Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 30

Earlier this week I noticed a Hot Topic questioning whether the January Wildcard should be scrapped. I’ll happily admit that I support many of the arguments for it being banished – not least the fact it compounds the creation of template teams – but I’m torn: if it wasn’t for the New Year refresh, my season would probably be in tatters rather than edging towards some degree of respectability.

The Wildcard has been kind to me. It took until January but, finally, I managed to salvage a few sound decisions which have laid the foundations for a gradual recovery.

In a season of lessons learned, it’s taught me something I’ll take forward to future seasons: if there’s obvious errors that require major surgery, turn to the scalpel quickly, whatever the cost. The Wildcard has highlighted that when your squad feels sound and is regularly earning you green arrows the burden of decision-making suddenly becomes easier – the chances of making further “good calls” are somehow enhanced. That’s a nonsensical theory but, for some reason, one that I’m clinging to.

My stubborn approach in the early season – my reluctance to admit errors and opt for obvious “bandwagon” targets meant that I was, for weeks on end, fighting fires. Every decision was pressured and mistakes stacked up, sinking me further into the mire.

Since January, the experience has been different. My decision to jump on the Luis Suarez bandwagon gave me the initial spurt I needed; my twin Chelsea defenders, along with a flourishing Eden Hazard, have provided me with a consistent and robust platform to build from.

Suddenly there are fewer fires to douse and I’ve been able to use transfers to aid recovery – the decision to bring in Raheem Sterling. Last weeks’ successful move for Wayne Rooney. Gradually I’ve managed to add a few more sound judgments to the mix and, low and behold, things are looking healthier.

It’s too little, too late. I know that. But, I also know that it’s made me realise the value of addressing issues quickly. Granville said to me earlier in the season that I was making changes too slowly. It pains to admit it, but he was right.

I should have used the initial Wildcard more wisely but, aside from that, I should have had the mettle to spend points to rid myself of failed decisions and move for obvious targets. Had I established the foundation I have now back in Gameweek 10, my season would have been more enjoyable and, in all likelihood, more successful.

Obvious, right? I’m not sure why it’s taken me seven seasons to realise this. Perhaps the reality is that I’ve never really suffered such a slump, that somehow I’ve always found a right decision at the right time to stem the slide.

I’ll end with a story.

Earlier in the season, I took comfort that I was ranked alongside Ulrik Nyland. This guy was top of our Career Hall of Fame – clearly a Fantasy Premier League manager of some repute. Ulrik was uncharacteristically struggling this term but, in Gameweeks 5 and 6 he spent no less than 24 points on transfers. I scoffed at the time. Surely this was a classic knee jerk? Maybe Ulrik’s credentials weren’t so sound.

Ulrik was ranked 939,746 in Gameweek 6. After spending those points he earned two red arrows and 17 green. By Gameweek 25 he was ranked 21,117. I was ranked 478,442.

Clearly, Ulrik learned the lesson long before me.

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

1,666 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 17 days ago

    is that one game ban?

    Open Controls
    1. The Enlightener
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 17 days ago

      1 game yep

      Open Controls
  2. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 17 days ago

    Does this mean he misses the derby? 1 or 2 games?

    Open Controls
    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 17 days ago

      3 games

      Open Controls
    2. The Light Knight
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 17 days ago

      1 unless already sent off domestically this season I believe

      Open Controls
  3. Proggy
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 17 days ago

    YAYAYAYAYAYAYA!

    Open Controls
    1. Proggy
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 17 days ago

      Or Silva.. 🙂

      Open Controls
  4. The Enlightener
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 17 days ago

    What a goal. Silva, you finally pay me back.

    Open Controls
  5. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 17 days ago

    🙁

    Open Controls
  6. Chris_Fàbregas #DOOS…
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 17 days ago

    Yaya assist!

    Open Controls
  7. Jax
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 17 days ago

    haha on the latest scores page im looking at it says aguero scored

    Open Controls
  8. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 17 days ago

    Silva. 😎

    Open Controls
  9. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 17 days ago

    Yaya repais the hit. Get in!

    Open Controls
  10. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 17 days ago

    Get in Silva! Erikson ----> Silva. Oooosh! 😀

    Open Controls
  11. The Assassin-Faced BabyDave
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 17 days ago

    applause for vinny - he took one for the team to keep zabas cleanie alive

    Open Controls
  12. THE CHOSEN JUAN.
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 17 days ago

    What a goal by Silva, get in!

    Open Controls
  13. getfunky
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 17 days ago

    about time silva did something

    Open Controls
  14. Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 17 days ago

    Great assist for toure there, what a pass!

    Open Controls
    1. floydy_floyd
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 17 days ago

      Such vision and timing.

      Open Controls
  15. Tibidabo
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 17 days ago

    red card gif anyone?

    Open Controls
    1. Open Controls