Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 24

I’m partial to a flutter but I’m hardly a seasoned gambler. Even so, I’m aware of the concept of “chasing losses” – I also know that any experienced punter will tell you that it’s a mug’s game.

Until Tuesday night, I wasn’t really sure just how this applied to Fantasy Football. How, when desperation kicks in, your better judgement can go out the window as you ignore the obvious option and search out the long shot.

Let’s face it, handing Wilfred Bony my Gameweek 23 armband was a travesty. I can and will point to the logic behind the decision – I can talk about about the Ivorian’s form, of Fulham’s fragility. Even so, that doesn’t detract from the fact that, deep down, I knew that Luis Suarez would punish me.

As I mentioned in this week’s ScoutCast, I stood for a full thirty seconds at my front door at 7.28, key in hand, ready to burst back in and correct my madness. Foolishly, I chose to turn and head to Tesco. Those pizzas might have been buy one, get one free but they cost me dearly.

Such outlandish decision-making is in stark contrast to the methods employed by our own Jonty – a Fantasy manager who has profited from backing the favourite. Jonty has reveled in his “dullard” moniker and can point to an impressive ranking and a profitable Wildcard that has left even Hall of Fame legend, Evs, in his wake.

In Thursday’s ScoutCast I was asked what I’ve learned this season. Jonty’s campaign, coupled with my season-long failed quest to seek out effective differentials has taught me that my enthusiasm to look for the spectacular long ball, rather than settle for the sideways pass, has hurt me the most. I’m constantly trying to be Glenn Hoddle and Jonty, pulling off his best Ray Wilkins impression, is making me look silly.

I’d like to think I’ve learned a lesson but, only this week, I was fully contemplating tossing four points into the air and backing Robin van Persie at Stoke. There I was, listening to Granville spelling out the obvious move – Edin Dzeko in for the injured Sergio Aguero to keep the City cover – and I was plotting another foolish 60-yard “Hail Mary”.

While this may disappoint those who listened in, I think I’m going to have to rethink. I daren’t try another Hollywood pass for a while.

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

1,965 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Aj gonna score again -. -?

    Open Controls
    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      i hope so, i just got him so prob not 😛

      Open Controls
    2. The Blind Badger
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      he has the form, and playing a derby without their best player.

      He also can go missing in big games.

      50-50 for me

      Open Controls
  2. Gooner Kebab
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    made a few last minute changes to WC.....it almost doesn't work...but i've clicked confirm...all the best lads..

    Open Controls
    1. RabMac
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      What was your final team?

      In the end I went with:

      Adrian | Mannone

      Fonte | Koscielny | Cahill | Ward | Bruce

      Yaya | Hazard | Mata | Lallana | Mutch

      RVP | Suarez | Adebayor

      Open Controls
  3. Pinoche
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    If you are gonna captain Mirallas fine but don't come here later on and say your season is over.

    Open Controls
    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Tough words from AJ

      Open Controls
      1. Pinoche
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Not at all. I say that in a bantering tone

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

      He will just play next week anyway.

      Open Controls
    3. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Can they say it now?

      Open Controls
    4. The Blind Badger
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      you know there will be plenty.

      as well as the ones who say the game glitched

      Open Controls
    5. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Agree. Why cut your own nose off? Accept the gamble may fail and move on.

      Open Controls
    6. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Well good luck Chucky.

      Open Controls
    7. RabMac
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Have to agree with the OP, captaining Mirallas is not a sensible choice and you are taking a massive risk.

      Open Controls
  4. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Suarez captain. Got Rooney in for Aguero last night. Reckon RVP will kill it this gw.

    Open Controls
    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Rvp in and C until 10 min back. Back 0n Suarez ..... but theres always next week.

      Open Controls
  5. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Azpilicueta or Ward?

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

      azpi

      Open Controls
    2. Galfadez
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      No one seems to realise there's a big chance of this game going 0-0. Azpi

      Open Controls
      1. RabMac
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I reckon Mourinho will go to play 19th Century football at the Etihad.

        Open Controls
    3. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Too late...

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

    TIMES UP !!!!

    Open Controls
    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      You seem suprised?

      Open Controls
      1. Pinoche
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        😆

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

    Seconds away! Round 24.

    As fatigue starts to wear the fighters down, surely those with stamina will land the telling blows soon.

    Keep it clean fellas.

    Open Controls
    1. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Good luck, Flynn 🙂

      Open Controls
    2. don parcheesi
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Slow and dirty, that's how I like to play it

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

        I think this may be a different pass-time.

        Open Controls
  8. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Good luck everyone. May the FPL gods grant you many points, but not as much as me 😉

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

      I'll settle for that C.O. 🙂 For this week anyway. 😉

      Open Controls
    2. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      All pray to Saint Cazorla.

      Open Controls
  9. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Suarez captain.

    Duh.

    Open Controls
    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Aye.

      Open Controls
  10. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Put your pencils down.

    Open Controls
    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      People still submit their team by paper?

      Open Controls
      1. Atwood
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Sent mine 1st class a couple if hours ago.

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

    its 5 PM.....times up

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

    Post your team below...

    Adrian;
    Evans, Flanagan, Fabio;
    Hazard, Mata, Silva, Noone;
    Van Persie(c), Suarez(vc), Sturridge,

    Mannone; Puncheon, Chambers, Azpilicueta.

    Open Controls
    1. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Boruc | Mannone

      Koscielny | Azpilicueta | Ward | Olsson | Chester

      Yaya | Hazard | Mata | Lallana | Noone

      Suárez | Adebayor | RVP

      +0.2M

      Open Controls
      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Very good.

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

      ROBIN!

      2 ManU players more than Moyes would reccomend

      Open Controls
      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        😆

        Open Controls
    3. Liastro ⭐️
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Adrian
      Fabio Olsson Evans
      Silva Mata Hazard Lallana
      Suarez Sturridge Giroud

      Mannone; Puncheon, Azpilicueta, Ward

      Open Controls
      1. Ross Geller
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Marshall
        Reid - Koscienly - Evans
        AJ - Hazard - Cazorla - Mata
        Rooney - Suarez (c) - JRod

        Subs:Mannone - Noone - Ivano - Gabbidon

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

      Foster

      Kolarov. Koscielny Baines

      Hazard Eriksen Lallana Mata

      Suarez(C) Sturridge J.Rod

      Subs- K.Davis Noone Ward Chester

      Open Controls
    5. Saint Domingo
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Mannone
      Mert Burner Jevans
      Cazorla Hazard Ozil Yaya
      JRod Suarez(c) Dzeko

      Marshall Cahill Redmond Clyne

      Open Controls
    6. FPL Touches
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Thats a great team! Mine is:

      Adrian
      Azpi - Chambers - Kos
      Mata - Haz - AJ - Noone
      RVP - Suarez - Benteke

      +3.5m ITB

      Open Controls
      1. Saint Domingo
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Nice mate

        Open Controls
    7. Billy Ketsu
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Adrian
      Baines Sagna Bruce
      Mirrallas Erikson Hazard Mata
      Sturridge Rodriguez Hitler(C)

      Open Controls
    8. RabMac
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Adrian

      Fonte | Koscielny | Cahill

      Yaya | Hazard | Mata | Lallana

      RVP | Suarez (c) | Adebayor

      Mannone, Mutch, Bruce, Ward

      Open Controls
    9. The Beta particle
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      here we go

      Mannone(i think he gives me saves)

      JT sagna Ryan bennet

      haz mirallas eriksen Yaya

      suarez giroud sturridge

      tried to do giroud to benteke but too late

      Open Controls
      1. footyjuana
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Boruc/Adrian

        Baines/Kosc/Yoshida{Williamson/Vlaar}
        Yaya/Mata/Haz/Barkley/{Punch}
        Suarez/Sturridge/Dzeko

        On WC - 0.4 in bank

        Looks good?

        Open Controls
    10. Urchin
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      boruc
      debuch kosc evans
      whitts oscar mata mirall eriks
      radrig(vc) suarez(c)

      boruc
      gabbid bruce
      aguero

      no mocking kindly....already regretting two strikers.... ;(

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

    times up its over baby 🙂

    Open Controls
  14. thomo107
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Just changed to Ozil capt with a minute to go. Have I lost my mind??

    Open Controls
    1. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      You idiot

      Open Controls
    2. Saint Domingo
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      😯 Good luck Thomo

      Open Controls
    3. RabMac
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      You are taking a big risk as Ozil's form has been poor for a while and Palace are hard to break down under Pullis.

      Open Controls
      1. thomo107
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I know. Just at last minute had visions of west brom doing a job on Liverpool and Arsenal surely have got to raise it after drawing last game and Man City kicking on. No wilshire, no ramsey, no walcott.... Ozil you've got to step up and produce my Boi! (not that i'm trying to convince myself its a decent risk at all!!!) also need a differential capt to close in on my mini league leader. sleepless night ahead

        Open Controls
    4. thomo107
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      He has to be due goal, assist, 3pt bonus

      Open Controls
  15. Atwood
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    When can you normally view other peoples lineups?

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

      After the update.

      Open Controls
      1. Atwood
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        When's the update end usually? Haha sorry, it's just I wanna know if I can check it before I go out.

        Open Controls
    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Sunday at 3 am

      Open Controls
  16. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Planned my team like a boss. Hopefully I see returns soon

    Open Controls
    1. RabMac
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Post your team so we can take a look.

      Open Controls
  17. Liastro ⭐️
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    The bottom line is that everyone who had already wildcarded were jealous of those who were doing so this week.

    Open Controls
    1. FPL Touches
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Nah. My team's the shit.

      Open Controls
      1. RabMac
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Is it as good as mine?

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

      Not really. Last week was the best week.

      Open Controls
      1. GTS
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        +1.
        a minor Kun > someone and team still looks good.

        Open Controls
    3. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Eh???? 😯

      Open Controls
    4. Woy of the Wovers
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Hardly. I still have my WC.

      Open Controls
    5. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Dozen greens in the last 13 GW and up to 19K.

      Jealous as hell.

      Ridiculous comment.

      Open Controls
  18. FPL Touches
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    A boring Suarez (C) in the end 😆

    Open Controls
    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Did same . On Rvp till this morning. Oh well ..... next week.

      Open Controls
  19. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    @KickIt- good luck, your going down! 😀

    Open Controls
  20. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Guys i'm playin Noone ahead of oscar. Is Noone Nailed on to start??

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

      😆

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

      No point asking now.

      Open Controls
      1. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I thought he was lively against united!!

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

          Deadline has passed.

          Open Controls
    3. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      He should be, for this week at least

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

      lol buying a premium mid and benching him - its not like city's defence is rock solid - you might regret it my friend

      Open Controls
    5. RabMac
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      If you are going to start Noone over Oscar you should not have Oscar in your team.

      Open Controls
  21. Mumm-Ra
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    No money - no time - hence.........

    Mannone
    Zabaleta Koscielny Azpilicueta
    Mirallas(v) Yaya Lallana Hazard Sung-Yeung
    Negredo Suarez(c)

    Subs: Davis Berahino Ward Chester

    Open Controls
  22. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    QPR Burnley today. Oh yeah baby bring it onnnnnn

    Open Controls
  23. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Happy new gameweek!!!!

    Open Controls
  24. Richd
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    RVP and Miralles captain.is this GW1?

    Open Controls
  25. Epic Fail
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    An early Suarez red card will be good. Just after scoring an own goal.

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

      You can go off people you know Epic.

      Open Controls
      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        😀

        Open Controls
    2. Billy Ketsu
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      It's comments like this that cause unrest.

      Open Controls
    3. The Beta particle
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      ooh who did you captain peter crouch?

      Open Controls
  26. Marouane Fellatio
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Can I get a RMT?

    Cech
    Koscielny Kolarov Flanagan
    Hazard Ozil Lallana Eriksen
    RVP Suarez Sturridge

    Open Controls
    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Now? 😯

      Open Controls
    2. Chuckie
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'll give you a comforting thumbs-up. Looks ok.

      Open Controls
    3. RabMac
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Liverpool potential for CS sucks without Agger so Flanagan is poor choice imo.

      Kolarov may not start as Clichy played last week.

      Cech probably not keep a CS against CIty at Etihad.

      Would give your team 8/10

      Open Controls
  27. Zombie
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    A Curious soul here

    Anyone here who haven't used their January WC ?

    Open Controls
  28. GTS
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Benteke, make me and the 318,791 owners proud lad.

    Open Controls
    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      +1
      Even though I don't have him.

      Open Controls
      1. GTS
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Good luck this GW Epicfail. 🙂

        Open Controls
  29. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    A late flurry of transfers in for Giroud makes him the top transfer in for the day...about time.

    Open Controls
    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      screw his shooting stats. dzeko ade better shouts

      Open Controls
    2. RabMac
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I think many people are under estimating Palace defence and have not looked at fixture list.

      Open Controls
  30. Respect My Authoritah
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    On to gw25. Are non RVP owners captaining Suarez v Arsenal? Or punting?

    Open Controls
    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Suarez..week in and week out.

      Open Controls
    2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      suarez....always suarez

      Open Controls
    3. Mithrandir, the Grey Pilgri…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Good question.

      Very good question> Errrm.

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

      Not changed captaincy since I got him.

      Open Controls
    5. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      RVP in for that purpose. Would be silly not to C him. He not staying much after that anyway.

      Open Controls
      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Sorry - just saw the non bit

        Open Controls