The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 24

As so often is the case, Applebonkers may just have a point.

A week on from that FA Cup draw and with the rescue plan in full swing, I’m wondering if the scramble to field eleven men in Gameweek 28 will ultimately prove both joyless and futile.

There’s no doubt that the logic all makes sense. Perchinho’s excellent blueprint for steering ourselves through treacherous territory is comprehensive and sound.

But already I’m finding my decisions boxed in by the fear of veering from what is considered the optimum route.

It’s like my season is suddenly being dictated by a Sat Nav, guiding me merrily down a pre-programmed route – “at the next Gameweek, turn left at Benik Afobe”.

I’m pretty sure I’m not heading for a blind alley: I’ve confidence in the general direction, but I’m also wary that I may miss out on some more compelling scenery along the way.

Already, I’ve allowed Manchester City’s London Stadium flourish go by.

Under normal circumstances, Raheem Sterling would be back in my squad, eyeing up the Swansea City defence, having already earned me eight points on Wednesday night.

Instead, I steered clear, perhaps blinkered by my objective and the target of a perfect Gameweek 28 solution.

I can only blame myself. These are my decisions – I can choose to change route at any time.

It’s our task as Fantasy managers to take in the information, analyse and assess it and then decide how much we let the fear and paranoia of the blank Gameweeks dictate our actions.

I’m either riddled with the anxiety of a depleted teamsheet or so keen for guidance on my transfer policy that I’m thankful for outside factors as an influence.

It’s very likely to be the latter.

That’s not surprising. Whatever they tell you, Fantasy Football isn’t easy.

In many ways, the balance of the game, the sudden swings in points and player values, make the weekly decision-making process a gruelling one.

When the landscape shifts to offer a clear vision – an accepted plan to progress – we can sometimes be all too willing to embrace it.

Having navigated this far through instinct, perhaps we’re happy to let the Sat Nav kick in and go along for the ride.

We will likely arrive at our destination content that we’ve found our way and convinced that we’ve opted for the most efficient and effective route.

For all the research and time I’m investing, I can’t help but wonder if I’m actually taking the easy way out and that others, less concerned by Gameweek 28, will get through it with a better story to tell.

I’m on a path of least resistance, partly through logic but also through a willingness to take direction.

I’d hope that you’re made of sterner stuff. That you can find a balance and allow yourself some imagination. And that perhaps you’re not currently eyeing up Benik Afobe.