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. DonTheSpecialOne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    I can't make up my mind - Sturridge really The man to sub Kun with? Too many options

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

      yes

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

        SAS 😮 cheers TW

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

      I went for him

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

        Keep calm and follow The Champ?

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

      yeah, that's who I went with. Boring, but solid (like Jonty in the article)

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

        Although Jonty has seemingly gone for Rooney this week 🙂

        Open Controls
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      one option: http://imgur.com/8OJTDBS

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

        😀

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

      Yes

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

      This. Next week can swap for a City attacker of your choice for the 2 home routs.

      Open Controls
    6. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      5 of next 6 are good, I'm in.

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

        Cheers Flynn! And everyone else

        Open Controls
  2. r0scr0w
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Everyone to their own but why are people overlooking Eriksen? 3 goals 3 assists in last 6 games since playing in his natural position. Seems a bargain.

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

      I have Made, just don't fancy double Spurs

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

        *Ade

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

      Not me. In in WC GW21.

      Agree with you.

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

      Have Ade and don't want double Spurs.

      My options was J Rod + Eriksen or Ade + Lallana.

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

    Wolves got torn apart on transfer deadline day

    Open Controls
    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Draw with Bradford today?

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

        Unlikely, we haven't won for 10 games

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

    Thoughts on how to fix this team?

    Ramsey - mata
    Aguero - dzeko?

    Boruc

    Clyne - Ward - Kolarov
    Mata - Hazard - Gnabry - Barkley
    Suarez - Sturrige - Aguero

    Mannone - Coleman - Bruce - Ramsey

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

    Suarez or Sturrdige are going to smash WBA tomorrow.

    Captaining anyone else is a bad move

    They just conceded 4 against Villa

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

    Quick RMT for this week......

    Azpi. Sag. Chambers. ( Ward Coleman)

    Haz. Ozil. Silva. Lall ( Colback)

    Roon Giroud. Suarez

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

    Best sub 4.4 defenders?

    Open Controls
    1. isacki: full casual
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Yoshida with Wanyama back potentially.

      Open Controls
  8. 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
    1. RabMac
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Ditch Ward_Prowse and swap Mirallas for Eriksen and get captain on Suarez

      Open Controls
  9. GREENDREAMS11
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Lol @ Mark and his preamble, as the weeks go on the more amusing they seem to be getting. Not sure if this is his intention or not but made me chuckle, again.

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

      Yes but he will do well to beat the missus comment. That should be carved in Stone somewhere.

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

    Play Nasty or Ward??

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

      Ward will play, and "might" get something.

      Isn't Nasty now behind Dechiwhatshisface?

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

    1) Best Swansea coverage?

    2) Best Cardiff coverage?

    I promise to pray for your team in return for your answers

    Open Controls
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      1) Defence: Chico / Attack: Bony

      2) Defence: Caulker or Fabio / Attack: Campbell

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

        Thanks buddy good luck

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

      Bony/Shelvey

      Campbell/Mutch

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

    Marshall or Mannone, who starts ?

    Open Controls
    1. Nelson Vivas Fan Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      both

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

    Suarez, Sturridge... Pick one of Benteke, Giroud, Adebayor, Dzeko?

    Open Controls
  14. Motong-Moting
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    With Rat potentially released by West Ham, who takes that berth now??? Might wanna have a look...

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

      Armero

      Open Controls
  15. Balrath123
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Repost guys....

    What would you change with this, playing Catch Up. . Still have All Free Transfers till 11.30am

    Boruc

    Koscielny Shaw Evans

    Lallana Oscar Silva Johnson

    Rooney Dzeko Sturridge

    Subs.... Sterling Zabeletta Bennett.

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

    Dzeko or Adebayor? Is Dzeko nailed on?

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

      I don't think Dzeko is nailed on but he should start most games with Jovetic lacking match fitness and Aguero injured although I won't be surprised if Jovetic and Negredo start against Chelsea.

      Open Controls
  17. isacki: full casual
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Any horrifically irresponsible rumours today?

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

      Osvaldo hates Southampton

      Open Controls
      1. Tufnell-Chimes
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Don't we all.

        PUP! :o)

        Open Controls
  18. ola32
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Good to go?
    Start Ki or Januzaj?

    Szczesny
    Baines Chiriches Shaw
    Hazard Silva Januzaj Eriksen
    Suarez (C) Sturridge Giroud

    Mannone Ki Kolarov Ward

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

    two quick questions

    1) Which combo is better for this gw?
    A: Rvp + Jrod (-4)
    B: Dzeko + Bony

    2) If i get Rvp...who to cpt between suarez and Rvp?

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

      A. Suarez.

      Open Controls
  20. Steevo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Marshall
    Burner Evans Koscielny
    Yaya Eriksen Lallana Hazard
    Rodriguez Suárez Negredo

    1) Play Mutch instead of Rodriguez?
    2) Is Ben Turner going to play >60 mins?

    Cheers in advance!

    Open Controls
  21. Doar1986
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    RVP or Suarez as captain

    Or Carzorla or mata

    Open Controls
  22. Respect My Authoritah
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Mark not going for RVP! Cue inevitable haul

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

      Thought it was a brilliant idea, sad to see him step away from that ledge

      Open Controls
  23. Willis.
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Play Vlaar (eve) or Ward (ars) OOP?

    Open Controls
    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 3 months ago

      Ward is the brave thing to do.

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

    Correct order?

    1 Puncheon ARS (A) - Play
    2 Azpilicueta MCI (A) - Play
    3 Bruce TOT (H) - Bench 1
    4 Noone NOR (H) - Bench 2
    5 Chambers FUL (A) - Bench 3

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

      id rate them 4,5,1,2,3

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

      Prefer Noone to Puncheon. With those three defenders it's a bit of a lucky dip this week

      Open Controls
  25. Shatner's Bassoon
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Mutch (4.6) or Noone (4.3)?

    Open Controls
  26. SuperMario
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Mannone - Migs
    Coleman - Kois - Azip - Chambers - Fabio
    Lallana - Mirillas - Hazard - Yaya - Noone
    Suarez - Sturridge - Giroud

    Finally happy with my Wc team.. Time to get up and make the coffee..
    0.4 in the bank if anyone can spot something to improve??
    Looking at Giroud -------> Benteke next weekend....

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

      thanks anybody who gave advice throughout the week

      Open Controls
      1. r0scr0w
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 3 months ago

        Maybe lower migs to give yourself more cash.

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

    Only got 2 nailed starters in defence. Pretty sure Baker won't start but is it even worth taking four point? Can't see many obvious clean sheets amongst the fixtures and already have Arsenal coverage

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

      Nah, I wouldn't. This is a tough week to pick clean sheets

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

        Cheers, that's what I was thinking. Top of my league so don't need to chase points yet

        Open Controls
  28. Bod
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Any chance on a RMWCT?

    Marshall (Speroni)
    kolarov, Koscielny, Fabio (Coleman, Azpilacueta)
    Mata, Yaya, Lallana, Mirallas (Puncheon)
    Suarez, Sturridge, Adebeyor

    Good to go?

    Had Coleman since gw1 btw

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

      Looks nice, but I'm not a huge fan of Kolarov in the long-run. Too many substitute appearances for a 5.5

      Open Controls
  29. Dial Square
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Most nailed on 3.9 defenders?
    .

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

      Not sure there are any. Chambers seems to be playing a lot though, but being dropped for Clyne is always a possibility

      Open Controls
  30. P-daddy
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 3 months ago

    Sorry never Rmt'd or reposted but first time for everything...

    Never asked before bout would appreciate any advice

    Adrian Davis

    Azp Kosc Ward Demel Bruce

    Yaya Hazard Cazorla Johnson Mirallas

    Suar Studge J.Rod

    Playing catch up so playing 2x W Ham for their upcoming home games as a diff, expect them to tighten up in coming weeks. Had Mannone as 2nd keeper but they actually have poor fixtures and a no game in GW 28 so gonna stick with Adrian for next 4 weeks as re-assess. I think the squad gives me a decent starting team for several weeks without even worrying about transfers.....

    Many thanks

    Open Controls