Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 27

It’s like we’re resigned to investing ten minutes talking to the plain-looking friend to get to the one we fancy. We’re just eager to get Gamweeek 27 out of the way so we can concentrate on the real business of the midweek double.

I should probably point out that I never had the kahunas to even approach the plain-looking friend and, had I done, I’d have probably have counted them as a “conquest” had they even stood around to listen to my attempts at conversation.

With that in mind and true to form, I’m optimistically entertaining the idea that Gameweek 27 may just have plenty to offer us: it could prove to be a surprise package.

Rarely do we consider rolling the dice with the captaincy and look beyond Sergio Aguero and Alexis Sanchez. It’s not often we care about that budget defender littering the bench that suddenly seems priceless because he ensures we have eleven men. The fixtures even have us seriously considering Victor Moses.

Gameweek 27 is like a welcome break from the norm: it almost feels like the pressure is off. We’re expecting so little that, should someone drop in with double figures, it would crown our whole weekend – particularly if it happened to be that budget defender or the punt on Victor.

I’m well aware of the allure of Gameweek 28 with its flash of twin Harry Kanes and the fluttering of its Charlie Austins. Admittedly, my head is turned and, of course, I’m preparing myself for a crack at the big prize. But double Gameweeks have let me down before; they’ve let us all down before.

So, while I’ll keep one eye on Tuesday night, reserving two transfers and my best lines, for now, I’m giving my almost undivided attention to this weekend – plain-looking or not.

I’ll throw in the one about Craig Dawson and ten men and see where it gets me.

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

1,579 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Gl

    1. UCL Fantasy
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      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks

  2. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Best article of every week.

    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Except this week , where it was written in ten minutes on the back of a napkin

      1. QPR expects... glory!
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Same as last week then 🙁

        1. Lord Flashheart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Used to be so good when mark puts time and heart in it.

          1. QPR expects... glory!
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            It really was. Hopefully Mark will find the time to draft it earlier in the week in future so he can tweak it in 10 minutes and revert to previous form

            1. Squeakybumtime
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Ya Mark should really apologize to you two dip sh*ts for not putting time into this article, after all he has feck all else to do, and doesn't provide you with anything else, such as this whole website....

          2. Mark
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 17 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Sometimes it's not about time and effort - it's about an angle for the Gameweek or the thought process involved. It's sometimes very difficult - sometimes there's genuinely little to go on.

            I could easily go through the entire dilemmas of the Gameweek but that would just be repeating what's been discussed throughout the week. I like to keep it personal and try and offer an a spin on how the Gameweek is viewed.

            I also have to stress that some Saturdays, including this one, I have to write this whilst looking after my 3-year-old as my partner works 1in3 weekends.

            Sometimes it's tough and it would be far easier to put up another article rather than spend the time looking for a bit of inspiration with a toddler running about.

            1. Burd Turglars
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Some of us are grateful for your reflective musings, thanks Mark.

    2. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I liked the luck community article this week otherwise this one is good too 😉

      1. Ruth_NZ
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Yes. I think we have established that you like the sound of your own voice.

  3. mipola
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    My favorite article.

  4. Pointsonthebench
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Love the pre-match preamble 🙂

    Tough gameweek this week.

    1. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Tough for all though

  5. Jönny
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Wish I had the balls to captain Boyd.

    1. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Don't do it, save your balls

  6. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Favorite article of the week.

  7. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Gotta be Sanchez captain I reckon

    1. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      yep

    2. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Aguero for me

  8. Sithlord007
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Hi

    My hardest captain choice in some while.

    Aguero
    ADM
    Sanchez

    Help me people

    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      If you feeling punty adm. Looks like a good week to try. He is good for a cs assist and 2 bonus points,

    2. radamelodrama
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Fine!
      imna go with Rooney(C) then.

    3. Hay Number 2
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Ha my post is nearly identical...same issue

    4. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Aguero

  9. radamelodrama
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    (C) Rooney? or ADM or Sanchez?

    1. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Roooooooooooooooney

  10. Shrimp On The Barb
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Best replacements for Wisdom and PVA with 0 ITB?

    1. Hay Number 2
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Ha...I have no choice but to play em lol

    2. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Naughton/Haidara/Wollscheid if you can afford

    3. Effe
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Dawson (the West Brom one)

  11. Hay Number 2
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Awesome article...

    Anyone else struggling for a captain. I kNow the poll says aguero but I'm not sure. Considering the following:

    1. Giroud
    2. Di Maria
    3. Walters

    Any thoughts?

    1. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Been on Aguero all week so not changing now

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      2

  12. Non-template FPL is for Kin…
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Austin (c) next week. 30 pointer coming up

    1. Hay Number 2
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Me too

    2. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Agreed. Those who don't have him will feel his wrath!

    3. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Shame Kane will get 46

    4. MBK 42
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I'm not sure, Leicester don't conceded that many; they've not taken any real hammerings.

  13. RED HOT CHILLI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    I've gone for Kouyaté. Scored against Manchester and Spurs in the last three games. Cyrstal Palce at home. PUNT 🙂

    1. MBK 42
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I would have been tempted if I didn't have Downing.

    2. Hay Number 2
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Sweet

    3. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Not sure he can keep scoring goals but good luck

  14. deshawn7
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    2FT 0.7 ITB

    A) Terry -> Janmaat/Cresswell
    B) Hazard -> Sanchez/YYT

    Your thoughts guys? (Will buy them back next week)

    1. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Cresswell
      Sanchez

  15. davies
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    "Favorite article"... OK, mate.

    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      He meant paragraph

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Are you not familiar with how rectum licking works 😉

      1. davies
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Every. Single. Week.

  16. il Brutto
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Boring transfer this week. Which would you prefer? Only 0,1 tied in Terry.

    a) Terry to Bertrand
    or
    b) Baird to C. Dawson

    1. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Kurtinho
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      B. Perfect opportunity to clear the deadwood.

  17. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Krul or foster in goal?

    1. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Krul probably but its close

  18. Make United Great Again
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Who remembers that DGW when Ivanovic and Hazard went mental couple years back

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah.

    2. Godot - Fashanu Zealand
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      o/

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Chelsea seem to deliver!

        Ivan Haz Costa FTW this time!

    3. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Ivanovic got 24 or something?

    4. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I hate Ivan

  19. 5678
      9 years, 6 months ago

      "It’s like we’re resigned to investing ten minutes talking to the plain-looking friend to get to the one we fancy."

      Watch out guys we've got a smooth criminal here

    • Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      What is the West Ham back 4 looking like do we think?

      Need to do Dummet -- ? for -2

      1. Demí
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Same as last game

      2. davies
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Jenkinson Reid Tomkins Cresswell

        1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Ta

    • davies
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      ADM, Eriksen and Cazorla... Pick two.

      Boyd > Moses or save FT?

      1. FISSH
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Well one isn't suing this weekend so don't pick that

        1. davies
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          I meant for next week+ 😳

      2. UCL Fantasy
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        This week picks itself

        Save

    • Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      God I hate this article . . . .

      1. stilicho
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        🙂

        1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Hi Stilicho. Glad someone gets it.

      2. UCL Fantasy
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Why?

      3. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        OK, not really, but how must Mrs Mark feel about the idea that Mark is happy to settle for the plain one? I imagine she doesn't read these much . . .

        1. Mark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 17 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          I was referring back to the time when "chatting up" was a concept in my life - it never really was - but I guess it was meant to be a long time ago. I relied purely on alcohol from 30 onwards 😉

          1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Same here tbh. I actually liked the metaphor, just found it risky. 🙂

    • andres
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Worth upgrading wally to ozil/alexis for a hit?

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Nah. I wouldnt

      2. Teror
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Certainly not Alexis but possibly Ozil

      3. UCL Fantasy
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Probably not no

      4. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        some people are captaining wally

    • Teror
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Colback > Ki or Ibe for a -4?

      1. UCL Fantasy
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Probably not for a hit

      2. Kurtinho
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        That would be a big Misteak.

    • Jernau M Gurgeh
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Wikipedia:

      Kahuna is a Hawaiian word, defined in Pukui & Elbert (1986) as a "priest, sorcerer, magician, wizard, minister, expert in any profession". (See also Ancient Hawaii.) Forty types of kahuna are listed in the book Tales from the Night Rainbow.

      Wtf???

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Gwaun

    • Jonny HOW SON?
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Who should I replace Wasilewski and Berahino with?

      Or shall I keep Berahino?

      1. UCL Fantasy
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Come back with some options

        1. Jonny HOW SON?
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          A) Wasil ---> Haidara

          B) Wasil ---> Haidara + Berahino ---> Sakho for a hit

    • Bob.
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      I have Cazorla and Walcott again this week. I have two FT also. Will I sub one of them out for Mane? Or just ditch PVA? Have 5 minutes to decide! Cheers guys

      1. Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Ditch PvA I reckon

      2. UCL Fantasy
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Ditch PvA

    • Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      ADM or Silva?

      1. Prime
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        ADM, it's his week!

      2. UCL Fantasy
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        ADM this week

      3. gerrardl
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        ADM for sure

      4. Hay Number 2
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        For this gw dimaria, long term silva...

    • Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Safe enough to keep the armband on Caz?
      Or switch it to Ozil, Sanchez or Aguero?

      1. UCL Fantasy
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Safe enough.

        I prefer Aguero

    • Prime
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Chances all 3 of Sanchez, Giroud and Walcott are starting?

      1. UCL Fantasy
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Fairly high. Walcott worst