The Pre-Match Preamble - Gameweek 38 Preamble
10 March 2012 1105 comments
Mark Mark
Share:

This is a novelty. For once, we’re not spending our Saturday morning stroll with furrowed brows, riddled with doubt over the Man City teamsheet. After last week’s debacle, Roberto Mancini will be lucky if we talk to him again for a good while, let alone waste our energy worrying about his selection whims.

Instead we can enjoy this week’s little meander. Have a few chats with the press and get their views on some of the less pressing issues facing us Fantasy managers…

Scanning our sources this morning, things look pretty settled. For starters, the press seem in agreement that both Ashley Young and Nani will turn out on either flank for United when the Baggies pull up at Old Trafford. Danny Welbeck is expected to get the nod up front with Rooney and Paul Scholes looks ripe for a recall to the midfield. All our papers seem to align on those statements and the back four looks settled too, with Rio Ferdinand tipped for a recall. The Independent are the only ones to toy with the lineup – they have Phil Jones alongside Jonny Evans, with Rafael at right-back.

Down in London, there’s a strong feeling that Roberto Di Matteo’s experiment with the formation in the FA Cup win over Birmingham was just that – an experiment. The overwhelming view is that both Daniel Sturridge and Frank Lampard will be restored to the side for the visit of Stoke to the Bridge. A 4-3-3 is put forward, with Juan Mata back on the left of the lone striker. Fernando Torres is tipped to hold his starting role as that striker. At the back, there’s a swell of opinion supporting a John Terry recall, with Gary Cahill the favourite to make way – the Independent, the Telegraph and the Sun all have Terry returning alongside David Luiz.

Steven Gerrard is expected to be in the Liverpool lineup at Sunderland for their first fixture of the Gameweek. We’re seeing various formations in place from the press boys, with both Andy Carroll and Dirk Kuyt suggested as partners for Luis Suarez when a 4-4-2 is favoured. Gerrard remains a constant though – he’s present in every lineup.

Everton’s first teamsheet of the double Gameweek for the clash with Spurs draws various different configurations – the Daily Mail, not for the first time, are out on their own here. They go with a 4-4-2, with Nikac Jelavic handed a start alongside Denis Stracqualursi. Elsewhere, the opinion is that Jelavic will have to wait for his first start – Stracqualursi has the nod across the other press, with Tim Cahill again predicted to start in the support role. Significantly, like Gerrard for Liverpool, Royston Drenthe finds a start in all of this morning’s lineup predictions.

While Louis Saha rears his head in plenty of the Spurs lineups – presumably because news of David Moyes’ agreement with Harry Redknapp hadn’t filtered through, spare a thought for the Telegraph. They seem blissfully unaware that Landon Donovan has returned to the US and have him in their Everton lineup against Spurs. They made David Moyes’ morning there, just a few seconds.

While that error raised a knowing smile, the prize for the pre-amble’s “Do they know something we don’t?” award is hotly contested this week. Two of our papers surprise us by opting to drop Stefan Savic in the City lineup for the trip to the Liberty Stadium – in both cases, in the Mail and the Independent, it’s Jolean Lescott who makes way. Personally, I’d be astonished if Mancini took a gamble on Savic in the absence of Vincent Kompany but there was talk of a groin problem, played down by Roberto Mancini following the midweek Europa League defeat. A pinch of salt required, or was Lescott’s knock more significant?

The Independent also throw us a curveball with something slightly more credible. They are the only paper this morning proposing a start for Ben Arfa in the support role behind Demba Ba at the Emirates. Given that Alan Pardew’s side were thrashed the last time they visited North London at Spurs, this may well be a good shout. Papiss Cisse dropped to the bench then? Not as crazy as it sounds after a disappointing Tyne-Wear derby showing.

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

  1. HappyAnkit
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Here It Is.

    Open Controls
  2. LaLaLand
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    noticed it before but gee there must be a lot of man united fans on here
    the amount of snide comments and general hate toward liverpool dalglish saurez etc is amazing
    would love to see the comments if suarez gets a goal this gw

    Open Controls
    1. HappyAnkit
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      He will still be a subject of criticism & hatred.

      Open Controls
      1. LaLaLand
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        not in that way.. i mean in terms of 90% of posters ridiculing the idea of getting suarez let alone captaining him

        Open Controls
        1. The3rdTurd
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          That's nothing to do with being a Man U fan or anti-Liverpool or even anti-Suarez.

          There are very good objective reasons for not picking him this week.

          Open Controls
    2. Pasqualinho
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Not a Utd fan then, EBOB?

      Open Controls
      1. LaLaLand
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        nope

        Open Controls
    3. kraftwerker
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Only United fans hate Suarez? That's news to me.

      Open Controls
  3. BMox81
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Mig
    Evans/Skrtel/Enrique
    Silva/Bale/Dempsey/McClean
    RVP(c)/Rooney/Ba

    Good luck everyone!

    Open Controls
    1. Catastrophe
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      good luck! Got the same time apart from Richards instead of Enrique!

      Open Controls
  4. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Damn it, really stuck. Pilkington or Surman? Surman seems more nailed on for minutes but can't help thinking Pilks = bigger goal threat? (scored 7already this season!)

    Open Controls
    1. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Surman from them

      Open Controls
    2. HappyAnkit
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Surman has manged more attempts on Goal than Pilks recently & has just missed a single minute in Last 7 GWs.

      Open Controls
  5. THEPRIMEMINISTER
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Couldn't decide between Roonpig, RVPig or Racistpig as my Captain so left it up to my 2 year old son.
    Firstly he said "Darren Bent" followed by "Gabby Gabby" I therefore asked him to pick a shirt and he chose........

    Suarez.

    He's grounded if he doesn't outscore the other two.

    Open Controls
    1. Pasqualinho
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Grounding a 2 year old? Bet he'll be furious...

      Open Controls
      1. THEPRIMEMINISTER
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        If Suarez loses big time I'm confiscating his beer too.

        Open Controls
  6. bluemoon05
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Krul Mignolet
    Richards Caulker McAuley Williamson Shotton
    McClean Dempsey Bale Silva Siggy
    RVP Aguero Ba

    I've for 2FTS, I'm think of going for.

    a) Skrtel for Shotton. The Pog for Demba Ba.

    How does everyone rate this?

    Open Controls
  7. D-Burls
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Is a points hit worth it for and double game-week defenders?

    Open Controls
    1. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      no. Agger injured and Carragher playing = no CS for Liv!!!!

      Open Controls
    2. Solenya
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Took a hit to get in skrtel to double up on liverpool's defence.
      I think its worth it,even a single cs will more than cover up the hit.

      Open Controls
  8. OPTA FPL
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    people playing Mc Clean or Sigurdsson this week?

    Open Controls
    1. HappyAnkit
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      I'd play Siggy.

      Open Controls
    2. Bumbaclot
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      same [problem.... most are saying play sig? what do you think?

      Open Controls
      1. OPTA FPL
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Mc Clean atm. but...hmm

        Open Controls
    3. kraftwerker
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      I'm going with the Sig. Up against a weakened City backline, not to mention his threat from long range or set-pieces.

      Open Controls
      1. OPTA FPL
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        does he take any corner kick?

        Open Controls
      2. polis
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        This. I'd play Siggy.

        Open Controls
  9. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Who supports Utd and has Suarez in their team ?

    Open Controls
    1. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      I'm doing but i think my friends will swear me

      Open Controls
      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Lol do what you want and not what they want

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

          I am

          Open Controls
    2. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      I would if I could raise the funds.

      Open Controls
    3. Samwise the Brave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Me

      Open Controls
    4. Solenya
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Yes sir 😀

      Open Controls
      1. Chrissy Waddle - 2025/26
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        This is fantasy football, where points are king. People who play with team allegiances are screwed.

        Open Controls
  10. gunner1994
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Whats everyones vice captain? Mines Silva. Is this the right decision?

    Open Controls
    1. Optimus.
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      mines suarez

      Open Controls
    2. Viper
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      RVP(c) Rooney (vc)

      Might become, Skrtel (c) RVP (vc)

      Open Controls
    3. LarryMurphy
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      I wouldn't think that's an obvious choice, mines Rooney and I was struggling between him and RVP

      Open Controls
  11. Ginkapo FPL
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Is Prince Eric around??????????

    Open Controls
  12. Catastrophe
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Should I start Vorm over Mignolet if i'm playing McClean? (and no other Swansea)

    Open Controls
  13. Willis.
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    LOL telegraph

    Open Controls
    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Link it

      Open Controls
  14. Hyperion
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Which one of Hibbert, Dempsey and Miyaichi would you bench this week?

    Open Controls
    1. My name is an echo
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      possibly dempsey but definitely not hibbert

      Open Controls
      1. Viper
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Hibbert, dont see any more than 4 points for him, one CS point for Demps & has nearly equalled that never mind the possibilites of goals, assists, BPs..

        Open Controls
        1. Hyperion
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          Fair point, but Everton have shown they're capable of clean sheets against the top sides and Clint isn't great away from home...at the same time you'd generally always favour mids over defs. Thanks for the input!

          Open Controls
      2. Hyperion
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks mate, whether to play Hibbert was probably my main dilemma as I already have 2 'pool defenders and JEvans.

        Open Controls
        1. Viper
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          Your more than covered, you should be fine without him!

          Open Controls
  15. My name is an echo
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    If Cahill isnt playing should I bring in McClean or Morrison?

    Open Controls
    1. Viper
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      McClean

      Open Controls
  16. Willis.
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    just realised that wenger was the picture for the saturday surgery because avb was sacked lol

    Open Controls
  17. Viper
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Actually slightly tempted to captain Skrtel, surely they will keep one clean sheet against a Sunderland team without Sess & a toothless Everton..

    That Guarantees 20 points as (c) only 6 less than a RVP brace, it that were to happen.. possibility of BPS, goals, assists on top of that!

    Thoughts?

    Open Controls
    1. Pasqualinho
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      It worked with BAE last DGW. Not a guaranteed 20 pts, though - Only 8 pts if they get 1 CS, concede no more than 1 in the other game, and no attacking points.

      Open Controls
      1. Viper
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Sorry, your right. Guarantees 16 provided they don't concede 2 in one of the games..

        Open Controls
    2. Tin of Directors
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Good logic.

      I often like to think this way when a rival has a differential.
      Rather than praying for no goals I have a cap in mind so I can enjoy the football a bit more too!

      Open Controls
    3. My name is an echo
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      worth a gamble especially if suarez is the alternative

      Open Controls
      1. Viper
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        RVP will be my alternative..

        Open Controls
    4. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      this was the thinking behind captaining bae when i got him in for the last dgw. i bottled it, and then regretted it lol but who knew hed score aswell 😉
      however spurs chances of 2 cs were higher than pools this time, so id say its more of a risk

      Open Controls
    5. Bubbles
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      He's my captain. Trebled on 'pool at the back too. 11 men behind the ball please, Kenny! 🙂

      Open Controls
  18. Tin of Directors
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Sorry to re-post but I think it's hilarious!
    For all the Suarez captainers, make a wish!

    http://i.imgur.com/dhpeg.gif

    Open Controls
    1. Bad Pen
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Haha brilliant.

      Open Controls
    2. Viper
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Again..... 😆

      Open Controls
  19. Incorrigible Brat
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    kenny or Vorm??

    Open Controls
  20. DynamoTomato
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    RMT please. Have i got it right for this gameweek...i want to start Siggurdsson but think ultimately Moses is more likely to suceed today. Thoughts? Thanks

    Mignolet
    Taiwo Shotton Skrtel
    Bale Silva Young Moses
    Ba RVP(C) Suarez(VC)

    Krul - Siggurdsson Kelly RTaylor

    Open Controls
  21. Schwarzer
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Adam, Dempsey or Walcott for this week?

    Open Controls
    1. DynamoTomato
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Walcott!!!

      Open Controls
  22. THEPRIMEMINISTER
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Ruddy
    Evans J Baines Skrtel
    Adam Miyaichi Drenthe Young
    Rooney Suarez Van Persie
    Vorm
    McClean
    Shotton
    Tierney

    Any suggestions on whether to change bench or any obvious transfers got two free and 0.6 in bank.
    Sorry bit of a newbie, I also want to know how toI link my team

    Open Controls
    1. Half volley
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Tierney to McAuley? Save your other transfer to have 2 FTs to transfer out Adam and Drenthe after the DGW

      See FAQs on how to link your team.

      Open Controls
  23. waltzingmatildas
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Already taken a 4 pt hit, is simpson/kompany to skrtel worth it for another?
    Back 5 is
    McAuley Evans Simpson senderos kompany

    Open Controls
    1. DynamoTomato
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      i wouldn't id go for a back three of

      Mcauley evans senderos

      Open Controls
  24. Go_To_Sleep1
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Who would you put on the bench out of Sinclair or Sig?

    Open Controls
    1. Incorrigible Brat
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      sinclair

      Open Controls
    2. Clive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Sinclair

      Open Controls
  25. Killitzer
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Ba or Siggy?

    Clichy or BAE

    Open Controls
  26. Willis.
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    suarez or rvp captain

    Open Controls
    1. Pasqualinho
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      If you're chasing a lead over 30 you have to gamble on Suarez. It is a gamble, though - RVP the safer option.

      Open Controls
    2. Tin of Directors
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Sure you have asked already.
      If I was you I would take a break and think it through yourself.

      With a 50/50 choice someone will be wrong on here.
      If I was you I would make a coffee, sit down and make the decision yourself now.
      Nothing will be worse if you do something based on what someone told you. Always better to blame yourself IMO.

      Open Controls
      1. Pasqualinho
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Nice for Willis to have someone to blame, though. Especially if it's me.

        Open Controls
        1. Tin of Directors
          • 16 Years
          13 years, 9 months ago

          WhatyoutalkingaboutWillis!

          Open Controls
    3. polis
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      I'd say RVP. Could easily score a couple v Toon who have been shipping a few away recently.

      Suarez isn't exactly a bad shout but I don't see liverpool scoring heavily in either game, plus any goals / assists could easily be shared around a few players.

      Open Controls
  27. Shane Ferguson 4.0
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    I play Vorm, Shall I play Caulker or Simpson for 3rd spot in defence??

    Open Controls
    1. My name is an echo
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      go for caulker - that really could be 0-0 but Arsenal will be scoring at home to NEW

      Open Controls
  28. Brian C. Lara
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on we back playing??

    Open Controls
    1. Brian C. Lara
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Wellback

      Open Controls
  29. Clive
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Would you drop Dempsey or Bale for this gameweek??? One of them must be benched.

    Open Controls
    1. My name is an echo
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Dempsey does nothing away from home

      Open Controls
    2. McDog
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      I doubt either will do much, probably Bale as he's playing better opposition.

      Open Controls
  30. XP
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 9 months ago

    Captain .... RVP, Rooney, Aguero, Drenthe, or Howard ?

    Open Controls
    1. Clive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      RVP

      Open Controls
      1. XP
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 9 months ago

        Ta

        Open Controls
    2. Viper
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 9 months ago

      Howard, he always scores on Dgwks 😉

      RVP really.

      Open Controls