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. NorwichCityLad
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    If Jesus fail today should I get rid or keep for his fixtures was looking at Hernandez or Mounie

    1. Dokdok666
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Depends on his stats

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

        I love stats for forward and midfielders but don't know how to do stat table for defenders if you can help

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I'm captaining v Bournemouth unless he gets injured/suspended

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

        Carefull, Bournemouth is the most unpredictable team in the league.

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Far from it

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

      Jesus is way above those two lol.

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

        Money could be spent else where got lukaku and lacazette already

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

          Would way rather be shot of lacazette

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

            Need to see Jesus today to say but points wise would be him to go

    4. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      He's not playing till tomorrow.

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

        Yeah sorry

  2. Professor Abel X
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Bottomed. Hegazi or Dawson?

    Also play TCarroll or Loftus-Cheek next week? CPL V SWA

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

      I went Dawson

    2. Lebowski85
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I went Dawson. Has always been reliable.....ish

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

    Ramsey and Darmain (worse idea ever) ---> Mkhi and 4.0m defender (Got 3 defenders anyway)

    1. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I wouldn't be comfortable with 2 4.0 defenders. Ramsey was apparently Arsenals best player yesterday and looked dangerous so I'd keep and just do Darmian to someone

    2. Puncheon Guly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Mbemba should play for a few weeks at 4.0. Might even make some money on him

  4. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Priority move for gw3?
    A. Danilo to Trippier (Francis, Suttner, Stephens, 4m)
    OR
    B. Replace Fraser(Carroll 5th mid)

  5. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Who's your GW 3 captain?

    I'm going for Aguero. Can see him getting a brace.

    Feel like Bournemouth are in for a spanking. Even Watford scored 2 vs them.

    Kane is another option but feel Burnley would be more stubborn and can't see multiple attacking returns for Kane.

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

      Will be between Aguero and Lukaku for me. Have Alli too. But city at bournemouth is one of those mouthwatering ones where the goals could rain in.

    2. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Kane for me

    3. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Kane, most likely.

    4. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Jesus

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

      Kane.

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

      Jesus

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

      armband on Kane at the moment but depends on Monday night

  6. zizoo10
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    advice for my mini wc? 0.5itb & 2fts

    DDG
    Bavies • Monreal • Yosh • Stephens
    Mkhi • KDB • Fraser
    Kane • Kaku • Firm

    Elliot • RLC • Carroll • Long

    1. Dokdok666
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Difficult to give any meaningful advice seing the gameweek isn't done yet

  7. Aguerrrooooooo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Kolasinac and mooy out for hegazi and pogba - 4 is a good move right?

    1. Dokdok666
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      How can we know, seing Mooy hasn't even played yet?

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

        Yeah but I mean over the next few weeks it will be worth the - 4.

        1. Dokdok666
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          My point still stands

    2. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Wait until matches are finished. Mooy has great fixtures. Could just bin Kola.

    3. kUwe Inc.
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Mooy scored today...to give you a headache

  8. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    I'm going to kill myself with Mkhi vs Pogba... Right up there with Eriksen vs Alli, Daniels vs Aké, etc. And now they're the same price as well. My UTD friend said Mkhitaryan assisted Lukaku from a set-piece last week, but I didn't see the match so I can't be sure, and I don't see him on the set piece tab either... Is Mkhi on set-pieces?

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

      So... Get both.

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Can't. Have Bailly too, not prepared to take a -8 off the bat...

        1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Not prepared to take a -8 at all actually

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      He did, he's on some FKs with Mata as well

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Ok, cheers mate. The plot thickens...

    3. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      If i was to get one it would be Pogba. Im guessing but more players in Miki postion with Martial,lindgard

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Good point. Pogba will play the 90 every time.

      2. Puncheon Guly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Reckon Mhki is safe for now. Fancy Rashford or Mata will drop for Martial next game, although given it's away to Leicester Lingard might get a recall

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

      Looks like both will trade points all season - I'm going both for now

    5. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I have Pogba already.

      Don't have Lukaku, but I am seriously tempted to drop Salah for Mikhi and have the Utd midfield double up.

      Pretty much one of those two is going to be assisting Lukaku whenever he scores.

  9. Stephen Ireland
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A green arrow with 25pts. The joy of being ranked in the 3 millions.

    There's always a positive to be found. Now, fingers crossed that Kane, Jesus and KDB can keep me away from this Man Utd run away train/wagon.

  10. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    people dropping kolasanic?

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      It's FFS and he blanked, what do you expect

    2. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      is Trippier back could be a good switch

      1. Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        If he's not back today he will surely be ready for Burnley in GW3

      2. Chenku╰☆╮
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Not yet.. let him play one full game before you get him in!!

    3. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      PLaying CB

  11. johnnybeefcake
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Mooy or Atsu?

  12. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    come back sanchez so that fool wellcrap can be dropped,all he does is get in lacas way and im pretty sure he never passed it once to him,im a bit miffed about laca,so close to a haul yesterday,gunners denied 2 clear penos and as for that lucky linesman decision jeez ,same with jesus last week im sure many of us who have ,kane ,laca and jesus up front feel like the fpl gods hate us atm,stay firm men ,winter is coming....

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

    what to do lads? 1ft

    foster
    kompany davies cedric
    kdb mane mkhi mooy
    kane lukaku abraham

    elliot zanka mee carroll

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

      looks OK to hold assuming KDB does something on Mon

      Not sure about Abraham but you'll know after GW4

  14. dark91
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Any news from yesterday regarding Francis?

    Howe said he will be assessed before the match but can't find anything else about him

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Did his Hammy last week. Wasn't fit to play and best i can find is...

      http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/15483702.Cherries_skipper_Francis_set_for_spell_on_sidelines/

      1. dark91
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Oh didn't expect that but it is good to know
        Thanks 🙂

  15. FPL_Hazards
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Any knee jerkers with Lukaku, Mkhitaryan and Jones got any idea how to make room for Pogba? :-/

    1. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Sell Jones as he is injury prone.. if not mkhi to pogba

      1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Because the best moves are sideways moves

    2. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Holding for now. Tougher fixtures ahead. Will offload Salah to Pogba in a few weeks, while also probably binning Jones.

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

      Don’t make room. He won’t necessarily outscore those dudes.

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

        Don’t forget Jones hit the crossbar yesterday. He is a decent his threat as well.

    4. BROOKLYN GOONER
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I bit the bullet last night: Luk-> Kane, Salah-> Pogba
      Captain Kneejerk! 🙂

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

        I don't understand why you'd do that before Kane plays this week?

        1. PompeyUpNorth!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Agreed

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

          Because I want to captain Kane most of the time from here on out. Which makes Lukaku look expensive, when I could have Pogba, instead. Think Kane has already gotten up to speed this season. Only worry would be if Kane happened to get injured today, in which case I might just convert to a WC, as I have a 4th mid and some defensive issues to sort out.

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

        Ballsy - hot sweats for you next GW

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

      If you've got Mkhi you don't need room for Pogba

    6. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Did Salah ro Pagba before the price rise yesterday..
      Salah will again play Tuesday, and ARS and City next

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

    Is there any good defenders table stats anyone. I struggle with that stat please?

  17. jon.terry.tfh
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Disastrous start to the season. Cannot believe im so behind in the minileague against couple amateur players. Considering a wildcard? Thoughts to sort out this mess please...
    Foster Eliott
    Ward long danilo Bertrand Stephens
    Mkhitaryan kdb salah carroll willian
    Lukaku mcburnie kane

    Should I just do danilo to Jones and play carroll next week and observe? Or should I try to get in chicharito?

    1. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Lol and you them amateur

      1. Chenku╰☆╮
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        *you call

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

      Early days yet.

      I'm trailing badly against my mini leaguers, but I always do around this time of the season.

      By New Year it will be a completely different story. Our beloved casuals stop making transfers, leave armbands on injured players, don't use their wild cards and generally just lose interest or make stupid choices.

      Never panic after 2 GW's mate.

  18. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    my GW needs saving - Alonso, Kane and KdB to the rescue ... no way all three can blank again ?

  19. Rover
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Would you do Danilo to anyone for a hit? And if so, who? Currently have Trippier, Bertrand, Dawson and Suttner, with DDG and Elliot.
    Granted I'd wait for pressers but just want an early opinion.

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Nope. Not when you have that defense. You're covered.

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

        Thanks 🙂

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

      If Trippier is fit, you are good to go. I would get Fernandez if not

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

        Will have to wait and watch on that. Just hope he's on the bench tonight. Will mean he's fit for next week and unlikely to get injured again this week.

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

        Fernandez from Swans right? Tough to get myself to bring in a defender who's just conceded 4 although their next two fixtures are good for them.

    3. Ste Wilkinson
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Got a lot of cash in that defence, better waiting and shifting danilo when you have 2ft to help upgrade your attack

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

    So I have Fraser, Daniels, gross , suttner. Bournemouth guys being in my playing 11.

    Surely they are the ones I should first get rid off right ?

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yes

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

      Daniels and Suttner. Yes.

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

        So Fraser should stay for the difficult period?

        Daniels is surely gone. Not so sure which other player should I remove

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

    If there are not injuries in the remaining games I might save the transfer this week for 2ft over international break.

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

    Elliot / Mee / Carroll / Long

    1.5itb

    Thoughts?

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Ake out might tempt me

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

      Ake to Jones? If Kane blacks this week I'll be tempted to get rid and boost midfield

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

      ditch Ake

    4. Point-one short
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Maybe ake to trippier?

  22. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    I was eyeing up Lacazette for GW4 captaincy but not so sure now...Lukaku (stk) or Jesus (LIV) possible...anyone got a strong opinion on their GW4 captain yet?

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

      Hernandez

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

        Thanks for reminder though, dont have any captaincy option for that week.

        Will consider that while making next moves

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          might not be a bad option tbh, if he stays Sanchez could be immense but that probably needs a hit

  23. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    can't see anything other than a post GW3 WC for me as per last season. another dreadful start.

  24. Clumsy Sakho
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    As poor as West Ham have looked, those fixtures are too appealing. Too much?

    Firmino + Phillips -> Antonio + Chicarito?

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

      Never too much if they produce, 14.5 looks value.

  25. Shultan
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    How many people on here considering using the WC after GW3 during the international break?

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

      highly likely regardless of the last 3 fixtures this week.

    2. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yep

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

      I haven't even looked at my score yet. Pogba may be the only thing that's helped me into double figures.

      Kane (c), KDB and Jesus really need to help me out or Mr Wildcard may well be spending a fortnight stay in my team hotel!

  26. Jamie_GAWA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    22 points so far, yikes...

    Chicarito now to make a mockery of that 7m tag?

    1. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Same here but hoping Kane capt will rescue me...plus got Willian n kdb..

  27. Man Chest Hair United
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone here know how to watch a replay of match of the day from Australia? It used to be easy to stream but now full of pop ups

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

      I get highlights in NZ from youtube. The streams are full of pop ups and virus loaded so far this season. If you find something better post it here.

  28. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    I think some need to chill and think about the players you initially picked and why. Taking Luka out today, when he scored, doing Mikhi to Pogba, taking Jones out, binning KDB when he hasn't even kicked a ball already this GW. My advice is don't chase the points. Pogba could blank for the next 3 GWs. Then what!

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

      Who the heck is taking Lukaku out?

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

      a sane voice in a mad world...

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      There has been a suspicion that KDB is too expensive - a bank - and that others maybe too cheap. There is logic to some moves, I think 😆

      1. Chenku╰☆╮
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Logic goes out of the window if he gets 10+ pts tomorrow. Typical short term thinking on here.. oh I remember Sanchez last season same thing happened and to hazard as well..

  29. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    2 regrets so far this season.

    Not getting Lukaku.

    Not getting Foster in goal.

  30. Big baller
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Foster Elliot
    Yosihida Davies Mee Moreno Rosenior
    Fraser Kdb Mane Alli Carrol
    Mounie Kaku Jesus
    1 itb 1 ft
    What would you do with this bunch?