The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 25

There’s no hiding from it – my decision to acquire Sergio Aguero was huge climbdown.

I’m not proud of it. In fact, I’m almost ashamed of my sudden U-turn. So, in case you missed my justification on this week’s ScoutCast, I have to take this opportunity to explain myself.

As we know, Aguero is no ordinary player – he can make or break a Gameweek. Ultimately, for those who take Fantasy Football as seriously as us, the fate of our weekend can rest on his fragile hamstrings or his neat, dancing Argentinian feet.

Anyone who suffered without the City striker back in Gameweek 8 when he fired his five goals, will testify that he can push us to a point of abandoning our seasons. He has the ability and potential to deliver extreme joy and despair in equal measure – perhaps more than any other player in recent years.

Back in Gameweek 23, I witnessed Aguero carry Man City to a point at West Ham. I watched on while Manuel Pellegrini’s side struggled to make an impact, only for Aguero’s timely interventions to claim two goals – his second consecutive brace.

That ruined my evening and threatened to cast a shadow over my entire weekend. I barely see my family in the week – I owe it to them to actually engage in conversation at weekends. To smile and be reasonably personable. Aguero threatened to ruin that.

While I used to be able to tuck such cruel twists under the carpet, dismiss Fantasy Football as a pastime and return to face my shame in seven days time, I don’t have that luxury any longer.

When I suffer a damaging Saturday, I have to face up to the cost of it. I have to write, edit and commission Fantasy Football words for days afterwards. I have to live permanently in a world where the “game” is more to me than just a hobby.

When Aguero fired those two goals at Upton Park, I knew I had to act. I knew that I had to rescue that weekend and remove the risk of future misery.

I admit, by doing so, I’ve limited the excitement and joy I’ll get from my season. However, in my position I have to settle for that.

I can’t risk it being an emotional roller coaster with Aguero at the controls. I have to settle for a slow-moving merry-go-round, waving reluctantly to a cast of budget defenders as the ride unspectacularly grinds to a halt in May.

I only hope that you can risk a few more thrills.