634x258 Preamble
25 October 2014 1876 comments
Mark Mark
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How do you follow a 114-point Gameweek? You don’t. You just hope that you can muster a reasonable tally the week after and avoid an anti-climatic red arrow. Such is the roller-coaster of a Fantasy season.

Realistically, my moment in the sun will have passed within the next hour. I’ll probably never hit that kind of haul again outside of the double Gameweek and it’s feasible that my rank will never trouble the top 500 once as , almost inevitably, I slip out of that exclusive club this evening.

Why so negative? I think it’s because, having gone for broke by laying down the Wildcard in Gameweek 7, I’ve since regressed into my shell and blown an opportunity – I’ve failed to “grasp the nettle”.

If you listened to this week’s ScoutCast, you’ll know that an opportunity to jettison Diego Costa came up, with the option to buy the coveted Graziano Pelle in his place, whilst welcoming the luxurious brilliance of Eden Hazard into my dressing room for the hot-and-cold Gylfi Sigurdsson.

My heart said that this was the right move – bold and decisive: a set of trades that would promise immediate rewards from Gameweek 9. Sadly, my head said “show caution” – wait for Jose Mourinho’s words and hold on to Costa just another 24 hours. Listening to that guarded mantra meant that the prices shifted out of line, blocking off the option. I let the opportunity slip and I think I’m going to regret that. This season’s Fantasy Premier League (FPL) winner will have gone for it.

This morning I’m optimistic that Costa will be on the pitch at some point at Old Trafford but not confident that he’ll come away with points to compensate for what Pelle and Hazard would have offered me. I can only hope that Gylfi decides to carve open the Foxes at the Liberty to bridge the gap. I’m not convinced.

This continual shifting of opportunities and the crossroads they create as we approach Saturday’s deadline are, in essence, what can make the FPL game so compelling.

There was talk criticising the price change mechanic in the game and, while I acknowledge that it’s been tempered (a good thing to my mind), it’s still a factor that can cruelly remove transfer scenarios from you like a thief in the night. That sinking feeling in the morning when you realise that your hesitancy has cost you is not pleasant but I have respect for it: I curse my own failings, not those of the game.

Now I haven’t a clue what to do next. I’ve two free transfers and no obvious route to take – plus the potential of watching Pelle and Hazard rain on my Gameweek 8 parade. It offers a timely reminder: last week is gone, you’re only as good as the current Gameweek.

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

  1. avfcaidan10
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Love me some preamble.

    Is Krul -> Foster worth a late FT?

    1. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      It certainly isn't exciting, don't think either will keep a cleanie and Krul should make more saves so probably not. Could go Guzan as he looks better long term.

      1. avfcaidan10
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Have Hutton so don't really want to

  2. Pitch Invasion
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Current 2 keepers are de gea and Krul.

    Considering swapping out de gea for lloris, but also considering Guzan as an alternative and free up some cash?

    1. Amateur Pundit Zan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Wouldnt bother unless you got 2ft and need to spend one or you need that money for a specific reason.
      Guzan of the two

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Lloris

  3. Amateur Pundit Zan
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    1st on bench? Wanyama or hutton

    1. jdogg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Hutton.x

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Hutton

  4. Q
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Adm to tadic?

    2 free transfers

    Siggy fab sterling Adm

    1. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Save FT

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      No way, save

  5. Ian Davis
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Which looks best?:

    A) Costa > Aguero

    B) Chambers > Baines

    1. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      I'd go B

    2. Phil_fox85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Another 4.5m def to Baines?

    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      B

  6. The ghost of a Pug's g…
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    (C)osta

    VC Aguero

  7. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Captain Costa or Pelle?

    1. Phil_fox85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Pelle

    2. fantoom
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Pelle

  8. TotalJustice
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    any thoughs for transfers.. 2FT 2.2 ITB

    Bego McCarthy
    Lovren Clyne moore duff wilson
    sterling chadli Siggi ADM boyd
    costa Aguerooooo Pelle

  9. Phil_fox85
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Siggy / Fabs / Hazard / Sterling / Tadic

    Welbeck / Pelle / Costa

    Who do you bench, and who to captain?

    1. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      bench costa, captain Siggy

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

      Fabs this time but would recommend you downgrad a mid to a cheapie

  10. waldo666
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    REPOST from last post 🙂

    Nervous about this GW guys....and comments or advice would be extremely appreciated

    Foster
    Wisdom Baines Bertrand
    Di Maria Hazard Sterling (VC) Siggy (C)
    Costa Welbeck Naismith

    (Krul Larsson Chambers Cahill)

    0.4 ITB 1 FT

    1. Chief
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Not a bad squad. I'd feel better with Kun on my team, but you've got a decently balanced squad. Just enjoy the games, mate.

      1. waldo666
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        thanks Chief, appreciate it

    2. Phil_fox85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Not loving the Siggy (C), prefer Sterling from that group. Just my opinion though.

      Keep the FT.

  11. Holmes
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Cisse fit or ruled out?

    1. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      A doubt, could go either way

  12. Judas
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Who to bench?

    Jagielka (bur), Taylor (LEI), Chambers (sun), Clyne (STK)

    1. Amateur Pundit Zan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Chambers

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

      Chambers

    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Chambers

  13. DRY PEANUT
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else nervous about (c) Pelle? Worried stoke will rough him up

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

      o/

    2. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah Im the same

  14. Chief
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Sorry for the repost, not confident enough yet and want a bit more feedback:

    Lads, just a couple of questions...

    1) Which ONE would you prefer out of Sterling/Hazard/Sanchez? (Already have Fab)

    2) Welbeck or Berahino as my 3rd striker? (Kun and Pelle are my two other hitmen, shipping off Costa this week...)

  15. Here's the manager
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on defence order?

    Mannone (Krul)
    Taylor Wisdom Clyne (Chambers, Terry). ?

  16. Blue Moon Rising
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Are Costa sellers more worried than Costa keepers without Pelle?

  17. starbows
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Henderson or chadli guys?

  18. Capt. Krypton
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Haven't used a transfer in over a month... Any ideas?

    Mannone (myhill)

    Moreno Clyme Wisdom (Hutton Moore)

    Fab Ramsey Sterling Siggy Chadli

    Aguero(c) Costa (welbeck)

    Any transfers you guys would make? Formations?

    Thanks

    1. Mull
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Start Welbeck. Moreno to Kaboul maybe.

      1. Capt. Krypton
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Was thinking that .. Since Moreno at spurs not really done much fantasy wise

    2. Capt. Krypton
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Got 0.3 in bank..don't know whether to just upgrade keeper

  19. Jönny
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Bloody hell, cheer up Mark! 😉

  20. Amateur Pundit Zan
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Week 9 and i just spent my first transfer on my bench

    1. Amateur Pundit Zan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Bottom of page so hopefully missed anyway but i meant to say my defence

  21. Sliver
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Panicking a bit here. Aguero for (c)?

    1. Blue Moon Rising
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Definitely if you've not got Pelle.

      1. Kip
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        even if you have imo

        Kun (c) Pelle (vc) here

    2. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Safe. I'm doing it.

      1. Sliver
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers. Just needed someone else to say it. Had pelle last week and took him out for aguero right after the city game. Hope that doesn't come back to bite me.

    3. Railwayman
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      100%

    4. Orion
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      def

    5. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Considering city's record against whu and kuns form, yes

  22. The ghost of a Pug's g…
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Still have mannone as my only active keeper....considering foster...

  23. Who Ate All Depays?
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Any thoughts on this WC team would be highky appreciated

    Guzan
    Clyne / Baines / Chambers
    Fab / Sterling / Sanchez / Eriksen
    Aguero / Pelle / Berahino
    (McCarthy / Boyd / Wisdom / S Taylor)

    0.9m itb

    1. Who Ate All Depays?
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      sorry 1.2m itb

    2. Mr Sarcastic
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Very good

    3. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Fine on its own terms, but what if you really really want Costa next week?

      1. Who Ate All Depays?
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        other option is Sanchez -> Tadic and this would allow me to get Costa...so question is should I do it now or next week for a hit

        1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          If you have a plan, go with your gut--I would love to have Sanchez today.

          1. Who Ate All Depays?
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 1 month ago

            Also would you prefer Eriksen or Chadli ?

            1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 1 month ago

              Really tough. I think in the long run Eriksen will rack up more, but Chadli is capable of a double-digit haul any gameweek, and surely as soon as I say Eriksen, Chadli will pop up and score.

              1. Who Ate All Depays?
                • 12 Years
                11 years, 1 month ago

                ok thnx mate..i'll probably go with Sanchez and decide about Costa next week

    4. Mr Tin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Nice. Most bases covered and a couple that aren't 'template'.

    5. Kip
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      looking good

      no Costa might bite you though

      1. Who Ate All Depays?
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        other option is Sanchez -> Tadic and this would allow me to get Costa...so question is should I do it now or next week for a hit

    6. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard over Fabregas? I feel his explosion is imminent.

    7. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      yeh pretty solid but with kosc still out i'm not sure Ars def is wise investment

      1. Who Ate All Depays?
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        who's the alternative according to you ?

        1. justgiving.com/JonnyChard
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          Rose? Tottenham's fixtures look lovely!

        2. FPL_Crisis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          Reid/Tomkins after this GW. Jagielka if you're brave to double up

  24. Mr Sarcastic
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    I miss the article what gave info about papers and their predicted line up's.
    What are they saying about Costa??

    Costa -> Pelle, not worth a hit, right?

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      JM said if he passes fitness test and he will give Dc every chance to play on Sunday

  25. avfcaidan10
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Nice goal Berisha

  26. Willis.
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    OMG Berisha what a goal!!!

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

      Deflection.

      1. Willis.
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Hazard-esque.

  27. bring_on _the_fantasy
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Who in for Cisse...

    Welbck or ??

    At moment is Berahino

    1. Mull
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Welbeck

    2. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Berahino

      1. bring_on _the_fantasy
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        argghhhhh! lol

  28. andres
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    already taken a hit... surely it is not worth doing ADM to hazard of another hit??

    1. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Good lord no! You sir are drunk on transfers.

      1. andres
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        hehe... I dont usually take hits tho.. once I am at it I figured why not go all the way 🙂

    2. Debauchy
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Log off

      1. andres
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        hehe, not gonna do it altho I think it might pay off, this GW and the following ones

  29. Cheggers v2
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Siggy (c)

    1. Blue Moon Rising
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Not if you've got Pelle or Aguero

    2. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      +1