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

    two of my rivals in two different MLs don't have sanchez & kane respectively
    though both have zaha as their differential
    Hoping SanKane can get me through!

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

      What kind of 'rivals' don't have Sanchez and Kane?
      You need tougher leagues TRD.

    2. v12w12
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Ideal

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

    So hammered that I am playing a Burney defender instead of Soton one... Man, will it backfire me?

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

      Still hammered from last night? Or working on a new one?

  3. Moose™
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Lads, can you vote who to win this H2H playoff?

    A. Fonte of Youth

    B. ImbaEleven

    Link: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/leagues/standings/954614/h2h

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

      Yes.

      1. Moose™
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Which one yes? 😀

    2. F4L
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Fonte of Youth fo sure

      1. Moose™
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Please no 🙁

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

      Not Fonte of Youth.

      1. Moose™
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Yes!

    4. FP El Wonky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I fancy ImbaEleven but thats going to be an epic battle by the looks of it. Imba's double-double up on chel and ars defence could backfire or be a total winner.
      Have fun mate! Best of luck whichever one is your team.
      They are both solid.

      1. Moose™
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Mine Imba's. But, Ake not playi g, thus, I will have Stephens coming in. Or, pray Ake get a late brace! 😀

        1. FP El Wonky
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Hope your bench covers for that, MyBad thought ake was in the mix

    5. Sarin
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Good luck to you Moose and others.
      I took immense risk with double Mancity and Saints . your Hazard and Sand should keep quiet

      1. Moose™
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Hey mate! Its gonna be a bloodbath. Goodluck to you. You have a good OR already, let me win this thing, okay?

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

          Ha Ha. all i need it to end this tiring long exciting journey with a green arrow. 🙂

          1. Moose™
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Hopefully Hazard and Sane goes big tonight.

            It is 40% chance for me to win. Your team looks a bit better tbh.

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

    Joey Barton in the Dream Team 😕

    *Red Flag: Suspended - unknown return date

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

      Bet you he won't be in there at the end of the day

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

    Overall leader did Alli to Lallana and Sane to Coutinho for -4, interesting.

    1. Deeney-is-a-god
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Sounds stupid to me, but the again I am not overall leader

    2. TopMarx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      yeah surprised at selling Sane and taking a hit. I did King to Lallana so that gives me some confidence

  6. Lav
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Wow I am stunned. Missed out on the King news so I didnt take any hits.

    Rival 13 points behind took a -12. Has KDB and Aguero(c)

    I got Sanchez + Kane(c)

    Win that battle and I am set 🙂

  7. Jayv807
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    28pts ahead in ML

    My rival has Keane, McCauley, King and Anichibe out so 10 players max. I matched his Kane captain as well so am cautiously optimistic!

  8. F4L
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Its a sad day, an end of an era 🙁

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

    Have faith, Gabbi owners.
    Austin will only manage 60 mins.
    Late goal from Gabbi on the cards.

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

      I'll be rooting for this if Southampton concede.

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I hope he stays on the bench.
      Got Yosh coming on if he doesnt

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

      Own goal probably.

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

    This it folks.

    38 grueling gameweeks. We have fought, made love, squabbled, kissed and made up, cried, laughed, some have even been neurotic to the very end, but what a compelling season and for many, including myself, this gameweek has the power to make or break our season goals.

    Hope your seasons finish well, and if not, remember it is only a game and hopefully we all have the greatest gift of all, rude health, and be back here to roll the dice for next season. God speed amigos!!

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

      Cheers Liz

    2. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Rude health blud

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

    Who will score more Alli or Azpi, what do you think? Kept King over Alli, so not great start of the week...

  12. I am 42
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    any chance for chelsea to do a 6-1?

    costa, hazard 3 each

    1. I am 42
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      my h2h opp capped costa too lol

  13. Luton_Fan
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    jesus why did i do that last minute move king to pedro for a hit. i better not be 'kane'd by albrighton who i could have played instead. my other transfer better be 'fab'ulous. Come on Cesc.

  14. Liastro ⭐️
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone beat 35 total transfers this season?

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

      60

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

        But "total transfers" includes jigging around on a WC right? So it's not particularly useful

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

          More useful to count hits.

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

      36 here. 2 hits.

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

    Aguero still got 18 goals this season. If his price becomes realistic next season e.g. £11.5m then he will be an option.

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

      can't see him staying at City tbh

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

      He's been pretty consistent and a reasonably reliable captain option, he just hasn't been explosive enough to justify the price tag. You could be right.

  16. TorresMagic™
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 17 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Good luck everyone 🙂

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

      Thank you. Good luck to you as well!

  17. zelio78
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Always nice to see that the captain choice you've mauled over all week is switched without notice on the morning of the final matches.

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

      Mauled?

      1. zelio78
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Mulled but I feel like I've been mauled.

    2. MTPockets
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Grrrrr

  18. Son of Rambo
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    King to J.Rod went well...

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Same. Well we kind of deserved it for still trusting Puel 😆

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

    Only one player was in my team in GW1 and GW38...

    Riyad Mahrez 😎

    1. Konig Luther
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Pickford here.

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

      KDB and Vardy

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      None here

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

        Hazard here

        1. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Haz to Cout this morning, otherwise I would have had Haz for both.

    4. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard for me.

  20. F4L
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Kun hattie today for old times sake

  21. umerlfc
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    One of Sturridge Costa or Vardy to get a hat-trick today

  22. La Roja
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Origi may not make the bench, injured

    Source: bEin

  23. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Was King flagged before the deadline ?

    I missed it if he was, but no biggy as i've got Monreal coming off the bench.

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

      He flagged himself

    2. Konig Luther
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      he said he wouldn't play today

    3. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, it broke here c30mins beforehand. Maybe 5ish on Fpl.

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        thanks, I last checked about 30 minutes before deadline.

  24. HVT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Dead zone already?

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

      Everybody's whimpering in a corner from Post-Traumatic Stress

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

    Need a Kompany goal

  26. boc610
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    hope you enjoy Alexis today gunners fans. you may never see his like at the club again.

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

      Hopefully. He deserves better.

  27. I am 42
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    anyone hoping for kane to blank too?

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Ville Ronke for one.

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

      No (c)er

  28. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Stanislas my nice little differential these past 3 weeks 😀

  29. F4L
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Ville Ronke ded?

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Saved FT for GW1

  30. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    SEASON

    greatest sanchez

    worst phillips/gabbiadini

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      greatest - Alli

      worst - Sanchez / Hazard