Time to bring you the interview with our third semi-finalist, Breakballartist. He is the hot favourite due to his current overall position in the world. He has already earned £50 worth of free bets after successive top scores. He has eleven out of eleven green arrows on his history page. Here is what he had to say…
Manager Name: Ben Clerkin
Team Name: SBC Eindhoven
Current FPL position: 13th overall
Previous FPL record: 2006/07 – 321,629th overall, 2008/09 – 61,067th overall
Q: How would you best describe your fantasy management style?
A: In a word, fierce.
Well not really. My good run has been down to the introduction of a bit more strategy re transfers, solid captain picks and team selection. Restraint in the transfer market has probably been the big thing, on two fronts. Firstly the lack of 4 point hits, and secondly the according lack of unfruitful selections that then need to be sorted out with more transfers!! So how would I really describe my style this year? Probably patient, calm and calculating.
Q: What has been you hardest tie during your Cup run?
A: The last round without a doubt. Twas a classic finish; going into the Villa v West Ham game it was neck-a-neck, Leeds_Champion had Carlton Cole and I had Rob Green, so the odds were stacked against me. I followed the game through the BBC live text and the postings on the FFS site. Couldn’t believe it when Cole limped out early doors with a hammy. Green went on to have a stormer; 9 saves and a penalty stop, and, he was my DGW transfer in. Luck or great transfer scouting; you decide!!
Q: Can you pat yourself on the back Big Sam style with any inspired management moves along the way?
A: Bringing in Lamps out of the blue a few weeks back paid off big-time, along with my aforementioned move for Rob Green. Had a hunch on the Lamps transfer after watching him play well and score earlier that week in the CL.
Q: Who has been your star player to this point?
A: The Drog and the Dazzler Darren Bent have been models of consistency, but the nod has to go to my man Cesc; the boy is an FPL phenom.
Q: What do you make of your opponent Poshleftme?
A: He’s from the states, but he obviously knows his sauker ball. Our teams are pretty similar, so it could come down to a (c) pick, transfers- in and/or points hits. SEB v Nugent to decide it anyone?!
Q: Who do you particularly fear in their lineup?
A: Glen Johnson is his big gun that I don’t have. If he plays at home v Man City, he could be a difference maker. That’s if he doesn’t get rid with the DGW in mind; I’ll be keen to see his transfer moves come Saturday morning.
Q: Do you have any team selection dilemmas ahead of the semis?
A: Like plenty of other managers I have been hit with the Cashley/Lamps/Drog injury dilemma. I’ll probably wait until Fri/Sat before I do anything drastic. My bench isn’t giving me much love either; SEB, Turner and Wilko are transfer out candidates. Jesus; there may be trouble ahead…
Q: Who would you choose to record your Cup final single should you make it through?
A: Jedward featuring Calvin Harris; did you need to ask!?!? Come on the lads!!! Leg’ends.
Q: What kind of attire will you deck your team out in for the Cup Final pre-match preamble?
A: I think we’d go for a nice charcoal grey suit, with a sharp contemporary fit. Hard to beat a white shirt then, and I’ll keep it country with a Navy and Gold striped tie; my own teams colours here in Ireland. Sharp; we’ll have them beat before a ball is even kicked!!
Thanks Breakballartist, and good luck.
Tomorrow I’ll bring you the interview with Breakballartist’s opponent and last semi-finalist, Poshleftme.