Captains Picks Fantasy Football Gameweek 35 – Fantasy Premier League 2014/15
Has it really been a month? Did I really lose the Post-It note? Did I really wait until the last minute to write this introduction? Yes, maybe, and of course not! It would be incredibly irresponsible to put off writing the introduction until after you’ve received several messages wondering where this article is. And who would publicly admit to doing such a mad thing? Certainly not me. Nope. I sat down and began the laborious write and re-write process (so many empty red pens!) for this introduction shortly after submitting my last captain article. No sense in waiting until the last minute. That’s the kind of thing which produces a rambling, nonsensical opening that results in the reader abandoning the introduction and going straight to the meat of the article, assuming he or she is not a vegetarian.
And with that kind of momentum, let’s take a look at the matches we have to work with this week:
Fixtures for GW35
Saturday
Leicester vs Newcastle
Aston Villa vs Everton
Liverpool vs QPR
Sunderland vs Southampton
Swansea vs Stoke
West Ham vs Burnley
Man Utd vs West Brom
Sunday
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Spurs vs Man City
Monday
Hull vs Arsenal
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[/three_fourth]5. Christian Benteke home vs Everton
What can we say about Christian Benteke? Boring, boring Benteke. His name is hard to work into a movie title, and it’s hard to rhyme Benteke or work his name into a song. Unfortunately, he’s playing some great football right now so we have to include him here. Substance over style, and all that.
He’s the most in-form striker in the game (8 goals in his last 7 games) and is still reasonably priced at just £7.5 million ($11.42m if you’re buying him in the United States). Everton will be up for it after shutting out United, but we expect the big Belgian to produce nonetheless.
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[/three_fourth]4. (tie) “Sterlin’ Goodbye” by the Bee Gees
Raheem Sterling home vs QPR
Well now, my hair goes low and it goes high,
and if I can’t get styled, I really cry.
Got the hopes of ‘pool fans on my shoes.
I’m a scorin’ man but we just lose.
Kop knows it’s all right. It’s OK.
We’ll try to bid for Benteke.
We can try to understand
Sterling’s crazy wage demands.
Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother,
you’re sayin’ goodbye, to Sterlin’ goodbye.
Title hopes are breakin’, a transfer he is weighin’,
and we’re sayin’ goodbye, to Sterlin’ goodbye.
Ah, ha, ha, ha, sayin’ goodbye, to Sterlin’ goodbye.
Ah, ha, ha, ha, sayin’ goodbye.
Liverpool have been awful of late and Sterling has been no different. Enter QPR. There is no team in the league with a worse away record than QPR, who has a -19 goal differential when playing on the road. Sturridge is still dead out, so the offense should continue to focus on Sterling.
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[/three_fourth]“Siggy’s Alive”
Gylfi Sigurdsson home vs Stoke
Well now, my form runs low and it runs high,
and if I don’t get injured, I really fly.
Got the hopes of Swans fans on my shoes.
I’m a scorin’ man but we just lose.
You know it’s all right. It’s OK.
We just signed up Bafetimbi
We can try to understand
Why Stoke just don’t disband.
Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother,
hey Siggy’s alive! Siggy’s alive!
Dismiss the speculatin’, they’ll be no relegatin’,
cause Siggy’s alive! Siggy’s alive!
Ah, ha, ha, ha, Siggy’s alive! Siggy’s alive!
Ah, ha, ha, ha, Siggy’s alive!
There may not be another player in the Premier League that runs as hot/cold as our eighth-favorite Icelandic footballer. When he’s in good form he’s scoring goals and dishing up assists; when he’s cold he may not make the captain’s article for months. With a goal and an assist last weekend against Newcastle we think it may be time to consider bringing the Hafnarfjorour native back into your team.
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[/three_fourth]3. “(I Kun’t Get No) First Place Action” by the Rolling Stones
Sergio Aguero away vs Spurs
I Kun’t get no first place action
I Kun’t get no first place action
‘Cause I try and I try and I try and I try
I Kun’t get no, I can’t get no
When I’m drivin’ in my car
And the boss comes in the stadio
He’s losin’ it more and more
About some useless formation
Supposed to drive a title inspiration
I Kun’t get no, oh no, no, no
A hey, hey, hey, that’s how I play
I Kun’t get no first place action
I Kun’t get no first place action
‘Cause I try and I try and I try and I try
I Kun’t get no, I can’t get no
Sergio Aguero. Any write-up could begin and end right there. Has there been a captain’s article written this year that didn’t include his name? After a brief dip in form Aguero has scored four goals in his last three matches. Put the armband on Aguero and more times than not he will deliver.
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[/three_fourth]2. “Giroud Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC
Olivier Giroud away vs Hull
He is a fast Frenchie, he keeps his hair cut clean
He is the best damn striker we’ve had since Persie
He has those dreamy eyes, tellin’ me no lies
Knockin’ me out with his left-footed strikes
Playin’ more than his share, opponents fightin’ for air
Wenger told him to score but he was already there
‘Cause the crowd was shakin’, the Emirates was quakin’
FA Cup is waitin’, and we are takin’ it
And Giroud shook me all night long
Yeah, Giroud shook me all night long
After scoring seven goals in six weeks the Frenchman has failed to score in his last two. Fear not, a trip to K.C. Stadium should be all Giroud needs to rediscover his scoring touch.
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[/three_fourth]1. “Football Wizard” by the Who
Eden Hazard home vs Crystal Palace
Ever since I was a young boy
I’ve played the soccer ball
From Soho down to the Bridge
I must have kicked them all
But I ain’t seen nothing like him
In any a sporting hall
That deft, damn Belgian kid
Sure kicks a mean football
He stands like a statue
Becomes part of the pitch scene
Seeing all the angels
Always passes clean
Plays by intuition
The opposition falls
That daft, damn Belgian kid
Sure kicks a mean football
He is a football wizard
There has to be a twist
This football Hazard’s
Got such a super kick
The obvious choice for captain, Hazard has been every bit as dependable as Aguero this season. He a constant threat to score and, with Chelsea currently facing a striker shortage, Hazard’s playing an increased role in the offense. Captain him, put your feet up on the desk and stare at your picture of Prince Albert II. You’re all set.
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[/three_fourth]One Week Punt:
“Won’t Get Roo’d Again” by the Who
Wayne Rooney home vs West Brom
Roo
Roo’s Next
Won’t Get Roo’d Again
He’ll be fighting with his cleats
With his hair plugs at his feet
And the trophies that they worship will be gone
And the coach who spurred him on
The formation never caught on
Glazers decide while Chelsea’s singing the song
I’ll tip my hat to his hair transplantation
Take a bow to his improved distribution
Smile and grin at the hair all around
Pick up my football and play
Just like yesterday
Then I’ll get on my knees and pray
We don’t get Roo’d again
Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
After a tough run that’s seen United play City, Chelsea and Everton, the schedule becomes a little easier for the Reds. We expect Rooney to take out his frustration on a West Brom side that’s won just three times away from home this season.
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[/three_fourth]Just for Fun: (i.e., don’t bring him into your team)
“Sweet Dieg O’ Mine” by Guns n Roses
Diego Costa home vs Palace
He’s got a smile that it seems to me
Reminds me of childhood nightmare scenes
Where everything was as feared
As the clown Pennywise
Now and then when I see his face
It takes me away to a haunted place
And if I stare too long
I’ll have a mental break and die
Woah, oh, oh, sweet Dieg o’ mine
Woah, oh, oh, oh, sweet Dieg o’ mine
He’s got lies in his demon’s eyes
As if fuelled by butane
He looks into opponents eyes
And feeds upon their pain
His hair reminds me of a cold dark place
Where opponents try to hide
And pray for the elbows
And the kicks to quietly pass them by
Woah, oh, sweet Dieg o’ mine
Woah, oh, oh, oh, sweet Dieg o’ mine
Thanks for reading Captain’s Picks Fantasy Football Gameweek 35. This article was written by Lawdogg
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Don’t forget to vote in this week’s Captain Poll
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Great read / sing that one, thanks Lawdawg.
(Raising the wordsmithery bar once again i see.)
So… My team is just about clinging onto a place in the worlds top 300*, after tumbling a few places thanks to missing the DGW’s transfer deadline. On the plus side, i have 2 FT’s to invest this week.
Thinking of bring in a couple of the Arsenal boys ahead of the approaching DGW. Plus, it’s an easy game vs Hull this week, and no one loses to them right?!
Any advice welcome. Team below. 2 FT’s and 2.8m ITB.
Thanks
* Ranking quoted in thousands.
I would do Rose – Koscielny and Silva – Ramsey and then try to get funds for Kane or Vardy to Giroud before GW37
Thanks Wafflez, much appreciated mate.
mmmm….. Waffles….
Think the problem with Rose is that he’s so cheap. You’ll have to sell lots of Roses to get your money for waffles. I mean Koz. Need breakfast…
Thanks Chins, much appreciated.
I’d go with Giroud + Mert/Koz if you can afford to get them in. You can’t afford Sanchez, but I’m honestly not sure he’s worth his price anymore.
I still have Sanchez due to plain stubbornness, but i’m considering shipping him for Ramsey and bringing in an Arsenal defender. Already have Giroud.
Thanks mate.
Yep, the good looking frenchie will almost definitely be coming in. It’s a good thing the gooners will be fighting until the end this season to keep 2nd place. Otherwise i could see Welbs getting more playing time at Girouds expense.
Guessing Wally might feature a bit over the next few games too. Might be a bit of a game though.
I agree on Sanchez. Probably not quite worth it at the moment. He looked to be trying too hard against Chelski and things just weren’t coming off for him. I think he needs a rest.
Mert or Kos are probably safer than gambling with full back will play. Yep. I think i’m sold on one of them.
Thanks again.
* Ranking quoted in thousands.
Shhh!!!!
Hey chins. Does Silva&Puncheon out for Ramsey&Ozil work?
Cheers Nin. It does indeed. Leaves me with 0.4 ITB. It just means i’d have to either go cheap (Bellerin) at the back and not get Giroud. Or… Get giroud but lose Mata or someone else to afford it.
Tricky. Might need to chose between the two mids i think.
How’re your plans shaping up? – And i see you’re off to a flyer in the MLS! – Nice work mate – Hope you keep it up.
De Gea&Puncheon out for Ospina&Ramsey maybe? Work in Giroud after…
Re MLS, i had planned to mention your own start next time you were on, really well done. My start has been so so. Rank is good but i blew my WC so it’ll be catch up time at some stage. Same as last season really!
How are you lined up this week? 4 NYRB + a dodgy Sjoberg for me.
Hi mate,
Until a second ago i didn’t realise the deadline was tonight! – Tekno has saved my blushes for a second gameweek in a row.
Currently only Periwotsit and BWP from the Red Bulls, and Powers from Col.
Will have to pick up Sam. Might leave it at that though.
Cheers Lawdogg, great stuff! Whereabouts are you in the states? I’m in little ‘ol Rhode Island.
Question – would you go Moreno > Mert/Kosc and Fabs > Ramsey or… Moreno > Bellerin and Sterling > Ramsey/Ozil? (already have Giroud).
Currently leaning towards #1 but not crazy about sticking with Sterling much longer as I also have Hendo. Thoughts?
Thanks friend. I’m down south in Texas. Chins & I have started a FF247 compound here.
What about combining your options? Moreno > Koz + Sterling > Ramsey? Does the math work there? I’d be careful with Bellerin; i think Debuchy is healthy and training with the team again.
Texas, eh! Too hot for my tastes…Good to hear you’ve got a partner in crime though 😉
Nope, it’s one or the other. Only 0.2 itb after my WC so can’t get Mert & Ramsey using Sterling. Guess you’d favor Mert/Kosc and Fabs > Ramsey then?
Yep, I think that’s your safest bet
Hey guys, how’s it going? Haven’t been around this past week as we were in New Orleans for the Jazz and Heritage Festival. And funnily enough The Who headlined Saturday night! Gotta say, those old guys played a great 2 hour set. Anyway, thanks for a great Captains Picks article Lawdogg, really funny and creative as usual!
What’s up Red! Jealous as hell, have always wanted to go. who else did you catch down there?
Darn! Did you ever tee that one up for someone to have a go at Red. 😉
Haha, hey Mito- what’s cracking?! How’d you end up so far this week? I feel like I dodged a bullet since I didn’t have a WC to play, didn’t lose to much ground and only took a -4 hit which paid for itself with Skrtel. Need Hazard to do something today though!
Hey Colriles! We went opening weekend (3 days) and saw The Who, Wilco, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Hozier, Keith Urban, Tony Bennet, Lady Gaga, Jimmy Cliff, John Legend, Ryan Adams, Robert Cray, Ivan Neville, and a bunch of others. There are 11 stages so it’s a bit overwhelming, you’ve gotta bounce around to see it all. We spent some time in the Gospel tent too, which was really cool and moving to hear those choirs sing in full voice. You should definitely check it out sometime, very fun.
Afternoon all. Very fun read that lawdogg
I got 1 ft 0.1 in the bank. Duno what transfer to do. Moreno messed me up this week.
I need to get rid of Murray, Looking at giroud or benekete can’t afford tho.
Or silva to Ramsey
Need some advice much appreciated
Any 1?
Hey shane. I guess you’ll have to go step by step on this. Ultimately I think you need to lose Silva, Murray and Sterling for something like Ramsey, Giroud / Benteke and maybe Larsson come 37.
Murray can’t happen until you raise funds. I’d want to keep Sterling this week ideally and you don’t need Larsson until 37 itself so that means starting with Silva this week. Now obviously if you want to do the Murray one sooner it means biting on Sterling for Larsson earlier too or you could forget Larsson and find another cheap mid who allows the move. Only throwing Larsson in the example for obvious reasons.
Cheers init really helpful. Done stupid transfers lately that haven’t paid off. Missed the boat on Murray. Now Moreno. Hopefully my luck changes. I’ll do silva to Ramsey this week.
so, skrtel on 2nd position in the captain poll ! you think an ass-saving attacking QPR wont score against pool?
I wonder what little surprises our last game has for this DGW!!
Cookie, once it involves Hazard blanking then i’m all for it 😉