uncanny form, the demise of Leighton Baines and my latest set-to with Jonty: are there better options than Diego Costa up top?

The regulars wrap themselves around that lot, while Granville, thankfully, keeps his hands to himself.

Snuggle up to the noise via this link or get up close and personal via the player below…

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

3,941 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Trashpanda
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    excellent.

  2. Zasa
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Yes

  3. Les Bleus
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Clyne/Bertrand out?

  4. ADucksBehind
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Best mid for this week only for under 6.1m?

    Thinking Sissoko

    1. LOCO ABREU
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      milner/lampard maybe

    2. timski8000
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      If you don't mind the gamble of a start, lampard all day long for me.

    3. Puyol Pants Up
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I agree.

  5. RubeRx
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    SAN(C)HEZ!

    1. Puyol Pants Up
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      this.

    2. TheInsideMan
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      (C)osta!

    3. timski8000
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Car(r)oll!

      1. Big Sum
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        (C)resswell

    4. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      RvP

      1. Doar1986
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        (C) RVP

        1. Mavric Marco
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          😎

    5. Ziegler1988
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      (C)harlie Austin

  6. Ludo
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    *hums Scoutcast music*

  7. Mohit20
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Why did azpi not play Last gw

    1. Les Bleus
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Rested.

    2. MJ6987
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      In truth, we don't know yet

  8. Puyol Pants Up
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Am I right saying that benching Siggy away at Hull is like benching Downing at home to Leicester?

    1. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Feeling the same.

      Hull are on a horrendous run of form.

    2. TeamSteam
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      No. Swans are very poor on the road, West Ham are good at home. Probably still would play Siggy anyway though.

      1. Puyol Pants Up
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        But Downing is poor at home, Siggy is poor away. Both playing arguably the worst teams in the league at the moment.

        1. TeamSteam
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          He has 4 assists at home. I still think theres more value in Downing this week over Siggy. That said, im probably gonna end up playing both, so..

          1. Puyol Pants Up
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Siggy has 1 goal and 1 assist away. I guess that even's it up 😉

            1. Granville
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 11 months ago

              Downing's poor scores at home is more of an anomaly as West Ham are good at home. Swansea and hence Siggy, are both poor away. The numbers don't lie.

              1. TeamSteam
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 11 months ago

                This. Downing could have easily have had much bigger returns, his numbers are actually great at home. Siggy/Swansea do very little away from home. Btw Granville, when are you going to correct Mark on his Azpilicueta pronunciation?

              2. Puyol Pants Up
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 11 months ago

                I guess you could say that. But Swansea have scored 9 goals away this season. With Siggy picking up a goal and a assist. At home, Swansea have scored 14 goals with Siggy picking up 1 goal and 7 assists. Swansea have been poor away, but Siggy has also been unlucky away.

                1. TeamSteam
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 11 months ago

                  Meh. Siggy`s stats away from home arent good. Downings at home are. Choose your own fate.

  9. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Link to Mods and Contributors league please.

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers.

      2. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Damn tough going this season.

  10. AriseSirGiggsy
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Green (McCarthy)
    Baines Yun Dummett (Saylor, Chambers)

    1.6 ITB, 1FT

    A: Chambers > Zabaleta

    B: Green > Hart

    ?

    1. LOCO ABREU
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      a

  11. MJ6987
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone want some FPL advice from a legend?

    1. MJ6987
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      If so, Evs will hopefully be along later.

      1. timski8000
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I checked his end of season ranks last time he was on, jeez he's ridiculously good.

        1. MJ6987
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Yep

    2. Puyol Pants Up
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Not really, no.

      1. MJ6987
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Glad you're sorted

    3. Gimli son of Gloin
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      how do i activate my wildcard m8/

      1. MJ6987
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I don't mean administrative advice!

    4. David Brains - OH NO!
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Who do I captain this week?

      1. MJ6987
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        No idea, the captaincy is a lottery this week.

        1. David Brains - OH NO!
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Who do I transfer in this week?

          1. MJ6987
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Eriksen

            1. David Brains - OH NO!
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 11 months ago

              What gameweek should I play the jan wildcard?

  12. David Brains - OH NO!
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Oscar to:
    A) Eriksen
    B) Nasri
    C) save FT

    I have yaya and haz if that makes a difference - thanks

    1. LOCO ABREU
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      a

      1. LOCO ABREU
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        or c

        1. David Brains - OH NO!
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Or b?!

          1. LOCO ABREU
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            nah

  13. ImTheDude
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    How much longer will Bartley start for swans?

    1. ImTheDude
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Good talk.

  14. Puyol Pants Up
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Who was the worst Bandwagon of the season? I can't decided between Moreno/Bojan

    1. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Dzeko last week if that qualifies

    2. David Brains - OH NO!
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Dzeko was a good one not too long ago

    3. timski8000
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Dzeko wasn't an amazing feeling last week.

      1. TeamSteam
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I can relate. Sadface.

    4. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Young too.

      1. Puyol Pants Up
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Oh yeah.

      2. David Brains - OH NO!
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Damn - I'd forgotten about young 🙁

    5. NIGHTHIKER - I Kane, I Shaw…
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Arnautovic and Siem de Jong were pretty poor pre-season choices.

    6. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Ruling out Balotelli?

      1. President John F. Keninnsie
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I got him in and captained him against Villa while Costa got a hatty against Swansea and everyone got 34 points... 😆

        😥

      2. Puyol Pants Up
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I can't believe people went with him...

    7. MJ6987
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      What about Albrighton?

    8. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Young

    9. Puyol Pants Up
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I never owned any of the names above. I feel proud 😀

      1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Me neither thankfully

    10. Ziegler1988
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Eric Dier

    11. Rafabio
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Bojan

  15. PaulParker
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Use 1FT or save?

    Foster (Gilks)
    Chambers - Hutton - Wisdom - Clyne - N.Taylor
    Siggy - Sanchez - Haz – Toure - Fab
    Costa - Austin - Sakho

    1. Herman Toothrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Siggy to a cheapie.

    2. TeamSteam
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Save.

    3. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Clyne to Demi or Zab if you can afford

  16. blind faith
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Right... I've just had one of them "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!" moments.

    Siggy + Dzjeko >>> Erikson + Bony

    and it was -4...

    What a fool.

    Please someone try and cheer me up and say it's really not that bad!

    1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      It's good no need to panic

      1. blind faith
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Aaah thanks. Even if it's not true. I'm thinking it's okay but not for a -4.

        1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Should repay itself in the coming weeks

          1. blind faith
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Fingers crossed. Cheers.

    2. MJ6987
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      What's wrong with it?

  17. Ser Football 42
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Good to go?

    Panti
    Cresswell, Bertrand, Ivan
    Yaya Toure(VC), Sterling, Siggy, Sanchez, Fabregas
    RVP(C), Costa

    1FT
    (Zamora, Kelly, Yun)

    Siggy to Silva?

    1. blind faith
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I've just shipped siggy out. Feel like I should have kept for just one more week!

    2. H.A.BRUCE
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Thats what i did this week hoping he plays as false 9

  18. H.A.BRUCE
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Guzan
    Azpiliqueta Saylor Baines
    Hazard Yaya Toure (c) Sanchez Silva
    Austin Costa Kane

    Went from 15000 down to 62000 advice appreciated!

    Good to go?

    1. enrico.palazzo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Members stats suggest yaya isn't a good C option

  19. Forzancfc
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    So this is my dilemma... Who the hell do I bench!! Madness to think Costa is the man to drop?

    Siggy - Sanchez - Hazard - Yaya - Fab
    Costa - Austin - Sakho

    1. Whazza
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Siggy seems to be the popular choice for first bench

    2. blind faith
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Maybe. Why are puerile getting rid of siggy this week? I don't get it.

      1. blind faith
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Puerile...

        Puerile???

        People.

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Stats minus context.

      2. Forzancfc
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Season keeper for me.

        Thinking I have to bench fab, hazard or Costa. I like 3 Chelsea, but not away from home...

      3. timski8000
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I wouldn't get rid, he starts for me- but out of those options I'd bench him.

    3. timski8000
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Has to be siggy. I think Costa is a good captain shout this week.

      Tough week to call, least surprising outcome from the options would be at least one Costa goal.

      1. Forzancfc
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah. I knew a power 5 midfield would cause me headaches!

  20. Sepp Blattered
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Everyone like to mention their rank atm and who they're thinking of captaining? I'll start.

    52k - Kane (C)

    1. H.A.BRUCE
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      62k Yaya Toure

    2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      131 Austin c

    3. Puyol Pants Up
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      5k - Sanchez (C)

    4. Le Limpar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      985 - Austin(c)

    5. enrico.palazzo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      2 k Austin/nasri/sancheZ (unsure)

    6. liberalfamilia
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      105k Austin atm, but probably Haz by weekend. i'm not that brave

    7. David Brains - OH NO!
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      20k yaya

    8. Voodoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      1K Yaya

    9. AH 🙂
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      34k - dunno

    10. Art Vandelay
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      739 Eriksen

    11. Wonderful Wizard Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      8k - Austin/Hazard

      1. GoRedz
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        89k RVP but I'm coming at you !

        1. GoRedz
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          woo that sounded bad, wanted to reply to inital post, sorry

          1. Wonderful Wizard Hazard
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            All good brotha, bring it on! Nice looking squad.

    12. tschmitt6711
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      138k - Austin (C)

    13. laGan1n1
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      20k Eriksen (c)

    14. Patty
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      200k 🙁 Eriksen

    15. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      69k, no clue.

    16. Bubz
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      9k - Austin (C) ....for the moment

    17. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      5K RvP(C)

    18. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      1.6k - yaya (c)

    19. TeamSteam
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      4,8k really leaning towards Austin.

      1. Doar1986
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        109k
        RVP

    20. Ramboo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      7k Costa (C)

    21. bluetiger
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      98, Costa or Austin

    22. Ziegler1988
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      325 - Austin(C)

    23. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      3,392,361 RVP

  21. drughi
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    love the intro music in the scoutcast 🙂 sounds like some eighties gameshow

    1. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      BullsEye!

  22. Le Limpar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Saw someone suggest Clichy would start to counter Palace's wingers. As a Lolorov owner that sounds like worryingly good sense to me.

    Am I clutching at straws to say:

    1) Bolasie is the only genuine winger, and he plays on the other side. Zaha plays pretty narrow from what I've seen (and looking at avg. position last 3 games)

    2) Clichy's 8 games in a row means he'll get a rest soon and it's likely to be at home so why not now.

    ?

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      If City countered every winger, Kolarov would never play on that basis. Its like saying we play FB's because they play wingers. Well done.

      1. Puyol Pants Up
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        This.

      2. Le Limpar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I *guess* you have a point, and it crossed my mind... But in fairness Bolasie and Zaha are Palaces biggest weapon and they are 'wingers'. And probably more threatening wide players than a lot of teams in the league. I think was the point being made.

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          So play Kolarov and then Palace will have to counter him with withdrawn wingers. We could go round in circles here.

        2. Patty
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          good point her, if they play a team that mainly operates through the middle, then kolarov will get a run

          1. Puyol Pants Up
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            But every team is likely to have some sort of pace out wide.

    2. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Yes I commented on this in the scoutcast.

  23. Ginkapo FPL
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    30th

  24. Voodoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Is Zabaleta injured?

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      no

  25. Fergiesarmy
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Guys some help need

    A) RVP and Kane/Sakho -4 hit

    Or

    B) lukaku and giroud no hit

    Many thanks

    1. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      RVP and Kane

      1. Mavric Marco
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        and capt RvP

  26. Granville
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    I think this is the perfect weekend to pick a new captain, someone you normally wouldn't captain.

    1. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Lolarov

      😯

    2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      So who you going for then Granville?

    3. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Heaton? Because I think I missed the boat on that one...

      1. Wilshere Knowledge
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Benteke.

        1. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          I'm allowed captain someone I don't own? Damn things have changed! 😀

          1. Wilshere Knowledge
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            I just bring in any striker that plays against Man United. 😉 😆

            1. Somalion
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 11 months ago

              I do something similar except I base my entire team on how soon they play Arsenal 😉

              1. Wilshere Knowledge
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 11 months ago

                Says the man with Sanchez, and no Man U players, no Liverpool, QPR OR West Ham players! Gazzumped! 😉 😆

    4. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      9 years, 11 months ago

      RVP for me i think.

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I agree with him.

        Just as well, considering my abysmal record!!! 😀

    5. Patty
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      it feels good having a captain that not many other people own/are captaining, could be some big greens and big reds this week

    6. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Zabadabadoo! Imagine he got a goal+ assist + CS + 3 baps

      1. MMN
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        2 points is more likely than 18 for Zab

    7. Puyol Pants Up
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I have a feeling the Liverpool Arsenal game will be one of the games of the season. Sanchez (C)

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

    Rooney a good (c) this week ?

    1. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Good, but not great

  28. Somalion
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Jaysis tis a bit early for me to be hammered.

    1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Change the time on your watch

      1. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Done!! Glug glug glug.

        1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Good lad

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Early? I am on me third bottle!!! 😉

      1. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Bottles have long since become a meaningless form of measurement to me 😉

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Ooo - that IS fighting talk!!! 😆

  29. preseasonblues
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Really tempted by Bony (c) but Swans have lost or drawn every away game since gw1, averaging less than a goal a game in that period

    ...doesn't bode well

    1. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Na, I wouldn't captain Bony, better options

  30. Ginkapo FPL
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    and BOOM

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Bagged bottom of the page