Opinion

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 38

The final day is such a bittersweet experience.

The anticipation and excitement can go off the scale on days like this but, equally, we know that an almighty comedown looms once the whistle has blown and the final set of bonus points drop in.

For all the frustrations that Fantasy Football can inflict, in a matter of hours, we will be lamenting the end of another season and already chattering in anticipation of the next, as we begin the process of burning time till August.

Today has so much in store. At the very top of the FPL we could well be treated to one of the most thrilling finales in memory.

While we’ve witnessed tense conclusions to the season before – most notably Tom Fenley’s one-point victory in 2013/14 – I can’t recall us heading into Gameweek 38 with just two points separating the top two managers.

Many of us are experienced Fantasy managers, and, at various times we’ve doubtless flirted with the upper reaches of the FPL rankings. But we can only imagine how it must feel this morning to ponder the decisions that could make or break an entire season. No pressure.

My best wishes to go out to Uwais Ahmed and Ben Crabtree at the very top – and to the chasing pack that gives chase.

Closer to home, I’m dealing with my own agonising choices.

I’m in reach of a top 100 finish – just five points adrift. But now I must decide on what it will take to carry me over the line, while at the same time hold off Torres Magic who continues to breathe down my neck in the Mods and Contributors league.

Since nudging into the top 500, I’ve calmed my aggressive transfer policy and, in the main, it’s worked.

Slowly but surely I’ve cautiously edged up the rankings to be close to my target, but now I’m wondering if there’s merit in ending the season with one last hurrah.

I’ve felt subdued in recent weeks. It’s felt like my fire has gone out and that I’m simply plodding over the line without any degree of flair.

But today’s heady mix of sunshine, tension and ten concurrent fixtures may just tempt my maverick tendencies. I might just commit to a hit and see if I can’t find a more spectacular route over the line.

Regardless of the outcome and the inevitable feeling of flatness when the final ball is kicked, I will look back on this season with much fondness.

We’ve all be tested and challenged, and I can’t recall a campaign that has demanded more “management”. We’ve rarely been able to settle on our squads: Harry Kane aside, at one time or another, the merits of each and every heavy-hitter has been questioned. There’s been no “fire and forget” options, no essential bargains that offered us a lengthy shelf life.

While luck – rough or smooth – has played its part, I believe the experienced and studied Fantasy managers have had the opportunities to prevail, but we’ve had to work to call this season a success.

For me, that’s how it should be. Looking back, I can’t help but think that Messrs Vardy, Mahrez and Alli were too easy on us last season; it felt more satisfying this time around.

Now we can look ahead. Prepare for new names. Make lists, study numbers and swear that we will never repeat this season’s mistakes.

Only one thing is certain – I’ll be back here with the flame burning once again. I hope to see you too.

Enjoy the day.

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

3,279 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Giovanni Giorgio
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    Just heard the King news.
    King --> Lallana -4? Bench alternatives would be Carroll (WBA) and Gibbs (EVE)

    1. umerlfc
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      Do it

      1. general_franco
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 27 days ago

        Is Firming playing?

  2. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    Anyone else on the Studge(c) boat with me?

    1. Lizard Lips
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      I would have been but got to chance Gabbi now that King is out

      1. Mick J
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 27 days ago

        Gabbi (c), you mean? That’s brave.

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      Good shout, I don't have him though

    3. HonestBlatter
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      Is he starting?

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 27 days ago

        I think he will.

    4. sk018
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      Ohoy - doing the same to catch leader!

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 27 days ago

        Good luck lad.

    5. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      Yep

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 27 days ago

        Losing Harry was painful but needs must , Gl LR and all

  3. umerlfc
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    Albrighton or Stanislas?

    1. Gerci
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      Same decision here

    2. Bored Bear
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      me too. thinking stan as on pens

  4. Lizard Lips
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    iamjoshuaking
    Got a small injury so not playin

    100% out in case people wondering

    JOSH KING NOT PLAYING

  5. UnitedFan
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    What's the appeal of Lallana?

    1. BobBradleysOpportunity
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      playing further forward with Coutinho playing deeper

      1. UnitedFan
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 27 days ago

        Would you go Sane or Pedro over him?

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      playing right behind Origi+Studge according to team news section

      1. UnitedFan
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 27 days ago

        Would you go Sane or Pedro over him?

    3. President Giggs
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      Price, fixture, something to play for

      1. UnitedFan
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 27 days ago

        Would you go Sane or Pedro over him?

  6. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    King benched, who should take his place?
    a) Davies
    b) Gabbiadini
    c) Stephens

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      A

      1. FPLtfs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 27 days ago

        cheers 🙂

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      A

      1. FPLtfs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 27 days ago

        thanks you

  7. Junior ⚽
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    A) Hazard King to Fabregas Coutinho -4
    B) Alli to Coutinho and Start Yoshida
    Bottomed

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      B still

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      B

    3. Junior ⚽
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      Thanks

  8. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    A)alli, ozil
    B)lallana, sanchez(-4)
    C)cout, ozil

    1. Rash
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      C

  9. Batshuayi Crazy
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    King > Sane or Fab?

    1. Mick J
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      If you can afford it, sure. I’d go Fabregas!

  10. Shultan
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    I have king/bertrand yellows
    & haz/gabbiadinni who dont think will start...this is not a good end to the season

  11. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    A Fabregas and Coutinho or
    B Fabregas and Sturridge

    1. Chicken-Mandy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      B. think sturridge is the man to have this week

    2. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      A

    3. Swanny18
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      A

  12. Chicken-Mandy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    fabregas pedro or lallana.
    whoever gets the most responses is going in my team
    please help haha

    1. umerlfc
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      Lallana

      1. general_franco
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 27 days ago

        Lallana

    2. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      Fab

  13. acidicleo
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    One last question for this season guys...

    Sanchez Alli Sane Coutinho King*
    Kane (c) Jesus (Barnes)

    1 FT II 2.5 ITB

    Cant have city,spurs or arsenal as maxed out.

    A) King to?
    Fabregas or someone upto 8.3

    OR

    B) Barnes to: LLorente / Vokes or someone upto 7

  14. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    A) King > Milner FT
    B) King, Maguire > Lallana, Tuanzebe -4 (bench strength)

  15. Swanny18
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    Is Fab more likely to start than Haz?

    1. Geezer
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      Hope so

  16. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    Chance of Origi starting?

  17. Blue Gaffer
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    Play Yoshida or Gabbiadini?

  18. deppman007
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    A) Kos -> Matip
    King -> Lallana

    B) King -> Lallana
    Alli -> Coutinho

    Both -4

  19. Clintymints
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    A King > Fab

    B. King > Willian

    C. Play Monreal (Have cech in goals currently, but will put Caballero in if Monreal plays)

    Thanks. Can't decide!

    1. FPLtfs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      is A or B for a hit? Then C. If its for free, then A

      1. Clintymints
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 27 days ago

        For free. Yep. Like the fab punt myself but the other one is probably safer!

  20. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    what happened to King?

    1. FPLtfs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      small injury, won't start.

  21. F4L
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    Fabregas or Pedro?

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      neither

  22. Ravager
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    King + Gabbi > Crouch + Coutinho (-4)? Alternative is getting Alli out for Cout.

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      Alli for free

  23. FPLEL
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    Eriksen -> Coutinho?

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      I've done it but more to cover rivals as leading by 12pts

      1. FPLEL
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 27 days ago

        Yeah so I'm 90% sure a rival has brought Cout in and doesn't have Eriksen. I'll do it.

  24. seanie3
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    Have 6.2 who to bring in for king

  25. Dušan Citizen
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    CAPTAIN JESUS ANYONE???

    1. HappyMonday
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      Let's do this!!!

  26. Totti
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    final decision plz need your help
    A) get coutinho and sturridge instead of alli and gabbi (-4)
    B) get sturridge and cesc instead of alli and king (-4)
    C) other suggestion

  27. Cantona90
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    King out for -4? Holding is first sub.

  28. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    Any other team news other than King?

    1. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      WHU line-up leaked a few pages ago (yaaawn)

  29. Sid07
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    Help
    1) 3-5-2
    Haz + king to fab + coutinho
    2) play AoA
    Haz + king + gabbi to fab + coutinho + giroud(-4)

  30. Debauchy
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 27 days ago

    A grim GW to be a chaser ( 37pts)

    Harry out , Sturridge Cpt done
    GL all

    1. HonestBlatter
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 27 days ago

      Costa (C) to close similar gap. Now the hopes high that he will start his final game in Chelsea

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 27 days ago

        GL Zig