Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 4

I’m having humble pie for breakfast.

A thick crust and generous filling, it’s not my preferred Saturday morning bacon sarnie but I’m tucking it away hungrily, nonetheless.

Last season I realised that this was the secret: when Fantasy Football rubs your nose in your mistakes, you’ve got to own up.

After opening the door for a player to punish me post-Wildcard in last week’s Preamble, Callum Wilson duly obliged with an unexpected hat-trick and maximum bonus return.

I knew it was coming. The important thing now was to act accordingly.

Having sold on Wilson with the Wildcard, I could have shown the usual stubborn attitude and convinced myself that my plans remained valid. That I knew best.

According to Wildcard blueprint v23 I should have been bringing Matt Ritchie in for Marc Albrighton this morning, benching Troy Deeney for his likely spell of spectating at the Etihad but reserving him as my budget striker.

Instead, I had to admit the error, forgive Callum for embarrassing me and snap him up before his price rose back to 5.5.

That could be another mistake. Ritchie may take his turn to run riot and Deeney may even come good in weeks to come; I had to ignore those fears. I also had to banish concerns of the template team forming and drown out the nagging “chasing points” argument in my head.

When a 5.4 striker demonstrates the ability to score a hat-trick, you don’t hesitate and cling to a plan.

I’d fancied Wilson as a prospect from the get-go but those beliefs were abandoned amongst the noise of the Wildcard scramble. Despite the pain of witnessing last weekend’s points haul, I can justify going back for Wilson and swallow some pride.

Above all, I fear that, if Wilson notches against Leicester, we’re going to be looking at a relentless bandwagon over the break and that would make any future portion of humble pie a lot less palatable.

I can’t risk that. I need that whiff of fried rashers to help me wake from the inevitable international slumber.

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

1,914 Comments Post a Comment
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    CHECK THIS OUT 😀
    __________________

    Sanchez stats(again)....

    Starting WITH Giroud: 5.79 PPG
    Starting WITHOUT Giroud: 6.4 PPG

    Starting WITH Ramsey: 5.16 PPG
    Starting WITHOUT Ramsey: 7.2 PPG

    Starting WITH Özil: 4.71 PPG
    Starting WITHOUT Özil: 7.41 PPG
    ______________________

    http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2015/07/13/sun-dream-team-is-live-ffs-league-sign-up/?hc_page=2#hc_comment_10500740

    1. Beautiful Game
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Nice

    2. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season Le…
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Lone Ranger

    3. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Ramsey is starting, so we are back to square one. 😀

    4. HVT
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      And what about with Walky?

    5. Jay_
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Lovely jubbly

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

        Good stuff

      • Hibbo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        The biggest change is without Özil.

      • bialk
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Staring with Wallcot ?

    6. Alan The Llama
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      If you've got any predictions, go bet your paper round money on them, stop boring us with your mystic meg sheeee.

    7. MisterMaster
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Aguero triple captain in 3 hours and 9 minutes 😀

      1. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        I was considering it. i Prefer a DGW.

    8. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Today's the day Sanchez scores some points.

    9. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Redmond auto sub for Ozil...at least I've no confusion over whether to bench Redmond or not 😉

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

        He'll get us a goal mate.

    10. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      --------------------------------------Cech
      ----Bellerin--------Gabriel-------------------Koscielny------------Monreal
      -----------Coquelin---------------------------------Cazorla
      ----Chamberlain---------------Ramsey------------------------Sanchez
      -------------------------------------Walcott

      I'd stick my head out and say, this is the best XI from the players we have.

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

        Cazorla at 10 I would have thought?

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

          Not really, he has been playing at double pivot since almost a year, why move him up?

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

            Because Ramsey can't play as a 10.

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

              Even Cazorla can't. Only did in his first season at Arsenal, way back that.

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

              And you know this how???

              We know he can´t play next to Coquelin...

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

                because he's played and failed there before.

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

          No...and what Ramsey pull his 2013 version of chicken with head cut-off act as a dead-beat pivot partner...ooooh no my friend. Keep him up top let him sort out his shooting boots since he´s been passively aggressively complaining about a central role.

      2. Beautiful Game
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Sorry saniul, Ozil surely deserves a spot!

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

          A fan of the player, just does not fit in this team.

        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Wenger disagrees.

        I'd expect:

        Coq
        Rambo Caz
        Ox Theo Sanchez

      3. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Giroud at CF is way better than Walcott at CF.

        1. The Machine
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          No he isnt

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

          What made you come to that conclusion?

      4. emperikal
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        I reckon Ramsey will play in the pivot with Coq and Caz will play behind Theo.

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

          Ramsey and Cazorla have been playing together for quite a few games now, and Cazorla starts all of them in double pivot, not sure why that should change now.

      5. Hyperion
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        No Ozil? Behave.

    11. HVT
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Depay > Wally for free?

      1. Hands Guber
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Most premature knee-jerk of all time there I'd say. In fact.

    12. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Got 2/1 on arsenal to win..

      This team is set up for a rout.

      Worrying as I only own Bellerin 🙁

    13. Elfozzie 42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Last minute Gomis to Tekkers switch, starting line up
      Butland
      Gomez - Kolarov - Darmian
      Redmond - Hazard -Mahrez - Yaya
      Aguero - Benteke - Wilson

      Good luck everyone!

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

        Good move! Wanted to do that but couldn't afford it without a hit

    14. cricketmad787
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      FFS OZIL. f** this S***. I am donw ith FPL

      1. Breadbin
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Try cricket.

    15. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Where's the Newcastle team?

      i need to know if Saylor starts or not.

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

        He doesn't.

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

          Squawka Football ‏@Squawka 3m3 minutes ago
          Newcastle XI vs. Arsenal: Krul; Janmaat, Mbemba, Coloccini, Haidara; Anita, Colback; Sissoko, Wijnaldum, Thauvin; Mitrovic. #NUFC

      2. Redhulkster
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        He doesn't

      3. AIRMILES
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        he does not

      4. rdamjan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        No.

      5. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers both.

    16. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      ozil is in my wildcard team this week. I feel sick!!

      1. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Ouch

    17. Redhulkster
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Lol at giroud and ozil owners

      1. cricketmad787
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        piss off

      2. Captain Peacock
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Low.

    18. invertebrate
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Glad I left Walcott in Ultimate until the teams were announced now. Do I dare captain him though?

      (probably not!)

      1. Brian (Not the Messiah)
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        wait till all the games are played and then choose the highest scorer. so easy.

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

          Not sure it works like that.

      2. Hibbo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        You got to.

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

          I didn't. I'm such a coward.

    19. FPL Maldini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Payet instead of Ozil could be a blessing in disguise, what do people think? Liverpool are due to concede

      1. Tadic is the new Eriksen
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        could be - not a bad sub to bring in at all.

    20. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      why did Ozil not start?....another horrible GW Incoming

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

        "Minor knee injury" according to Arsenal's twitter.

        1. Moin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks!

      2. Breadbin
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Screw it, he's going for Pedro next week.

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

          Ozil > Silva locked in. Can't wait.

    21. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I fear Ramsey this week as a previous owner

    22. Captain Peacock
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Is Walcott starting good or bad for Sanchez?

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        I think good he will create space and Sanchez will be up front alot during match.

        1. Captain Peacock
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks

    23. gunnerboy
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      You will see a much better Arsenal today without Ozil; the guy is a hindrance to the team

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

        Nonsense. But we will see a better team with Theo in the side.

      2. Alan The Llama
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        you sound like piers morgan

      3. gunnerboy
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        3-1 Arsenal

      4. Seb Wassell
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Nonesense.

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Lol...we all were thinking it.

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

        *dun dun dun duuuuuun*

    24. Henrzd
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Where is Mesut??

    25. Van Klinkert Delarosa
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Newcastle v Arsenal : Krul; Janmaat, Mbemba, Colocini, Haidara; Anita, Colback; Sissoko, Wijnaldum, Thauvin; Mitrovic.

      1. Van Klinkert Delarosa
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Subs : Darlow, Saylor, Tiote, Obertan, De Jong, Perez, Cisse.

    26. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Already getting destroyed by my Aunt and now she may benefit from blindly keeping Walcott...

      Starts with premium GKs, clocked onto double Citeh defence, captaining defenders.

      Who am I kidding, she plays the game better than most here!

      1. Les Bleus
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        I wish I played FPL with my aunt.

      2. Tadic is the new Eriksen
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        2 million rank by gameweek 14

    27. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Arsenal bench?

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

        Opsina, Arteta, Campbell, Giroud, Gibbs, Debuchy, Chambers.

        1. S.Kuqi
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks.

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

          Giroud really is the odd one out there.

        3. Woy of the Wovers
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Oopsina?

    28. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      The last time I remember Walcott V Newcastle

      http://i2.wp.com/www.helloloser.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Theo34.gif

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

        +52

    29. The Machine
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Ughhh chamberlain starts.

      Hopefully they keep the ball away from him. One of the worst finishers in the PL. Uselsss at defending too

    30. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Am I the only one Have Giroud Here ? 🙁

    31. Park the bus
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      The hope of turning things around blown away by Ozil being injured. Some things never change!!

    32. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      In this weeks dugout match...
      I have Özil and Giroud.
      Opponent have Ox, Bell, Alexis and Caz.

      One can only laugh....

    33. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Ozil Mert. Cheers. Red arrow from 2.4 million

      1. Tadic is the new Eriksen
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        who are your bench players?

        1. Mr. O'Connell
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Coates and Surman (almost wish I didn't have a bench)

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

        This. After a GW1 rank of 2mil, I thought the only way was up. Sitting at 2.5mil and expecting another red tbh.

      3. Park the bus
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Same

      4. A-VB
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        On same boat, as the situation stands for me, if Mane doesn't play today, I'll be playing a 5-2-3 formation this week after Ozil getting injured as well.

        Disaster imminent.