Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 7

I’m so worried about my Wildcard flopping, I decided to leave the country.

These words are typed from a balcony on Spain, on the coast of Andalucia. Such surrounds really should provide ample distraction from any Fantasy Football concerns: I should be relaxed and fully engaged in holiday mode on my own “international break”. My concerns should be limited to the layers of factor-40 on my two-year-old red-headed son and the fact that the resort have given us a faulty coffee machine. You know, real first world stuff.

Instead, I’m contemplating Nacer Chadli’s consistency and whether it’s a week too early to be calling on the luxury item that is Leighton Baines. While I’m working to convince my family otherwise, deep down I know that my Wilcard will ensure that, mentally, the weekend is a write-off.

As soon as a ball is kicked back home, my mind will be wandering off: at lunchtime, while I’ll be sat in the sun watching leathery German tourists wrestle with the locally crafted Paella, my head will be under grey clouds at the Walkers Stadium, where pasty Midlanders chomp on Balti Pies. This weekend I’ll be dividing my time between these two very different worlds – I won’t really be joining my family until Monday, at the earliest. Even then, my Wildcard probably dictates just what kind of a mood I’ll be in for the week that remains: there’s a lot at stake in the next two days.

My ability to enjoy this sunny haven will probably rely on Messr’s Chadli and Baines, among others. They’ll decide if I can park my Fantasy line-up until wheels hit the Gatwick tarmac on Friday, or if the frustrations of a wasted Wildcard will have me turning to “what might have been” and points hits strategies to repair the damage.

I can’t help but beat myself up about this ridiculous scenario: I should be capable of taking a holiday. I have to wonder what would take the place of this “nonsense” in my head if Fantasy Football wasn’t part of my “life”. Then I realise that it would probably be that broken coffee machine. That makes me feel better.

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

3,070 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Bootsy: Snoddy's Reven…
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Kun will destroy you all, ah ha ha ha

    1. Bootsy: Snoddy's Reven…
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      p.s. Can't wait to see the wildcard team Mark!

      1. John Colby (Capt)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        cracking article Mark......sweating on this weekend too brother

  2. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Favorite article of the week. Every time.

    1. The Road Not Taken
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I agree. Mark certainly has a talent for writing.

      I just love articles like this: a beginning, middle and end with that clever trick of linking back to the start via the coffee-maker.

  3. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Balotelli benched today. Lambo starts

    1. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      hope so

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Don't understand what makes Gerrard, Skrtel, Mignolet and co..undroppable

      1. FISSH
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Would be unfair to drop Gerrard. Mignolet on the other hand.. Needs a kick up the backside

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          I'd drop Gerrard, but we can't. No options in midfield, quite a few injuries

        2. Gimli son of Gloin
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          How so?
          Neither have been better than Balo really

    3. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Sturridge?

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Bench, I think

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Wasn't he starting according to bib theory?

    4. Gimli son of Gloin
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Do you think this is true?
      Find it strange that he'd drop him in a very easy fixture during which he'd be likely to score.

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I think it's true

    5. Bootsy: Snoddy's Reven…
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Lovren should be dropped....as a Lovren owner it's tough to say, but true

  4. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    hilarious article. good luck mate haha

  5. Takedog1
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    forster
    clyne moore duff
    siggy sterling hazard adm
    costa aguero pelle

    gtg?

    1. Takedog1
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      aguero captain

    2. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      yep good to go. could be in for a big week. (C) kun?

      1. Takedog1
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        thanks mate! fingers crossed

  6. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    9/11 home players & 5 stars in my team this week.

    Cue 28 point score.

    1. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      7 and 6 stars. but considering benching one star!

  7. Gimli son of Gloin
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Who to drop..?

    Terry (ARS)
    Taylor (NEW)
    PVA (STO)
    Moore (BUR)

    Leaning toward PVA....?

    1. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I would go with PVA yea

      What about Clyne, Moore or Baines? :S

      1. Gimli son of Gloin
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Drop Clyne for sure

  8. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Would capt Siggy be ridiculous? I think chelsea arsenal could be low scoring so don't know about capt costa?right or wrong?

    1. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      its just a big gamble. Im quite high up the leader board in my ML's so will prob go safe and captain Costa

      1. Feed tha Sheep
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Yes so I am.. Do u think chelsea game will be high scoring though?

        1. FISSH
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          no idea mate. Doesn't matter really, most will have Costa C

  9. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Last time. Start Caulker(whm) OR Clyne(tot) .. Both look like they'll concede but Caulker has the bigger goal threat. Clyne is the safe bet as most have him in my ML

    1. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Caulker

  10. Sharkytect
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Half an hour til wildcard deadline. Any changes i should make?

    Begovic, heaton
    Baines, chambers, bertrand, duff, taylor
    Chadli, downing, sterling, silva, dyer
    Costa, aguero, pelle

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Silva to Fabs and Pelle to Welbeck

      1. Sharkytect
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Definitely tempted by welbeck, but isn't fab playing more defensive now?

    2. Takedog1
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      pelle to wellbeck i would say

      but keep silva

      1. Sharkytect
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Getting welbeck means i can afford tadic instead of dyer if i doengrade downing to a 5.0 midfielder. Should i do it? And whuch mid?

        1. Takedog1
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          i think downing will have a gd game this week. close to call

  11. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Siggy (C)

    I'm in 2 minds about this... Not sure if I have the balls to keep the armband on him.

    1. Ramboo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I dont have the balls to do it, but i can see the temptation.

    2. Bootsy: Snoddy's Reven…
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      They are struggling to score as a team

  12. Ramboo
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Who should i cpt and why?

    A : Aguero
    B : Costa

    1. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      A because it is more fun.

  13. adp1113
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    This is my team:

    Krul/Foster

    Lovren Hutton Cahill Duff Bertrand

    Fabregas Sig Zaha RAMSEY Eriksen

    Costa Welbeck ROONEY

    Which are the best 2 to bring in?

    I have 19.4m to spend in total.

  14. RoysCallerAnne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Aguero captainers, give me a whoop 😀

    1. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      WhOOp

    2. Luz1978
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      O/ Whoop.

    3. Bootsy: Snoddy's Reven…
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Hell yeah

    4. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      So that's just 3 in the whole world. Our green arrows will be massssive 😉

      1. RoysCallerAnne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        *4

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          *5

          1. RoysCallerAnne
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            feels liberating, doesn't it?

    5. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Whoop whoop Aguerooooooo

      1. RoysCallerAnne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        😀

    6. Every Dog Has Its Day
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Whoooooop

  15. Public user
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Hi ,

    Need help last min !!

    Silva or tadic ?

    Got aguero and pelle

  16. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Worried about your wildcard flopping ?

    That's age Mark.

    You can tablets for that.... Doos 🙂 ?

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I just drink. 😉

      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        That's what's causing your 'flop' then 😉

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          I don't have flop ... 😉

    2. SUPERMAN
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      🙂

  17. Billy Gilmore
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    To Baines or not to Baines?

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Not yet, for me. Want another look.

    2. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I'm not touching him until that defence starts to improve.

      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Trying to decide whether to transfer Caulker –> Kolarov (then Baines next week) or just play Caulker.

        1. RoysCallerAnne
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Play Caulker

          1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            +665

            1. Billy Gilmore
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 7 months ago

              Hmmm Krul, Clyne, Caulker, Wilson this week...not expecting much.

          2. Billy Gilmore
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            I blame AB. He's made me think Kolarov is in for a big haul...

        2. Arvin-ation
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Isn't it a bit late now?

          1. Arvin-ation
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            I thought the deadline was over 😯

            I'd bring in Kolarov, but you know me and my mental stability.

    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks guys, I think I'll stick for now.

  18. meechamspowders
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Which 3 to start out if these?

    PVA
    ntaylor
    Moreno
    Clyne
    Bertrand

    The last two are on my bench atm, just because they're away to spurs. Other 3 have decent home games. Agree?

    1. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Taylor and the 2 Southampton boys

      1. meechamspowders
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Moreno at home to WBA though?

        1. Evs
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Nah.....

          Moreno, Taylor, PVA.

          Whose your keeper?

      2. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Ohm I forgot this 😉

        1. meechamspowders
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Haha you scamp!

          Bego is my keeper

  19. ScotsmanAbroad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    How about a crazy gamble on Jovetic captain? Anyone else up for it, or am I on my own?

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Aguero and Dzeko will probably start after Dzeko's brace.

      1. ScotsmanAbroad
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Dzeko should start, but I think all three will get game time. And when Jovetic is fit, he'll start over Dzeko.......the boss likes him!

  20. Jinkys Oars
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Bench Tadic or Welbeck???

  21. El Reagano
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Falcao > Aguero
    Welbeck >Ulloa

    worth a 4 point hit?

    1. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      no

  22. DVassell
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Good to go?

    _______________Krul______________
    Baines_______Chambers_______Clyne
    Sigurdsson_DiMaria_Sterling_Fabregas
    Aguero(c)______Costa______Wellbeck

    Subs: Elliot, Boyd, Hutton, Wisdom

    1. Michael Jordan - call me MJ
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      That team is one of the best I've seen. No joke

      1. FISSH
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        bench will be terrible tho

      2. AIRMILES
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Agree. Krul is the only weakness in the starting 11

      3. Michael Jordan - call me MJ
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Out of interest I had a look in having the same team but can't afford by 0.8m, who said TV doesn't matter??

    2. Takedog1
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      get krul away and thats a solid team

  23. Kip
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    great read

    again

  24. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Terrible hangover and not been on the site much, will this get me through the week?

    Forster
    Ivan, Clyne, Moore
    Silva, Sterling, ADM, Siggy
    Costa(c), Falcao, Ulloa

    4m, Boyd, Bertrand, Hutton 0FT

    1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Lovely team, we'll be cheering our Chelsea boys together on Sunday 😉

      1. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Yep 🙂

        Will reply to your email later, just logging in to FPL a moment ago felt like an effort.

        1. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Haha, no worries. See you Sunday.

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Yes. Good luck.

  25. 5678
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Downing or Tadic in for Rambo? I will listen to the masses.

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Listen to yourself. What are your thoughts on it?

    2. Kip
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      i got downing

      but only because i was 0.1 short on funds to get Tadic

  26. aarand
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Rooney for Dzeko...?!

  27. MaRooney 5
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    which pair do you prefer:
    a. Schneiderlin Welbeck
    b. Tadic Naismith

  28. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    clyne (tot) or ferdi (wham)

  29. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Andalucia, nice! My grandparents live near there, so I pop over about twice a year 🙂