The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 2

That “difficult” second Gameweek. You can shine on your debut but it’s the follow-up that can so often find you out.

I got through the opening weekend unscathed. I’ve had no major fires to put out – no significant bandwagons missed that forced my hand and pushed me into spending points on trades. As I’ve often stated, however, this can create a dangerous scenario.

Often, when it becomes obvious that you need to react to a trend – signing Gylfi Sigurdsson for example – your next decision is so clear, there’s no need to deliberate and ponder. Uncertainty and noise can’t get in to cloud your judgment and you’re not tempted into false tampering.

My Gameweek 2 situation is very different. Looking at my lineup, Ashley Young’s presence as a midfield “filler” was perhaps my only real concern. United huffed and puffed and, with injuries biting, may well struggle to find form and Fantasy returns at Sunderland tomorrow. Having said that, I was ready to give Young more time – to see out the Gameweek and bank my trade.

Then, that uncertainty crept in and lure of making a potentially profitable trade proved too much. I avoided the overnight Ashley Young price drop and welcomed the unpredictable talents of Tom Ince to my dressing room and starting XI. I can dress it up but, really, I know that’s a vanity transfer.

Unlike those who had their hand forced to move for Sigurdsson, it’s difficult to feel confident about my decision. Young will likely start at Sunderland and United, with Robin van Persie set to be restored to the starting lineup, certainly have the tools to score goals and pile on the misery for me.

I struggle to come to terms with a price drop so early, though: that 5.5 midfielder looks pretty significant. There are potential bargains to be found – I already have Jordan Mutch but I also think that Charles N’Zogbia, Yannick Bolasie, Craig Gardner, Jonjo Shelvey and James Ward-Prowse, in addition to Ince, could prove useful short-term signings for periods of the season. Losing that 0.1 will have hampered my ability to chop and change in that area with a single transfers and, in the end, that proved a deciding factor.

I’ve allowed the game to “play” me then, for the market to dictate my first transfer. I managed to get through Gameweek 1 without major misgivings but, for all the logic and stats I can throw at the Ince for Young trade, I worry I’m going to find myself at home to “Mr Regret”. I’ve made his bed and the kettle’s on in anticipation of his arrival.