[sbu_large_image] Preamble
23 January 2016 1911 comments
Mark Mark
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Sure enough, it didn’t take long for Sergio to punish my lack of faith.

I’m still not budging, though. Despite taking a good hiding during this week’s rather heated ScoutCast, I’ve got to stick to my guns. For now.

I still think there’s “another way” – that I shouldn’t feel compelled to gut my squad and shift it towards another template, just to cater for the Argentine’s undoubted talent.

I want to be able to field a three or even four-man defence I can believe in. I want to make transfers in midfield that can transform my Gameweek, not just plug a hole in my squad: another 4.5 defender acquired in the hope that he’ll shore up a cheap backline. I want to keep having choices that excite me just a little.

In fairness, the recent emergence of Charlie Daniels (4.6) and Matt Targett (3.8) have helped to facilitate those willing to sacrifice spreading funds in order to welcome Aguero.

I can see plenty of merit in this. In some ways I’m a little frustrated that these full-backs have timed their run onto the radar to coincide with Aguero’s return to prominence.

Even so, I’ve been there before – I’ve seen budget defenders come and go, briefly flirting with the possibility that you can scatter them amongst a cast of heavy hitters. They can often turn out to be “fools gold”, left to depreciate, week by week on the bench.

There’s also lots of talk of Aguero’s rise ahead of double Gameweeks. That’s fair enough, there’s little doubt that the “triple C” looks ready-made for the City striker’s bicep. There are all kinds of permutations surrounding double Gameweeks buzzing around our heads – I won’t go into them here.

However, we do know that should City overcome Everton in Wednesday’s Capital One Cup semi, Aguero will face a Gameweek 27 blank. Throw Kevin De Bruyne into that mix and suddenly you’ve got yourself two very expensive reserves. It will be interesting to see how squads adjust to that.

It seems unlikely that anyone will be selling City assets should they book that double Gameweek – but those who time their acquisitions prior to the two fixtures could avoid some damage and still gain the benefits.

It’s easy to forget that Double Gameweeks come coupled with a blank. Just as it’s easy to point out Aguero’s obvious potential for points, whilst ignoring or downplaying the compromises made to get there.

There’s no doubt that Aguero offers a degree of comfort – certain goal returns, spectacular hauls.

In contrast, I’m currently putting faith in a transient cast of mid-price midfield differentials and the theory that, eventually, investment in a strong defence and squad will balance things out.

It’s a gamble and probably a huge error but it’s definitely more “interesting”.

Perversely, I’m enjoying it while it lasts.

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

  1. NATSTER
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    To Play ?

    A: Simpson
    B: Bellerin

    1. Pariße
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Bellerin

      1. NATSTER
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks Paris.

    2. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Simpson. Chelsea will score

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

      Simpson, Leicester good cs chances

    4. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I actually feel about starting Simpson too.

  2. Devils Hunter
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Guys need suggestions ...

    Who to bench and who to captain ...

    Hennessy , Butland

    Wollscheid,Souare ,Simpson,Targett,Ryan Bennett

    Özil,Mahrez,Yaya Touré,Payet,Alli

    Lukaku,Kane,Aguero

  3. Numb
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    I think the overall average will out score the FFS average this week.

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      🙁

    2. Pariße
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A low scoring GW imo

      1. Numb
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        For the template yes, but I have a feeling the overall average could be boosted by players like Rooney, Costa, Barkley, Ighalo and Vardy - most of whom are being shipped on here.

        1. InBetweenDreams
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Way to build enthusiasm just before lockdown Numb... 🙂

          1. Numb
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            Better to expect the worst then anything else is a bonus 🙂

    3. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah. It's really possible.

    4. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Happy Christmas Santa!

      1. Numb
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Ho ho ho

  4. Evasivo
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Which one to play?

    A) Schmeichel
    B) Gomes

    1. Pariße
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A

      1. Evasivo
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks Paris

  5. SirStevieG
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Play Cresswell or Bellerin?

    1. BecAuse79
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Bellerin

    2. Evasivo
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Bellerin

    3. InBetweenDreams
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Bellerin

  6. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Last gw I was deciding between kun and Kane for captain. Went kun and came out on top. Same dilemma this week. Do I stick with kun or twist to Kane?

  7. BecAuse79
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Bench who ??

    1)Payet
    2)Alli
    3)Mahrez

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      AoA?

      1. BecAuse79
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        yeah why not ! 🙂

      2. WWW.
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Haven't you been saying that to everyone? 😛

    2. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Not Payet. Then coin toss.

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

      2

    4. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Alli if you have Kane.

      1. BecAuse79
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I do

    5. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Easily 2

    6. InBetweenDreams
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Alli

  8. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Play Huth or Bellerin?

    1. Tshelby
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Bellerin

  9. Tshelby
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Hey

    G2G?

    Myhill
    Bellerin, Dann, Toby
    Payet, Ozil, Alli, Mahrez
    Kane, Lukaku (c), Ighalo

    Butland-, Walcott, Cresswell, Bennett

  10. Sting
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Start Bellerin or Moreno??

    1. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Liverpool will concede on another corner kick.

      1. InBetweenDreams
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Bellerin sadly

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

      Bellerin

    3. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      had same dilemma yesterday, but started Moreno

  11. ThatAsianGuy17
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    play francis or nyom?

    1. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Francis.

      The new Baines

  12. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Ok to play Bellerin, Simpson and Sagna over Zouma and Ward?

    1. Sting
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    2. Porkchops Johnson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yep

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

      Cheers!

    4. InBetweenDreams
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yep

  13. hillbillypete
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Butland (LEI away) or Elliot (Watford away)???

    first to five

    1. Sailboats
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      butland

    2. HonestBlatter
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Elliott for save points

    3. InBetweenDreams
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Butland x 5

  14. Mark-O
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Guys, your captain is....?

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

      Kun

    2. adidasOriginals
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Kaku or Aguero - still going potty about it switching every half hour

    3. Porkchops Johnson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Lukaku

    4. drughi
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Payet

    5. Mark-O
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      What a dilemma 🙁

  15. adidasOriginals
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Play 3 of these 5

    1 - Smith sunderland
    2 - Bellerin CHELSEA
    3 - Dier palace
    4 - Delaney TOT
    5 - Targett man u

    I'm on 1-3
    Ta!

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

      123

      1. Porkchops Johnson
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        123

    2. Sailboats
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      235

  16. 1966 was a great year for E…
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Which one to bench?

    A) Simpson (STK)
    B) Moreno (nor)
    C) Daniels (Sun)

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

      B

    2. Porkchops Johnson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. adidasOriginals
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      C

    4. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      B

  17. drughi
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Bench one of alli and mahrez ? I just can't make up my mind

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

      Alli

    2. Test Eagles
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I've benched Alli

    3. Dot Polka Dot
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Mahrez

    4. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      neither can I

    5. Springbank
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      depends if you also have Kane. If yes bench Alli

  18. Lizard Lips
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Granvilles gone top 50k GW10 to nearly outside the top 1 million - and there was a time on the ScoutCast where Mark thought he wasn't going to catch him - show hows quick things can change. He's made 3 changes this week, hope it pulls off for you fella! We'd all love to see you back on the ScoutCast soon.

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Slurp

      1. InBetweenDreams
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        lolz 😉

    2. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      The best scoutcasts are when one of Mark or Granny do really, really badly.

    3. Numb
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Some of the decisions that Granville make have me screaming "NOOOOOOO!!!" at the radio.

      1. Numb
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        *or modern day equivalent

        1. InBetweenDreams
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          I miss Granville's whingeing and Mark/Jonty doing their very best not to laugh

  19. Porkchops Johnson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    A) Kolarov - > Huth
    B) Kolarov->Huth + Ighalo->Aguero -4

    1. Porkchops Johnson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      if A I will do Ighalo->Aguero after this GW

  20. TheFootballHub
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    mirallas or johnson

    1. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Rather have a blank space.

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Lol

      2. TheFootballHub
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        who would you choose then

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Not sure.

          1. TheFootballHub
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            I've got payet, mahrez, ozil, alli and arnie and looking to change alli for a differential

            1. Jafooli
              • 14 Years
              10 years, 1 month ago

              Nah keep Alli for sure and play ahead of Arnie.

      3. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        😀

  21. HammersFan
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    So my def this week is

    Daniels PvA jags (toby targett)

    Ok or safer to play Toby?

  22. Lizard Lips
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Gosling or Fuchs first sub?

  23. jam sandwich
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    RMWCT

    Howard - Boruc
    Darmian - Azpilicueta - Fuchs - Ake - Pocognoli
    Silva - Wijnaldum - Fletcher - Yaya Toure - Sanchez
    Rooney - Costa - Afobe

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I don't like it personally. Keepers are |\_\||>\€_$

      Pocognoli is not nailed at all, I think Evans will play LB with Ollson at CB (as they've done previously).

      Fletcher not a good 5th mid option really. Not sure on the City mid double up - you need Agüero!

      Rooney + Costa > Agüero + Lukaku

  24. Tomas Brolin ate all Depays
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Captain Lukuku or Aguero

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      First time I've seen this asked.

      Aguero.

  25. tabby98
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Hennessey Schmeichel
    Moreno Bellerin Walker Simpson Wollscheid
    Alli Willian Firmino Mahrez Ozil
    Kane Lukaku Aguero

    Who to start and who to bench??
    Play AOA?

  26. Kroos69
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    KROOS69
    Help needed badly please!!

    Pick 2 to play and reasons why

    a) KDB

    b) Alderweireld

    c) Bellerin

    THEN either

    Butland or Hennessy?

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

      AB

      Butland

  27. The Hindu Monkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    bench one of

    kevin, mahrez, silva, payet, ozil

    lukaku, kane, igalo

    has to be payer doesn't it?

  28. GreatCarragherReef
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    ighalo to kane for free?

  29. XxtraLrg
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    gtg?

    deGea (Butland)
    Sagna, Toby, Moreno (Cresswell, Bellerin)
    Ozil, Mahrez, Payet, Wijnaldum (Alli)
    Kane, Aguero, Ighalo
    thanks

  30. Sting
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    I have 2 FT and about to lose them.

    Dann > Daniels??

    1. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    2. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yes