The Pre-Match Preamble - Gameweek 38 Preamble
23 January 2016 1911 comments
Mark Mark
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Sure enough, it didn’t take long for Sergio to punish my lack of faith.

I’m still not budging, though. Despite taking a good hiding during this week’s rather heated ScoutCast, I’ve got to stick to my guns. For now.

I still think there’s “another way” – that I shouldn’t feel compelled to gut my squad and shift it towards another template, just to cater for the Argentine’s undoubted talent.

I want to be able to field a three or even four-man defence I can believe in. I want to make transfers in midfield that can transform my Gameweek, not just plug a hole in my squad: another 4.5 defender acquired in the hope that he’ll shore up a cheap backline. I want to keep having choices that excite me just a little.

In fairness, the recent emergence of Charlie Daniels (4.6) and Matt Targett (3.8) have helped to facilitate those willing to sacrifice spreading funds in order to welcome Aguero.

I can see plenty of merit in this. In some ways I’m a little frustrated that these full-backs have timed their run onto the radar to coincide with Aguero’s return to prominence.

Even so, I’ve been there before – I’ve seen budget defenders come and go, briefly flirting with the possibility that you can scatter them amongst a cast of heavy hitters. They can often turn out to be “fools gold”, left to depreciate, week by week on the bench.

There’s also lots of talk of Aguero’s rise ahead of double Gameweeks. That’s fair enough, there’s little doubt that the “triple C” looks ready-made for the City striker’s bicep. There are all kinds of permutations surrounding double Gameweeks buzzing around our heads – I won’t go into them here.

However, we do know that should City overcome Everton in Wednesday’s Capital One Cup semi, Aguero will face a Gameweek 27 blank. Throw Kevin De Bruyne into that mix and suddenly you’ve got yourself two very expensive reserves. It will be interesting to see how squads adjust to that.

It seems unlikely that anyone will be selling City assets should they book that double Gameweek – but those who time their acquisitions prior to the two fixtures could avoid some damage and still gain the benefits.

It’s easy to forget that Double Gameweeks come coupled with a blank. Just as it’s easy to point out Aguero’s obvious potential for points, whilst ignoring or downplaying the compromises made to get there.

There’s no doubt that Aguero offers a degree of comfort – certain goal returns, spectacular hauls.

In contrast, I’m currently putting faith in a transient cast of mid-price midfield differentials and the theory that, eventually, investment in a strong defence and squad will balance things out.

It’s a gamble and probably a huge error but it’s definitely more “interesting”.

Perversely, I’m enjoying it while it lasts.

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

  1. Dr Mantis Toboggan
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    Play Payet (MCI) or Ozil (CHE)?

    1. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Ozil

    2. Sailboats
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      both if possible

    3. L P
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Ozil

    4. Dot Polka Dot
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Both? Who else you got?

      1. Dr Mantis Toboggan
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 20 days ago

        KDB (whu) Mahrez (STO) Barkley (SWA) Payet (MCI) Ozil (CHE)
        Aguero (whu) Kane (cry) Ighalo (NEW)

    5. InBetweenDreams
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Ozil

    6. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Both.

    7. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      I'd want both. What's your other options?

      1. Dr Mantis Toboggan
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 20 days ago

        KDB (whu) Mahrez (STO) Barkley (SWA) Payet (MCI) Ozil (CHE)
        Aguero (whu) Kane (cry) Ighalo (NEW)

        1. Cilly Bonnolly
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 20 days ago

          Honestly I'd bench Mahrez.

    8. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Must have some serious midfielders to have to bench either of them

    9. Dr Mantis Toboggan
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Think I'm getting blinded by fixtures judging by these replies

  2. Lizard Lips
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    (a) Dawson
    (b) Jags
    (c) Daniels

    1. 50 Shades Oshea
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      a

      1. 50 Shades Oshea
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 20 days ago

        bc

    2. Dot Polka Dot
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      B
      A
      C

  3. DeadStarComing
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    Where is Granville? I miss him.

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Upstairs.

    2. drughi
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      granville became a dull boy

    3. InBetweenDreams
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Bottom of mods league so won't re-surface until he climbs above Mark or Jonty

    4. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      In a windowless room, walls plastered with spreadsheets and statistics, holding heavy bags with his eyes, and a suspiciously cunning smile on his face. The plan is set.

      1. InBetweenDreams
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 20 days ago

        lol what a pretty picture

  4. ZULU23
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    I want Firmino in my team, but I m not brave enough to pull out Mahrez or KDB either. What to do? I m planning to remove Mahrez for next GW anyway, but STO home is good last game...

    1. Pooodle
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Keep transfer this week

  5. gribude
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    both...(find way)

    1. gribude
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      @MR MURDOCH

  6. situs KONTOLRATUKIDUL88
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    DDG or Hart??

    1. Pooodle
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      DDG

  7. Gianfranco Zola
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    Fellow Lukaku captainers, is Deulefeo going to play? Think he's a big source of chances for Luk compared to Mirallas.

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Hopefully

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 20 days ago

        Who's ya captain GB?

        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 20 days ago

          Spaghetti legs.

          1. Jafooli
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 20 days ago

            😆

    2. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Deu and Mirallas will both play

    3. Sailboats
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      He will play, but not the full game.

    4. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      I agree. Mirallas too greedy.

  8. The Fantastic Mr Fox
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    Rakkhi is one of the well-known contributors here right? I'm against him in the FFS Members Cup.

    Good Luck dude

    1. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Yup, Rakkhi is dangerous

      I've Jonty 😕

  9. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    An Aguero haul this GW and FFS might be closed down on Monday.

    1. Ziro Becomes One
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      😆

  10. Fantasyfootballer
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    Play 3
    A - Walker
    B - Daniels
    C - Dawson
    D - Ward
    E - Simpson

    Thanks

    1. Pooodle
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      First three

    2. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      First three and Simpson first sub

  11. Gaz Downright
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    Got an FT to spare, any ideas?

    Myhill (Butland)
    Smalling Bellering Alderweireld
    Özil Payet Mahrez Alli
    Agüero Lukaku Ighalo

    (Arnautovic, Cathcart, Ivanovic)

    2 FT

    1. Chicken Atsu
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Myhill > forster

    2. Dot Polka Dot
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Quite a cheap mid so maybe switch out Ivan for cheaper to free some cash for Sanchez soon

  12. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    Play Bellerin or Payet?

    Thanks

    1. HammersFan
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Payet

    2. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Seriously? Payet.

  13. HammersFan
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    Everyone worrying about captaincy and I've been silently chilling with Rooney all week. This can only end well...

    1. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Netflix and chilling with Rooney?

      1. Gaz Downright
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 20 days ago

        Happy ending?

  14. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    Let's pray Aguero doesn't lank otherwise Mark will be on his gravless account later with the "LOL @ Aguero" comments 😀

    1. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      blank*

    2. Trae44
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      He'll do it on his normal account if Aguero blanks

    3. DeadStarComing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Somebody should arrange a Scoutcast competition. Guess the reasons Mark will give this week to not own Aguero? My enrty is "he may have a blank GW soon".

  15. Rains of Castamere
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    All week I've felt a burning desire to do KDB to Mirallas but haven't. Still tempted.

    Should I save the transfer?

    De Gea

    Morgan Walker Dawson

    KDB Mahrez Ozil Alli

    Kun Lukaku(c) Kane

    A) Save then next week I have exact money to do VVD and Mahrez to Ward and Payet
    B) KDB to Mirallas then exact money for Mahrez to Sanchez next week

    A means no Sanchez, B means no Payet

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Any thoughts on A or B?

  16. Iinvin
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    Start Dann, Smith or Targett?

  17. Pooodle
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    Which one to bench this week? Currently benching KDB...

    A - Vardy
    B - Mahrez
    C - KDB

    1. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Mahrez. Don't spend that much on KDB (or any premium player) then bench them.

      1. Pooodle
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 20 days ago

        Last time I benched Mahrez he got a hat trick...

        1. Paul Psychic Octopus
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 20 days ago

          Bench him, then because I'm playing him (benching Alli)

  18. Paul Psychic Octopus
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    I feel it will continue to be frustrating owning Moreno. Each week you think he will come good, but Liverpool disappoints. Then you think you can't find much better for £4.8m (my SP)

  19. le flem
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    aguero or lukaku?

    1. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      I have gone Lukaku

    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Split decision.

  20. Mark-O
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    What is your captain? 😮

    1. Eden Hazardous
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Ska

      1. Mark-O
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 20 days ago

        What an acronym!

  21. 50 Shades Oshea
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    bench 1

    A) Alli

    B) kdb

    C) payet

    thanks

    1. BecAuse79
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Same problem here but insted of KDB , Mahrez ,
      im thinking Alli

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      A

      1. 50 Shades Oshea
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 20 days ago

        On kdb right now due to city's poor away form...

  22. gorson14
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    someone know, if Oscar will start tommorow? i must bench either Ozil or Oscar, help!

    1. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Oscar may be judged too lightweight for a big game like this and play two defensive mids and Fabregas in the #10. I would play Ozil for sure.

    2. 50 Shades Oshea
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      bench oscar

    3. DeadStarComing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      I'm fed up of hearing about the Oscars this week

  23. Fernando Torres 9
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    Play
    A Mahrez
    B Bellerin
    C Simpson

    1. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Mahrez, very obviously

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Mahrez

  24. GreatCarragherReef
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    baines and Ighalo or Targett and Kane?

  25. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    Hope benteke starts 👿

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Firmino bench would be funny 😉

    2. InBetweenDreams
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Me too. Good for Moreno

    3. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Please stay on topic.

      Lukaku or Aguero only.

      1. InBetweenDreams
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 20 days ago

        lol 🙂

  26. BecAuse79
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    Rest One please :

    1)Payet
    2)Alli
    3)Mahrez

    1. Dot Polka Dot
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      3

  27. Cilly Bonnolly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    Aguero, Kane, Lukaku anytime goalscorer treble. All over that today.

    1. InBetweenDreams
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      One is bound to trip up

      1. Cilly Bonnolly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 20 days ago

        Probably, that's why it's 7/1 but he who dares.

    2. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      As owner of all three, wonder what odds for a hattie for each?

      1. Cilly Bonnolly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 20 days ago

        9689/1 with bet365 for each of them to score three or more. That's pushing the "he who dares" thing a bit though! 😀

  28. #WinterIsNotComing
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    The only time I tried to get Aguero this season by dropping KDB this season resulted in total disaster.

    Aguero didn't start and KDB scored a lot.

    Since then I have decided I'm never getting on Aguero train, never, ever again.

    1. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      Yeah I've said that a million times. He's my captain today.

  29. GoonerByron
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    Good to go? Seems weird having Walker 3rd sub but my defence is a minefield?

    Courtois
    Bellerin - Baines - Moreno
    Ozil - Mahrez - KDB - Alli
    Aguero (c) - Lukaku - Kane

    Hennessey - Simpson - Stanislas - Walker

    0FT, 1.3 in the bank

  30. situs KONTOLRATUKIDUL88
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 20 days ago

    DeGea or Hart?? Which one to buy?

    1. Pino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      De Gea, no doubt

    2. InBetweenDreams
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 20 days ago

      DeGea Bar