Preamble

The Pre-match Preamble – Gameweek 31

There’s nothing like the exhilaration of a double Gameweek to wake us from the slumber of an international break.

Sadly, Gameweek 31 looks far from exhilarating.

For the second time in the matter of weeks, we’re destined to root through Chris Ramsey’s QPR squad like grappling grannies at a jumble sale, desperately trying to find something of value other than the chipped china teapot that is Charlie Austin.

Seeking cheap thrills, we’re even eyeing up Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke and Gabby Agbonlahor like tickets in the tom-bola. If we’re lucky, our numbers might come up and we’ll get to claim some lavender bath salts. Such is the scale of the double Gameweek prize that awaits us.

We all know that the potential is limited, particularly with a blank looming but we’re internationally broken: craving Fantasy Football excitement from any possible source, however unlikely.

We don’t want to return to our squads and save our transfers. We don’t want to bring in Kyle Naughton. We’re looking for something that can relight the fire and, if we’re not careful, we can make careless errors trying to find it.

I’m fighting the urge and pondering the most subdued and ineffectual of all transfers – swapping my goalkeeper, albeit for Brad Guzan, a double Gameweek asset.

I’d love to gamble on Benteke and slap the armband on his bicep, but I know all too well that this compulsion is fuelled by a fortnight of inactivity. I know that international football can be just as damaging to my Fantasy thinking as it is the weary legs of my players.

On that note, an article this week revealed that Arsene Wenger’s Gunners haven’t won a single match following internationals this season. Interestingly, the same article highlighted that QPR have suffered most from such breaks. They’ve been consigned to three straight defeats, scoring just two goals in the process.

Suddenly I’m reconsidering that china teapot.

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

1,305 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Syd.
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Apart from Austin my team looks good to go for next week

    1. whitters_2014
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      same thought with tekkers haha.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I am selling him

  2. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    It's going to be quite difficult to play only 3 at the back next week.
    Which defenders do you have? And who will you play?

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Terry , Toby , Lescott

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

      Myhill (LEI)
      Ivanovic (qpr) - Clyne (HUL) - Dawson (LEI)

      Benching Naughton and Schlupp.

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

        Ah that's an easy one.

    3. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Nah...Chelsea and Soton defs are so widely owned that you only need one other, if you play safe.

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

        But I have Dawson, Terry, Toby, Berty and PVA.

  3. Saniul
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    -----------------------Mignolet
    ----Can---------------Sakho--------------Toure
    -Markovic--Allen-------------Lucas--Moreno
    ---------Henderson--------Coutinho
    -------------------Sterling

    That's my guess.

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Looks about right.

  4. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Point prediction for these players ?

    Mata
    Siggy
    Benteke

    1. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      2
      7
      2

    2. whitters_2014
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      13
      8
      11

    3. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      6
      7
      2 , 6

      1. whitters_2014
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        mine is 2. 9 (3 bonus ;))

        1. The Count of Monte Cristo
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          I factored in a yellow card for taking his shirt off after he scores the winner 😉

    4. Murder on Zidane's Flo…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      10
      3
      4

    5. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      6
      8
      34 (back to back hattricks seems reasonable 🙂 )

      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        3
        36
        4

  5. ONSIDE 9
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Yip, only other option would be to swap hendo and markovic but cant see that happening. Maybe toure centre,sakho left

    1. ONSIDE 9
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Reply fail to O'Saniul

  6. Rambo Motin
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Ohh

    Siggy Siggy Siggy

    Can't you see

    Sometimes your words just hypnotize me

    Just practising lads

  7. Murder on Zidane's Flo…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    I know Mourinho says he's tired BUT Hazard v Phil Bardsley. He'll have him on toast and then some.

    (C)

    1. whitters_2014
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      hopefully if that's your thought its already confirmed? game has updated.

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I've stopped looking at the captaincy debates here and just pick my gut instinct and leave it at that.

      Hazard © today.

    3. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah that Phil is a killer

    4. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Last time they played, Bardsley injured him.

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

    My Opponent took a hit to get Tekkers(c)!! hope het gets 2 blanks and a yellow! and subbed off at 56th min in 1 game!!

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      That's the spirit!

      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Breadbin would be proud of this :')

    2. mojoindojo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Tekkers and Austin: Blanks in both games, missed penalty in both games, subbed off in 59th minute in one game after YC and red carded in another (that too in 59th min).

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

    Game still updating? Christ.

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      updated...

    2. whitters_2014
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      no its not.

    3. Konig Luther
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      still click in updating page

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

      No it's not.

  10. Bun Rab
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    So Austin had 114,822 transfers in and did not rise 0.1 all week. Impressive. Also impressive that 19,891 ditched him too.

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      19891 are the intelligent ones..

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        if by intelligent you mean stupid

        1. Moin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          In a parallel universe, Yes...

          1. Pariße
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            I wouldn't get him, but why would someone ditch before a DGW?

      2. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Big stones for sure.

  11. @ocprodigy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    What's people's predictions for the game? I'm hoping 1-1 but reckon Arsenal could snatch it.

    1. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      2-1

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      As a Gunner, naturally want us to win, but think it's going to be a much closer affair than people think it will be. 1-1.

    3. whitters_2014
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      hoping 2-0 ars think 1-1 liv to take the lead in the 37th min sterling. and equaliser by ozil in the 80th.

    4. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Think Arsenal will take it. Better form attack and Liv suspect def. 1-0

    5. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      2-2

    6. Jax
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      1-1 arsenal's run of wins has to stop sometime.

  12. tokara
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    cazo in the hole i hope?

    1. gribude
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      cazo would/n't score pk is Q

  13. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Demi, Sanchez, fellow gamblers.

    What bets are you placing today?

  14. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone got investments in today's games?

    Saw earlier than someone had £5 on all the home teams to win today.

    1. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I always invest

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Which teams have you gone for then? 😀

    2. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I had £9 for £915 yesterday, 12 outcomes cashed out at £300. 11 results up and needed over 2.5 in the Celtic game, cashed out at 0-0.

      Hoping for some more acca magic today

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Very nice and good call with Celtic! Who have you gone for today?

    3. Jax
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      unlikely to be all home wins.

      1. Rhinos
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Mane Berahino Gomis Hazard Fellani all to score 181-1

  15. Fabreghastly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    5 different captains for the top ten

    3 each on Benteke and Austin
    2 on Hazard
    1 each on Aguero and Kane

    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      This is a week where people will make gains, good opportunity to have a differential captain.

      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        yes

      2. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Very true. Sadly everyone in my ML has plumped with Hazard, including myself. I was hoping I'd be the one with the differential...

        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Its my Aguero vs a load of Austin captainers in my ML. Hard luck on Hazard, he came out on top in RMT so its quite a good pick.

          1. The Count of Monte Cristo
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            To be honest, you're probably right in that I shouldn't have expected myself to be the only person captaining Hazard.

            By the way, forgot to ask you on the cricket thread, how proud are you of BMac and his boys? As a neutral, there was nothing I wanted more than for the Black Caps to lift the trophy!

            1. Ryan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              Really proud, the whole country is proud. They conducted themselves honourably played the world cup with a fearless brand of cricket always going on the attack. Came unstuck in the final but didn't rise to the abuse from the Australian players but instead commended them on their victory. BMac and the boys started a cricket revolution in ODI's, it was a very enjoyable world cup.

              1. The Count of Monte Cristo
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                So happy for NZ cricket - these last 16 months or so have been excellent for Kiwis and cricket-lovers alike. The brand of unyielding, fearless cricket that they play is an inspiration to all of us. It would've been fantastic to have seen Martin Crowe present for NZ lifting the cup, but it wasn't to be. With the potential of a Rugby World Cup, I bet NZ is a fantastic place to live in now. Envious.

                1. Ryan
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 2 months ago

                  Yeah, been positive vibes ever since winning the rugby world cup in 2011 including all the build up before that. Things are very optimistic in this country now, economy is soaring.

          2. A.T
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Do you know the captain breakdown for team NZ?

            1. Ryan
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              What do you mean?

              1. A.T
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                How many Austin captainers? Any other captains?

                1. Ryan
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 2 months ago

                  No I don't know all those details. Was left out of the selection committee this week. Still learning the ropes of being a VC after the late call up 🙂

                  1. A.T
                    • 13 Years
                    9 years, 2 months ago

                    No worries. Your manager thought you were playing windies too this week so I see you've got things under control 😀

                    Best of luck anyway 🙂

                    1. Ryan
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 2 months ago

                      Yeah will see what happens, I'm expecting a close clash.

                      1. A.T
                        • 13 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Indeed

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Worried. I have Kane, Rival has Austin. Could be a big week.

      1. Gloria Kanchelskis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Other way round for me. Also worried.

  16. ebow14
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Just for this week, would you have cazorla, siggy or fellaini/mata (already have rooney)? On cazorla atm

    1. whitters_2014
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      update your clock pal, its now 12:20 in England clocks changed. sorry

      1. ebow14
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Not fpl, different game

        1. whitters_2014
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          aww fair play ufpl? how is it?

          1. ebow14
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Dream team weekly and it's decent, get £5000 if you win although there's a tiny chance 🙂

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Mata. In what game?

      1. ebow14
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks for the reply mate and sun dream team weekly 😉

        1. whitters_2014
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          aww fair !

          1. ebow14
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Which one then pal?;) on santi cos he's in the hole, on penos and I'm a gunner 🙂

    3. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Cazorla. Burnley. Nuff said.

      1. ebow14
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Burnley?

        1. Bun Rab
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Sorry thought you had already bypassed this week and were looking at the next. In that case Siggy.

          1. ebow14
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            No worries mate and cheers, good luck!

  17. Les Bleus
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    What channel is the game on Lads and Ladettes please?

    1. Wouter
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      BT I think

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      BT SPORT 1

    3. Les Bleus
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks all!

  18. Gooner Kebab
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    What to look out for before doing Austin to Costa?

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Costa's hammy.

    2. whitters_2014
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      if costa is fit? he is this week but he seems vulnerable.

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      The game

    4. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      bedbugs

      1. whitters_2014
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        yeah always check for these.

    5. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yc

  19. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Who should I get out first? Sinclair or Austin?

    I'll sell one this week and the other before the blank

    1. Saint & Reevesy
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Austin

  20. chrisjdgrady
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    How many arsenal fans sighed asking with me when they saw Per starting? If ever there was a pacey team we needed to play Gabriel and Kos against..

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      To be fair Per + Kosc dealt with Pool at the Emirates last season but I think it's actually a horrendous partnership for the big games. Definitely would've played Gabriel today myself and

      1. chrisjdgrady
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Gotta say Per has done excellent today. Good on him.

  21. Les Bleus
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    How do people generally watch the 3 p.m games? Is it true they don't come on the telly?

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I got a box which shows 3pm games. Does me fine

      1. Les Bleus
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Which channels if I may ask?

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Setanta

    2. Wouter
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Streams

      1. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        This.

      2. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        This

    3. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Stream on a website of some sorts. It's annoying cos it's only when I'm on holiday abroad that I can actually watch the 3pm kick-offs on TV.

  22. SW6
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Bellerin is starting 😀

    1. Les Bleus
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Won't make a difference 😉

      1. SW6
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        2-0 Arsenal. Sanchez brace. Back to the good old days.

        1. Les Bleus
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          😀

        2. Gloria Kanchelskis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          If only

        3. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Yes please

      2. Jebiga
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        i hope 🙂

    2. Zombie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      People still own him?

      1. SW6
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        My team has been very unloved recently so it has a lot of the old names in it.

    3. mojoindojo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      On my bench. Third Sub.

    4. Sharkytect
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Bloody hell. Just got rud of him this week

  23. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Just couldn't resist the lure of the dgw. Kun to Austin (c) five minutes before deadline.wish me luck.

    1. Zombie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Bannnnaannnaaaaaaa

      1. Rhinos
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        monday night is when youll need the luck 😉

        1. Jax
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          can see 2-0 aguero double

  24. mojoindojo
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Wenger employing gallic shrug a lot...

  25. Hibbopotamus
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Come on Charlie, you can save my season, buddy. Also, little late here, but did I see correctly that Sterling's back up front?

  26. Sharkytect
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    I transferred in Schlupp this week. Just checked my team; he has fatigue.
    Bloody hell, this was one of those weeks where i would have kiked to saved my transfer for another week and have 3 free transfers nect week!

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      mate you can only carry 2 FTs

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

        Sorry, that was badly written. I meant i would have liked that rule to exist. I only made the transfer because i had two free and no other pressing matters.

        I'm hoping for a second bellerin yellow now...

  27. SW6
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    How popular has Hazard(c) been on here?

    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      10%

      1. SW6
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Weird. I thought he'd be the main pick.

        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Austin and Benteke because they play twice each

  28. Alan The Llama
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Who is this Cazola fella Harry is on about?

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Paul Merson 2.0

    2. FantaCity
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Must be promoting a new soft drink

  29. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Schlupp has "fatigue"? Brian Talbot once played every minute of 70 matches for Arsenal, including a full European campaign and loads of cup replays. Players are overplayed and cosseted these days.

    1. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Football is much more athletic these days and the tempo is higher.

  30. Pariße
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    My rival went for a transfer of Kane to Agbonlahor (C). Interesting.

    1. Breadbin
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Ok.

      1. Pariße
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        :*