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. dikara10
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Anybody watched watford game? What do you think about richarlison? I would like to replace JWP in my team and he is on top of my watchlist but I didn't have much info about him

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

      Saw the highlights and he looked handy. Stats back that up too in terms of shots in the box I think.

      What happens when Deeney comes back?

    2. MrZ
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      He's injured right?

    3. Cruz88
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I was asking the same a few days ago and wish I'd taken a punt on him, went mooy instead. Wasn't sure he'd start to be fair, still not convinced he won't be eased in

  2. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A Fraser to Atsu/Ritchie
    B Fraser to Jesé
    C jrod to chicharito

    1. nisag17
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I think wait for the gameweek to be over. and post your entire team. I agree though that both Fraser and Jrod are not good options.

      1. Lord Flashheart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Fraser has bad fixtures
        J rod has good ones but wbrom will park the bus after a single goal

        1. nisag17
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Yup. I think the rule is to never get a West Brom attacker as long as the manager is the same. You can't argue with his results though. 2 wins out of two.

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

            Phillips earned me an assist yesterday 😉

            His corners from the right are pretty dangerous.

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

      C is looking great seeing West Hams next 3 fixtures. They'll probably lose a couple but Chicha will pop in with some goals here and there. West Brom don't look like going past 1-0

      1. Lord Flashheart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        My fear exactly

  3. nisag17
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Going to watch the Spurs match closely for Trippier status. Really hope he at least makes the bench so he is ready for game 3. Need to get Danilo out and Trippier in.

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

      Same here but also watch city game closely if Mendy doesn't make to bench then you have more time to decide.

      1. nisag17
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yup. But Trippier gets into my team as soon as he gets back even if I transfer someone else out. Kolasinac might get the boot then since Wenger doesn't seem interested in playing him Wing back.

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

    who will get more points?
    KDB Gross Daniels
    Pogba Trippier Chicharito/Ramsey
    cheers

    1. nisag17
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Option 2.

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

      Definitely the second group

  5. Sims
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Zanka mounie atsu in first game today

    Anything less than 10 points would be a major disappointment

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

    Is it a bit naive of me to have KDB and Jesus? If yes then which is better to keep? And lastly is it worth keeping Kolasinac around? Feel arsenal wont keep many cleansheets plus he's limited at CB. Thanks in advance

    1. nisag17
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I have both Jesus and Kolasinac. And although Arsenal will keep clean sheets I got him in thinking he would start playing wingback very soon. Not worth it if he keeps playing CB.

      Wait for Man City to play before deciding on KDB and Jesus. But, Jesus is a much better pick in my opinion for only .5 more. I would captain Jesus most games if Lukaku wasn't in my team and the better choice. Not KDB.

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

        Thanks for the insight. Really hoping when Koscielny comes back Kolasinac will be moved to wing back but it seems Wenger is desperate to fit in Ox somewhere so he does't want to leave.
        KDB also seems a bit too expensive for me given he's playing deeper

        1. nisag17
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Yup. That is not good for the team, because I too think he desperately wants both Alex and Bellerin to be happy and is sacrificing on the fact that the wing back is not left footed. And Kolasinac did look the real deal in preseason at that position.

    2. Think
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Keep your calm wait for city's match to be finished and assess there after.

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

        Yeah will definitely wait just seem to expensive to keep both unless they win 4-0 soon

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

      KDB + Jesus have only played once so we have a lack of evidence on those two.

      Kolasinac I would want rid of personally, feel Arsenal will ship a few to Pool. Depends if you want to save FT for the break.

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

        KDB just seems to be playing too deep to justify the price. And don't mind using a transfer. Trippier looking tempting for Kolasinac right now

  7. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Was flying most of yesterday so missed the games - I see a lot of new names here - Jese, Carlison, - any one of those stands out ?

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

      Jese looked good yesterday.

      1. Lord Flashheart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks

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

    Hello everyone. I like to be away on match day.
    How are you doing ?

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

    DeGea & Zaha
    To
    Foster & Pobga -4

    Yay or nay ?

    1. nisag17
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yes to Zaha to Pogba, not sure you need to get DeGea out to do that. He has done nothing wrong to deserve it. I am sure there is someone else you could downgrade.

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

        Yes there prob is. But im planning to get jones in next week

  10. Jonny Sutt
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    I know there aren't any good options for £4m in defence but if you had to choose someone who looks the most likely to play a bit throughout the season?

    1. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I think there is none at all. Unless an injury forces the real life managers

      1. Jonny Sutt
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Which ones look likely to step in first?

    2. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Mbemba until injured players return

  11. Waxys
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Calm down ppl Kolasinac will play wingback when koscielny is back

  12. Jonny Sutt
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Is sanchez going to start for Spurs? If not, is their defence going to be a rotation risk?

  13. Whats the Huth
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    If trippier is fit for next week. He is a better choice than jones who isn't nailed.

    With 2.0m ITB. Next week I'd be tempted by a -4 hit of Kompany to Trippier
    Firmino to Jesus OR
    Ramsey/William to Erkisen.

    I need nailed on players

    1. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Don't forget Burnley are about to sign Chris Wood......
      He's nailed on... 😉

    2. MrZ
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Stick to the plan mate....

  14. Jonny Sutt
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    who do you think will score the highest points throughout the season and why?

    A) vokes
    B) mounie

    1. Ad4m
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      thankfully don't have to worry about the whole season, just the next 6 weeks and I'm def going Mounie

  15. Demel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    How does this wildcard team look?

    Foster - Elliot
    Bertrand - Trippier - Jones - TAA - Mbemba
    Mane - Pogba - Jese - Carroll - RLC
    Kane - Jesus - Lukaku

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

      TAA is being rotated even without Clyne being back so aprt from him it looks pretty potent

      1. nisag17
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        this. No to TAA.

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

        My team is currently...

        Foster - Elliot
        Bertrand - STONES - Jones - SUTTNER - LONG
        Mane - Pogba - ATSU - Carroll - GROB
        Kane - Jesus - Lukaku

        I am just working out of it is really worth the wildcard..

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

          The WC team looks worse 🙂

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

            And by that I mean you have a good squad.

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

              Thanks. I could do Stones to Trippier for a hit (after seeing the games). Or wait a week. I am sure I want Trippier in long term (as long as Spurs don't sign a right back).

      3. Demel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I could get Hegazi.

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

          Much better option

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

      Not bad. TAA not nailed tho

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

      Pretty good. Would get a Soton attacker over Jese

  16. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Think I had a classic knee jerk last nite or had I??

    Salah and Ake out for Pogba and Jones. Fell 100 points behind in main league because of utd so had I really any choice especially with price rises etc.??

    1. Tim Canterbury
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      100 points???????

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

      Those are good moves. Knee jerks are not always a bad thing

    3. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Jones isn't nailed though is he?

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

        Yeah near enough, most had ddg ,utd defender plus mikki or pogba. Scored 80 points or so in those two weeks and I got 24 ystrdy. So gap widened pretty quick.
        Had to act.

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

        Played last two games no goals conceded,surely he deserves to be in team ??

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

          1 bad performance & he's out of the team. Mou didn't buy lindelof to only sit on their bench.

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

          Sorry may have exaggerated a bit , 72 point gap in one league,less in others ,still big gap in two weeks.

      3. nisag17
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I think Mourinho likes to keep playing players who perform well and maintain continuity in a winning side. Jones is nailed until Champions league starts or Jones performs poorly.

  17. Bald Eagle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Did anyone watch the Bou game, what happened to them? They can't score a goal to save their lives.

    Not bitter at all. 🙂

    1. Whats the Huth
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I have Fraser and I'm very disappointed. Got other irons in the fire to deal with first though. Keeping an close eye on price change websites though

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

        I've got Daniels also. With Hegazi on my bench it's not even funny. 🙂

        I'll have to ditch one of them, was really expecting more from them.

  18. Jonny Sutt
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Richarlison in for Ritchie is looking highly likely? Anyone agree?

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

      Jese instead?

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

        Look at Newcastle's fixtures and there game is still pending so it's better to keep calm.

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

      Not really seeing how Newcastle haven't kicked off yet.

    3. qstormheavyrain
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I can se why this comment is under the Knee jerk post

      1. Jonny Sutt
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I don't watch Newcastle play, didn't realise Ritchie had been playing so well!

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

    is mane worth extra 0.5 over Salah

    1. nisag17
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yes when playing at home, not when away from home in my opinion. Its a very tough one.

    2. Please Help I Don't Kn…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah.

  20. MrZ
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Lesson learned :

    Fixture is key, especially in first gw's. Never choose players with a mind to move him when fixtures got worse.
    Blinded by daniels's price, now he force me to do early transfer 🙁

  21. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    I wasn't really in the mood to think about football after yesterday's defeat, let alone doing FPL transfers.
    Now that Pogba rose to 8.1 - do you prefer him or Mkhitaryan?
    My only Utd cover is Lukaku.

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

      I think I prefer Mkhi, he's stationed in a more attacking role and surely in the tighter games more like to grab an assist.

      Pogba has looked fantastic but these were two late goals against very poor, tired sides. I don't see this rate of points scoring continuing personally.

    2. Think
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      There are more than one way of playing this game. Who is your midfielder right now ? I have alli and I am not to much fussed to get in pogba or mkhi. On other end what are the upcoming fixtures of united ? LEI-stk-EVE

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

        I cab see stk and EVE games to be tight so keeping calm and will assess after spurs game.

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

          This. Leicester look back to their old selves so even though United will win, I don't see 4. Everton under Koeman have conceded what, 1 in 6?

      2. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Interesting. If you had Salah, would you lose him for Pogba/Mkhi?

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

          I have salah and I still believe he can deliver the goods. I watched the pool game yesterday and they were doing better after he came on as a substitute.was unlucky not to get any return though. For mkhi and pogba it's like chasing points. United scored 8 goals in two matches and 5 of them were after 80 mins so do you think all others team will give united chance to do so in every other game ?

      3. Arteta
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Salah, Willian, Fraser, Atsu, Carroll. I also have 1.9m in the bank as I took a hit last week to get Lukaku. My strikers are Luka, Laca and Kun. I started with Batshuayi (don't want to talk about it) and sold de Bruyne.

    3. nisag17
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A very tough one. I got Mkhi last week for a hit. Pogba looks equally good. A bit like the Eriksen Alli dillema. Mkhi will more assists while Pogba will score more goals. Very tough. I though Mkhi played a more advanced roles before the subs. Not sure United can keep scoring two or three after the subs arrive. But anything can happen.

    4. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Appreciate your input Bojack, Think and Nisag. Very informative 🙂

  22. Jonny Sutt
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    How do people see the Sanchez transfer affecting the Spurs defence?

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

    I chose Pogba in for KDB before pogba rose... i already had DDG and Lukaku

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

      Ozil ^^^^^

  24. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Jesus and Fraser to Chicha and Pogba(-4) if Jesus flops?

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

      No.

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        You think Jesus will out score both Chicha and Pogba?
        Or do you not like Chicha or Pogba?

        I have Kane and Lukaku btw..

    2. nisag17
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      IF is a big word there. And you should see the manner of the flop as well. But yes Fraser is not looking good and getting Pogba or Mkhi for him would make sense. Not sure if you can do it any other way though.

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Have Kane and Lukaku as well. So losing Jesus still leves me with two premium strikers.
        The alternative is Salah to Mkhi/Pogba

  25. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Something like this if I was to WC:

    Foster - (Myhill)
    Trippier - Jones - Yoshida - (Mee) - (Mbemba)
    Ramsey - Pogba - Alli - Mane - (Carroll)
    Jesus - Lukaku - Chicarito

  26. callum14
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    guys this is my team:

    foster
    Daniels - Kompany - PVA
    Salah - Ramsey - Willian - loftus-cheek
    Lukaku - Kane - Firmino

    considering playing wilcard and going:
    Foster
    Kolasinac - Jones - Hegazi - Davies
    Salah - Pogba - Eriksen
    Lukaku - Kane - Vokes

    i'd have 0.9 to spare, good move or impatient knee jerk?
    please advise and help!!!!
    thanks

    1. Jonny Sutt
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I thoughts woods was possibly going to Burnley so cokes may have game time threatened

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I would do PVA to Trippier and Daniels to P.Jones personally

      1. callum14
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        2 good moves!

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

      I would keep as is but swap daniels or willian out

      1. callum14
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        yeah wildcard or not i want them both gone, cheers mate

  27. Lecky Legs FC
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Is Jones nailed for the next 3 GW's?

    1. Jonny Sutt
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I'd stay away from uniteds defence other than DDG

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

    GTG?
    DDG/Elliot
    Kola Bertrand dawson trippier/hanley
    Alli Pogba salah/carroll
    Lukaku Jesus Chicharito
    cheers

  29. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Need to replace the Bournemouth combo of Daniels and fraser. I failed a big time here.

    What are my combo here ?

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

      Have the same problem. Want Trippier (if he is ready to start against Burnley). Unsettled on the midfielder.

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I am looking at trippier and atsu. Decent combo if trippier is fit for Burnley

    2. Jøssy ⭐
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      You probably need to generate some cash elsewhere if you want a decent upgrade

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I M afraid, this is all I have.

        1. Jøssy ⭐
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Hence why you would have to generate it elsewhere.

          Jones is certainly a good pick for Daniels, but I'm looking at Trippier.

          And for Fraser (who I also have), I'm looking at Ricarlison or Jese, who are both 6m. Atsu maybe an option

  30. The special 5
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Morning yawning my overall rank atm is 1.7 mill what's everyone else at?

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

      1.3m.

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      11k

      1. The special 5
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Wow

    3. fpltactician
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      980k

    4. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      1.9m. Similar start like last season, need to recover asap.