634x258 Preamble
18 January 2014 1714 comments
Mark Mark
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I think thereโ€™s a danger I could run out of ideas. Seven green arrows in eight Gameweeks should indicate progress but, looking at the gap in the contributors league and the chasm between myself and Granville, it seems that my efforts have been little more than powder puff. I need to find a boost in a season which, to this point, has offered few opportunities for those looking to make up ground.

Much as I like the fella, Luis Suarez hasnโ€™t helped matters. Last weekend provided yet more evidence that itโ€™s almost suicidal to peel the armband from the Uruguayan’s bicep. The option to take a risk with the captaincy doesnโ€™t look a viable strategy for the straggling Fantasy manager. Iโ€™ve tried that route and, while Luis let me get away with it by drawing two blanks, even that gamble had little impact.

So where do I turn next? As Iโ€™ve mentioned, Granville doesnโ€™t have any apparent chinks in his armour. His squad looks settled, his budget far in advance of my own โ€“ย if anything the Wildcard will hand him further advantage. Iโ€™m faced with having to take some calculated risks but, such a decision also threatens to derail my run of green arrows and begs the question, when do you allow mini-league rivalries to influence your overall decision making?

A few weeks back I decided to don the blinkers, ignore the mini-league scenario and set about saving face. Iโ€™ve gradually climbed the ranks and so, naturally, I have to conclude that Iโ€™m on a gradual path of progress. It feels cosy and safe but, equally, I can’t help thinking that Granvilleโ€™s has his slippers on and is running the foamy bath of victory.

Should I continue to look at the bigger picture? Maybe if I continue to play safe and go with template signings โ€“ Mesut Ozil being my latest โ€“ I will ensure an ascent up the ranks and I may yet even avoid my lowest ever Fantasy Premier League finish. However, I canโ€™t help consider that, if I allow the Fantasy Sat Nav to keep me on this comfortable path, Granville has it won. I swear when it advised me to turn to Ozil there was a Manchester twang in its voice.

To this point Iโ€™ve been subdued with the risk taking. Iโ€™ve veered off to take an occasional hit, taken the Edin Dzeko detour โ€“ nothing too outlandish. Clearly, it’s had little effect.

My latest half-baked plan is to use my third forward slot in rotation โ€“ attempting to hit a Gameweek sweet spot and find some double-figure differentials. It will be hatched later today but, if this also fails to make an instant impression, Iโ€™m faced with having to decide to either stay on this path of safety and effectively concede or go for broke and risk inviting the red arrows.

Sooner or later the Sat Nav will tell me to turn to Ramsey. Iโ€™ve a feeling that, by then, my season will be at the crossroads.

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

  1. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    could really do with some advise...

    A: burner >> kolorav for a hit?....current def is mert/distin/olson...will sub distin in this case
    B: lukaku >> negredo for a hit?

    Also, do we expect coutinho to start?

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    1. Demel
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Neither for me. Negredo would have to score 2 more than Lukaku. Even a clean sheet for Kolorov over one of the other defenders would break even. He would also need to score or assist to prove a good hit.

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      1. UnitednationsXI
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks

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  2. GlasgowFF
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Playing my WC as soon as the site refreshes.

    Can't wait!

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  3. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    30 minutes to activation of my wc.
    So excited.
    #needalife

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    1. Orion
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Do it now ๐Ÿ˜†

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  4. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Team all set for this gw? Do you think bench order is right? Just one last confirmation that I'm good to go.

    Mannone
    Koscielny, Ward, Coleman
    Hazard, Silva, Özil, Eriksen
    JayRod, Aguero (vc), Suarez (c)

    subs: Marshall, Puncheon, Clyne, Chester

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  5. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Any last minute news/ theories/ twitter gossip/ bib theories lads?

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    1. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      NO!

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  6. top556677
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    who to play this week out of:

    Gabbidon - stoke(home)
    Januzaj - chelsea (away)
    Pozuelo - tottenham (home)

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  7. Heydudes13
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    This is what I think I've decided on

    Mannone Davis
    Coleman Kolarov Ward Chester Hudson
    Hazard Ozil Silva Ki Pozuelo
    Suarez Aguero Sturridge

    Plan is to do Ozil, Ki > Ramsey > Lallana/Eriksen after Ki's SOT STK new HUL.

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    1. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Ozil, Ki > Ramsey, Lallana/Eriksen*

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  8. Nice 2 Michu
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Mixed answers so any opinions much appreciated

    Play;

    A) Ward
    B) Januzaj

    Thanks again ๐Ÿ˜€

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    1. GTS
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      A

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  9. GlasgowFF
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    When on a wildcard is the idea to buy players why are rising during the week, even if you do not want them in the final draft.

    i.e. so you can take advantage of the rises?

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Yes without losing profit from players you want to keep.

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      1. GlasgowFF
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers

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    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      It rarely works in practice. You probably want to keep the risers anyway and the players you want also rise before the ones you want to sell get to .2m

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  10. Matt
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Giroud and Mertesacker

    or

    Sturridge and Kos

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    1. GTS
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      2nd

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    2. Demel
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Giroud and Kos.

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      1. Demel
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Actually Giroud and Sagna

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    3. QPR expects... glory!
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      A

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  11. Chris_White
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Aguero; Aguero, Aguero, Aguero; Aguero, Aguero, Aguero, Aguero; Aguero (c), Aguero. #MCFC

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    1. Colonel Shoe ่‚ๆฑ 
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      lies.......

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    2. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Haven't you heard?

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      1. Chris_White
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        That's the reserves team. Playing a charity match to raise funds for Aguero's early retirement.

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  12. kraftwerker
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Good to go gentlemen?

    Mannone
    Terry Coleman Koscielny
    Hazard Silva Cazorla Sterling
    Aguero Suarez(c) Adebayor

    Januzaj, Chester, Wilson

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    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      out of interest, why Cazorla over say, Gerrard?

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      1. kraftwerker
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Cazorla was a punt 2 weeks ago....didn't fancy taking a hit to get rid. Will be out when I wildcard this week.

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        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Cool. Yeah, I WC'ed this week and he's gone. Am taking a punt on Gerrard outscoring Ozil.

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          1. kraftwerker
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            That's a good shout I reckon. Think he'll score very well over the next two.

            Good luck mate.

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  13. Fred the Red
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Start Clyne or Olsson? Have Mannone in goal and Boruc on the bench.

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  14. pjomara
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Not feeling too confident for Liverpool today. Villa are a bit of a bogey side at An field. In last 4 visits they've won two by 3-1 and drawn another.

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Stoke had something similar.

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      1. pjomara
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        That was Pullis stoke, different team

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    2. blues123
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Thats true but form over fixture (or in my case suarez and strurridge run riot)

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  15. decisions
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    is Hudson and Kolorov too much of a risk with only gabbidon as back up?

    currently think so and have clyne in kolorov's place...

    any opinion??

    coleman, kos, gabbidon, hudson clyne/kolorov

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  16. r0nh
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    As I couldnt care less about the early KO, I will go to the gym during it.

    But I will be back in time for the 3pm line ups!!

    I want to be here when people see the City line up & see Aguero is benched ๐Ÿ˜†

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    1. Crouch Potato!
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Say hi to that fit gal for me ๐Ÿ˜‰

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      1. r0nh
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        The girl is mine!!! ๐Ÿ‘ฟ

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  17. Crouch Potato!
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Chances of Sterling starting?

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    1. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      60/40 in favour (opinion).

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      1. Crouch Potato!
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers ๐Ÿ˜‰

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      2. Schürrle Class
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        How do you get a grav?

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    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Pretty high going by rumours.

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  18. Ed
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Ward or Gabbidon in my wildcard team?

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    1. GTS
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      ward

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      1. The Rock
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Agreed

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  19. European Bob
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Please help last wc decision - Oscar and Kolarov or Silva and Dawson?

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    1. Red Viper
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      OK

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  20. ZakAFC_
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Krul (Harper)
    Ward, Koscielny, Coleman (Fonte, Davies)
    Özil (vc), Cabaye, Lallana, Hazard (Januzaj)
    Negredo, Suarez (c), Lukaku

    Good to go? Or bring in Kolarov for a -4?
    Wildcard still available

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  21. Schürrle Class
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    How do you get a grav anyone?

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      1. Schürrle Class
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers TM. My grav is going to be me and Sessegnon. Got picture taken with him when I went over to West Brom ๐Ÿ˜€

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    1. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      go to gravatar.com

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  22. Leeds Lucky
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Who to bench. Eriksen lallana Ade

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  23. pundit of punts
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Any early team news?

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  24. Gladde Aal
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Who would u rather have long term: Yaya or Silva?
    Assuming price not a factor...

    Suffering over this :\

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    1. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Silva.

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  25. Avon Barksdale
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Anybody captaining Negredo?

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    1. Gr3g
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Yes and pray for Suarez blank ๐Ÿ™‚

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  26. FAITHNOMORENO
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Ki (sun) or Eriksen this GW?

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    1. GTS
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      erik

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      1. FAITHNOMORENO
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        he's currently in.

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  27. Sean.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Worth getting OZIL (+Ki ) as a 3rd big hitter to go with
    Hazard,Silva and Januzaj instead of Lallana and Cabaye ?

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    1. masonwt
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      It's 50/50

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  28. Koflok
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Any bibs theory on Liveprool squad tonight?

    Will Sterling start?

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    1. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Nope

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      1. Breadbin
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Seen the news? ๐Ÿ™

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        1. Koflok
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          What news

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          1. Tim Canterbury
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            haha

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            1. Koflok
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 11 months ago

              damn ๐Ÿ˜€

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        2. Tim Canterbury
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          The badger cull? Yeah I know ๐Ÿ™

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    2. drughi
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Sterling or coutinho will be on the bench ? My guess is sterling

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      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Lucas apparently

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        1. drughi
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Ok lucas maybe isnt needed against a team like aston villa

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  29. drughi
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Play M.Olsson or gabbidon ?

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    1. masonwt
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Gabbidon

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  30. pezzerman
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    ok, 12 mins to go,,still no idea what to do with my activated wildcard..this is stressful

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