The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 1
Filed under: The Preamble - Posted by: Mark
I had hoped that the first pre-amble of the season would find me in fine fettle. Sadly, the pre-season appears to have taken so much out of me, I’m practically limping over the line to kick-off. The relief and joy when a ball is finally kicked at 3pm, so we can begin another season proper, will be pretty momentous. Right now, I’m just counting the hours and fighting off the sleep.
Apologies then, if this first pre-amble falls short. If perhaps I’m unable to muster a degree of humour and precision that will, hopefully, find its way into this set of words as the season progresses.
There’s a lot of talk surrounding Juan Mata and the possibility that he’ll be rested in the coming weeks. For Fantasy managers, the concern is of course, that he’ll sit out one of their three league matches in six days, including perhaps the second match in Gaameweek 1 against Reading. We put him in the Scout Picks and he’s in my team, not surprisingly then, I’m backing him to appear in both games. My logic is based on Di Matteo’s words in yesterday’s press conference.
My take on Roberto Di Matteo’s stance yesterday was that he was clearly sending further messages to the Spanish FA – a plea to allow Mata a leave of absence from their forthcoming friendly with Saudi Arabia on September 7.
This article confirms that talks are ongoing and, looking at Chelsea’s leagues fixtures, should Mata earn a reprieve from that friendly, he could be granted a three-week break from football after the home game with Newcastle next weekend. Di Matteo would need to pull him out of the Super Cup tie with Athletico but, presumably, that would be a step worth taking.
The Chelsea boss had this to say yesterday, offering further assurance that Mata’s rest period will have minimal impact on his league apperances…
“He needs a break. It’s important – as much as training is important – to have a rest, recharge the batteries and come back fresh. We’ll plan it intelligently so he won’t be missing too much of our season. He’s OK, but agrees he needs a break.
Robin Van Persie’s chances of starting Monday night’s clash with Everton seem to well backed, with the press this morning in no doubt we’ll see him in the starting lineup. Only the Independent appears to back our view that Van Persie could well be preserved in this first encounter. Having played just 21 minutes in pre-season and, having just been introduced to the United camp, in my view there’s every possibility that Sir Alex Ferguson could line up without him and deploy a five-man midfield, with Shinji Kagawa supporting Wayne Rooney. The weight of opinion go with 4-4-2 but I wonder if United will be more cautious and keep their star turn in reserve for an impact should Everton play up.
This morning’s lineups are, as always on opening day, very interesting. The aforementioned Independent tends to be one of the strongest when it comes to predictions (and I’m not just saying that because they agree on Van Persie). Certainly they’ve made some brave decisions, including the West Ham lineup that shows James Tomkins in midfield. This could be a good call – we had our lineup set up the same until we go an inkling that Kevin Nolan could return from a toe injury. Should he fail to make it, we’d also expect to see Tomkins in the holding role, with Winston Reid paired with James Collins at the back.
Interestingly, the Independent also go with Johan Djourou rather than Per Mertesacker in the Arsenal defence against Sunderland, the only source to do so. The Gunners’ lineup is varied throughout this morning’s press, with Olivier Giroud largely backed for his debut, although the prospects of a start for Gervinho with Lukas Podolski leading the line are intriguing: The Independent and The Times go with this setup.
There are some oddities, not least Oscar’s predicted debut in The Sun’s lineup for Chelsea’s trip to Wigan. A clear winner in the “Do they know something we don’t?” award this morning. The Sun also have Abou Diaby in the Arsenal lineup, with no Alex Song – presumably due to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. No other sources go with this – a brave move and one that could well materialise come 3pm. Although, it has to be said, the fact they also have Leon Barnett playing on the left-wing for Norwich reduces the credibility of their Song prediction somewhat. Perhaps they were also feeling the pre-season pinch.
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“Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.”
Mark
1,296 Responses to “The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 1”
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Recent Comments
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Wow! Free kicks for obstruction. I wonder why the FA and Premier League got rid of that rule? » -
It's probably get completely missed in all the rest of the posts anyway. » -
You mean all this was a bit of fun ;-) » -
I missed that one mate. » -
New post http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2013/05/23/scout-report-ricky-van-wolfswinkel/#comment-5859346 » -
Siem is the Yaya to Luuk's Kolo » -
Make the beds later. »
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Yay, come on the Wolf Also Holt and Hoolahan haven't been given their prefered roles for long stretches of the season… »
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And what about the trash can scenario :-) »
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Bull. It is true. »
“I am happy with the way I’ve started, but on the other hand, I should have scored four or five more, so that’s something for me to work on.”
Robin Van Persie talks about his early form at United ahead of his first Manchester derby
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August 18 at 3:21 pm
Nitin Nagaraja says:
So are we going back or staying here?
August 18 at 3:19 pm
beric says:
I have both open
August 18 at 3:19 pm
Evs says:
I’m staying for the mo.
August 18 at 3:21 pm
Maximerized-You'll Be Sorely Missed - Feel Free To Join These FPL Leagues @ 401-764 & 401-854. Contact Me For Deadzone Leagues. Indian Posters Join These Leagues- 401-53820 & 401-53838 says:
Cazorla almost!!
August 18 at 3:22 pm
beric says:
GF looking sharp
August 18 at 3:24 pm
Champ says:
He’s gonna be such a bargain this season ay
August 18 at 3:22 pm
Champ says:
What’s crackin amblers?
August 18 at 3:23 pm
Evs says:
Oh, begovic going off inured?
August 18 at 3:27 pm
lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
?
August 18 at 3:24 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
Why does football make me want a beer?
I will stay strong!
August 18 at 3:25 pm
beric says:
I’m about to dig into last nights wine, now that I’ve finished my (boiled) eggs.
August 18 at 3:27 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
Boiled? You lazy… person
August 18 at 3:27 pm
Evs says:
Im on the Stella
August 18 at 3:28 pm
beric says:
I had three, and whilst eating them, I realized the extra effort in making scrambled is equal to the extra effort in eating boiled, especially when one has no egg cup.
Lesson learned.
Nice eggs though.
August 18 at 3:29 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
August 18 at 3:26 pm
Optimus says:
just cracked open the 1st of many..synchronized with the 3.00 k.o
August 18 at 3:27 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
Stop it! I’m weakening already!!!
August 18 at 3:26 pm
Champ says:
Maybe its connected to why beer makes me want a smoke.
Ergo football causes lung cancer
August 18 at 3:25 pm
beric says:
Podolski should’ve scored
August 18 at 3:25 pm
Maximerized-You'll Be Sorely Missed - Feel Free To Join These FPL Leagues @ 401-764 & 401-854. Contact Me For Deadzone Leagues. Indian Posters Join These Leagues- 401-53820 & 401-53838 says:
Just noticed on the live scores on FPL you can click detailed stats which shows the scores of all the players.
Noice New feature.
August 18 at 3:28 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
Oh… that is good.
August 18 at 3:29 pm
Evs says:
Aye, but it ain’t updated Swansea goal yet from 10mins ago so… Hardly fooking live ?!
August 18 at 3:29 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
It has for me.
August 18 at 3:31 pm
Evs says:
Hmm… User error
August 18 at 3:31 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
See, you’re incompetent
August 18 at 3:28 pm
Maximerized-You'll Be Sorely Missed - Feel Free To Join These FPL Leagues @ 401-764 & 401-854. Contact Me For Deadzone Leagues. Indian Posters Join These Leagues- 401-53820 & 401-53838 says:
1st yellow card of the season goes to Dean Whitehead
August 18 at 3:28 pm
Maximerized-You'll Be Sorely Missed - Feel Free To Join These FPL Leagues @ 401-764 & 401-854. Contact Me For Deadzone Leagues. Indian Posters Join These Leagues- 401-53820 & 401-53838 says:
Duff!!!
August 18 at 3:30 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
Has anyone got him?
August 18 at 3:28 pm
Nitin Nagaraja says:
No assist for Michu goal.
August 18 at 3:28 pm
Optimus says:
rooney will get it
August 18 at 3:29 pm
beric says:
Sweet, no points for anyone else.
Come on Danny!!!
August 18 at 3:29 pm
Maximerized-You'll Be Sorely Missed - Feel Free To Join These FPL Leagues @ 401-764 & 401-854. Contact Me For Deadzone Leagues. Indian Posters Join These Leagues- 401-53820 & 401-53838 says:
Riise Assist
August 18 at 3:31 pm
Champ says:
Djibril 2nd half brace coming up
August 18 at 3:33 pm
beric says:
He’ll be subbed at 56min
August 18 at 3:36 pm
Champ says:
2 goals. 11 mins. No problem
August 18 at 3:32 pm
Evs says:
Did begovic go off after?
August 18 at 3:32 pm
Maximerized-You'll Be Sorely Missed - Feel Free To Join These FPL Leagues @ 401-764 & 401-854. Contact Me For Deadzone Leagues. Indian Posters Join These Leagues- 401-53820 & 401-53838 says:
Luis Suarez sends a header over the crossbar
August 18 at 3:34 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
Southend 0 – 0 Accrington… what a tense day!
August 18 at 3:37 pm
JohnOC91 says:
For every bad decision not to include Michu, there’s a good decision not to include Federici.
August 18 at 3:36 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
Go away. Michu on the bench, Feds in goal
August 18 at 3:37 pm
JKisthe1 - The return of Los Colchenoros says:
join the club mate
August 18 at 3:38 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
Beer now in hand
August 18 at 3:38 pm
JohnOC91 says:
Sorry guys. I’m in the bizarre situation, as an Evertonian with DDG in goal, of really hoping I don’t get a CS.
August 18 at 3:40 pm
Maximerized-You'll Be Sorely Missed - Feel Free To Join These FPL Leagues @ 401-764 & 401-854. Contact Me For Deadzone Leagues. Indian Posters Join These Leagues- 401-53820 & 401-53838 says:
Kightly!!
August 18 at 3:43 pm
Maximerized-You'll Be Sorely Missed - Feel Free To Join These FPL Leagues @ 401-764 & 401-854. Contact Me For Deadzone Leagues. Indian Posters Join These Leagues- 401-53820 & 401-53838 says:
ShawX assist for Kightly’s goal.
Anyone have him?
August 18 at 3:43 pm
JKisthe1 - The return of Los Colchenoros says:
oh feck FPL have it as ShawX, very bad start to my ML for me, one guy has Riise, one has ShawX
August 18 at 3:43 pm
JKisthe1 - The return of Los Colchenoros says:
It was Whelan no?
August 18 at 3:43 pm
Maximerized-You'll Be Sorely Missed - Feel Free To Join These FPL Leagues @ 401-764 & 401-854. Contact Me For Deadzone Leagues. Indian Posters Join These Leagues- 401-53820 & 401-53838 says:
PL twitter says ShawX
August 18 at 3:44 pm
Maximerized-You'll Be Sorely Missed - Feel Free To Join These FPL Leagues @ 401-764 & 401-854. Contact Me For Deadzone Leagues. Indian Posters Join These Leagues- 401-53820 & 401-53838 says:
Gera Screamer!!
Petric also scored.
August 18 at 3:45 pm
JohnOC91 says:
It’s all kicking off now! Who mentioned Gera earlier?
August 18 at 3:46 pm
Maximerized-You'll Be Sorely Missed - Feel Free To Join These FPL Leagues @ 401-764 & 401-854. Contact Me For Deadzone Leagues. Indian Posters Join These Leagues- 401-53820 & 401-53838 says:
Nitin
August 18 at 3:45 pm
Maximerized-You'll Be Sorely Missed - Feel Free To Join These FPL Leagues @ 401-764 & 401-854. Contact Me For Deadzone Leagues. Indian Posters Join These Leagues- 401-53820 & 401-53838 says:
Podolski
August 18 at 3:46 pm
gera.bostock says:
Thank god for petric.
August 18 at 3:48 pm
Maximerized-You'll Be Sorely Missed - Feel Free To Join These FPL Leagues @ 401-764 & 401-854. Contact Me For Deadzone Leagues. Indian Posters Join These Leagues- 401-53820 & 401-53838 says:
Nobody here then?
August 18 at 4:19 pm
magman says:
If I want to buy Michu till next round, I should probably do the transfer now before he eventually increase his transfer price at the end of the day?