[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. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Burnley Everton is screaming 0-0...

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

      I need Walcott returns.

    2. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      9 points from Mee and Walcott - would probably take that tbh.

    3. Balls of Steel
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, thats what I'm thinking big Sam would be happy with a 0-0 whereas Burnley will not

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

    Any leaked Liverpool line up this week?

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

      Yeah, salah rested

  3. Killitzer
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Looking at the posts it seems that about 3/4 teams have Kane and not Aguero.

    I have Sterling and Aguero and thinking of:
    1. Sterling --> Eriksen
    2. Aguero--> Kane (and captain him)
    3. Aguero and Sterling--> Kane and Mahrez (as won't need 2 x Tott)

    Any input would be appreciated as my head hurts thinking about this!

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Definitely 2. Unless you can afford Kane and Eriksen.

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

        for the record I went for Sterling to Eriksen. Aguero has great stats against Chelsea and think that if TH start banging in the goals Kane will come off. These will be famous last words and could come back to haunt me if Kane get a brace or more!

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

    I lead my ML by 36 points, I think they will all captain Kane. All own Kane and Salah

    As I’m the only one who owns Son I feel I should captain Salah as Son could get a goal which lowers the risk for me not captaining Kane, correct thinking?

    1. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      it´s already hard to pick captaincy but bringing Son into it just seems to make it even harder? Pick the one you are most confident with despite whom else you have in your team-)

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

    Kun to Kane for -4 or not is killing me here

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Easily. Do it now.

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

      I did it...

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I'm not doing it. Kun is still the best striker in the league imo. Should be a more open game.

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

        Aguero is not a better striker than Kane

    4. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      i would even for a hit

  6. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    For the sake of my own sanity and not wanting get bored with this game I really think I should go with Kane captain.

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

      You worried he might get subbed if they're winning?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        A little yes.

    2. The Albatross
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I'm going for Kane so it's probably better if you don't

    3. XabiAlonso
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Do it it's only a game. Not exactly a bad decision either

  7. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    baines - the ultimate differential and on pens

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Captain?

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        yes, for everton but not my team 😀

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

          Won't start

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Is he back? 😯

  8. FPL Maldini
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    What should I do?

    A) Play Mee

    B) Jones —> Daniels (-4)

    1. Claudio555
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A. Easy!

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

    Play Otamendi, Walcott or Wilson?

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

      Wilson, just

    2. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I don't have that decision to make, but I would play Walcott

  10. Kushal
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Play wilson or walcott?

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Walcott

  11. jurgenklopp.8
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    pope
    robertson - maguire - Mawson
    Salah (C) - shaqiri - richarlison - sterling - walcott
    Kane - firmino

    Elliot - Wilson - Alonso - Mee

    0ft 1.1 itb
    any changes you would make?

  12. andrinho
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Is Robertson the best transfer in for Monreal? Any better defender sub 5.8m?

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Robertson, for sure.

  13. @fpl_phenom
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    DDG
    VVD Otamendi Bauer
    Salah Sanchez Walcott Sterling
    Ayew Kane Firmino

    Elliot Ogbonna Milli Holgate

    1FT £0.4M ITB GTG?

  14. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    will bavies start? thinking of getting him in

    1. George James
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

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

      Hopefully. I brought him in this week!

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

      Yes but could be rested next week post CL game

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

        Aurier a better option

  15. Fishy-o
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Morning all

    Currently on

    De gea
    Ota bavies ward chilwell vdh
    Haz salah(C) sterling
    Kun firm

    Elliot gross Wilson cook

    0 itb, 1ft
    All chips left
    Worried about no spurs and Leicester attack

    Thinking of either ota, haz, sterling, wilson out

    Vardy, mahrez, erikson, arni, shaq in

    I wouldn't want to take more than 1 hit really

    1 point lead in ml and 2nd got kane, mahrez, vardy and he's only got bb chip left

    Should I keep ft, wild card or change 1 or 2?
    Really struggling this gw

    Thanks lads

    1. Fishy-o
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Also thinking of fb for gw31
      wc gw32/33
      Bb 34
      To 37

  16. andrinho
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    When is everyone playing their chips?

    1. Fishy-o
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Fh for gw31
      wc gw32/33
      Bb 34
      Tc 37

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

      Check out some of the older articles. There's loads of talk and discussion about chip use and blank/double planning.

    3. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      WC - GW32
      BB - GW34
      FH - GW35
      TC - GW37

      (At the moment)

  17. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Play
    A) Duffy
    B) Francis
    C) Chilwell
    ???

    1. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Duffy and hopes he scores? Chilwell prob best bet on cs odds?

  18. SirStevieG
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Play 1

    A) Alonso (mci)
    B) Wilson (lei)
    C) Walcott (burnley).

    1. Wolfman180
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A

  19. nobwak
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Bench Albrughton or Wilson?

  20. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Sterling to Ramsey ?

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

      That was my move so probs fail like my other moves

  21. Point-one short
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Sterling to who for gw30&31;

    A) Eriksen
    B) Mahrez
    C) Arnautovic
    D) Ramsay
    E) KDB
    F) Sane

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

    Sterling transfer:
    A) No. Save FT.
    B) Ramsey
    C) Mahrez

    1. Delph & Safety
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      D - Arnie

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

        Probably not for me. Swansea and Burnley defences are not terrible (compared to alternatives).

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

      A help below please

  23. Defcons are for Kinnear
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I HATE THIS GAME!!!

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      You love it you tart 😉

      1. Defcons are for Kinnear
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        😉

  24. Sol
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Son > Mahrez FT Yes no ?

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

      No

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

        cheers

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

      Yeh

    3. Judders
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Yes. Ordinarily I'd keep Son but minutes no longer assured with Lucas and Lamela.

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

        true i think Mahraz will do good today.

      2. Paul Psychic Octopus
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Yes, I would. Son not assured game time now

    4. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Surely you have more pressing issues. Son is likely to start, at home, to Huddersfield. Why would you not want him for that?

      1. Balls of Steel
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Agree, Son subbed early against Rochdale and played very well so Poch probably start him today

    5. Judders
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I hope you didn't take him out .....

  25. Scout
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Repost got no answers

    Gtg?
    DDG
    Otemendi alonso lowton tarkwoski
    Salah Sterling eriksen Shaqiri
    Kane firmino

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Looks great.

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

        Thank you. Captain Kane aswell?

  26. Weilong7
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    play bauer or ogbanna?

  27. Rash
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Final decision for me play Wilson or mee?

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

      mee

      1. rrcmc
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Same question ish:

        Mee or Wally?

        or play both and bench Ota or Alonso?

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

          Mee

    2. And nothing else Mata'…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Wilson for me not mee

  28. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    1FT 2.5m ITB

    Pope | Elliot
    Davies | Dawson | Gomez | Fernandez | Holgate
    Hazard | Salah | Sterling | Lingard | Allen
    Kane | Vardy | J.Ayew

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

      If anything upgrade one of your defenders. You’ve got a lot of spare money in the bank. Help above please

  29. Gerci
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Van Dijk or Robertson?

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

      Van Dijk help above please

  30. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    This is probably stupid, but I just bought Baines instead of Davies 🙂

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

      Stupid? Or genius?

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

      Very stupid

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

      Never bench, never captain.

    4. Scout
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Stupid help above please

    5. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Good move.

    6. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      April 1st?