[sbu_large_image] Preamble
27 February 2016 1243 comments
Mark Mark
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We are all united in hoping for the great divide.

There has long been this theory that missing fixtures and double Gameweeks drive a wedge between the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) player base. That blissful ignorance or the distractions of “everyday life” mean that a section of FPL managers are left ill-prepared.

This season, that wedge could be thicker than ever.

The new “Chips” introduced, presumably to maintain interest and offer a route back for trailing managers, are now ours to exploit to the fullest.

From the very start of the season we have earmarked them as weapons to be preserved for the situations that are now looming.

We see them as potential gamechangers, conjuring visions of triple captain hat-tricks and bench boost double Gameweeks that bring 40+ points from the timber.

Similarly, we hope that those around us are left scratching their heads and cursing the day they wasted their “triple C” on Harry Kane’s blank earlier in the season.

Yet all this feels just a little bit wrong.

It is bad enough that the machinations of double Gameweeks may well be lost on a proportion of FPL managers. It feels worse that we now have the tools to punish them further.

Talk of “casual” FPL managers is often shouted down on these pages. While I argue that it is futile to claim that there aren’t more “casual” players of FPL, I also reject an elitist approach to playing the game.

I want to welcome new players, I want more to play and enjoy it. And yes, hands up, of course I want more people in our community and reading our pages.

That leaves me torn on this current situation where we are left revelling in the potential that, as FPL managers wise to double Gameweeks and the use of Chips, we now hope to have the opportunity to gain a huge advantage on others.

I want the points and the climb in rank, but I don’t want to feel I’ve somehow gained that through the complexities and exploits created by the game.

Maybe a level playing field is a foolishly optimistic utopia: there will always be those who take FPL management that little bit further. Again, this site exists to embrace that.

Perhaps I should snatch at these opportunities to exploit the time we invest in absorbing information and sharing knowledge.

But part of me is hoping that, with Chips in play, the double Gameweeks don’t prove quite so devastating.

Part of me is worried that that scenario could drive a wedge between FPL managers, which we could struggle to remove.

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

  1. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Pick two to bench:

    A. Dawson
    B. Daniels

    1. Alli
    2. Ighalo
    3. Mahrez
    4. Sanchez

    1. Klip Klopp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      First time at the top. Feel like i've achieved something. Mum I hope you're proud

      1. JoeJitzu +42
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Enjoy the moment and the celebrations tonight, couldn't be more of a worthy receipt of this.....

    2. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A.
      4.

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

      A
      1

  2. Camp No No
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Let's repeat the most important question of the day, that I initially posted under wrong article:

    How's the weather? Fear of matches getting cancelled?

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Dunno

      1. Camp No No
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks! That settled it!

    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      The scaremongering would be off the scales if any were in jeopardy.

    3. SamH123
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      weather is fine, seems pretty unlikely anything will be cancelled for the rest of the season

    4. Camp No No
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks! Haven't been following at all. It's all fine then, I should have 11 starters and my team is good to go. Good to go to trashbin, probably, but g2g nonetheless.

  3. Je suis le chat
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Any word on De Gea's fitness?

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Dunno

    2. Tatty Bojangles
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No news but the fact he wasn't even on the bench on Thursday is a big worry. Couldn't take the risk so had to transfer him out.

      1. Je suis le chat
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Might do the same, Butland the likely one.

        1. Tatty Bojangles
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Butland is who I transferred to. Probably the best fixtures until the WC.

  4. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Chasing 70 points. Know that he's capping Kane. Dunno whether to cap Kane or Ozil. 🙁

    1. Camp No No
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Mahrez?

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Oh, didn't think that one. You going Riyad?

        1. Camp No No
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Going without him killed my season. Let's say, if I have him for this gw he's 100% my captain

    2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      kane and hope the rest of your team is the diff

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Pretty identical 🙁

    3. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Mahrez(c) ftw

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        I should listen to you tbf

  5. Shiner
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Forster
    Fuchs / Bellerin / VVD / Alderweireld
    Sanchez / Mahrez / Ali / Payet / Arnautovic
    Vardy(c)

    Bench (Aguero/Lukaku/Oxford)

    3.3 itb - Am I good to go with this or any obvious moves?

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      G2g

  6. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    aroooooogaaa

    1. BadgersBoys
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I miss that.

    2. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I agree

  7. the Penman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    #reflective

    #existential

    #crushthecasuals

    1. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Wrong site

    2. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      #no

    3. BadgersBoys
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      #justburntmytoast

  8. S.Kuqi
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Those chips are ruining H2H. My casual opponent just told me him using 3C against me this gw.

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Wouldn't be first time this season 😐

    2. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Omg

    3. Chucky
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      He's trolling you

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Doubt it. Two of my friends have done the same this season against me.

    4. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Trump him use your BB.

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Tempted. Currently 2nd in h2h league and winner gets 200€.

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

    Scouts Pick Challenge entries go go go
    http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/12750528

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No no no

  10. 1569Tippins
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else captained Eriksen?

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

      Was thinking about it. Too risky.

      1. 1569Tippins
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Who you gone for Poch?

          1. 1569Tippins
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            It looks good

    2. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Seems a decent choice, but not as good as Riyad

      1. 1569Tippins
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Was originally on Riyad and Vardy vc... I've got too many choices this week

        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Don't have C and VC in the same game. Just asking for trouble.

  11. Chucky
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Sod it.. Costa(C) ftw 😎

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      *ftl

  12. Arteta
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Firmino > Alexis and bench Ward?

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No

  13. ZakAFC_
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Mahrez or Vardy Captain?

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Mahrez

    2. Egg noodle
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      V

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

    Was this is a leap year does that mean there's an extra GW this season?

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No, there is just a triple gameweek for Inverness Caledonian Thistle

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

        So that's what ICT stands for

    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Reported

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

        And rightly so. 'Was' is meant to be 'As'

  15. PGR
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else captaining Ighalo? Or is that just crazy considering his form?
    I'm chasing a massive lead in my ML and leader doesn't have Ighalo

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No, yes

  16. emperikal
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Play three from this lot?

    Ward - Dawson - Rose - Va Djik - Francis

    Currently on the first three. Is 0-0 too much to ask for in the Palace-West Brom game?! lol

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Ward Rose VVD

    2. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      First 3

    3. Spike ⚽️
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Ward Rose VVD

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

      Cheers fellas. West Brom's home defensive record hasn't been great so will go VVD for goal threat

  17. Eden Azzzar
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Vardy or Mahrez more points??

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Mahrez

  18. Tatty Bojangles
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else take a hit this week? Seems most stuck to FT or 2FT.

    Possible De Gea injury and no alternative playing keeper forced my hand.

    Firmino, Lukaku, De Gea > Vardy, Mahrez, Butland -4pts

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No

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

      I had 2FT and took a hit to get DDG out. Still think it will work in my advantage though..

      1. Tatty Bojangles
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        If he misses today he's also got a blank in GW30. Butland/ Forster/ Schmeichel the safer options.

  19. JayBomb
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    pick 1 to play

    A Evans
    Or
    B Berty
    thanks for help

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A

  20. In Like Flynn.
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    On the preamble.

    You could equally argue against wildcards giving those that concentrate an "unfair" advantage, but that is what the game is about.
    The same as keeping up with injuries and suspensions, managers rotation and who is playing in the European Cup leagues.

    I like the chips or at least the idea of them, even the false hope of the AoA.

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Agreed

    2. Tatty Bojangles
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      They are a nice iteration for the current game. Wouldn't be opposed to some other small changes every few seasons or so.

    3. Egg noodle
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Agreed. They give an advantage, but its not really an unfair advantage.

      The only chip I've used this season was the AoA and one of my attackers didn't feature at all 😡 What a waste..

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

        I just think it's ironic that the chips were designed as tools to keep folk's interest when, in reality, I think they are just going to highlight the gap between those who dip into the game and those who go deeper. I'm pretty sure that wasn't the intention.

        1. Art Vandelay
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          The Casuals will still remain interested. I think you are confusing "interested" with "successful"

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

    Vardy (Chav)

    1. BadgersBoys
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Vardy (C)

    2. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Mahrez(Chav)

  22. @FPL_Audit - Romano
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Play Azpilicueta (sou) or Dawson (CRY)? Have Courtois in goal

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Daw

  23. fiveyears
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    When you're trying to decide between Mahrez and Vardy for captain, and you see that Neil Swarbrick has only given one penalty all season...

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Vardy doesn't need pens to score a brace

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        and now he is actually fit.

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

        To be fair I am much more tempted by Vardy. I've been on him for a while now.

    2. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Good point

    3. BadgersBoys
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      So who did you decide on then?

    4. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      So he's due?!??! 😯

      1. Eden Azzzar
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        My friends wife expecting a boy

      2. Garlana
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        This

    5. Eden Azzzar
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Who is on penalties now

      1. The Gambler.
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Vsrdy

    6. fiveyears
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      But then you see the person who scored that penalty? Jamie Vardy...

    7. Villan14
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      he needs to catch up then and give some more!

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

        Norwich penalty then... 🙂

        1. Villan14
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          toushay! 🙂

    8. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Let's hope he'll be generous today.

  24. Villan14
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Does anyone have a link to the balmers articles on DGWs? I cant see it in hot topics anymore, thanks

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Someone will

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

      Is that a young Gabby Yorath?

      1. Villan14
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        can't remember who it is, had it years ago on here

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

    Butland
    Fonte - Huth - Alderweireld
    Sanchez - Ozil - Mahrez - Payet (v) - Alli
    Vardy (c) - Kane

    Hennessey - Daniels - Ward - Aguero

    gtg?

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      G2g

  26. 50pipsDaily
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Gosling to Arnautovic for free? Goot to go? Or just save.

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Do it

  27. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Butland or Forster?

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Buts

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

      No

      1. BadgersBoys
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Ah.. 'to'. Buts

      2. Hansel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        does that mean you vote forster? I have wolly too

      3. Eden Azzzar
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Forster

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

    Why was Man United vs West Ham postponed from GW35?

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I dunno?

    2. The Gambler.
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Well spotted!

    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      They play each other in the FA Cup so whoever wins will have a Cup game that weekend

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

        Thanks dude

  29. Samwise the Brave
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Vardy or payet captain?

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Vardy

  30. Sjaugen
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    How are the panic levels today?
    Psst guys go Mahrez captain

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    2. twoplustwo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Triple!