Predictably, the punt on Aleks Kolarov burned me.
I’m now wondering if Manuel Pellegrini will stick another nail in that particular coffin by running the legs off Gael Clichy and leaving Kolarov on the timber at Carrow Road. Of course, it would serve me right.
Jonty and others will rightly point out that, by pinning hopes on an uncertain starter, I’m inviting such disappointment. But then they have to understand the motives behind such a move is an attempt to break the stranglehold held by those who stick to those who stick to the “rules” and the season script so rigidly.
Last week’s Preamble set out my manifesto and the gamble on Kolarov epitomised it. Typically, with Yaya Toure picking up an injury and missing today’s early kick-off, both my Gameweek 29 moves look squandered and complete failures.
The script said go with Ashley Williams and Gylfi Sigurddson and, lo and behold, that would have proved profitable and had me sitting here now with 11 certain Gameweek 30 players and not the potential for just nine. I deviated and paid the price.
So, one week on, my policy is under question already. I’m now forced to turn back to Sigurdsson to replace the stricken Toure and live in hope that both Kolarov and the fading Matt Targett turn up.
Just like the “no Aguero” stance before this, it looks like I have to take a step back and establish a firmer platform before I can contemplate another roll of the dice. I need to shelve my urge to take risks.
There are more exciting options than Sigurdsson open to me – Josh King and Marko Arnautovic have been considered but I’m fearful that, should I wander from the expected path again, I’ll be dealt another cruel setback.
This season seems to dish out regular punishment for risk-takers, a fact that makes Andy G’s season all the more extraordinary.
A guest in this week’s ScoutCast, Andy has been fuelled by Leicester’s remarkable campaign but is a Fantasy manager determined to walk a tightrope, regularly rebuffing expected transfers to plough his own path.
His achievement provides me with some hope that outside-the-box thinking can still reap rewards, but my own remains testament to the fact that it has proved tough to find success when you surrender to a reckless rebellious streak.
