[sbu_large_image] Opinion
30 April 2016 1256 comments
Mark Mark
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Let’s savour these moments.

With just under an hour to go before we start tapping F5 having sent our boys over the line, let us put things into perspective.

Few of us have found this season plain sailing. I actually think this is a campaign by which Fantasy Football managers will be judged for years to come.

We may want to wipe it from memory but our ability to cope with the unpredictable chicanery of 2015/16 has proved a rare test.

For all the anguish, we’ll be sorry to see the back of it. Whilst we have Euro 16 to scratch the itch, we’ll miss these Saturday’s toying with transfers and soon be hankering for the headaches that distract us from everyday tedium.

In a few weeks we will be shopping for a strimmer not Kevin Wimmer.

We will be dreading the weekend barbecue amongst “friends” who barely acknowledge the merits of the beautiful game, let alone a complex meta game layered over the top that involves imaginary teams and yards of statistics.

We will crave concerns over Jurgen Klopp’s rotation when you’re forced instead to indulge in small talk with relative strangers, who politely humour your unhealthy obsession with a token opening line – “what about Leicester, then, eh?”

They really don’t want to hear your thoughts on the likely price of Riyad Mahrez next season. They just want you to acknowledge their gesture and allow them to quickly jolt the conversation back to talk of their safari holiday and their plans for the kitchen extension.

Think on this when you’re next driven to quitting Fantasy Football by the non-appearance of Philippe Coutinho. We really can’t afford to do without such anxieties; we miss them when they’re not occupying our headspace or wrecking our mood.

Admittedly, it’s been tough. The tortuous trials we have put ourselves through have combined to create a season of discontent for Fantasy Football managers.

Now this nine-month tale of the unexpected looks set to conclude in remarkable fashion.

Leicester’s fairy tale could be completed on Sunday. Their incredible achievement will surely touch even non-football fans, offering our friends and associates handy ice-breakers when they’re forced to engage us in conversation over that half-cooked burger.

As you nod courteously at their failed attempts to bluff their way through a stilted football chat, think back at that time you missed out on Sergio Aguero’s points and realise that without that unique brand of agony, your life just wouldn’t be the same.

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

  1. tm245
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Did I lose my way?

    Welbeck Kane LoftusCheek Milner out
    Defoe Carroll Pedro Payet in?

    1. Suarezista
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Welbeck -> Carroll definitely not worth a hit this week

      1. tm245
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I am wondering about that as well. Couldn't figure out the rotation with Giroud.

    2. Trigg ⭐️
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      No, I think that sets you up for the DGW!

      1. tm245
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        That's the plan, I need to be lining up as many TC candidates as possible.

    3. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Don't sell Kane though.

      1. tm245
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Had to.

        I am a chaser and he has been a nightmare all season for me. Rarely captained or owned at the right times.

    4. EmreCan Hustle
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Could have left Milner and Welbeck in this week.

      1. tm245
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Am thinking the same about those two as well...

  2. Zombie
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    So West Brom have conceded THE FEWEST headed goal attempts in last six matches....

    Wow. I don't feel so good about Carroll over Defoe now!

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Well they are giants but still fancy Carroll to get a goal

      1. Powers106
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        and an assist!!

      2. Zombie
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Yes of course but doesn't that make Defoe as good as Carroll, be negative a bit advantage Carroll had?

    2. Powers106
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      but WBA are also 19th in the form table so I'd say it more than cancels out... a hopeful Hammer here!

  3. OLEgend
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Deeney owners? Anyone??

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Plenty! My ML rival is captaining him...

    2. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Did Aguero to Deeney earlier

      1. OLEgend
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Really?? Chasing by 55 points. Defoe or Deeney to bring in for Pelle? Punting on Deeney, wish me luck

    3. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Here!

    4. GHB
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      About to put in ighalo for -4

      1. OLEgend
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Deeney on Penalties and nailed on is why iam picking him

        1. GHB
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          I reckon ighalo on pens today

  4. Boss Hogg
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Play Darlow or Robles?

    1. Marcin the Pole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Darlow

    2. Heels_Over_Head
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Darlow

      Robles not playing - scout tweets yo

  5. edfiasco
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    33 points off the top 10. Going to be in an aeroplane for the matches. Here's to a happy landing.

    Good luck all

    1. FPL Notebook (John)
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Last time i was on a plane during a gameweek was when i wrongly captained Aguero over Kane (15 point swing). Was a sad taxi to the gate

  6. Tokenbod
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Who to captain:

    A Ulloa
    B Kane
    C Hazard
    D Carol
    E Ozil

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      C

    2. Heels_Over_Head
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      E

    3. edfiasco
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      E

    4. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      E

  7. supervegeta
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    DDG or Darlow please guys?

    1. boombaba
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Ddg

    2. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      DDG

    3. edfiasco
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      DDG by miles

    4. supervegeta
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Thank you!

    5. supervegeta
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Maybe not by miles...

  8. Arvin-ation
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Which would you rather?

    A) Smalling + Firmino + Defoe

    B) Rojo + Mahrez + Sturridge

    C) Rojo + Firmino + Sturridge

    C needs either Bellerin---> Monreal, or DDG----> Mannone though.

    Thank you. 🙂

  9. MMN
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    A) Start Coutinho or Firmino?

    B) Sakho > PVA or Cresswell?

    1. Marcin the Pole
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Firmino and Cresswell

    2. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Firmino
      Cresswell

  10. Gerci
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    who to bench?

    DEF:
    Cresswell PVA Gabriel Clyne Simpson

    OFF:
    Mahrez Iwobi Özil Payet Firmino
    Sturridge Kane Agüero

    Im currently on Simpson + Clyne + Firmino

    1. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Gab

      1. Messiah Hazard
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        And Iwobi

      2. Gerci
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        and who would you play? Simpson/Clyne?

  11. boombaba
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Play smalling and de gea over manone and pva ?

    1. OLEgend
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Ddg and Pva

  12. Hammers Select
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Ighalo wants to score today in tribute to his dad who died on Monday.

    Get the armband on him lads

    1. Total Slotball
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Any striker wants to score... the fact is he's been dogshite for months.

      1. Hammers Select
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Bit of extra motivation this week tho. missed the funeral so he could pay dedication in this match

  13. ★Kuntheman★
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Firmino (c)? I want a differential. What about Payet or De Bruyne?

    1. boombaba
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      He may not even play or get a cameo

    2. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Payet out of those for me.

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Worth doing Payet or play safe with Sanchez if I'm chasing by 30?

        1. Arteta
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          If your main rival doesn't have Alexis I'd definitely captain him. I expect a lot from him against Norwich.

    3. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I'm benching him

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        You're not the only one. He usually starts for the games before Europa though...

  14. Trigg ⭐️
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    This is the 4th time I've owned Hazard this season 😆

    Hoping for first time returns!

  15. nkhoughton
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Which to bench pick 2

    A) Otamendi (a) sou
    B) Moreno (a) swap
    C) Cresswell (a) WBA
    D) Rose (a) Che
    E) Gabriel (h) Nor

  16. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    This is going to be a terrible week

  17. Bazzalona
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    i'm looking forward to a weekend when we pretty much know who will start.
    won't be this weekend like.........

  18. Heels_Over_Head
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    is there a Norwich fan in the house?

    1. edfiasco
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Sort of

  19. decisions
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Cresswell worth -4 or just play Simpson and possibly Suoare if Gabs and Firmino dont make it?

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      get cress

  20. The Mandalorian
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    The Pre-Match Preamble has me feeling a bit meloncholy, summer's almost here!

  21. ★Kuntheman★
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Captain Aguero or Sanchez? My ML leader will probably go with Aguero. Can I risk Sanchez?

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      yep

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Cool. Southampton are leaky though, Villa put two by them.

    2. That Was Easy!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Sanchez the much, much stronger pick.

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers Sanchez

  22. That Was Easy!
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    I'm 59 points back, we've both got TC left but he also has BB...do I throw in the towel and play for rank?

    Or do I captain Ozil over Sanchez? Or even Defoe, Kane or Lanzini.

    1. Moosie the Staggie
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Defoe

  23. GuillermoDickero
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Start one of these?
    1. Lanzini
    2. Simpson
    3. Van Aanholt

    1. That Was Easy!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Lanzini, surely.

  24. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Cheers guyz!
    Wish y'all luck with your teams
    Hope Sanchez scores 10 goals i.e. 112 points as a captain xD haha
    Hope for the best! 😉

  25. Paul Psychic Octopus
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Worth a hit this week to get a keeper to replace either Mignolet or Robles?

    Have no keeper by the sounds of it

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      only 4 mannone...and dubious

  26. Hurricane Gilbert
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    My biggest concern is Aguero. Will he even start?!

    1. yemzinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      yes imo. They still need a win

  27. The Man Pastore
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    G2G?

    Darlow
    Kosc l Gabriel l Cresswell
    Sanchez(C) l Lanzini l Marhez l Milner
    Aguero l Kane l Defoe

    Bench: Robles l KDB l Rojo l Dann

    1. Jet5605
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Doubt Milner or KDB will start otherwise looks good

  28. Jet5605
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone sensing a Sanchez captain fail? I can feel it in my bones

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Who you captaining then?

      1. Jet5605
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Sanchez.
        There are no other obvious choices

    2. That Was Easy!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Going Ozil 🙂

    3. Pompel
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      That would be failing to TC him, in case

  29. Razz1983
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Lads play rose or play lingard

  30. Epic Fail
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    All this extra time and people still haven't bothered to sort their team. 😀