The Pre-match Preamble – Gameweek 38

The final day drama may be restricted to affairs in North London but in our world, every pass, shot and goal that takes place can make an impact.

With both the title race and relegation battles settled, Fantasy managers face an uncomfortable scenario, a new brand of uncertainty. There’s little need to stretch every sinew or go for the jugular: many of today’s teams can hold back, experiment and see out a result over the last ten minutes. While normally on the final day, we’d rip up the form book – right now, we’re unsure whether to toss it aside or use it as a firm foundation for our decision making.

Against this backdrop, we have to assess the merits of gambling with our lineups. Often an advocate of positive action – I’m looking at my starting XI and struggling to find a weakness to drive me to a radical change.

Admittedly, the lack of Liverpool attacking coverage is alarming me somewhat. Brendan Rodgers’ side look destined for considerable joy with QPR on the Anfield slab and Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge scrubbing up. We’re all expecting that pair to inflict a ruthless final insult on Harry Redknapp’s side and yet, by spending four points on either of those prime assets, I’m reliant on double figure returns without the safety net of Gameweeks to follow. Tough.

Mini-league glory is out of reach for me so, if my own quandary seems excruciating, I can only spare a thought for those contesting at the very top of the Fantasy Premier League. On a day when they need maximum effort and “to the death” exertions from their players, they’re readying themselves for the frustration of blanks and limited pitch-time, whilst desperately trying to calculate whether their differentials will be enough to bridge gaps, or if there’s the need to gamble on point hits.

Today’s teamsheets are perhaps the least of their worries, with the hope that rotation will take a back-seat as Premier League managers play their strongest suit. There are, however, some uncertainties hanging over us.

After Frank Lampard delivered so spectacularly at Villa Park last weekend, the press boys seem unsure on his start against Everton at the Bridge. Both The Daily Mail and The Sun make the decision to omit Lampard from their predicted midfields. Similarly, they’re torn on the City strike pairing with Aguero absent in The Telegraph, The Sun and The Times.

The United lineups, meanwhile, are skewed by the presence of Chris Smalling when only yesterday reports confirmed that the defender has undergone an operation that will keep him out until the pre-season. Smalling is a presence in many of the press lineups when, in reality, Antonio Valencia now looks likely to earn the right-back berth at the Hawthorns. Danny Welbeck could now start on the flank, with Javier Hernendez and Robin Van Persie partnered once again. Right now, only the Guardian have the “Little Pea” in their lineup and, for some reason, they omit Van Persie : surely an oversight.

With the likes of Ramires and Rafael finding their way into various teamsheets, despite suspensions, the reliability of the press predictions seem more haywire than ever. Typically, then, on a day of such uncertainty, there’s little or no clarity available from those supposedly “in the know”.

We’re on our own. On a day of destiny, we have to put our fate in the hands of those who, in the main, have already concluded their business and are edging towards the fairways and Dubai beaches with every kick.

For many, the drama will fail to reach the intensity of previous seasons but us Fantasy managers are always in reach or vulnerable to an “Aguero moment”. That’s one big reason why Fantasy Football is so compelling and why, right to the end, we’re strapped in and anticipating the twists and turns ahead.

While there’s little at stake in my world, I can only wish those at the mercy of today’s events the best of luck and a comfortable ride. Thanks for your company. See you next season.