[sbu_large_image] Opinion
3 March 2018 1564 comments
Mark Mark
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Distracted by the tendrils of a cold and with two toddlers to care for this morning, I make no apology for the curtailed Pre-amble, or indeed the typos that creep in.

In a week where we asked ourselves whether the season had become “dull”, I felt compelled to write more on the decision that, according to accepted thinking, is already made for us.

I should captain Mohamed Salah.

No thought is required. The numbers back it up, the logic is clear and to even entertain the idea of an alternative is an unnecessary and foolhardy risk.

But harking back to that Hot Topic, I do wonder if Salah is contributing to the malaise.

The captaincy is probably the most important decision we make. More than any single transfer, it should have the ability to make or break our Gameweek.

But Salah has not only killed the need to make a choice, he’s also reduced its impact.

I can see myself handing the Egyptian the armband for his evening clash with Newcastle, but I can’t envisage fist pumping the air in jubilation when he scores.

Instead, there might be a wry smile of relief, but how wide can it be?

My captain would have ensured that I’ve kept pace and not given up ground.

But I want my decision to be more than that, I want it to have real consequence should it prove “correct”.

Salah’s talent deserves to make him a difference maker, but he’s become anything but in Fantasy Football.

This all harks back to the floor and ceiling theory.

While this can be applied to Salah and Harry Kane, it can be extended further to our perception of our Gameweek as a whole.

Captaining Salah feels like we guarantee a high floor. Our minimum score is raised, and we protect our rank, ensuring that any drop should be minor.

By turning to an alternative, even when it is Kane with six goals in six Gameweeks, we’re risking that.

Instead, we are perhaps attempting to achieve a higher ceiling. Taking the chance that our captain can outscore Salah and help lift our Gameweek above the norm.

As Jonty pointed out in this week’s ScoutCast, the scale of that ceiling can depend on our degree of risk.

Is Kane really enough? To find a real differential do we not need to look to Sadio Mane or Eden Hazard?

There’s logic here, though that scenario really relies on both Salah and Kane failing as the majority captains, and that seems very unlikely.

That pair are extraordinary players. I suspect that the duel between them for the Golden Boot is very real, with both hell-bent on scoring as many goals as possible from here on in.

They almost deserve better than to have a million plus Fantasy managers hoping they fail. But that’s the scenario that has developed.

Captaining Salah offers me a modest prize and the inclination to cheer every Kane miss.

The reverse is not much better and ensures that I’ll spend my evening willing Salah to fail. But at least the jackpot just might be bigger.

Either way, I can’t help but wish I could just celebrate both.

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

1,564 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. J0E
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    While you are awaiting the game to update and recovering from the shock Niasse benching (well, that's probably just me ;-0) here's TopMarx's latest look at the career top 5 https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2018/03/03/top-5-career-hall-of-fame-gameweek-28-review-2/

    1. J0E
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      accidental top of the page skillz 🙂

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

        Reported.

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          😛

        2. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          TM will be along to delete a previous page post soon.

      2. Alan The Llama
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Anyone over the age of the age of 15 using the word "skillz" wants to take a look at themselvz.

    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I can't be arsed to look, but presumably I've made it in.

    3. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Is Niasse benched though?

      He was in the starting line up a few minutes ago.

      1. diesel001
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Benched. Old tweet deleted and correct line up now shown

        1. J0E
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Yep, the original had him benched and playing.

          Everton's social media as good as its team and manager it seems 🙂

          1. FPL Virgin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Amateur hour over at EFC.

    4. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Tosun Jonty, too soon...

      1. J0E
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        With DCL and Tosun starting we look to be guaranteed at least 20 mins of Niasse all being well....plenty of time for him to prove big sam wrong.

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Agreed, he’s better on the bench.

    5. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      The way your ultra jammy season is going Jonty, Millie will make an appearance from the stands to assist a Niasse brace.

  2. Syd.
    • 17 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    0-0 Please

    I am a humble man and never ask for much 🙂

    1. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      1-1

    2. GreenArrows
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Pope and Walcott...think I’ll takr 0-0 due to leading ML and they don’t have Burnley defence

  3. Tazah
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    everton playing 442?

  4. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    So pissed off. Never make late transfers man.

    1. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Look on the bright side, he can still come on and get you a point....

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Pray that you never see me. I'll headbutt you so hard

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          You’ll miss.

    2. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Did you actually bring in Baines?

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Yes

        1. OldBenKenobi
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          ;-0

    3. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Baines has been out for months. Why would he go straight into the starting 11?

      Although maybe Big Sam could have been so angry with last week he would have done it.

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Liv fooking Echo said he was starting

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Blimey! They are usually spot on.

          That's really unlucky. It should of been a good move for you, especially with your extra research.

    4. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      What you do?

    5. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Bought Niasse?

      This game can be so frustrating sometimes !

    6. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      On against tired legs and pen conversion. No probs!

    7. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Andy got Baines last minute as well.

  5. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    First week starting Ogbonna in a long time. Welcome Azpi.

    1. GreenArrows
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Ogbonna not playing?

      My only cover for Davies / Otamendi hmm

    2. The special 5
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Ogbonna is injured

      1. Numb
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        That's Obiang

      2. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Balls, really?
        Duffy in then. That is not good.

    3. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Is ogbonna playing?

      1. The special 5
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        No he's injured

        1. Numb
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Nothing in Team News etc about that

          1. badgerboy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            This popped up earlier. Cryptic.

            https://mobile.twitter.com/Baz1980WHU/status/969881248050176000

  6. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Went for a run, missed the deadline (should have run quicker). Probably for the best - everything I've done for the last month or so has backfired!

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      God, don't make me feel bad about my lack of exercise. 🙁

      1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Worry not, it is my second run of the year...

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          How long did you run for?

          I desperately need to start running again.

          1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            30 mins - interval training though so 1 min "good pace", 30 sec walk. My good pace got considerably slower towards the end!

    2. The Quiff
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      You should have run qui.... oh, you already said that.

      1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Haha I let myself down

    3. PukkiBlinder
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I had my best week of the season when I did that

      1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Fingers crossed! 🙂

  7. MTPockets
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Woke up late & left captain on Kane. Whoops

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Why is that whoops?

      1. MTPockets
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I meant to change it to Salah.

        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Why did you need to sleep before changing it?

          1. Ziro
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Keep the 🔥 burning Epic.

          2. MTPockets
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Switched to Kane last wk, just based on fixture. Didn't log in all week to avoid transfer temptation. Then forgot until this morning.

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

          You had a week to do that.

    2. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      You've slept for a whole 4 days ?

      1. MTPockets
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I wish

  8. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Week before last big Sam said niasse was in pole position for striker .
    59 minutes later and he's not.
    Good judge of player that man.

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Pretty bold statement considering he wasted more of Evertons money on Tosun

  9. Dobswell55
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Kane (C)
    I feel sick, hope this isnt another one of those regretful weekends.

    1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      All thus Salah Kane stuff is painful. Three will be very little between them again and at the end of the season

  10. FDMS All Starz
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Pope get me off to a good start with a 15pt haul pleaseeeeee

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Jinxed it

  11. La Roja
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Niasse benched?

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Probably only rested. Can't keep a talent like him on the bench for long!

    2. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Yep.

  12. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    What are you all drinking for this boring first game? A nice leftover christmas beer for me!

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      My missus.

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Same. Epic missus.

        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          We can share straws.

          1. Jafooli
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            I’m using a hose pipe.

            1. Gnu
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              😆
              Jeebus.

    2. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Starting with a coffee might move on to Arsenic after the first 20 minutes.

    3. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Not watching. In fact, never watching a game again with only a defender for a gash team playing in it

  13. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    First hit taken in 15 gameweeks. Can’t wait for this to backfire hideously.

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

    Did son > mahrez 5 mins before the deadline....realy hope son doesnt start

    1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I kept him cause I'm sure he will

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

      I brought Son in because I'm pretty sure he will start and he could be a good differential.

  15. Syd.
    • 17 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Can you still make transfers if you haven't refreshed the FPL page?

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Try it.

      1. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        No you can’t. As soon as you click confirm the page refreshes and you’re back to transfer page

        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          What? You mean you can't cheat?!!!111!

    2. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Yes, I usually leave mine open until lineups are released.

    3. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      No, when you click transfer you'll get the update page

    4. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Normally yes, just call their hotline first and explain the situation.

    5. Defcons are for Kinnear
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Wait till the games are over then do it

  16. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Would love a wally goal assist or anything clean sheet point .anything more than 1 or 2 points.

  17. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Right I can already predict my Gameweek will go bad.

    1. Changed Kane to Salah (C) 11.29
    2. Kept Alonso
    3. Was so close to doing Wilson > Deeney. He will score and Wilson benched.
    4. My rival will get a jammy 15 points like last week with Ederson.
    5. Firmino and Janmaat will outsource Alonso and Wilson next 2.

    1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      That's the spirit

    2. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Hand over your belt and shoelaces

      1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Lol

        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Dafuq 😀

  18. FDMS All Starz
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Scenes when Walcott gets benched for gw31 hahahahaha

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Who?

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Not after his hat trick today.

    3. Pancake
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Init haha

  19. The Final Boss
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    kenny nt even in the squad...ha ha holy shit...

    1. FDMS All Starz
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Hoping for a Coleman disaster show

  20. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    So the plan is?

    GW 32 WC
    GW 34 TC/BB
    GW 35 FH
    GW37 TC/

    1. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Yep.

    2. OldBenKenobi
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Everyone’s plan is different

      1. Earn your Spurs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Mine isn't

    3. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Gw32 wtf
      Gw34 omg
      Gw35 ffs
      Gw37 fml

      That's how mine will pan out

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Same

    4. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Not necessarily

  21. OldBenKenobi
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Made my captain decision early on and didn’t “physically” change it.
    In my head I was back and forward between Kane and Salah but ultimately didn’t change it in the end.

  22. Defcons are for Kinnear
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Witty comment about FPL ignornace

  23. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Where’s Kenny? Not even on bench. Hope Baines gets good run out in second half

  24. Union_Jacks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Did Alonso > Bavies.

    Anyone else do this?

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      o/

      Should have done it last week but nevermind

    2. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Alonso > Aurier. Just because Aurier is suspended for the Juventus game

      1. Union_Jacks
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Ooo interesting

  25. DAZZ
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    My ML leader took sterling out or Walcott and captained Kane. Im fairly happy with that. I went Salah captain and still own Sterling.

    1. Defcons are for Kinnear
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      How do you know so much information?

      1. DAZZ
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        He told me last night after a few too many scoops down the boozer

  26. lordkippe
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Brought in Baines for a hit and captained Sadio. happy days

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      You are awful.

      1. Brosstan
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        😆

    2. FDMS All Starz
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Oh wow

  27. Delph & Safety
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Kane captain. I just couldn’t resist.

  28. @ocprodigy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Why did I do Lingard -> Shaqiri for a hit? Tf.

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      It was probably the stroke.

  29. Patch
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Chickened out at the last minute with Capping Kane. I am willing to sacrifice Wally and Pope in exchange for a Kane blank.

    God do your ting.

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Why do you want a Kane blank?

      1. Patch
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        #3 in ML

        The top two will have both capped Kane.

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          But it’s fine if Salah outscores him.

  30. Scheister
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Draft league:
    Drop Tosun or Trippier?
    Neither playing regularly

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      How is this even a question?