[sbu_large_image] Opinion
1 April 2017 1657 comments
Mark Mark
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For all the noise surrounding double Gameweeks and chips, perhaps it’s weekends like this that really decide our season.

There’s no question that Gameweek 30 is a problem child. The usual methods just don’t apply. We have injuries and fatigue, the uncertainty of rotation ahead of a midweek programme and, on top of that, the fixtures conspire to reveal no obvious candidate for the captaincy.

It seems likely that we will see a sizeable split among the Fantasy Premier League managers – the armband is set to be thrown far and wide and, should one potential target break out with a haul, Gameweek 30 could be seismic.

I’m finding this troubling. While my decision making has been sound of late, it’s been founded on a wild, almost scatter gun approach to transfers – bring in 3-4 players and one has delivered big. For all its success, it’s not a particularly clever tactic and, to be honest, I’ve been riding my luck.

My natural instinct for Gameweek 30 is to regress back into the shell, hunker down and let it pass overhead. While some can say that this is a time to take risks, I see it from another perspective.

The “gamble” appears to be tied up in the armband – spending points on transfers alongside it seems somewhat unsound. I have to hope that, even if I get the captaincy wrong, I have the big scorers covered and can cushion the impact should one of them explode.

Maybe that helps make the key decision.

Those assets most capable of delivering double figure hauls are surely the most likely to create a sea change in Gameweek 30. Diego Costa, for all his consistency, has not demonstrated the output to wound his non-owners with a 20-point haul. Alexis Sanchez seems a more likely executioner.

Currently, that’s guiding my thoughts. I have Sanchez and, while I recognise City as a more than capable opponent, I also see a player with an insatiable hunger to impress – a talent that can override Arsenal’s current misery.

Gylfi Sigurdsson is my other contender. A different animal entirely; while he’s not as combustible as Sanchez, he has provided three double-digit returns at home and against “weaker” opponents. Middlesbrough fit that profile nicely.

Swansea City have to target three points and the visitors, under their new regime, have to start to show some ambition rather than revert to Aitor Karanka’s turgid tactics of the past. It will be edgy, but an early goal might open it up for Sigurdsson.

I’m pretty sure that he takes the corners, penalties free-kicks, announces the line-ups over the PA system and takes the nets down at the end of the day. Sigurdsson is Swansea – if there’s goals for Clement’s men, I surely have to get points from it.

Both Sanchez and Sigurdsson have delivered in seven of their last eight Gameweeks, which tells me that rewards are on the cards, regardless of where my dart lands at 11.29.

Owning both, along with the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Sergio Aguero, could just be vital to the damage limitation process.

It’s perhaps not one decision that will see my through Gameweek 30 intact; it’s all those previous moves that have helped me acquire a cast of heavy-hitters than can hopefully cover the weekend’s big scorer.

But if Liverpool go mad, I’m done for. The problem child will have thrown a vicious tantrum to wreck my weekend within the first few hours.

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

1,657 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    That's what he said....

    1. Sim Simma
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Fail

  2. Blue Gaffer
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Play:
    1. Milner
    2. Snodgrass
    3. Sell one for Pedro -4

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      1 for pens

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      3

    3. asy1mpo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Milner. On pens

    4. jayzico
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Personally I'd gamble with Pedro. Can't see the others doing owt, bar a highly risky Milner penalty possibility.

  3. Egyptian Giza
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    that's it. Siggy(c) locked, thanks Mark!

  4. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Will Lallana out affect pool?

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      He hasn't been playing well for a while but working hard buys you a ticket. In short, Lallana out might not affect Pool, but Lucas in definitely will.

    2. Gaffa914
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Maybe think we will score at least 1 today though

    3. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Hope so

  5. GoonerByron
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    This article has made me start to falter on my Alonso (c) choice.. Determined to stay strong though 😛

    1. Je suis le chat
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I'm an Alonso backer too. I'm chasing the holy grail of a defender captain haul. Good week to have a go.

  6. ARKHAM
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Siggy (c) for me today. Not convinced by the Alonso backers.

  7. Jigger & Pony
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Sanchez(c) then...

  8. Viper
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    I currently have the captaincy on Alonso. Is that just asking for trouble or is he actually a viable captain option?

    Sigurdsson the only real alternative I'm condidering

    1. GoonerByron
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      He has it in his locker to score/assist a couple, get a clean sheet and max bonus points.. That's a viable option to me!

    2. Kevtheotter
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Kun for me

    3. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Strong CS potential with attacking returns a possibility, maybe even bonus if Chelsea win and don't concede.

    4. Sim Simma
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Brave lad..why are you poking the beast ?

      1. Viper
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        I just think with the spread of captain's this week, a captain fail may be easier than normal to absorb

    5. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Can feel another 21 pointer 😉

  9. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    If in doubt, captain Aguero.

    1. GoonerByron
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      *Before this season 😛

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Word

    3. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Welcome to 2013 😀

      1. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Just downloaded internet explorer 😎

  10. Optimus.
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Team sheets should be fun this April Fools Day

    1. Aiden Mcgeady 😆
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Cab

      1. Aiden Mcgeady 😆
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Sorry, accidentally hit post

        Can pass off banable offenses as pranks

    2. Fred54
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I was about to say I forgot about April fools then realised I've brought Fuchs over Valencia...

    3. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      *mods crying*

  11. Runaway
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    G2G ?

    Pickford
    Alonso (VC) Valencia Holebas
    Mane Alli Siggy King
    Lukaku Caroll Vardy (C)
    Heaton McAuley DeRoon Amat

  12. Sims
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Guys some help needed here

    About to get hazard. Just seen his flag and got to know hat he is a slight doubt. Is he likely enough to start for me to get him?

    1. Darklord_bg
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Conte said he will play.

    2. Gaffa914
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      90% starting and captain him as well imo

  13. diesel001
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Just looking at YMA's article. FFS poll starts to be good from GW12ish onwards so will just follow that. Costa(c).

  14. palace ash
    • 17 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    A) Holebas (SUN)

    or

    B) Baines (liv)

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I'm going B because of nailedness

      1. Sim Simma
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        What now ?

  15. Fred54
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    My own mini pre amble..

    Maybe its because I'm having a really stressful period IRL - seemed to have developed random back pain and tinitus bad ebough it wakes me up at night just through stress alone - this period of rapid GWs after the Intl Break is more than a welcome distraction, its actually a pleasure.

    1. Je suis le chat
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Sorry to hear that. Stress itself might bring on back pain. A green arrow will hopefully assuage the pain.

    2. MTPockets
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Yoga.

  16. Federico
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    A) Sterling
    B) Tadic -4
    C) Eriksen -4
    D) Alli -4

    1. jayzico
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      B, C & D all worth a hit. But Sterling could do well this week, I see a few goals in that game.

    2. Ephurion
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Eriksen -4
      Owner, though, so hoping I'm right 😛

  17. Feed tha Sheep
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Get in Walker or Alonso?

  18. Emiliano Sala
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Ben davies captainers hands up

  19. Hurricane Gilbert
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Also choosing between S&S, can't separate them.

  20. JoeSoap
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Captain Aguero, Mane or Siggy?

    1. Darklord_bg
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Aguero.

      1. JoeSoap
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Currently on him.

    2. gomez123
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      im on siggy

      1. JoeSoap
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Was tempted to do him though Boro tend not 2 concede many so that is putting me off.

  21. Darklord_bg
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Final call!

    Captain:
    A) Costa (CPL)
    B) Lukaku (liv)

    Who to play:
    C) Brunt (mun)
    D) Fabio (swa)

    Thanks!

  22. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Wow ... Siggy is about to snap the goals imminent table in half!!!!! The table is groaning under the weight of his 18 goal attempts.

    But is he explosive???

    Very surprised that Jonty has overlooked his beloved Siggy to punt on Vardy, who has an unsustainable goal conversion rate.

    1. The Scholes School
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Good point! Thoughts on captaincy this gw?

      Vardy vs Costa? Someone else?

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Jafalad is talking a lot of sense this morning...

    2. Aiden Mcgeady 😆
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Vardy gets easier chances though because of the way he plays, unlike Siggy who takes plenty of pot shots.

      I'm sure an xG table for example would show this

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Vardy's goal conversion rate is unsustainable

    3. Jafalad
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Home ppg = 7.

      Yes in otherwords.

      Jonty has totally fecked up my season so I wouldn't hang on his every word.

      1. The Scholes School
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Haha

        Captaining Gylfi then based on his home 7 PPG?

      2. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Is that the highest home PPG in the league?

  23. GreatCarragherReef
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    McAuley to Ben davies worth a hit?
    Defense this week:
    Jaku
    Alonso, Valencia, Maguire

    Double hull worying me

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

      1. GreatCarragherReef
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        cheers, tough one

  24. denial
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Team FTW:

    Heaton
    Valencia Baines Alonso
    Alli Mane Siggy Sterling
    Costa(c) Lukaku Llorente

    // Maguire / Antonion / Coleman

    Would you play Maguire over Baines?

    1. athreya
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      No

  25. POWERPOD
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Pickford (Heaton)
    Alonso Valencia Maguire (Brunt, Amat)
    Mane(vc) Siggy King Son (Capoue)
    Kun(C) Lukaku Llorente

    0FT £1.7m ITB

    A) G2G
    B) I know I have him captained, but sell Kun and get Vardy for -4?
    C) Do the same as B but also sell Mane for Sanchez for -8?

    Cheers!!

    1. Sim Simma
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Play Heaton over Pickford and I'd captain Siggy over Kun

    2. athreya
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Save and change goal keeper. G2g

  26. LeicesterA
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Ok, sticking with Siggy (C).

    And holding off on doing Aguero to Vardy for -4, despite how attractive watching Vardy (c) may be.

  27. athreya
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    So Mark is playing son?

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Big Andt

  28. CoxysLeftBoot
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Bench one of

    Hazard
    Mane
    Sterling
    Alli
    Ward-prowse
    Costa
    Llorente
    Lukaku

  29. Scholes Balls
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    GTG?
    Courtois
    Walker Baines Fernandez
    Siggy Sanchez Mane Alli
    Lukaku (C)osta Deeney

    Bench- Jaku, Fabio, Carroll, Ranochia

  30. wycombewanderers
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Gomes, Valdes
    Valencia Walker Stephens Holgate Billy jones
    Sanchez Lanzini Alli JWP Siggy
    Vardy Lukaku Llorente

    Wildcard team above - any comments appreciated please!

    Have .4 in the bank to do Llorente- Gabbiadini or Deeney midweek. Thanks