[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. Viper
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I completely understand why but does anyone else think that's its crazy that Kane at home to Huddersfield isn't the top captain choice this week 😯

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

      well salah is doing well too so not so surprising surely?

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

      People finally realising how good Salah is

    3. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      No

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

      It’s a little odd. Scout cast has probably influenced a lot of people.

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

      Yes. I don't understand it. I don't own Kane, but if I did he would be my (c). Huddersfield are crap.

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

      Best striker in the world at the moment at home to Huddersfield - can't see how people are saying it is a riskier pick than Salah. Both are amazing options though.

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

      With juve in a few days makes me think either Kane will not play 90 mins if comfortably winning or he plays full game due to fact they are struggling so either scenario puts me off

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

      Juve game in midweek makes it sensible to take Kane off once the game is safe.

      Liverpool meanwhile can afford to play their first team today (5-0 up vs. Porto) and go for GD

    9. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I expect both will haul but I’m going with Kane

    10. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Not since they are not as good at Wembley. If this was WHL then i think he would be fav.

      Plus Salah has consistency, more points for goals, and playing a team missing a lot of their main players.

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

    Play Kiko (WBA - will he start) or Ogbonny (swa)?

    Please and thank you....

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

      Kiko to assist Deeney

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

        Confirmed and done...cheers all

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

      I’m going to push Kiko off a bridge.

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

      Kiko

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

      Hard to say about kiko, bit I gamble and Play him. Watford has been so much better with him, and he looked really Sharp last weekend, and great going forward. Night be one week to early for him to start but I have a good feeling

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

        Cheers Walchez....

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

      Thought i saw something a few pages back about Ogbonna being an injury doubt.

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

        Ah cheers Badger, useful thanks...

  3. 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?!

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

    My entire team is playing today... Sunday will be boring

    1. DJ1000
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Same boat. Apart from Otamendi. But Saturday will be very excting (hopefully).

  5. SuperMario
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Adrian
    Alonso - Mee - VVD
    Salah (vc) - Shaqiri - Arnie - Sterling
    Kane (c) - Wilson - Firmino

    Elliot - Lingard - Fernandez - Kabasele

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

      Is my bench correct lads????

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

        yes

  6. Ed
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Ogbonna + Sterling > Davies + Ramsey (-4)?

  7. Yordan Letchkov
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Jones -> ?

    A) hegazi
    B) davies
    C) sanchez

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

    Bench 1:
    a) Niasse(subbed off early last week)-BUR A
    b) Walcott- BUR A
    c) Stanislas- LEI A
    Thanks

  9. Optic1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    GTG and bench in right order lads?

    Pope
    Mee Bavies VVD
    Sterling KDB Salah(c) Shaqiri Walcott
    Kane Firmino

    Joel Ayew Ogbonna Kenny - 1.3itb

    Thanks

  10. Zenith UK
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Just need one comment guys;

    DDG
    Otamendi, Smalling, Naughton
    Ramsey, Salah (c), KDB, Lingard, CM
    Firmino, Vardy

    Pope, Alonso, DCL, Azpi

    I'm thinking;
    A) Alonso > Robertson
    B) Alonso & Azpi > Robertson & Davies
    C) Alonso & Azpi > Robertson & Mustafi
    D) Alonso & Azpi > Robertson & Morgan
    E) Alonso, Azpi & Lingard > Robertson, Morgan & Arnie (-4)
    F) Other... Please let me know your thoughts.

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

      I like Robertson and Davies but ur gonna have a lot of cash left over

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

        Acc Morgan instead of Davies

        1. Zenith UK
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Cash will be for Kane upgrade at later date.

    2. Optic1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A or B for sure.

      1. Zenith UK
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Worried Davies won't play

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

    Bottomed:

    Mee or Wally?

    or play both and bench Ota or Alonso?

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

      i have Pope

  12. Kabayan
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Have Alonso.
    Who would you play for last spot?
    A. Azpi
    B. Mili
    C. Crouch
    Thanks

  13. All de Gea
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Last minute question...

    Play Duffy or Bauer this week?

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

    Bench one -

    A Milivojevic
    B Lingard

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

      Mili

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

        You think Lingard will start?

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

      Last time I had the same dilemma, I played Lingard and missed a Mili pen

  15. Queens of the South Age
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    What's the captain choice for those chasing 90 odd points?

    A. Salah
    B. Kane
    C. Mahrez
    D. Mane
    E. Son

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

      Salah, or you might be chasing 100+

      1. Queens of the South Age
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Hahaha. Fair point. 🙂

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

    Alonso or Davies? Who would you rather have got next 2?

    Alonso (mcity PALACE)
    Davies (HUD, bou)

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

      Davies mate

      Thoughts on my question below DD?

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

      Davies

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

    Play Niasse or Allen?

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

      Allen

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

      Niasse

    3. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Tough probably Allen

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

      Cheers guys. Going for Joe

  18. Cookie Kid
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Start one:

    A) Ogbonna swa
    B) Christensen mci
    C) Kenny bur

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

    Repost. Sterling to who for gw30&31;

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

    1. CostaCoffee
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I went Eriksen

  20. Chicken-Mandy
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Walcott to arnie for free?

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Do it

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

      Yep

  21. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    First place on the bench?

    Ibe or Bardsley?

    Very exciting I know

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

      J-Ibez

  22. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    last ditch peeps?

    Stirling > Sane for free?

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

    Got bottomed last time.Sorry for re-posting:)
    Bench 1:
    a) Niasse(subbed off early last week)-BUR A
    b) Walcott- BUR A
    c) Stanislas- LEI A
    Thanks

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

      A

  24. CostaCoffee
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Any late injury news from pressers?

  25. JurgenRocks
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Sterling to Shaqiri
    Thoughts?

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

    Alonso to Bavies?

    1FT...

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

      Same boat

  27. Bees4Lyf
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Hazard to Erik? Hmm tempted

  28. aborg
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I am in a fix on who to play for my final set up. Who to play between Alonso, Lingard and Ayew.
    I just can’t decide. Thanks for your help in advance.

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

      lingard or ayew, prob ayew

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

        Thanks

  29. Sz21
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Correct order? abc
    (a) Mee starting.

    (b.) Wilson 1st sub.
    (c.) Ogbonna 2nd sub.

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

      I think you should be good

  30. Lovren an elevator
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Aguero likely to be rested tomorrow?