Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 36

This has been a week of tough decisions.

You won’t be surprised to know, however, that despite being charged to make a choice that would contribute to the selection of my Government, my most troublesome dilemma has been my Fantasy line-up.

While I successfully pencilled a cross and popped my vote into a ballot box without any real degree of anxiety, I know that my final decision this morning will be riddled with doubt and concern for what is to follow.

I can choose the wrong Government, but God help those around me if I sell Eden Hazard and he scores.

Even now, I’m not clear on what route to take. Like so many other Fantasy managers, I find myself at the mercy of Jose’s whims and Chelsea’s motivation. They return from the beach, stinking of Factor 10, to compete for pride against a Liverpool outfit somehow still within reach of a Champions League spot. I’m struggling to recall a more uncertain scenario.

Having decided a week ago that it would be Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho for the chop, suddenly things have been turned on their head by United’s stuttering run of defeats and the Chelsea unknowns.

Liverpool have to score at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea just have to put on a show for their supporters. Just how that’s going to transpire in terms of results and Fantasy points is anyone’s guess.

Most of us will have had somewhere between four and six players in that contest going into today’s deadline. We now have to deal with those players and make trades that will earn us profit, all against a backdrop of such confusion.

I’m fearful about the prospect of swapping out Hazard. Troubled about spending four points just to acquire Arsenal assets that will likely be rotated over the next three Gameweeks. Apprehensive that any investment in Sunderland will be fruitless.

As a 43-year-old family man, I should find time to consider what Thursday’s result will mean for my country and my loved ones.

I’ll promise to do that once I’ve decided if Jack Wilshere’s worth a punt.

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

1,163 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Exeter Gently
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    time for another installment of.....

    who do you fear not owning this gw?

    .....rooney

    1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Giroud for sure. And Rambo if he starts.

      Who has Rooney still?!?

      1. Rabbinton
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        My rival

      2. Exeter Gently
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        probably few, which is why he'd be a good punt this wk i think. or maybe berahino/ideye considering they play newcastle

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

      Benteke

    3. FPLEL
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Giroud and Benteke.

    4. Rabbinton
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Silva

    5. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Sanchez

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

      Benteke

    7. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Benteke

    8. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Kun, Silva, Austin

    9. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      No fear.

      1. Exeter Gently
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        😉

    10. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      For me this week it's more a case of did I captain the right man!

    11. davies
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Tekkers and Giroud

    12. Demí
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Danny Graham

      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        lol

        1. Demí
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Bookmark this

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

            He will mess up Wickhams chances now as he'll be forced deep.

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

        How nailed on is he, Demi?

    13. Mary
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      benteke

    14. Zombie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Giroud, Lukaku

    15. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yun

    16. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Benteke & Sanchez. Dear God..

    17. Norco
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Benteke and Giroud

    18. Jairzinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero

    19. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Silva

    20. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Benteke, Silva, Giroud

  2. Quinny___
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone not captain Kun?

    1. Mary
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      some guy who lives across the road from my cousin's friend's neighbour

      1. Gregor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        LOL@that guy.

    2. beric
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah I went giroud

    3. ktk_interista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Benteke!!! I have Kun though. If Benteke gets a brace and Kun does more I wouldn't mind much.

    4. Jairzinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Don't even own him. I went N'Doye.

  3. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Sunderland starting with three strikers!! I've gone double Everton defence!!

    1. Mary
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      DEFOE

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

      One of them is Graham

    3. davies
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Three shite strikers isn't much better than one shite striker.

      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        sunderland might upset them...

  4. davies
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Best midfielder up to 4.6?

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      albrighton, grealsih

    2. Mary
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      phillips

    3. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I've gone Grealish.

    4. Red Devil Swede
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Colback

      1. Red Devil Swede
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        But he's 4.7..

        I have Grealish.

    5. Canadian Football
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Albrighton

    6. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Phillips

  5. Canadian Football
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Steven Fletcher will be the fpl dark horse until the end of the season.

    Bookmark it!

    1. Mary
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      shhh 😉 I'm bringing him in for dgw

      1. Canadian Football
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        If he comes off the bench today, I am getting him for sure.

        1. Jax
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          injury prone. no way.

          1. Canadian Football
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Just has to patch himself together for 3 games

  6. Numb
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Draft League with no auto subs. Which one to bench?

    A. Graham (starting)
    B. Remy
    C. Young

    Thanks.

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      oh dear

      i'd guess B

      need us both to get safe and out of relegation

      have semi-access to site now... but not full... need to find someone with a vpn

      1. Numb
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks! It's a tough one

  7. mad_beer ✅
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    One Liverpool goal today is worth so much to me. Please let it happen!

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Highly doubt it.

    2. davies
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      They'll have a job on.

    3. BlzE_94
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      well it's not going to happen because they don't even play today!

    4. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      100% will not happen.

    5. whitters_2014
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Same playing v 2 che defence.... Just nothing to do with sterling and hope this tomorrow

    6. mad_beer ✅
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Major post fail. I meant tomorrow.

      1. whitters_2014
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Everyone knew but yeah I agree

  8. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Transfer history

    Date Out In GW ?
    08 May 23:03 Giroud Benteke 36
    08 May 23:03 Cazorla Grealish 36
    08 May 23:03 Taylor Jagielka 36

    :O

    1. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Madness

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

      you took out giroud before a DGW? moron.

      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        and cazorla?????

        1. Rains of Castamere
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Not me, my ML rival.

          Speechless.

          1. Norco
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            wow... just why

      2. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Not his history... oh, nearly forgot... Moron.

  9. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    I have a bit of a benching problem in defence for the DGW

    Pants

    Bellerin(ManU,Sund)
    PVA(Lei, Ars)
    Ivan (WBA)
    Terry(WBA)
    Skrtel(CP)

    Pick 3 to play

    1. davies
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Bellerin and the Chelsea boys.

      1. Mr.Irwin
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Wait and see if Chelsea go all out attack tomorrow. Could be worth only Ivan next week if they do

    2. SweeSwee
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I have exactly the same defence.

      Playing the DGWers and Ivan

  10. whitters_2014
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    As an East Anglian ... And a follower of both sides I'm so psyched for this game

    1. Billy Ketsu
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Everton vs Sunderland? Why's that?

      1. whitters_2014
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Haha. Old farm derby

        Norwich v Ipswich

        1. Billy Ketsu
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          That makes more sense. Good luck!

          1. whitters_2014
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks man

  11. John Smith
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Did mark sell hazard?

      1. Mr.Irwin
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Strange week to do a hit

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

        Took a hit and bought in 2 non DGWers. Interesting

        1. Mr.Irwin
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          He really wants yo finish in the top hundred I guess. Might as well go for it. Now or never

  12. davies
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    An Everton win is priceless as a Leicester fan.

    1. ebow14
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      everton should win but can see sunderland putting up a good fight

    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      To be fair, I don't think you'll need to worry about Sunderland's results. You'll be safe on your own merits.

      Fair play to you too. If only our overpaid underperformers played with as much fearlessness as yours did..........

  13. Exeter Gently
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    hoping i did the right thing benching sterling for albrighton. we shall see.

    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I sold Sterling for Albrighton

      1. Exeter Gently
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        here's to us then

  14. Jebiga
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Skrtel goal will make my day 🙂

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      won't score today 100%

      1. Jebiga
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        my weekend 😀

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

          you jinxed it 😉

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

        Might do on FIFA

    2. ktk_interista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Skrtel and Terry with a goal apiece 😉

  15. Super PVA - Small Spuds
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Outstanding preamble Mark

  16. ebow14
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Sun dream team weekly, only get points for motm, goals and clean sheets
    Good team? Cheers
    Hart
    Kosc Mert Coleman Chester
    Caz Adam Brady
    Benteke Aguero Lukaku

    1. ebow14
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Anyone?

    2. Quinny___
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      nah not really

      1. ebow14
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Get rid of who then?

  17. No Luck
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Double Newcastle defence today - my fantasy fate is in John Carver's expert hands...

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      1-0 win

    2. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      no kidding?

        1. Jax
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          krul isn't a defender but yeah you get the point

    3. SW6
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Do Newcastle even have 2 available defenders??

      1. No Luck
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Krul and Ryan Taylor. Hoping for jammy free kick goal and assist from corner.

    4. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Gone for the opposite double West Brom.

      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        won't keep cs.

  18. ebow14
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Is brady on pens for hull?

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      probably

  19. ebow14
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Best bets of clean sheets this week?

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      qpr

      about as serious as your brunt-a-thon, eh?

      1. ebow14
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Heh? 🙂

          1. ebow14
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Now that's sad

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

            For some of them I was being serious anyways, newcastle have like almost all of thei rdefence missing have lost so many games

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

      Man Utd if the price is right.

  20. Obi Wan Elokobi
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Great save from Ruddy.

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      ruddy hell

  21. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    already got 5 dgw'ers for net gw [giroud / sanchez / ospina / pva / gomez] should i go all out and do kane > defoe for a free?

    1. PGR
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Same dilemma for me. I think 5 is plenty though. Especially since Kane has Hull at home next week.

      1. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        yer was looking at that hull fixture just depends how they do this week.

        1. PGR
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Also Sunderland away at Chlesea last day of the season. Wouldn't want to play a Sunderland player for that game.

          1. Jax
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            they beta them last season and will be going for it as they will probably need a good result

    2. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn't advise it.

  22. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Ipswich or Norwich?

    1. whitters_2014
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Norwich to win I think

    2. ralfb
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Norwich

    3. Jax
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      norwich won last 4 so ipswich.

    4. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Norwich

    5. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      norwich , want olsson + ruddy in my fpl team again

      1. Gooner97
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Redmond!

        1. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          yer had him aswell. and micheal turner's goals

          1. Gooner97
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Had him that day. I also had Whittaker's haul on the bench

            1. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              remember whittaker was great at the start of the season when he was playing

  23. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    my opponent, sterling to coutinho ,for -4 lololol

    1. ralfb
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Might be a good move if coutinho scores

      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        duh.

      2. Jordan.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        seriously,pretty much got to score to break even and its Chelsea,come on mate...

    2. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I so hope this works out.

  24. ralfb
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Hope the leagues best manager waits another week before showing what he can do with my double wba defence 🙂

  25. Rabbinton
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    2, 3 & 4th in my ML have put in an arsenal def whilst I've gone for 2 mids and giroud. Would a hit to cover that be crazy?

    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Depending how Giroud looks Monday I might be taking out Bellerin for a hit to fund getting him 😯

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        At the moment Bellerin is probably more likely to score than Giroud.

      2. Rabbinton
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Two of them went for bellerin and I can see him being rotated (hopefully)

  26. ralfb
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Can i go into next gw without any sunderland players, or is there any must have one?

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      gk

    2. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Whoever scores for them today will be essential and a must have for the dgw

      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        if they score

        1. Optimus.
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Gomez is going to score 2 goals every gw

          1. Jax
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            ha

      2. ralfb
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Lol

      3. SW6
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        This. I'm predicting Gomez.

    3. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      gomez ,penalty chances in 2 games and so easy to get in...

      1. ralfb
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks, good shout

        1. ralfb
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Might go then haz henderson to sanchez gomes

  27. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone know when the ownership stats update on FFF?

  28. Norco
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Covered my rival with Sanchez and Ozil... though he still has Giroud over me. Hopefully Vardy can come to the party this week lol.

  29. Quinny___
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Cazorla,Sanchez,Silva,Hazard,Kun,Benteke,Kane

    I literally have no differential in my team. Is that bad....

    1. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Caz maybe

      1. Quinny___
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Im ahead in my mini league by 170 points and im sitting at 1400 overall. I probably need a differential to break into 3 digits

    2. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yes..I have Murray 😎

    3. 11 Angry Men
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Great team though, not many people have Kun, Sanchez, Silva Benteke and Hazard. Most run out of money after 4!

  30. 11 Angry Men
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Can I ask a couple of questions that have always bothered me?

    Firstly - is the photo in the preamble header of Big Sam and Steve Bruce?
    Secondly - what are the green up arrows next to posts for?

    Keep on waiting for someone else to ask.....

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

      1) It seems that way but does it make sense? Not sure

      2) upvoting

      1. 11 Angry Men
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks, and thank you for not mocking my lack of knowledge!

    2. Hamstergod
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Green Arrows are for upvoting , if you look in the top right corner of your post you have a number there, the more numbers a post has thee more popular it is. Generally it's a way to show good posts.

      As for the picture, can't help there, although I guess you are right.

      1. 11 Angry Men
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks!

        Is this how a post becomes a hot topic? By getting upvoted?

        Or is that decided by the moderators?

        1. Hamstergod
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          It's decided by moderators, but a lot of upvotes usually helps. Some get the upvotes after being changed to a hot topic, but in a lot of cases, they were upvoted before.

          Some people also use it to show that that particular response deserves more attention/is funny or just generally stands out for whatever other reason.

          1. 11 Angry Men
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks, good to know...

            Good luck for the weekend!

            1. Hamstergod
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              Thanks and same to you!

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

          Moderators. But we do use upvotes as an indicator.

          You can also sort comments by 'Discussion rating' instead of date and then all the highest voted posts are at the top of the feed.

          1. 11 Angry Men
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Great thanks!