Preamble

The Pre-match Preamble – Gameweek 16

For some reason I’ve got it into my head that I always prosper at Christmas. That somehow my decision making, fuelled by sentimental movies and mince pies, clicks into groove and brings in a run of green arrows. I cling to it every year, point to it as a boom period that will see me push up the ranks.

In truth, there’s little or no proof to back up this theory. I seem to remember one season where I found festive fortune with a few armbands which suddenly transformed my campaign; ever since I’ve convinced myself that Christmas is “my time”.

I do wonder if there’s something in it, though – whether Christmas is a period that can suit a certain type of Fantasy manager. After all, with the quick-fire Gameweeks offering little time to ponder and procrastinate, it can favour those who go with their gut; those who ignore player prices and let instant decisions guide their transfer and armband strategies.

If a regular Gameweek is the equivalent of a striker having too much room and time with the goal gaping, the Christmas spell snaps like a centre-back pincer movement – Adams and Keown – breathing down our necks and giving us little option but to act on instinct.

That all means that, in football terms, I’m perhaps more Stephane Sessegnon than Sergio Aguero. Give me time to dwell on things and pick my spot and I’ll spoon it. Let’s face it, I’ve missed some sitters this season – Aaron Ramsey and Luis Suarez, to name just two. However, perhaps I’m now due a thirty-yard volley? An improbable, athletic scissor-kick from nowhere.

Ironically, Sessegnon’s manager has recently backed him for goals and, with bigger priorities elsewhere in my squad, I’ve also been forced to keep the faith. Maybe the Baggies man can still make my Christmas? Or perhaps I’m just heading for the inevitable – the indignity of buying myself a Ramsey and faking a grateful smile when he pops in yet another goal on Boxing Day.

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

1,957 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Trivia :
    Which player holds the record for most blocks this season?

    Open Controls
    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Jags

      Open Controls
    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Guess........ Terry

      Open Controls
    3. Grumpy Camel
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Dawson

      Open Controls
    4. Darsh
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Chico

      Open Controls
    5. Ghostface
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      phil jones

      Open Controls
    6. rohan
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Lovren?

      Open Controls
    7. Dial Square
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Mert

      Open Controls
    8. jas5sk - Youtube channel
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Great Wall of Ashley Williams?

      Open Controls
      1. jas5sk - Youtube channel
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        What's the number?

        Open Controls
        1. Chucky
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          So you can then google it 😯

          Open Controls
          1. jas5sk - Youtube channel
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            Wouldn't do that, usually wrong anyway, being right once won't change that

            Open Controls
    9. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      All incorrect 😆

      Open Controls
      1. rdpx
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        great post.

        Open Controls
      2. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Distin

        Open Controls
        1. Chucky
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Na

          Open Controls
    10. Round and Round
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Bob The Builder

      Open Controls
    11. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Shawcross?

      Open Controls
    12. jas5sk - Youtube channel
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Is it Gabbidon

      Open Controls
    13. Dial Square
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Coloccini

      Open Controls
      1. Hansel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        jonas olsson?

        Open Controls
        1. Chucky
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Nope

          Open Controls
    14. elkunaguero
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      James Collins

      Open Controls
    15. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Hint : Used to play for Swansea last season

      Open Controls
      1. QPR expects... glory!
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Caulker

        Open Controls
        1. Chucky
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          😎

          Open Controls
      2. jas5sk - Youtube channel
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        No way it's Caulk

        Open Controls
        1. Chucky
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Scout picks FTW 🙂

          Open Controls
          1. Independiente
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 4 months ago

            Ki?

            Open Controls
  2. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone benching Ramsinho??

    Open Controls
    1. The Chosen One...
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Me. City 2-0

      Open Controls
      1. Manamongst
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        You´re drunk right...?

        He might get 2 goals today. The point of having a player with such a high ownership is NOT to get caught out on games like this. But by all means give us that .03% diff....

        by all means. Might wanna have Özil as well.

        Open Controls
        1. The Chosen One...
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 4 months ago

          Or maybe u could look at it the other way and think of it as a chance to move up the rankings of he blanks.....and what better fixture to bench than at the Etihad

          Open Controls
    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Not happy playing him, but dangerous to bench. 🙁

      Open Controls
  3. GlasgowFF
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    It was my work Xmas party last night and I do not have the energy to think about captains this morning.

    Who should I go for?

    Hazard
    Lukaku
    Suarez
    Aguero

    Open Controls
    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Lukaku is the weapon of choice.

      Open Controls
      1. Manamongst
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Doos!!!

        Last chance to get on the Deulofeu train. I tried to tell the people for Stoke, but was met with a few laughs.

        I just don´t want to see the back-lash from angry Lukaku owners.

        And yes I do believe I will do the pelotas grandes thing and Ca`ptain the young lad, start from bench or not. But I find Martinez a common-sense read, moreso than epic fantasy muppet managers like Moyes or Mancini.

        Open Controls
    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I'm on Hazard, so go Lukaku

      Open Controls
  4. Yxz
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Januzaj to start for Man U?

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

        😀

        Open Controls
  5. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Good luck folks. See you'll around sharpish hopefully.

    If not, wishing you a very Merry Christmas! Have a good one!

    🙂

    Open Controls
    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      aye merry crimble

      Open Controls
  6. Yome
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Chico to Williamson for free?

    Open Controls
    1. Yome
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Or even Colo or Debuchy, I have cash...

      Open Controls
      1. QPR expects... glory!
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I went for Debuchy myself. The way he's attacking right now he'll get something in the next 3 fixtures

        Open Controls
  7. Ghostface
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    just switched the (c) from lukaku to aguero ..

    Open Controls
    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      😛

      Open Controls
  8. Jose
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    who to bench..

    barkley, rambo, silva, sess or hazard.

    currently on sess but just looked into the team stats and cardiff have conceded the most shots in the box at home this season.. sess had so many chances in the box last week

    Open Controls
    1. Ghostface
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      bench sess

      Open Controls
    2. mucka
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Sess. Your hardly gunna bench Hazard?

      Open Controls
    3. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      bench barkley

      Open Controls
  9. cornish1
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Who the heck is starting in Midfield for Chelski today ?

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

      Find out at 2pm.

      Open Controls
      1. cornish1
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks TM, guess Torres is your captain eh ? Heh ....

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

          Always.

          Open Controls
    2. rohan
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I'll take a guess

      Ramires- Lampard
      Mata - Oscar - Hazard

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

        Lamps benched mate. Played 90 during the week

        Open Controls
      2. AntiLampard
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        My guess:

        Ramires-Mikel
        Mata-Hazard-Schurrle

        Open Controls
  10. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    So i'm starting GJ ahead of Burner and going Suarez(c).. How did that happen 🙂

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

      GJ is a "luxury" defender
      He has to start

      Open Controls
    2. Eboue
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I'm doubling on Cardiff defence with Johnson bench 😯

      Open Controls
      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        This is what i had until TW and Rohan convinced me otherwise 🙂 .. Like the idea of having GJ to look forward to tomorrow

        Open Controls
    3. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      GJ happened thanks to me 😀

      dunno about suarez though.... but he is essentially this year's "rvp" if you know what I mean so never a bad choice

      Open Controls
      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks 🙂
        Rooney and Aguero are differentials in my ML so gonna enjoy their points either way.. Suarez automatically becomes the safe option

        Open Controls
    4. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Go with your gut!

      Open Controls
  11. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Dare I bench Ramsey and play Sess? 😕

    Open Controls
    1. rohan
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I'm benching Ramsey and playing Meyler

      Open Controls
    2. jdogg
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I think i am.got ozil aswell though.x

      Open Controls
    3. The Chosen One...
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Just made the swap

      Open Controls
    4. rdpx
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      wake up and smell the coffee, WR.

      Open Controls
    5. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Ok, I'm in 😀

      Open Controls
    1. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Lovely jubbly.

      Open Controls
    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Hmm, fingers crossed.

      Open Controls
    3. Scratch
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Would the media ever lay off on this. Hart has been nothing short of a liability since last season. Pantimilon hasn't done anything wrong since justifiably being given his opportunity. It's really that simple. But no, Hart is English so let's hound Pellegrini and run several stories pondering the selection before each City game 😉

      Open Controls
  12. tw
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    silva walcott or nasri?

    and is there any news on whether vorm will start or not?

    Open Controls
    1. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      silva

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

      Team news says no.

      Silva for me. Walcott when fit.

      Open Controls
  13. Scratch
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Aguero or Lukaku. Aguero or Lukaku.Aguero or Lukaku. Aguero or Lukaku. Aguero or Lukaku. Aguero or Lukaku. Aguero or Lukaku. Aguero or Lukaku. Aguero or Lukaku. Or Suarez.

    Arrrgghh i hate this game!!

    Open Controls
    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Suarez 😉

      Open Controls
    2. Mikei
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Incredible Hulk from Everton. 😉

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

      Suck it up and go with your instincts

      Open Controls
      1. Scratch
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I thought I was being mildly sneaky putting it on Lukaku until I logged on here yesterday lol

        Open Controls
  14. The HiTmAN
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Final Thoughts?

    Myhill(Daniels)
    Dawson, Turner, Distin (Koschielny, Clyne)
    Barkley, Michu, Oscar, Hazard(vc) (Ward Prowse)
    Suarez, Lukaku, Aguero(c)

    All set??

    Open Controls
    1. McSauce
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      luk c

      Open Controls
      1. The HiTmAN
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        not keen on Lukaku, Fulham looked good last weekend.

        Open Controls
  15. Jimbo123
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Coutinho or Witts?

    Got Suarez, and just got a feeling Witts' set piece potential could come through today!?

    Madness?

    Open Controls
    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      yeh go whitss defo

      Open Controls
  16. iCon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Morning fellas,

    Just a quick one if you don't mind:-

    Play Collins(SUN) or Shelvey(nor)

    Many thanks

    Open Controls
    1. jdogg
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Jonjo.x

      Open Controls
  17. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Captain Rooney, Kun or Hazard?

    Open Controls
    1. Notorious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Roo

      Open Controls
      1. The HiTmAN
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Kun

        Open Controls
    2. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      roooooney

      Open Controls
  18. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    which order should my bench be, currently on: januzaj dawson mert

    Open Controls
    1. tw
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      dawson vs mert is the tough one but hopefully it doesn't come to them

      might go mert ahead of dawson though

      Open Controls
      1. UnitednationsXI
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        hmmm its tight i know...starting def is distin burner olson

        Open Controls
  19. BigManBakar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    TM,it is high time now.I hope your break is over. 1 FT and 0.1 in bank

    Marshall (WBA)
    Zaba(ARS) Chester(STO) Collins(SUN)
    Ramsey(MCI) Haz(CRY) Barkley(FUL) Ravel(SUN)
    Aguero(ARS) Suarez(TOT) Lukaku(FUL)

    Subs:Davis,Sess,Dawson,Ward.

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

      Save. 😀

      Open Controls
      1. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks!

        Open Controls
  20. Peggi
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    play Ramsey or Whitts?

    Open Controls
    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      whitts

      Open Controls
    2. Psakhotherapy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      depending on the rest of your team, Ramsey

      Open Controls
    3. Peggi
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      3rd vote wins

      Open Controls
    4. Notorious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Ramsey

      Open Controls
    5. Disco Pat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Blue blaggers always play Ramsey! I've learnt that lesson twice this season!

      Open Controls
      1. jas5sk - Youtube channel
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        Can you bench him this week...Just to be safe 😉

        Open Controls
  21. Psakhotherapy
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    play Pablo or Lallana this week?

    Open Controls
    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      lallana

      Open Controls
    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Bad luck, you own Pablo too 🙁

      Open Controls
  22. Scottys Army
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    good luck fulham defence

    Open Controls
  23. donkey73
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Find X:
    Ravel-Ramsey-Hazard-Lampard-(X)

    can afford:

    A) Silva
    B) Oscar (triple chelsea)
    C) Walcott
    D) Other up to 9.1

    Open Controls
    1. Notorious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Silva

      Open Controls
    2. jdogg
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Silva.x

      Open Controls
  24. Jax
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Benteke no goal in ten games

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

      (c) material.

      Open Controls
    2. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      flair pick Captain.

      Open Controls
  25. rdpx
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Is Hazard at all likely to be rested this week?

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

      Possible...

      Open Controls
    2. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      I reckon he'll start but, of course, the risk is there...

      Open Controls
  26. jdogg
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    mcgregor
    Coleman evans williams
    Ozil hazard silva ravel
    Suarez kun lukaku-c

    Pantilimon ramsey burner ward

    Good to go?

    Open Controls
  27. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    I hate being on at this time, get too tempted to tinker. But now I'm here

    Howard

    Coleman, Terry, Burner

    Silva, Hazard, Ramsey, Brady

    Suarez, Aguero, Lukaku (c)

    Lewis, JWP, Williams, Clyne

    Open Controls
    1. Notorious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 4 months ago

      Great team mate

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

      Looks good.

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

      Brady benched

      Open Controls
  28. Jacketts Potatoes
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Guys , good to go?

    Krul
    Coleman distin Mert
    Fer Rambo Ozil Yaya
    Suarez(c) lukaku Aguero

    Davis Burner ravel shaw

    Wondering about my benching order also considering Mert to Burner

    Open Controls
  29. Brutus619
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 4 months ago

    Somehow missed the playon deadline whilst making my team, it was a sweet team too 🙁

    Cech

    Azpi, Chester, Wilson, Muniesa

    Oscar, Walcott, Silva, Sess

    Rooney, Lukaku

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

      Defence isn't great

      Open Controls
      1. Brutus619
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 4 months ago

        I wanted to fit in Oviedo but he's too expensive. It's really hard to have a better defence though because it's mean downgrading Oscar/Sess and Sess could be explosive.

        Open Controls