The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 7

Greeted by three glowing red squares, it’s difficult to argue against Granville’s claim that I’ve a blazing fire to extinguish in my squad.

It’s unfortunate that a bubble wrapped David Silva would falter at the same time that Luke Shaw suffered a season-ending injury but I can’t really claim bad luck: these setbacks would be easier to absorb were I not suffering such a disappointing campaign.

I’m now at one of those crossroads where I can take the obvious path, or risk veering off and de-railing matters further.

There are easy options. I should probably plump for Dimitri Payet as my Silva replacement – his form warrants my attention and West Ham’s fixtures over the next six reinforce claims that he will go on gathering points at pace.

Similarly, my defence appears to be begging me for the tedious consistency of a West Brom stopper – unspectacular but reliable clean sheet gatherers.

However, without the buffer of a strong rank, the desire to seek out different, potentially more devastating alternatives is difficult to resist.

Chelsea appear to present me with the ideal source for a revival. Like my own squad, these early season underachievers are likely to wake from their slumber to rise, phoenix-like, up the ranks.

Eden Hazard also fits the profile of my current squad perfectly.

He can slot in alongside Alexis Sanchez and Sergio Aguero and complete a trio of hugely expensive assets, being mercilessly outscored by Payet’s mid-price pals. I’d then have the full set of yesteryear heavy-hitters, burning my budget, promising and yet failing to deliver on their lofty price tags.

Why am I considering such a move? I blame Anthony Martial.

United’s new sensation has shaken FPL managers. Those without him are living in fear of United routing the Black Cats, with Martial dismantling Dick Advocaat’s defence. Just after he drops into Younes Kaboul’s nightmares tonight, he’ll pop into the heads of non-owners to taunt us on his double figure haul.

Like it or not, if you cross the 11.45 line without Martial, you need some form of comfort to cling to.

Sergio Aguero’s goal record against Spurs could be one, Hazard’s potential to regain his heavy-hitter status with an explosion in the north east is mine.

I know I should be unmoved. I should stick to “Plan A” and go for Payet and a Baggies backline candidate. Instead, Martial’s threat is pushing me to take risks in an attempt to mitigate his potential haul and attempt to make up ground.

I know the gamble I’m taking. I know it’s madness but I also know that logic has struggled for a foothold this season.

Here we are, doubting last season’s top FPL points scorer and a genuine world class talent against a 19-year-old striker with one league start to this name.

Now, that sounds like madness.