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. 

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.

This week’s ScoutCast is a throwback – a return to the days when Granville moaned about his team of red flags and names like Robin van Persie and Yaya Toure dominated our thinking.

Granville and I slip into such subject matter like they’re a pair of old slippers, whilst assessing the Aguero fall-out, the Dzeko option, Ivanovic versus “Dave” Azpi and how I base my Fantasy Football management style on Roy Hodgson.

We roll out the regulars and lament the demise of the ScoutCast team – eliminated in the opening round of our own cup competition. Some things never change.