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. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    All I want this week is no injuries...well, ok maybe just one...but four a week has just been taking the p of late...

    Open Controls
    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      oops..bad post for the top of the page..apologies..

      Open Controls
      1. Kane Toads
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        I'm with you - too many injuries. Injuries have destroyed both of my WC teams over the last month.

        Open Controls
        1. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 3 months ago

          I had to wc early due to injuries..no choice..That was wrecked the same weekend by injuries, so I fixed it ...and then I had four injuries again this week...blahhhh...

          Open Controls
          1. d1sable
            • Has Moderation Rights
            10 years, 3 months ago

            same,

            Rooney, Ramsey (twice), Aguero, Walcott, Coleman, Negredo, Lukaku then Turner not playing.

            Open Controls
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      winter break required! unbelievable number of injuries since mid-December.

      Open Controls
      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        and all directed at good FPL picks it seems.

        Open Controls
    2. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I had 5 last week.

      Open Controls
      1. ScotsmanAbroad
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        My entire bench is red or yellow flagged, and that is after an 8 point hit to get 11 starters!

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

    Silva is like my new coutinho, i own him and don't know why. No one else does in my mini league, he's sort of just there, consistent 4/5 pointer. I'd get him out but i never get around to it?? You catch sight of him in your team and hope against all doubt he'll just get a points haul this week, but yeah..no.

    Open Controls
    1. The Albatross
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I'm thinking of getting him in - one of the top performers when it comes to ppg

      Open Controls
  3. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Decision time - votes please!!

    (A) Kim & Aguero -> Mirallas & Benteke

    (B) Kolarov & Aguero -> Chambers & RVP(c)

    Szczesny
    Terry, Kolarov, B Davies
    Hazard, Ozil, Silva, Puncheon
    Aguero, Suarez, Bony

    Davis, Kim, Clyne, Whittaker

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

      hey mate, replied to you on the last page

      Open Controls
    2. Clay Davis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      A for me. Wouldn't be surprised to see RVP rested especially with champions league coming up again soon... he can't play 2 games in a week and train like a workhorse like Moysy demands.

      Open Controls
    3. Kane Toads
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      (A)

      Open Controls
    4. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

    Double Liverpool (Suarez & Sturridge)

    YES or NO?

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

      YES

      Open Controls
    2. jas5sk - Youtube channel
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      yes

      Open Controls
  5. Couti & the Below5th
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    haha great article Mark!

    Open Controls
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Bench ONE:

    Yaya TOURE (CHE)
    Eden HAZARD (mci)
    Adam LALLANA (ful)
    Craig NOONE (NOR)

    Quality of player or quality of fixture - which is more important?

    Open Controls
    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      prob hazard if mourinho parks the bus but can't tell you as it's a tough choice

      Open Controls
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        yeah, it's the penalties and on the break thing with Hazard.

        but he hasn't done the business against the big boys this year.

        will be watching Cardiff/Norwich highlights with my hands over my eyes. 😉

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

      player, bench noone

      Open Controls
    3. @ocprodigy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Player. Someone has to score goals/gain assists unless it's a bore draw...

      Open Controls
    4. jas5sk - Youtube channel
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Noone

      What are people expecting from Noone anyway, to play him over such good players?

      Open Controls
    5. banskt
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Noone if you want to play safe. If you got the balls, bench Lallana. [Disclaimer: I don't have the balls]

      Open Controls
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        yeah me neither. 😉 Lallana is poor away from home, Hazard doesn't do it against the big boys, Noone has got a plum home time...

        ... I'll bench Noone! 😉

        Open Controls
    6. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Noone

      Open Controls
    7. aehii
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Noone.

      Open Controls
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I think we've got a winner! Cheers all.

      Open Controls
    8. money face bandwagon
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      bench noone..at least u will not be pissed off when he scores as he is supposed to be ur 5th mid

      Open Controls
  6. Wilberto
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Please rate my WC team:

    Adrian (Mannone)
    Evans - Koscielny - Fabio (Yoshida, Coleman)
    Mirallas (C) - Mata - Hazard - Lallana (Ward-Prowse)
    Dzeko - Suarez - Sturridge

    1.8 in the bank

    Any suggestions for improvement?!
    How about the defence, how could I improve it?

    Open Controls
  7. andres
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    so after gw 26 there is the FA Cup that will decide who has a blank in gw 29 and there is also the Champions League...

    Open Controls
  8. Qubit
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Was going to play Adrian this week but Newc looking somewhat toothless with injuries so Mannone is tempting me -anyone care to convince me one way or another?

    Open Controls
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Sounds good. No Remy. No Cabaye.

      Open Controls
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Plus, Gouffran and Cisse are doubts according to FPL.

        Open Controls
    1. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I'm thinking the same but it's a derby and a chance for fringe players to shine. Plus Shola is the Mackem Slayer

      Open Controls
    2. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      de jong to start?

      Open Controls
  9. Yome
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Good to go? -8 this week...
    Adrian
    Kos, Kolarov, Evans
    Hazard, Mata, Navas, Lallana (Noone)
    RVP (VC), Suarez (C), Studge
    (Mannone, Chambers, Parr)

    Open Controls
  10. Elfozzie 42
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Januzaj or Barkley?

    Mannone
    Ward - Fonte - Koscielney
    Johnson - Hazard - LLallana - ??
    Suarez - Rooney - Adebayor

    Open Controls
  11. Demelbrush
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Mirallas or erikson?

    Open Controls
    1. Demelbrush
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      for my WC team...

      Open Controls
    2. don parcheesi
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      mirallas

      Open Controls
    3. banskt
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Eriksen. You can swap to Mirallas if situation demands.

      Open Controls
      1. elkunaguero
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        today is the kind of situation...

        Open Controls
  12. Clintymints
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Play ward over any of these?

    Mannone

    Kosc - Evans - Kolorov

    Eriksen - Silva - Mata - Haz

    Sturry - RvP - Suarez

    Open Controls
    1. don parcheesi
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      what? No.

      Open Controls
      1. Clintymints
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Excellent

        Open Controls
  13. r0nh
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Breaking news!!!!

    RVP & Suarez had a fight!!

    Both suffered broken legs.

    Open Controls
    1. FACUPARSE
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      trying to introduce yourself today with this nonsense...

      go back to bed bear

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

      Sagna(vc) to come in!!

      Open Controls
    3. jas5sk - Youtube channel
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      When will footballers learn that they can use their hands off the pitch...

      Open Controls
  14. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    what is the best team that rotates with Palace and Saints?

    Open Controls
    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Us.

      Open Controls
      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        But I have Adrian, doubling seems like a risk

        Open Controls
    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Everton are pretty good.

      Open Controls
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Norwich is decent if you want to pick 1 a week.

      Open Controls
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        or Villa.

        Open Controls
  15. Thomass
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    I'm going with my gut feeling… will reveal all at 12pm

    Open Controls
    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      🙂

      Open Controls
    2. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Can't wait!

      Open Controls
    3. jas5sk - Youtube channel
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Throwing up at 12pm?

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

        . 🙂

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

      shaking with excitement

      Open Controls
    5. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Nearly caught you up with hits Thomass67

      Open Controls
  16. Mr. Greedy
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Will Januzaj start do we think?

    Open Controls
  17. Proggy
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    I'm a little Fluffy cat, a little baby fluffy cat, la la la la la la la. La la la la. La la. HEY!

    🙂

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

    Best cheap Cardiff def?

    Open Controls
    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      fabio

      Open Controls
    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      If Fabio starts, it could be him. Mmm, 4.1m.

      Open Controls
  19. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Any RVP captainers?

    Open Controls
    1. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Next week

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

      Nay, he will be for Fulham next week

      Open Controls
  20. rozzo
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Is Eriksen on pens??

    Open Controls
    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Ade, surely.

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

      no chance

      Open Controls
    3. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      adeba

      Open Controls
    4. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Soldado when he's in. If he's not in, it's a lottery. Maybe Ade.

      Open Controls
  21. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Would any of you FPL geniuses put Gnabry (PAL) ahead of Gerrard (wba)?
    Playing Mata, Eriksen and Yaya already.

    Open Controls
    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      No

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

      no

      Open Controls
    3. don parcheesi
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      no. Always bench your cheapie (unless he's Jason Puncheon)

      Open Controls
      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Fair enough all.

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

      i am your man here 😉 the answer is a big fat NO

      Open Controls
  22. andres
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    marshall over mannone?

    wish I could play both.. can't see newcastle scoring w/o their top payers, cardiff at home though

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

      Play Marshall that's what the gk rotation is all about..

      Open Controls
      1. andres
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        true, will stick

        Open Controls
  23. Torres76
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Which 4 should I play

    1. Mata
    2. Hazard
    3. YaYa
    4. Lalaana
    5. Eriksen

    Cheers to all

    Open Controls
    1. Jump in Micah
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      1, 2, 3, 5

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

      If you have all of them in your team then they should be playing or you have made a mistake.

      Open Controls
  24. Jump in Micah
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Any last minute transfers needed??? Thanks!!

    Adrian
    Kosc, R Bennett, Collins
    Silva, Yaya, Hazard, Ozil, Mata
    Giroud, Suarez (c)

    Open Controls
    1. Jump in Micah
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      🙁

      Open Controls
  25. ludi
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Help please...

    A. Adebayor + Cazorla
    B. Sturridge + Eriksen
    C. Giroud + Eriksen

    (Otherwise no Arsenal or Spurs)

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

      A

      Open Controls
    2. Jump in Micah
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

      That is a no brainer. B

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

    Lallana or Eriksen!

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

      I answered last time

      Open Controls
    2. The Albatross
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      I went for Lallana - better fixtures

      Open Controls
    3. don parcheesi
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      mirallas

      Open Controls
  27. gunner1994
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    RMT

    Marshall
    Fonte Chico Koscielny
    Gerrard Toure Barkley Mata
    Suarez Dzeko Rodriguez

    Subs: Mannone, Puncheon, Azpilicueta, Ward

    Open Controls
  28. Here's the manager
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    How about
    Boruc (mannone)
    Chambers Chico merte ( coleman Bruce)
    Hazard mirallas mata eriksen ( puncheon)
    Suarez Dzeko giroud
    1.0 itb
    On WC getting very confused last minute. Giroud > Sturridge ?

    Can anybody spot any suggestions? thanks

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

    How does this look for this week? Not a WC team.

    Boruc | Mannone

    Koscielny | Azpilicueta | Ward | Olsson | Chester

    Yaya | Hazard | Mata | Lallana | Noone

    Suárez | Adebayor | RVP

    +0.2M

    Rating /10?

    Open Controls
    1. Jump in Micah
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      8

      Open Controls