The Pre-Match Preamble - Gameweek 38 Preamble
1 December 2012 1337 comments
Mark Mark
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This is a troublesome morning. It’s one of those mornings for Fantasy managers when you know you’re on the edge of making a decision that could make or break the day – one that, if it falls badly, will curse the weekend and hand you the task of picking yourself up off the floor for the next Gameweek.

Leighton Baines is a doubt and it’s a situation that causing me no end of consternation. With two transfers tucked under my arm, this Gameweek should have been in hand. However, hesitancy on Wednesday night (see the ScoutCast) deprived me of my decided transfers and meant that, with Baines a doubt, I’ve now dug myself into a scouser-shaped hole.

This morning’s press fail to provide answers. If anything, they confirm the worst. Only the Guardian finds a tentative spot for Baines in their Everton lineup at City, with the The Sun and The Independent drafting in Bryan Oviedo at left-back, while the rest opt for Sylvain Distin against his former club. In short then, the press have little hope that Baines will turn up at City.

There’s an obvious replacement and, in many ways, it’s a decision that requires little consideration. Jose Enrique is set to play another game pushed up in the final third to support Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling and he faces Southampton – a fixture that offers goals for Brendan Rodgers’ side and maybe even a clean sheet. When you look at Liverpool’s fixtures compared to Everton’s there’s even a case to extend Enrique’s stay over Baines for the coming weeks. Liverpool have three home games in four and, if Enrique can maintain his advanced starting role, he should rival even Baines for attacking threat.

The trouble, of course, is that Baines is a favourite player of mine – a designated season keeper who may have disappointed in recent weeks but who has shown potential almost every match to deliver strong attacking returns. Losing him now is a tough decision when, in the back of my mind, I just know that there will likely be obstacles to getting him back in a hurry.

At least there seems to be little concern over Enrique’s credentials. All the press lineups name him safely nestled next to Suarez in the Liverpool attacking trio; Andre Wisdom makes his return in The Sun, The Guardian and The Telegraph, with Stewart Downing making way. In our other three papers, it’s “as you were” for Liverpool, with Downing retaining his start at left-back at Wisdom’s expense on the bench.

Today’s other decisions are also calmed by the press lineups – Tevez is included in all but the Daily Mail’s prediction, Theo Walcott is listed in every one of our morning papers for Arsenal.

It’s left to Baines to cast a cloud over my morning, then. To leave me facing the prospect of losing one of my darlings and approach the Gameweek with three Liverpool attackers. How did it possibly come to this?

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

  1. MDK
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    Made three subs with 2mins to go
    Baines to Garrido
    Hazard to Walcott
    Lambert to Suarez

    Not sure how I feel

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    1. Lawrø
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      For a 4pt or an 8pt hit?

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      1. MDK
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 1 month ago

        4pt

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        1. Lawrø
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 1 month ago

          I think it's an improvement!

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  2. jose-mourinho
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    i guess liverpool is playing that diamond 4-4-2 that allow both enrique and johnson to push up... with 4 CM... and suarez/sterling up front

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    1. 1LHerne
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      good news for me, have both, johsénson.

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  3. hazza44
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    Who to get in for Ruddy with 6.1mil?? Other keeper is Bego.

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    1. Just Ruud
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      Bargain Bunn at 4.0

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  4. Nopli
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    Suspect 3/4 changes for CFC Cahill for suspended Luiz but maybe Mata, Marin and Moses for Bertrand, Hazard, Oscar

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    1. Hubert
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      Oscar out Moses in was in the news earlier

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  5. Vladimir Stishenok
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    I didn't read it anywhere but I have a feeling that Liverpool attacking trio "Sterling-Suarez-Enrique" may not be the same for the third match in a row. Of course, Suarez will start today but I have a feeling that someone of those who rely on Jose or Raheem too much can be disappointed today (I have them all in my team though). Papers said that Sterling have some problems with new contract at Anfield right now & bearing in mind that Rodgers have a lot of wingers I can suggest that attacking trio may be changed for the home clash with Soton. Albeit it's my thoughts. no more.
    Good luck mates!

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    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      Can you name these wingers Rodgers has? Cause I disagree

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      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah Shelvey is no winger

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      2. Lawrø
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 1 month ago

        Assaidi, Cole, Suso, Downing...

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        1. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 1 month ago

          wow, that's quite some threat to sterling's place that 😛

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      3. Vladimir Stishenok
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 1 month ago

        Not wingers maybe, but attacking players (or those who can play in support) he has: easily Suso, Shelvey, Joe Cole. One of them can replace Jose or Sterling in attack.

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        1. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 1 month ago

          Lucas Leiva is back very soon too - could mean Gerrard moving a bit more forward as well. Joe Cole won't play, ever, though. He is so bad that I don't think he will get much gametime other than very late sub appearances. Susuo and Shelvey yes, Rodgers likes them, but even still I don't think they will be used too heavily in the league IF (and if) enrique keeps playing well up front.

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          1. Vladimir Stishenok
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 1 month ago

            I agree and I wrote about no more than a own feeling about today's game. Let's wait and see.

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    2. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      sterling's contract has been the same since a long time. and no, rodgers doesn't have even 1 winger other than sterling

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      1. Vladimir Stishenok
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 1 month ago

        Maybe not natural wingers, well, but attacking players. Read my post above.

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  6. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    Who kept Mata because he's on TV today?

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    1. QPR expects... glory!
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      Me!

      But actually I kept him because his price drop doesn't effect my profit margin! He's gone tonight before he drops again though. Silva FTW!

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  7. Spencer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    Time to see who your rivals have brought in!

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  8. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    game updated

    rvp most cap

    tevez most vice

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    1. Hubert
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      lol

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    2. Sarnab
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      Again ??

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    3. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      GW1 dead teams will keep the VC like that even if Tevez dies.

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      1. Godfather Bandit 42
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 1 month ago

        Ha Ha Ha!! Actually, that was quite funny!!
        {How do you do a smiley face emoticon on here?) ;0

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  9. Jafooli
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    Lin ups will be carnage today.....

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    1. Open Controls
  10. Cheggers
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    Chelsea fc team to play west ham -

    Cech, Azi, Cahill, Luiz, Bertrand, Mikel, Romeu, Marin, Oscar, Moses, Torres

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    1. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      LOL no MATA?

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    2. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      cheers, 'Chemi'

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    3. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      Why would you do that?

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    4. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      Seriously? No Mata again?

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      1. Locarno
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 1 month ago

        Or Hazard. Ignore it.

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    5. elkunaguero
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      source?

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    6. Chu Young Ping Pong
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      FAKE. FU!

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    7. Bullet Tooth Bony
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      I smell bullsheeeit.

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    8. Your Mum's Athletic
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      luiz suspended i thought

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    9. Cheggers
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      sorry some mistakes.

      actual lineup is

      Cech, Azi, Ivan, Cahill, Cole, Mikel, Ramires, Hazard, Mata, Moses, Torres

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      1. elkunaguero
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 1 month ago

        more like it... Bertrand first sub

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  11. Smarty Pants
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    What is this moustage fashion trend all about?
    Walcott, Owen, Crouch, Walters... They look like freaking weirdos these days.

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    1. Tin of Directors
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      Has Movember missed you on Mars then??

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      1. Smarty Pants
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 1 month ago

        had a great time there!

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    2. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      Charity "Movember" Men's cancer awareness.

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      1. Smarty Pants
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 1 month ago

        cheers, totally missed it

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  12. Tin of Directors
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    I'm so scared (and excited) to see what my rival has done.
    Love (and hate) this part of the day.

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  13. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    So did you bench Sterling Michu or Fellaini in the end?

    I benched Sterling... :Neutral:

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    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      😐

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      1. drunken_mess
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 1 month ago

        same

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    2. Bad Pen
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      Benched Fellaini, still not sure if it was the right decision but nothing can be done about it now.

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    3. Philman
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      Michu. I was never gonna bench Sterling, but it was os so close between Michu and Fellaini. Michu's away form swayed me.

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  14. Breadbin
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    Cech, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ivanovic, Cole, Gullit, Ramires, Malouda, Mata, Hazard, Drogba

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    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      There is an art to a fake line up, and you sir have the gift

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      1. Breadbin
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 1 month ago

        I'm pretty proud of myself, in a childish way.

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    2. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      Damn, I have Vialli(c)

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    3. SirStevieG
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      Are you sure Joe Cole isnt playing?

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    4. Drogba "Unstoppable, U…
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah i knew it
      Drogba (C) FTW

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  15. Philman
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    Here we go. Set up me team for GW16 o:

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    1. Henry Hill
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      I thought Eva Carneiro left the club when RDM did? Great news

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  16. drunken_mess
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    just to calm my nerves or put me on edge. Who to score more this week Fellaini or Sterling

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    1. Dial Square
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      fellaini

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  17. Batigol
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    Any realistic chance of De Gea starting today?

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    1. Bullet Tooth Bony
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      Who?

      😀

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  18. Sarnab
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    http://twitter.yfrog.com/hslivqaj

    chelsea team

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    1. Djerbil
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      Eva Carnerio FTW

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  19. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    "Robert Lewandowski is heading to Manchester United." according to daily mail

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    1. Sarnab
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      I am heading to Chelsea Fc as the next manager, according to weekly mail

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    2. mutatedllama
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      Because they need more strikers.

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    3. mgrea
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      Almost as reliable as Goal.com

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  20. Jafooli
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    Told ya......already a mess......

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

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    1. Sarnab
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      hmm i knew

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  21. @FuzzyWarbles
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    MATA!!!!!!!!!!

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  22. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    West Ham lineup http://twitter.yfrog.com/odjj4wwj

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    1. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      demel starts again..

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  23. Djerbil
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    Some cracking Continental Matches tonight including:

    Real Madrid vs Falcao
    and
    Bayern vs Dortmund

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  24. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    West Ham: Jussi, Demel, Reid, Collins, O’Brien, Tomkins, Noble, O’Neil, Nolan, Jarvis, Cole

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  25. Godfather Bandit 42
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    Hey Captainers, this is the best I can put out today. Enrique>Cuellar/Nastastic/Cuells & Mata>Bale next week….

    Jaasi

    Enrique – McCauley – Reid

    Fellaini – Mata – Cazorla – Michu – Sterling

    RVP(C) – Suarez(VC)

    SUBS: Bergo, Gorks, Clyne, Ruiz(INJ)
    0FT & a piddling £0.1

    BRING IT ON!!!!!!

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  26. Nopli
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    CFC LINE UP OFFICIAL

    Chelsea XI v West Ham: Cech - Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole - Mikel, Ramires - Moses, Mata, Hazard - Torres

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    1. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      No Zola?

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  27. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    Oscar benched,

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  28. Valar(Keith)
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    Demi 🙁

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    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 1 month ago

      Ill.

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  29. The Chosen One...
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 1 month ago

    Mata starts....that's all we need to know

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