The Pre-Match Preamble - Gameweek 38 Opinion
24 February 2018 1151 comments
Mark Mark
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It comes to something when captaining Harry Kane is seen as a gamble.

We spent weeks justifying his existence in our squads on the basis that he would be our permanent skipper, and successive hat-tricks against the backdrop of the original #Kanexit movement convinced us that we’d never looked back.

But even the most proven and big-scoring assets struggle to convince when compared with the relentless tide of points produced by Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian has now split the Fantasy Football community, as each Gameweek the debate reopens on if and when we can afford to overlook him with the armband.

Kane will always provide the tempting alternative, but with his record of a goal or an assist in 16 of 18 Gameweek appearances, the logic clearly points to Salah.

Twelve double-figure returns to Kane’s eight also diffuses the “explosive” argument.

However, arguably Kane’s “ceiling” of points remains the higher. The devastation of his away day performances at Leicester City and Hull last season still linger. He defines the term “heavy-hitter”: while Salah’s blows are unrelenting, if Kane hits, more often than not, he hits hard.

At this point, turning to Kane is not denying Salah’s status as the go-to option, it’s merely playing the mechanics of the game. When an established path is laid, there is always the opportunity to take a detour.

Salah is the sat nav, Kane the hand-drawn short-cut on the back of the beer mat. At various points over the final 11 Gameweeks, local knowledge will win out.

Gameweek 28 might just be one of those, with the case for the Spurs striker firming up in the last 24-hours.

His opponent Crystal Palace are deep in the midst of an injury crisis, with Roy Hodgson set to turn to Damien Delaney and James Tomkins to silence the Premier League’s most feared striker.

With this in mind, Fantasy managers are acquiring Christian Eriksen in midfield, seemingly backing him for points, but playing down Kane’s potential to outscore Salah.

That said, I still don’t know if I have that kahunas to take that route again. I’ve probably already done enough to separate my line-up from those around me.

My plan was clear some days ago, but doubts surrounding Raheem Sterling’s fitness prompted a reappraisal.

Nursing a muscular injury, believed to be hamstring related, Sterling was omitted from Monday’s shock FA Cup defeat at Wigan by Pep Guardiola.

Clearly, that was designed to prepare the winger for Sunday’s Wembley Final so you have to imagine that every step will be taken to get Sterling on the pitch.

If that proves the case, there is every chance that Guardiola will then take him out of the firing line come Thursday’s league re-match with the Gunners.

With Gabriel Jesus and Leroy Sane fit and Bernardo Silva now settled and proven, he no longer needs to flog his first choice XI.

Should United drop more points to Chelsea on Sunday, I imagine even Pep will consider compromising at the Emirates with City’s own home clash with the champions to come just three days later.

There were just too many possibilities swirling with Sterling, and while profit has been lost, by the time I reconsider Sterling with the Wildcard, his price may have dropped considerably.

Even then, given the likely rotation to come in the late season from Guardiola, I’m not certain I’ll be back for Sterling.

He served me well and got me 26 points as my captain back in Gameweek 19.

But then, I even captained Salah once.

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

  1. Maddamotha
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Didnt do Sterling>Mahrez. Hope that wasnt a mistake. So go on and blank!

  2. La Roja
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Stafyilidis sounds like a disease

    1. VS10_
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      He can bang one from distance.

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      set piece specialist, keep your eyes on him

  3. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Lambert's decision to ditch Fletcher and Pieters.Wtf!

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Great decision, both are liabilities

  4. Smurf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    No Shawcross and I also have Jones 🙁

    Looks like i'm fielding Ogbonna against Salah and his mated 🙁

    1. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Cs nailed on

  5. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Leicester fans really not happy with that line-up.

    1. PvA
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Why? It's basically the same as usual

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        that's the problem, boring puel

        1. PvA
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Leicester are notorious for sticking to the same line-up. They did it the season they won the league

          1. diesel001
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            I see the orignal Conor McGregor is back

            1. PvA
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 10 months ago

              What's up mate, how are you?

        2. diesel001
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Hardly boring. More like Southampton have crap attacking players

    2. The Tinkerman
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Aren’t we? Aside from Silva on the bench looks good to me, but James has been decent so can’t complain.

      1. The Tinkerman
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I’m actually happier than usual, good to see Gray getting a start. Dragovic maybe doesn’t deserve being dropped.

    3. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Why?

    4. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Majority wanted Iborra and Silva starting. A lot not happy that Dragovic is on the bench.

      Defensive worries more than anything else.

      As a Shaqiri owner I don't mind 😀

  6. The Tinkerman
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    That was the most indecisive I’ve been at a deadline I think. Ended up with (-4):

    DDG
    Vert, Robertson, Mee
    Salah (C), Sterling, Walcott, Richarlison
    Kane (V), Firmino, Wilson

    Fingers crossed.

    1. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Looks gpod

      Nailed on for 22 pointer GW

      1. The Tinkerman
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Yep. When pool draw 1-1 with a Milner goal, and Spurs concede I’ll be found crying in a corner somewhere.

        1. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          There will be a few hundred thousand in the corner with you.

  7. Tazah
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    when do arsenal play against ac milan?

    1. Sailboats
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Who cares?

    2. DLL18
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      8th March

      1. Tazah
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        thanks buddy

  8. LǝgleSs e|even
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Cmon big Shaq.
    Give Mahrez a run

  9. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I reckon lots of people taken hits this week with the Sterling and Jones flags

    1. doy
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah I think so too, so taking a hit this week is 'better than usual' perhaps?

      1. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Could look at it this way or u could say those who haven’t are 4 points better off

        1. GE
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          This

        2. melvinmbabazi
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          This

    2. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I wish I had taken one as I have Shawcross and Jones along with Sterling.

      1. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Sterling should be fine mate. It’s 5 days away

        1. Smurf
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Yeah, hopefully. Thanks.

          I'm just hating that Ogbonna comes in for Shawcross 🙂

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Did you actually...

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Good one 😆

    3. Yozzer
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Jesus Christ. We're you incapacitated .

      How you looking?

    4. CRO KLOPP
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      So no hits this gmwk for you

    5. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Same courtois and Elliott
      Dunk,mee,Schindler,Maguire,Fernandez
      Alli,salah,Delafleu,Walcott,van la Parra
      Kane,firmino,vardy

  10. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Anybody else sell Choupo Moting this week?

    Was kinda hoping he would’ve benched after recent performance 🙁

    1. Sailboats
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      No smart person would sell him

      1. Garfield1001
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        What? Why not? You clearly owned him the past 3 weeks

        1. Sailboats
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          He doesn't blank in GW 31

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      he's their striker, unlikely to be benched with beanpole injured

      1. Garfield1001
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Diouf is up front is he not?

    3. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Worst bandwagon of the season by far.

      1. Rainer
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        JLingz... no contest!

      2. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        The Dildo Brothers - Ogbonna & Masuaku.

    4. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      He's in there to cover Joe Allen.

  11. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Is Stafyldis for life?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Just for Christmas

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      You can get rid of it with a dose of antibiotics

  12. Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Chilwell!!!

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      what's he done now?

      1. Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Starting 'tis all

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      He’s poor.

      1. Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Worst transfer of my season..but if he gets a cleanie all is forgiven 🙂

  13. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I went a bit crazy and made a -12......I regret it already 🙁

    1. Sailboats
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      xD

      What moves did you make

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        ogbonna, ota, sterling, son and aguero >> daniels, vvd, eriksen, walcott and firmino 🙁

        was tempted to take out tcarroll for another mid too but deadline passed

        1. La Roja
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Condolences

          1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
            • 15 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            :mrgreen:

        2. Ragabolly
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Are you serious mate?

        3. Fantasy Gold
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Tbf, they are decent moves

        4. Rainer
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Are 4 of those not only -2s in the long run? 😆

        5. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Well y could have just taken a -4

        6. Krionos
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Why is everyone removing city players?

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      lol really?

      what did you do?

    3. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      lol

    4. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Me too, and played BB 😀

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Bit of a weird week for B.B. 😉

        1. The Bandit
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Not when your bench is McCarthy, Mkhi, Chilwell, Hegazi

          Worth a punt I reckon

          1. Fantasy Gold
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            Hmmm, nah.

            That’s a complete waste.

            1. Cilly Bonnolly
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 10 months ago

              Bit early to say one way or the other.

      2. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Did you get Chilwell, WR?

    5. Runaway
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I did my first -12 (in 7 years) this week as well, not regretting yet but very very nervous..

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I don’t understand how anybody is doing -12s at this stage of the season, unless it’s a DGW and you have no chips

        1. gunner 2727
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          FH less here so -12 gives me what I need for run in working around that. Sometimes have man up! It helps having stormed it last game week mind

      2. the snazzy viking
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Damn I did a -16 in my first year

      3. gunner 2727
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Good luck to all the -12'rs!

    6. Shultan
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      If that on your linked team or a 2nd or 3rd team?

      1. Shultan
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        *is

    7. gunner 2727
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Me too Bemba. And also not feeling to great about it!

  14. Chucky
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Vardy and Choppy save my season ...

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Vardy pen miss and red card

    2. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Vardy diving YC

    3. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Choppy warm up hammy

  15. COLLIN QUANER
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    15 mins until the deadline guys.

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Sweet

    2. Fitzy.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Thanks mate, may have missed it otherwise... 🙄

  16. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A Vvd goal and clean sheet from a Salah assist would be nice today.

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Arnie goal nailed on

      1. Kun Tozser
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        THis

      2. gunner 2727
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        ML rival did choupo to arnie so definitely THIS

    2. the snazzy viking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      an own goal and red card wouldn't go amiss

  17. Tazah
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    2 weeks planning just to do holgate to zanka...... riveting stuff

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      lol

    2. Kloppen Schloppen
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Haaaa

  18. DOCLES
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone else with Mane captain?!

    1. Mysterion
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I respect you and your balls of steel

      https://youtu.be/un7QiXsnF_Y

  19. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I understand Mark’s comments on Sterling. I reluctantly sold him last night for Mahrez.

    Felt bad doing it, especially as I now have no City (sold Ota for VVD too), but needs must now in my position and City rotation and tough fixtures is a worry from here.

    1. tm370
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      if you are wildcarding in 32 then it is only a case of missing two tough City fixtures, a blank, and one easy one. It's not the same as getting rid of Kane etc (which I did ffs...) earlier in the season.

      I kept Sterling but have only him from City now

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah, WC in 32 or 33 but may go for KdB then instead.

      2. Mysterion
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Arsenal isn't tough. They play Chelsea at home. And then there's Stoke...

        1. Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Number of games in short period of time plus a blank.

          Mahrez should score well enough in that same period to justify the change, but the way my season has gone Mahrez will probably blank and Sterling gets a hattrick.

          1. Mysterion
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            Haha Mahrez looks a solid pick tbf, can easily haul big in any of STK/BOU/wba. Just seems a bit early to be sacrificing Sterling...

            1. Nomar
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              7 years, 10 months ago

              Only way I could get him in without a hit.

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah, I sold him too.

    3. CRO KLOPP
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I did same moves, will WC in 32

  20. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Who scores more this week
    A) son
    B) sterling

    1. Ragabolly
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

      1. FPLHaggis
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        A

      2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Thats what i want

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Sterling - my guess is plays small cameo in cup and fresh for league game Thursday (unless forecast weather means postponement)

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        My guess:

        Sterling plays cup final, benched on Thursday in league.

        Jesus on bench for cup final, replaces Aguero in lineup for PL game.

        1. drughi
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          so both sterling and aguero benched on thursday ? wild guess you dont have neither

          1. Fantasy Gold
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            It makes sense, does it or does it not?

            1. Somalion
              • 15 Years
              7 years, 10 months ago

              That both Aguero and Sterling will be benched in a league game against Arsenal?

              No, it doesn't.

              1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
                • 15 Years
                7 years, 10 months ago

                pep loves jesus, aguero place is at threat whether people like it or not

                1. Kun Tozser
                  • 10 Years
                  7 years, 10 months ago

                  Form and ceiling it’s worth having Aguero imo good placeholder for Auba also

                2. Somalion
                  • 15 Years
                  7 years, 10 months ago

                  Has nothing to do with my answer.

                  I specifically said that BOTH Sterling and Aguero not starting against Arsenal is highly unlikely.

                  I get that you want to convince yourself ditching Aguero is the right idea, but it has nothing to do with what I'm talking about. At least one (and I'd fancy a wager that both) will start on Thursday.

          2. the snazzy viking
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            double negative - so he owns at least one?

        2. SADIO SANÉ
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          I've kept Sterling and think I might agree with this tbh

        3. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          But they would need pace of Sterling in an away game
          So u think bilva and sane playing?

      2. COLLIN QUANER
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        My guess:

        Sterling benched in cup final, plays in league on Thursday.

        Jesus starts cup final, Aguero replaces Jesus for PL game.

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          and this is what I'm hoping happens

      3. ChampChomp
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Surely if Sterling is fit they'll play him tomorrow and then check what state he's in before thursday

  21. FPLHaggis
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Had the armband on Salah all week and kept it on Salah.

    Call me Mr. Maverick 🙂

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      You are hardcore mate, totally against the grain

    2. Celt Abroad
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Tip of the hat to you, Mr. Maverick

  22. HD7
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    In the end did the boring choice Salah over Kane as C... oh well I hope both do well

  23. Weasel51
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Any Liverpool team news berb?

    1. COLLIN QUANER
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Salah starting apparently.

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Woah

    2. El-Kloppico
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      VVD playing in defence.. most probably.

  24. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Sterling is not needed at all now in our teams and I agree with Mark but don't agree with his theory of Sterling not playing on Thursday. They would want to wrap up the league as early as they can before the cl quarters

    1. the snazzy viking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      This - added to the fact I see Eriksen as an irresistible player to transfer in given those 3 fixtures and his current form

    2. thegame
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      i deliberately took sterling out for mane. so that i could have mane and aguero.

      My alternative move was firmino for aguero. which would have left me with sterling and firmino plus cash.

      went for the differential could go either way next 4 weeks...but i rolled the dice

      1. MTPockets
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Did the same. Sterling & Aguero seemed too much.

      2. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Depends how much cash is tied up in him and if you will FH in 31, WC in 36

        I am finding a lot of these articles are a bit biased to a certain chip strategy

    3. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Kane captainers unite o/

      1. ChampChomp
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        o/ Hello

      2. Thiga
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        \o/

      3. SADIO SANÉ
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        \o/

      4. Boxwoods
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

    4. Gudjohnsen
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Benched Shaquiri but played Maguire. Here's hoping for a boring 0-0

      1. El-Kloppico
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        hope both score. 😉

    5. lordkippe
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I went for Mane (C). what an idiot I am

      1. El-Kloppico
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Why did you if you are doubting yourself before the party itself?

    6. Lets jump straight into it.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Game updated