[sbu_large_image] Opinion
17 September 2016 1329 comments
Mark Mark
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This season just won’t allow us to settle.

From one Gameweek to another, our priorities are shifting with our plans forced back to the drawing board by new doubts and concerns.

The last campaign was testing but for a whole different reason.

It delivered the unexpected and some, including myself, took time to adjust to that being the norm.

We were found out by Leicester’s ascent, and it punished those who were slow to seize on the value offered by Dele Alli and Harry Kane.

Equally, when Eden Hazard flopped, and Mesut Ozil engaged his long grind of assists, some like myself, were taken by surprise.

But once you latched on to those trends, you could almost rest easy.

It felt like there were five, maybe six or seven slots in our team safely designated, leaving us to concentrate on managing the peripheral players around them according to form and fixture.

So far, this season is very different.

It feels like the stabilisers are off and, wobbling along from Gameweek to Gameweeek, we have to re-learn the real skill involved in Fantasy Football.

I don’t think we can yet bank on a set of consistent points scorers. Sergio Aguero aside, all bets are off elsewhere in our squad.

Eden Hazard has swung from near essential to disposable in a fortnight; even Zlatan Ibrahimovic will come under pressure should he blank on Sunday.

There is no comfort zone.

Each 0.1 feels precious, each transfer a significant opportunity to swap one midfield heavy hitter for another.

Loyalty and faith in players can pay off but the temptation to be fickle and act swiftly feels greater than ever.

In this week’s ScoutCast I discussed this very subject – the fact that I believe there’s a viable tactic in swapping heavy-hitters week to week, rather than settle them in and trade mid-price and budget assets.

Phillipe Coutinho, Riyad Mahrez, and Eden Hazard have already shown that we can expect runs of blanks and, usually, we’re quite happy to absorb them.

But with so much of our funds tied up in attack, can we afford to accept it? Can we expect to make up the shortfall for their failings by trading with sub 7.5 assets?

I suspect this season demands unparalleled flexibility, pushing us to explore the idea of trading big name midfielders in and out on a weekly basis, absorbing the price losses but attempting to exploit short-term form and fixtures.

It feels like we’ve been able to trundle for the last few seasons, relying heavily on a solid spine and making transfer decisions that influence our Gameweek tally, without threatening to make or break it.

But this feels different – this feels like there are constant risks and rewards to consider.

There’s a thrill to it – there is more excitement and expectation, but it also feels precarious and dangerous.

Like the day the stabilisers came off, I’m taking things steady but aware that, if I move too slowly, I may just come a cropper.

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

1,329 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 1 month ago

    If I use my WC tonight I can keep changing all week if theres an injury over this GW right?

    1. Swan - Villa Proud
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yep

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        10 years, 1 month ago

        so not a bad thing to WC now or just wait until tomorrow?

        1. Revival
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Do it now to catch any price rises tonight. No point waiting!

          1. the dom 1
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            10 years, 1 month ago

            will there be price rises tonight u think?

  2. PvA
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Not a bad week to play AOA with Stones benched aye?

    1. Grand Thibauto
      10 years, 1 month ago

      In Hindsight

      1. Grand Thibauto
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Oh you are talking about the next week. Capoue for the glory again.

        1. PvA
          10 years, 1 month ago

          No I played it this week lol

          1. Worzel Gummidge
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Sure you did.

  3. Leaf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Has Stones learnt trolling from The master Lukaku in his Everton days

  4. thep025
    10 years, 1 month ago

    What does this mean for Stones long term?Just being rested isnt he?

    1. Leaf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah

    2. Swan - Villa Proud
      10 years, 1 month ago

      DItching on my WC so could care less πŸ™‚ Frustrated owning him from the start

    3. Fowler23
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Hopefully everyone sells and I can get him for 4.9 on my WC.

  5. rozzo
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Cafu playing?

  6. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Iwobi could be a proper basement option after gameweek 6, if he continues to keep his place.

    1. dogtanion
      10 years, 1 month ago

      don't think he'll keep his place. far too raw and inconsistent to be a regular this season

  7. Puyol Pants Up
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Gundogan could be a bargain.

    1. Worzel Gummidge
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Lot cheaper ways to get a constant 2 points.

      1. Grand Thibauto
        10 years, 1 month ago

        This

      2. Puyol Pants Up
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I mean, he really could be a threat. Guess we'll wait and see. He isn't one of those defensive minded slow players.

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
          10 years, 1 month ago

          He will chip in with his fair share, definitely not a consistent 2,2,2 player but most likely won't be value for money

  8. tm245
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Stones most started defender in FPL.

    1. Swan - Villa Proud
      10 years, 1 month ago

      This was the one match we all hoped we'd finally get that CS too lol

    2. SW6
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Just watch Amat get a CS and come in for everyone

      1. Swan - Villa Proud
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I started Amat πŸ™‚ Friend coming in for me

      2. tm245
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I don't own Stones and am starting Amat, so I'd be happy with that.

  9. liiusions
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Bilic really is an idiot, playing his top goal scorer at RB again?

    1. PvA
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No, Anotonio is RW

      1. JIM BOB
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Who is right back then?

        1. PvA
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Nordtveit

      2. liiusions
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Ahh just looked at the West Ham twitter feed and so he is, aha

    2. Whazza
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Nordtveit is RB today

  10. PvA
    10 years, 1 month ago

    In before Stones 1 pointer off the bench

  11. Chucky
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Sorry for the noob ques but Is Diomande a striker or a mid? thanks

    1. PvA
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Diomands are forever

    2. Swan - Villa Proud
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Classified as a striker in FPL

    3. Whazza
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Why don't you check it yourself you lazy man πŸ˜€ forward

    4. tm245
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I think he plays out wide but pretty far up in attack, haven't seen him play yet even though I've owned him the whole season.

      1. Chucky
        10 years, 1 month ago

        cheers all.

  12. mojoindojo
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Dropped Walcott for Antonio. Cue double digit haul from him...

  13. TokyoRisingSun
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Any big surprises from the team news? Schmeichel isn't starting from what I can tell

    1. Dacra
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Antonio RB.
      Stoned dropped.
      Some weird Spanish sounding name playing for city.

    2. PvA
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Stones benched and Antonio forced to play as linesman

    3. Grand Thibauto
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Stones isn't. Antonio not playing RB. Reid benched. Slimani starts. Sanchez starts. Giroud injured. Nacho starts.

  14. Dacra
    10 years, 1 month ago

    After Lukaku (c) last week, I expect a Sanchez (c) hatty this week.

    1. Supersonic
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Same

  15. FDMS All Starz
    10 years, 1 month ago

    All who are looking for a replacement for stones, I think going cheap(4.5) will be the smartest choice as you will need all the money you can get this season

    1. suddenorgan
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Holebas

  16. Syd.
    10 years, 1 month ago

    I did a anytime goal scorer bet today the docket shows their full names

    Jamie Richard Vardy
    Harry Edward Kane

  17. fedolefan
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Damn it, useless Stones.

  18. KOLASINA(C)
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Jeez, people still moaning that Antonio play as RB.

    πŸ˜†

  19. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    10 years, 1 month ago

    I have a feeling people!!! I have a goooood feeling!!!!

    Jakupovic to save two Sanchez penalties and to keep a cs.

    1. PvA
      10 years, 1 month ago

      This can only end in 1 way

  20. BB-8
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Xhaka benched again for Coquelin. What is wrong with Wenger?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      10 years, 1 month ago

      They should both start

      1. BB-8
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Coq is an average player at best. Xhaka is class.

    2. Exdeo
      10 years, 1 month ago

      lol that's a rhetorical question

      1. BB-8
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Haha yes

  21. devils advocate
    10 years, 1 month ago

    If I see one more idiot say Antonio is playing RB straight after someone corrected another idiot who said the same thing directly above their comment I'm going to scream.

    Would it kill people to scroll up two measly comments before posting the same crap ffs?!

    Sorry, rant over. πŸ™‚

    1. BB-8
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Antonio playing RB ffs

      1. Whazza
        10 years, 1 month ago

        wtf is your problem?

        1. devils advocate
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Are you illiterate? Lol.

          I thought my op was fairly self explanatory. πŸ™‚

        2. BB-8
          10 years, 1 month ago

          I was kidding. Chill

      2. devils advocate
        10 years, 1 month ago

        AAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!

        That's better. πŸ™‚

        As you were.

        1. BB-8
          10 years, 1 month ago

          I was kidding. Get a grip

          1. devils advocate
            10 years, 1 month ago

            So was I so get a double grip! πŸ˜‰

            1. BB-8
              10 years, 1 month ago

              That was directed to both you and Whazza πŸ˜‰

              1. devils advocate
                10 years, 1 month ago

                Lol, I thought Wazza was replying to my op.

                Didn't even cross my mind he was replying to your first comment, lol.

                What we have here is a failure to communicate. πŸ˜‰

                1. BB-8
                  10 years, 1 month ago

                  Lol. Don't sweat it mate. Exciting games today. πŸ™‚

    2. Swan - Villa Proud
      10 years, 1 month ago

      +1 πŸ™‚

    3. PvA
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Nordtveit RB mate

    4. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      10 years, 1 month ago

      D. Advocate starting right back.

      1. devils advocate
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Never!

        I was a natural born central mid.

        And damn good too! πŸ˜‰

    5. rozzo
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Ever heard of trolling?

      1. devils advocate
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Is that when you use to sneak out of school at lunch break and go have a smoke with the lads under the local underpass?

        If so then yes, I'm well aware of trolling thank you very much.

        1. rozzo
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Ahh the good old days, but yes, on an Internet forum I never read anything literally, people are just having a laugh. My two cents

          1. devils advocate
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Haha, I know, and so was I.

            Unless you abuse me personally and I abuse you back, you can assume that every other post I make is made with a hint of playful sarcasm. πŸ˜‰

            Unfortunately some people don't pick up on that like our friend Whazza above, lol. πŸ™‚

            And yes, the good old days. πŸ˜‰

            1. BB-8
              10 years, 1 month ago

              It's all in good fun mate. Clearly Whazza can't take a joke

              1. devils advocate
                10 years, 1 month ago

                I know, and I'll keep having fun with him until he gets it. πŸ™‚

  22. Exdeo
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Wilshere starts and Wilson on the bench..LOOOOOL..that just doesn'tmake sence to me at all, apart from they need a "big signing" on the field. Correct me if I am wrong

    1. Grand Thibauto
      10 years, 1 month ago

      sense*

    2. Billy Gilmore
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Eddie Howe benching his two best players in Wilson and Gradel is just ridiculous

      1. devils advocate
        10 years, 1 month ago

        He'd be great at Arsenal, lol.

  23. Would an idiot do that?
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Captain Sanchez or Lukaku in Sky?

  24. tafrère
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Could Lamine Kone be an option for the next GWs ? (CRY, WBA, Stoke)

    1. FDMS All Starz
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Stay away from Sunderland.

      1. tafrère
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Do you think they're the new Villa alongside Stoke ?

        1. FDMS All Starz
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Until they keep a CS I'll stay away

      2. *sigh*
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Good advice and don't pick any of their football players either

  25. Dacra
    10 years, 1 month ago

    What, Antonio is RB?

    1. Dacra
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Sarcasm reply fail. I lose at life.

  26. Puyol Pants Up
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Why is everyone saying Antonio is playing RB? Do they not realise that Nordtveit is named at RB? Gosh.

  27. Whazza
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Antonio is on the wing, shut up if you're clueless thanks πŸ™‚

  28. Big Sum
    10 years, 1 month ago

    How can someone be sure if Antonio is RB or RW? It can be either. Nordtveit can play as a CB and DCM also

    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Going by the West Ham twitter graphic

      1. Rogue Todd
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Did Bilic draw the graphic?

    2. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 1 month ago

      The chairman will not be contradicted.

    3. Dacra
      10 years, 1 month ago

      The line up pic from official West Ham twitter was a small clue..

    4. Greenbackbøøg…
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Antonio is playing cdm and Nordveit on the wing

    5. Rogue Todd
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Antonio owners panicking and getting ratty as a result

  29. Weeb Kakashi
    10 years, 1 month ago

    West Brom Vs West Ham score predictions??

    1. Billy Gilmore
      10 years, 1 month ago

      0-0

    2. SW6
      10 years, 1 month ago

      0-0 or 1-0 to someone

    3. Arceus
      10 years, 1 month ago

      2-2

    4. devils advocate
      10 years, 1 month ago

      4-0 to WB.

      All goals coming from errors by Antonio at RB. πŸ™‚

  30. Grand Thibauto
    10 years, 1 month ago

    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CsjrsLBXYAAQApK.jpg:large

    West Ham official Twitter