Opinion

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 22

I’m on the attack and seizing the initiative. Either that or I’m making hasty and foolish transfers, as a slave to the rapidly fluctuating player prices.

The jury is still out; you can decide.

On the back of a couple of strong Gameweeks and a healthy rise in rank, my solution to maintain such momentum is to throw away four points and bin my most valuable squad asset. Jermain Defoe has departed, gently shaking his head and muttering something about being involved in 70% of Sunderland’s goals.

I look away, put my hands over my ears, and soak up some Romelu Lukaku goals on YouTube.

The erratic Belgian arrives back in the fold to no doubt bring joy and frustration in equal measure.

Costing me just 7.1 back in Gameweek 4, Defoe’s prolific scoring was always a pleasant bonus. At 9.5 and with a four point hit bundled in, there’s rather more pressure on Lukaku to perform: I’ve got big expectations.

Come 4.50 this afternoon, the sheer folly of this latest trade may reveal itself, but at least I can be content that Defoe’s departure sits well with my policy this season. When the opportunity arises, when my head and gut align to reveal a potentially profitable move, I will go with it.

“Faint heart never won fair lady”, which in my world equates to “the timid will struggle to earn green arrows.”

If I had a notch on my bedpost for every green arrow won so far this season, my bedpost would be decidedly scruffy, and any fair lady foolish enough to see it would wonder why I keep a chisel under the mattress.

There’s also extra motivation to show such courage: my mini-leagues have become a factor.

It’s just like the old days when Granville’s Fantasy Football habit wasn’t distracted by the real world and making decisions that actually matter.

In recent seasons I’ve either been too far behind or ahead to concern myself with rivals, but this campaign has been very different.

I’m currently chasing Torres Magic up one ladder, and some upstart called Owen Hargreaves in another.

That’s brought a new determination and an opportunity to monitor and act on an opponent’s decisions. There’s new interest in every Gameweek and pressure on each decision. This is what brought me to Fantasy Football all those years ago; it feels good to have those feelings revived.

Those knowing glances with Granville in the office are currently replaced with throwaway exchanges in the comments at 1am. It’s a rivalry that spans timezones – not the same but welcome nonetheless.

Overall, it feels like I’m in touching distance of a memorable season. I’ve probably already made enough “correct” decisions to have banked a credible rank if I now play to the percentages. It might be wise to give in to “dullard” tendencies but I’m trying to resist.

For now, I’ll stick to the plan. Take a few hits and a few risks and see where it gets me.

At least if it all goes awry, I can just log off before Torres Magic wakes up. He can’t hunt me down in the office kitchen like Granville used to.

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

1,290 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Clump
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Alli captain gamble, sod it.
    Spurs on fire. City are pants.

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      That is still pretty ballsy though. Good luck!

      1. Clump
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Ta

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Good luck! Do you have any chelsea or arsenal attackers out of interest?

      1. Clump
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Only Hazard.

    3. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Bad move.

      1. Clump
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Doh. Stuck this week. Could captain a hat full. Lallana, Hazard, Ibra, Alli and more....

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Hazard is the one. Wish I had him.

          1. Clump
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            Drives me around the bend. Selling next week.
            Cue a hatty 🙁

            1. FPL Virgin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 4 months ago

              I've had a very close look at the stats. Captain him this week.

              1. Clump
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 4 months ago

                You do know I'll have a (mild) grumble if it bombs? 🙂
                OK, it's a rare thing I'm swayed. The penalty thing could be a factor too. Hull are big slow lumps at the back
                GL.

                1. FPL Virgin
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 7 Years
                  7 years, 4 months ago

                  Heh-heh, I'll be hiding if it bombs. Hull have a big right back problem. Jonty posted two custom tables on Twitter to back this up. I'm assuming Costa starts and Hazard is on the left by the way.

          2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            You just said "I don't know what I'm talking about" when I recommended hazard.

            Yet your recommending himyourself now?

            1. FPL Virgin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 4 months ago

              sorry must have misread

    4. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Good luck Clump! Could work out.

      1. Clump
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers Berbs 🙂
        Who you on this week m8?

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Hazard. 😯

          1. Clump
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            Oh God. Do I wimp out and follow suit??
            Yey or neigh?

            1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 4 months ago

              I think hazard is the better pick to be honest....

              But alli isn't a bad one. Go with your gut!

    5. nonprophet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Good luck I went Phillips against Sunderland defense. Only thing with ali is, pep NEEDS a result. Maybe city will park a bus, a crap one but still

    6. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Go for it! Makes FF a lot more fun when you have an interesting captain!

  2. Viper
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    A. Carroll and Aguero - > Lukaku & Giroud (going without Kane). No hit.

    B. Aguero - > Kane. Save 2nd FT

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      B.

    2. Hurnt
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A

  3. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    GTG? Does the bench order look correct?

    Grant
    Brunt, Jones, Baines
    Sanchez (c), Phillips, Lallana, Alli
    Ibra, Costa (vc), Giroud

    Heaton; Chambers, De Roon, Rose

    1. Viper
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I'd play Chambers over Jones and I'd also play Rose over Jones personally.

      Chambers and Rose is a coin toss though

    2. notidaho
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good if you're expecting a ManC goal. Personally I'm playing Chambers as my 3rd striker is Anichebe

  4. T
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Taking out Hazard next week. Ali or Eriksen? Shall have to make my decision before tonights game.

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Mhave Ali, so Eriksen will get more points

  5. notidaho
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Spoilt for choice. Bench one please. Foster (SUN) is my keeper

    a) Jones (sto)
    b) Alonso (HUL)
    c) Monreal (BUR)
    d) Chambers (WHU)
    e) McAulley (SUN)

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Chambers imo just from jones... Maybe jones actually as utd could well concede, stoke playing well.

      1. notidaho
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks. I had McAulley benched so not to double up but not sure now

    2. Mr. Blonde
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Jones. He doesn't even come up for corners

  6. Lew
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Can anyone link me to an article about potential double game week / blanks?

    I thought there was one but I can't seem to find it anywhere...

    1. SGTMacaroni
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      community article

  7. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Start one:

    Defoe (wba)
    Eriksen (mci)

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      defoe v old legs

      1. Numb
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Defoe is old legs!

        1. Clump
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          🙂

    2. Viper
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Very difficult but I think I'd go Defoe(pens)

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Eriksen on TV this evening more bang for your buck. But you couldn't really bench either of those

    4. Mahesh_Kumar
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Crazy. You have to play both

  8. Rajveer
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Thinking of playing AOA...worth it guys?

    Valdes
    Alonso Daniels ( Friend Ake Amat)
    Sanchez (c) Eriksen Lallana Stanislas Phillips
    Aguero Lukaku Rondon

    1. DaddyPig
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah looks a good week to. Pretty useless chip so just go for it!!

      1. Rajveer
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks man

  9. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Captaining Giroud over Sanchez madness?

    1. SGTMacaroni
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      not madness

    2. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Not really no but for me yes

    3. Rajveer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      No not a madness but there is a chance giroud might be rested tomo

    4. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I'm hoping for a Giroud haul... 2 goals and assist or 2 assists & a goal... Sanchez is just too good, he could do anything, 2,5,12 or 20+ points, hard to predict.

  10. thepeen555
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    G2G??

    Grant
    Walker, mcauley, Daniels
    Hazard, Sanchez (C), alli, Phillips
    Kane, kaku, Defoe

    Holebas, Clayton, Kingsley, Jaku

    1. SGTMacaroni
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      yep

      1. thepeen555
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks man

  11. SGTMacaroni
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Aguero + Negredo -> Kane + Lukaku (-4)?

    1. Tomlette Greggs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      like it

    2. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Exactly what I did yesterday so yes

    3. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Spurs got at least 3 extremely favourable matches after this weekend that I went forward on last night

    4. Rajveer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Best possible -4 that..

    5. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      NICE transfers

  12. Mr Dave
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Dropping Sanchez for hazard madness?

    1. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    2. Rajveer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      What??

    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      mad mad mad

    4. DaddyPig
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Just WHY?!

    5. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      You don't need the "for hazard" piece... And the answer is always yes. I haven't had alexis at all this year & it has killed me, preparing to eat humble pie after deadline today & get him in for Haz.

  13. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Here is where the current top six rank in the Premier League according to shot conversion (excluding blocked shots): Chelsea – 2nd Tottenham – 9th Liverpool – 3rd Arsenal – 1st Manchester City – 5th Manchester United – 16th

    Hull have given away 10 penalties so far. One more penalty and they will equal the all time premier league record.
    Harry Maguire can't stop hazard .

    Wish I had hazard this week !!

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      My capitano.

    2. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Love the username btw exactly what I do week in week out lol

    3. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Omar might start at RB. He is capable of stopping Haz.

  14. Differentiator
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Repost as bottomed...

    Captain Z

    Question is, Play Grant (H) or Heaton (A)

    1. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Play the home keeper.

    2. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Stoke will likely win 2-1 imo but Burnley will let in more

  15. RicardoAVFC
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Antonio or Phillips BENCH?

    Ibra out for Costa -4 ?

    1. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Probably Phillips

      And no

      1. RicardoAVFC
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        You think bench Phillips?

        1. thepeen555
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          I am unsure on it but if I was to go with gut I would say play ant cause he will likely be the one to do something for West Ham

    2. Tomlette Greggs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      play Phillips. surely.

      No to the second move.

  16. sminkypinky
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Foster
    Alonso Jones Chambers
    Haz san(c)h Phillips Lallana
    Giroud Costa Ibra

    Gtg or play with captain option?

    1. DaddyPig
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      GTG

      1. sminkypinky
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Ta

  17. kalk
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Who to play?

    a. Holebas
    b. Friend
    c. Walker

    Thanks guys!

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      b

  18. Jönny
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Made it this far without making a transfer... Really considering a last minute move of Ageuro to Kane. Yay, or nay?

    Foster Pickford
    Alonso Holebas McAuley Amat Pieters
    Sanchez Pogba Phillips Stanislas Alli
    Aguero Ibra Anichibe (0.8 ITB)

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Pogba to Coutinho/Firmino. Keep Aguero for this week.

      1. Jönny
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Just got Pog in last week, fancy giving him a little run as a differential.

  19. screamopilla
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Giroud to Costa or Lukaku for a hit?

    1. Mr. Blonde
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      NO

    2. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      If u have Sanchez maybe to kaku cause they got some favourable matches, if u not got Sanchez then defo no

  20. sminkypinky
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    OT:

    Just finished Black Mirror third season. Splendid!

    1. notidaho
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      this

    2. MTPockets
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Agreed.

    3. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Nothing good ever happens 30 minutes before the deadline

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Not true. Earlier in the season I found Iheanacho was starting at 11:29 away to Man United, got him in he scored + assisted. 😎

        1. The Overthinker
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          This can be exception, can't it?

        2. Hurricane Gilbert
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          And got subbed off early 😉

        3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Any time i hear Iheanacho's name i shudder. He was the worst transfer i have ever made to replace Charlie Austin back in Dec... He got about 10 points in 5 games (while aguero was banned so he should have been starting) and also lost me 0.4m of TV. Just going for Defoe or Origi would have had about 15-20 points more and 0.6-0.7m more TV.

      2. sminkypinky
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        I just switched cap from Haz to Sanch....

      3. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        This

    4. Mulla
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      With Nyom not certain to start I'm concerned about a cameo..

      Would you start Holebas instead of him ??
      Alonso .Baines are my other starters, cheers.

      1. DaddyPig
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah probably wise too.

    5. Shaikh91
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Stuck between ibra or Sanchez for captain.... Help?

      1. Forza Papac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Ibra for me. Burnley will put up a good fight against arsenal

    6. FootballDog
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Play Rose or Chambers?????

      Got Sanchez but will captain Haz

    7. Lecky Legs FC
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      My squad all finalised for this GW GTG lads?

      Grant
      Alonso McAuley Friend
      Ali Hazard Phillips Sanchez
      Ibra Origi Giroud

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Bench:Pickford,De Roon,Holebas & Love

    8. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      2 quick questions:

      I. Which transfer to do?
      A. Capoue -> Coutinho/Pogba/Firmino/Barkley/Pedro
      B. Negredo -> Costa/Giroud

      I. Who to play?
      1. Holebas
      2. Walker

      1. steelbangle
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        1 A with LIV mid
        2 Walker (best defense and assists potential)

        1. WE GO FOR IT
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          coutinho/firmino?

      2. DaddyPig
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        A- Pedro
        B- Giroud

        2

        1. WE GO FOR IT
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          A/B?

      3. WE GO FOR IT
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        thanks both

    9. JC343
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A) Coutinho & Gray

      B) Giroud & Stanislas?

      1. Ibracadebruyne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        B

      2. Mr. Blonde
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        B

      3. DaddyPig
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        B definitely

    10. Redkev1892
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Guys..who would you replace siggy with? I have hazard, eriksen, Philips, Capoue &

      1. RapidViper
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        I got Pedro.

    11. kalk
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Who to play?

      A. Friend
      B. Walker

      Thanks guys!

      1. DaddyPig
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        B is more exciting!

    12. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Allen to
      A- Stanislas
      B- mirallas
      C- hold
      All transfers would be for a hit

      1. Ibracadebruyne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        A or C

      2. WE GO FOR IT
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        B

      3. MTPockets
          7 years, 4 months ago

          a or c