The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 11

I’d like to think that my season is now in “The Recovery Position”.

Ranked just above 330,000, it’s a comfortable spot that puts me in sight of respectability.

Now I can look to build on the three successive green arrows and perhaps start to gradually reel in some of those ahead of me, edging towards something more preferable than just plain “respectable”.

That’s if all goes to plan.

I’m still feeling somewhat on edge looking at my squad. Eden Hazard, in particular, is already proving a troublesome asset.

He almost defines the term “luxury item”; a player that possesses two very dangerous traits for Fantasy managers.

For starters, Hazard is on penalty kicks. An almost random benefit that can pay off at any time, even when form falters.

Secondly, he is arguably a world-class talent. He has the ability to score goals from nothing, akin to his solo effort against Arsenal last season – a wonder strike that I actually did benefit from.

But that day proved a rarity.

When, at the end of last season, I was asked to nominate my most frustrating player, I opted for Hazard. This despite his 224 points.

For some reason, whenever I welcome the Belgian into the fold, he does just enough to retain his place, while reserving the big scores to coincide with the time that I finally give up and trade him in.

Even the penalties stung me last season. I held him for the Southampton away trip, only for Chelsea to earn a spot-kick in the dying minutes with Hazard hooked.

While he’s returned in both matches for me so far, delivering 11-points in Gameweek 10, I’m still expecting another bumpy ride.

Man City’s midfielders provide a conveyor belt of cheaper “on-fire” options, so the lure of cashing in Hazard’s lofty price tag is strong.

The switch to Sane, pocketing some handy spare change, is an obvious and perhaps wise move to explore.

But my strategy with City assets is decided for now.

I refuse to go near the two strikers until Pep Guardiola gives us more assurance on Sergio Aguero as his first choice.

That leaves me assessing the midfield candidates, with Sterling my chosen poison.

A cheap recruit at 8.0 at the time, he hardly needs time to impact on matches so can contribute in a 20-minute cameo. And when starting, I believe he can match the output of the other City assets. The numbers certainly suggest that’s the case.

Having just a single member of Pep’s attack can leave my squad less exposed to his whims, providing the replacements keep pace.

Doubling on Sane will remain an obvious temptation, and I’m relying on Hazard to help me fight that urge.

A beguiling player; he is an asset who can tease and almost please his owners even when blanking.

But this time he will need to prove me wrong. Hazard needs to save his best for me.