634x258 Preamble
25 October 2014 1876 comments
Mark Mark
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How do you follow a 114-point Gameweek? You don’t. You just hope that you can muster a reasonable tally the week after and avoid an anti-climatic red arrow. Such is the roller-coaster of a Fantasy season.

Realistically, my moment in the sun will have passed within the next hour. I’ll probably never hit that kind of haul again outside of the double Gameweek and it’s feasible that my rank will never trouble the top 500 once as , almost inevitably, I slip out of that exclusive club this evening.

Why so negative? I think it’s because, having gone for broke by laying down the Wildcard in Gameweek 7, I’ve since regressed into my shell and blown an opportunity – I’ve failed to “grasp the nettle”.

If you listened to this week’s ScoutCast, you’ll know that an opportunity to jettison Diego Costa came up, with the option to buy the coveted Graziano Pelle in his place, whilst welcoming the luxurious brilliance of Eden Hazard into my dressing room for the hot-and-cold Gylfi Sigurdsson.

My heart said that this was the right move – bold and decisive: a set of trades that would promise immediate rewards from Gameweek 9. Sadly, my head said “show caution” – wait for Jose Mourinho’s words and hold on to Costa just another 24 hours. Listening to that guarded mantra meant that the prices shifted out of line, blocking off the option. I let the opportunity slip and I think I’m going to regret that. This season’s Fantasy Premier League (FPL) winner will have gone for it.

This morning I’m optimistic that Costa will be on the pitch at some point at Old Trafford but not confident that he’ll come away with points to compensate for what Pelle and Hazard would have offered me. I can only hope that Gylfi decides to carve open the Foxes at the Liberty to bridge the gap. I’m not convinced.

This continual shifting of opportunities and the crossroads they create as we approach Saturday’s deadline are, in essence, what can make the FPL game so compelling.

There was talk criticising the price change mechanic in the game and, while I acknowledge that it’s been tempered (a good thing to my mind), it’s still a factor that can cruelly remove transfer scenarios from you like a thief in the night. That sinking feeling in the morning when you realise that your hesitancy has cost you is not pleasant but I have respect for it: I curse my own failings, not those of the game.

Now I haven’t a clue what to do next. I’ve two free transfers and no obvious route to take – plus the potential of watching Pelle and Hazard rain on my Gameweek 8 parade. It offers a timely reminder: last week is gone, you’re only as good as the current Gameweek.

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

  1. Beautiful Game
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    El Classico to be broadcasted on which uk channel?

    1. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Sky sports

    2. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      SKY

    3. NeedleVor
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Sky News

  2. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    I always pencil in loads of moves mid GW, and throughout the week, adding up to -4, -8 hits etc and always end up saving 😀

    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      I always plan to save transfers and end up taking hits!

      1. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        I planned to get in Baines and Tadic before last GW but bottled it and did more defensive moves. Swings and roundabouts.

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      I am now following your example, trimming everything down to what I hope are the beer essentials!

      1. A.
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        The beer essentials are my favourite!

  3. NeymarJR11
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Bottled it and went for ADM (C)

    1. johnbarnes
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      I don't believe you.

    2. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      How is that bottling it

  4. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    All we need is a Kun hatrick

    1. NeedleVor
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Grow up.

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

        says the guy with a Tony Pulis grav

      2. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        ?

      3. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        what's wrong with you Tony?

    2. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      I think most will be quietly disappointed with anything less after last week.

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        I'll be annoyed with anything less than a brace

        1. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          I'm not too hopeful, he doesn't do well away.

          No other obvious options for me so gave it to him.

          He has only every scored more than one goal away on 4 occasions.

    3. Journeyguy
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Kun brace would be excellente!

  5. Mr.Irwin
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    So Mark bottled it. Pity that, bringing in Pele and Hazard sounded brilliant to me.

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

      sometimes injuries are a boon

      those Ramsey->ADM transfers

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

      Normally I find myself pulling for Mark. But as someone who has Pelle and Hazard I'm hoping he is made to pay heavily for his dithering this weekend 😆

  6. Godot - Fashanu Zealand
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Have yet to take hit this season thus so far, anyone else in the same boat?

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      I've taken one and had a massive green arrow

      1. Godot - Fashanu Zealand
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Who did you transfer?

        1. Davido989
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          Had bought in Sakho ADM Wisdom

          1. Godot - Fashanu Zealand
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 1 month ago

            Well played. Last year I probably took too many hits, but when they pay off they're brilliant. Have got relatively lucky with injuries and suspensions this year.

    2. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      o/

      Almost did this week multiple times but ended up saving. Usually end up doing nothing or several moves each week.

    3. Brian (Not the Messiah)
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      no hits here 🙂

  7. galway77
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Won't b long now till the first teamsheets will b in

  8. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Pelle C here Who is with me ?

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

      o/

    2. rohan
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      O/

      1. super zlatan
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Kun for me.

        Pelle (vc)

        1. Make United Great Again
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          Same. Pellè (C) felt right last week.

          Kun this week! Hope it pays off

    3. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      O/

  9. PlayPercentage
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    It is sounding more and more likely that Costa will play.
    But there is no hard news, so I went for Sanchez (C) last night.
    I hope Arsene doesn't rest him.

    1. Gr3g
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Because Costa owners on here says so?

  10. rohan
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Repost.

    Alright, let's see those teams.

    Mannone

    Wisdom Bertrand Baines

    Sterling Siggy Hazard ADM

    Welbeck Aguero Pelle (C)

    you?

    1. JedJez
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Forster

      Wisdom Bertrand Chambers

      Sigg Chadli ADM Fab

      Pelle (vc) Aguero (c) Costa

  11. super zlatan
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Clyne cleanie and goal incoming.

    1. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Really hope...

    2. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Nah, it's all about Bertrand now 😎

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

        Both , will be cool.

    3. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Just a cleanie will do nicely.

    4. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Hope so, he needs to get his own back on Bertrand.

  12. Sean
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    aguero needs to carry me through the week again

  13. Holmes
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    GW9 Average: 18pts 😉

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

      2 points for everyone

    2. Kip
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      tube strikes?

    3. fatherted
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      😉 🙂

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

    Any non Aguero owners here?

    1. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Non costa owner here though 🙁

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

        Swap?

        1. super zlatan
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 1 month ago

          Really?

          1. super zlatan
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 1 month ago

            Hire required next week to get him back in.

            1. super zlatan
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 1 month ago

              *hits

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

            You'd rather Aguero over Costa.

            1. super zlatan
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 1 month ago

              Maybe this week. But costa is a long term option.

              I knee jerked against my better judgment and it's been bugging me.

    2. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Allardyce only

    3. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      I own lots of players other than Aguero . . . .

    4. Dier Straits
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      o/

  15. Venom Snake
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Where's the NZ lineup?

  16. Journeyguy
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    How much did Costa drop by this week? 0.3...? Annoyying.

    1. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      You have a huge mouth

    2. SG8
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      he'll get that 0.3 back once he's back playing

      1. Syd.
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        He will get it back this week after scoring a hattie against United

        Then he has QPR next up

  17. DRY PEANUT
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Last minute Siggy (c) not sure it went through on time.

    Go Siggy

    1. dorrian123
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      did the exact same , been quiet lately just hope he has a a stormer today

  18. Djerbil
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Twitter is acting up all funny

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

      Must be drunk.

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

        me or Twitter??

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

          Have you been drinking?

          1. DRY PEANUT
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 1 month ago

            bleach

          2. Djerbil
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 1 month ago

            No , My TL in twitter hasn't updated in the last 30 mins

            and its 4pm here

  19. SW6
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Got a brand new, shiny Sanchez in my team 😀

    1. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Can I have a go?

    2. Ludo
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      I've heard they're good fun, might get one myself next week

  20. Mazza
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    I've done the rarest of transfers. Swapped my No.1 keeper with my one and only free transfer of the week. Possibly the first time of ever done that.

  21. Willis.
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Archie Thompsoooonnnn

    Game over

    1. Saint & Reevesy
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Brilliant pass to pick him out

  22. The Finnisher
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Archie Thompson > David Villa.

  23. JonnyOnionRings
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Sickner how things work. The week Kun gets a massive haul, then Costa gets an "injury", oh wait, lets all get Kun. Now he is up to like 25% or something.

    1. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Welcome to the world of FPL

  24. Saint & Reevesy
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Sooooo first time I've ever put the armband on a defender. It may well be the last!

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Baines?

      1. Saint & Reevesy
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        Yep

    2. copps
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      I hope its not kolarov or moreno

  25. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    I have got Agüero, obviously.

    But I will not give a toss if he blanks!!! 😉

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

      Hope you win 1-0 🙂

    2. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      Same...I don't trust him as a pick and never will...

    3. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      If Aguero blanks I know who to blame 😉

    4. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      He's due a rest

      Dzeko and Jovetic up front today

      😉

  26. fedolefan
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    How long is the game updated for?

  27. copps
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Maybe Mario is content to simply be better than Suarez is every week. Up to this point, he simply had to be on the pitch. This means, tomorrow, he'll have to have a day.

  28. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Agüero 7 pointer today, goal and 2 BAPS. Doesn't get any more than that away.

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

      Got an 8 this season?

      1. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        That's a goal and 2 BAPS is it not? Typo with 7, meant 8 😉

    2. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      And a YC it seems 😆

      1. Woy of the Wovers
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 1 month ago

        57 mins.

    3. The Finnisher
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      He wouldn't have had much more than that at home before last week.

  29. PlayPercentage
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Southampton-Stoke will be a borefest. Stoke will kill the game.
    I'm not expecting massive points hauls this week.

  30. Make United Great Again
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 1 month ago

    Past 2 captains.

    Siggy (c) 20 points
    Pellè (c) 30 points
    Kun (c) this week. 40 points incoming? 😉

    1. Saint & Reevesy
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      No that was last week 🙂

    2. DRY PEANUT
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 1 month ago

      no way jose, aguero won't go that nuts today