Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 24

I’m partial to a flutter but I’m hardly a seasoned gambler. Even so, I’m aware of the concept of “chasing losses” – I also know that any experienced punter will tell you that it’s a mug’s game.

Until Tuesday night, I wasn’t really sure just how this applied to Fantasy Football. How, when desperation kicks in, your better judgement can go out the window as you ignore the obvious option and search out the long shot.

Let’s face it, handing Wilfred Bony my Gameweek 23 armband was a travesty. I can and will point to the logic behind the decision – I can talk about about the Ivorian’s form, of Fulham’s fragility. Even so, that doesn’t detract from the fact that, deep down, I knew that Luis Suarez would punish me.

As I mentioned in this week’s ScoutCast, I stood for a full thirty seconds at my front door at 7.28, key in hand, ready to burst back in and correct my madness. Foolishly, I chose to turn and head to Tesco. Those pizzas might have been buy one, get one free but they cost me dearly.

Such outlandish decision-making is in stark contrast to the methods employed by our own Jonty – a Fantasy manager who has profited from backing the favourite. Jonty has reveled in his “dullard” moniker and can point to an impressive ranking and a profitable Wildcard that has left even Hall of Fame legend, Evs, in his wake.

In Thursday’s ScoutCast I was asked what I’ve learned this season. Jonty’s campaign, coupled with my season-long failed quest to seek out effective differentials has taught me that my enthusiasm to look for the spectacular long ball, rather than settle for the sideways pass, has hurt me the most. I’m constantly trying to be Glenn Hoddle and Jonty, pulling off his best Ray Wilkins impression, is making me look silly.

I’d like to think I’ve learned a lesson but, only this week, I was fully contemplating tossing four points into the air and backing Robin van Persie at Stoke. There I was, listening to Granville spelling out the obvious move – Edin Dzeko in for the injured Sergio Aguero to keep the City cover – and I was plotting another foolish 60-yard “Hail Mary”.

While this may disappoint those who listened in, I think I’m going to have to rethink. I daren’t try another Hollywood pass for a while.

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

1,965 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Billy Gilmore
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    The participants, groups and fixtures for the Europa League have been released for those who are interested/involved. http://uefacouncil.wordpress.com/2014/02/01/europa-league-groups-and-fixtures/

    The links to peoples' teams have also been added should you wish to use them. Happy hunting everyone! 🙂

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    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Great job on organising the comps guys. Very much appreciated.

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    2. DonTheSpecialOne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Nice! Great job. Forca Anzhi

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    3. isacki: full casual
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Good work Billy!

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    4. SW6
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      great stuff!

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  2. white lightning
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    My team this week

    Boruc
    Baines, Kosc, Azpi
    Y. Toure, Miralles, Lallana, AJ
    Suarez (c), Sturridge, RVP

    Mannone, Noone, Parr, Chester

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  3. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Pheken rights restrictions. No BBC 5 live or Talksport for me to listen to online now 🙂

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  4. Zombie
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Well, at least the derby is on live in India 😀

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  5. Billy Gilmore
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    What, no red card yet?

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  6. Ryan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    The only FPL play I have in these two games is Adrian. Does this mean I have to watch West Ham and hope for a clean sheet 🙁 The derby will probably be more interesting. What are others doing?

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    1. Dial Square
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      watching my man AJ

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      1. Dial Square
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Sooooo close

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        1. Debauchy
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah shudda been AJ assist there

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    2. DonTheSpecialOne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Not at all, watch the Derby. I've only got AJ, but I'd watch this game anyways

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    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Watch the derby, they're always interesting.

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      1. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah, its just not interesting hoping the GKer doesn't concede.

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  7. Cilly Bonnolly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Think I'll play J. Rod next week instead of Yaya, just so I can have eleven playing at home.

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  8. Billy Gilmore
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Oh dear Alonso.

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  9. New Post
  10. Texas Pete
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Can see serious points for AJ today. Newcastle not looking great from set pieces.

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