Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 9

Rarely have fortunes shifted so dramatically between Gameweeks.

Looking at my array of injury flags in midweek, sitting alongside my previous 103-point tally, the phrase “from the sublime to the ridiculous” seemed to fit rather well.

Sergio Aguero’s snapped hamstring was like the first domino: the butterfly flapping its wings that led to complete chaos. Things just won’t be the same without the City striker.

Just when I thought I could shut down the part of my brain dedicated to deciding the destination of the FPL captaincy, he’s forced me to wake it up again and torment it with a choice from an array of hot and cold midfielders.

To compound matters, with my five-man defence reduced to the pair of loose cannons that are Kurt Zouma and Micah Richards, I’ve actually had to turn to my chips for help.

I had hoped that I could park these decisions: safe in the knowledge that double Gameweeks were incoming, I’d reserved the thinking time for those little baubles until 2016.

Instead, I’ve had to put one in play and switch my team to “All out Attack” – not as a result of a crafty strategy, but out of pure desperation. I’m not sure that’s what the FPL boffins had in mind.

This morning I’m beckoning my boys out of the dressing room with the clear remit to score more goals than Zouma and Richards concede at the other end. There’s no guarantees.

With Eden Hazard my current captain and my entire defence on the pitch alongside him, today’s encounter is going to be an interesting and confusing affair for me.

In truth, that’s in keeping with what has been a surreal international break.

We watched while players fell one by one, as fifty shades of red developed in our squads and now we collectively go forward, praying that the points hits we’ve fired out into the ether come back with profit.

All of this followed a Gameweek 8 which seemed to have restored parity.

The majority of folk on our pages had cashed in on Sanchez and Aguero and, suddenly, the Fantasy Football Scout’s community were on top of the world. A week on, we’re all tipped into turmoil by the reverberating twang of Aguero’s hamstring.

From champagne and caviar, to hits and chips.

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

2,108 Comments Post a Comment
  1. toerag
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    now then

    vaguely remember asking kol>dawson for -4 or AOA

    went dawson - was this a good move??

    i can only see out of one eye

    bring beer quick

    1. FootballGeorge
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I had the same kinda option, but I just put my bench defender in, I think you did the right thing depending on your 8th attacker.

      1. toerag
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        was hooligan 😆

    2. BadgersBoys
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Think it'll work out for your mate

  2. HNI
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    The overrated Sturridge again broke like a glass

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      You definitely haven't seen his goal scoring record.

        • 8 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        and have you seen his injury/per game record?

        1. Forza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          That doesn't affect how good he's been when fit.

        2. internal error
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          He's not overrated though. His ability is indeniable

          1. internal error
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 8 months ago

            *undeniable

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      What an uneducated comment. You clearly are not a talented critique of the game.

  3. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Gosh, H2H comes down to this!!

    1) Butland; Williams / Dawson / Bellerin; Payet; Gomis
    2) Hart; Darmian / Hangeland / Cresswell; Mane; Martial

    Any thoughts??

    1. Sharkytect
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I reckon 2 will win

    2. Every Dog Has Its Day
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Number 1 will win.

      Hart beats Butland. (1)
      Williams beats Darmian. (2)
      Dawson beats Hangeland. (1)
      Bellerin beats Cresswell. (1)
      Mane beats Payet. (2)
      Gomis beats Martial. (1)

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      1.

      1. Mind över Mata
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers all, am 1 - fingers crossed

    4. Harry (C)ane
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Aguero + Gomis --> Pelle + Lukaku (-4 pts)

    5. Big Sum
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      1)

  4. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Plenty took hits here this gw. What were your hits ?

    I took a colossal -12 pointer. 😀

    Aguero+Muniesa+Kolarov+Martial ➡ Pelle+Lukaku+Bellerin+Coleman.

    1. FootballGeorge
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I used 2ft

    2. sambyy
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Aguero -> Sturridge for -4... 🙂

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        That's just rotten luck 🙁

    3. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      -12

      Martial, Pedro, Shaw, Aguero -----> Costa, Pelle, Bellerin, KDB

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Well spent.

        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Cheers wakey

    4. Sharkytect
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      No hits! I feel special

    5. drughi
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      A very silly 4 point hit, Aguero>Sturridge>Pelle

    6. AIRMILES
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      -4
      Unpleasant.

    7. Tadic is the new Eriksen
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      None, just did Kun to Lukaku and good to go

    8. Wouter
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Just used my one FT to get Kun out. 🙂 Was debating a hit to get KDB in but decided against it.

    9. Francescoli
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      -8

      Aguero, Pedro, Gomis --> Pelle, Mata, Costa

    10. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      2 FTs but took a -16 too. overhaul!!

    11. Nascimento
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Just 2 ft

      Aguero and Muniesa to Pelle and Coleman

    12. BadgersBoys
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      -8 Kun, Kolarov, Coutinho > Komp, Haz (c), Pelle

      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Agyero -> Bony
      Bentaleb -> Wally -4

    13. fedolefan
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Goofed up with an early transfer but -8 for me

      Wilson, Aguero, Coutinho -> Pelle, Mane, Costa

  5. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Hope pool get the weekend off to a good start

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Spurs no home defeat, haven't lost since opening day. Will lose today.

    2. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      ... by getting hammered

      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        nope.

  6. AIRMILES
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Aguero transfers in for this GW: 135,000
    And transfers out following injury: 593,000

    1. Sess!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I'll be adding to the NTI out this GW. Had to hold due to already taking hits and wanting one more GW to assess his best replacement.

      1. Sess!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        ....or NTO even

      2. AIRMILES
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah. I went with Costa, but not bowled over by the choices.

  7. simosalminen
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Noticed that there's hardly any talk of TV at this point. So here it goes - what are people's team values and sell values at this point.

    104,3 TV
    102,2 SV

    1. AIRMILES
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      tv 103.7
      cant be bothered to do sv 😛

      1. simosalminen
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        that would indicate roughly 102 sell value, I think this is a bit over average. Team values might be higher, but you never actually gain value before you trade.

    2. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I cashed my chips in this week..
      SV 101.7!! and TV just 102.6

      1. simosalminen
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Very close indeed, suppose Kola and Kun sold, how about Mahrez?

    3. Sess!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I've seen this question asked about ten times over the last couple weeks.

      1. simosalminen
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        I obviously need to follow the forum more 🙂

        1. Sponge-worthy
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          sörsselssön

          1. simosalminen
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 8 months ago

            may he R.I.P

            1. Sponge-worthy
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 8 months ago

              He's up there with Spede.

    4. Sharkytect
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      104.2
      102.3

    5. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      102.0
      100.9

  8. Costa in Wengerland
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Everyone in my ML has captained Kevin , except me (Hazard )

    1. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Same

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Hope Hazard destroys Villa. That'll show people to doubt the top players.

    3. Francescoli
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Sanchez was the choice in my mini league. I went for Pelle

    4. puhd
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Same here. I dont even own him. Bit worried...

  9. Dušan Citizen
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    I hate when I don't have any player at Monday night. 🙁

      • 8 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      That's why I put Kolarov and Evans in my first team, so I'll get these extra points on Monday for Bellerin and Clyne coming from the bench.

    1. KOLASINA(C)
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I don't, wait is endless.

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I have no one in the early game either.

    3. Jax
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Then you should have transferred in a player this week.

      1. Dušan Citizen
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        U don't say?

  10. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Interesting to see if Milner is captain today..don't think Klopp would ideally want him captain but changing captain/vice captain mid season isn't ideal either.

    1. Dušan Citizen
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Don't care. I just want him to score.

  11. Jigger & Pony
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Have a feeling Moreno bandwagon will gain steam after this GW.

    1. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      And rightly so

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Top 4/5 in my ML bought him in on a WC. Mother&@#?@?#+$+

    3. Sess!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Not with those fixtures but i'll be getting in some point in the near future that's for sure.

  12. Disco Stu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Do we think Mahrez is playing and is it better to have him or Gomis in my lineup?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Gomis. But Mahrez has to play for Leicester to have any chance of winning.

    2. toerag
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      bit late for today

      1. Disco Stu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Just asking in hindsight

  13. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    No Sturridge, FFS.

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Westwood will be coming in for me then, wonderful.

      1. Francescoli
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        🙁

      2. Sess!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Had to play westwood a couple times this season. Enjoy his 1 or 2pts.

  14. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Who was it that took a -16 on Sturridge then?

    1. Tadic is the new Eriksen
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Bemba da

  15. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Is Sturridge on the bench?

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Nope.

    2. Sess!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      No. Dead unfortunately.

    3. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Nope. Swollen knee, precautionary

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers

        1. Jax
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Will be back next week.

          1. Sess!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 8 months ago

            Nothing ever certain with sturridge and injuries. Wouldn't be surprised if next we hear he's out for a few weeks.

  16. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Spurs
    Soton
    City
    Chelsea draw
    Arsenal

    Acca

    1. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Chelsea will win

      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        This

        1. Jax
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Plus Spurs lose

  17. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    BT Sport claiming Brendan Rodgers did gegenpressing. Lol

    1. Sponge-worthy
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      So who is your captain?

  18. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Dodged a Ben Davies bullet !

    1. Francescoli
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      yikes. was always risky owning him with rose in the wings.

      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Yep, but before all the injuries I was planning on bringing him in for Gonez

        1. Francescoli
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          he was extremely good value, i must admit

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Same here.

  19. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    How do you feel before kick off?
    Green or red arrow coming?

    1. Tadic is the new Eriksen
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Green, expecting big things from this GW

    2. Francescoli
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      sitting at 26k. expecting a red arrow having taken a 8 point hit and playing francis...

    3. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Red for sure. -12 done

    4. L P
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Confident, green incoming

  20. Valkyrie
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    77777 is the nett number of teams bringing in Sturridge for this GW.

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Transfer outs will be much higher.

  21. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Davies and sturridge should affect a few. Happy I went with Moreno instead.

  22. L P
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    What was the consensus on Mane's playing time today?

    1. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      A lot

    2. FDMS All Starz
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Should play

    3. puhd
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Nailed

    4. Francescoli
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      he'll be good for 80-90mins

  23. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Can and Lucas are going to be stalking Eriksen like Daniel stalks Mark

    1. Francescoli
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      ha 🙂

    2. Costa in Wengerland
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Lol

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Juuhuuuu!

  24. puhd
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    So glad i didnt get Sturridge in for Martial... I did Schmeichel > Elliot...

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Newcastle 1-0 imo

      1. puhd
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        I hope so!

      2. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Janmaat goal?

  25. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Harry didnt rate Origi when he saw him play in the Uefa cup #dinosaur

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      who cares

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Why do you bother posting stuff like this?

        1. Jax
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Sorry I don't mean your post just Harry

          1. internal error
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 8 months ago

            Lol. Fair enough. I thought it was funny that he still called it the Uefa cup

            1. Jax
              • 14 Years
              8 years, 8 months ago

              😉

    2. Francescoli
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Quality player. Glad he is getting game time

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Hope he steps up. He looked OK in pre season but in the world cup i saw someone very similar to Sturridge

    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Just seen the line ups, Klopps got his work cut out

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Not a real hair btw

    2. Francescoli
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      expecting a draw at best for LFC

  26. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Will it be worth keeping Sturridge or transferring him for Lukaku or Pelle?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Get rid. But don't make early transfers.

    2. Jammy
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Transfer until Klopp plays him and he hits form

    3. puhd
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I would ship for Pelle

  27. Jammy
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Over 5m transfers

  28. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Only one with KDB (C) sitting top of my ML. Come on lad

  29. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone else getting FPL still updating?

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      no...

    2. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      No :/

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      You're doing it wrong.

    4. Jammy
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      It has updated