Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 36

This has been a week of tough decisions.

You won’t be surprised to know, however, that despite being charged to make a choice that would contribute to the selection of my Government, my most troublesome dilemma has been my Fantasy line-up.

While I successfully pencilled a cross and popped my vote into a ballot box without any real degree of anxiety, I know that my final decision this morning will be riddled with doubt and concern for what is to follow.

I can choose the wrong Government, but God help those around me if I sell Eden Hazard and he scores.

Even now, I’m not clear on what route to take. Like so many other Fantasy managers, I find myself at the mercy of Jose’s whims and Chelsea’s motivation. They return from the beach, stinking of Factor 10, to compete for pride against a Liverpool outfit somehow still within reach of a Champions League spot. I’m struggling to recall a more uncertain scenario.

Having decided a week ago that it would be Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho for the chop, suddenly things have been turned on their head by United’s stuttering run of defeats and the Chelsea unknowns.

Liverpool have to score at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea just have to put on a show for their supporters. Just how that’s going to transpire in terms of results and Fantasy points is anyone’s guess.

Most of us will have had somewhere between four and six players in that contest going into today’s deadline. We now have to deal with those players and make trades that will earn us profit, all against a backdrop of such confusion.

I’m fearful about the prospect of swapping out Hazard. Troubled about spending four points just to acquire Arsenal assets that will likely be rotated over the next three Gameweeks. Apprehensive that any investment in Sunderland will be fruitless.

As a 43-year-old family man, I should find time to consider what Thursday’s result will mean for my country and my loved ones.

I’ll promise to do that once I’ve decided if Jack Wilshere’s worth a punt.

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

1,163 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Tommy J
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Sanchez for Haz-not pushed the button yet...

    1. Tomlette Greggs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      do it.

      1. Tommy J
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I have made my mind up but was just waiting to squeeze out any last minute comments/thoughts/news snippets..

    2. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Definitely do it

    3. Essan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I did it Weds evening whilst drunk ...

      1. Tommy J
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        regrets?

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

          I'll tell you tomorrow ..... !

          But I think Sanchez will get more points between now and end of the season than Hazard. And a goal against Liverpool is hardly guaranteed.

        2. Yes Don
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          He'd had a few

          1. Tommy J
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            but then again too few to mention?

    4. Flynniesta
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      You've got to do it now the thought has entered your head...you'll be mad if you don't & the plan would have worked...I did it

  2. QPR expects... glory!
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Only two more preambles this season 🙁

    And next year when you write one QPR won't be mentioned...

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

      good. they've been hopeless.

  3. Syd.
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Good article

    1. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      But I think the Jack Wilshere punt thing is a bit tongue in cheek

      1. rickytoso
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I hope it was tongue in cheek.

  4. wolves_simmo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Is this worth -4? If so which 1?

    Clyne & Sterling OUT

    A) Kosc & Cazorla IN
    B) Monreal & Ozil IN

    1. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      No

    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A, Clyne & Sterling aren't worth having on current form.

    3. Cristi@no R7
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

    4. Jonny Bananas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I like B. Ozil for 2 home games - could crush it the next two weeks.

  5. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    must say wilshere's stats for his cameo are better than almost every arsenal player

    1. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yep, if we knew he would start both games next week he'd be a bandwagon for players who have to take hits to bring in the more expensive mids

    2. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      It's a shame he's not very good though.

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        too injury prone but wenger loves him

  6. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Schmeichel
    Bellerin Terry Ivan
    Sanchez Silva Hazard Grealish
    Giroud Kun(C) Vardy
    (Myhill Vlaar PVA King)

    Good to go?

    1. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Vlaar over Ivan. West Ham aren't exactly on fire in attack

  7. drughi
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Great preamble

  8. Beavis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Nice post Mark. You'll be happy to know you've been selected for Sri Lanka so hope your 4 pointer pays off.

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

      Oh...I thought my likely error would only cost me!

  9. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Behind league leader 60 points. Getting rid of Hazard to get differentials nuts? Just feel Chelsea may take foot of the gas next 3 games

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

      You need to take some chances if you want to catch that big of a lead

    2. Ninjaa
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Sanchez in for Hazard will prob be the move I go for. Do it?

  10. Beavis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Mark's also tempting me to go Haz to Sanchez for a hit. It just seems a little crazy.

  11. blues123
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Start Sterling or Albrighton

    1. Mr Tin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Sterling. Liverpool have to score to stand any chance of UCL.

  12. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Planning to bring in Sanchez (for Hendo) and Giroud (for Kun), for DGW. I will only have 0.1 left in the Bank. Should I

    A, Make tranfers tonight
    B, Wait until Arsenal have played on Monday, and take a hit (-4) for (PVA - Craig Dawson) if nessessary.

  13. PM
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    QUICK POLL:

    1800th in the game, would you

    (1) play safe, captain Aguero; or

    (2) take a capt. punt to try to get a triple digit rank, captain Ozil.

    1. JaydenLFC87
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      1 if your leading ml 2 if your chasing maybe Tekkers

    2. The Great Statuto
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Umh, if you're happy to possibly end up lower than 1800 second option .

    3. P-daddy
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      If your not at risk of losing cash why not go for it...

  14. Who Ate All Depays?
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Guys, is this team gtg or any changes required?

    Mignolet
    Skrtel / Ivan / Toby
    Haz / Silva / Sanchez / Ozil
    Kun / Kane / Vardy

    Subs: Krul / Pva / Cork / Bruce

  15. Tommy J
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Any left field punts for anyone-have to say Newcastle fixtures look plum...but would you dare-Cisse.....

    1. Tommy J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      *cissy

      1. QPR expects... glory!
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Next week if they need the pts to avoid relegation he's in the running for my final transfer!

  16. DaddyPig
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Great article, so true too! Election, easy. Team and captain choices, tough!

  17. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    LA ROJA Fantasy Football Scout Member
    Start 3 from below

    A) JT
    B) Cawson (starting Myhill)
    C) Wasilevski
    D) Clyne
    E) Wolly

    1. JaydenLFC87
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A B D

    2. LOCO ABREU
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A,C,D

  18. JaydenLFC87
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Sterling / Vardy > Gomez / Benteke -4 Yay or Nay??

    1. JaydenLFC87
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Anyone???

    2. 11 Angry Men
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Why Gomez?

  19. Van Klinkert Delarosa
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Sorry, but how many minutes until the deadline? Different timeline here.

    Cheers.

    1. JaydenLFC87
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      You have just over 4 minutes

      1. JaydenLFC87
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        45!

        1. whitters_2014
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          haha probs near gave him a heart attack.

          1. Van Klinkert Delarosa
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Fuh!

        2. Van Klinkert Delarosa
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks.

    2. whitters_2014
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      47 mins

      1. Van Klinkert Delarosa
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks.

  20. whitters_2014
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    whitters_2014 42
    guys hows this look if you are chasing 39.... 11 differentials if rival doesn't captain aggy.

    Pants
    Rose Kos Huth
    Alb elmo san ozil elmo
    aggy (c) lukaku tekkers

    subs: hendo pva bruce

    Next week - ft - hendo - gomez

    1. P-daddy
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Chasing - 11 Differentials, what more do you need... 2 Elmos may lead to disqualification tho!,

  21. Gideons Rolling Another One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Who should Sterling make way for?

    A: Silva
    B: Ozil
    or
    C: Cazorla

    If I do A I can do B or C next week?

    1. denial
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Ozil

    2. LOCO ABREU
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B/C

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

      C

    4. Gideons Rolling Another One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers Both. The general view seems to be go without Silva!

    5. Cristi@no R7
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      C

    6. Gideons Rolling Another One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers All. FFF says Cazorla to!

  22. denial
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Worst of luck this GW to anyone who voted Tory!

    1. Tommy J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Bitter?

      1. denial
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Very

        1. Rinseboy
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          How you set up this week Denial mate? Did you get Benteke in?

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

        1 pint, please 😉

        1. Tommy J
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Nigel??

    2. Efan Ekoku Pops
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Haha. Have to say I agree with this.

  23. Bojaninho
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    who are your picks for this week:

    Def
    Mid
    Frwrd

    Go!

    1. LOCO ABREU
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Kos
      Sanchez
      Aguero

    2. Cristi@no R7
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      ivanovic
      silva
      benteke

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

    😆 Fine Preamble!!!

  25. Blue Moon Rising
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    A) Aguero, Siggy, Morgan

    Or

    B) Benteke, Ramsey, Morgan

    1. Barry Woj
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A given the doubts over Ramsey's fitness.

    2. tokara
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      why siggy...so many good options...albrighton eh

  26. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Hobo with a shotgun. WTF!!

  27. Robbens Diving Instructor
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Fabregas to:
    A) ozil
    B) caz
    C) Ramsey

    Also, start myhill or kelvin davis?

  28. Cilly Bonnolly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Sanchez in for Hazard or Silva? If Hazard, for a hit this week? If it's Silva I'll wait till next week.

  29. jimmy12
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you make captain this week?
    A. Giroud
    B. Kane
    C. Sanchez
    ?

    1. LOCO ABREU
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      C

    3. Samji24
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Sanchez

  30. Snapes on a Plane
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Play Hendo or schlupp?

    1. Robbens Diving Instructor
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Hendo