Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 36

This has been a week of tough decisions.

You won’t be surprised to know, however, that despite being charged to make a choice that would contribute to the selection of my Government, my most troublesome dilemma has been my Fantasy line-up.

While I successfully pencilled a cross and popped my vote into a ballot box without any real degree of anxiety, I know that my final decision this morning will be riddled with doubt and concern for what is to follow.

I can choose the wrong Government, but God help those around me if I sell Eden Hazard and he scores.

Even now, I’m not clear on what route to take. Like so many other Fantasy managers, I find myself at the mercy of Jose’s whims and Chelsea’s motivation. They return from the beach, stinking of Factor 10, to compete for pride against a Liverpool outfit somehow still within reach of a Champions League spot. I’m struggling to recall a more uncertain scenario.

Having decided a week ago that it would be Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho for the chop, suddenly things have been turned on their head by United’s stuttering run of defeats and the Chelsea unknowns.

Liverpool have to score at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea just have to put on a show for their supporters. Just how that’s going to transpire in terms of results and Fantasy points is anyone’s guess.

Most of us will have had somewhere between four and six players in that contest going into today’s deadline. We now have to deal with those players and make trades that will earn us profit, all against a backdrop of such confusion.

I’m fearful about the prospect of swapping out Hazard. Troubled about spending four points just to acquire Arsenal assets that will likely be rotated over the next three Gameweeks. Apprehensive that any investment in Sunderland will be fruitless.

As a 43-year-old family man, I should find time to consider what Thursday’s result will mean for my country and my loved ones.

I’ll promise to do that once I’ve decided if Jack Wilshere’s worth a punt.

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

1,163 Comments Post a Comment
  1. adammc
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Play 2 please.
    A ) Ivan
    B ) C.Dawson
    C ) Toby
    D ) Wasi
    Thanks

    1. Bastien
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      AD

    2. 11 Angry Men
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      AB!!

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

    Worth ditching Courtois for Adrian to get Kolarov and Cazorla for Coutinho + Moreno?

    Have Terry. Just ditching Terry--->Kolarov and then Cout-->Caz could work, but Terry looks set to play the full season, whilst Courtois does not.

    Cheers 🙂

    Haven;t made transfers yet!!

    1. A Defender's Nightmare
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Panti.

    2. Wiz
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Not for a hit

  3. trygvewiese
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Please help!

    A) Sterling->Ozil
    B) Cazorla (on pens)

    1. adammc
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      B

    2. Cristi@no R7
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      B

    3. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      A

  4. Kevin Twine
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Play Skrtel, Duff or PVA?

    1. Suarezista
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      I would like to this as well.

      1. Suarezista
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 10 hours ago

        Playing Skrtel now btw.

    2. adammc
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Skrtel

    3. RedNev
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Same dilemma, went with Skrtel.

    4. Wiz
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      PVA

    5. Nemanja Vidic
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Duff 4 me

    6. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      That was unanimous then 🙂

      I think I'm gonna stick with Skrtel. They'll all probably concede, so may as well Just go for the more attacking one.

  5. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Why do some many here have 42 after their username, is this the latest trend for those wanting to seem cool or trendy? Sheep42!

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      was when Doosra went ill in the hospital

      he has a habit of putting +42 (instead of +1) referencing Hithchiker's Guide to The Galaxy

      'twas/is a sign of support for his recovery

    2. whitters_2014
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      for doos yeah ... we probs take it out now, now he is on the mend!

    3. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Yep., you get your insult before waiting for a reply to question.
      I'll put tw@t on mine in your honour. 😉

      1. Every Dog Has Its Day
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 10 hours ago

        +42

      2. Jordan.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 10 hours ago

        hear,hear...

      3. 11 Angry Men
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 10 hours ago

        This....

        I did not put 42 on my name as am new this year and do not know Doosra, but was touched to see so many others did. Great community!

        1. The Mandalorian
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 10 hours ago

          It's bandwagon metality you see a lot of this stuff on the internet, it's quite distasteful.

          1. Gnu
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 10 hours ago

            I think it's you who is distasteful.

          2. Kevin Twine
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 10 hours ago

            What a clown.

    4. 11 Angry Men
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Wow, trendy? Not a word I have heard since I was 12...

    5. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      -42

    6. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Many of the 42 users didnt even leave a message on the article about Doorsa which shows a lack of integrity. Have some self respect people, it's not cool. People deserve to be supported with intergrity and honesty.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 10 hours ago

        Oh dear. Shovel?

        1. whitters_2014
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 10 hours ago

          some people (like me) read the article and the many many comments and did not know what to say, Doos is a great guy, those who lurk or post regularly know that, so if they wanted to show support they could. This was not about debating whether to bring in tekkers for a hit, it was about a community supporting one of its greatest members....

          1. whitters_2014
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 10 hours ago

            also, any sane normal human being who hears a person is not well, will wish them a happy healthy speedy recovery and if that is bad then most everyone is guilty....

            1. The Mandalorian
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 10 hours ago

              It's not well wishing it's trying to look trendy have some self respect.

              1. whitters_2014
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 10 hours ago

                why don't you ask Doos how he felt about it?

                self respect means respecting yourself, but it does not mean disrespecting others

              2. Camp No No
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 10 hours ago

                Sorry but you're wrong in this case. Like him or not, he's a kind of integral part of this community and at least for the deadzoners it seemed pretty normal to wish him to get well. Doesn't mean we have to post cheesy comments under some article that we might not even be aware of. Maybe there were many for whom this was just "well, why not joining that", but generally, the +42 thing formed as a communal way to show that we wish him well, and when he sees or hears such a mass expression of sympathy, he might actually sense some sympathy from us, which, you know, probably won't hurt him when he's ill.

                1. 11 Angry Men
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 10 hours ago

                  Really well put.

      2. Ziro Becomes One
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 10 hours ago

        ??
        I had 42 in my name but did not leave a message as I did not know him. Yet I supported the intentions of the people around here by keeping 42. I guess I did no wrong.

      3. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 10 hours ago

        I was looking for Doosra's post thanking everybody to link but you know what, you're not worth the effort. Wasted too much time on your trolling already.

    7. A.T
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      How to make friends and influence people by Slippin Jimmy.

      1. The Mandalorian
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 10 hours ago

        Sometime's saying whats right isnt popular, at least I have the balls to speak up about things, it's easy to follow the crowd.

        1. A.T
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 10 hours ago

          Is it really necessary to speak up at all though Jimmy? Probably not.

          1. Mr.Irwin
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 10 hours ago

            This. Plenty of thing's in the world that you could make a fuss about, but this is certainly not one of them.

        2. whitters_2014
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 10 hours ago

          what you are saying, is in affect, we should never respect or support one another, and we should have a personal relationship with someone to care, so what about holidays such as remembrance sunday? anyway you have just made yourself look a fool.

  6. Gonefishing
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    chasing a lead - Kane C mad punt?

    1. v12w12
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Go for it

    2. Cristi@no R7
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      good choice imo.

    3. whitters_2014
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      "a lead"? its pretty mad if you are 30 or less behind but more yeah take the punt

      1. Gonefishing
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 10 hours ago

        80 lol

        thank guys -punt taken

        1. whitters_2014
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 10 hours ago

          good luck man!

  7. RedNev
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Play Schmeichel (SOU H) or Myhill (NEW A) ?

    1. Kurt Zouma
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Schmeichel

  8. Kurt Zouma
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Rate in order: Wasilewski (SOT), Cambiasso (SOT), Henderson (che)

  9. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Start Heno or Boyd
    Start (plus sub order) Craig Dawson,Clyne or Hutton

  10. JaydenLFC87
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Points prediction from the below please???

    Aguero

    Benteke

    Sanchez

    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      2, 6, 15

    2. Henrzd
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      10
      2
      6

  11. hagop
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    last minute panic mode on:

    play Skrtel or Rose?

    1. JaydenLFC87
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Rose

  12. flippetyflop
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Play 2 please:

    Hutton
    ALderweireld
    Morgan

    1. Kurt Zouma
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      The latter two. If Hutton starts these days then 1 and 3.

    2. hagop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      hutton&morgan

  13. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Am benching Dawson and Clyne this week, needs must.

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Who are you playing instead then?

      1. Revival
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 10 hours ago

        Huth and McShane 😀

        1. JÆKS ⭐
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 10 hours ago

          Only 2 defenders? 😀 I also benched Dawson but just because I alreay have Myhill, so I decided to play Clyne as 'cover'

  14. Camp No No
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    @Demi: your last minute thoughts on Hazard? How much will he play, will Chelsea take the end seriously?

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Didn't they win 8-0 last time they won the title? (not that I expect the same now)

      1. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 10 hours ago

        Different manager. Completely different.

    2. Demí
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Dunno, it's anyone's guess. Think he'll start this week, then on the bench vs wba depending on their relegation situation, and then start again the final game.

      1. whitters_2014
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 10 hours ago

        great minds 😉

        1. Demí
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 10 hours ago

          fools seldom differ 😉

          1. whitters_2014
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 10 hours ago

            haha yeah maybe more accurate

    3. whitters_2014
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      he will play v liv, benched v wba, play v sun for me... and I know I am not demi 😀

      1. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 10 hours ago

        You know, Demi has here special authority, because he's the guy the real managers ask about their starting lineups. Always knows them before they do. It's only because FPL transfers are closed so much before the lineups are settled that we don't always get that information in time.

  15. Jebiga
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Good luck to everyone ! 😉

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      + 1

    2. whitters_2014
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      good luck to pal

    3. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      No, seriously, we all wish good luck to ourselves and tough luck for all the others. Let's be honest about it.

      1. TuttiFrutti
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 10 hours ago

        I wish that everyone does well, but that I do it even better. Wooow, I'm such a wonderful person.

  16. Cristi@no R7
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Benteke or kane Captain?

    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Tekkers

    2. RedNev
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Benteke

    3. Cristi@no R7
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Cheers & all d best

  17. VRP
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Good to go?

    Davis
    Terry - Bellerin - McShane
    Hazard - Sanchez - Silva - Coutinho
    Aguero - Giroud - Kane

    (Alrighton - Schlupp - Duff)

    1. Sol
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Yes

  18. Van Klinkert Delarosa
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Last minute thought on Guzan? Will he play?

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      doubtful

      1. Van Klinkert Delarosa
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 10 hours ago

        Thanks, thought he was just drop

    2. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      No

      1. Van Klinkert Delarosa
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 10 hours ago

        Thanks.

  19. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Should I risk a Ramsey cameo or start coutinho and bench Ramsey?

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      play ramsey

    2. Wiz
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Start Ramsey

    3. Kurt Zouma
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      I'm starting Ramsey.

    4. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Cheers all

  20. Kurt Zouma
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Henderson or Wasi? I have Schmeichel

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      hendo

    2. HonestBlatter
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Double up Foxes! 100% clean sheet coming

    3. Cristi@no R7
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      H

    4. Wiz
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Hendo

  21. JaydenLFC87
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Play sterling or Gomez? ?

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      gomez

    2. Sol Campbell
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Sterling!

  22. Arvin-ation
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Ozil or Cazorla? 😀

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      ozil

    2. Cristi@no R7
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Caz

    3. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      Andy and some other guy posted some stats about both yesterday. I'm not going for any of them but Cazorla came out as the better pick with shots on target etc. Andy still went with Ozil though...

  23. Every Dog Has Its Day
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Aguero (C)

    Good-Luck all!

    1. whitters_2014
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      except those who haven't captained or played him? haha. good luck also pal!

  24. Penang Sandman
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    good luck have fun !

  25. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Just Villa and Leicester players for me today (4).
    Least I've had on a Saturday all season I think.

  26. Spectre_
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Cap Sanch or Benteke?

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      1 minute.. you decide, quick

    2. r4ndomduh
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      BENTEKE GO M8

  27. Heels_Over_Head
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    1 minute

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      For what?

      1. Pennywise
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 10 hours ago

        Updating...

        I've gone balls out with Benteke (C)

        Bring it on

      2. Heels_Over_Head
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 10 hours ago

        lock down of FPL to update

  28. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    form tables not really helping my cap choice

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      form is out the window, 3 games left

  29. Sandstorm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Aaarrghhhh! I bench Coutinho and play Albrighton and Vardy instead...

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      yes

      1. Sandstorm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 10 hours ago

        Coutinho has been one of my favorite players ever since he joined Liverpool and I always hope him to do well.

  30. Snapes on a Plane
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 10 hours ago

    Augero or Sanchez(C)?

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 10 hours ago

      1 minute, decide