The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 25
Filed under: Scout Notes, The Preamble - Posted by: Mark
Much as I’m trying to focus on the Gameweek in hand, my mind is already wandering the double fixtures awaiting in Gameweek 26. That’s somewhat inevitable given that many will be preserving their free transfer this weekend, to roll it over for the two fixtures falling the way of both Liverpool and Swansea.
I’m already troubled by the dilemma this scenario provides. Stuck with Raheem Sterling in midfield, and with Ben Davies and Michu already on board, I could face a severe points hit if I wanted to be sure on getting eleven out when both Liverpool and Swansea put their feet up in Gameweek 27. Realistically then, I’m saving my transfer this week, with the prospect of having to choose between a Liverpool defender or Luis Suarez or Daniel Sturridge up front: get both, and I’d either need to put ten men out, or take a points hit in Gameweek 27. It’s a situation that has me starring wistfully into the distance, in memory of that Wildcard I fluttered prior to Christmas, fuelled by my misjudged Wayne Rooney gamble.
Luckily, there’s no obvious route for my transfer to take this week – making it somewhat easier to sit back and let events unfold, while I give myself the luxury of more flexibility to come. There’s something uneasy about skipping a transfer, though – a nagging doubt that suggests that I’m turning my back on points this week, in order to give myself more, perhaps less effective double Gameweek options, later.
In my case there’s an urge to finally cast aside the Edin Dzeko experiment, relegate him to the bench and go with Adel Taarabt in for Sterling for this weekend. Of course, if I was certain that Dzeko would again find himself on the bench on Sunday, having missed out on the teamsheet for the 0-0 at Loftus Road last time out, that decision would be a whole lot easier. As it is, I think there’s every chance he could earn a recall against Liverpool, given that City struggled for a cutting edge against QPR. Once again though, I’m at the mercy of Roberto Mancini on that one: that’s always a pleasure.
While I’ve struggled with it, I’m set on keeping the status quo, relying on Dzeko to at least make an impact from the bench and hoping that Sterling can somehow work his way back into favour, just in time to become effective as a double Gameweek player. Wishful thinking, perhaps, but then, if Granville’s theory on my current run of form luck is correct, that chain of events will tumble into my lap.
This morning’s papers offer me very little by way of comfort on the Dzeko front. Having scanned through them, I find myself in the unenviable position of being in agreement with the Sun and relying on their, often sketchy view of the likely teamsheets. They opt for Dzeko up front, with Sergio Aguero in support for Sunday’s clash with Liverpool but they are the only one of our six sources this morning who back this lineup: every other paper opts to keep Carlos Tevez in attack, with Dzeko left to warm the timber.
There are doubts elsewhere, of course. While Demba Ba looks assured of his Chelsea start against Newcastle, with all the papers backing this, they are clearly undecided on what Rafa Benitez will do with his defence in the light of John Terry’s return. The Chelsea skipper earns a recall in every lineup this morning, with the majority choosing to relegate Branislav Ivanovic to the bench. Only the Guardian have Cesar Azpilicueta missing out, while the Independent opt for Ivanovic over Gary Cahill.
There’s another apparent split on the role played by Marouane Fellaini for Everton against Villa today – a crucial factor, given the impact he could have if pushed up on Paul Lambert’s obliging back four. In the majority, the press appear to have overlooked the return to fitness of Darron Gibson – only the Sun and the Mail choose to include the former United man in David Moyes’ midfield.
Gibson’s start would surely see Fellaini played up in support of the lone striker, with Phil Neville likely to earn a shift at right-back, with Kevin Mirallas out wide. It remains to be seen if Victor Anichebe remains a factor up front for Everton; while Moyes talks more on his decision to drop Nikica Jelavic, stressing that the aim is to get the Croatian back scoring again, only the Telegraph recall Jelavic to the Everton starting lineup.
There’s few surprises elsewhere – Danny Graham is given a Sunderland debut in three of our morning papers, who look to partner the former Swansea man up with Steven Fletcher, relegating both David Vaughan and James McClean to the bench.
The City defence, like Chelsea’s, has also caused a split, with the papers unsure if Matija Nastasic will earn a recall in favour of Javi Garcia or Joleon Lescott. Only the Telegraph and the Guardian opt for a Nastasic/Lescott partnership, with the Sun and the Times opting to leave the Serb out of their lineups.
As for Lewis Holtby, only the Independent are brave enough to predict that the young German will be handed a full Spurs debut at West Brom; he’s played up in support of Jermain Defoe with no place for Clint Dempsey or Gylfi Sigurdsson in their lineup.
While that bracing stroll through the press lineups offered some preparation for the day’s events, I can’t help but feel flat, knowing that I’m taking a risk by sitting on my hands come 11.30. The uneasy of feeling of the letting the deadline pass without intervention is not a pleasant one: I’ve mentioned before, it’s sometimes easier to get over mistakes made when they’ve resulted from positive action. Errors made through inaction and hesitations are often the hardest to forgive and forget. After enjoying several Saturday evenings with green arrows and smug smiles, I’m also overdue a fall. These are the nagging demons that often pay visit to Fantasy managers on a Saturday morning. Is it any wonder I’m not listening to a word she says over breakfast?
About The Author
“Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.”
Mark
2,273 Responses to “The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 25”
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Common mate.You can do this! » -
I agree I presumed he had to become a mid because he is playing the same role as Fellaini and Nolan » -
Hyypia »
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Hyppia? » -
Hypia » -
This is the correct answer. » -
Good point. He was immense. Ifs and Buts though. » -
Who am I? 2/5 Aged 39.Retired.Currently manager in Germany.Has made 100 appearances for Williem II and more than 50… »
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“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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February 2 at 12:39 pm
Daniel - U don't know what u r doing!!! Rafa out!!! says:
Kun to score brace or hack trick ?
February 2 at 12:40 pm
Milanista says:
Depends if Mark has him or not
February 2 at 12:40 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
February 2 at 12:44 pm
Daniel - U don't know what u r doing!!! Rafa out!!! says:
Well I have him !!!
February 2 at 12:42 pm
Giggs Boson says:
I’ll take either one if i’m honest.
February 2 at 12:45 pm
Daniel - U don't know what u r doing!!! Rafa out!!! says:
Well he owes me bit time. I was this close to captain him !!!
February 2 at 12:43 pm
Rossamous says:
Absolutely. Liverpool start Carrigher and his tortoise like speed can’t keep up with Kuns runs and trickery
February 2 at 12:39 pm
Siva Mohan says:
feck you QPR.. why couldn’t you tweet about the injuries before 11:30AM
February 2 at 12:40 pm
Siva Mohan says:
you will go down for hurting a poor soul..
February 2 at 12:39 pm
tommys says:
Big Boobs or Great Ass
What’s top of the list lads?
February 2 at 12:41 pm
Milanista says:
Both
February 2 at 12:41 pm
Siva Mohan says:
Arse
February 2 at 12:41 pm
EpicFAIL - AVFC <3 says:
Ass (c)
February 2 at 12:43 pm
tommys says:
+1
February 2 at 12:42 pm
Reply Fail says:
Why not Great Boobs?
February 2 at 12:42 pm
GreennRed says:
Big arse
February 2 at 12:44 pm
Giggs Boson says:
Arse.
February 2 at 12:44 pm
Daniel - U don't know what u r doing!!! Rafa out!!! says:
Great ass
February 2 at 12:45 pm
The Shadow - Wir sind Schalker - FFS UEFA says:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v9at5RlFu4
February 2 at 1:01 pm
Optimus says:
nice ass ftw
February 2 at 12:40 pm
Chuck Norris - "Keep Calm and Pass me the ball" - Berbatov, 26/12/12 says:
Anyone else have lots of away players? Only have 3 playing at home this week (Fellaini, Walcott and Pearce). Looking like a red arrow for me….
Also only have one player on Sunday, Suarez so I need a massive green arrow after today’s games :S
February 2 at 12:48 pm
Eunuch Jelly says:
4 home players (Baines, Fellaini, Walcott, Giroud) and only Bale(c) on Sunday.
February 2 at 12:40 pm
Smarty Pants says:
new post
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....ussion-62/
February 2 at 12:41 pm
Smarty Pants says:
old post
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....meweek-25/
February 2 at 12:42 pm
Smarty Pants says:
very old post
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....dfielders/
February 2 at 12:43 pm
Smarty Pants says:
oldest post ever
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....al-stands/
February 2 at 12:44 pm
GreennRed says:
Cheeky monkey
February 2 at 12:40 pm
Daniel - U don't know what u r doing!!! Rafa out!!! says:
Dundee Rangers on TV. Bring onnnn!!!
February 2 at 12:41 pm
Chris_White says:
My Europa League tie with Mark comes down to…
Me: Federici, Davies, Bale, Ba.
Mark: Szczezny, Demel, Dzeko, Podolski.
This is gonna go down to the wire…
February 2 at 12:43 pm
GreennRed says:
Football Focus -
http://www.filmon.com/#BBC-One
February 2 at 12:45 pm
Wing Commander says:
Is “Snodgrass” the worst name in the Premier League?
February 2 at 3:14 pm
kyleshaughnessy says:
With “Alex Chapman Ferguson” a close second…
February 2 at 12:45 pm
tommys says:
Niall Quinn again…..Oh FFS
February 2 at 12:46 pm
Portuguese&Proud says:
Well let’s see if my WC gamble pays of..
February 2 at 12:46 pm
The Shadow - Wir sind Schalker - FFS UEFA says:
Taraabt being Taraabt already.
February 2 at 12:47 pm
Eunuch Jelly says:
Anichebe to Sturridge, leaving RVP and Giroud front line for GW27
or
Giroud to Suarez, leaving RVP and Anichebe front line for GW27?
February 2 at 12:47 pm
colonel shoe says:
9, 17, 10, 9 gerrards last 4 home game scores……. i hope he repeats this in the dgw
February 2 at 12:50 pm
Eunuch Jelly says:
Is it worth a hit to get Gerrard in for Bale for the DGW, and then switch back to Gerrard after?
February 2 at 12:50 pm
Eunuch Jelly says:
I meant back to Bale of course.
February 2 at 12:47 pm
Lawro says:
A or B to win?
A) Aguero, Taarabt, Michu, Baines, Fabio, Reina.
B) Suarez, Le Fondre, Bale, Cameron, O’Brien, Davies.
GO!
February 2 at 12:54 pm
Weller50 says:
A….just
February 2 at 12:48 pm
kimoo says:
Guys suarez rise tonight ?? so should buy him 2day ???? be4 his match tomorrow v.s city ?
February 2 at 12:50 pm
Weller50 says:
Thinking exactly the same!? If I do it tonight I have exact money for Aguero and Fletcher to Suarez and Sturridge for DGW. should I push the button tonight!???? Advice needed…..
February 2 at 12:52 pm
kimoo says:
same here dude
February 2 at 12:48 pm
JELLYFISH says:
Is Sturidge, Suarez & Gerrard overkill for the DGW?
February 2 at 12:50 pm
tommys says:
what happens if they lose?? …………you’re f**ked
February 2 at 12:53 pm
JELLYFISH says:
True – also means a hit to srt out in GW27. Already got Suarez and have 2 FT’s, so maybe one of Gerrard or Sturidge
February 2 at 1:10 pm
Gareth Bale's stunt double says:
they won’t lose both games
February 2 at 12:52 pm
Eunuch Jelly says:
Depends on your exit strategy.
February 2 at 12:53 pm
JELLYFISH says:
Gerrard > Bale and Sturridge > Giroud for a hit
February 2 at 12:52 pm
Gazza2000 says:
Fellaini or Zabaleta next week ?
February 2 at 12:57 pm
Smarty Pants says:
Zabaleta
February 2 at 12:52 pm
Spencer says:
Brian McDermott seems like a proper nice bloke.
February 2 at 1:01 pm
Yoda -Read these in my voice, you must says:
Why is Hill not captain? I don’t understand how someone can make Samba captain in his first QPR start, not very fair on the other 10 players
February 2 at 1:05 pm
Demi says:
He is
February 2 at 1:09 pm
Gareth Bale's stunt double says:
yeah he is captain.
February 2 at 1:09 pm
Uncle Gamst says:
Has my head gone?
Transferred Fellani for Gerrard on wildcard. Now have 5 DGW players followed by 2 FT for GW27.
Who to dump after GW 27 and for whom?
Mignolet
Davies, Azpilicueta, Clyne
Taarabt, Michu, Mata, Walcott (VC)
Le Fondre, Sturridge, RvP (C)
Subs – Begovic, Gerrard, O’Brien, Jose Enrique
Still have another wildcard which I’m hoping to keep in reserve for late in season.
February 2 at 1:20 pm
Rossamous says:
Dump Gerrard for sure. If Michu doesn’t score in double gameweek, it may be just time to say goodbye. Otherwise, Jose Enrique
February 2 at 1:38 pm
Uncle Gamst says:
Cheers, thinking Jose and Gerrard myself. Gerrard to Bale perhaps.
February 2 at 1:45 pm
Rossamous says:
Good plan that
February 2 at 1:23 pm
Rossamous says:
Too bad fantasy points aren’t awarded on doing cheeky tricks, or else Taarabt would be getting me a shiite ton of points today
February 2 at 1:40 pm
Thomass67 Guys PLEASE Join My LEAGUE CODE IS: 1687003-562632 says:
Should I make these transfers??
Gerrard
Sturridge 
Michu
Got 2ft
Marveaux
Fletcher
Fellaini
Thanks guys
February 3 at 5:07 pm
BalotelliesBalls says:
grav test