Podcast

The ScoutCast – Episode 214 – Smugface

Four middle-aged Fantasy Football managers (just go with it, Andy) and four Romelu Lukaku owners. Four very smug faces.

We try to hide it, we really do, but Romelu’s haul was so sweet, one or two gloating moments may have sneaked into this latest 120-minute episode.

You have been warned.

Our Gameweek’s were even good enough to nudge Granville into making a welcome return, although he was sure to stress that his 81 points had very little to do with the re-appearance.

He joined Jonty, a youthful Andy and myself for the usual grappling session with your community questions.

We contemplate the big hitters to sell and the cheap options to buy, while lamenting Sergio Aguero’s demise and giving Claudio Ranieri our own vote of shaky confidence.

This episode of the ScoutCast was first beamed live via our YouTube channel on Wednesday night. Be sure to subscribe to get notice of future live episodes.

If you’re a traditional type, you can acquire the mp3 audio version via this link or the first player below, or take in the full visual experience via the second player below.

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

932 Comments Post a Comment
  1. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    I’m in a real quandary about my captain AGAIN this week. Used to be so much easier when you could just plonk it on Aguero every week.

    Last week I had it on Lukaku all week and on the Friday changed to Alli.

    This week I’ve had it on Sanchez all week and now everyone is trying to persuade me to put it on Siggy!

    Sticking to my guns this time.

    1. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Best not to come in here until deadline had passed

    2. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Stick with him. He's been the most consistent player in the past few weeks.

      I think if he starts up front he has a very good chance of a monster haul this week.

      1. Mini Mane Mo
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Not with Munich looming next week

        1. Holmes
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          They will lose that game anyway, so better to play safe and take 3pts against Hull 😛

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Go with instinct mate. One thing I learned is that there are more regrets when you go against it and it fails.

      Both good options. I think ibrah the best pick this week

    4. Pauntley
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I keep switching between Sanchez and Siggy - currently on Siggy - it's a must win fixture between 2 teams that can't defend - hopefully will be a goal fest. Form and recent games suggest Hull will frustrate Sanchez

      1. tm370
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Arsenal could knock 4 past Hull - it is a distinct possibility, and they pose a different threat to a United team who create little at home, and to an out of sorts Liverpool away from home. Sanchez is the better option, and is by far the best scoring on FPL for a reason.

        He wont be taken off unless Arsenal are at least 3 up, and if they are, then Sanchez is pretty certain to have been at the centre of things.

  2. BENOIT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    So is James Morrison going to play or not?

    I didn’t really understand the Pulis comments just now…

    1. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I think there's more of a chance that Chadli drops out.

      Morrison is in fine form

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Pulis doesn't give a lot away . Morrison is on fire.

  3. Big Hippo
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Great podcast this week!

  4. ROOTY7
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    2 of my players are at home this week, and they are facing Chelsea and Spurs 🙁

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Who are they?

      1. ROOTY7
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Heaton and Mane. Yes, i have Mane.

        1. Dreams
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          It's alright. Heaton is a FPL legend. Mane should do well at Anfield. No need to worry.

          1. ROOTY7
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Hope you're right! Its probably not the right thing to do, but as a Liverpool fan i feel compelled to have at least one red in my team.

            1. Dreams
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              I am also a Liverpool fan. But I don't have any ATM. Will get Coutinho soon.

              1. ROOTY7
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Was great at the start of the season (owned Firmino in his good spell), but i think it has cost me points over the last 10-15GWs.

                1. Dreams
                  • 7 Years
                  7 years, 9 months ago

                  Yeah. Klopp should have got a stronger bench and another good defender. At the moment, our defense is a joke.

    2. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Only 2? 😳

  5. goriuanx
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    So who's capping Jesus?

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Not me. I am a siggy supporter.

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      If I had him I would 100%

      1. Chris_White
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        dis.

        1. goriuanx
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Did you get him?

          1. Chris_White
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            No, got Alonso instead. Regretting it tbh.

    3. liiusions
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      If I had him I would. But I suppose that's easy to say about someone you don't have

      1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        He's going to do some damage though. The blanks are annoying

    4. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Moses?

    5. ROOTY7
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Probably Lukaku

    6. Konig Luther
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      not me. Siggy or Ibra.

    7. Jarnathan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      O/

    8. Pazdannavaro
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I am. Took a gamble last to bring him instead of Lukaku, so he is my captain again (over Siggy, Ibra and Sanchez). Need to chase those Lukaku points from last week, but despite 2 blanks bou, sun and liv defences are rather leaky so hoping for the best 🙂

  6. Darbs
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    A) Funes Mori, Mkhitaryan, Carroll
    B) Valencia, Snodgrass, Defoe

    If it wasn't for Carroll's injury doubts I'd 100% be on A, but...

    Ta!

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Southgate going to watch Carrol this weekend on talk sport. He be dying to play and perform

    3. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B is better in any case

  7. Darbs
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Reckon there's any danger of Robles losing his place any time soon?

    1. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Nope

  8. liiusions
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    G2G this week?

    Mannone
    Brunt Alonso Baines
    Sanchez(c) Hazard Siggy Eriksen Phillips
    Ibra Lukaku
    (Jak, Barnes, Naughton, Amat)
    1.5ITB 0FT

    Heart says Siggy(c), head says Sanchez(c)

    1. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      G2G...

  9. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone got stats on players who have done well against Leicester in the past 4-6 Premiership games?

    1. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Try to check yourself and let me know 😛

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        No

    2. The Wise Owl
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Ibra, Mkhitaryan, Mata, Vokes, Rodrigues, Tadic, James Ward-Prowse, Alonsox2 and Pedro.

  10. The Wise Owl
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Iwobi and Mkhitaryan on the rise, do they not know of the blanks?!

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      How is iwobi on the rise?

      1. The Wise Owl
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Sitting at 96.3 on FPLStats

    2. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Last week's points matters, doesnt matter if they blank 😉

  11. VirusintheMind
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Best replacement of Rose*?
    I have Alonso/Friend*/McAuley/Rose*/ASmith as my current defenders. Out of which Rose adn Friend are RED and ASmith is not sure...
    As per my understanding i need an EVE DEF...So who will it be?

    1. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Coleman

      1. VirusintheMind
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        what about funes mori...can get snoddy in for stanislas with the rest of the amount?

    2. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Baines

    3. ROOTY7
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Coleman

  12. denial
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    RE: captaining Siggy

    Anyone just a teeny bit concerned Leicester might have found some semblance of form in the cup?

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Nope. Ranieri made 8/9 changes to the team which was thrashed by united.

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        I think that is what he meant. Keeping similar team played vs Derby

        1. Dreams
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          The opponents are not Derby. So I am not worried.

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            But this is more about Raineri making changes to get points. He is playing same team week in week out, with 1 or 2 changes, they are in relegation zone almost.

            Players like drinkwater Morgan, Vardy are shadow of themselves. Maybe it's finally time to drop them

            1. Dreams
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Maybe. But I don't think the replacement players are that good either.

    2. ROOTY7
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      They still conceded, i wouldnt be worried if i owned him. (I dont sadly!)

    3. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I doubt Ranieri is playing the reserves again, so no.

    4. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      No. I don't think they have a plan B and teams have found out how to not give vardy space when the long ball comes over top. I do seriously feel they could go down. I'm expecting it

    5. pompeyfan
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      it was also a 2nd string Derby team, which they struggled to break down by the way.

  13. von mistelboom
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    WHO would you bench:
    A - Zaha
    B - Phillips

    1. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A

  14. Chris_White
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Early GW26 dilemma...

    A) Bench Zlatan and play Chambers(cpl)

    B) Zlatan -> Costa/Kane and bench Chambers

    C) Sanchez -> Hazard and bench Chambers

    Leaning towards A or C, as I'd like Zlatan for the 27 captaincy...

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      A

      1. Chris_White
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers bud

    2. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      C if Arsenal Blank in 28

      1. Chris_White
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        90% chance that both Chelsea and Arsenal will blank in 28 so...

        1. Phil Dagger ⭐
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          just to make Sure 😉
          C

  15. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Best defender for 4.4 or less (not Nyom)?

    1. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Maguire

    2. ROOTY7
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Maguire

    3. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Maguire/Robertson

    4. The Mighty Whites
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Got Jakupovic as wellI forgot to mention, worth doubling up on Hull?

      1. The Wise Owl
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Hull don't blank...

      2. ILOVEBAPS
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Mawson

    5. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Maguire

  16. Kane-harry Island
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Grant
    Baines Walker Azpi McAuley
    Sanchez(c) Eriksen Alli
    Crouch Jesus Lukaku
    Bench: Heaton Pedro Phillips Chamber

    Any line up changes or g2g?

  17. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    A) Phil Jones ➡ Funes Mori FT

    B) Save FT and play McAuley

    1. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

    2. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      B

  18. Big Hippo
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Heaton (CHE) or Foster (whu)? On Heat atm...

    1. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Foster. Burnley without Marney and Hendrick = fragile.

    2. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Heaton

    3. Darbs
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Both likely to concede, but better prospect of save points from Heaton.

    4. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Foster

  19. GreenWindmill
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    I love saving a FT 🙂

    1. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      I love hitting it

  20. ROOTY7
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Who are you captaining this GW? (I know theres a poll just curious to see who everyone has gone for)

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Siggy

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

      I'm on Ibrahimovic. Not particularly confident but I rarely am.

    3. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Farewell captaincy for Sanchez

    4. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Ibra

    5. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Ibra or one of Coleman/Baines

    6. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Costa

    7. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Ibrah

      Reckon gru will start vs hull . If I knew sanchez was up top for sure I'd go him.

    8. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Currently on Ibra, but less confident after YMA's article, and the usual pundits predicting a low scoring game. Might switch to Siggy, Sanchez, or even Lukaku. So much wish I had GJesus !

    9. Deus
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Ibra feels safe

  21. Darbs
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Jonny Evans will be nailed in the XI, yes? Or go for Nyom instead?

    1. Holmes
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Will be nailed but gets injured again and again, so go for Nyom

    2. Bubz
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Have you got Brunt already?

    3. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Go Nyom. He'll probably get injured warming up

  22. von mistelboom
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    If you HAD to play 2:
    A) Clyne
    B) Cedric
    C) Kone
    D) Holgate

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      C D

  23. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 9 months ago

    Afternoon ladies.

    1. goriuanx
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Hello.

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Is it tea you're looking for?

    2. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      'Ello, sweetheart.

    3. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Lovely. 3 of the old school. How's the season shaping up? I'm at 200k (on the back of 2 greenies) without Lukaku.

      And currently have my armband on a certain Armenian.

      1. goriuanx
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        I'm around 300k, really struggling. Should be on top of you in the conts soon though 😉

        1. Lateriser 12
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Good luck. 🙂

      2. Chris_White
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        I'm around the same. Just playing the game for fun now, stopped taking it seriously after the 14/15 season because of work and familiar reasons.

        Another week, another captaincy punt - tempted by Alonso!

        1. Lateriser 12
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Fancy punt. I quite like it. Would have preferred if Che were home.

    4. Still Unsure
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Morning!

    5. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Can't find the city presser time anywhere? Is pep being a moron about that too

    6. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      What website can i find my captaincy scores this season?

      1. Dreams
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Fplstastico

      2. Holmes
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Something like this https://anewpla.net

        1. Holmes
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          To be precise https://anewpla.net/fpl/report/index.php

      3. Konig Luther
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        the one in captain stickied post

      4. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks lovelies 🙂

    7. Shack
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Tough one, some advise greatly appreciated!
      A: Amat to Funes Mori for a FT
      B: Amat & Gray to Coleman & Niasse for a hit
      I know Niasse is a risk but will play him in both 26 (BUR) & 28 (SWA), so could pay off. Cheers!!

      1. Holmes
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        B sounds exciting

    8. razmo
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Team currently as below and have 1FT.

      Cech (Pickford)

      Nyom FunesMori PVA (Daniels Amat)
      Sterling Ozil Sanchez Hazard Philips
      Defoe Lukaku (Rondon)

      Do I:

      A) Do nothing
      B) change GK as both are doubts
      C) Something else.

      1. Rex Adam
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Save then use 2 to navigate the blanks coming up next week

    9. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      304 captain points. My god that's awful.

      1. Dreams
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        I would take that score anyday. 236 here.

        1. Lateriser 12
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          Dang. Still not late to start firing. How's the season shaping up lad?

          1. Dreams
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            Terrible. It's my first season. Still trying to adjust to it. Somewhere around 1.1 m OR.

            1. Lateriser 12
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 9 months ago

              Make the jump soon enough.

              1. Dreams
                • 7 Years
                7 years, 9 months ago

                Hope so. Thanks.

    10. slamdunk
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 9 months ago

      Ok so this might be a stupid question but...if i play 4-4-2 and one of my defenders is Jones and he does not play and i have Stanislas as my first sub and he does play will he come in for Jones and turn it to a 3-5-2?

      Many thanks guys

      1. Holmes
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Yep, Stan ON Jones OFF

      2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Yer. So long as you can got 3 defenders

      3. pompeyfan
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        yes

        1. slamdunk
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 9 months ago

          nice one thankyou,suppose that works the other way round to?

          1. pompeyfan
            • 15 Years
            7 years, 9 months ago

            it does indeed. Just so long as you have a minimum or 3 defenders, 2 midfielders, 1 striker.

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

      Mirallas to Snodgrass or save?

      1. Dreams
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Save

      2. Darbs
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 9 months ago

        Save.