[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. JÆKS ⭐
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Sold Hazard and JWP, because i thought they wouldn't start.....

    1. Jay_
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Same

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

    I knew I should have brought Hazard in

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

    coutinho playing deep?

  4. HD7
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    So just bought Giroud before the final second... benched

    1. Kun Tozser
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      He'll come on, score the winner

      1. HD7
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        okay + 3 baps please

  5. MikeHawk Pulauwin
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    here we are again..

    woah its flooding, help i can breath, King is out!!

    lol calm down folks im sure you all have a good bench and you just want to confirm you will be OK. Moreover people like me who want to take a hit that actually come to this site for suggestions, not just RMT!!! but more. thank you anyone who wants to help out? ill be surprised if any one knows what to do. Lady Luck.

    a. fab
    b. sig
    c. sane
    d. son

    1. MikeHawk Pulauwin
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      yep.... still no answer.

      who knew?? lol

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

    So after all that, pretty much no-one of any consequence is "rested"

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

      Yep

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

      Pedro?

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

      Rival has Cahill.

      Yesssss.

    4. rivercityransom
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      jaku, robertson, gabbi, origi, cahill, pedro

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

      Gabbiadini. Defoe

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

      Been saying it all week about hazard and alli.. kept both
      Gutted Cahill is out tho, was gonna do him and king out to bring in couts.. ah well!

  7. smix
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Oh damn ! King & Pedro both missing

  8. thunder_mike
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Wish I got in Benteke or Zaha looking at that Utd team.

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

    I sold hazard for cout & got gabbiadinni on bench for king....this is not good!

  10. Dušan Citizen
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Hazard will get hatty today, oh God 🙁

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

    I think Alli may bite a few people in the ass this afternoon.

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

      in a good way?

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      *Son 😉

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

        I hope he does well

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

      Kinky

  12. Ted Bovis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    No King

  13. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    No King in Bou squad? Playing AOA. Will a defender come on?

  14. RÏɠBY
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    these 'recommended' boxes between the article and the comments are rather annoying in a UI kind of way

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

    hazard starts,all the best sellers

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

    Coutinho told by his girlfriend to go deeper today

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

      Not even funny

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

      cancer comment

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

        Yours is worse.

        F off.

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

          umad scrub?

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

        Mate. Stop using the word 'cancer' that way

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

          bhahahahahahaha

  17. Belli2007
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    I knew Giroud was a risk but just didn't listen to myself!!!!

    Can't remember who I TC'd now either, switched between Kane, Sanchez and Coutinho so many times in the last few mins my memory has just gone to pot.......

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

    Firmino to score the most this week

  19. ralfb
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Why is giroud not playing?

    1. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Because he wasn't picked.

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

      Crap?

  20. IRBOX ⚽
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    -4 for Giroud. Ouch

    1. Belli2007
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Likewise. Typical

  21. Bouncebackability
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Never more have I wanted a Hazard hatrick.

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

      +1

  22. George Sillett
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Hilarious that Hazard starting.

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

      Was just people inventing a reason to bring Coutinho in. Odd.

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

        It was Hazard playing the full 90 last game when he's usually subbed

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

      he needs to get back to match fitness 😎

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

    Disaster. Anyone else playing Gabbiadini and dropped Hazard? This is going to end very very badly 🙁

    1. Guy Demel
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Gabbiadini was gone if he promised a start and 2 goals

      He's dead to me. Never again.

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

        Same.

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

      No, but Gabbiadini is coming in for King ahead of the inevitable clean sheet for Yoshida...

  24. Hana
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Thanks to King's announcement I transferred him and Cahill out for Coutinho and Holding. Great to see Cahill on the bench.

  25. the Penman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    So now we ask the question about All Out Attack: will a defender get subbed in for King?

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

      yes

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

    keeping hazard with my rank could be a huge jump if he gets going this afternoon.

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

    No Giroud dodged a bullet there

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

    No 'king King?!

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

    if i only i heard the king news before my FT

    could've had

    Cout-4 instead of Llorente

  30. camarozz
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Ffs. Thats what ya get doing someone a favour. Was collecting furniture for a friend and only realized king was out. Probably cost me ML .

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

      de-friend that scum

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

      Friends before FPL surely

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

        This. It's not like you were collecting furniture for King himself.