634x258 Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 24

1 February 2014 1965 comments
Mark Mark
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I’m partial to a flutter but I’m hardly a seasoned gambler. Even so, I’m aware of the concept of “chasing losses” – I also know that any experienced punter will tell you that it’s a mug’s game.

Until Tuesday night, I wasn’t really sure just how this applied to Fantasy Football. How, when desperation kicks in, your better judgement can go out the window as you ignore the obvious option and search out the long shot.

Let’s face it, handing Wilfred Bony my Gameweek 23 armband was a travesty. I can and will point to the logic behind the decision – I can talk about about the Ivorian’s form, of Fulham’s fragility. Even so, that doesn’t detract from the fact that, deep down, I knew that Luis Suarez would punish me.

As I mentioned in this week’s ScoutCast, I stood for a full thirty seconds at my front door at 7.28, key in hand, ready to burst back in and correct my madness. Foolishly, I chose to turn and head to Tesco. Those pizzas might have been buy one, get one free but they cost me dearly.

Such outlandish decision-making is in stark contrast to the methods employed by our own Jonty – a Fantasy manager who has profited from backing the favourite. Jonty has reveled in his “dullard” moniker and can point to an impressive ranking and a profitable Wildcard that has left even Hall of Fame legend, Evs, in his wake.

In Thursday’s ScoutCast I was asked what I’ve learned this season. Jonty’s campaign, coupled with my season-long failed quest to seek out effective differentials has taught me that my enthusiasm to look for the spectacular long ball, rather than settle for the sideways pass, has hurt me the most. I’m constantly trying to be Glenn Hoddle and Jonty, pulling off his best Ray Wilkins impression, is making me look silly.

I’d like to think I’ve learned a lesson but, only this week, I was fully contemplating tossing four points into the air and backing Robin van Persie at Stoke. There I was, listening to Granville spelling out the obvious move – Edin Dzeko in for the injured Sergio Aguero to keep the City cover – and I was plotting another foolish 60-yard “Hail Mary”.

While this may disappoint those who listened in, I think I’m going to have to rethink. I daren’t try another Hollywood pass for a while.

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

1,965 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. SuperMario
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Mannone - Migs
    Coleman - Kois - Azip - Chambers - Fabio
    Lallana - Mirillas - Hazard - Yaya - Noone
    Suarez - Sturridge - Giroud

    Finally happy with my Wc team.. Time to get up and make the coffee..
    0.4 in the bank if anyone can spot something to improve??
    Looking at Giroud -------> Benteke next weekend....

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    1. SuperMario
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      thanks anybody who gave advice throughout the week

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      1. r0scr0w
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Maybe lower migs to give yourself more cash.

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  2. Boggins
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Only got 2 nailed starters in defence. Pretty sure Baker won't start but is it even worth taking four point? Can't see many obvious clean sheets amongst the fixtures and already have Arsenal coverage

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    1. Specialist
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Nah, I wouldn't. This is a tough week to pick clean sheets

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      1. Boggins
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers, that's what I was thinking. Top of my league so don't need to chase points yet

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  3. Bod
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Any chance on a RMWCT?

    Marshall (Speroni)
    kolarov, Koscielny, Fabio (Coleman, Azpilacueta)
    Mata, Yaya, Lallana, Mirallas (Puncheon)
    Suarez, Sturridge, Adebeyor

    Good to go?

    Had Coleman since gw1 btw

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    1. Specialist
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Looks nice, but I'm not a huge fan of Kolarov in the long-run. Too many substitute appearances for a 5.5

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  4. Dial Square
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Most nailed on 3.9 defenders?
    .

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    1. Specialist
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Not sure there are any. Chambers seems to be playing a lot though, but being dropped for Clyne is always a possibility

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  5. P-daddy
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Sorry never Rmt'd or reposted but first time for everything...

    Never asked before bout would appreciate any advice

    Adrian Davis

    Azp Kosc Ward Demel Bruce

    Yaya Hazard Cazorla Johnson Mirallas

    Suar Studge J.Rod

    Playing catch up so playing 2x W Ham for their upcoming home games as a diff, expect them to tighten up in coming weeks. Had Mannone as 2nd keeper but they actually have poor fixtures and a no game in GW 28 so gonna stick with Adrian for next 4 weeks as re-assess. I think the squad gives me a decent starting team for several weeks without even worrying about transfers.....

    Many thanks

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  6. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Vlaar or MOlsson to go with Ward and Shaw?

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    1. LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      MO

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    2. tw
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      olsson probably

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    3. Sweetpea
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Definitely Olsson, due to gw 28/29 good fixtures.

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  7. Curly619
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    RMWCT .0 in the bank

    Adrian
    Fabio,Evans,Yoshida
    Hazard,Cazorla,Eriksen,Mirallas
    RVP,Suarez,Sturridge

    Mannone,Armero,Azpi,Puncheon

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    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      downgrade punch to a cheapie cos he wont come in your team.

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  8. Lizard Lips
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Rooney or RVP ?

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    1. Sweetpea
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      rooney

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    2. Chuckie
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      +1

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  9. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    After much advice, I have reluctantly benched Gnabry and played Gerrard. Thanks all, unless he outscores Gerrard, then @£%£!

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  10. LewanGOALski
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    A. Noone (NOR) + 4 pts
    or
    B. Mirallas (AVL)
    ?

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    1. tw
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      noone

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    2. Konig Luther
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      noone

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  11. Wilberto
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Suarez, Sturridge.. Pick one of Giroud, Benteke, Adebayor or Dzeko?

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    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Giroud for one week, Benteke for many.

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    2. Boggins
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Dzeko looks best option till Aguero is back

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  12. tw
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    A) Ade + AJ
    B) Dzeko + Lallana

    Have Silva fwiw

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    1. Phillips
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      B
      Dzeko and Eriksen for me though.

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

    El Conejo(C) done

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    1. Chucky
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Oscar?

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      1. SuperOsçarBaby
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        (Rabbit in spanish)

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        1. Chucky
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 10 months ago

          😆

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          1. Chuckie
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            Fancy that. We've almost got the same name.

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  14. Bring on the shots
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Will Rooney start do we think guys and girls????

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    1. SkyByBo
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Rooney starts RVP rested imo.

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      1. Pinoche
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        He is building his match fitness so I expect RVP to play atleast 70 minutes this week. Why would he rest him that too away from home?

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      2. Lizard Lips
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Why would RVP be rested??

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        1. GREENDREAMS11
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 10 months ago

          Returning from a long abscence

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    2. Chuckie
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      I think yes to Roo and RVP. Kitchen sink time if they want Champs' League 14/15, surely?

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  15. boyler
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    start kolarov or ward ?

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    1. mutatedllama
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Kolarov

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  16. Sting
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Who do I play, Marshall or Mannone ?

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    1. Deulo10
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Marshall

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    2. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      marshall

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    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      What? It's the Tyne Wear derby. Goal fest.
      Marshall at home to goal myth Norwich.

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  17. Get up ya bum
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    "Those pizzas might have been buy one, get one free but they cost me dearly" 😆

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    1. GREENDREAMS11
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      I know, Its class but if anything was worth the fall its 2 for 1 pizzas. Lol

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  18. Konig Luther
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    aguero to benteke FT
    OR play with ivanovic?

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    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      why keep aguero, out for a month

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      1. Konig Luther
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        using my ft next week

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  19. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Ward or Bruce to play?

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    1. Chucky
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Ward

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    2. tw
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      bruce

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    3. GTS
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      err.. Ward perhaps.

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  20. Repetive Expletive
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone thinking of Suarez to Heskey (c) for a hit

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  21. 4-4-who?
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Mark, I went RVP for -4 but did it to bring in a defender with three of 5 out or doubtful, so in reality only a 2 point hit.

    Open Controls
    1. 4-4-who?
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      RVP armbanded and ready for push into top 10k...

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  22. Live4pool
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    A) Silva (CHE)
    B) Sterling (wba)

    Who to play? Thanks!!

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    1. 4-4-who?
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Both

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  23. Grounderz
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Folks, one last one. All set to go?

    Boruc / Adrian
    Azpilicueta / Evans / Ward / Fabio / Ryan Bennett
    Yaya Toure / Mata / Lallana / Eriksen / Gnabry
    Van Persie / Suarez / Sturridge

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    1. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Looks great mate.

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      1. Grounderz
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks Parm. Armband on Robin as he's got an impressive stats against Stoke and I'm confident he will do well as well. Your captain?

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    2. Dial Square
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      I don't trust Gnabry long term - He will lose his spot when JW, Rosicky and Flamini are back.

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    3. Sweetpea
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      ryan bennett is about to be dropped

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      1. jameswestport
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        is he?

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      2. jameswestport
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Anyone better for 4m

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    4. Camp No No
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Defensive horror, but I can see how you justify it. Personally, I do not think RVP will be worth his price.

      Which GK will you play this GW?

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      1. Grounderz
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah, but I've got not enough funds to upgrade. Will see how Robin does over the weeks. Could always downgrade him and use the funds and spend it on upgrading defence.

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  24. Darsh
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Fonte or Caulker??

    Open Controls
    1. 4-4-who?
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Both

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    2. Sting
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Fonte

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  25. Shifty
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Quick poll - what mobile OS do you guys use and what fantasy football app do you use?

    Me - iPhone and FFM app.

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      iPad & FFM rarely. FPL site works fine.

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      1. Shifty
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Ah yea, if had an iPad the website is perfect.

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    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Android + FF Buddy

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    3. onionbarje
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Android

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  26. Ruud van Kane
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone here would play Beraniho ahead of Oscar with Anelka injured,

    I have Eto

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    1. SuperOsçarBaby
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Lol

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  27. Solenya
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Bacuna or Delph or any other under 4.5 mid for WC.

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  28. Ed
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone else brought Wayne in for Aguero?

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    1. Lizard Lips
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      rvp

      whats your fpl link

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  29. 7923dos
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Aguero > Dzeko for a hit?

    Sensible or not?

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  30. Blue Moon Rising
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Start:

    Noone or Puncheon?

    Vlaar or Bruce?

    Open Controls
    1. 4-4-who?
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Vlaar

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    2. RabMac
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Vlaar and Puncheon

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