[sbu_large_image] Opinion
16 December 2017 1623 comments
Mark Mark
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We all need luck over the course of a Fantasy season.

It doesn’t matter how much football we watch, how much data take in or the tools we have at our disposal, without luck as an extra and vital ingredient, our seasons may never make the jumps from average to good to greatness.

And when we experience luck, I believe we should acknowledge and respect it.

Fortune certainly smiled on me in Gameweek 17.

First, the injuries to Ben Mee and Stephen Ward set up my Burnley pair – Nick Pope and James Tarkowski – as unlikely defensive differentials.

I would have gladly just taken Mee’s absence, but when Ward limped off prior to half-time, I realised that the evening and the Gameweek was turning my way.

That was followed by Andreas Christensen’s withdrawal at Huddersfield.

As he trudged off to a wave a chatter on the site thankful that his clean sheet was locked in, I never really considered that this would come into play; that Chelsea would then concede late.

But my good fortune may have started before a ball was even kicked in midweek.

It’s not often that early transfers can pay off by rewarding us with more than a price rise, but my itchy transfer finger may have just worked in my favour.

With two free transfers available, I opted to use both on Sunday evening. Looking back, I’m not really sure why I felt so compelled to act early and, at the time, I felt it may just have been an error.

Swooping for Charlie Austin and Jonjoe Kenny, I had no real drive to act on Sunday. Both players were likely to rise, but not for another 24-hours.

Then Monday brought news of Alvaro Morata’s absence and, looking back, had I kept my two free transfers in the bank, I surely would have considered moving him out.

Like many managers, it would likely have been Roberto Firmino drafted in, either leaving me with funds sloshing around in my bank, or driving me into another unplanned upgrade elsewhere.

As it is, my unexplained Sunday evening transfers locked this option out and almost forced me to retain Morata. It saved me from hours of deliberation but may also lead to an even more prosperous chain of events.

I’ve no idea how this will pan out. Morata may just be benched today, Firmino could run riot at Bournemouth.

But I feel far more comfortable not having to hope for Antonio Conte to bench his striker, while relying on Jurgen Klopp to calm his own rotation policy.

It means I will now bank my latest transfer. It’s a cautious approach but sensible in light of the midweek events.

I have to acknowledge that luck was on my side this time but anticipate that things might just turn against me. My squad looks settled, so making a “vanity” transfers may just be tempting fate.

So I’ll sit tight and wait to see if Morata starts and scores to compound the events of my blessed Gameweek 17.

If I have welcomed luck into my virtual dressing room, I probably don’t need a transfer: I’ve already made my most crucial signing of the season.

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

1,623 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Baked baines
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    This team look decent for this GW?

    Speroni

    Christensen Otamendi Gomez

    Son Salah Hazard Silva Sterling

    Kane Rooney

    1. Epic Fail
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Soon find out I guess.

    2. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Ask in 2 days time

  2. Chancel my Mbembaship
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Alonso (C) ...I've been burned by this choice before though

    1. caio89
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Good luck, I went with Kolasinac (C).

      1. asquishypotato
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Good luck to both of you, bold but could work!

        1. Chancel my Mbembaship
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Thanks. Fortune favours the brave (read: lucky)

      2. Chancel my Mbembaship
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Nice, I have him too. Could work out - the game will be a bit more unpredictable without Ramsey.

    2. jia you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I was so tempted to do this but went with Kane(C), GL mate!

      1. Chancel my Mbembaship
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Jese' even against City? Surely their prowess limit his probability of a haul. I benched Eriksen because of this. Thanks though, and likewise: good luck!

        1. jia you
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I feel he will get his chances in this game, Spurs need a big performance against a top side and it might well come this evening! Kane is looking fit at last and is a goal-scorer full stop, also on pens, City are only human I hope, so why not 😉

          1. Chancel my Mbembaship
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Nice, I like your positivity! I admit I didn't like benching my Spurs players. But having Sterling too I didn't want to bet against myself. Kane is definitely the man to bet on, if any.

            1. jia you
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              I have Kane(C), Alli (don't ask) and Sane so it should be a very interesting game for me! 🙂

    3. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Not sure who I went for. Either Hazard or Salah.

      1. Chancel my Mbembaship
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Both good safe options either way!

        1. Cilly Bonnolly
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Whoever it is will blank. Literally haven’t nailed a Captain in a couple of months.

          1. Chancel my Mbembaship
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            That feeling when the faith pays off though...

    4. Chancel my Mbembaship
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yaaaassssssssss!

  3. Waynoo
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    pens down

    1. Fitzy.
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      adjust clocks

    2. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Carrier pigeons down

  4. F4L
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Salah or Hazard captain? Still haven't decided

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      🙂

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I was switching them around at deadline and no idea which of 2 it is on!

    3. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Both are fine

  5. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Pope
    Kola Christensen Duffy Kenny
    Hazard (c) Salah Sterling Richarlison
    Morata Kane
    Elliott Austin RLC Kiko

    Now nobody is busy, you can give me advice on two transfers with nothing in the bank. This week's team above.

    🙂

    1. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I’d wait until end of gameweek, you have no idea what could happen

  6. columbo
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Rush to the head. Salah and Kane to Sanchez (C) and Lacazette. Someone save me

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      ...

    2. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      ...

    3. raoulduke71
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      game over bro

    4. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      ...

    5. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Kane out I agree with, Salah out is asking for trouble

      1. columbo
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        When Sanchez bags boys

        1. Cilly Bonnolly
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Sanchez does what with boys now?

    6. Jonny HOW SON?
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      really?

      1. columbo
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Yeh wouldn't lie mate

        1. Jonny HOW SON?
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          brave then

    7. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Very good diffs. Did you want to play with the same players as everybody else?...thought not.

    8. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Shame you lost salah but really like the 2 you bought in!

      1. columbo
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers lads. Losing Salah is probably a very stupid, hungover decision but hey ho

  7. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    How much would Heskey in his prime cost on fpl?

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      5.0

    2. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      4.5

    3. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      ‘Prime’

    4. Shultan
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      8.5

    5. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      9 if not 10 when he was at liverpool

    6. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Anyways, form is temporary, prime is permenant

    7. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      It would be annoying - 7.5-8.

    8. Sailboats
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      5m

  8. asquishypotato
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    If you see a miserable looking potato later, it’s because I’ve taken Kane out for the 4 week period.

    Last time I did it (for Morata) the first game was against Liverpool, but it balanced out over time.

    This time it’s Lacaz to prove he can score more over the next 4. See you on the other side!

  9. Sailboats
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    The reddit dog picked Kane

    1. MTPockets
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Paul the Octopus disagrees.

    2. Rik Waller
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      What's the dog's track record so far?

  10. Differential C (Mark)
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Albrighton starts 🙂
    All you Okazaki pickers, how's that for a differential pick! 🙂

    1. Sailboats
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Inb4 he's subbed on at the 80th minute and scores a brace

  11. Winners900
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    If I knew Sterling was going to play the next 4-5 matches I would have transferd out Kane, but I imagine Sterling is going to miss a match therefore I dropped that plan.
    And the best striker in that period with Sterling was Vardy/Rooney, thats to thin really.

  12. pundit of punts
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Captains?

    I've gone with Salah.

    1. Sailboats
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Lord Eden

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      La(c)

      1. La Roja
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        a

      2. GOTHAM City F.C.
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        +1

    3. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Eden

    4. Sponge-worthy
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Kane.

    5. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Kane

    6. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Haz

    7. acidicleo
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      salah

    8. Js31
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Coutinho

    9. Je suis le chat
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      The garden gnome of Eden.

    10. COLLIN QUANER
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Hazard

    11. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Unluckily for you, so did I.

    12. jia you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      'arry

    13. The Royal Robin
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Firmino

    14. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      La(C)azette

    15. FlockofSeagulls
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      The Brazilian with the funny teeth. No the other one.

    16. DOG GOD IT - KEANE 16
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Same here.

      Chose Wrong

  13. KEN YA DIG IT
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Vardy is going to have one hell of a party today

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Celebrating all his teammates goals and assists no doubt, the useless twig

    2. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Becky coming home from the jungle?

  14. how now brown cow
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Zero players ruins the early kick off 🙁

    1. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      You could have Benteke. That would be worse.

      1. how now brown cow
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        🙂

  15. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Chilwell to make a mark in this game.

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Maguire*

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Cue Chilwell, Og or Masuaku posts all week.

  16. jia you
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Kane cappers unite....anybody out there?

    1. Sponge-worthy
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      There are few of us.

      1. jia you
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        True that, could do with a bit of luck so here's to a Kane brace in a 1-2 win...would be good for the league n all!

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I had it on him all week. Changed to Hazard.

      1. jia you
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Can understand, I was seriously tempted by Alonso before the deadline but stuck with Harry(C). The armband hasn't come off him in weeks now...fool's gold and all that! GL for the GW Dingo!

  17. The Royal Robin
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    What sort of time does the game update these days?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      12.05

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers.

      2. LÖrKingMuch
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        😀 that's very precise

  18. DMP
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    EDEEEEEEEEEN HAZAAAAAARDDDDDD

    1. Fitzy.
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Settle down.

    2. Chucky
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      ban

    3. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Calm down Norman

    4. jia you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      stop shouting fool

  19. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Milokevicivic suspended, cue Benteke penalty miss.

    1. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Townsend was good at pens at spurs.

    2. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      RLC to nick them

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        That would be something. Bench nightmare too

    3. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I thought the same but is also Cabaye.

    4. Fitzy.
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      No way he'll be taking one.

    5. jia you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      anybody that owns Benteke deserves it haha

  20. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    What do you want for Christmas?

    1. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A nice lie in for a change

      1. Epic Fail
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        How much change do you want? I've got 50. I'll provide the protection.

        1. Optimus.
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          3 fiddy

      2. Old Wulfrunian
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Like that Liverpool will finally buy a good cb?

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A family.

      1. badgerboy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        You have a virtual FPL based family now.

    3. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A single sodding decent captain pick.

      1. how now brown cow
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        And world peace

        1. how now brown cow
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Or more importantly a toblerone

      2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        You'll get world peace before you get your captain right.

    4. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Another new firestick for my telly.

    5. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      World peace.

      Actually, that Masuaku becomes an fpl legend with a string of double digit hauls.

    6. The Royal Robin
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A 3rd WC.

    7. jia you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      a ban from FPL and FFS 😉

  21. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Anybody else play RLC?

    Expecting another 2 pointer 🙁

    1. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Palace haven't scored once in their last 10 away matchs

      Due.

    2. The Royal Robin
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I even benched Zaha. Really banking on that Leicester CS.

    3. Essrick
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Played him over DCL. Makes watching this game a bit more enjoyable!

    4. jia you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      No

      that's why he's my third sub 😉

  22. Hi I'm Jose
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Sold Kane for Vardy(C)

    Good luck everyone !!

    1. Epic Fail
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Good luck to us Kane owners?

  23. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Who are the two gentlemen in the pre-amble article picture?

    1. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Stanley and Laurel

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      The Godfather s06 ep04.

    3. grumpyman
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Bruce and Allardyce.

  24. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Quite like this fixture for a Saturday lunch time. No players means just watch it.

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      last time Leicester played at the lunch time was against Stoke away wasn't it? Enjoyed that game

    2. A.T
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I see Bolasie might be back on Monday Wakey. Did you bring him in?

    3. SADIO SANÉ
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Speroni and Zaha here...Simpson on my bench...this might not be fun for me 😀

    4. The Overthinker
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Ha same.

  25. The Royal Robin
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    What would you choose from these?

    1) Alonso + Zaha > Otamendi + Hazard -4
    2) Moreno > Otamendi 1FT

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      2

  26. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    A 1-0 wba win would be very welcome this gw!

  27. FlockofSeagulls
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    It started with a dream, and will end in tears.

    1. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      its just a game.

      1. Over Midwicket
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Reported

      2. FlockofSeagulls
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Ban!

  28. ooooo
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    LEI VS CPL score predictions?

    1. Sailboats
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      2-1

    2. The Royal Robin
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      1-1

    3. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      1-2

    4. F4L
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      2-0

    5. A.T
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      3-0 Okazaki Hattie

    6. Differential C (Mark)
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      4-1

    7. Goat
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      2-0

    8. drughi
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      2-0

    9. Over Midwicket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Mahrez double hattrick

      1. FPLEL
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        4 goals?

    10. vickyz r3d d3vil$ !!!
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      2-0 Gray brace incoming

    11. jia you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      2-1

  29. F4L
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Ben Mee please score today. Make up for all the lost points of the last 2 Gws