Preamble

The Pre-match Preamble – Gameweek 13

I’m not too good at keeping secrets. Those of you who allow me assault your ears via the ScoutCast will know that I’m currently adopting a media blackout when it comes to my Fantasy Premier League lineup.

While that’s proved fun for a while, it makes bearing my soul in this article on a Saturday morning rather tricky. With an hour to go, then, it’s time to disperse the fog of war and reveal all. Not least because I’m panicking that I’ve made another error in a season seemingly littered with them.

I’ve sold Wayne Rooney.

There it is – it’s out there. Stuck out in a paragraph all on its own it looks just as scary as I thought it would. Let’s try to fix that…

I’ve bought Sergio Aguero and Luis Suarez.

There. I feel slightly better.

Are my fears totally banished, though? Far from it. I slept restlessly in my bed last night, with Granville’s Mancunian drawl haunting my thoughts – he was adamant that selling Rooney was an error. Once again, I may soon have to admit that he’s right. That’s becoming a habit.

There was clearly an element of knee-jerk involved in my decision. I’d just seen Aguero and Suarez hit double figures again and, while Rooney did the business for me at Cardiff, in the long-term, I just don’t see him keeping pace with the South American pair, or indeed wearing my armband with the same degree of comfort.

Admittedly, David Moyes’ recent claims that a rest for Rooney was imminent played their part. As does Robin van Persie’s inevitable return to the team and the scoresheet. Then there’s Rooney’s likely suspension before the New Year. Can he possibly go seven, maybe eight domestic matches without another yellow? I very much doubt it.

Even so, while all these factors had me reach for the eject button, I know full well that December could see United step up, which will surely mean further returns for Rooney. Equally, I’m slightly concerned that the form of Suarez and Aguero may not be maintained, certainly not at their current improbable rate of goals and Fantasy returns.

I can probably accept some regression from Suarez and Aguero. I could probably stand to watch Rooney rack up more goals. However, I’m not sure I could face Granville if my four point hit and Rooney rejection plays into his hands and has him ride off into the mini-league distance.

A few weeks ago I declared that I’d start “playing” Fantasy Football again. A few weeks, points hits and several skin-of-my-teeth decisions later, I’m kind of craving the safe existence of my early season. Sure, perhaps I was doomed to failure, but I’m pretty sure I wasn’t destined to crash and burn quite so spectacularly.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

2,232 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Please stay on the bench Baker!!..I need Wards 2 points 😆

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    1. LewanGOALski
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      CS and goal for Ward today

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    2. goneill79
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Why so sure only 2 points?

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    3. Jax
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      1 point.

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  2. ★FC Borecelona★
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    RIP my FPL team

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  3. Woy of the Wovers
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Two down already. Not a good start.

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    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Make that three.

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  4. Demí
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Stekelenburg; Zverotic, Hughes, Amorebieta, Richardson; Duff, Sidwell, Parker, Kasami; Taarabt; Bent

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    1. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Taarabt. Firmly in the never again pile 🙂

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  5. FantasyNik123
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    My saturday has just become worse.

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  6. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    The importance of 13 outfield players to come out in the next month.

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    1. Jönny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I've been trying really hard to make sure I have 13 who will play, but injuries/rotation are making it really tricky. Good old Kagisho on my bench though, he can normally be relied on for a 1-2 point cameo 🙄

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    2. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      This ^^^^ As I might have mentioned myself once or twice. 😉

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  7. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Sam Allardyce benching Ravel Morisson?

    Does he watch the games? He's a beast.

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    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Killing the hype

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    2. Qubit
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Maybe he thinks theres a high chance of another yellow for him in this match?

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  8. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Still no Theo. next week for sure

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    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Don't bet on it....are they struggling ?

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  9. Epic Fail
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Walcott hat trick off the bench coming up.

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    1. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Yes please

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    2. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      That face on your soul scout 😆

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    3. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I like optimism.

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  10. Scottys Army
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    So any apologies after the stick the twitter lad got for saying ravel was not starting

    thought not .....

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    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Is he on here?

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      1. Scottys Army
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        no idea but people give abuse out and then silence if the source is right

        classy

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        1. Get up ya bum
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          I didn't see any abuse towards stranger twitter source dude tbh

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          1. Scottys Army
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            i saw

            what would he know and clueless

            to name a couple

            lol

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  11. goneill79
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    How can a game where u pick players & get points make me happy so much,feckin love it.

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  12. Grounderz
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    What... I took Morrison in for a hit! 🙁

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  13. DRIZ ✅
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Why is Ravel not starting? fuming at that decision watch you people

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  14. FantasyNik123
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Great. Now I need Kasami to play exceptionally well.

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  15. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Ravel and Walcott benched in my first 11 😐

    Baker benched 1st sub 😐

    Jedinak and Rosenior (?) ready and waiting 🙁

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    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      rosenior's game is tomorrow

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  16. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Anybody not been shot by the picks ?

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    1. goneill79
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Me.5 at the back looking good this gw.

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      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Still got my five safe(!) picks at the back..they just haven't got the best of fixtures

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    2. Qubit
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Im safe. For now..... (will be sweating on Coutinho though)

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      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Brought Ravmo in...sheesh...

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    3. onionbarje
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      me

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  17. FORCA INTER
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    what can i expect from my amazing subs?

    Paiters , Brady , Clyne

    3X2 would be nice , but some possible minus points on the way

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    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      awful subs there maybe minus points

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  18. Ludo
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Think it's time for Barkley out soon - rate him as a player, but really need guaranteed starters over the upcoming busy period.

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  19. Demí
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Diame starts as predicted. GWM will be happy

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks for the lists Demi.

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  20. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    This may be the most boring 3pm kick offs ever

    Cardiff Arsenal 0-0 just to rub it in

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    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      ***These

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  21. Messi & fabregas
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Which combination is more likely to get LESS rotated over the festive fixtures?

    A) Oscar + Valencia

    B) Coutinho + Valencia

    C) Coutinho + Lampard ?

    thanks

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    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      All the same imo

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  22. Parm
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Full team news:

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Aston Villa: Guzan, Bacuna, Vlaar, Clark, Luna, Delph, Westwood, El Ahmadi, Agbonlahor, Benteke, Weimann

    Subs: Steer, Baker, Lowton, Albrighton, Sylla, Tonev, Kozak.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Sunderland: Mannone, Bardsley, Dossena, Brown, O'Shea (c), Ki, Gardner, Larsson, Borini, Giaccherini, Fletcher.

    Subs: Johnson, Celustka, Colback, Altidore, Roberge, Cattermole, Pickford.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Cardiff City: Marshall, Taylor, Caulker, Turner, Whittingham, Medel, Campbell, Kim, Mutch, Cowie, Theophile-Catherine.

    Subs: Lewis; Hudson, Cornelius, Odemwingie, Noone, Gunnarsson, Bellamy

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta, Ramsey; Wilshere, Ozil, Cazorla; Giroud

    Subs: Fabianski, Monreal, Vermaelen, Flamini, Walcott, Rosicky, Gnabry

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Everton: Howard, Coleman, Oviedo, Distin, Jagielka, Deulofeu, Pienaar, Barry, McCarthy, Osman, Lukaku

    Subs: Joel, Hibbert, Heitinga, Jelavic, Mirallas, Barkley, Stones

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Stoke City: Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross (c), Muniesa, Pieters; Walters, Whelan, Nzonzi, Adam, Assaidi; Crouch.

    Subs: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Wilson, Ireland, Palacios, Shea, Jones

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Norwich: Ruddy; Martin, R Bennett, Bassong (c), Olsson; Fer, Howson, Redmond, Hoolahan, Elmander, Hooper.

    Subs: Nash, Whittaker, Johnson, Turner, Garrido, Becchio, Josh Murphy.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Crystal Palace: Speroni, Ward, Gabbidon, Delaney, Moxey, Jedinak, Dikgacoi, Bannan, Puncheon, Chamakh, Jerome.

    Subs: Price, Mariappa, Phillips, O'Keefe, Gayle, Jonny Williams, Kebe

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    West Ham: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Tomkins, Collins, McCartney, Noble, Diame, Downing, Nolan, Jarvis, Maiga.

    Subs: Adrian, Collison, Taylor, Morrison, O'Brian, C.Cole, J.Cole

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Fulham: Stekelenburg; Zverotic, Hughes, Amorebieta, Richardson; Duff, Sidwell, Parker, Kasami; Taarabt; Bent.

    Subs: Stockdale, Senderos, Ruiz, Kacaniklic, Karagounis, Boateng and Dembele.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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    1. SW6
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      What a guy 🙂

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    2. Parm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Format fail 🙁

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    3. r0nh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Lovely 🙂

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    4. FantaCity
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      thanks as ever

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    5. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Why rmorr is on the bench is beyond me

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      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        this x 1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

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    6. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks Parmtree.

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      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Any chance you could remove the excess dashes creeping into the next line, looks untidy.

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    7. Jax
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      so west ham have a striker playing today!

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    8. Q--
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Mirrallas !! Morrison !!

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  23. Djerbil
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Looks like Double Saints defence for me vs Chelsea..

    No M.Turner , up comes Clyne

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    1. Sarnab
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Same here, bring on a CS

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    2. Jax
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      he's on the bench

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  24. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Happy I got cabaye instead of morrison last night

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  25. SpartaBallas
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Barkley and Murner down. Was inches away from bringing morrison in as well... This gw looking dire

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  26. SW6
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    The second coming of Moussa Dembele is almost here

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  27. Laserface
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    3/4 starting .. not that bad i suppose

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  28. onionbarje
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Villa to run riot, shame i dont have Benteke

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    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      nope.

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  29. The Wizard of Ozil
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    With out Ravel I only have Ozil & Ramsey playing today, wonder what match I'll watch...

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  30. Seamy
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Made a mistake in my subs bench order (i.e. Didnt alter it)

    So A. Williams will be first to come on in place of Ravel with Whittingham 3rd sub :-/

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