Opinion

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 10

For a minute, we were in danger of becoming complacent. With the outside chance of Pep Guardiola picking a predictable XI at West Brom, and with Sergio Aguero surely unlikely to wrap himself around another lamppost, we needed Harry Kane’s injury to keep us on our toes. It served as another reminder that this season is likely to be anything but settled and straightforward.

Mauricio Pochettinho’s optimistic updates earlier in the week had ensured that Friday’s Kane revelation came as a shock. A throwaway comment post-match on Wednesday put us on alert but, in truth, few were prepared to go without their star striker for Gameweek 10.

I’d already committed my transfers and spent my points, reassured by his manager’s words and the theory that, even if fatigued, Kane would surely turn up at Old Trafford.

I’m fortunate on two counts. If we were selecting a fixture for Kane to miss this season, perhaps Manchester United away would be it. While I was confident he’d produce some points – he was even my captain earlier in the week – I was still torn between backing Kane and playing Phil Jones in my back four.

With Jones to come into my XI now, I had a replacement at hand – and even one that even benefits from Kane’s absence – to soften the blow.

That was enough to steer my thoughts away from exploring the Free Hit option, although I have been entertaining the idea.

We are guinea pigs for this new chip – the first generation to explore it and devise the “optimum strategy” involved.

Kane’s absence, coupled with a plum fixture for Arsenal and in particular Alexis Sanchez, appears to present some key ingredients that lend themselves to activating the new chip. Clearly, some have also arrived at this conclusion. Already, 105,000 have put it in play, more than any other Gameweek so far this season – although not significantly more: some 101,000 played it in Gameweek 7.

For me, the effectiveness of the Free Hit mirrors the Wildcard. Our squads need to warrant such an emergency measure. It’s not so much the overall score achieved by the Free Hit line-up that’s important, it’s the difference between that line-up and the one that’s scrapped.

I looked at my XI following the Kane fall-out and struggled to see enough smouldering fires to warrant the applying the hose of the one-week overhaul.

Sanchez as captain and Alexandre Lacazette in for Kane are enticing options that could pay handsomely, but equally, Mohamed Salah could deliver with my armband. Meanwhile my defence – built with the weekend fixtures in mind – may also help compensate.

The popular thinking is that we’ll need to turn to the chip for Gameweek 31, when the FA Cup Quarter Finals ravage the fixture list. That may never transpire, or the impact of those ties could be minimal.

But a reduced set of fixtures is a scenario that makes committing to the chip far more straightforward. Even if faced with an array of unfashionable teams from which to source talent, when cursed with 5-6 absentees, it’s pretty obvious that the chip can temporarily strengthen our hand.

Crucially, having the Free Hit to repair the problem will mean that our transfer and second Wildcard plans can be divorced from the task of building with Gameweek 31 in mind. That could prove a big advantage.

This is all speculative. We don’t know the scale of that problem as yet and, as mentioned, it may never get near last season’s four-match Gameweek 28 dilemma. But, together with my adequate XI, it was enough to calm any trigger-happy tendencies and leave my Free Hit in reserve.

Those who have committed, who are now turning to Sanchez and Lacazette to represent them, are in many ways pioneers. They bravely go forward to test the effectiveness of the new chip, putting it to use to solve a problem previously reserved for points hits. It will be fascinating to assess the outcome and perhaps learn from it.

While Gameweek 31 looms, I’ve no doubt that we will see further opportunites to consider the chip. One look at the Christmas schedule suggests that we are all destined to suffer injuries, suspensions and rested players at that time. And if Sanchez and company provide profit for the Free Hit pioneers, we may all follow their lead come December.

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

1,972 Comments Post a Comment
  1. drughi
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    It will be intresting to see how much my FH team scores compared to my team before. I need 20 points better off to consider it a success

    1. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I’m aready 16pts up because it cancelled out my kneejerk -16!

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        The players you bought won't be there next week and probably more expensive

        1. FPL.team
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          I am aware of this and I'm glad for it. If I still wanted the players I would've kept them!

      2. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        😀

      3. Kane-harry Island
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Same here. But I made a free transfer before the -12 hits, will the transfer made with FT be reversed too?

        1. FPL.team
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Yes, you will get your team as it was as soon as the gameweek started

          1. Kane-harry Island
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            Not good.

            Thanks

            1. FPL.team
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 5 months ago

              Makes sense though, otherwise it would just be another WildCard. Make loads of transfers, then hit Free Hit and you will get all your changes for free the week after...

  2. Chunnam
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Already done Kane > Laca (c)

    Should I do Erik > Sanchez (c) with my other FT??

    1. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I'd save the other. You have then more flexibility if Kane is/ is not back. Sanchez Laca double up doesnt look too good ro me for next few. I did Kane -> Laca too and saving my other FT

      1. Chunnam
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers! That's settled, wanted someone to talk me out of it!

    2. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      No. You’ll need the funds to get Kane back next week imo

  3. thewhitepele
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Elliott
    Otamendi Davies Cedric
    Salah Silva Richarlison Choupo
    Morata Jesus Vardy

    Fabs, Mee, Carroll, Jones
    1FT, 2.5m ITB

    Good to go or need of using FT? Need to have at least 2.2m ITB to be able to get Kane back in.

  4. T.Henry14
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Eriksen --- Salah for free or save FT?

    1. Kloppen Schloppen
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Yep do it. I did.

    2. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I'd probably not do it. Eriksen has Palace next week

    3. Freddo
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Do it and get Son next week it Kane is out.

  5. amit1964
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    play davis or cedric???

    1. L9
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      i played both but out of those i think davies

      1. L9
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        sorry out of those i preffer cedric

  6. L9
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    captain sallah sane or morata ? currently on sallah

  7. JoeJitzu +42
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    This is so tough....

    Elliott
    Otamendi Jones Moreno DAVIES
    Eriksen Sterling Richarlison
    Morata Aguero KANE

    Foster Atsu Carroll Mbemba

    Should I do Kane and Davies to Lacazette and Monreal (-4)?

    So scared of non starts for Davies, Sterling and Aguero

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Kane->Laca

      1. JoeJitzu +42
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers

    2. L9
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      getting rid of a def for a hit is not the way for me.. leave davies, play atsu and do kane to morata or laca

      1. JoeJitzu +42
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Agree, was thinking long term with Davies to Monreal to avoid this headache!

    3. Balance
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Don't take the hit. You still have Atsu and TC off the bench.

      1. L9
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        yeah but monreal plays city at etihad next week.. i dont exactly see a cs coming haha..and davies plays palace at home (if he starts) do monreal to davies after next gw

  8. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    With 4 doubts and Kane what should i do guys?
    Forster | Elliot
    Davies* |Kola |Stones |Schindler |Rosenior*
    Salah |Antonio* |Sterling* |Gross |TC*
    Kun* |Kane* |Abraham
    0ft 0.9itb
    Kaku->Kun was my ft.

    Some thougths
    A)Antonio->Mahrez(-4)
    B)Kane->Morata(-4)
    C)Antonio+Kane->Firmino+Sanchez
    D)Shindler->Gomez
    E)pray

    cheers

    1. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Kane to Lacazette??

      1. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        thank.Arsenal tough fixtures and i still don't trust them.

  9. SirStevieG
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Vardy (c) let's gooo

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Niiice!

  10. NorwichCityLad
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Sane or salah (c)

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Mo

  11. Yozzer
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Good to see Marks learning and not spunked his free hit chip away like the old wildcard 😉

  12. Weilong7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    kane to morata or lacazette?

    or wood to abraham/okazaki?

    1. JurgenRocks
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I've got the same problem and Im keeping them both. But I think Abraham if you want to sell someone

      1. Weilong7
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        wondering if wood will play? hes only 50%

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

    Can't decide who to captain and what reason I'm captaining them for. Kane couldn't score against Bournemouth, but Huddersfield are generally better defensively.

    A) Salah
    B) Morata

    1. L9
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      i have both i ll probably go with a)

  14. XabiAlonso
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    How's she looking
    Elliot
    Gomez Alonso mee
    SanChez ster alli salah gros
    Kane Joselu
    Fab ayew Daniels long
    -4

  15. jurgenklopp.8
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    did mark bench or sell kane?

    1. Yozzer
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      No

      He's made 2 transfers but only revealed 1 ( jones)

  16. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Predictions for how many each will score over next two GWs?

    a) Bavies (mun CPL)
    b) Otamendi (wba ARS)
    c) Lukaku (TOT che)
    d) Morata (bou MUN)

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      A. Lord knows
      B. 8
      C. 4
      D. 15

  17. Eirern
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    In your awesome WC team, would you rather have:

    Elliot
    Otamendi
    Eriksen

    Or

    De Gea
    Trippier
    D Silva (already have sané)

    ?

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      First one.

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      First group

  18. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Captain?

    A) Salah

    B) Lacazette

    C) Richarlison

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      B

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks.

    2. TheEgyptianKing
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      B imo, At home and on pens

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Is he on Pens?

        1. UnitedFan
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Yes. Scored one already.

    3. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      A or B. Not really much in it. Just go with your gut Dingo. Good luck!

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers mate.

    4. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      B

    5. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      thought you said huddersfield and swansea were tough to crack?

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Swansea have only conceded one away this season. In saying that it was away to Southampton, CP, Spurs and WH.

        They are third in goal attempts conceded though.

        Olson is out.

        It's between Laca and Richarlison.

        I think Laca will get lots of chances with Ramsay, Ozil and Sanchez around.

        Laca it is.

  19. UnitedFan
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Antonio > Gross for free or bank on Antonio starting?

    1. Fresh_From_Desh
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Read he was an injury doubt with a bruised rib

  20. Gorbitz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    On wc:

    Morata or Jesus long term?

    Have city midfielders

  21. Kevin Twine
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Daniels or Ward? (long term)

  22. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Play Joselu or Davies?

    Opinions appreciated!

    1. L9
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      joselu imo

  23. fusen
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    How are FFS seeing stats on number of Free Hits used this week?

    Mark's connections to FPL towers?

  24. John Colby (Capt)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Is Zaha a seriously good prospect given that he's starting up front?

  25. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Captained Richarlison...

    Mad?

    Liverpool are poor vs stereotypically 'poor' Teams. 1-1 vs Newcastle and Burnley.

    Jesus and Silva are rotation worries.

    Or am I being a donkey?

  26. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Captain Salah or Lacazette?

    1. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Laca

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Lacazette

    3. *sigh*
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Lacazette

  27. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Pope (C) let's goooo

  28. *sigh*
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    At £6.4m Richarlison may be my cheapest captain ever.

    Elliott
    Valencia Jones Alonso Cedric
    Ricky(C) Sane Zaha RLC
    Morata Jesus

    Woodman ECM Francis Kane

    Good luck everyone

    1. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Haha. Same here.

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Mahrez? 15/16

      1. *sigh*
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Ah yes and I had Kane very early in his breakout season. Not sure if I dared to captain them though. Sanchez was in his prime back then.

        1. JasonG123
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          I remember doing so a few times. There was one glorious week where he played Chelsea away from home for an 18 point haul and most people benched. I started him but wasn't smart enough to captain iirc. After that week I began captaining him a fair bit.

  29. SirStevieG
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Arfield or Abraham first reserve?

    1. *sigh*
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Abraham

  30. You want sum?
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    GTG?

    Elliot
    Luiz Otamendi Jones
    Silva Alli Salah Ritchie
    Laca Abraham Morata

    Fab, Carroll, Lowe, bench fodder

    I don't have a FT left, I brought it Lacazette for Kane.