Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 38

What a difference a year makes.

Just under twelve months ago I was lamenting my worst ever campaign in eight years of playing the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game. I’d limped over the line, recording a rank of 192,837 – a pretty miserable result for someone who sleeps with the fixture list etched onto the back of his eyelids.

While there was no obvious excuse, it’s fascinating to reflect on the lessons I’d identified back then. It’s even more enlightening to see if I’ve really learnt anything from those struggles, and whether that’s helped me turn things around.

React as quickly as possible to form players and don’t be shy to use hits.
The stubbornness which prompted the slow reaction to the form of Aaron Ramsey and Yaya Toure last season was well documented. This term I’ve been fortunate in that there have been no real equivalents.

I got on Harry Kane in Gameweek 15 and he scored 17 goals in the following 14 weeks. I guess I can take some credit for that. Other than Kane, it’s difficult to identify a bandwagon that got close to surprising us by maintaining form over a long spell. Charlie Austin is probably one I missed for a while – more on him in a moment.

It would have been interesting if, for some reason, I’d resisted Kane, missed the early goals and then allowed my stubborn nature to keep me from acquiring him. That might still be a weakness of mine – this season didn’t really test that too much, although the Austin situation hints that I’ve still got work to do.

As for hits, I’ve certainly used them sparingly, taking just three all season. I’ve no doubt that they can be effective and, as I wrote last weekend, coupling them with a banked transfer to make three changes will be a tactic I will definitely take into next season.

Apply that rule to bandwagaons and hunches alike – if there’s form, back it.
I have had more conviction with my hunches. I backed Sadio Mane the moment he arrived and, while it took me some weeks to acquire him, once he was in, he stayed in. We know how that worked out.

Similarly, I adopted his team-mate Dusan Tadic off the back of his impressive early season statistics and held him long enough to ride out that Gameweek 8 haul.

These were both major turning points in the season but behind all that, my conviction that Eden Hazard would eventually surpass Cesc Fabregas and faith in Branisalv Ivanovic, Diego Costa and early investment in Kane, meant that I ticked over.

I still bought Aleks Kolarov for one Gameweek – just as a Christmas treat.

Don’t beat yourself up about chasing points when signing form players you’ve missed.
For a few weeks, I thought I’d made the wrong decision on Fabregas but Hazard did, by Christmas, emerge as the better option.

I missed some opportunities but, in the main, I jumped on bandwagons around the right time and never really suffered from missing huge hauls.

Charlie Austin hurt me for a while – I was slow on that one, mainly because I felt that, eventually, he and QPR would be worked out. I was right to an extent, but I still missed out on some value hauls that would have probably benefited my season.

I’m not convinced I’ve learnt this lesson yet, then.

Don’t take unnecessary gambles with the captaincy in a bid to make ground.
I think this made an impact. The Gargatron tells me that I used just 10 different captains this time around, indicating that I’ve been more cautious.

For weeks I kept the armband with Diego Costa, lured in by his consistency. It hurt me on occasions and benefited me on others. Following his departure, I’ve largely turned to Sergio Aguero and Eden Hazard.

I think I’ve taken risks two or three times with the armband – it’s hard to say if that’s been a factor in the turnaround. Despite lacking the Luis Suarez option, I’ve been surprised that the captaincy has seemed to be a straightforward decision in the main. With Hazard around, it may well be even easier next season.

Sign dominant centre-backs who win headers
Sign full-backs if they have an outstanding statistic in their favour – normally, crosses or tackles.
These two combine and, in many ways, highlight how a subtle change in rules can change the FPL landscape.

For a good part of last season, I’d backed the attacking full-back over the dominant centre-back and was punished by the bonus system which clearly favoured the latter. I actually doubled on Southampton (Calum Chambers and Luke Shaw), only to eject that tactic when it was clear it was failing miserably.

A year on, the double Southampton full-back has undoubtedly been one of the key strategies when forming our defences. For a good portion of this season, having both Nathaniel Clyne and Ryan Bertrand proved a mini-league game changer.

Overall, the bonus point system was tweaked, raiding full-backs no longer suffered heavily from failed dribbles and, suddenly, there was bonus balance at the back.

I didn’t have to adjust my tactics – the FPL put things right on my behalf.

There’s the new lesson to consider: if there are rule changes for next season, don’t underestimate how they can influence our strategies – however subtle they appear to be.

Don’t be shy spending money on defenders if they also offer goal threat.
Defenders scored 104 goals last season, which has declined to 90 so far this term.

The Chelsea pairing of John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic have benefited most from their attacking menace at set-plays and, by owning the latter all season, I guess I put this one straight.

By prioritising full-backs last season, I turned my back on the points earned from set-piece threat. Given that Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines have declined in goal output this season, there’s good reason to say that this has been more important than ever.

Arguably I made the right choice. Ivanovic has had that threat at set-plays, whilst also being an attacking full-back providing crosses. With Terry ageing, the Serb will be one of the first names in my 2015/16 squad.

If you think a player is injury prone, he’s likely to eventually live up to that tag.
I need to remind myself of this one over the summer: my Diego Costa habit almost de-railed my season at one point. Eventually, the Chelsea man repaid my faith but, at several stages, I questioned whether I was making a fatal error by holding him too long. I got away with it. Just.

I’ll resist Costa next season. I certainly won’t touch Daniel Sturridge.

Of course, as I also stated this time last year, every season hands us a set of different challenges that will ultimately decide the fate of our campaigns.

Sometimes single transfers like Mane and Tadic can make a major difference, sometimes it’s having conviction in a player like Ivanovic or Hazard that tips the balance. Alongside this, we have to enjoy some fortune – the right injuries at the right time, penalty saves, points from the bench. These can all conspire for and against us and sometimes, they just fall in place.

I’m not sure how much of my season has been down to this luck over my own judgment. I do know that it’s followed on from my worst ever campaign and that, in some ways, that may have helped. Perhaps this will come as some comfort to those who look on this season’s rank and flinch.

While I’ve spent this morning reflecting on the story of my own campaign, much of my focus today will be on the very top of the FPL rankings. Once again, we’re blessed with seeing members of our community competing for the top prize.

Simon March, aka “Dufflinks”, looks well placed to seal the title as he seeks to protect a 34-point lead. The likes of Kev Gleave, Jack Wain, Jon Sumner, Stuart Greenacre and AbuBakar Siddiq give chase – all either members of the FFS Leagues, posters on our pages or both.

It’s this that makes me most proud and convinces me that 2014/15 has been a season to savour.

I’ll be pre-ambling your way again in August.

Good luck to all.

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

3,813 Comments Post a Comment
  1. QPR expects... glory!
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Last preamble of the season 🙁

    Thanks to Mark and the team for all the info. This is a great place to be!

    1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Yes thanks to all contributors again for the excellent running of the site.

    2. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks fella. It's been a pleasure.

      1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Good luck today Mark.

      2. Granville
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        See you for the next installment. On my notes it says "must do better". Not really a good pre-amble. I'll stick to coding.

      3. Numb
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        A great season for you! Good luck everyone today.

      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      +1

  2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    New post woo

  3. Ings on the up
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Which one...

    Young or Bolasie/Puncheon?

    1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Young for me

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Spec, your hazard replacement?

        1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          A boring Hazard-Silva for me

        2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Have a feeling Mata will score well this week though, had a feeling all week.

          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 5 months ago

            Yeah, who knows.

            1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 5 months ago

              Hull have to go out to win the game, I think their heads will drop if they go behind a few reckless last ditch challenges I can see a pen in that game

              1. Christina.
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 5 months ago

                Yeah, could well be the case. Unless they go 1-0 within the first 15 min and news trickle in that WHAM are 2-1 up vs NEWC.

                😉

                1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 5 months ago

                  I think Newcastle will get something out of that game.

    2. Heydudes13
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Young.

  4. OnionBag
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone have a direct to Hazard's dentist?

    1. OnionBag
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      *direct line*

  5. Tommy J
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    The last preamble of the season, a sad day!(a guilty pleasure!).

    Can't make up my mind between Wollscheid to Kolorov or Skrtl to Terry(latter would mean doubling up with Cahill).

    My head says the Terry transfer but just a slight worry that I may need my third sub if not all my players play...

    Also thinking of benching Kane and playing Bolasie.

  6. RoysCallerAnne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Crumpled tuxedo on the hotel room floor.
    Transfer history says I took a -4 at 3am.
    Last preamble of the season.
    Wipes small tear from corner of eye.

    1. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      It would have been interesting if, for some reason, I’d resisted Kane, missed the early goals and then allowed my stubborn nature to keep me from acquiring him. That might still be a weakness of mine

      I've only had him in my team for ONE of his goals 🙁

    2. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      😀

  7. enrico.palazzo
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Last post for the season

    Lukaku or Aguero captain? Trying for best OR, 49 clear in mini league (should be safe?)

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Aguero - im in similar position to you and going aguero

      1. enrico.palazzo
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Reading Mark's post I'm not going to gamble on captain. Good luck mate thanks 🙂

  8. SweeSwee
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Young or Mahrez?

  9. super zlatan
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    At slut.

    You keeping haz?

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Nah, I got screwed over in a h2h league I could still win. Opponent of my rival took a -28pt hit, so game over. Might as well sell Hazard.

      Im never good with these last minutes decisions though.

      1. super zlatan
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Yaya. Trust me.

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          You reckon? Where is all the Yaya love coming from?

          1. super zlatan
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 5 months ago

            An explosive differential.

  10. Ed
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Young to start?

    1. SweeSwee
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Roy Hodgson said Young had a 'medical issue'

      1. Ed
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        cheers. Nothing mentioned in the press conferences though?

    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Good luck, Mark!

    You and the team deserve every point you get today. Thanks for all your efforts, top job!

  11. Lyonnais
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Kane ---> Lukaku -4

    worth it ?

    1. Snapes on a Plane
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      yeah

    2. WhySoSerious?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      This. Worth it?

    3. Hanked
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      nope

  12. Zizou
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone please

    1)Haz or caz to silva

    Have sanchez and giroud

    Or

    2) haz and giroud to silva and costa -4pt

    Cheers

  13. Hypnos
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    who would you bring in for Giroud, considering I have Ulloa and Aguero and have the funds for another Aguero 8)

    1. BigDaveSaves
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      BENTEKEEEE

  14. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Best use of 2 frees this week?

    Team at the moments for GW38 (BANK = £0.2m):

    Krul
    Terry Skrtel Dawson
    Hazard Sanchez Silva Cazorla
    Benteke Aguero Kane

    subs - Davis, Grealish, PVA, Naughton

    a) Kane & Cazorla > Lukaku & Puncheon (5.8 MID)
    b) Kane & Hazard > Costa & Puncheon (5.9 MID)
    c) Kane & Hazard > Lukaku & Willian (7.8 MID)
    d) Kane, Cazorla & Skrtel > Costa, Young & Schlupp
    e) Kane, Hazard & Skrtel > Costa, Mirallas & Schlupp

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      2 Frees?

      loser

  15. Link
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Hendo > Sissoko for a hit? Bit of last week fun... (50 clear in ML)

  16. Bobby_Baggio
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Do i have the right starting line up/bench order? Not sure to bench hendo or kane

    Schme
    PVA, Terry, Kos
    Sanchez, Mata, Silva, Rambo
    Aguero, Kane, Murray

    Hendo, Alder, Bruce

  17. Spencer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Sorry for the repost. Thanks to Zlatan for replying in the last article. 🙂

    Team gtg?

    Ospina
    Ivanovic / Skrtel / Bertrand
    Ramsey / Sánchez (vc) / Cambiasso / Mata or Silva
    Benteke (c) / Vardy / Agüero

    Schmeichel / Larsson / van Aanholt / Collins

    My rival's taken a hit, so only 13 points to make up now. Hazard to Mata or Silva? Rival has Silva.

      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Mata for me. Silva isn't going to help you.

      1. Spencer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks man.

        Confirming transfers now or I'll forget!

      2. FPL Gossip Blogger
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        This^

  18. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Is Giroud to Benteke worth a -4

    1. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      5 points behind my league leader who had Giroud

    2. Takedog1
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      If u captain tekkers then I would say so.

  19. Chrissy Waddle - 2024/25
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Which trannie has the best dress?

    A. Ozil -> Mata (have Sanchez and Giroud)

    B. Giroud -> Lukaku (have the other two...)

    Basically, which one unlikely to start today?

    1. FPL Gossip Blogger
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      B

  20. Takedog1
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Who are the captain choices for today folks?

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Aguero or Benteke.

      I'm chasing down a 23 point lead so I have to gamble on Benteke.

  21. JAC THE CAT
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    0 FT

    I have Sanchez, Cazorla and Ozil

    Do I need to move one on, if so for who?

    1. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Keep them. Not worth a hit.

  22. Fiona B
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    I just wanted to say a big thanks to everyone.

    I discovered this site early on in the season and it has been invaluable and I've spent way too much time here and enjoyed it. Unfortunately that did not equate to a good rank!

    Last day of the season, so it begins .....

    1. Spencer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Always next season Fi.

  23. THEKID_88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Hazard to Mata for a hit?

  24. HurriKane
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Who to start

    Puncheon or Ozil ??

  25. Grounderz
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Great one, as always. Next one won't be up until August.

    I shall wish every fantasy football manager good luck and let us all enjoy the final gameweek of the season.

  26. Snapes on a Plane
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    GTG?
    Whom to captain?
    Correct bench order?
    Mignolet
    schlupp koscielny terry
    sanchez bolasie mata silva
    Augero ulloa lukaku

    (jagielka,wasilewski,boyd)

  27. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Siggy or Gomis?

    Bolasie or Puncheon?

    Silva or Yaya?

    Lukaku or Benteke?

    1. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Siggy
      Bolasie
      Yaya
      Benteke

  28. Zizou
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    1)Haz or caz to silva

    Have sanchez and giroud

  29. The Raging Bull
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Will Azpi start?

    1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I would think so, Maureen will want to finish with a win especially after the WBA result