The Pre-Match Preamble - Gameweek 38 Opinion
21 May 2017 3279 comments
Mark Mark
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The final day is such a bittersweet experience.

The anticipation and excitement can go off the scale on days like this but, equally, we know that an almighty comedown looms once the whistle has blown and the final set of bonus points drop in.

For all the frustrations that Fantasy Football can inflict, in a matter of hours, we will be lamenting the end of another season and already chattering in anticipation of the next, as we begin the process of burning time till August.

Today has so much in store. At the very top of the FPL we could well be treated to one of the most thrilling finales in memory.

While we’ve witnessed tense conclusions to the season before – most notably Tom Fenley’s one-point victory in 2013/14 – I can’t recall us heading into Gameweek 38 with just two points separating the top two managers.

Many of us are experienced Fantasy managers, and, at various times we’ve doubtless flirted with the upper reaches of the FPL rankings. But we can only imagine how it must feel this morning to ponder the decisions that could make or break an entire season. No pressure.

My best wishes to go out to Uwais Ahmed and Ben Crabtree at the very top – and to the chasing pack that gives chase.

Closer to home, I’m dealing with my own agonising choices.

I’m in reach of a top 100 finish – just five points adrift. But now I must decide on what it will take to carry me over the line, while at the same time hold off Torres Magic who continues to breathe down my neck in the Mods and Contributors league.

Since nudging into the top 500, I’ve calmed my aggressive transfer policy and, in the main, it’s worked.

Slowly but surely I’ve cautiously edged up the rankings to be close to my target, but now I’m wondering if there’s merit in ending the season with one last hurrah.

I’ve felt subdued in recent weeks. It’s felt like my fire has gone out and that I’m simply plodding over the line without any degree of flair.

But today’s heady mix of sunshine, tension and ten concurrent fixtures may just tempt my maverick tendencies. I might just commit to a hit and see if I can’t find a more spectacular route over the line.

Regardless of the outcome and the inevitable feeling of flatness when the final ball is kicked, I will look back on this season with much fondness.

We’ve all be tested and challenged, and I can’t recall a campaign that has demanded more “management”. We’ve rarely been able to settle on our squads: Harry Kane aside, at one time or another, the merits of each and every heavy-hitter has been questioned. There’s been no “fire and forget” options, no essential bargains that offered us a lengthy shelf life.

While luck – rough or smooth – has played its part, I believe the experienced and studied Fantasy managers have had the opportunities to prevail, but we’ve had to work to call this season a success.

For me, that’s how it should be. Looking back, I can’t help but think that Messrs Vardy, Mahrez and Alli were too easy on us last season; it felt more satisfying this time around.

Now we can look ahead. Prepare for new names. Make lists, study numbers and swear that we will never repeat this season’s mistakes.

Only one thing is certain – I’ll be back here with the flame burning once again. I hope to see you too.

Enjoy the day.

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

  1. Sponge-worthy
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    This is it. No more transfers for months. Good luck everyone.

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I'll just have to take hits from other people

    2. Dreams
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      You too sir.

  2. Denis Tueart on the wing
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Is Milner worth -4 or just stick with Stephens as 1st sub insted of King

    1. Sim Simma
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Stick

      1. Denis Tueart on the wing
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        thanks and good luck

  3. Viper
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Play Caballero or Cech?

    Playing Koscieny

  4. Ha.
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Goodbye Alli

  5. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    I'm cool as a cucumber.

    I got this 😎

    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I'm about as cool as a ghost pepper right now

    2. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Cool

    3. RÏÉ BY
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      what game are you going to watch?

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I have no idea. United for a bit to see the youngsters, then maybe Spurs. I quadrupled.

    4. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Same 😎

  6. Dreams
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Hazard not starting?

    1. dmcqt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Who knows!!!

    2. Sim Simma
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      What ... are you trolling

  7. RÏÉ BY
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    PANIC!

  8. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Sturridge?

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

  9. JustPark
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Should have kept Tadic and rid King instead.

  10. jennmenn
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Heia Ove!!

    1. Bungle Machine
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Hello, Ove Marie!

  11. the snazzy viking
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Barnes -> Vokes for -4?

    QUICK

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Play King

  12. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Just brought in Jay Rod for King

  13. VS10_
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Transfer done. Waiting for the madness.

  14. itwaswritten
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    He

  15. Simon69
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Sanchez or Kane (c)?

    1. Lizard Lips
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      No idea. I am on Kane, thinking Alexis now though.

      1. Simon69
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Same as. Decision has been made for me now.

    2. Numb
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Kane for sure

    3. Lizard Lips
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Sticking with Kane. Lets do it.

  16. andymck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    None of my rivals have Kane or Sanchez but I think they're more likely to get Kane in this week - captain Kane to be safe?

  17. Giovanni Giorgio
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    I'm giving Tom Carroll the nod. LET'S GO

  18. Ravager
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Won't miss this panic.

  19. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    SIR HARRY of KANE (c)

    1. Perthite
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      (Tc)

  20. #23
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    321 boom:)

  21. HD7
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Need really sth special from Giroud...last year hattrick, this 2 goals at least please

  22. Mark-O
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Is Firmino starting??

  23. VS10_
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    LFC posted xi on twitter.

  24. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Hazard to Coutinho and King to Fab done for -4!

  25. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    This is brutal

  26. Moose™
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Matip(c) locked!

  27. Olee
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Captain one:
    A: Kane
    B: Sanchez
    C: Coutinho

  28. AA33
      8 years, 6 months ago

      QUICK!!!!

    • HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Selling Hazard to risky
      Sane to Lallana. Done