Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 1

I sometimes wonder if this is a young man’s game.

If, at my stage in life, my wits and abilities are dulled to the extent that I’ll be found out. Scrambling around like a desperate Harry Redknapp, searching for his outdated little black book on Transfer deadline day.

I’ve only got myself to blame. I’ve turned Fantasy Football into something far more than a hobby or a mild distraction.

I eat, sleep and breathe Fantasy Football at times and yet, as I grow older and my responsibilities weigh down on me, I wonder if I can continue to carry the “burden” and hold my own.

A fiancé. Two children. A day job. A dog. Two cats and a Columbo habit.

It’s a lot to take on and, at times, I’m limited to tinkering in my head whilst emptying the dishwasher, contemplating the merits of Branislav Ivanovic whilst taking the bins out. Something has got to give.

I thought long and hard on this whilst watching Columbo and tweaking my FPL lineup at 1am.

As my family lay restless upstairs – my four-week-old daughter clamped to my sleep-starved partner for a ninth feed, I sat in my own discomfort in the lounge, wondering if I’d done the right thing overlooking Eden Hazard.

At some point I’ll have to reassess my priorities. Some Saturday mornings I may not be about to deliver on my pre-amble promise.

However, the fact is, Fantasy Football has become a big part of my life and my family and the crumpled detective have had to learn to live with it.

Two hundred thousand Fantasy managers visited these pages in the last 24 hours. Last night Simon March, the current FPL champion, gave advice to Alan Shearer on his Fantasy line-up live on the radio.

Something’s happening.

Fantasy Football isn’t going anywhere. In fact, with every passing season it seems destined to keep a new army of people up beyond 1am contemplating their budget midfielder.

After enjoying my best ever campaign, I doubt I’ll hit those heights again. I may make mistakes, I may even miss a trick whilst out gallivanting with my toddler. I will have to make sacrifices.

But I’m not going anywhere. As new blood get gripped by this Fantasy Football thing, I need to stick around and be part of it.

We’re all part of it. Whatever commitment we can afford to spend, let’s have a good time doing it.

Enjoy the season.

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

3,470 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Mull
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Lol @ Lloris owners

    1. The Darkest Knight
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      nobody (sensible) there.

    2. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Spurs line up will have saddened more than just those.

    3. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      First dickhead comment I've seen this season.

      1. Mull
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        No one owns him anyway. If I'd have said Rose owners that would have been harsh.

        1. RoyaleBlue
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Lol at rose owners

      2. Bolt-on
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Yep can't stand that

    4. stuart14
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Where do you guys go to find starting XI's on a Saturday morning? Thanks

  2. Saniul
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    That Spurs defence and defensive midfield does really look like a bottom 10 PL side one. They could have done better business in the summer,

    1. kysersosa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Agreed, they may feature in my team with a run of kind fixtures, but apart from that they are just a waste of money.

    2. ChelseaKTBFF
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Disagree.

      Aldervield and Vertonghen are a strong CB pairing. Bentaleb is decent as well. Dier is the only arguable bottom tenner.

  3. andy85wsm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Ruddy
    Ivanovic Koscielny Huth
    Hazard Walcott Mane Chadli
    Rooney (c) Benteke Wilson

    Butland Bassong Coates Fletcher

    Quite a boring team in the end with maybe the exception of Walcott. One heavy hitter in each area. Wildcard if needed.

    Good luck all!

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

      Looks good mate

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

      I really like it.

    3. *sigh*
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Same as mine except Sterling Bolasie for Mane and Chadli.Good luck bud

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

      Like it mate..making me question mine now hehe.

      good luck

  4. #WinterIsNotComing
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    No Hazard, Rooney and Aguero 😎

    Here is my team

    Fabianski, Schmeichel
    Clyne, O'Shea, Mert, Huth, Cedric
    Depay, Cazorla, Ox, Fab, Sterling
    Pelle, Benteke, Wilson

    and still 2.5 ITB

    good luck everyone 🙂

    may the odds be ever in MY favor 😀 😛

    1. #WinterIsNotComing
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Captain Pelle

    2. The Darkest Knight
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I have all 3... Hazard, rooney and aguero...

      1. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Me too!

  5. PogChamp
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Kozak 80

  6. sylvanshine
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Biggest question next 30 minutes - did i press "CONFIRM MY TEAM" or not.

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      No point leaving it until the last second.

      1. sylvanshine
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I did not , its like - did i leave the iron on , when you havent even used it.

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Ahhh. Chances are you'd look at your team at some point after pressing confirm then.

  7. Canadian Football
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Great post Mark. Can totally relate!

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

    Goodluck everyone! My hands are shaking as I panicked last minute.

    Ruddy
    Koscielny Cedric Huth
    Hazard Cazorla Bolasie Mahrez
    Rooney(C) Kane Benteke

    (Butland) Coates Westwood Williams

    I just took a punt on Bolasie 😯

    I switched Sterling to Bolasie and Vardy to Kane.

    1. vassiriki
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      really liked it. maybe bolasie maybe cabaye you have the flexibility to change 2 mids. das gefaellt mir

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

        Thanks man 🙂

        x

    2. *sigh*
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I put Bolasie in for Cabaye last minute also! Fingers crossed

  9. asif316uk
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    oh man i panicked and captained walcott and replaced mane with yaya... madness?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Aye.

    2. Valkyrie
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Wait till monday.. you would know for yourself.. could turn out to magical..

      1. asif316uk
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        or a true disaster.. we shall wait and see

    3. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      meh

    4. Manamongst
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Ufff....I´m sorry...

      1. Manamongst
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Walcott = 20 minutes if he´s lucky.

        Yaya = 6+ row HH bound shot attempts...

  10. Shimmy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone know which radio station / show it was that had Simon March giving Shearer advice on his FPL team? (as mentioned in article above). Would like to hear that...

    PS best of luck for the new season, all.

    1. SweeSwee
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      He has been everywhere, I've seen articles with him in a couple of papers too

      1. Shimmy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        S'ok I found it
        http://goo.gl/72Tgnx
        1 hour 48 mins in.

    2. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      five something

    3. futura
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      It was on BBC Radio 5 last night.

      Shearer also said Rooney personally told him he was on pens...

  11. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Much better 5.5m left backs available than Rose. Silly owners.

    😉

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

      I cant think of any other decent attacking left backs, tbh. 😉

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

        😛

      2. Manamongst
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        The more people hate on Ro$e the better his numbers will get...I´m not a fan of (He whose name I do not speak), but will mishap, rumble, bumble and stumble his way to points this season.

  12. Gunners n' Roses
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone noticed that England have won the Ashes?

    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      And then KP said England were nothing without him. Big lols!
      And they did it without Anderson as well...

    2. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Ashes, what Ashes?
      Lol

  13. isacki: full casual
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Ended up changing my team a lot this morning, and only just made the deadline.

    Schmeichel (Butland)
    Bellerin Azpi Ward (Targett Coates)
    Mane Ozil Walcott(C) Ritchie
    Rooney Kane Benteke

    Here's the kicker: 2 million in the bank. I was happy with the above team and the money lets me shift players around in the likely event of being completely wrong. Can do Walcott > Sanchez directly if required.

    1. isacki: full casual
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I also feel a lot better having Harry Kane in there. Can't believe I spent so long looking for a good 3rd striker and he was staring me straight in the face.

    2. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Good luck Dr I.

      You coming along for a pint today?

      1. isacki: full casual
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I am indeed! Rolling out right now! I might not recognize anyone after this year out though I think I will recognize you!

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

          Good stuff! See you soon.

    3. v12w12
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Nice

  14. indiangunner
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    guys pls RMT

    Mignolet (Schwarzer)

    Mertasacker---Morgan---O'Shea (Williams, Mariappa)

    Mane-----Hazard-----Walcott----Ritchie (waynama)

    Rooney-----Benteke-----Kane

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      bit late mate.

  15. Scoredelario
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    These deadlines so close to early lineups are dangerous. Are we going to have to be poised with potential transfers?

    1. isacki: full casual
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Real lineups should never come out before deadlines. I'm not sure I can remember a single time it actually happened.

      Lineups that come out before deadlines are almost guaranteed to be bullshit and people who listen to them get what they deserve 😉

  16. Djerbil
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Hazard (C) unite

    /o

    1. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      /

    2. Gorgles
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      yeea

    3. RyanC
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      🙂

    4. indiangunner
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      HIIII

  17. DVassell
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    I went for Ox and Sinclair over Sterling and Sakho- wish me luck haha

    1. ChelseaKTBFF
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Ox is a waste imo but hey could be wrong for this GW

  18. Team17
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Last minute madness, played all out attack chip

    Ruddy (Johnstone)

    Azpi, Huth (Cedric, Targett, Oxford)

    Hazard (C), Sterling, Walcott, Payet, Richie

    Rooney, Pelle, Falcao

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Falcao...hmmm

    2. Gorgles
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      might have wasted the chip if Falcao doesn't play.

      1. Team17
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I should have been handcuffed for the 15 minutes before the deadline. Can't think of any other time to play the all out attack chip. Falcao basically a stupid punt. I deserve to be punished for it.

  19. No Pirlo No Party
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    The Sun Dream Team....

    Mata, Depay or Walcott. (United have 2 extra games with their Champs League qualifiers)

  20. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    cannt wait to LOL @...

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      first should be Walcott owners....

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        It'll be something from this early game.

        Maybe a Rooney red.

      2. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Because you captained him and you get double the points the regular owners get?

      3. Manamongst
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Can tell some people anything sometimes...

        1. Manamongst
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Can´t*

          But don´t sleep on the CASUALS having their glory:

          Kane hattrick??

          (I don´t own any Spuds or Reds)

      4. BeachBadger
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        people have already been LOLing

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Please don't.

  21. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    I am not sure who I captained.. was it Rooney or Walcott? 🙁

    1. RyanC
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Balotelli

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Walcott

  22. SweeSwee
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Anyine else struggling to remember what their final team was after all the last minute changes?

    1. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Nah - took a screenshot.

      1. Gideons Rolling Another One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Same. But I do have a lot of screen shots!

  23. PINKFISH (SANCTIONED AND GA…
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    No one's getting past Vorm today.

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      just the ball

    2. Fresco
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      but the ball. 3 times.

  24. JÆKS ⭐
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    I have a strange feeling LVG will now also ruin Depay's season...

    1. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      When's Fellaini back anyway?

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I have no clue, not a ManU fan, just not a fan of any particular club.

  25. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Shaw is in! what should i expect, 1 goal 1 assist?

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      an injury

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Lol 😀

      2. The Darkest Knight
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Shaw is a new Diaby.

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      He's not that good.

      1. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I can bet he'll be on of the best this year!

    3. Scoredelario
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I've got him too. Good luck

      1. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        GL mate!

    4. Saxe-Gotha
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Yep. Goal and assist for Chadli sounds about right.

  26. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Let me save everyone about 500 posts in the next few hours:

    "I had the armband on Rooney until 5 minutes before deadline"
    "Can't believe everyone told me to go for x who isn't even starting"
    "No mata?"
    "Captain fail"
    "WC activated!"

    1. Ziro Becomes One
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      This!

    2. Eden Hazardous
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Lol

  27. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Feels good to have Aguero in already tbh. That's two transfers saved.

    I'd take a goal from the bench Monday 🙂

    1. Reedy
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah, it feels good. Don't even care if he doesn't get me any points 🙂

    2. RyanC
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Word. So much hassle down the line saved. If it was a case of him being out till like, GW6+, fair enough. As it stands, glad I've got him.

    3. Gideons Rolling Another One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      This

    4. Kerz
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Over the first three fixtures of this season, Diafra Sakho will outscore Aguero.

      1. Puyol Pants Up
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        This

    5. Rambo Motin
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I think Rooney will match him until gameweek 4 until I switch, and my team is so much more balanced without him for now.

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

        I have both 🙂

        1. RyanC
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          I also have both. 🙂

        2. Rambo Motin
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          oh nice

  28. Birdman77
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    What's the story on hazard?

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      he's going to play.

    2. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Warming up to score his hattrick

      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        this x 10000

      2. Birdman77
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Just saw some posts re captaining him that made me think he might be out. Was getting ready to throw my first remote of the season.

  29. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Wally captain... Oh god he's gonna get 1 point haha

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      2 if you captained him

      1. RoyaleBlue
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Haha brilliant

  30. Saniul
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Butland, McCarthy,
    Azpilicueta, Mertesacker, Williams, Huth, Coates,
    Hazard, Walcott, Ozil, Chadli, Behrami,
    Rooney, Benteke, Sakho.

    Hope that team will carry me for atleast 2-3 weeks. And then, who knows?

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      behrami is an odd pick.

    2. Odikostar
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Behrami is my 5th aswell