Opinion

The Knee Jerk – Gameweek 1 – Saturday

A classic knee jerk in the making, Mohamed Salah owners were already fidgeting by half-time at Vicarage Road.

Fresh from four goals in pre-season, he had endured an inauspicious start to life back in the Premier League. A toe-poked skyward effort when through on goal, packaged up with several over miscues and errant first touches totalled a miserable first 45 minutes for Salah.

In contrast, Sadio Mane had sparkled and smartly converted Emre Can’s flick to peg back a plucky first half Watford showing.

Shifted to the left flank by Salah’s arrival, it looked as though Mane had adjusted to already demonstrate that he was back as the go-to guy among the opulence in Liverpool’s attack.

But things were to turn dramatically.

Just through sheer pace and endeavour, Salah first won a penalty via Heurelho Gomes’ clumsy telescopic arms and then sprinted to convert Roberto Firmino’s chipped effort from two yards out.

He ended on 11 points and was quickly installed as the top transfer target from those in action on the day.

He tallied five shots, all in the penalty area and eight touches in the box – more than any other midfielder in Gameweek 1 so far. Just as we expected, the statistics are Salah’s friend and will likely reinforce his case throughout the season.

Mane, who picked up a booking, was left trailing and, on today’s evidence, will clearly have his work cut out to justify his billing as the most expensive option in Jurgen Klopp’s armoury.

Owned by 23.5% to Salah’s 23.3%, that narrow gap is closing as Philippe Coutinho owners bail out, turning to the Egyptian as their replacement.

It is, of course, early days and it’s back at Anfield where Mane has previously been so potent.

Nine of his 13 goals arrived on Merseyside last season and he will have Crystal Palace in his sights for Gameweek 2.

Firmino also deserves our recognition. With Klopp relegating James Milner to his bench, the Brazilian was again on penalty duties and expertly converted following Salah’s tumble.

With the assist to follow, Firmino waltzed his way to the maximum bonus points, already benefiting from his new classification as a forward.

If Milner is to remain out of favour – presumably now discounted as a left-back – then Firmino will surely prosper.

Liverpool won eight penalties last season, with all but one converted by Milner. Firmino scored 11 goals regardless.

We have no reason to expect that Liverpool’s penalty count will regress. Indeed, with Salah adding his pace to Mane’s bursts, there’s every chance it will be maintained or even increased.

The conclusion is that Firmino’s stock is on the rise and that suddenly, Mane is in danger of slipping further down our Liverpool attack pecking order.

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

4,257 Comments Post a Comment
  1. slasken
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    What's the best sites to predict price changes? I didnt play last season.

    Thank you 🙂

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      fplstats

    2. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      fplstatistics.com

      1. thepeen555
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        What score does it mean a price rise is coming?

      1. thepeen555
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        So people have been makin then changes already lol

  2. _Jane
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Burnley & Newcastle rotation for the next 5 GW's :

    WBA - WHU - CRY - STK - HUD

    1. DeathoftheParty
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Great job I have no one from either team...

    2. Darklord_bg
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Burnley/WBA even better:

      WBA - STK - CRY - WHU - HUD - WAT - WHU

  3. shite_factor
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Hey Guys,

    Some help would be appreciated. I didnt get a chance to set the team up properly (worked late on Friday) and am stuck with this.

    de Gea (Elliot)
    Cédric | Bailly | Naughton (Mee | **Francis)
    ***Zaha | Alli | Willian | ***Snodgrass (Carroll)
    Lukaku | ***Jesus | Firmino

    1.5m itb

    I know its only gw1, but I am behind in my mini-leagues and can see the others have better teams and will pull away further if I dont pull the finger out.

    Exact money to do the following swaps to ***

    de Gea (Elliot)
    Cédric | Bailly | Naughton (Mee | **Hünemeier)
    ***Salah | Alli | Willian | ***David Silva (Carroll)
    Lukaku | ***Vardy | Firmino

    What ye think?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      3 swaps already? not for me

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        actually 4 oh dear

        no leave the team

        1. shite_factor
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah, its four. But the 4th swap is to enable the .5m thats needed to make the transfers.

    2. nonprophet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Crazy

    3. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Awful. Terrible knee-jerk reaction.

      1. shite_factor
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I know what you mean. But I know that if I dont make changes, then Im def going to fall behind.

        is Silva enough cover?

        1. noquarternt
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          You'll be spending points, moving further away from people who own Vardy. Leave your team alone!

        2. dunas_dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Silva not a good choice. Will be heavily rotated

    4. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Don't ditch Jesus.

    5. stachman
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Just leave this guys alone... They form a prettu decent team...

    6. Viiksisika
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Dont do anything yet. Or maybe Bailly to Kolasinac but thats up to you.

      1. Viiksisika
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Actually Snodgrass may be more pressing consern. So him to someone. But max 1 transfer this early on.

    7. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Why not wildcard? Only 37 weeks left so time to panic!

    8. Rash
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Best to save and make the 3 swaps for 1 hit

    9. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Lol. Stopped reading at "I'm behind in my MLs". Relax dude.

    10. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Just leave, or remove Snodgrass for the bandwagon of choice. Jesus is a great pick that was unlucky today.

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Only Zaha and Jesus have blanked for you mate calm down

    11. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Prefer your original team to be honest

    12. Beatle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Mate go to bed. That is madness

  4. stachman
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Anything good can be said about Benteke? Did CP at least created some chances?

  5. Legomane
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    3 returns at the back out of 4 today, and even a cheeky bonus pt from Aké.
    With Bavies to play tomorrow...I'm beginning to like this 4-3-3 lark 🙂

    1. Viiksisika
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      5-3-2 with Alonso only defensive miss atm 🙂 Still Valencia, Bavies, Eriksen, Lukaku(c) and Pogba to go. 35 points atm.

      1. Legomane
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Sweet. I'm 43 with Bavies Lukaku Kane(c) to come...nothing from my mids today.

  6. F4L
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Does Dyche have a constant cold?

    1. Nascimento
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Best voice in football tbf

  7. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Who do we fancy for GW2 captain? If Kane/Kaku score tomorrow, ill go for one of them. Otherwise Salah

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Currently on Mo.

      Depends how the big two do tomorrow though.

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      kane if spurs look reasonably good v newcastle. loves a goal in london derby

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah I prefer Kane if he scores tomorrow. Chelsea looked awful.

    3. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I'm really liking Kane. Spurs trying hard to throw off their Wembley hoodoo. What better way to do so then smash the defending champions?

    4. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah, or Mane

    5. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Kane depending on how they are tomorrow, or Firmino.

    6. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Mounie!

    7. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Salah or Jesus

    8. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Mané.

    9. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Aguero, Lukaku or Mane.

    10. Darklord_bg
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Same

  8. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Cahill and Fabregas owner o/

    My plan was always to ship Cahill and get Moses when he's back. I'm shipping him tonight to avoid loss, but am torn between getting the player with the best upcoming fixture and Hegazi who surely will be given a nice price hike from casuals.

    What do you say points or early cash? (Hegazi has bur next which isn't the best nor the worst fixture.)

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Points

    2. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      So I want another Soton def in addition to Bertrand. Vvd is expected back for next game and could oust Yoshida or Stephens, or be benched or not recover. Who do I chose, having to sell Cahill now - Cedric?

      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Is VVD really in contention? After refusing to train with the squad I would have thought he would be out in the cold.

        If he is back, then I would go for Cedric.

        1. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          I have no idea. But there are so many possibilities that I'm thinking Cedric is safer.

          Any Soton experts?

          1. Rasping Drive
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Lucy, if she's about

          2. bench boost for every gamew…
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Pied played pretty good in preseason barring that four-nil loss. Cedric first choice but not as clear water as one ought to think

  9. Rasping Drive
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Delighted with my Salah and Firmino plus Stephens and Betrand double-ups; disappointed by KDB and Jesus (c) ; now petrified by Kane and Lukaku tomorrow (neither of whom I own).

    The rollercoaster of emotions that is GW1 😀

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Is that Robin Friday? Have I asked you this before?

      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        It is Netley. And you might have done 🙂

          1. Rasping Drive
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Thanks. It's a real shame there were so few TV cameras at the old 3rd and 4th division matches in the 70s. To think that only about 10,000 people witnessed his legendary goal against Tranmere is a scandal

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I'm in the exact same situation as you!!

  10. bojack
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Did others notice that after being the main threat in the first half, Mané seemed to drop much deeper second half?

    Perhaps just to draw his marker out not sure, but it was a frustrating watch as an owner.

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      wasn't getting the ball over the top, so probably got frustrated himself. He got his goal by dropping deep tbf

      1. bojack
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Could be.

        His goal was a thing if beauty.

  11. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    MOTD starting shortly. Time to see if Hegazi passes the eye test.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      he's out the team when big mac is back?

      1. bojack
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Not if he plays like that.

      2. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        McAuley not back until after the international break at the earliest.

      3. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        When he gets on the end of Brunt's cross - who can tell them apart?

    2. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I was at the match and he was mint. Man of the match.

  12. COYG
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Fabregas to willian,zaha or ramsey

    1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Willian

  13. Guy Demel
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Read Bertrand came off injured earlier, but no flag or news... is he ok?

  14. A Team Of James McCleans
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    3 all in the spurs game tomorrow. Hattricks from Kane and Perez, 3 assists from Alli. Everyone happy? 😀

  15. F4L
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Does Epic Fail post anymore?

    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I'm using this username more so than not

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Rarely atm.

  16. We Will Klopp you
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Bit of a tough call to make gw2, who to start (would probably be relying on attacking threat)?

    A) PVA vs Liverpool away
    B) Suttner vs Leicester away

    Currently on Suttner

  17. Boo Ya Ka Sha
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    who's taking pens for City? Kun or Jesus

    1. VFORVANDETA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Kun

      1. Boo Ya Ka Sha
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I could've sworn that Jesus took a pen last year with Kun on the pitch

        1. Meltens
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          If memory serves me right he took two with atleast one of them with Kun on the pitch.

    2. MTPockets
        6 years, 7 months ago

        who knows

      • Rash
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Jesus

      • Yank Revolution
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Kun had a run of missed penalties last year, and suspensions...overall, generally off...Unsure if he gets a do over with Pep this year, but it would show great faith if he did.

        1. fedolefan
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          You never know, but there were signs today that Kun is the main man up front. I would think it's down to the players and wouldn't be surprised whoever has won it, scored more on the day taking it. Backing Yaya over everyone though.

    3. roghippo
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Worth a -4 to get rid of Iheanacho n iwobi ?

      1. bojack
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Wait.

        Ihenacho could start the next game.

    4. Legomane
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      So Firmino getting FWD Baps for scoring really is better than Firmino as a mid..yes? Firmino on pens is very juicy with CPL defensive disarray on the horizon.

    5. Francescoli
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Any news on Pedro. Fit for next gameweek?

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I fear not. Always a risk.

        1. Francescoli
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Aye.

          I didn't get him in the end. But he's in my missus' team.

      2. ***00tennis***
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Ben Dinnery‏Verified account @BenDinnery 6h6 hours ago
        More
        No guarantees that Pedro will recover from an ankle injury in time for the trip to Tottenham in game week two. #CFC

    6. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Surely Liverpool will just want to get the Coutinho saga done with, and get in a replacement?

      1. bodgejob
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Who though?

        1. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Bale!

        2. Legomane
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Sigurdsson?

      2. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Looks like Klopp wants him out now.

      3. Licky
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Well before anything happens Barcelona would have to offer an acceptable amount.

    7. Jamie_GAWA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Don't be annoyed about your team not performing, you picked your team for the first 3-5 GWS (hopefully) not 1 gw

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Sick of my team already.

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          You should have been bolder then ... like Luke.

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            He might have the same feeling tomorrow.

            1. FPL Virgin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              The man has got brass balls... and his bravery has been rewarded. He's flown to the top of mods and cons.

              1. TorresMagic™
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                With only Elliot left, a slide is likely.

                1. FPL Virgin
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 7 months ago

                  You have to admit he has picked an inspired team. Everyone elses team looks the same except for one or two players.

                  1. Fitzy.
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    6 years, 7 months ago

                    I wonder if any of them ever bother to check your team out each week?

                    1. FPL Virgin
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 7 Years
                      6 years, 7 months ago

                      Hi Fitzy.

      2. MTPockets
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Nah jesus captain is annoying. Palace defenders annoying. Bournemouth result annoying.

          1. Jamie_GAWA
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Letting yourself get annoyed can cloud your decision making though

      3. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Fabregas is such a tosser

        1. Nascimento
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          This

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            + 42.

        2. Hairy Potter
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Yep

      4. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Silly Cesc

      5. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Liverpools defence was shocking and I'm already getting an itchy finger regarding Moreno. Worth holding for Palace? They looked just as bad!

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Bench him if you can. Where there's Lovren, there's chaos.

        2. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Looooooool. Someone bought pool def and now regard them as shocking. Now THAT'S shocking!

      6. Wensink
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Didn't see Swansea. Did they (specifically Tom Carroll) have any scoring chances?

      7. F4L
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Fabregas over Willian. Start as you mean to go on I suppose

      8. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Wow. Burnley 2nd goal a beauty.

      9. Jamie_GAWA
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Renato Sanchez is available at 50m a mate told me, talking rubbish surely?

        1. Nascimento
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Yes. Bayern will make him available for loan if the terms are right.

      10. Fischy
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Benteke good to go against liverpool next weekend? got 0,5 mill if i need to switch him out for firm ?