[sbu_large_image] Opinion
29 April 2017 2051 comments
Mark Mark
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Another double Gameweek and another example of how our quest for the spectacular can backfire.

The majority of the chatter seven days ago surrounded the “potential” of strikers Benteke, Rashford and Negredo, backed by investment in Zaha in midfield.

And yet, while three of that four failed miserably, it was again a steady goalkeeper and a defender – David De Gea and Daley Blind – who provided the bigger hauls.

We saw the same just weeks earlier.

We moved mountains to invest in Sergio Aguero and Manchester City’s exciting wingers in Gameweek 27, only for Pep Guardiola’s attack to be frustrated by Stoke City, as Lee Grant and Erik Pieters top scored with 13 and 14 points.

It seems we can’t help ourselves. When a double Gameweek rumbles into view, our priority is to aim big – go for the Hail Mary.

We become dazzled by the potential for three digits and to find it; we covet a collection of attacking options which may just provide the “mother load” of returns.

Pinning the tail on that particular unicorn is a thankless task. This time it was Benteke, but with a cast of mediocre imposters, it turned out that our Gameweek 34 investment was better spent on the reliability of Manchester United’s defence.

With just seven days to go before we again plunge into a Double Gameweek scenario, I find myself wandering into the same trap.

My Wildcard line-up is currently constructed around retaining Alexis Sanchez and acquiring Eden Hazard alongside my three Spurs attackers.

I’m making changes at the back, but the idea of sacrificing an expensive attacker in order to bolster the defence hasn’t really been considered.

Sanchez and Hazard could well deliver big over their Gameweek 37 fixtures, but, arguably, it’s far easier to isolate defenders and keepers who will safely edge into double figures.

Willy Cabellero, Laurent Koscielny, Marcus Alonso, Jan Vertonghen – these are all assured assets who could and perhaps should produce 10+ hauls and, if we can possibly find a secure starter in the United and City backline, they provide additional names for that list.

I’m one of many settling on two knock-off Southampton centre-backs, alongside a cast of budget single Gameweek assets.

Fearful of missing out on a key attacker, I’m obsessed with chasing expensive targets who could well be destined to follow Negredo and Zaha down a 4-point cul-de-sac.

Double Gameweeks dangle the spectacular but often allow the steady and unfashionable to prevail.

Maybe I need to show some restraint, so in a bid to wean myself off “Hollywood moves”, I’m bringing in Martin Kelly today. Transfers don’t come more unspectacular than that.

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

2,051 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. money face bandwagon
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Walcott worth a punt over sane?

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      no. Pedro better one if any

  2. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Lukaku make me proud on your last GW

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

      Not last for me, but I hope he will do best for the golden boot.

  3. A Defender's Nightmare
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Who replaces Bertrand in Saints line up?

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

      Bertrand will start...

  4. Swinner
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Huge regret I didnt benchboost last week and net 31 pts! Lesson learned and WC active - think those that wait could be picking poop from Lord mayors parade - i.e. season over / price rises!

    Carbo, (Jak)
    Bailly Alonso Yosh, (Verto, Holgate)
    Firmino, Hazard, Alli, King (Carroll)
    Kane, Costa, Gabbi
    £2.3 itb for Sanchez n Moreno GW36-37

    Currently 65K Goal to make into 30K where I'd already have been if I bench boosted 🙁

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

      PS - Who to Captain? Gabbi or Kane?

      1. Dr. Mantis Toboggan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Had Gabbi all week, Kane now.

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

        Kane. Spurs will really be up for this and Arsenal defence looks on bit of a shoogly peg

  5. Pariße
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    I think Agüero was so wasteful on Thursday, Gabriel could certainly start tomorrow, a personal theory. Thoughts?

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

      I'd be more concerned about the three day rest

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

      agree - lottery time again

    3. money face bandwagon
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Could be.

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

      Gabriel looked so dangerous when he came on, luckily low ownership still but certainly tempted to ship lukaku for him, even for a hit

    5. Dr. Mantis Toboggan
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I think Jesus may well start but not because of how Kun played.

      1. Pariße
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        He looked really dangerous right away and they could play together as well.

        1. Dr. Mantis Toboggan
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          This. Also Pep's apparent preference for Jesus over Kun long term

  6. Simon69
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Good to go for this GW? Thanks!

    Jakupovic

    Bailly, Valencia, Clichy

    Alli, King, Sanchez, Zaha

    Benteke (c), Kane, Lukaku

    Subs: Cech, Son, Holgate, Marc Wilson

  7. NATSTER
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Take [-4] for Valdes -> Calballero now or later ?

    I'm currently with Jaku + Valdes.

    A: Take [-4] for Valdes -> Callbalero now

    B: Take [-4] for Valdes -> Callbalero on GW37

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

      Just do it now

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

        Thanks. It made me doubt over myself for several hours.

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

    Help with (c) please......

    Tekkers
    Gabbi
    Kane
    Hazard
    Alli
    King

    1. *sigh*
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I have those 6 and I'm going Kane C Tekkers vc bud

    2. Clifford☯
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Kane

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

      If it helps I'm 99th
      Currently on Tekkers

    4. AA33
      9 years, 3 months ago

      King

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

      Kane

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

        That helped 😆

  9. *sigh*
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    RMWCT

    Pickford Cech
    Kompany Monreal Smith Yoshida Stephens
    Sanchez Hazard Alli Sane King
    Kane Gabbiadini Benteke

    Money in my sock drawer to change Tekkers to Jesus tonight. Any good?

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      very nice!
      maybe some downgrades in def to get Alonso?

      1. *sigh*
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Got rid of Alonso this week to upgrade defence lol!

        1. Lone Wolf FPL
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          🙂
          I pick Alonso I go low budget defenders like caballero and gabriel

  10. AA33
    9 years, 3 months ago

    CAPTAIN KING OR GABBIADINI???

    1. Junior ⚽
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      GABBIADINIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

    2. WE GO FOR IT
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Gabbiadini

    3. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      KING GABBI !!!

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

    Anyone keeping Silva? Tempted to swap him for Mahrez. Already have Aguero and don't fancy two man city doubts for the same game.

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

    Benteke or Afobe on a WC? If I get Benteke I'd be selling him after this GW.

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

      Get Jesus

      1. Tansey
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        For this GW?

  13. Z
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    A) Stephens & Zaha
    B) PVA & JWP

    1. Coaly
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      A this week

  14. MFC86
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    I really want Aguero because Boro are terrible and he always scores against us, but this Jesus talk is worrying me

  15. Fer Fuch's Ake
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Who to bench? Cheers

    a- Son
    b- Zaha
    c- Townsend

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

      c and hope for the best I think

  16. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Bench 1 of these lot:

    Pieters (WHM)
    Davies (ARS)
    Siggy (mun)

    Opinions appreciated. Currently on Pieters....

    1. Junior ⚽
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Pieters

    2. Fer Fuch's Ake
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Davies

  17. Clifford☯
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Blind Or Vertonghen ?

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

      Probably Blind if no other UTD

  18. ONSIDE 9
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Final decision on WC

    (a)
    Vert, Sanchez, Costa
    (b)
    Azpi, Ozil, Kane

    Thinking b myself just because Kane more likely to score while Chelsea have better defensive fixtures than spurs. Any thoughts? cheers

    1. Clifford☯
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

        cheers

  19. CloudSky
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Will Kosc play?

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

      Arsene definitely hope he can make it.

  20. Espen8
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Monreal worth the extra money? Or just go for Gabriel?

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

      I've gone Gabriel.

      1. Espen8
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Mustafi back for 37 worries me

    2. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      depends. if you can do something nice with the money than maybe

      1. Espen8
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Can play Afobe instead of Barnes in 36 (BB in 36 TC in 37)

  21. boc610
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Celtic fans thinking they are hot sh** in the most unbalanced league in Europe . 60m spent, next down is rangers with 10

  22. Olee
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Captain one:
    A: Benteke
    B: Kane
    C: King

  23. Junior ⚽
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Last time
    Start
    A) Heaton (cry)
    B) Pickford (BOU)

    1. Cathal Cantona
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      b

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

      B

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

    Captain Kane or King?

    1. Pariße
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Kane

  25. Cathal Cantona
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Kompany over Alonso??

    1. Junior ⚽
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Yeh

  26. afs2239
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    BOURC
    PVA Stephens Robertson
    Alli firmino Coutinho Hazard
    Jesus Lukaku Kane

    (PICK - Ward (burnley ) - Gibson - Fraser)
    no ft , 1.0 bank
    GTG ?

  27. Crouching Tiger
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Bench 1st)

    a) Capoue (LIV h)
    b) Davies (ARS h)

  28. Give The Todd Some Love
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Absolutely hilarious that Rangers' two best players are 37 and 38

    1. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Never has you down as a fan of Scottish football.

      1. Give The Todd Some Love
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Lol I'm not, just watching the Old Firm to pass the time

  29. WE GO FOR IT
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Last question to sort my WC team:
    A. Caballero + Stephens
    B. Jaku + Cedric

    1. Licious Lizard
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      a

      1. WE GO FOR IT
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers! 🙂

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

      Caba+Stephens imo

  30. sminkypinky
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    All you drafting Gabriel in not worried about his gametime?

    1. Funkyav
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I would love to get him but i cant see him starting both in 36 and 37

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

        Who will start the other what do you think?

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

      I'm not worried tbh, even if he comes on as a sub he looks so dangerous, add that to the fact that Pep loves him. It was worth a risk to me

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

        Mate...

        1. Ziro
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          looooooool 🙂