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

    Guys struggling to select my team to play. Not sure who to bench, really keen to play Downing and Dyer but then who to bench? And who to captain? Gone with Sterling but should I play safe with Costa, what about Silva/Di Maria? Help!!

    Forster (Guzan)
    Duff/Baines/Ivanovic (Chambers/Hutton)
    Di Maria/Silva/Sterling/Downing (Dyer)
    Costa/Pelle/Welbeck

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

      As a neutral and Costa owner Im hoping that the vibes are right and there are goals galore tomorrow - but Sterling is the frustratingly tempting other option

    2. POLSKA GOLA
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I would play Dyer over Downing. If you want to play both then bench Welbeck.

    3. GoonerBru
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks for the feedback, might bench Welbeck and I'll stick with Sterling Captain

  2. drughi
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    where does the balotelli on bench rumour come from, any source ? If its true I need to dump him fast

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

      The Express and Times

    2. Spencer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      https://mobile.twitter.com/Musker_LFC/status/518186048548274176

      Don't know how reliable he is

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        he is often right though, dammit

  3. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    How many goals has Costa scored so far this season?

    1. Solenya
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      8

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        That'll do me (C)osta

  4. Solenya
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    You just can't not love the Preamble. Easily the most anticipated article of the week. Brilliant as always again 🙂

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

      This.

    2. Mata-Is-The-Juan
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      It is fast becoming mine as well. Brilliant stuff

    3. Bolivian Seaman
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I prefer the community roundup, just saying 🙂

  5. Screaming Midget
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Good to go?

    Forster (Elliot)
    Clyne Ivan Moore
    Sterling Siggy ADM Fabregas
    Ulloa Pelle Costa

    S: Chambers Boyd | Wisdom
    B: 3.9 / 1FT

    1. Solenya
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Very good to go. Save the FT.

      1. Screaming Midget
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks, that's what I was thinking.

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

    Sterling - Kun - Costa for the armband - anyone???

    1. Screaming Midget
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Kun 11% ownership = differential

      Captain Costa and be safe.

      1. Screaming Midget
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Well I usually count

        1. Screaming Midget
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          less than 10% as a differential, but you see where I'm coming from.

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

            Cheers for your thoughts - totally split on what to do.

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

    Mark, make sure that you get yourself outside some fine Manzanilla Sherry!

    Also - Condado Pálido, from Huelva.

  8. banskt
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Asked it earlier, but once more please... who to start?

    a) Luke Shaw (vs Everton at home)
    b) Ryan Bertrand (vs Spurs on the road)
    c) Hutton (vs City at home)

    1. Cowboy John
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Shaw

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

      Wow, what's your other two if it's come down to selecting 1 off these 3. Bertrand just slightly over Shaw for me.

  9. citizen_kane
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Bench Clyne (tot) or Duff (lei)?

    1. Cowboy John
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Duff

  10. st4rt__
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Ulla or Costa capt? I'm going to have to flip a coin aren't I?

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

      Costa

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

      Hmm. Costa seems safer.

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

    Excellent article once again.
    Cheers Mark, and good luck!

  12. Cowboy John
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Worth a hit to send Naismith to the bench?

    Sterling - Di Maria - Siggy - Eriksen
    Costa(c) - Welbeck - Naismith

    Thinking Ramsey > Hazard (-4)

    Thanks. 🙂

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

      Cesc

      1. Cowboy John
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Cesc is probably the smart long-term move but he seems to be playing quite deep with Oscar in the team.

        Thanks.

  13. HP.
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    What are the chances of Sturridge playing?

    Should I get him for Balo?

    1. Kostja
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      all the news pointing to Balo dropped also claim sturridge misses out

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

      Unlikely. No

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

    Anyone know how many pens City got last season?

    Feeling an Aguero penalty today.

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

    Quick one... N.Taylor or Moore to start?

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

      Naylor, imo.

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

        +1

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

          I think I agree. Get it wrong with him every time though, I've benched loads of his points and played him over Clyne when the latter has done well. Cue a Moore goal/clean sheet combo!

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

            I'd take that!!!!

  16. Beautiful Game
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Have Falcao, 1FT and 2.2m ITB...

    Would you do ---> Aguero OR save?

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

      I would. But I would get Pellè first.

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Do it

  17. Petes Sake
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Welbz or Chadli? I'm leaning towards Chadli...

  18. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Start clyne or Moore please..?

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

    That last paragraph is poetry.

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

      That's why I got married & went on my honeymoon in a summer with NO football 😆

  20. Wake me up before sanogo
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Krul or Begovic?

  21. QPR expects... glory!
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Which three to start from Rafael, Robertson, Rose, Duff and Naylor?

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

    WILDCARD: which transfers should I still make?
    Any advice would be hugely appreciated!

    My team now:

    Mannone
    Wilson Clyne van Aanholt
    Di Maria Sterling Chadli Fabregas
    Pellé Costa Welbeck

    (Foster, Wanyama, Ivanovic, Wisdom)

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

      Don't see any Man City in there, Fabregas > Silva as you already have Ivan and Costa as Chelsea cover

    2. The Glory Hunters
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Attack looks good - If I was on my wildcard, I'd be looking to get Baines in.

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

    Any suggestions as to who I should bring in for Balotelli? Have 10.9 to spend (I own Costa and Pelle). I'm currently thinking Falcao but not too convinced...

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

      Falcao!
      Only possible alternative is Welbeck

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

      It would be for a hit wouldn't it...It's a real tough one, in your boots I may actually just stick.

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

        Yep, and I have already taken a hit so it's for -8. Having an absolute nightmare at the moment. Yeah maybe I should just stick and hope for the best..

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

      I think I'm going to stick.. Considered captaining him actually before I heard about benching rumours. He'll score today. Out for Aguero, Welbeck or Sturridge next week

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

      keep, if for a hit
      He could get a brace from the bench 'a la Jackson'

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

    You know what will really pee me off today? Eriksen bendng in a free-kick after I've sold him in FPl! On wildcard doubled up Silva with Dzeko. Thoug the pain will be eased somewhat as I still have him in Telegraph, I-Team and Sky..

    Other than that, happy with my team. Just need to fathom out who to sacrifice for Arsenal cover in the coming weeks...

    Lloris
    Bertrand PvA Moore
    Siggy Fabregas Silva Sterling
    Falcao(vc) Dzeko Costa(c)

    Hamer Boyd Chambers Hutton

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

    Silva ,

    Tadic

    Or arfield lol

    I got aguero and pelle

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

      Silva and tadic for transfer , arfield was already in my team

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

    Bench one of Welbz, Moore and Wilson?

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

      Wilson

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

      Wilson

  27. Screaming Midget
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Can someone find out the best odds for Nugent to score today vs Burnley. He always scores vs us, so it'll be like writing money.

  28. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Still undecided whether I should play Wilson or Clyne? Help me out lads.

    1. Crouching Tiger
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      No clean sheets but Clyne for more possible attacking returns.

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks lama 😀

  29. banskt
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Start Krul or Foster?

    1. PGR
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Foster

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

      Foster vs Liverpool away
      Krul vs Swansea away

  30. PGR
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Start Caulker or Clyne?