[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. Sponge-worthy
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy to Morata or keep Vardy?

    Opinions, anyone?

    1. Captain Haddock
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      For free, maybe

      1. ==rvn10==
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Nah not worth it!

    2. abk
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      save the transfer imo

    3. Sponge-worthy
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers guys!

  2. beetlejuice
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Is it crazy to cap Jones or Kolasinac when u ve Hazard, Salah, Kane? I believe they ll get CS but not sure 12+ pts is enough.

    1. Captain Haddock
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Not worth it

    2. Sponge-worthy
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I'd never captain a defender so for me it's crazy.

  3. ==rvn10==
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Fabianski

    Alonso dunk dann

    Hazard (c) coutinho salah sterling arnautovic

    Vardy Lacazette

    GTG??

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

      1. ==rvn10==
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers!

  4. Hobolicious
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Play one of:

    A) Duffy
    B) Gross

    1. Captain Haddock
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Groß

  5. Blue Gaffer
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    1. Azpilicueta, Kane, Benteke———-Christensen, Lacazette, Lukaku -8
    2. Kane and Benteke-------Lacazette & Vardy - 4
    3. Kane, Benteke and Carroll-------Mahrez, Lacazette and Diouf - 8

    Any of these worth it?

    1. FootballFanatic365
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      keep kane and Azpi

  6. Saka White Rice
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Please help. Who do I start, Mariappa or Mee?

    1. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Mee 100%

    2. Captain Haddock
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Mee

  7. FootballFanatic365
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on Morata Starting

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

      I just bought a time machine a little earlier so give me a second and I'll find out.

  8. Jet5605
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Quick poll

    A - Christ (keep 1.4 ITB for future transfers)
    B - Azpi
    C - Alonso

    1. 824545201
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A

      1. Berbalove
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        C

    2. Captain Haddock
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A

  9. 824545201
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Play 1:
    A) Dunk (BUR)
    B) Niasse (SWA)
    C) Ogbonna (stk)
    D) RLC (lei)

    1. Mauricios Cappuccino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      C

    2. jg7u
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

    A) Lacazette, Rooney
    B) Lukaku, A Gray (or any other 6.9 FWD)

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. Croaker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A by a mile

    3. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      B but with Austin.

  11. Doar1986
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Why not much love for Salah captain?

    1. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Rotation issues

    2. Captain Haddock
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Coin toss between him and Hazard

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

      Because Coutinho will score more points this gw.

  12. 1NVINCIBLES
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Lossl
    Otamendi Davies Christensen Jones
    Hazard Salah Sterling
    Kane Morata DCL
    (Elliot Cork RLC Gomez)

    2 FT, £0.1 ITB

    Please help I'm clueless here.. Davies + Gomez to Monreal + Ogbonna?

  13. ILOVEBAPS
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    WC team g2g?

    Pope Adrian
    Ota Kenny Christensen Jones Kanasele
    Salah Strrling Silva Richarlison Haz
    DCL Austin Lacazette

    Money for Laca > Morata if better??

    1. FootballFanatic365
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      DDG?

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Prefer Pope for cheaper

    2. Stockport Hatter
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Do it. Get Morata for Laca

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

  14. Park the bus
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Any Coutinho owners ballsy enough to captain?

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I think DCL (C) is more ballsy 🙂

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

        I am. Locked in.

    2. Strangelove
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Currently....yes...

      Tempted by Mahrez though

  15. Bobby_Baggio
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    DCL (C) anyone? Fed up of having only 2 successful captain picks all season!

    1. Park the bus
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I'm going Coutinho I think to try and mix it up a bit

  16. DR0GBA
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Is it worth to play Kane, Son and Otamendi since they're all playing each other?

    Or should I resort to my bench of Mee and Dann to play instead?

    1. Park the bus
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Goals in that game imo- Ota such a threat too

  17. The Tinkerman
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    My team looks great on paper this week.

    Fully expecting a 20 point week.

  18. SuperMane Returns
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Hey guys, Pick 1 to play from each please? :-

    A) Mee
    B) Duffy

    1) Richarlison
    2) DLC

    Thanks in advance.

    1. Mauricios Cappuccino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A1

  19. HALFSPACE
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Elliot & Woodman owner

    Do Woodman to Adrian for free although Elliot may get a recall?

    1. Thiga
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Can't be too sure he'll get the recall though. I'd replace Woodman if you have no pressing issues

      1. HALFSPACE
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Had 2 FTs, used one

        Kiko injured but holding him

    2. Jonny HOW SON?
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Bring in a keeper. Do you want to continue to get 0 points from goalkeepers?
      Silly question

  20. 8ball
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Play Otamendi (TOT) or Dunk (BUR)

    1. COLLIN QUANER
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Always play Ota

  21. Dynamic Duos
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    This is it. Wish me luck.

    Pickford
    Janmaat Alonso Kola
    Sane Coutinho Arnie Mahrez
    Laca(C) Morata(vc) Vardy

    1. HALFSPACE
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Arnie pts prediction?

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        14

        1. HALFSPACE
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          sounds good as a fellow arnie owner

  22. Berbalove
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Mustafi to Alonso or Kolasinac for -4? Mee would play if Mustafi does not.

    1. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Nah.

    2. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Alonso too unreliable for me. And Kolasinac? It’s Arsenal....

  23. Larkin
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Hmm...Niasse or Zaha...

    1. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      One is a guaranteed starter with points potential. The other is Niasse.

      1. Larkin
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Agreed young badger. If Niasse bags a hat-trick I'm going to cull myself.

    2. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Zaha

  24. Shultan
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Attention morata owners...if you have him then captain!!
    I did morata > firmino last week

    When i sold sterling he hauled
    When i sold poba he scored
    When i sold silva he hauled

    Im telling morata needs to be your captain!

  25. Sponge-worthy
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Which team is most likely to get a cs this gw?

    1. Captain Haddock
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Look at the odds (william hill etc)

      1. Sponge-worthy
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Those odds.. I think Chelsea.

  26. Alan_T
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    START Benteke or Choupo-Moting?

    1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure Choupo-Moting will play.

  27. Meinhoff
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Is Masuaku at least moderately nailed?

    Is there a danger of Chicharito starting, with Arnautovic moving on the left wing?

    1. Alan_T
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Can’t see h8m changing formation

      1. Meinhoff
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

    2. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I would be surprised if Moyes changed a team that’s looked like it’s turned a corner. He’s too old school real football man for that. This isn’t a Pep or a Klopp.

  28. Desperately Seeking Dusan
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I hate playing attackers vs defenders but I have Kane vs Otamendi. I can bench Otamendi for DCL but that would be crazy wouldn’t it?

    1. HearMeRoar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      why?

      1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        I’ve been toying with changing Otamendi for weeks... and he keeps scoring. So I’m too scared to remove him. And I never know which Kane will show up.

    2. Berbalove
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      It might not be that crazy.
      If you think a contribution from DCL is more probable than a CS from Otamendi, then play DCL.

      1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        The issue is psychological with me I think. Otamendi is an expensive defender, DCL is a budget forward in a Big Sam team (admittedly vs a weak team).

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

    choopoo captain...good luck all

  30. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    10. Spurs have won more away matches vs Man City than they have at any other club.

    City seems bo struggle against Spurs, Tottenham is also unbeaten in their last 4 encounters. Their high pressing game also seems to not suit Guardiola. Could they be the ones to end City's streak? What are you're thoughts?