The double Gameweek is a seductive force. Even though the dubious charms of Reading and Sunderland take on the appearance of men in drag, a flash of Stephane Sessegnon stocking top and Fantasy managers are agog. We’re fascinated with what may lie underneath, the potential of a points avalanche draws us in. The fear of course, is that we’ll go in for the clinch only to be, repelled by a whiff of Old Spice and roughed up by Steven Fletcher’s stubble.
I’m trying to show restraint. In the main, I’m not gambling too much by taking a punt on Sessegnon in my midfield, with Adam Federici relied upon to flap his way to some save points in nets. For just one moment, I contemplated the points hit for that extra defender: flashbacks of Captain America returns came forth but then, I have to remember, we’re not treated to the quality of Clint Dempsey this time around. While Dempsey famously twice repaid the double Gameweek faith while at Fulham, the cast on offer amongst the Reading and Sunderland squads looks to offer scant potential by comparison.
Over investment can also leave you lumbered. Like meeting that couple on holiday: you chat to them innocently to fill the awkward silence for a week, then they insist on keeping in touch once your back amongst your “real friendsâ€; you just can’t shake ‘em. I can’t stand the idea of taking Seb Larsson to next weekend’s trip to Old Trafford: I’ll tell him I’m not on Facebook.
It’s a tricky scenario; you feel you have to subscribe to it, you have to buy a ticket or two but investing points and hopes and dreams that depend on Craig Gardner pot-shots seems wild. Perhaps even desperate.
This morning’s papers at least offer some reassurance to those who are “double dependentâ€. Steven Fletcher is backed to start in all but one of our the predicted lineups, with the Sun handing a start to Connor Wickham, with Fletcher apparently undergoing painkilling injections to get him on the pitch against Chelsea.
Personally, I’m not so sure and worry that we’ll get an ineffective hour out of the Scot against Chelsea, only for him to be a doubt for the midweek clash with Reading. If Martin O’Neill is to be believed and Fletcher is undergoing injections, his chances of playing 270 minutes in the space of seven days seems remote. O’Neill will want him against Reading to help put some distance between the two sides in the table – will he risk flogging him against Chelsea? The press seem to think so.
Elsewhere this morning, the papers seem totally absorbed with the Manchester derby clash. While we’re all hoping for a Sunday feast, the neutral may well be short changed. This fixture has returned four goals in the last five outings – with a 0-0 and four 1-0 wins. History points to a close encounter and I’m expecting Sir Alex to turn up with Rooney camped in a five-man midfield that includes the protection of Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick, with Paul Scholes’ wise head orchestrating matters.
Much depends on City. Bizarrely, Edin Dzeko’s selection looks to be key: his size could ruffle the United feathers and that might see Ferguson opt for Chris Smalling at right-back. The papers look certain that Carlos Tevez will start up front with Sergio Augero but I’m leaning towards Dzeko. Certainly, if we see Tevez start with his compatriot, I’m expecting a congested midfield, plenty of huff and puff and probably a scrappy set-piece goal between the teams.
Interestingly, The Times are backing Nemanja Vidic to start and I’ve got an inkling that they could be on to something. Ferguson looked sheepish when discussing the Serb’s fitness and, having watched his back four buckle under Reading’s crossed balls, I wonder if he’s pulled out the stops to get Vidic ready. Again, much will depend on whether Ferguson feels that Dzeko will be a presence for City.
Another point of interest, Vidic’s compatriot, Matija Nastasic, is backed for a start in every lineup this morning, as is David Silva, who, according to the Daily Mail late last night, is 100% fit.
There’s little conjecture to be found elsewhere, leaving us content that this could be a weekend with few teamsheet surprises. We certainly need some stability to allow us to dream of double Gameweek profits. I certainly need calm. I’m trying to shake the image of Stephane Sessegnon gyrating on my lap, slowly sliding my Fantasy armband over his stumpy muscled leg like a fancy garter, whilst Steven Fletcher grins in the corner with his Robert Smith lippie.
Double Gameweeks are that scary.
