The Pre-Match Preamble - Gameweek 38 Opinion
30 April 2016 1256 comments
Mark Mark
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Let’s savour these moments.

With just under an hour to go before we start tapping F5 having sent our boys over the line, let us put things into perspective.

Few of us have found this season plain sailing. I actually think this is a campaign by which Fantasy Football managers will be judged for years to come.

We may want to wipe it from memory but our ability to cope with the unpredictable chicanery of 2015/16 has proved a rare test.

For all the anguish, we’ll be sorry to see the back of it. Whilst we have Euro 16 to scratch the itch, we’ll miss these Saturday’s toying with transfers and soon be hankering for the headaches that distract us from everyday tedium.

In a few weeks we will be shopping for a strimmer not Kevin Wimmer.

We will be dreading the weekend barbecue amongst “friends” who barely acknowledge the merits of the beautiful game, let alone a complex meta game layered over the top that involves imaginary teams and yards of statistics.

We will crave concerns over Jurgen Klopp’s rotation when you’re forced instead to indulge in small talk with relative strangers, who politely humour your unhealthy obsession with a token opening line – “what about Leicester, then, eh?”

They really don’t want to hear your thoughts on the likely price of Riyad Mahrez next season. They just want you to acknowledge their gesture and allow them to quickly jolt the conversation back to talk of their safari holiday and their plans for the kitchen extension.

Think on this when you’re next driven to quitting Fantasy Football by the non-appearance of Philippe Coutinho. We really can’t afford to do without such anxieties; we miss them when they’re not occupying our headspace or wrecking our mood.

Admittedly, it’s been tough. The tortuous trials we have put ourselves through have combined to create a season of discontent for Fantasy Football managers.

Now this nine-month tale of the unexpected looks set to conclude in remarkable fashion.

Leicester’s fairy tale could be completed on Sunday. Their incredible achievement will surely touch even non-football fans, offering our friends and associates handy ice-breakers when they’re forced to engage us in conversation over that half-cooked burger.

As you nod courteously at their failed attempts to bluff their way through a stilted football chat, think back at that time you missed out on Sergio Aguero’s points and realise that without that unique brand of agony, your life just wouldn’t be the same.

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

  1. Badlands
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Robles is good for the DGW isn't he? They're playing away and Ev said that Howard is playing the two home games only... or am I missing something??

    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      one of Everton's games is in DGW37 is at home thus reducing Robles to a single game in the gameweek

      1. Les Bleus
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        They're both away in the DGW.

        1. Revival
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          yep, silly me was looking at it wrong, Robles has 2 away games

      2. Badlands
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Not they're not. Leicester and Sunderland.

  2. supervegeta
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    DDG or Darlow?!?!?

  3. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    no leaked team news yet then...

  4. Teahupo'o
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Start Mensah or Gabriel?

  5. juicewagz
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Play 1 alongside Cresswell and Smalling:

    A) Evans (WHU H)
    B) Gabriel (NOR H)
    C) Delaney (NEW A).

    1. boombaba
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      B

  6. Total Slotball
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    If Gabriel doesn't play who should I have as first sub for a defender?

    a) Rose
    b) Morgan

    1. boombaba
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      A

  7. boombaba
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Play firminho or fabregas

  8. Zizoulicious
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Start KdB or Cout?

    1. boombaba
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Kdb

  9. Obi Wan Elokobi
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    By the looks of Callum Wilsons tweet I reckon he'll be starting today.

    1. boombaba
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Captain

  10. villa1234
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Who to captain please hellp!!!!

    A) ozil
    B) Kane
    C) Payet
    D)Martial

  11. F4L
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Do Aguero to Carroll or Lukaku for a -4?

  12. OLEgend
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Pelle >Deeney??

  13. Mark
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 18 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    I'm currently in pret a manger, listening to a Dad lament his triple captain pick on Kane on Monday. His wife and two girls are actually feigning attention quite well.

    1. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Ha! Care to look at a wc draft? It'd be kinda cool.

      1. Mark
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 18 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Link me up...there's nine minutes.

  14. jimbobmij
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Best keeper for the final three weeks if can afford any?

    1. boombaba
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      De gea

    2. Whazza
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      DDG

    3. The Mandalorian
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Mannone easy United away form terrible

  15. Gazpilicueta
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    good to go?

    Robles
    Bellerin, Lovren, Simpson
    SanChez, Hazard, Firmino, King
    Aguero, Kane, Carrol

    Mignolet, Lanzini, Delaney, Gabriel

    what do you guys think???

    1. boombaba
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Play lanzini for firm

  16. Sky Blue Sun
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Ready to go. Good luck everyone!

    Mignolet
    Bellerin Simpson Cresswell
    Sanchez (c) Payet Lanzini Mahrez
    Aguero Kane Martial

    Robles, PVA, Rose, Coutinho,

  17. Mmm mmm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    RP who to bench out of Mahrez, Defoe and Firmino? Currently on Mahrez, which seems nuts

    1. Whazza
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Firmino, not nailed

  18. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Play Rojo or Simpson?

    1. boombaba
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      A

  19. SMOOTH
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    NEED TO DECIDE ON KANE TO LUKAKU ASAP !!!

    1. boombaba
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Lukaku in

  20. Arvin-ation
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Who wuld you rather have for the rest of the season?

    A) Moreno

    B) Simpson

    Considering Moreno's reduced starts...

    Cheers

    1. boombaba
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      a

      Wildcards are stressfull aren't they

      1. Arvin-ation
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        yes!!

        Thanks both

  21. FudgyBadger
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    I'm starting Darlow over DDG.... I am a maniac right?

    1. boombaba
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Idiot more like

      1. FudgyBadger
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        For what reason?

        1. The Raging Bull
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Nothing wrong with Darlow over DDG, Toon have tightened up.

    2. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I've been ruminating over this as decision too. But I think Pardew really wants to win and Palace have found some positive energy lately, therefore I will go for DDG as he is the better keeper.

  22. 8ball
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    taken -8 already.

    Have 10 nailed starters. Last man is Milner. Only possible bench is Gabriel.

    Should I take another hit to bring in someone else? Or is there a good chance that either Milner or Gabriel play?

  23. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Can't get into FPL .... On 4g. Anyone else?

  24. salah my mane
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    DDG
    Bellerin Simpson Smalling Huth
    Sanchez Mahrez Milner Iwobi
    Aguero Sturridge

    Courtois, Rashford, Otamendi, Alli* 1 FT £1.3itb

    Would you play Rashford over a defender?
    *Thinking of saving transfer so have 2 next week as i still have bench boost.

    Thoughts welcome

  25. Johnmph
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Would I be right in assuming Mitrovic won't start?

    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      didn't start the last 2 so this looks the correct assumption

  26. Greek Freak
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    LAST MINUTE WC PANIC!

    Martial or Rashford from now until the end? Both equally nailed on?

    Or ignore both and go Lukaku/Deeney?

    1. Mistletoe
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Rashford

  27. Give The Todd Some Love
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Why is the deadline at 2?

    1. Jazz!
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      No early kick off.

      1. Give The Todd Some Love
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah but when that happens I thought the deadline was still 11:45? I don't remember it being 2 before, may be wrong though

        1. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          You are

    2. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      One hour before first match of GW starts

      1. Bazzalona
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        anyone remember when the midweek games used to have a deadline that enabled you to see some of the line ups?
        oh bliss

  28. Mickey Tyrion™
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Start KDB or Rose (4 at the back)?

    1. goodday there mate
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      kdb for sure ...

  29. Jazz!
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Townsend looked very happy arriving with the squad.

    Armband locked in. 🙂

  30. Odikostar
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    townsend or milner for the next two gws?