Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 37

As a Fantasy manager, I set out to learn at least one lesson each season.

This has arrived late in this campaign, with Gameweek 36 confirming what I suspected: I’m a Fantasy Premier League (FPL) manager who needs to bank his transfers in order to take risks.

I’ve often used this article to bleat on about my inability to commit to gambling at the right time. I have a habit of sitting tight on failing assets, in fear that they will wake from slumber and outscore any potential replacements; it’s proved my major downfall.

However, I’ve been missing the obvious: the ability to bank transfers is a feature tailor-made to help me overcome such hesitancy.

Last weekend I took my second points hit in three Gameweeks – only my third of the season. It worked it’s magic – a 15-point profit was a handsome return, particularly when it also helped capture Alexis Sanchez for Arsenal’s double.

For once, I allowed myself to take a risk. The trio of departed assets – Branislav Ivanovic, Cesc Fabregas and Raheem Sterling – could have easily outscored their replacements. The difference this time was that, because I was able to make three trades, I could commit with far more comfort.

The logic of signing David Silva and Alexis Sanchez was clear – they had obvious potential to score heavily. Meanwhile, I just couldn’t see an impotent West Ham scoring past Ron Vlaar – and so it proved.

Because I was able to make three trades, at the cost of just four points, I was able to build a scenario that made the gamble palatable; I was able to convince myself. I only needed one of my three transfers to deliver in order to justify the hit. In the end, David Silva was that player.

The point hit can be a powerful weapon in FPL but caution is the safety catch. Banking transfers and combining a hit to allow yourself three trades can flick back the safety. It can allow you to create a package of transfers that’s just too convincing to ignore.

Whether such gambles come off is another matter. The strategy can’t guarantee results. However, it can help overcome hesitancy and, if that’s your failing, it’s a tactic worth exploring.

Of course, to some, this will be stating the obvious. However, not all Fantasy managers are the same. Some have the balls to throw points hits about and back their conviction.

This Fantasy manager needs the reassurance offered by the three-trade set-up. I only regret taking this long to realise it.

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

1,443 Comments Post a Comment
  1. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    Pens down bisches.

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      no still going

      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        now it's updating

      2. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Bookmarking this

        1. Jax
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 4 days ago

          😉

  2. In Like Flynn.
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    Seconds Away!!! Round 37, your penultimate round in this marathon contest over 38.

    Your DGW starts here.

    Good luck all. Except to you Rickie. You, crash and burn.

    Get your recipes, D.I.Y. and garden tips ready for the summer FFS close season.

    Though the fixtures will be out just four weeks or so after the season ends.
    Just time for a holiday.

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Gotta start making my ticker!!! 🙂

      1. In Like Flynn.
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Get to it. 🙄 I thought that would be done by now. 😉

  3. Forza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    Pens down, pants down!

    1. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Fail?

      1. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        ironically, a reply fail.

        Third fail in short time, I guess I'm drunk and should go home.

  4. Jawain - 9th overall 2014/2…
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    Cazorla captain. Hopefully goes a bit better than my Sanchez captaincy gamble last week!

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      I think I switched away from Cazorla in the last couple of seconds 🙂

      1. Shifty
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Weak willed

    2. The Hound
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Think he's gonna score well. Still I went Sanchez though.

    3. Shifty
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Last week was rough for you mate. Hope it works out this week.

      1. Jawain - 9th overall 2014/2…
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        thanks pal. Fingers crossed!

    4. nevertrustbony
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      I captained sanchez last week too, just trying to go for the safest most dullard captain pick this week so captained sanchez again.

    5. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Best of luck 🙂

      1. Jawain - 9th overall 2014/2…
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Cheers and you! Captained the same. Sissoko is ballsy.

        1. BigManBakar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 4 days ago

          Watched the scoutcast yesterday mate - you did a fine job! Really enjoyed watching it

          Yeah hope he can get himself a penalty or two 😛

          I fancy Newcastle to do well - so Sissoko is my punt for the game week 🙂

          1. Jawain - 9th overall 2014/2…
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 4 days ago

            Thank you. Really enjoyed doing it and hope it came across ok. Had to take a punt So I like it!

            1. BigManBakar
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 4 days ago

              The tricky part was that I had Coutinho and he didn't - but despite that I fancied Silva to outscore him in these 2 game weeks, which made me ditch Coutinho over him. Needed a few differentials

              1. Jawain - 9th overall 2014/2…
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 4 days ago

                yeah had to differential it up at this stage

    6. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Good move I reckon Jack. I wonder if Simon has covered the Cazorla threat.

      1. Jawain - 9th overall 2014/2…
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Thanks Mark. He will have done Ramsey or Cazorla I would have thought. Find out in a matter of minutes!

      2. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        He's gone for Hazard to Ozil Mark.

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 4 days ago

          Great lurking there

        2. Jawain - 9th overall 2014/2…
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 4 days ago

          Great lurking if true!

    7. Manamongst
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      The question is, how many bodies will kick the ball into...

      Pray for a penalty.

    8. Robben Mee Blind
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Good luck pal. Enjoyed watching the Scoutcast- you did a fine job!

      1. Jawain - 9th overall 2014/2…
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Thanks. Means a lot to hear that.

  5. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    I've only gone and done it! I've saved a FT!

    🙂

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Loser

      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        haha

      2. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Hahahaa probably!

  6. QPR expects... glory!
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    Bought Mertesacker last minute 😀

    Thanks to DF for the advice

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      he's out injured

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      He hasn't played yet, jaysus

      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        that's cos he's injured

      2. QPR expects... glory!
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Yeah, but my gut says he's gonna score 😀

    3. TitusShambles
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Seriously

      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        no.

    4. Shifty
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Time to turn that upside down frown right side up.

  7. Forza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    2 Sunderland defenders... sobering up after DGW transfers is a worrying time

    1. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Time to start drinking again!

      1. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Oh, good, somebody speaks some sense to me here!

        1. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 4 days ago

          *hic*

    2. TitusShambles
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Is what the AA meetings for

  8. Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    Good luck guys. Ive saved my FT and played Alderweireld over Schlupp. Hoping for Sunderland to score and Kane to go mad so I can make up some of the 15 point gap in my ML going into the final game!

    Hope this GW is memorable for all of you 🙂

  9. Somalion
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    Cissé to bring a whole new world of pain to QPR. 👿

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      really?

      1. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        yes

    2. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Agreed.

      I'll be there to watch it all the same 🙁

      1. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        If you could do me a favour and put Rob Green off, that'd be really appreciated. 🙂

        1. QPR expects... glory!
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 4 days ago

          You don;t have to worry about Green doing well with our defence in front of him....

    3. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Or to his FPL owner(s).

      1. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Can't hurt me if I'm loaded 😉

  10. RVP fc
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    For anyone who bought Danny Graham I wish you luck. I remember a few seasons ago saying Graham was a better option to start the season than Michu ....... never will he grace my team again

    1. The Hound
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      I said that also yet here we are....

      1. RVP fc
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Haha I do hope he doesnt ruin your season like he did my season

  11. The Hound
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    I've got Danny graham. Feels strangely exciting!

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      erm ok

    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      My deepest condolences

    3. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Locked in your cellar?

  12. BigManBakar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    Team for the game week:

    Hart;Terry,Fonte,Lescott;Santi(c),Ozil(vc),Alexis,Silva,Sissoko;Vardy,Aguero.

    Subs: Krul,N'Doye,Wollscheid,Naughton.

    Transfers made: 4 point hit. Coutinho,Jordi out Santi,Sissoko in.

    1. FPL Gossip Blogger
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Good luck!

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Go on TFF, nail that Simon dawg

      🙂

    3. TitusShambles
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Ballsy

    4. Robbens Diving Instructor
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Sissoko?

    5. The Hound
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Was the correct (c) call for you in your position. Good luck.

    6. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Good luck TFF

    7. Shifty
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      TFF TFF TFF TFF *Gets a chant going*

    8. Les Bleus
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Good luck!!

      1. Les Bleus
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Though that (c) 😯

    9. nevertrustbony
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Good luck! your team is massively different from rank 1's so you've got a good chance!

    10. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Good luck. Your gamble might turn up trumps

    11. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Well played with those transfers. You're giving yourself a chance....the worst thing you could have done would have been to whimp out.

    12. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Thanks for the support guys - means a lot! 🙂

    13. Jaffalicious! #SomosCubanos
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      So you went for it in the end? Nice one!!

      Best of luck TFF! Have a good feeling about this week 🙂

      1. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Haha yes I did - thank you! 🙂

    14. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Gutsy stuff. All or nothing on Santi - it could pay off if Simon doesn't cover it.

      1. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        He went with Ozil. He has 2 more DGW'ers than me this week after the Gomez injury, so had to take a few gambles.

      2. Shifty
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Probably went for Ramsey based on TV changes

    15. Robben Mee Blind
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Good luck TFF. May the best man win!

      1. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Thank you! 🙂

  13. enrico.palazzo
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    Hazard on my bench. This feels wrong

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Why ?

      1. enrico.palazzo
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        PFA player of the year on the bench! Hopefully he gets a cameo to justify my decision. Otherwise oh well

    2. Robben Mee Blind
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      It should! I couldn't bring myself to take him out. Fair play to you if it pays off though

  14. Zep
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    Oh Danny boy... danny boy... danny boy...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTjC6rxHz8g

  15. HNI
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    Currently at 1.2k plz help me get to 1k! do which one? Stupidly bought Gomez on Thur Night as Price rise would make transfer not possible
    1)Vardy->Defoe for -4
    2)Gomez-->Larsson(-4)
    2)No hit play Duff vs Stoke(h)

    1. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Erm...

    2. TitusShambles
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Too late mate

    3. HNI
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Oh Well the game is updating :p

      1. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Say goodbye to the top 1k, because it is disappearing from your sight.

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 4 days ago

          Don't be mean! 😛

          1. Camp No No
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 days ago

            How can you demand me that? A wolf sheds its coat every year, but his nature never changes.

    4. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      This won't help you...

    5. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      You must have posted this about 4 times and every response was to play Duff

  16. Jax
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    Gerrard's last game today at Anfield? First i've heard of it

    1. 11 Angry Men
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      WHO?

  17. Les Bleus
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    People captaining a CDM is quite funny.

    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      I wish I captained a CDM in the DGW around this time last year...

      1. Les Bleus
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Yaya?

        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 4 days ago

          Yeah, that "CDM" scored 4 goals

          1. Les Bleus
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 4 days ago

            Don't think he was a CDM as advertised.

            1. Billy Gilmore
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 4 days ago

              And neither is Cazorla. Practically the same roles in their respective teams. 😕

              1. Arvin-ation
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 4 days ago

                The new smiley doesn't really fit 😆

              2. Les Bleus
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 4 days ago

                Is argue that Aguero and Yaya last year were the main (and possible the only) big scorers for City whereas Arsenal are loaded with them this year.

                Different cases.

                1. Les Bleus
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 4 days ago

                  I'd*

    2. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Normally yes, but not when he's on penalties

      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Holy crap the parallels between him and Yaya are worrying... 😯

      2. Les Bleus
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Yeah maybe.

  18. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    I have Walcott in my UFPL team (I know, don't ask)
    Would you ship him for ...

    A Ozil
    B Ramsey
    C Gerrard ?

    Thanks

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      I'm playing him

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Oh
        In case Rambo doesn't start?

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 4 days ago

          No. Because I expect him to get a fair bit of game time and it would cost four points to lose him

          1. Weasel Boy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 4 days ago

            Ok cool

          2. Weasel Boy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 4 days ago

            I kind of expect 2 cameos

  19. Arvin-ation
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    So where are our top 10 representatives?

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      TFF above ...

      1. BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Your thoughts on my Sissoko punt, Doosra?

  20. Al
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    Giroud (c) I went for it 😀

    1. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Nice!

  21. Mr. Grv
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    I am 2nd in ml (20pts ahead)an person behind me has used his WC

    Lord save me

    1. The Great Statuto
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      This is so funny!

  22. Mohit20
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    how this looks guys!!!

    pants
    moreno terry bellerin
    hendo sanchez (c) ramsey hazard
    kane aguero defoe

    foster cambiasso bertrand baird

  23. Shane H
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    I brought Gerrard in for Silva straight after his haul last weekend, I'm going for it.

    26 chase, 8 differentials, this week is massive.

  24. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    LOL @ Giroud non-owners

    🙁

    1. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      How's your team looking for this week?

      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Thanks for taking over in my role of redonkeyfication. 🙂

        1. Mílanista
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 4 days ago

          So annoyed that I broke my 3 season refusal to own that donkey 😡

          1. Billy Gilmore
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 4 days ago

            You've done an admirable job of it. If you can keep it up for this DGW too I'll be eternally grateful 😀

            1. Mílanista
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 4 days ago

              Whatever happens, I doubt he'll be in my team to keep it up after this GW 🙂

      2. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        Panti
        PvA Brana Kosc
        Sanchez (c) Santi Hazard Hendo
        Vardy Kane Kun

        1. Mílanista
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 4 days ago

          You sold Silva again? 😯

          4 differences in our teams, could be very close in the mini league 😉

    2. Mohit20
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      will very soon turn into lol @ giroud owners!!

    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      😛

  25. Al
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    Luke Garbutt is my sneaky pick this GW 😉

  26. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    going to be some lolling this gw for sure 😕

    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Nothing new there.

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        dgw with so many doubts........ more than usual is my estimate

        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 4 days ago

          Yeah, good point. Unless everyone goes bonkers.

    2. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      Lol at an army guy with a name of a foot clothing article

  27. Shane H
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    Martin Tyler is getting ready for one last 'Geraaaaaaaaaaard!!!!'

    3 times though.

  28. Jax
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    Today one of the greatest players in Liverpool's history plays his final home game for us.
    I wish Glen Johnson all the best.

  29. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    Quite scared of not having Gerrard and Hazard this weekend...Several players for Chelsea will be putting that bus in dry dock as they seek to impress...and Gerrard just feels like it's written in the stars.

    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      I'm worried about Le Donkey especially with our SF against Sri Lanka against 10 of the buggers...

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 days ago

        10....crikey....how many do we have ?

        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 4 days ago

          5 I think

          1. Dr Dream
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 4 days ago

            Ouch...What advantages do we have ?...How are we fixed for Sanchez ?

  30. Al
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 days ago

    Rate my team out of 10!

    Ospina
    PVA,Terry,Skrtel
    Ramsey,Hazard,Young,Silva
    Aguero,Giroud (c),Benteke

    1. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 days ago

      6/10

      Too much City, not enough Sunderland, toughish fixtures for United and Villa.

      Good captain pick though.