The Pre-Match Preamble - Gameweek 38 Opinion
16 December 2017 1623 comments
Mark Mark
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We all need luck over the course of a Fantasy season.

It doesn’t matter how much football we watch, how much data take in or the tools we have at our disposal, without luck as an extra and vital ingredient, our seasons may never make the jumps from average to good to greatness.

And when we experience luck, I believe we should acknowledge and respect it.

Fortune certainly smiled on me in Gameweek 17.

First, the injuries to Ben Mee and Stephen Ward set up my Burnley pair – Nick Pope and James Tarkowski – as unlikely defensive differentials.

I would have gladly just taken Mee’s absence, but when Ward limped off prior to half-time, I realised that the evening and the Gameweek was turning my way.

That was followed by Andreas Christensen’s withdrawal at Huddersfield.

As he trudged off to a wave a chatter on the site thankful that his clean sheet was locked in, I never really considered that this would come into play; that Chelsea would then concede late.

But my good fortune may have started before a ball was even kicked in midweek.

It’s not often that early transfers can pay off by rewarding us with more than a price rise, but my itchy transfer finger may have just worked in my favour.

With two free transfers available, I opted to use both on Sunday evening. Looking back, I’m not really sure why I felt so compelled to act early and, at the time, I felt it may just have been an error.

Swooping for Charlie Austin and Jonjoe Kenny, I had no real drive to act on Sunday. Both players were likely to rise, but not for another 24-hours.

Then Monday brought news of Alvaro Morata’s absence and, looking back, had I kept my two free transfers in the bank, I surely would have considered moving him out.

Like many managers, it would likely have been Roberto Firmino drafted in, either leaving me with funds sloshing around in my bank, or driving me into another unplanned upgrade elsewhere.

As it is, my unexplained Sunday evening transfers locked this option out and almost forced me to retain Morata. It saved me from hours of deliberation but may also lead to an even more prosperous chain of events.

I’ve no idea how this will pan out. Morata may just be benched today, Firmino could run riot at Bournemouth.

But I feel far more comfortable not having to hope for Antonio Conte to bench his striker, while relying on Jurgen Klopp to calm his own rotation policy.

It means I will now bank my latest transfer. It’s a cautious approach but sensible in light of the midweek events.

I have to acknowledge that luck was on my side this time but anticipate that things might just turn against me. My squad looks settled, so making a “vanity” transfers may just be tempting fate.

So I’ll sit tight and wait to see if Morata starts and scores to compound the events of my blessed Gameweek 17.

If I have welcomed luck into my virtual dressing room, I probably don’t need a transfer: I’ve already made my most crucial signing of the season.

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

  1. rokonto
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Anyone reckon niasse will start on Monday?

    1. Jebiga
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      i was thinking to start him over kane, but my gut will stay on the bench 🙂

    2. Lee8686
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Doubt it....Rooney and DCL seem to be preferred ...he seems to be fighting it out with lookman and classic for left over minutes.

      Crazy

  2. Snapes on a Plane
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Start DCL or Otamendi?

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Never rest Ota

    2. justmatt
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      I'm starting both.

  3. Lee8686
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Play one

    A)Okazaki
    B) Zaha

    Thanks

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      A

    2. TallestJohn
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Zaha, more likely to play the full 90

  4. TallestJohn
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Just did Kane to Lukaku, meaning Harry won't be back in my team until the DGW. Fancy Lukaku to score against his old team.

    Feel like I have no idea what I'm doing this year but at least the sheer number of combinations means there's a bit of variety in teams. Stressful but fun.

    This week's randomised captain is Hazard. Salah the first poor randomised pick last week but it was between him and Kane so at least I made up 2 points.

    1. More Tragic
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      *1 point

      1. TallestJohn
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        You just made me lose a point 🙁

    2. Goat
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      His old team?

      1. mgrea
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        Wba

    3. Goat
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Oh sorry I thought they were playing Bournemouth lol

  5. justmatt
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    This lot look g2g?

    Fab
    Ota, Chritensen, Jones
    Hazard(c), Salah, Sterling, Gross
    Kane, Morata, DCL

    Elliott, Dunk, RLC, Wimmer

  6. Shultan
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Is okazaki going to start

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Probably. Np guarantees

  7. Blue Gaffer
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Benteke and DCL to Okazaki and Rooney - 4?

    1. Meinhoff
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Nah

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      The real question is why does anyone own Benteke?

      1. TallestJohn
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        Might be on pens with Milivojevic out! 😀

    3. justmatt
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Just Tekkers to Rooney for me

      1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        This

    4. Simon Says...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Just Tekkers for Rooney

    5. TallestJohn
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Nope, I have the former pair too but gonna show some patience. Any points made probably negated by the hit there.

  8. JONALDINHO
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Hazard scored twice against Soton last season. Seems to score against teams he has good records.eg Newcastle and Bournemouth. Just saying...

    1. Arctic_Orangutans
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      At home as well I’m confident he’ll score

  9. Scapegoat Salah
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Last minute decision, play Mariappa or Mee?

    Thanks a bunch

    1. Shultan
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Mee

    2. Chris_White
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Mee

      1. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        Thanks both. Went for Mee

  10. mash
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Bench 2 from these four (repost as I listed the wrong players before):

    A) Ward
    B) Duffy
    C) Gross
    D) Otamendi

    Currently benching A and B.

    Good luck for the GW everyone!

    1. Shultan
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Ab

    2. Stockport Hatter
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Yep A and B

  11. Chucky
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Salah to Sanchez for -4?? help

    1. Over Midwicket
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Loool

    2. Meinhoff
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      That's crazy talk

    3. justmatt
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Why ditch the highest scoring player?

    4. Shultan
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      No...go & take your meds

    5. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Wtf no

    6. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Feels like that Pedro to Sterling move earlier in the season. But who knows....

    7. Stockport Hatter
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      No way

    8. Goat
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Yes do it

  12. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Play 2 out of Simpson, Murray and Otamendi? Thanks!

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Simp and Ota

    2. Shultan
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Simpson murray

    3. Jonny HOW SON?
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Simpson, Murray

  13. Epic Fail
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    It still amuses me that people ask questions so close to the deadline. 😀

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Why?

      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        I'm easily amused.

        1. Ha.
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 14 days ago

          Evidently

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      #metoo

    3. COLLIN QUANER
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      No different to asking a question 2 days before the deadline?

      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        Very different, 2 days before the deadline you have time to assess the answers.

      2. dark91
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        That is normal since you either wait for the pressers or for the midweek games to be played

    4. Stockport Hatter
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      This

  14. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Kane captainers raise your hands!!!!

    1. Sponge-worthy
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      o/

      1. More Tragic
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        BUPA ?

        1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 14 days ago

          Sod off you zit.

    2. More Tragic
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      they're all having their meds at the mo

      check back after 12.30

    3. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      o

    4. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      o/

    5. COLLIN QUANER
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Fair play. Good luck

    6. Naboo
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Wish I have the balls. Good shout imo. Will do well

  15. Jebiga
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    wow, nothing will satisfy me more than 5-4 city win 😀

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Kane hatrick?

      1. Jebiga
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        why not 😉

  16. Miro
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Guys Sterling -> Sanchez worth a hit ?

    1. Shultan
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      No

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Noooo

  17. Hawk Eye
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Will Gomez start?

    1. KEN YA DIG IT
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      no

    2. Shultan
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      No

      1. Hawk Eye
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        well thats a bummer... 🙁

  18. Sponge-worthy
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Play Niasse or Zaha? Is it possible that Niasse starts?

    1. Shultan
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Niasse

      1. Sponge-worthy
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        I'm gonna do it, and blame you if it goes wrong.

  19. Alan_T
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Points prediction?

    A) Maguire (CPL)
    B) Naughton (eve)

    Is Maguire worth a hit?

    1. Sidekick_08
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      No

  20. CloudSky
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Who did the dog captain?

    1. willl
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Kane

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Kane

    3. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Kane I think

    4. Jonny HOW SON?
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      the cat

    5. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Rumor has it he was taken out for a 'long walk in the woods' after his Kane pick last gameweek.

    6. Prøfeßör …
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Kane

  21. SuperMario
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Happy to help anyone with last minute questions gentlemen??

    1. SuperMane Returns
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Hows Luigi?

      1. SuperMario
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        Lol great now

    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

      1. badgerboy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        How long is a piece of string?

        1. Ha.
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 14 days ago

          Twice half it’s own length

      2. SuperMario
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        Depends on the size of the tool I would say

    3. jurgenklopp.8
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      bench austin for kenny?

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        y

      2. SuperMario
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        Just about, close one

  22. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Hey guys, start RLC or Niasse?

    Thanks!

    1. Shultan
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Niasse

    2. SuperMario
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Niasse

  23. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    1st on the bench:
    a)Austin
    b)Gomez

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      A

      1. Old Wulfrunian
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        thanks

  24. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    GTG?

    Pope
    Kabasele Maguire Christensen Alonso
    Salah (C) Sterling Richarlison
    Firmino (V) Kane DCL

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      yes vg

  25. SuperMane Returns
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Hazard Cappers Unite \o/ (for 4th week now!)

  26. Pariße
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Salah captain just doesn’t feel right today, but there’s really no good alternatives.

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Yeah I’ve taken it off him. I’ve got a gut feeling about Firmino. Rightly or wrongly he’s my (C).

  27. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Would you play Daniels (LIV) over Mee (bha)

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      m

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      No

  28. Cocky Spaniel Alves
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Salah or Morata captain?

    1. Cocky Spaniel Alves
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Or Coutinho?

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Salah

      1. Cocky Spaniel Alves
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        Yeah, have it on him. Best just leave it I guess.

      2. The Royal Robin
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 14 days ago

        Salah won’t play 90.

    3. Jonny HOW SON?
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 14 days ago

      Salah

  29. SuperMane Returns
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    Kane Sellers to Spread Money Around Actioners Unite \o/

  30. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 14 days ago

    I have a little inkling Niasse will play against Swansea and get a brace.