Opinion

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 38

The final day is such a bittersweet experience.

The anticipation and excitement can go off the scale on days like this but, equally, we know that an almighty comedown looms once the whistle has blown and the final set of bonus points drop in.

For all the frustrations that Fantasy Football can inflict, in a matter of hours, we will be lamenting the end of another season and already chattering in anticipation of the next, as we begin the process of burning time till August.

Today has so much in store. At the very top of the FPL we could well be treated to one of the most thrilling finales in memory.

While we’ve witnessed tense conclusions to the season before – most notably Tom Fenley’s one-point victory in 2013/14 – I can’t recall us heading into Gameweek 38 with just two points separating the top two managers.

Many of us are experienced Fantasy managers, and, at various times we’ve doubtless flirted with the upper reaches of the FPL rankings. But we can only imagine how it must feel this morning to ponder the decisions that could make or break an entire season. No pressure.

My best wishes to go out to Uwais Ahmed and Ben Crabtree at the very top – and to the chasing pack that gives chase.

Closer to home, I’m dealing with my own agonising choices.

I’m in reach of a top 100 finish – just five points adrift. But now I must decide on what it will take to carry me over the line, while at the same time hold off Torres Magic who continues to breathe down my neck in the Mods and Contributors league.

Since nudging into the top 500, I’ve calmed my aggressive transfer policy and, in the main, it’s worked.

Slowly but surely I’ve cautiously edged up the rankings to be close to my target, but now I’m wondering if there’s merit in ending the season with one last hurrah.

I’ve felt subdued in recent weeks. It’s felt like my fire has gone out and that I’m simply plodding over the line without any degree of flair.

But today’s heady mix of sunshine, tension and ten concurrent fixtures may just tempt my maverick tendencies. I might just commit to a hit and see if I can’t find a more spectacular route over the line.

Regardless of the outcome and the inevitable feeling of flatness when the final ball is kicked, I will look back on this season with much fondness.

We’ve all be tested and challenged, and I can’t recall a campaign that has demanded more “management”. We’ve rarely been able to settle on our squads: Harry Kane aside, at one time or another, the merits of each and every heavy-hitter has been questioned. There’s been no “fire and forget” options, no essential bargains that offered us a lengthy shelf life.

While luck – rough or smooth – has played its part, I believe the experienced and studied Fantasy managers have had the opportunities to prevail, but we’ve had to work to call this season a success.

For me, that’s how it should be. Looking back, I can’t help but think that Messrs Vardy, Mahrez and Alli were too easy on us last season; it felt more satisfying this time around.

Now we can look ahead. Prepare for new names. Make lists, study numbers and swear that we will never repeat this season’s mistakes.

Only one thing is certain – I’ll be back here with the flame burning once again. I hope to see you too.

Enjoy the day.

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

3,279 Comments Post a Comment
  1. pls
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Do you think Charlie Austin will start? Fancy him as a punt?

  2. mr messi
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    What's wrong with King?

    1. michudagawd
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      He has a small injury so misses out.

  3. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Sane, Lukaku, Mirallas >>> Milner, Vardy, Siggy for -8? Can't see Toffees getting anything today

  4. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    King > 6.1m for a hit or trust JWP?

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      hit

  5. JoshyC
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Will the team sheets be submitted before lockout?

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

      No

  6. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Who would u choose from-
    Pedro/Lallana/ Milner or other 6.8m

    Already own Hazard and no Pool players if that matters..

    1. ElTorro
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Lallana for me there

    2. TopMarx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      I'm the same position but tempted by Pedro over Lallana. feel Pedro is more explosive.

  7. andymck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Best King replacement for 8.4? Fabregas?

    1. mr messi
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      As good as any or Lallana

  8. ElTorro
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Play llorente or transfer king out for pedro, fab, willian? If yes, which one?

    1. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Plsy llorente

    2. mr messi
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Play Llorente

  9. michudagawd
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    ****Repost With No Replies****

    Caballero
    Yoshida PVA Alonso
    Sanchez Alli Sané Hazard
    Kane Benteke Jesus

    Randolph - Clayton Holgate Maguire*

    1 FT, 0.2 itb

    Does PVA + Sané ➡ Matip + Siggy for -4 look good?

    1. ElTorro
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      No way!! Sane is a must have!! Transfer PVA out for matip. Just that

    2. timski8000
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      No mate, keep sane.

      PVS to Matip is fine.

    3. michudagawd
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Don't have enough for PVA to Matip. PVA to Lovren instead?

  10. Jayv807
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Bench currently ordered - Albrighton, Yoshi and Holgate.

    Right order since it looks like Albrighton will be coming in for king?

  11. 824545201
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Fabregas in for a hit instead of King or play Vertonghen? ANy thoughts?

    1. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Play Vert.

    2. mojoindojo
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Play vert

  12. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    C'mon Stanislas 😀

  13. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    King to Zaha for a hit with AoA
    or stephens?

  14. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Who to replace king with?

    Siggy
    Stanislas
    Pedro

    Opinions appreciated!

    1. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      im thinking stan

      1. general_franco
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 days ago

        Lallana?

    2. #23
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Siggy imho

  15. Viper
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Start Albrighton or Gabbiadini?

  16. Kaptenen
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    who to play?
    a) JWP
    b) Gabbi

  17. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    west ham team has been leaked

    Adrián, Byram, Fonte, Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Fernandes, Lanzini, Feghouli, Snodgrass, Ayew.

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Helps no one 😆

    2. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      OMG....No Carrolll...

  18. Tibbs
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    keep costa or get kane (-4)?

    1. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Keep.

  19. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    A)Alli, Matip
    B)Cout, Holding
    C)Sanchez, Holding(-4)

  20. Sahil Yadav
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Just did Gabbi,King to Vokes, Lallana for a -4. I'm mad!!!!

  21. Totti
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    A) play albrighton
    B) play gabbiadini
    C) gabbi -> Llorente and bench albrighton

    1. Totti
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      C will be for -4

  22. Torres76
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Sturridge hat trick please

  23. Bored Bear
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Who's on pens for bournemouth?

    1. The Rock
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Stan.

  24. Ravager
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    King already flagged.

    A) Alli > Coutinho
    B) Gabbi + King > Crouch + Coutinho (-4)?

  25. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    King to Zaha for hit of play JWP?

    Holgate only sub.....

  26. Zizou
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Caballero or Pickford

  27. matiakez
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    0.1 off king out for fabregas or willian. Gabiadini it is then.

  28. KJT123
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    FPL Twitter spoonfeeding everyone ffs

  29. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    "May god bless and protect us" - Jesus

  30. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Will be ironic seeing fake lineups with King in them