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. Pennywise
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Garrrgh (c) Luka or Kun... I bet either I choose wrongly again after last week on Mahrez!

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      True.

    2. InBetweenDreams
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Blindfold yourself and pick one

      1. Pennywise
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        Done, I can no longer see to change.. sticking

  2. KP02
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Who to Captain???

    A) Lukaku
    B) Aguero
    C) Kane

    1. Lecky Legs FC
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      I've got one with Kane as Captain risky but worth a chance.

  3. Alittude
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    How am I going to enjoy the games with blood drooling from my nostrils

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Been worshipping Satan again?

      1. Alittude
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        always and forever

  4. El Patron
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    I think Stanislas might score but can´t bench Ozil, KDB, Mahrez or Payet.

  5. zizoo10
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    g2g??

    Butland
    Bellerin - Moreno - Morgan (Smith, Targett)
    Mahrez - Silva - KDB - Ozil (Payet)
    (K)un - Kaku - Iggy

    1. Yome
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Bench payet?? you are insane

      1. zizoo10
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        any suggestions?

        1. Yome
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 16 days ago

          bench mahrez

          1. zizoo10
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 16 days ago

            ok, i did. if mahrez destroys payet im coming after you. seriously..fml this decision is gona kill me

    2. justmatt
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Really banking on City there

      1. zizoo10
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        hell yeah!

  6. tabby98
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Captain Aguero Lukaku Kane or Firmino?

  7. justmatt
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Play Mahrez or KdB? Any suggestions?

    1. Zero
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      KdB

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Mahrez

    3. justmatt
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      I have Kun if that changes anything

    4. Yome
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      kdb

  8. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Next gameweek.... https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CZZvFJoWwAA9hv-.jpg:large

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Is that an FFS meet up?

      1. Parm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        I wish I was spooning with Alexis.

  9. Make United Great Again
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Good luck Aguero (C)'s. We're going to have a field day.

    1. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      yup

  10. Ziro Becomes One
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    What is this Padawan that people mention?

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      the force is weak in you

    2. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      a long time ago in the world before google .....was a jedi master

    3. Eden Hazardous
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      You have much to learn padawan

  11. The Hindu Monkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    last page went by in 13.4 seconds

    new record

    goodnight, see you all monday

  12. alfast1c
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    KDB and Arnautovic >> Silva and Willian/Barkley/wijnaldum ???

    Any thoughts? No brainer or? Got 2 free transfer...

    1. Yome
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Silva and Wijnaldum

  13. KingOllie
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Jonty > grannville

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      For a hit?

  14. NATSTER
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Last minute.

    Play ... Bellerin or Simpson ?

    1. A Defender's Nightmare
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Bellend

    2. JamesFG
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Also wondering this, on Bellerin currently

    3. Pap Le Cissier
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Simpson

    4. Zero
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Belle

  15. FDMS All Starz
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Play Daniels or moreno

    1. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      danny

  16. KUN+10
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Kun (c) over luk

    Mahrez plays over Alli, already have kane

    Done. enough tinkering, good luck everyone 3 mins left, dont panic

    1. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      all played out
      took a whole lotta loving...

  17. McSauce
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Bench Ali? Or play all out attack an bench bellerin?

    1. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      AOA

  18. InBetweenDreams
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    PANIC!!!!!

  19. ameenkw
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Bench one: ake bellerin Dawson simpson

    1. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Ake

    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Decide earlier.

    3. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      I'd bench all of them

  20. Zero
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Butland or Myhill?

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Butland

    2. A Defender's Nightmare
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Myhill

    3. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Mybut

    4. KingOllie
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Mutland

  21. Paul Psychic Octopus
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Wonder what the average points score will be this week? Lots of players away from home where they don't score, or tough matches, my attackers playing my defenders.

  22. Wardinator
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Can't decide between Aguero & Lukaku so thrivellously asked my girlfriend and she said "Aguero......cos he's cute"

    I thought thats as good a reason as any!

    Aguero (C)

    1. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      No votes for Diego Costa (C) then

  23. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Bench Alli or Kdb?

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      No

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        If you should choose?

    2. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Alli

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 16 days ago

        Cheers!

  24. TheSaint
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    GTG?

    Seaman (Spinks)
    Nicol Bruce Adams (Albert) (Walker)
    Ginola Giggs(c) Wise Kewell Merson
    Shearer(v) Sutton (Yorke)

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      No. use your WC.

  25. QPR expects... glory!
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Morgan or Williams?

  26. Les Bleus
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Does anyone actually care about the first game?

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Moreno

    2. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Moreno and Firmino owners

    3. Valar(Keith)
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      You'll get Moreno THAN yes Answers

  27. KingOllie
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Bafetimbi Gomis (c) ?

  28. Jazz!
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    PANIC

  29. The Mandalorian
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    West Ham have a great record against the big teams

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 16 days ago

      Yeah they will probably get a result but Agüero (c)

  30. Pap Le Cissier
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 16 days ago

    Zouma or Nyom