[sbu_large_image] Preamble
5 May 2012 1123 comments
Mark Mark
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Just for once, I’m going to indulge myself this morning. Much as I’ve tried to find some contentious issues amongst the team sheets, I’ve struggled to surface any real worries to haunt us going into the 11.30 deadline.

There are few questions left unanswered – yes you probably need Wayne Rooney or Robin Van Persie, maybe both. While neither myself, or the good men of the press, feel that Jonny Evans will be fit to start on Sunday. Unless there was mind games at play. Unless Sir Alex now has his young centre-back down as a crucial joker in the pack, a trump card to be played close to his chest. As Ferguson said, “unlikely”.

The only real conundrum in front of the United boss, and us Fantasy managers, concerns the United wingers (again). Having dumped Antonio Valencia at the Etihad, what route does Ferguson take for the must-win at home to Swansea?

Across the press it seems a given that Valenica will make a return. Only the Guardian keep the Ecuadorian on the timber, starting with a Nani/Ashley Young combination on their flanks. Intriguingly, they’re the only paper to offer Nani hope of a start: the rest opt for Young in tandem with Valencia. Personally, I feel Nani’s goal power gives him the edge other both his rivals: United need to win and Nani is their most direct player, offering the bigger goal threat of the three from out wide.

So there you go then. We can sit back and let the deadline pass and get ready to settle down for the season showpiece. No really.

I’m pretty sure that FA Cup final day used to rival Christmas in our house. The BBC made a grand meal of it and I lapped it up like a deprived moggy. Live football was novelty enough, but this was a whole day of build up, including a Cup Final Question of Sport and a camera on the team bus watching Steve Foster playing cards with Jimmy Case. Blissful times.

Nowadays we’ll probably get Jamie Redknapp in a cling film grey suit and a load of jazzy graphics played over the XX. It doesn’t feel the same.

Of course, the magic has gone because I’ve been spoiled. I’ve got live football coming out of my Sky Plus sponsored ears. I don’t need a spy-cam in the team buss, I can go on Twitter if I want to peer into the unmagnificent lives of the modern footballer. Ten minutes of that and I miss Steve Foster’s headband that little bit more.

Don’t get me wrong, I really hope the Wembley final is a spectacle. It just feels sad that, as a neutral, the overexposure has killed the thrill of what used to be a grand event. The same thing happens if you watch too much porn. Apparently.

There’s more live football on the schedule next season. That’s all good; they can keep pushing Jamie Redknapp’s inappropriate trousers our way. Thankfully, we’ve got Fantasy Football to liven things up.

Enjoy the Gameweek.

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

  1. Tommy J
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Aguero to RVP?

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    1. Corrigan
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      RVP's supply line has been decimated and you may want Aguero for 38.

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  2. Fratboy
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Good luck this weekend everyone!

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    1. COMH
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      You too mate.

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  3. Water_Pink
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    kicking my self for taking ade out instead of suarez! or was it a good choice?

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    1. Pinoche
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Bad choice.

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  4. keith
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    About to do Evans to Evra but just seen Evans is in the TotalFPL dream team Has there been any more news on his fitness?

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    1. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 19 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      No, he's still a major doubt. Ferguson said he was "unlikely" to play and the press took this as ruling him out in Thursday's reports.

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      1. keith
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks Mark that's really helpful

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    2. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      He's turned from red to orange on the FPL website.

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      1. Pinoche
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        really?!

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        1. the Penman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          "Foot injury - 25% chance of playing"

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    3. Crabwalk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      I'm going to start him just in case. Skrtel will come off the bench.

      Yes, I know.

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  5. GlasgowFF
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Flash poll, pick two from

    Siggy
    Ben Arfa
    Matin Petrov

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    1. Stern John Terry Wilson Pal…
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Metrov and Siggy

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    2. Gummi
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Ben Arfa and Martin Petrov.

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    3. Golden Oldies
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      petrov is a given surely.....other is a coin flip. Is man city get a goal they will prob tighten up and try bag the 3 points. United will never tighten up all game so maybe siggy?

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  6. seanie3
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    hey guys, need your help, my team is

    krul (vorm)
    verm, santon, evans (turner, caulker)
    dempsey, bale, valencia, pienaar
    rvp, rooney, jelavic

    should I transfer out evans for a hit or play turner? if so who and it will be for the next 2 GW’s (only have 5.8m)

    a) hibbert
    b) clichy
    c) kaboul

    cheers

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  7. Demí
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    "It just feels sad that, as a neutral, the overexposure has killed the thrill of what used to be a grand event. The same thing happens if you watch too much porn. Apparently."

    😆

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    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      nice juxtaposition there, ace 🙂

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    2. Funkyav
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      brilliant.

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    3. Stern John Terry Wilson Pal…
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      So true 😆

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    4. Gummi
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Made me chuckle.

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  8. Corrigan
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Anything worth a hit?

    Sorensen
    Hangeland Vermaelen JEvans
    Valencia Dempsey (C) VDV (VC) Bale
    Jelavic Cisse Aguero

    Vorm Siggy Turner Caulker

    Ta.

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    1. Pinoche
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      No Rooney and RVP.Balls.

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    2. Stern John Terry Wilson Pal…
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      How much in the bank?

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      1. Corrigan
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Quite a pricely sum - 5.8m.

        Shame, interest rates are shocking.

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  9. Pinoche
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Ok then Cahill to ferdinand for a hit ..

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    1. StOne cOld
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      whom are you captaining?

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  10. pjomara
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    What are Enrique owners doing?
    Play and think he'll start after the Fulham debacle, with a sub in place if he doesn't.
    Bench in case he doesn't play and come on for 20 min

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    1. Funkyav
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      im thinkin of trading for Gibbs.

      anyoned any early arsenal team news?

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    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Playing.

      My only other option is Rangel, so even an Enrique 1 pt cameo will probably outscore Swansea defenders this week.

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  11. ozone
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Chasing a lead, I've made Chico captain over RVP. All guts no glory.

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    1. jamie20
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Best of luck pal. Hope you smash it. I have noticed the poll has RVP on a massive 2900 votes and even rooney's becoming a differential on a measly 900+! I have picked wazza but if i had hernandez i would have made that bold move. All the best and once again, good luck!

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  12. johnbobman
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    I need to swap at least one of these 0 pointers for a 4 point hit but who would you suggest? Vorm, ruddy, Naylor, bae, Evans.
    I can afford anyone.

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  13. Slumdog Mignolet
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Out of Ade, Aguero and Cisse, who should I drop for Rooney/Hernandez?

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    1. pjomara
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero's away form is worst, so probably him. However Ade got his 2 goals last game so it due a blank, so really 50:50 between them. I think Villa have a slightly better chance of a clean sheet than newcastle, however it depends if the drinking episode affects things in the camp.

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  14. Tin of Directors
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Should I ditch Siggy for Moses?

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    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      i did, shed a tear as i did it tho, what a player hes been

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      1. Tin of Directors
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        True.

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        1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 1 month ago

          no place for sentimentality tho, hard to ignore moses form and fixtures, still a massive punt in the end

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  15. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    morning alll, feels like it will be less of a madhouse this week

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  16. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Best part of the day ... thanks, Mark! 🙂

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    1. Tommy J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      +1

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      1. SneakyPete
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        +42 😀

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  17. Kurtd
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Apparently the FA Cup final is on today. Remember that?

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  18. Funkyav
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    anyoned any early arsenal team news?

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  19. SneakyPete
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Anybody captaining Dempsey ?

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    1. Corrigan
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      *Proudly places hand on heart in preparation for the US national anthem*

      There's a pattern with his four game rule! Just switched from Jelly.

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      1. Stern John Terry Wilson Pal…
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Interesting.

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      2. SneakyPete
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        yeah one of the reason, I have the armband on him right now.

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    2. For Fuchs Sake
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Me ..... I think........

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    3. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      think it could be a really good diff punt, but rembrandt van pooglepants is a diff in my league so im goin with him

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    4. jimnastics
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Decided I'm going for it as one last grasp at ultimate victory... come on Captain A.

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      1. udit
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Ah, good on you 🙂 Best of luck!

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      2. SneakyPete
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Good Luck 🙂

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  20. Willis.
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Who will score more?

    Cisse or Tevez?

    Rooney or RVP?

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    1. Stern John Terry Wilson Pal…
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Cisse and RVO imo. But then, those are the two I have, I may be biassed 😉

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      1. DHWizzo
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Robin Van 'Oh no he did not just do that'

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  21. super zlatan
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Worth taking a hit for a defender if it means only fielding two defenders in verm and caulk?

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    1. super zlatan
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Anyone?

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Zlat only 2 paying.

        I would but pick someone decent for this week and next. . .

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  22. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    i just wish it wasnt on bloody itv

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  23. mouldy_uk
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone brought in Valencia or Nani this week?

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  24. mr. inconspicuous
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Shall I take a hit when my defence is BAE, Simpson, Caulker, Evans and Sagna? I’m winning my league by 1 point.

     

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    1. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      You may only end up with 2 paying there.

      I would but pick someone decent for this week and next. . .

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  25. shutupcrime
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Who to bench out of Ben Arfa and McClean?

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    1. mr. inconspicuous
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Difficult one, I'd prob bench Barfa

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  26. TorresMagic™
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    How much do you think Cisse will be next season?

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    1. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      10.5m

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    2. Stern John Terry Wilson Pal…
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      10.0

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    3. super zlatan
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      9.5 mil

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Any advance? 😀

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    4. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      depends if he's playing or Man Utd or Man City

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  27. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Mark, she talking fa cup nostalgia surely liverpools white suits should get a mention?

    Edit your pre amble 😉

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    1. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 19 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Oh god....I'd wiped those from my mind. I'm seeing visions of Robbie Fowler now...never good.

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 1 month ago

        Great werent it 😀

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  28. archie70
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Need a def for 7.3 any ideas

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Vermaelen.

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    2. Stern John Terry Wilson Pal…
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Vermaelen

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    3. Corrigan
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      May I suggest hopping on some Norwegian huskie led sledges with a punt on Brede Hangeland?

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  29. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Personally, I think that the problem with the Cup Final is the unappetising contestants.

    There! I have said it! 😉

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    1. Damo.
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Honestly, I think the same man (not for me of course) but even a final with Stoke in it last year was warmed to more.

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  30. COMH
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 1 month ago

    Should I play Evans over Caulker incase he miraculously makes an appearance?

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    1. Stern John Terry Wilson Pal…
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, nothing to lose.

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    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Nah.

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    3. DHWizzo
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      Yuuuuup.

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    4. Torrestar
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 1 month ago

      That's what I'm doing.

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