Opinion

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 7

For all the fuss surrounding my early Wildcard, I can’t help but think that it’s triggered a change in fortunes.

I talked myself out of moves for Paul Pogba, Sadio Mane and Sergio Aguero either back then, or in the weeks that followed.

So I’ve managed to slalom their red flags and, while I’m hardly travelling up the ranks at pace, I’ve at least remained on course without disruption.

I’m not counting Phil Jones.

Following last night’s revelation that he’s checked in at the team hotel – which I’m reliably informed indicates that he’s in the matchday squad – it appears that he’s available to Jose Mourinho.

Whether he plays is another matter, Jose clearly has an agenda here, most likely to plot Jones’ extraction from England’s internationals, or at least convince Gareth Southgate to curtail his minutes. We shall see how that unfolds but, for me, Jones looks set to start, meaning that I’ve avoided another potential absentee.

Others haven’t been so lucky.

And that’s what it is: pure misfortune that can administer cruel and damaging blows to our season.

Nobody could have foreseen the injury – now apparently long-term – for Paul Pogba. Sadio Mane’s high-kicking jinx were uncharted, and Thursday’s injury to Aguero is just plain freakish, an almost unbelievable chain of events.

When I woke yesterday morning, I struggled to fathom what was being reported back. I imagine Pep Guardiola felt much the same.

I’ve read and heard that Pep won’t expect an apology for Aguero’s decision to take himself to Amsterdam. That’s understandable: it was the player’s free time and, after all, relief at his safe return is the priority.

But it certainly didn’t come across that way in his press conference.

Defensive in the extreme, Pep’s mood was dour and stormy, his treatment of the press bordering on unreasonable. It was all kinds of uncomfortable.

Pep doesn’t have much of a poker face: it’s very clear when he feels events have gone against him, or he’s been crossed.

While Aguero’s accident was completely unforeseen, his manager appeared frustrated and ready to throw blame, he struck out with his responses as if he had been wronged not by the finger of fate, but by something more tangible.

It was a slip of the veil, another peak into his seemingly volatile personality and it did little to convince me to start investing my trust in Pep, no matter how many goals his team are capable of scoring.

But then perhaps I need to relax my own principles. Sometimes my likes and dislikes steer my decision making a little too much.

When a player delivers for me, winning my favour, I can become blinkered.

Harry Kane is a case in point. Just like Mauricio Pochettino, I think I’ve developed a man-crush on the Spurs goal machine.

After he lifted my spirits with a brace a West Ham, I have vividly imagined another big haul at Huddersfield and felt compelled to back him with my captaincy.

But, since last nights dabble into the cold hard numbers and, in particular, Crystal Palace’s obvious frailties, I’ve challenged that thinking and changed tact.

A frosty Pep reminded me that sometimes it’s best to keep the emotion in check and let head rule heart.

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

1,634 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Dynamic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Roll the FT?

    Foster (Elliot)
    Jones Naughton Mee (Suttner Long)
    Salah Alli Mkhi Carroll (Chalobah)
    Kane Lukaku Firmino

    Chalobah injured. Long doesn't play. Jones potentially injured. Should still get 11 out though.

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Roll

    2. Werkself
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      yes

    3. Uncle Gamst
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Roll

    4. Adams6
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, stick, Jones is playing. Maureen is a liar

    5. Dynamic
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks guys.

  2. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Is it worth removing Jones for a -4?

    Lowe will come in.

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      No

    2. Brian (Not the Messiah)
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I would hope that you're actually upgrading elsewhere and Jones is the make way??

    3. Odikostar
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I think a cresswell or cedric outscored him with +4 over the next 4

    4. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      No

    5. Uncle Gamst
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      No

    6. Adams6
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      No way!

    7. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Since he might actually play, I'd say no. But if he doesn't play, bringing in Monreal would probably net you 2 points + possible baps. I actually brought Jones in for Stephens for a hit 2GW's ago, and it has paid off even first GW.
      I don't buy the "don't take a hit for a defedner " dogma. If the one you bring in has >50% chance of clean sheet, and the one ditched

  3. Brian (Not the Messiah)
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Is Jesus safe from rotation while Aguero is injured?

    1. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      No

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Ask Pep

      1. Brian (Not the Messiah)
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        I guess he probably doesn't even know.

    3. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      He will be returning from playing internationals in South America before GW8 so the answer is no.

    4. Uncle Gamst
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      If he does well today then yes

    5. Adams6
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Christ knows! It's a bloody guessing game

  4. andrinho
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Need another option:
    a) Ramsey & Kane
    or
    b) Jesus & Salah
    c) Morata & Salah
    or
    d) Lacazette & Salah

    1. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B or C

  5. My Name Is Prince
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Would you sell Naughton for a 4.5m def or Gross for a 5.6m mid for a one-week-punt this week? WC active tonight!

  6. Pacer.
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    The reason you pay 12.5 for Kane is that you believe he can do it anywhere, against anyone. And will do it more frequently than others. If you're not going to captain him I think you have to ask yourself some questions about why you own him

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I tend to agree. Even if Lukaku does well, just owning him will be good. A jump of ranks always happens when you go against the grain.

    2. tokara
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      we all did agst swansea game

    3. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Yes indeed! Captain Kane for me! I am not afraid!

    4. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      But if you yhiblukaku has the better form and better fixture surely you captain him

      1. FER FUSCH AKE
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        if he blanks and kaki fires you move to the 5M zone in the OR. I'd rather go kaku

    5. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      And if you don't captain Lukaku when he's playing the worst team in the league, you have to ask yourself why you own him too. Works both ways.

      1. sully29
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        This. If you're paying big money for someone they have to be a potential captain, not a permanent one.

    6. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      most here captained Kun last week when they owned Kane. Invalid point

    7. Jairzinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Absolute bullshit post.

      1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Agree 100%

    8. Simon Says...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      He's a great captaincy option every week, that's why I bought him. Doesn't mean I have to captain him every week though.

      1. Werkself
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        bingo.

      2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        This

      3. MrZ
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        This. I just bought him this week but think kaku can do better.

    9. El Matador
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Ye like v Swansea and Burnley

    10. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      This is flawed

    11. weaver93
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      IF Kane was playing Chelsea away, and Lukaku was playing at home vs Palace..

      Captain Kane?? - right........

      1. Pacer.
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Err yes. Have you seen what he's done to Chelsea?

    12. MrZ
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      He's crap in home games so far. Was on kane, then change to kaku due to palace being crap & worse than huds... Was right so far, palace is crap 😀

  7. DR0GBA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    I'm going to be playing my wildcard next GW and I have no idea what transfer to make for this GW.

    Any help appreciated!

    Begovic
    Kolasinac, Bertrand, Naughton, Davies
    Eriksen, Willian, Ramsey, Salah
    Kane, Lukaku

    Elliot | Carroll, Rosenior, McBurnie

    1FT, £0.3m

    1. grig
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Why wild card? Roll a transfer and do a -4 next week to sort out whatever you think you need to sort out?

  8. Stockport Hatter
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Pick 2 to start:-

    A Richarlison
    B Carroll
    C Gross

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A and B

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      AC

  9. SkeletONv01
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Lukaku worth a punt (C), or go safe route and cap Mbemba?

    1. R.C
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Play safe

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Go safe with swanseas Carroll

    3. Simon Says...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Aguero (c).

  10. jay01
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Everything is just perfectly set up for the great return of Trollkaku.

    1. SkeletONv01
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Aye

    2. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Could well be. He did look very tired midweek.

      If it happens it happens. Not like Kane has never trolled people either.

    3. El Matador
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I think the term Trollkaku was diminished a long time ago.

    4. Rajveer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      This

    5. Simon Says...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      But that wouldn't be very nice, because I'm captaining him. And then I'd be sad.

  11. Lone Wolf
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Fabianski, Elliot
    Alonso, Davies, Naughton, Lowe, Mbemba
    Alli, Mahrez, RLC, Atsu, Carroll
    Morata, Lukaku, Lacazette

    Planning AFTER this GW. WC or not?

    A) RLC, Mahrez, Lukaku > Salah, Ramsey, Jesus -8 (keep WC)
    B) RLC, Mahrez, Lukaku > Silva, Gross/Choupo, Kane -8 (keep WC)
    C) WC

    1. lespaul
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B

  12. Dasher0303
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Jesus to Laca with free transfer then wildcard next week getting Jesus in?

    Basically one week punt for Laca, with him possibly staying for next week.

    1. Dasher0303
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Sorry this is for a hit.

      1. computer
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        no

    2. WesJJ
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      On a free yes. For a hit no.

    3. grig
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      With Laca captain, maybee. Without captaincy, def not.

  13. grig
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Play

    A) Mee (eve)
    B) TCarroll (whu)
    ?

    1. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. R.C
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B

    3. 32chickens
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A
      Toffeehangover

  14. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Bench one :
    A) atsu
    B) naughton
    C) mee

    1. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      C

    2. Odikostar
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      C

    3. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      C

    4. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers All!

    5. 32chickens
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B

  15. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Anything worth another hit?

    Foster
    Cedric Jones Bavies
    Salah Mkhi Silva Atsu
    Morata Kane(c) Vardy

    Elliot T.Carrol Naughton Mbemba

    -4 1.6m itb

    Cheers

    1. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Nope g2g

    2. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      No. G2G

  16. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    VVD chances of getting a start?

    1. James H
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      60%

    2. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      60%

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      80

    4. Odikostar
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      50

    5. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      30

      1. lespaul
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        50.7%

  17. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Jones, Kola, Bertrand, Suttner, Rangel

    Suttner is 1st sub...worth using a FT on? (4.5M max)

    Martina? Mee?

    1. grig
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Roll the FT.

  18. Ballistics
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    All set for this GW!

    Foster

    Bavies Cedric Mee

    Salah Mhiki Albrighton Brady

    Kane Kaku Morata

    Naughton Chalobah Wimmer Elliot

    Good Luck folks!

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Great side

  19. Dasher0303
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Play Begovic at Leicester home or ship him out for Pickford for free? I'm wilcdarded after deadline.

    1. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Don't waste the ft

      1. Odikostar
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Not really a waste tho

    2. Odikostar
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Do something Else with the ft

  20. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Pages are flying, here to help where I can just ask!

    G2G? 😎 Cheers & GL

    Foster
    Monreal • Trippier • Daniels
    Mkhitaryan • Ramsey • Eriksen • Atsu
    Lukaku(C) • Kane • Firmino
    (Elliot, Carroll, Suttner, Long)

    1. Ballistics
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      GL

    2. grig
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      looking good.

  21. MESSINHO
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    2 FT, 0.0 itb and no issues in my team.

    A) Keep Jones (Ward on bench)
    B) Jones -> Cresswell

  22. Uncle Gamst
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    2 FTs, nil in bank

    Which scores more?

    a) Jesus > Morata - keep Mkhitaryan, Firmino & captain Kane
    b) Firmino > Lukaku (C) and Mkhitaryan > Atsu - keep Jesus
    c) Just use 1FT somewhere else, perhaps Mariapa > Mbemba and captain Kane?

    Firmino dropping doesn't affect my TV so could delay Mkhitaryan > Atsu until GW8 and bring back Jesus for Firmino GW8 when fixtures more favourable.

  23. jay01
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Start Foster or Fabianski

    1. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Foster

      1. jay01
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Don't you think Watford will score?

    2. Odikostar
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Foster. Wbrom is always good for a cs

  24. Gideons Rolling Another One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    1.4 ITB.

    A: Nathaniel Chalobah to Gross
    or
    B: Lowe to Bellerin?

    Thoughts most welcome

    1. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Ballistics
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B

    3. Gideons Rolling Another One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers Guys.

  25. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    30 mins to go and I'm still torn over captain choice, I know all the arguments for and against, seriously considering coin toss

    1. Simon Says...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I have Lukaku, Laka and Kane. Can make an argument for all of them. Better to have options than not though, go with ya gut. Which option makes you most excited.

    2. Werkself
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      pick tails.

  26. twisterteo
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Is Stones definitely nailed? Im on WC could do Otamendi to Stones to Save 1 million to use elsewhere.

    Does It make sense?

  27. andrinho
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    A) Morata
    or
    B) Jesus

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A

  28. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    All set for Jones to start now and then he will be the one at fault for a Palace goal

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      will still be more than Mbemba's 0 that i'll get off the bench

  29. Dasher0303
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Jesus to Laca for a hit then wildcard next week getting Jesus in?

    Basically one week punt for Laca, with him possibly staying for next week.

    1. hannesdela
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Pondering over Jesus --> Laca too, but we'll want Jesus back for STK, BUR and wba.

      Have my wildcard too, but fairly happy with my team so really don't know what to do.

  30. hannesdela
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Jones to Cresswell for a FT?

    Will have Schindler (TOT) and Suttner (ars) playing if Jones does not play...