[sbu_large_image] Opinion
21 May 2017 3279 comments
Mark Mark
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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 Login to Post a Comment
  1. You Must Be Jokin Ere
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Best wishes to all today - whether it be battling for Mini Legue cash, Head to Head fnals or an overall Rank goal.

  2. c10™️ ⚽
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Any chance DDG will start????

    1. trinzoo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      No

    2. Tomlette Greggs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      very slim, since Jose's already said Pereira should. I'd still start him in my FPL team if I had him though, long as I had another playing keeper on bench.

    3. c10™️ ⚽
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I have DDG and Pickford

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

    Love that FPL tweeted King's potential out and caused more point hits. 🙂

    1. HazardAGuess
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I actually am glad about this, too. I took an unnecessary hit this GW, just in case one of my starting 11 didn't start.

      That's just me being selfish though 🙂

  4. Hooky
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    The King is dead, long live the Stanislas!

  5. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Tip of the day...

    Make sure you got a decent bench for last game of the season

    1. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Two saints defenders qualify as decent?

      1. Here's Tom with the We…
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Vokes Vert Holding here!

      2. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I think so

        1. walkman666
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks for the reply.

    2. Hooky
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      King was first on my bench.....

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

      Eve, any advice?

      A. Hazard & Gabbiadini - > Sturridge & Fabregas

      B. King & Hazard - > Coutinho & Fabregas

      No hit for either

      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Hmmm...

        I would ditch Gabbi as a starting point, and king now if he's out.

        What are your options if they go?

      2. Phillips
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I'm now looking at B for a hit. I'd lean towards that.

        I'm guessing Gabbi would have been benched in scenario A.

    4. Jam0sh
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      EVS. Your thoughts about Hazard and King -> Coutinho and Fabregas for free?

      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Sounds decent if not for a hit.

        I don't fully buy into the Haz no show mind...

        1. Jam0sh
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers. I was going to keep Hazard and do Alli -> Coutinho before King news broke out. Now getting rid of Hazard seems more sensible as I can get better replacement for King. Glad I've got 2 FT's banked for this final round.

          1. united07
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            @JAM0SH I'm thinking about the same transfers.. Do you think Fabregas is starting?

            1. Jam0sh
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              Nobody knows for sure but that's what I'm relying on

  6. Ha.
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    The number of people that struggle to read amazes me

    1. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I disagree. I prefer the larger bosom, but you're welcome to have your own opinion

  7. CAPTAIN CRESPO
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    I'm 10 points ahead of rival and have Hazard, King and Gabi

    Should I

    A) hazard - Pedro and king - coutinho (-4)
    B) hazard to coutinho
    C) gabi to llorente

    1. CAPTAIN CRESPO
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Stanislas for King also an option. Frees some money for Gabi replacement

  8. Flynny
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Who to bring in for king?

    Fab

    Willian

    Siggy

    Ta

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Ta

    2. Jam0sh
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      This is what I'm also thinking. Considering Fab

  9. LeicesterA
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    At King Power - did not see King on team coach, to back up that instagram post.

    1. Flynny
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Andy King?

    2. LeicesterA
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      The important one.

  10. Ravager
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Hennessey (Pickford)
    Yoshida Bailly Vertongen (Stephens Holgate)
    Alli Hazard Sanchez King (Albrighton)
    Jesus Kane Gabbi

    A) Alli/ Hazard > Coutinho
    B) Gabbi + King > Crouch + Coutinho (-4)

  11. zizoo10
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    king out

    A) Stephens
    B) Capoueeee

    1. arndff_
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      a

  12. The Red Devil
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Zaha (AoA)
    or
    Stephens +4

    1. arndff_
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      or

    2. muc1999
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B

  13. AzzaroMax99
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    So what to do guys? 2.2 idb, 0 ft

    1) Albrighton to Fabregas (-4)
    2) Anichebe to Origi (-4)
    3) Other option and what?

  14. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Jesus just posted this on instagram

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BUWpwA7Ft_W/?hl=en

    Que Deus nos abençoe e nos proteja - May god bless and protect us 😯

    1. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Injured?

    2. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I bet Jesus has a lot of followers

    3. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      WHAT COULD IT MEAN?!!!

    4. Geezer
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

    5. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Is he blessing us? 😯

      It's a sign, captain him!

  15. ASAP Rocky
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Capt. Kane or Sanchez?

    1. Tatty Bojangles
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      No idea 🙁

    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Either.

  16. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    What are king owners doing if you've already made transfers?
    take a hit or rely on bench player?

    1. HonestBlatter
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Pedro from bench and hoping that he plays

    2. arndff_
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      i've already made one hit so im goin to play stephens now

  17. Sz21
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Which of these would u bench?
    Yoshida, Stephens, Bailly..

    King injury is causing me to make a late change of plan.
    Pedro is in. Was going to get Matip.

  18. VDiesel26
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Cech or Caballero?

    1. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I've put Willy in. 😉

  19. afcblegend
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    What chance Bailly starting? Doesn't appear likely...

    1. VDiesel26
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Hes suspended from Europa league final so think he will start today

    2. Here's Tom with the We…
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Is he injured?

  20. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Nice sign off from Mark. I'll be back next season as well, I'm sure 🙂

    1. Dreams
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I hope to see you during the summer break too. Good luck with your recovery.

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. I'm sure I'll pop in now and again 🙂

  21. Sid07
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Please help

    1) play 3-5-2

    Haz + king to fab + coutinho

    2) play AoA

    Haz + king + gabbi to fab + coutinho + giroud(-4)

  22. Guendomeyang
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Which one would give more points?
    A. Costa + Voke + Zaha
    B. Kane + Ayew + Ndidi

  23. JaydenLFC87
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone know if Kos is playing today? Using my bench boost so would rather get him out if not confirmed

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      He trained yesterday so I would stick

  24. Dreams
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    All rights. Good luck ladies.

  25. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Best replacement for Gabbi please. 6.7 ITB.

    Thanks a lot!

    1. zizoo10
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      llorente 100%

    2. VDiesel26
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Llorente

  26. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    A) Haz & Albrighton -> Cout & Fab (play Gabiadini)
    B) Alli & Gabiadini -> Cout & Origi / Vokes (play Albrighton)

    1. arndff_
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      b with vokes

  27. FPL Maldini
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Is a -4 now worth it to get King out if you know your rival has him to?

    1. arndff_
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      nope

  28. JayC
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    lallana or milner?

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Lallana, but not much in it

  29. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone bring llorente in?

    1. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Done it !

    2. mash
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I did it last night, to play AoA. If I had waited, I could have replaced King with Sane or Siggy instead, gah. But Llorente could yet be a good option - I'm certainly hoping so!

      1. muc1999
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Yep

  30. Jamin
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Pedro or Fabregas?

    1. arndff_
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      fab