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. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Hazard double digit haul this GW......bookshelf this.....

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

      made a note

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

      Records adjusted accordingly!

    3. Rabbinton
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I agree

  2. Vardy Gras PBFC
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Love it. As a 38 year old family man I will be doing DIY this weekend preparing for child no.2's imminent arrival.

    However, first I have to decide whether Sterling to Ozil is worth -4?
    Have Sanchez & Giroud. Help.

    1. Chrissy Waddle - 2023/24
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Not this week Just get him or Ramsey next week. Not get on with the DIY!

      1. Vardy Gras PBFC
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Priced out as of today - change your opinion?

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

      I don't think it's worth a hit. Reevaluate the situation before the dgw. What other arsenal players do you have...?

      1. Vardy Gras PBFC
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Giroud & Sanchez.

    3. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      lol.

      Great grav - love the book and film

      1. John Nerdelbaum
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        and no it's not worth it

      2. Vardy Gras PBFC
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers John, I'm priced out after tonight's price changes.

        Does that change your opinion?

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

    Play Hutton or skrtel....?

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

    if you could captain anyone this week who would it be (lets leave the obvious aguero out of this)

    Tekkers? lukaku? sanchez? someone else?

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

      Probably Tekkerrs

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

        would love him this week

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

      Tekkers

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

    what to do with mata? 1.5 itb transfer used

    have sanchez

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

      nothing this week.

  6. 11 Angry Men
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Paying the price for buying Ramsey early!!

    Have already taken a -4 hit to get Ramsey and Tekkers in, and am 1 POINT BEHIND IN ML!!

    Mignolet
    Schlupp Ivan Dawson
    Hazard Ramsey Silva Cambiasso
    Vardy Giroud Tekkers

    (Davis Terry Henderson Naughton)

    Any thoughts much appreciated! Should I take another hit for Sanchez? Have 3.5 Itb.

    Thanks and good luck everyone!

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

      he scored and set up a goal its not a heavy price.

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

        Thanks!

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

      1pt is nothing. I think I would take the hit if the guy you're chasing has Sanchez.

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

        Good thought, I had not factored that in...he can't afford Sanchez!

        Thanks!

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

    cazorla or giroud, still not sure

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

      Who are your forwards?

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

        kane aguero vard

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

          Giroud in that case (assuming you'll bring him in for Vardy)

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

      Giroud

    3. 11 Angry Men
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I think Cazorla, Vardy has been playing out of his skin. I know he has not scored in two, but 3 goals and two assists in previous 5!

  8. sinik
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    But Doos, West Ham are conceding more in the box last over the 6 matches (marginally)

    also does the chance creation differential sway you in any way?

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

    Any chance of the Everton line up being revealed pre-deadline?

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

      none

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

        Perfect!!
        I purchased Kevin, but I'm worried he won't start. Coutinho 1st sub

  10. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Well written Preamble, Mark. Thank youu

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

      Relying on your boys today! Starting Schlupp, Cambiasso AND Vardy!

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

    Play Skrtel or double WBA def (Myhill and Dawson)?

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

      skrtel

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

        Cheers!

    2. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Skrt, with chance of goals bonus etc

  12. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Mourinho will name a strong, if not, full strength team and tell his players to go for it, express yourselves, if he hypothetically does this, which there is a possibility. Keeping your Chelsea assets will be important.

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

      No shi! Sherlock

      1. Your Mum's Athletic
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Don't you swear at me 😉 giggity

    2. Chrissy Waddle - 2023/24
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Same goes for Liverpool too if that's the case...

      1. Your Mum's Athletic
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        agreed, could be goals galore

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

          goals galore? eh no.

    3. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Fill ya boots lads.....I expect to see Ivanhoes heat map centred deep red on the oppos peno spot....

      1. Your Mum's Athletic
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I would love this, Ivan could explode anytime. Giggity

  13. nazrijack
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Who to captain..ALEXIS or TEKKERS?

    *I don't have Kun..

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

      Very tough call. I'd go alexis

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

      ooh are you nervous without him? and tekkers probs

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

        yeah..im sucks without KUN this week. I'm not chasing..so Tekkers or Alexis?

  14. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Start Schlupp or Hendo?

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

      schlupp

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

        Um, wtf? Hendo!

    2. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks. Hendo just edges it I think.

  15. PlayPercentage
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    2pts for Sanchez coming up.
    10pts for Hazard.

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

      this.

  16. Golden Oldies
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    If you were oa wildcard would you keep Hazzard?

  17. Manu5
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Need some last second help here with my defense, I need 4 out if this bunch, thanks.
    A)Ivan
    B)clyne
    C)Bertrand
    D)Dawson
    E) hutton

  18. Bobby
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Three arsenal players too much for this week!? Swop bellerin for schlupp?

  19. jdogg
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Sterling to caz -4?X

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

    Will Guzan play?

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

      Nope- given

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

    Play Courtois or Myhill?

    1. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Court

    2. jdogg
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Depends on defence.i dont like double ups.if u have no one else for either id say myhill.x

  22. Every Dog Has Its Day
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Players you are scared not of not owning this GW?

    Benteke and Silva for me

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

      Giroud.

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

      scared of not owning? I would hate to not have aguero, but I am nervous about a lack of giroud and hazard.

  23. thunder_mike
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Which everton midfielders worth a punt for this week?

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

      Lennon

    2. Bob.
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Barkley maybe

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

      mirallas

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

      None are probably worth a hit tho

  24. Jason M
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Hi all, last decision to make.

    Do I play Skrtel or Bertrand? At the moment on Skrtel

  25. Penang Sandman
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Yep any side of government would stay the same, but one Hazard's brace,im happy lad (ML rival dont own him)

  26. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Play Duff or Skrtel?

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

      Skrtel

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

    if you are chasing 31 and the only player you have the same as rival is terry, would you play him or play rose?

  28. Dante
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Bah! Captain Tekkers or Aguero? Trying to catch a rival who doesn't have Aguero but I reckon probably brought in Benteke this week...

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

    Papiss Cisse for Remy worth a punt? -4

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

      O.O

      match fitness is a bit ?

      punt maybe, -4... with 3 games left... dicey

      why not just get ulloa/vardy/austin/kane/etc

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

        beranhino?

  30. HugoBlack
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Bench one... Skrtel Toby Huth. (Playing Schmeichel)