Opinion

The Knee Jerk – Gameweek 2 – Saturday

So far, it all seems pretty simple.

Manchester United are walking through teams and all we have to do as Fantasy managers is back them and count the points.

Romelu Lukaku – while wholly unconvincing throughout against Swansea City – again managed to earn his 53.5% of FPL managers points, with 67% of those owners backing him with the captaincy.

For all the naysaying that took place during today’s display, the fact remains that the Belgian is now three goals ahead of both Harry Kane and Gabriel Jesus – perhaps his most likely rivals for a spot in our forward lines.

Should they dare to blank in Sunday and Monday’s matches then further sales of both will follow, with Lukaku hoovering up yet more owners.

But the day truly belonged to Paul Pogba.

A 15-point haul in South Wales saw him reach new heights to follow his eight points gained in the opening weekend victory over West Ham.

A lot has been said and written on the presence of Nemanja Matic and how this has unleashed Pogba’s attacking talents. However, when we look closer, there is perhaps another individual key to Pogba’s recent boom.

In truth, Jose Mourinho’s side seemed to huff and puff through most of today’s victory, and Pogba cut a frustrated figure at times – indeed, he walked a disciplinary tightrope in the first half.

But late on, the introduction of both Marouane Fellaini and Anthony Martial seemed to galvanise matters. On their arrival, United simply eased through the gears and tore the Swans asunder, with Pogba the main benefactor.

United have now scored eight goals over two matches, with six of those strikes arriving after the 75-minute mark with Fellaini on the pitch.

When he arrives, Pogba appears unshackled to run at tired legs and spread devastation. Notably, his only points earned without Fellaini on the pitch so far has been his assist for Bailly’s opener today.

So while it’s difficult to question the thousands of FPL managers that are now flocking to Pogba, we still need to consider that, to this point, the influence of Matic has perhaps not been as significant as billed.

It’s only when Mourinho reinforces his midfield further that Pogba has proved unstoppable.

Meanwhile, Mkhitaryan quietly gained another two assists without taking control of the game or matching Pogba’s impact.

He is undoubtedly the creator to Pogba’s destroyer. The question is, are we forced to choose between them and if so, is it as straightforward as opting for the Frenchman?

Having just taken a points hit to acquire Mkhitaryan, he’s going nowhere. And with Phil Jones available for just 5.0 in a defence that’s already kept two shut-outs, this Fantasy manager can’t currently find a place for Pogba.

That’s a worry. Potentially, Pogba is transformed and, match after match, he could prove untameable for opposing defences.

But the Fellaini factor is interesting and we perhaps still need to show some caution. Leicester City in Gameweek 3 will likely provide a sterner test which may yet slow the United and Pogba juggernaut.

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

4,746 Comments Post a Comment
  1. meksss
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A. Lacazette
    B. Morata
    C. Jesus

    Which striker?

    1. Kenny Dogleash
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      C. Keep faith in The Lord

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Lets see how B and C perform

      Not A, probably C

    3. Delhidynamo
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      What's the point of having Lacazette and his conversion rate when Ramsey, Welbeck and Bellerin are gonna take all the shots

  2. COYG
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    1-5
    5.0 defenders?

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Jones
      Cedric/Yoshida/Stephens
      Britos/Hegazi (4.5; 4.6)

  3. Farke in hell
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Is Mane worth the extra 0.5 over Salah?

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

      I just replaced him with mane fyi. Not sure if its the right decision but you can easily swap back. Mane is a proven beast, dude scores almost every game it feels like

      1. Twelve years a slave
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        The question should be is Mane a better option than Eriksen Alli or Pogba

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

      Yes for me

  4. Jasoooooooo
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Worth transferring Valencia -> Jones? Don't see the point in having Valencia when I could have Jones for 1.5mil less. Also, time to ditch Salah?

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

      1.5m less? Keep Salah. Stop over thinking.

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

      Yeah for a while Jones is good to go. 1.5 is handy. Wait til midweek and see.how much Salah plays

  5. COYS.
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Next week.. Would you play ddg or Elliot?
    Also thinking to take out Frimino and iwobi for a hit.. Any suggestions ?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      DDG

      Why replace Firmino?

      Hernandez and Richarlson will be fine I guess

      1. COYS.
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Frimino is playing too much out of position imo.. Was all over the pitch
        Pools next 2 fixtures are arsneal and manc.. Don't think doubling up pool would be good idea
        Already have Salah

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Those are the games a Firmino scores in

          1. Max City
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            This!

            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Or at least I good they are! Hernandez is on standby as a nice little 3rd forward if Firmino did go on a run of blanks

              1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                *hope not good

  6. Delhidynamo
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    attack of the gravless

  7. RD
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    People with JRod ..what are ur plans??

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

      Keep, he still has good fixtures and we've picked him for a reason so I think it's worth backing him in

      1. RD
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah morever dont have that fund also to upgrade him to Chica
        My only option at this moment is Baily> Jones nd Jrod>Chica
        Other option could be if i sell Kdb to utd mid

  8. b✪mber
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    I got PvA 2FTs and 1M itb... and I wanna sell Kolasinac. 🙂

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Tottenham and United defender?

      Davies and Bailly/Jones?

      1. b✪mber
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Got DDG, so no more Utd D for me. Gonna see the games and think it trough. If I go Spurs it'll be Trip (if by some miracle he has recovered) or Toby. I don't know when Rose is coming back, so I'll pass on Bavies at this stage.

        If I decide to use both FTs and do Jesus > Kane than the Spurs D is out of reach as well though.

  9. Regin
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    why r people but trusting salah? I dont think he wiill be benched again soon. I feel Mane & Salah will be equally good, but Salah slightly cheaper.

    Ali or Eriksen- which is better choice? Here I am confused.

    1. si
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      If anything, Mane could be rested next time

    2. RD
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Next match of Liverpool is against Arsenal no way Salah or Mane would be benched

  10. Sanchit
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Did 4 transfers last night.
    Better to take a 8 point hit at this stage or use a WC? If I use a WC I'd make just one more change that would be lejuene to another 4.5.

    1. Delhidynamo
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      -8 is not bad(unless the 4 had people like Richarlison involved)

      1. Sanchit
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Haha nope.

    2. olidooley
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Gameweek isnt even finished yet. Chill out man

    3. b✪mber
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I'd take the -8... at this rate you'll probably want to make 6 moves next week, so better keep the WC for that 🙂

    4. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season Le…
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Just saw your Squad
      IMO -8 point hit has gobsmacked me ....
      It looked OK
      Hopefully for you THAT hit pays off

      1. Twelve years a slave
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        iT ok as can always wildcard Friday if it gets worse

  11. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Moreno > Trippier (if he is fit for next GW) a no brainer right?

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Defo. Trippier is essential imo

    2. Effendi007
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yep

    3. TEKKERS FC
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yea ill be doing that spare a .1 too

  12. Roys Peak
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    2 FT's - too knee jerky?
    KDB --> Pogba
    Daniels --> Trippier
    leaves me with 1.6m in the bank and pascall gross

    1. olidooley
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      KDB is going to play on Monday. Just wait for that

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I think KDB > Pogba is a good move... as is getting Trippier in... but do u have any defs others than Daniels you could sell to get Trippier?

      1. Roys Peak
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        bertrand or kolasinic

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Kolasinac > Trippier better move imo. Don't get this Kolasinac hype - he's a def who'll need goals to get points, never a good thing... again imho

    3. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Hold till Monday... you've missed the price rise anyway. Possibly the second one if it looks like Daniels is gonna drop tonight.

  13. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Fabianski
    Bailly Bertrand Stephens Daniels
    Mane Salah Mkhi Tadic
    Kane(C) Jesus

    Elliot. Mee Carroll Quaner
    1FT 0.5 ITB

    Mid and Forwards look fine!
    Defenders have poor fixtures so was thinking of
    Daniels + Stephens > Trippier+Jones(-4)

    Thoughts??

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      No Lukaku?!

    2. olidooley
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Don't take hits for defenders

  14. Regin
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    pogba or miki? I prefer Miki.

    1. olidooley
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Mkhi for me. Pogs more nailed tho

  15. jai1212
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Willian and Quaner to Caroll/RLC and Chicarito?

    1. vartshk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Not for a hit IMO. I assume your 4.5 options are sat on the bench anyway?

      1. jai1212
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yes, I was playing a 3-5-2 and switching to 3-4-3

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good, lets see how Willian performs

  16. Patty
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Obviously going to wait for tonights games, but what option do you like the most?

    A. Danilo, JWP > Jones, Jese -4
    B. KDB > Pogba
    C. Danilo > Trippier/Jones
    D. JWP, KDB > Pogba, Antonio/Jese -4
    E. KDB, Danilo > Pogba, Trippier/Jones

    1. vartshk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      if KDB blanks, then E with jones for now

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      D looks good but Danilo should go as well.

  17. BearScout
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    If Kolas plays in his regular position, what's the consensus on his points potential at Anfield?

    1. olidooley
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I wouldn't be hopeful

      1. BearScout
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I can bench him and still field a decent 3 man defense. Would you look to sell though? I would then be able to do 4.5 + 2 mil upgrade.

        1. BearScout
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Sorry forgot to say that the upgrade would be in midfield. Currently rocking a 4-3-3.

  18. olidooley
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    I think Mkhitaryan will end up being a nice differential with everyone on a Pogba wagon

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      As long as Mkhi keeps getting assists everyone's a winner

  19. RD
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    I dont have Kane yet..should i be worried..Specially for next week against Burnley at home

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Will get a good idea today. If he blanks today he's a Burnley blank away from being fire sold by the masses. Hope he gets a brace today to make it easy

      1. RD
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I dont think he would blank against burnley..i m expecting a brace.
        Being a Chelsea fan i hope he blanks today..but seeing our woeful defence i have my doubts

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah I wouldn't expect it either... reason I bring it up is this exact thing happened last year - Kane with a lovely home fixture to Burnley & blanked. Did same when playing Hull at home. I've captained him for this week & probably next week over Lukaku either way

          1. RD
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Lukaku has consistently given points for 2 weeks in a row..he would also blank at some point of time...who knows might be next weekend itself

            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Don't think 2 weeks is a big enough sample size to describe as consistent. And he only got 6 points today. Looks like he may score big at home & small away... that Leicester side conceded 4 to a worse arsenal attack than what they will come up against in Utd.

              1. RD
                • 13 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                Hope so as i dont have an utd mid yet...i m stuck with many decisions
                1.No Kane
                1.No Utd Mid
                3.Jrod
                4.Lejune injured which i havent replaced yet
                5.Doubling up on City players..i have Kdb nd Jesus..are they worth enough

                Lol tough decisions ahead

                1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                  • 14 Years
                  6 years, 8 months ago

                  Probably best to try get through to international break & reassess

                  1. RD
                    • 13 Years
                    6 years, 8 months ago

                    Yeah the only good thing is that i have 2 FT. 😀

                    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                      • 14 Years
                      6 years, 8 months ago

                      That's actually a big advantage - try to roll them over the int break if at all possible - will give a lot of flexibility

                      1. RD
                        • 13 Years
                        6 years, 8 months ago

                        Plan was always that...lets see

              2. Freddo
                • 6 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                As a Lukaku captainer (along with most) I think that score and the last game massively flattered the United attack.

                Not sure they'll score 3 goals late in every game they play, didn't think much of them up to that point.

                Lukaku has to be more like last week than this for returns.

                1. RD
                  • 13 Years
                  6 years, 8 months ago

                  People who dont have Kane who are they going to captain next weekend?Lukaku seems the only option..i fear he might blank next week.

                  1. Freddo
                    • 6 Years
                    6 years, 8 months ago

                    He'll be the captain for most weeks as he's so highly owned but picking the weeks to move off him could be very productive.

                    Leicester were unlucky at the Emirates.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      He didnt get anything last year against Hull and Burnley, maybe you can survive 😛

      1. RD
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Dont think i would survive.cant see an option also to bring him :/

    3. Max City
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I have Kane ..and tbh I feel I have purchased him too early..

  20. Sourav_07
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    4.5 mid:
    A) Carroll
    B) RLC
    C) Cork (Bur)
    Which one?

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Carroll

    2. Freddo
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      RLC is playing in the front 3 so him.

      Should have had an assist this year, could have a Zaha season for value once he gets confident.

      1. Freddo
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        *Yesterday not this year

  21. COYG
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    How's this? 1ft maybe for trippier

    foster
    davies cedric jones dawson
    de bruyne mane mkhi
    kane lukaku mounie

    elliot mee carroll chalobah

    1. Effendi007
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      If its Mee for Trippier then sure but defence is fine as is since you have Davies

  22. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Just got back in to reception.

    25 points with Elliot, Mooy, DeBruyne and Kane to play.

    Yuck

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

      Ding ding.

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Help.

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

          How? Most of the people had a terrible gameweek.

          1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            No idea. Haven't had time to look at scores/forum etc... Been out bush.

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

              It's just a bad week. Don't kneejerk so fast.

    2. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season Le…
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      🙁

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I got 25 as well, it's not good. Thought Bertrand Cedric Aké Ramsey Firmino would have got more than 7 points between them 🙁

      Still have Kompany, KDB, & Kane (c) though... hoping for 40 points from them lol - 6, 10, 12x2

  23. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Where too from here?

    Hart
    Bertrand / Ake / Cedric
    DeBruyne / Salah / Richie / Mooy
    Kane / Lukaku / Gabbiadini

    Elliot / Mee / Carroll / Long

    1.5itb

    Will obviously hold til after games but it needs some surgery.

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

      Ake to Jones
      Richie/Mooy to Tadic/Redmond

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      KDB>Pogba, Hart>DDG

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Defense and front line is fine, just add a fresh face in midfield

  24. davies
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Took a -4 and I still hate my team

    1. Max City
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Still GW 2.. No need to overthink about anything lol

  25. jai1212
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Forster
    Kolasinac / Dawson / Stephens
    KDB / Salah / Atsu / Redmond / Willian
    Lukaku / Kane

    Elliot / TAA / Quaner / Long

    Do I need to WC?

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      no

  26. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Bailly Bertrand Trippier ****

    Pick one
    A Play Tom Carroll(cry)
    B Play Stephens(hud)(Already starting Bertrand and Tadic)
    C Stephens > Jones(-4)(might pay off long term)

    Thoughts??

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A imo

  27. arndff_
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    What to do? 1FT, 0.0ITB

    DDG Elliot
    Monreal Ake Stephens Suttner Long
    KDB Salah Mkhi Atsu TCarroll
    Kane Lukaku Mounie

    1. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Ake -> Dawson?

      Good team!

      1. arndff_
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks for the reply.

        Is Dawson a better optionthan Hegazi? Why?

        1. Oven Glover
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Not sure but rumors are that they are looking for a new cb andMcAuley coming back. Dawson can play as fullback. Always felt that Fugazi is a short term solution for Pulis. Might be very wrong, though.

  28. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    So Lukaku on 19 points already... that's 8.6% of his score from last year, after only 5.2 % of the games, early signs are good!

  29. Max City
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Foster Fabs

    Valencia Yoshida Suttner Daniels Mee

    KDB Mane JWP Carroll

    Luka Kane Ayew

    0 itb
    ..
    1) I need a replacement for JWP.. To a 4.5m midfielder..
    2) Thinking to replace Valencia with Jones
    3) Thinking to bring in either Eriksen or Mkhi/Pogba

    Any suggestion?

    Thanks

    1. Max City
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Correction:

      Foster Fabs

      Valencia Yoshida Suttner Daniels Mee

      KDB Mane Mata JWP Carroll

      Luka Kane Ayew

      0 itb
      1FT

  30. olidooley
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    1 FT. Thinking Ake to Trippier?

    Foster Elliot
    Ake Stephens Lowe Suttner Long
    KDB Mane Mkhi Willian Carroll
    Lukaku Kane Ayew