The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 27
Filed under: Scout Notes, The Preamble - Posted by: Mark
I’ve got to admit, I’ve been treading water for days. Stricken by man-flu that has me sweating Lemsip and coughing up Fishermen’s Friends, I’ve also been struck by the dull hiatus caused by the FA Cup weekend. A rude interruption to our flow of Gameweeks, my Fantasy Football flame has been doused and I’m wading through snot-ridden tissues to rekindle it.
My spirits are not helped by the fact that, like so many Fantasy managers this weekend, I’m struggling for a starting XI and left praying at the alter of Guy Demel. The Hammers full-back is unlikely to figure against Spurs, even less likely to earn points if he does and yet, for the last seven days, he’s had his full fifteen minutes of Fantasy fame, as we scratch around for eleven men.
With Gameweek 29’s blanks looming large, this is truly a testing time for us all. It would have been nice to approach it feeling match fit. Instead, I’ve had to try to find space in my mucus-filled bonce to decode the various fixture configurations that lie in store. In the end, I gave up and left it to Paul.
For a while this week, I took some comfort in the fact that Wayne Rooney shared my pain. Ruled out of Monday’s FA Cup clash with Reading with sinusitis, Sir Alex was quick to count him out of the equation for the trip to QPR later today. I had visions of Rooney, wrapped in a duvet, slippering the floor while Colleen scampered up with another can of lager and a packet of Oreos. Another worthy man, battling back from the brink. Or so I thought.
Friday’s pictures from the United training ground showed Rooney cutting a sprightly figure, seemingly untroubled by the crippling illness that would allegedly rule him out of today’s game. It remains to be a seen if his recovery is completed by an appearance on the Loftus Road turf: I haven’t got the patience to try to second-guess Sir Alex on that one.
Not surprisingly, the press have turned their backs on the prospect of Rooney figuring today, with Danny Welbeck seemingly the favoured partner for Robin Van Persie up top. Only the Telegraph dare to suggest that Javier Hernandez will get a start in West London – the solitary paper of our six this morning that grant the Mexican the opportunity: Welbeck, either in support or shifted wide with Shinji Kagawa starting, is the preferred solution to Rooney’s absence. Four of our papers suggest that Nani will be handed a start: we’re also backing that concept by promoting the unpredictable Portuguese with our differential pick this week.
The City lineup also causes conjecture and, again, the press are torn on Roberto Mancini’s forward line. Having shed Edin Dzeko from my squad, this is the first Saturday in months where I haven’t lay at the mercy of Mancini’s whims and, typically, it’s another difficult call going into Sunday’s clash with Chelsea. Both the Telegraph and the Independent start with Dzeko up with Sergio Aguero – the rest all keep Carlos Tevez in the role, with the Bosnian left to warm the timber once more.
Marc Wilson’s fitness has been a hot topic over the past week and, with the left-back safely in our predicted lineup for the trip to Fulham, you know where we stand on his availability today. Three of the morning papers also agree with us – the Telegraph, The Sun and The Mail all have Wilson back in the Stoke lineup for the early kick-off at the Cottage.
Elsewhere, there are few surprises on show – personally, I don’t share the confidence that seems to be held by the entire press regarding Sunderland’s 4-4-2 at West Brom: every paper this morning has Danny Graham up alongside Steven Fletcher for the Hawthorns encounter.
The only really bugbear spotted comes amongst the pages of the Telegraph who, for one reason or another, have chosen to omit Juan Mata from their Chelsea lineup for Sunday’s Etihad test. Of course, every other source names the Spaniard in their side, with no evidence to suggest otherwise. The Telegraph’s decision is clearly an oversight, perhaps prompted by similar symptoms to my own. Sitting here typing through a blur of Paracetamol, I can certainly let that one pass.
About The Author
“Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.”
Mark
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“I understand you don't consider Dempsey a striker. He has developed into playing in different positions, but for me he is a pure striker. ”
Andre Villas-Boas reveals his views on Clint Dempsey's best position.
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February 23 at 12:38 pm
Stephen says:
Demel must be the most talked about defender of all time.
February 23 at 12:40 pm
Rossamous says:
He should play in the Australian or Irish league. Definitely not BPL material. Hamburg were definitely quick to shite him out
February 23 at 12:42 pm
Andres Fuzzash-Warblash says:
there was a time when Ahmed Al-Muhammadi was the most talked about defender of all time.
February 23 at 12:45 pm
Swagger says:
I’d say wilson is in with a shout of clinching that title…
February 23 at 12:38 pm
Rossamous says:
My mini rival is creating a super team but mustn’t have a clue about GW 29. This could be good.
February 23 at 12:39 pm
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
So was bored and quickly browsed through the captaincy choices of the top 50. Something like this(approximate figures)
Theo – 54%
RVP – 38%
Bale – 4%
Podolski – 2%
Santi – 2%
February 23 at 12:40 pm
Aditya -Bastia FTW! says:
Theo all the way!!
Haxball?
February 23 at 12:42 pm
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
Not at the moment mate..
February 23 at 12:43 pm
Aditya -Bastia FTW! says:
Cool.. GL btw for the GW. Can’t wait for tomo’s day of play! Sachin
February 23 at 12:44 pm
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
February 23 at 12:41 pm
Lanley Staurel says:
If we had the new comments voting system in place then you would have my vote. I love crap stats!
February 23 at 12:42 pm
Chu Young Ping Pong says:
-rep
February 23 at 12:41 pm
fuml_akimbo says:
I’m hoping they all do equally well this week
February 23 at 12:42 pm
tw - click my link to access the council site which has: BAP Chap predictions, CL and Europa information, etc. says:
so you were one of just 2 bale captainers?
who’d the game captain? theo?
February 23 at 12:44 pm
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
II don’t know who captained who.
I went to the overall page
Clicked open in new tab 49 times. And then quickly browsed through. Yes, only 2 people captained Bale.
February 23 at 12:46 pm
tw - click my link to access the council site which has: BAP Chap predictions, CL and Europa information, etc. says:
fair enough. interesting
February 23 at 12:39 pm
The Mata is CR7 is Hazardous to Messi says:
Who will win this H2H?
Me: Bego Harte Mertesacker Giroud Lambert RVP Bale (c)
Opp: Migs Pearce Rafael Sissoko Cisse Bale RVP(c)
February 23 at 12:41 pm
Kostja says:
impossible to tell IMO. I like RVP C over Bale, so that could decide it.
February 23 at 12:46 pm
bradbury1 says:
thats me vs you
goodluck but not that much luck 
February 23 at 12:55 pm
The Mata is CR7 is Hazardous to Messi says:
Same to you bro
February 23 at 12:39 pm
I Like Small Butts & I Can Lie says:
Can you add different things to an accumulator such as:
Berbatov anytime scorer
Cisse anytime scorer
Team A to win
February 23 at 12:40 pm
Andres Fuzzash-Warblash says:
The Bad News: had to learn deep breathing exercised as therapy for post traumatic stress disorder.
The Good News: this newly-learned exercise should come in handy on Saturdays.
February 23 at 12:41 pm
Andres Fuzzash-Warblash says:
*exercises
they didnt bother teaching me how to spell
February 23 at 12:44 pm
tw - click my link to access the council site which has: BAP Chap predictions, CL and Europa information, etc. says:
btw: http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....nt-5250873
February 23 at 12:44 pm
tw - click my link to access the council site which has: BAP Chap predictions, CL and Europa information, etc. says:
think you missed my comment to you before
February 23 at 12:46 pm
Andres Fuzzash-Warblash says:
caught it, cheers!
February 23 at 12:40 pm
Thesteady-Michu = "Siggy 2.0 " says:
Repost, bottom of last page
What will be the match with the most goals in it this round do you think?
I’m thinking of placing a bet at 6.5 in odds for Reading vs Wigan to be that match!
?
February 23 at 12:41 pm
Andres Fuzzash-Warblash says:
id consider that or arsenal/villa
February 23 at 12:42 pm
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
This i reckon..
February 23 at 12:42 pm
GreennRed says:
West Brom v Sunderland.
February 23 at 12:43 pm
tw - click my link to access the council site which has: BAP Chap predictions, CL and Europa information, etc. says:
arsenal villa
February 23 at 12:41 pm
jelly.john says:
GW 29 balnk manu v.s westham and city v.s wigan any other teams blank too ?
February 23 at 12:42 pm
Way Out West says:
i thought potentially Everton and one other
February 23 at 12:51 pm
jelly.john says:
thanx
February 23 at 12:43 pm
colonel shoe says:
theres a link at the top in the article explaining the permutations…… “left it to paul”
February 23 at 12:54 pm
jelly.john says:
thanx dude
February 23 at 12:46 pm
Rossamous says:
MUFC is the most likely because they have CL as well. City could be shifted to midweek, so we will wait and see if it gets changed. Chelsea vs. Fulham is another blank possibility pending their result this midweek in the fa cup. Chelsea have the Europa league so they are unlikely to have a game shifted to midweek. Arsenal vs. Everton is the fourth and final possibility. That is also pending the progress of Everton in the FA cup this midweek. Therefore, Chelsea and MUFC are the most likely to have blanks because of their europe commitments. The other two are just possibilities and we need to wait on the word. I think I have this correct anyways.
February 23 at 12:50 pm
GreennRed says:
United v Real is March 5th. They’re grand for GW29 on 11th or 12th.
February 23 at 12:53 pm
jelly.john says:
thnx mate
February 23 at 12:41 pm
gobind2311 says:
mignolet
martin R, clyne, harte
walcott (c), sissoko (vc), fellaini, mata
podolski, RVP, Ba.
what say????
February 23 at 12:41 pm
Locarno says:
Berba hat-trick, Wilson og. Job done.
February 23 at 12:42 pm
Crouch Potato says:
I used to like you
February 23 at 12:43 pm
colonel shoe says:
boooourns
February 23 at 12:42 pm
The Shadow - Wir sind Schalker - FFS UEFA says:
56 point hit. My UEFA opponent is calling it quits for the season.
http://fantasy.premierleague.c.....istory/27/
February 23 at 12:44 pm
colonel shoe says:
February 23 at 12:54 pm
In Like Flynn says:
I know exactly how he feels.
February 23 at 12:44 pm
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
Who is this?
February 23 at 12:45 pm
tw - click my link to access the council site which has: BAP Chap predictions, CL and Europa information, etc. says:
who is that?
February 23 at 12:46 pm
The Shadow - Wir sind Schalker - FFS UEFA says:
Rebeldogg
February 23 at 12:49 pm
tw - click my link to access the council site which has: BAP Chap predictions, CL and Europa information, etc. says:
which league?
February 23 at 12:54 pm
The Shadow - Wir sind Schalker - FFS UEFA says:
Budesliga
February 23 at 12:46 pm
Wild Rover says:
February 23 at 12:42 pm
bradbury1 says:
who do u thinks going to win this cup match??
Begovic,Harte ,Mertesacker ,Bale CPT ,Giroud ,Lambert ,Van Persie
vs
Mignolet ,Pearce ,Rafael ,Bale ,Sissoko ,Cisse Van Persie CPT
February 23 at 12:42 pm
Gaz Downright says:
a plate of blue cheese, honey, crackers, and a glass of wine on the side
now hoping for a vintage Stoke rugby performance
ah, Saturday footy is here
February 23 at 12:44 pm
Crouch Potato says:
Blue cheese, wonderful, try it in scrambled eggs sometime.
February 23 at 12:44 pm
Way Out West says:
Blue cheese and Honey – is that peanut butter and jelly?
February 23 at 12:45 pm
Crouch Potato says:
Another classic!
February 23 at 12:45 pm
colonel shoe says:
wow what a ‘footy/rugby lads’ lunch
February 23 at 12:43 pm
Way Out West says:
Jake the dog- love the Grav bro
February 23 at 12:43 pm
The second coming of Moussa Dembele //Berbasaur// says:
C’mon Fulham!
February 23 at 12:44 pm
Andres Fuzzash-Warblash says:
1-1
(Karagounis, Whelan)
lets do this.
February 23 at 12:45 pm
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
Score check.
-7
You?
February 23 at 12:46 pm
Andres Fuzzash-Warblash says:
BPs already out then?
February 23 at 12:46 pm
The second coming of Moussa Dembele //Berbasaur// says:
0 from 0
February 23 at 12:48 pm
tw - click my link to access the council site which has: BAP Chap predictions, CL and Europa information, etc. says:
0pts
February 23 at 12:53 pm
In Like Flynn says:
I daren’t look.
February 23 at 12:45 pm
fuml_akimbo says:
I was looking forward to playing real-life football this afternoon, but the ref has called the game off for a frozen pitch!!! Gutted is not the word.
What should I do instead?
A) Watch the footballing spectacle that is Fulham v Stoke .
B) Watch some more episodes of Breaking Bad.
C) Demel > Wilson
February 23 at 12:47 pm
Lateriser12 - "I am a consulting detective. The only one in the world" says:
Swap between a and B
February 23 at 12:53 pm
fuml_akimbo says:
Sound advice
February 23 at 12:46 pm
Nopli-The Playmaker says:
Cameron.
Lets do this
February 23 at 12:53 pm
In Like Flynn says:
Bloody Tories.
February 23 at 12:46 pm
Spike says:
Wilson just took a throw in and came thru it unscathed
February 23 at 12:47 pm
Thesteady-Michu = "Siggy 2.0 " says:
He could have died.
February 23 at 12:52 pm
In Like Flynn says:
SAF quote?
February 23 at 12:48 pm
Andres Fuzzash-Warblash says:
Go Sidwell, prove em wrong Doos!!!
February 23 at 12:49 pm
Jack(off)Attack says:
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....iscussion/
February 23 at 12:50 pm
Locarno says:
Berba looks busy. Nearly broke into a jog then.
February 23 at 12:50 pm
Mark says:
Yeah. I saw it too!
February 23 at 12:51 pm
In Like Flynn says:
I hope he’s not injured himself.
February 23 at 12:52 pm
Crouch Potato says:
Left his fags in the dressing room.
February 23 at 12:50 pm
Swagger says:
Watched five mins of this and can already feel a yawn coming on. 0-0 for sure.
February 23 at 12:58 pm
Crouch Potato says:
Don’t think it will be scoreless!
February 23 at 12:52 pm
Daniel - U don't know what u r doing!!! Rafa out!!! says:
Ok chaps watching Sky Sports? Haven’t u heard the commentator? Cameron given the free role !! In your face
!! ahhahaha Come onnnnn Cameronnnnn!!!
http://www.fantasyfootballscou.....nt-5250885
Next quote from the game Cameron is furthest forward
Yeahhh get in !!!
February 23 at 12:53 pm
redunited says:
Mate I think he is playing RB.
February 23 at 12:54 pm
Jack(off)Attack says:
He’s not, he’s playing CAM.
February 23 at 12:54 pm
Daniel - U don't know what u r doing!!! Rafa out!!! says:
Well watch Sky Sport. I am out
February 23 at 12:54 pm
redunited says:
Ah feck knows, I’m not gonna put on that game to check.
If he just keeps a clean sheet I’ll be happy.
February 23 at 12:52 pm
Locarno says:
It’s going to be a long day for the Fulham defenders if they keep playing like this.
February 23 at 12:53 pm
Locarno says:
Dimitar!!! I could have scored that.
February 23 at 1:02 pm
GreennRed says:
Yer man the Stoke lad Jerome Cameron is very versatile
February 23 at 2:08 pm
TheKingThierry says:
LOOOL EVANS
February 23 at 4:30 pm
TheSpecialOne11 says:
rvp back next week?