634x258 Preamble
18 January 2014 1714 comments
Mark Mark
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I think thereโ€™s a danger I could run out of ideas. Seven green arrows in eight Gameweeks should indicate progress but, looking at the gap in the contributors league and the chasm between myself and Granville, it seems that my efforts have been little more than powder puff. I need to find a boost in a season which, to this point, has offered few opportunities for those looking to make up ground.

Much as I like the fella, Luis Suarez hasnโ€™t helped matters. Last weekend provided yet more evidence that itโ€™s almost suicidal to peel the armband from the Uruguayan’s bicep. The option to take a risk with the captaincy doesnโ€™t look a viable strategy for the straggling Fantasy manager. Iโ€™ve tried that route and, while Luis let me get away with it by drawing two blanks, even that gamble had little impact.

So where do I turn next? As Iโ€™ve mentioned, Granville doesnโ€™t have any apparent chinks in his armour. His squad looks settled, his budget far in advance of my own โ€“ย if anything the Wildcard will hand him further advantage. Iโ€™m faced with having to take some calculated risks but, such a decision also threatens to derail my run of green arrows and begs the question, when do you allow mini-league rivalries to influence your overall decision making?

A few weeks back I decided to don the blinkers, ignore the mini-league scenario and set about saving face. Iโ€™ve gradually climbed the ranks and so, naturally, I have to conclude that Iโ€™m on a gradual path of progress. It feels cosy and safe but, equally, I can’t help thinking that Granvilleโ€™s has his slippers on and is running the foamy bath of victory.

Should I continue to look at the bigger picture? Maybe if I continue to play safe and go with template signings โ€“ Mesut Ozil being my latest โ€“ I will ensure an ascent up the ranks and I may yet even avoid my lowest ever Fantasy Premier League finish. However, I canโ€™t help consider that, if I allow the Fantasy Sat Nav to keep me on this comfortable path, Granville has it won. I swear when it advised me to turn to Ozil there was a Manchester twang in its voice.

To this point Iโ€™ve been subdued with the risk taking. Iโ€™ve veered off to take an occasional hit, taken the Edin Dzeko detour โ€“ nothing too outlandish. Clearly, it’s had little effect.

My latest half-baked plan is to use my third forward slot in rotation โ€“ attempting to hit a Gameweek sweet spot and find some double-figure differentials. It will be hatched later today but, if this also fails to make an instant impression, Iโ€™m faced with having to decide to either stay on this path of safety and effectively concede or go for broke and risk inviting the red arrows.

Sooner or later the Sat Nav will tell me to turn to Ramsey. Iโ€™ve a feeling that, by then, my season will be at the crossroads.

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

  1. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    VC

    Aguero or Negredo?

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    1. Jake Donahue
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Negredo, should get more minutes and on form just now

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    2. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Negredo.

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    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Cheers guys.

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    4. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Negredo

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  2. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    I was hoping for part II of 50 Shades of Mark ๐Ÿ™‚

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  3. rozzo
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on this team??

    Szczesny
    Coleman Clyne Koscielny
    Hazard Yaya Lallana Sterling
    Negredo Suarez Ageuro

    Davis Pozuelo Ward Chester

    Bank = 0.2

    On a wildcard, Sterling can become Januzaj, thoughts??

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  4. CarrollEFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    Is Parr of crystal palace nailed on?

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    1. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Not completely.

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    2. Tricky
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Seems to be

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  5. Robe Wan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 11 months ago

    I'm sticking with lukaku at the Hawthornes

    Incoming hatty

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    1. Pinoche
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Need to be patient with that man. I'm keeping as well ๐Ÿ™‚

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      1. Robe Wan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        ๐Ÿ™‚

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    2. Noble England
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      He makes me nervous!

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    3. Jake Donahue
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 11 months ago

      Last chance saloon or he is gone in the WC

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  6. Mak_Gold
      11 years, 11 months ago

      RMWCT:

      Boruc, Mannone,
      Coleman, Koscielny, Kolarov, Chester, Ward,
      Hazard, Silva, Eriksen, Januzaj, Alex Pozuelo,
      Suarez, Aguero, Giroud.

      £0.1m in the bank.

      I know it's a weak midfield, but I have a low TV so it's the best I can do. Thoughts?

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      1. Jake Donahue
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Looks good, not overly convinced with Januzaj as a 4th mid. How about downgrading mannone

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      2. theotherguy
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Why Pozuelo? Ki instead?

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      3. good biashara
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        You could get Navas for Silva and a slightly better MF than Pozuelo

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        1. Mak_Gold
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Hmm, thanks for your thoughts, guys.

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      4. Jimbo123
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Chaps,

        Last part of the wc jigsaw.........

        Azpi? Or double up on So'ton defence?

        Or other 5.4 defender that's not City or Ars........???

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        1. Tricky
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          No stick with Azpilicueta

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        2. The_Colonel
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Azpi

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      5. get_in
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        No love for Routledge round these parts? I'm picking him over Ki - Better fixtures, better team, good value and has a decent track record.

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      6. Noble England
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Lukaku >Negredo or Giroud worth -4?

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        1. Tricky
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          No not for a hit. Lakaku due a goal soon

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      7. La Roja
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Start ward ( have speroni)

        Or

        Pozuelo

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        1. mipola
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Pozuelo

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      8. FantaCity
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        "the foamy bath of victory . . ." ๐Ÿ™‚

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        1. FantaCity
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          . . . this is always my favourite article of the week

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      9. Al Bundy
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Good day to you all!

        I am feeling punty today, and feel there are several spots worth taking a hit for today.
        Nailed starters for me are Suarez, Aguero, Hazard, Sterling and Eriksen. If i sell Lukaku Ki will also play, if i sell Whittingham Ki will be benched.

        A) Lukaku -> Giroud
        B) Lukaku -> Negredo
        C) Whitt -> Navas
        D) Luk/Whitt -> ?

        Any thoughts?

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      10. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Team sorted.

        Had to put Migs back into starting over Etheridge. Got away with it last week.

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      11. drughi
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Sturridge as captain, crazy ?

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        1. Breadbin
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          No, if you don't have any better options.

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          1. drughi
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Well I have suarez but gutfeeling is to C sturr

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        2. Tricky
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Yes, given no guarantee he'll start

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      12. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Has anyone ever read the pre-amble and found they have a cup of tea in their hand but have no idea how it got there?
        Strange.

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      13. jlut
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Boruc or Mannone for this week?

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        1. EWH2020
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          I'm going Mannone

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      14. EWH2020
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Mert and Silva

        Or

        Kosc and Yaya

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        1. Jimbo123
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          A

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          1. Noble England
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            A

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        2. white lightning
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Cheers boys.

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      15. Lord Flashheart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Play one:

        A - eriksen (swa)
        B - sterling (AVL)

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        1. Pinoche
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Tough one. I'd go for Eriksen just cuz he is playing a day later ๐Ÿ™‚

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        2. GTS
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          a

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        3. Lord Flashheart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Cheers

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      16. krzys
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Last decision to make:

        A. Hooper
        B. Bony
        C. Carroll
        D. Welbeck
        E. Another striker max. 7.4m ?

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        1. hillbillypete
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          B

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        2. Jake Donahue
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          B going in my WC

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        3. GTS
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          b

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      17. Pinoche
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Ward or Ki first sub?

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        1. hillbillypete
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          KI for me

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        2. Orion
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Ward for me

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      18. Orion
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        on WC Coleman or Baines? Currently on Baines... Thnx in advance ๐Ÿ™‚

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        1. Jake Donahue
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          If you are buying both at current price Baines

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      19. theotherguy
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Any reason not to get Navas for 8.4?

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        1. hillbillypete
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          I got him

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        2. Breadbin
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          James Milner.

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        3. Tricky
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          No, should be good shout. Will start in place of Nasri

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      20. white lightning
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Kosc & Y. Toure

        or

        Mert & Silva

        Last decision for wc

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        1. ManTree(v2!) or just JAY!
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Kosc and Silva

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          1. Indrandro
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            This!

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        2. GTS
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          2nd

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      21. Tibidabo
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        So I decided to captain Kolarov. Thoughts?

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        1. Breadbin
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          You didn't.

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          1. Tibidabo
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Check again after the deadline.

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        2. Noble England
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Drink more whiskey!

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        3. Malkmus
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Good luck with that, could be inspired !

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      22. Thomass
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Morning guys! ๐Ÿ™‚

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          *hides

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      23. Colonel Shoe ่‚ๆฑ 
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        mornin ladies n jellyspoons

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      24. OptimusBlack
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Boruc or Adrián or Speroni to Rotate with Mannone ?

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      25. rdpx
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        My GF wants me to ask you this...

        "Should I bench Lukaku or Sterling?"

        Thankyou.

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Flip a coin.

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        2. Pinoche
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Sterling x

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        3. FPL Touches
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Sterl

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        4. Billy Gilmore
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Oh so you're trying to take the responsibility away from you so you're not in her bad books, ay? ๐Ÿ˜‰

          Sterling.

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          1. rdpx
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 11 months ago

            Yeah pretty much. "But you said ........ And he got a hat trick" etc ๐Ÿ™‚

            I agree with the Sterling bench though.

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        5. Noble England
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          Sterling

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      26. Scottys Army
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Transfer Saved

        For only the 3rd time this season

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      27. Blue Teets
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 11 months ago

        Ars fixtures from February:

        Liverpool A
        Man United H
        Bayern H
        Bayern A
        Tottenham A
        Chelsea A
        Man city H
        Everton A

        Oh dear....

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        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 11 months ago

          And from mid-April onwards, superb.

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