[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. Brap.
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    NO DEFOE SHOCKER!!!!!

  2. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Just brought Pedro in ahahahah

    1. VS10_
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Same, it's over anyway soon. Who cares.

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

      SuperSUB

    3. MTPockets
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Ditto. I blame King.

  3. The Rock
    • 17 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    No Mustafi, not even on bench.

    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Damn. Not good for clean sheet prospects

  4. diesel001
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Josh King a legend for releasing injury news before deadline.

  5. the snazzy viking
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Brought in Vokes 8 seconds before the deadline for a hit.... this could go terribly wrong or terribly brilliant

  6. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Alonso TC lets go 🙂

  7. b✪mber
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Pedro out, but (C)osta to do the damage!!!

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

      Is Pedro on the bench?

  8. Les Bleus
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Ugh Gabbi

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

    No Giroud. Delighted

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

    Looks like all my players start *whew*. Got rid of Gabbi + King for Crouch and Cout so that worked at least.

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

    Absolutely bricking it, no Chelsea attacking cover other than Alonso...

  12. Jay_
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Gabbi to Giroud -4 instead of playing JWP. Sick. Panicked

  13. Tshelby
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Now Wenger does play Gabriel..

  14. Sp0rting
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    *checks bench*

    Oh bugger.

  15. Blue Gaffer
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Played Gabbiadini in case he trolled me.

    Seems he managed to troll me anyway

    1. makaveli123
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      My 1st sub. Coming in for King 🙂

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

      Me too. He has been a disaster.

    3. Spab
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      He'll come on, miss a pen and get sent off.

  16. Ninja Škrtel
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    goddamint!! where's Gibbs???

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

    Oh my god I think I have a full first 11.

    Instantky retreat starting Caballero over Cech. At least Koscielny starts though

  18. Fowler23
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    So kings account was not hacked by Julian Assange ?

  19. makaveli123
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Nice, Nice, Nice.

  20. threeputt
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    who are these guys ffs and fml I keep hearing about ?

  21. b✪mber
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    how long does the update take - there's a team I really wanna check?

  22. dogtanion
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Dele Alli starts...double digits incoming lads

  23. TheTinman
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Update it already hahaha

  24. Lizard Lips
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    We just got rid of one of the world's best players on trophy day, at home, to one of the worst Premiership sides I have ever seen.

    This is going to hurt, alot.

    1. Teahupo'o
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I feel sick.

  25. Teahupo'o
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    This is a really shiit way to end a season. Not having deadline 30 minutes before KO's instead of the exact time teams release lineups is downright ridiculous.

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

      I totally agree

  26. TaiwanHC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Hazard hahahaha

  27. TooDifficuIt
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    hazard lol

  28. ★Kuntheman★
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Did King>Pedro to block, and I still feel good about it

  29. Sim Simma
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    So I sold Cedric for nothing..No hit points at least

  30. Scoring freely
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Is Pedro even on the bench?

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

      YES SuperSUB