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. FootballFanatic365
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    goodluck everyone
    a final comment on my team ?

    cech // pickford

    terry kompany vertongen // yoshida stephens

    sanchez(TC) sane coutino pedro // king

    sturridge 😉 kane (vc) jesus

    1. FootballFanatic365
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      i guess too late

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

      Nothing can be done now.

    3. RÏɠBY
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      looks good

  2. Gnu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Good luck everyone.....almost everyone 🙂

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

      GL to u2 GNU

  3. SirStevieG
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    IT'S OVER!!!

    Coutinho cappers let's gooooooooooooo!

    1. Deulofail
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Yuppppppppp

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

    Hazard starts. Feel sick.

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Just sold him last minute 🙁

    2. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Feel very healthy!

  5. Jafooli
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Chaos.....

  6. general_franco
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Good luck everyone!

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

    Gg. Matip(c). What am I thinkinggggg????

  8. Ninja Škrtel
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    thank god i went with Cesc and not Pedro!!!

    1. SM001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      oops

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

    What a surprise, Hazard starts!

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

      Have you kept him? I just got rid. FML.

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

        No I didnt own him but Iv been telling people all week to keep him

    2. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      We held!

    3. nonprophet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Captained

  10. Bartowski
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk

    Just a lot of people getting antsy about not having their questions answered while not answering anyone else's.

  11. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Good Luck everyone, King I hope you are pulling a fast one lad !

  12. Deulofail
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Change Captain from KDB to Cout in the final seconds. First late late decision ever. Hope it's a goodn

  13. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Costa(c)
    Let's do this

  14. Feeling_blue
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Why did I panic sell Hazard last minute... instant regret ughh

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Same here

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

    Hazard 🙂

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Kept him
      Sold Sane

      Phew!

  16. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    I love this community.

    1. Deulofail
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I love you

    2. Sp0rting
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      We love you too

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

      I love you too Dingo

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

    Hazard and Fab starting gaaah oh well doesnt meant they'll actually do anything.

  18. Rossendale Rover
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Feels like the titanic is sinking, pandemonium

  19. Les Bleus
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Haz!!!

  20. rivercityransom
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    HAZARD STARTS

    1. French Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      YES

  21. tajulariff
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    time's up

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

    Terry (c)

    1. zizoo10
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      strong ass

  23. French Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    IT'S OVER

  24. The_FF_King
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Hazard and Costa both start fml

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

    To all the faceless who are about to leave, see you next season and good luck! 🙂

    1. Ephurion
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Good luck to you (even though I'm not faceless)

  26. Fowler23
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    FFS hazard starts

  27. :
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Right, that's that over. When does the Mcdonald's U21 game open up?

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

    Didn't have time to change the captain. (K)ane it is!

  29. Jafooli
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    *activates WC* 😎

  30. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Just swapped Stephens to 1st bench, ahead of Gabbiadini and King. Controversial.