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. Jazz!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    --------------------------------- Myhill (ars) -------------------------------------

    ----------- Ivan (SUN) | Kosc (WBA) | Schlupp (QPR) -----------

    -- Haz (SUN) | Ozil (WBA) | Bolasie (SWA) | Silva (SOU) --

    --------- Giroud (WBA) | Benteke (BUR) | Vardy (QPR) --------

    Pants | Eriksen | Skrtel | PvA

    2.3m ITB - No FT

    Who should I captain? And any transfers I should do for a -4?

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

    Boyd + Caz > Young + Bolasie (-4) then bench one of them incase hazard doesn't play??

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

    Guys... need a midfield punt for £5.9m or less. Can i get a quick vote?

    a) Young
    b) Puncheon
    c) Bolasie
    d) Downing
    e) Sissoko
    f) Adam

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

      a

    3. Elfozzie 42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I'd go Punch

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

      Milner or Young

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

      Young.

    6. Lexi2014
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Punch - only cos I have him!

    7. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Downing. Big Sam would like to bury the hatchet in Newcastle not with them!

    8. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      My money's on Milner/Sissoko.

    9. Brutus619
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      C

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

    Benteke, Lukaku or Costa?

    1. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Benteke

    2. omibrahimom
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      benteke > lukaku > costa

    3. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Lukaku

    4. Elfozzie 42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Exactly where I am.
      I've got Benteke at the moment but am considering Costa also.

  5. omibrahimom
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Siggurson for

    A1) Fellaini
    B1)Ozil
    C1) Coutinho

    Bolasie for

    A2) Fellaini
    B2)Ozil
    C2) Coutinho

    Ospina

    Lovren terry pVa

    Yaya Ozil Coutinho Fellani

    Benteke (C) Giroud Aguero

    someone keeps sayin fellaini not starting!!! this true?

    help appreciated

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

      last call guys

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

    0 goals scored for Arsenal in their last 3 home games

    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      So they're due? 😉

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

        I didn't take dueness into account 😉

    2. Vardy Gras PBFC
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Also v Pulis.

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

      They have been pretty unfortunate, but yea it is concerning being stuck with 3 bloody midfielders.

    4. Jax
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      cue a 5-0 win

    5. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Good thing Walcott's probably starting then 😉

  7. CABAYE4
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Been busy this week so behind on the news, what's the Hazard latest?

    Worth getting rid for a hit if I don't have a decent sub?

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

      that's the general consensus

  8. Vardy Gras PBFC
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    1. Giroud & van Aanholt ➡ Ulloa & Kolarov
    2. Kane & Dawson ➡ Vardy & Kolarov

    For free, but still left with Hazard, Ozil and Sanchez.

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

      2

      1. Vardy Gras PBFC
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers Tommy, so ride in with 3 Arsenal?

        Kolarov and Bolasie for me in answer to yours below.

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

          I think so

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

      2

    3. hillbillypete
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      PVA to score against chelsea 🙂

    4. copps
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      sell hazard first imo, he's the most likely to miss out?

      1. Vardy Gras PBFC
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers. It's a bit of a tactical battle with my ML rival who also has Kane & Hazard - so not wanting to hand an advantage and rely on autosubs - Cork v Walters at the moment.

        Watching the clock!

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

    Kolorov or Terry?
    Bolasie or Kane?

  10. Who Ate All Depays?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Any changes required for this team?

    Ospina
    Ivan / Skrtel / Morgan
    Sanchez / SIlva / Ozil / Mata
    Kane / Kun (c) / Vardy

    Subs: Krul / Cork / Pva / Toby

    0 FT & 1.8m itb

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      GTG

      1. Who Ate All Depays?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        thanx mate

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

      Good to go(unless you can upgrade Kane but not sure this is sensible)

      1. Who Ate All Depays?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        am considering this but not sure who's the right option....how about Cisse for a punt, have already taken a hit and this will mean -8

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

          I wouldn't

  11. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    great season on here again gl all for gw 38 and come on Sergio ,just one more time.....

  12. Nobodinho
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Transfers done 😎

    Haz > Walcott
    Giroud > Benteke

    Good luck everyone 😀

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Like it, good luck

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

        Cheers, same to you 🙂

  13. Raddy
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Ughh. Kun vs Tekkers captain is killing me. Anyone stuck on that fence?

    1. hillbillypete
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Kun to play safe. Benteke to gamble.

    2. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I'm going Vardy even though I have Benteke. For you I'd go Aguero

      1. Raddy
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Hmm cheers.

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

    This place needs a pause. Pages flying through.

    What's been your best GW rank this season? Anyone break into top 100?

    Mine's 10k.

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

      GWK 8- 435

    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      There will be a 2 month pause in 24 hours.

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

        Do something usefull.

        Give me a Hazard replacement.

        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Silver

          lol

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

            I own Silver.

            Maybe Mirallas ain't a bad shout with Lennon not eligible.

        2. Nabs Kebabs
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Mirallas.

          1. Billy Gilmore
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 5 months ago

            I like this too. Wish I had the balls to go for him

            1. Nabs Kebabs
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 5 months ago

              He is fpl gold i reckon. Though i'll be behind the couch with no Silva and Tekkers(c). Also bought Adam for a hit lol.

        3. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Toure or Mata....

          do it... I went mata as didn't have enough cash for Toure. If I did I would have got Yaya...

          or follow Mr Know it all and get Willian... please don't

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

            You and Ruthy really grinding each others balls.

            lol

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

        True that.

    3. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      The 1663 I'm currently as it is 11k better than last year which was my best rank ever.

      I put it down to subscribing here. Seriously!

      NB: Mark has not paid me to say this. But if he'd like to I'm willing to accept it!

    4. Dr. Agabuse
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      10 now

      1. QPR expects... glory!
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        That's fantastic! Well done.

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

        I asked about a single GW rank. But, hey congrats. Fancy your chances of getting a top 3?

  15. South Bank FPL
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Hi all.

    Last help needed

    Pantilimon - Davis
    Ivanovic - Morgan - R Taylor - Bertrand - van Aanholt
    Henderson - Silva - Sanchez - Cazorla - Ward-Prowse
    Aguero - Kane - Giroud

    .5ITB 1FT

    What transfers should I make?

    Thanks

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Giroud -> Lukaku

    2. 50 Shades Oshea
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      caz or hendo out for mata or bolaise, can you give somefeedback on my team below

    3. 50 Shades Oshea
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      get tekkers if your rival has him

      1. South Bank FPL
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Rival doesn't have him. still worth it though?

        1. 50 Shades Oshea
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          ye i think so

  16. BigManBakar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Would you play Sissoko over Cazorla or Ozil this week?

    1. 50 Shades Oshea
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      ye definitely

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

      Definitely. Bench Caz.

    3. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      No

    4. Every Dog Has Its Day
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Yes/Cazorla

  17. 50 Shades Oshea
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    right lads, need some advice? got 1ft and 14 ahead of rival, he has benteke and done 2fts, who also has a chels defender.

    ospina

    vlaar, moreno, schlupp

    Sanchez, silva, Hazard, Hendo

    Kun, kane, Giroud

    krul, walters, berty, PvA

    thinking these

    A) walters for bolaise

    B) haz out for mata

    c) haz and kane out for mata and benteke -4

    D) haz and kane out for young and costa -4

    thankss

  18. Farnborough's Finest
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Caz-> Walcott or mata worth a -4?

    1. Farnborough's Finest
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Chasing leader who is 7 points ahead

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

      If you have nothing to lose, do it for Mata

  19. CHANCING PUNT
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Posted earlier but might be able to help more now - de Gea/Fellaini not starting for United.

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

    Only had a chance to read Mark's preamble now. Best one yet I reckon. Great stuff.

  21. rozzo
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    18 points behind rival. We both have Giroud but the others are differentials.

    A) Silva(c)
    B) Yaya(c)
    C) Giroud to Benteke(c) -4
    D) Giroud to Lukaku(c) -4

    Cheers

    1. 50 Shades Oshea
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      c

    2. Farnborough's Finest
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Giroud -> Benteke (c)

  22. BennyDizzle
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Young or Mata???
    Don't know who to choose. Help?

  23. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    You know its gw38 when some crazy advise is going about.

    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      pretty regulation stuff tbh

    2. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      You ought to see the site just prior to the deadline for GW1 😆

  24. Emp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    can spend max 4.8 on a defender... get a newcastle defender or double leicester defence?

    1. Dr. Agabuse
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Same dilemma. Depends in whether you want to spread the risk or attack really

      1. Emp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        ya am thinking morgan cos he has goal threat not sure what goal threat castle defenders offer , r taylor maybe? although he seems risky got taken off on 59 moin a couple games ago

  25. Killitzer
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    morning all. Have a 29 point lead and likely to play safe with Haz-->Silva

    I know my rival has Hazard to but how can you see how many transfers they have made this GW. I'm guessing you can't actually see who they brought in?

    cheers

    1. The Road Not Taken
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      To see their transfers, go to their team and look for this box in the bottom right:

      Transfers & Finance

      Total transfers 49
      Gameweek transfers 3
      Wildcard Played

      Transfer history
      Team value £98.6m
      In the bank £2.2m

      Also, make sure you have this loaded for next season - it's really useful :

      http://www.fiso.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=113453

  26. Blue Moon Rising
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Azpi to start today?

  27. bacary lasagna
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    I've not been here most of the week...WHY is Walcott now a viable pick? Last week madness or did ARSENE hint at it?

    1. Joga Bonito®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Think it's just because of the cup final looming and apparently the bin theory has him in for Ozil.

  28. Every Dog Has Its Day
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Captaincy Check Please??

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

      Aguero

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

    Sell PVA for a hit?

    Can afford anyone as a replacement

    1. Mull
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Mertesacker.

  30. omibrahimom
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    iggurson for

    A1) Fellaini
    B1)Ozil
    C1) Coutinho

    Bolasie for

    A2) Fellaini
    B2)Ozil
    C2) Coutinho

    Ospina

    Lovren terry pVa

    Yaya Ozil Coutinho Fellani

    Benteke (C) Giroud Aguero

    someone keeps sayin fellaini not starting!!! this true?

    help appreciated,,,,,,,,,,,