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The Technical Area – Pogba and Mkhitaryan

Successive 4-0 routs of West Ham United and Swansea City suggests the spirit of attacking football looks to have finally returned to Old Trafford.

Bolstered by the summer acquisitions of Nemanja Matic and Romelu Lukaku, Manchester United’s attacking output has generated a huge amount of buzz within Fantasy circles.

Having written in the pre-season that the Red Devils were my top pick to improve their goalscoring numbers in 2017/18 (after underperforming their projected output by over 10 goals last term), my own projection system was bullish on their potential to produce early returns.

Yet even I didn’t expect the goals to flow so freely over the opening weeks. With the fixtures continuing to align in their favour (at least over the next five Gameweeks), the case for us to increase our investment in United’s attack is strong. Indeed, though many managers have coverage already in the form of Romelu Lukaku – FPL’s most selected player with 55% ownership – the prospect of doubling up is a significant temptation.

This week’s Technical Area will be digging into the performances of two in-vogue midfield assets – Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan – in an attempt to tease out the optimal Fantasy prospect.

Two Gameweeks in, Pogba and Mkhitaryan currently occupy first and second place respectively for FPL midfielders.

Pogba followed up an eight-point opener with an explosive 15-point performance in Gameweek 2, while Mkhitaryan has returned 10 and 11 points in impressively consistent fashion. Yet despite the similarity of their totals, the manner in which the pair have produced their points has been very different.

1,928 Comments Post a Comment
  1. RubeRx
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    How does Klopp plan to handle his left fullback situation? Will Moreno and Robertson always be rotated?

    Would like to one of them to be nailed, Robertson specifically, he had 10 crosses, 3KP, 2 shots (1 in the box) vs Palace and doesn't seem to be as much as a liability defensively like Moreno is.

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Robertson was superb. I'd expect him to nail that lb spot

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah

  2. Stat Sloth
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    LOL at all the people who already pushed the WC button. Seeing that there are so many transfers to come from most teams in the PL during the next two weeks, I guess they will go sweaty just before September...

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

      Because you're better than everyone right?

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

      Works for me every season ... I'm not expecting any of my players to be transferred anyway... who have you got, Sanchez and Couthino?

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

      lol@ posts suck.

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

      i lol at gravless warriors

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

    Think about: Ake > Dawson.
    Shall I do another changes?

    (1FT, 0.0ITB)

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

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

      Ake> to Jones or maybe Monreal > Trippier

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

        I already had three United players: DDG Mkhi Kaku.

  4. waldofeen
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    On a WC. Any changes to be made?
    Foster Elliot
    Trippier Cameron Britos (Mee Mbemba)
    Alli Pogba Miki Mane (RLC)
    Jesus Lukaku Chicarito

    1. Pirlø's Pen
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Alli -> Eriksen imo

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

        Do I need Chelsea cover somewhere?

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

          Only alonso. Think ure too heavy on utd btw

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

      nice

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

        Thanks guys.

  5. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Mee, Daniels, Danilo, Cedric, Hunemeier

    I think my defence is very poor and needs almost complete remodeling, do you agree?

    I have DDG, Elliot on the goal, Pogba, Salah, Eriksen, Willian and RLC in the middle and Kane, Lukaku and Quaner in attack.

    So compared to the rest of my team my defence is weak, has bad fixtures and is not returning points. Also Hazard is back and I absolutely need him as he is essential for my team.

    What should I do? Should I use wildcard just to fix my defence and get Eden? What do you think?

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

      Your defence is basically fine. They all have ok fixtures coming up and you could easily get in say Jones for Daniels and it would instantly look much better.

      No one is essential at this point and definitely not Hazard - he hasn't even played yet.

      In summary, stupid to use WC.

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

    Is Jonty around or any Brighton fan? Need some information about gross and suttner?

  7. Dr. DOOM
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Is the Wembley factor real? Spurs defender not almost essential like last season?

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

      Definitely not essential for now. We have time to see how they go over the next few weeks then decide.

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

      I see wing back Trippier at 5.4 very essential indeed.

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

      They looked alright on Sunday ... full stadium helps though

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

    Foster
    Bertrand-Stephens-Suttner
    KDB-Mkhitaryan-Willian-JWP
    Kane-Lukaku-Firmino
    (Elliot-Ake-Long-Carroll)

    A)KDB(If he blanks) > Eriksen
    B)JWP > Jesé/Richarlison/Mooy
    C)Ake > Jones
    What are the chances of JWP and Willian starting and should I take any hits?

    1. Dr. DOOM
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B. Richarlison

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

        Is suttner fine in Defense

        1. Dr. DOOM
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Not actually. Might get Jones too taking the hit.

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

      JWP to Mooy.

  9. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Foster - Elliot

    Dawson - Kompany - Bailly - Mbemba - Hegazi

    Richarlison - Antonio - Eriksen - Pogba - RLC

    Mounie - Lukaku - Kane

    Thoughts?

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

      Looks solid. Bailly to Jones to free up cash.

      1. Maddi Son
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        It's really annoying. I did actually think about Bailly to Jones and upgrading Hegazi to Trippier but I'm 0.1 mill short.

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

      Nice Antonio pick

      1. Maddi Son
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        You have no idea how much I've chopped and changed between Chicharito and Antonio today. I've gone with my gut, hope it pays off.

  10. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Planning ahead. Already spent my FT but where would you spend £2.5m on this squad?

    DDG
    Stephens Dawson Kola
    Willian Chalobah Pogba Tadic
    Firmino Kane Lukaku

    Elliot Carroll Lowe Suttner

    TY 🙂

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

      I'd probably not take the hit & wait.

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

      Willian -> Eriksen

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

      Willian to Eriksen

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        For -4?

    4. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Chalobah to Jese

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

      That midfield!

  11. Pooodle
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Fellow De Bruyne owners - what is it going to take from his performance tonight to keep him your teams for next week?

    Getting very tempted by dumping him for one of Pogba or Mkhi, or doubling up with Eriksen and Alli, but it has a huge potential to backfire, especially given KDB plays Bournemouth next and their poor start to the season...

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

      Keeping regardless. City will score a lot of goals this season, and he'll be setting up and scoring a lot of them.

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

        I have Jesus up front as well though so wondering if a double up on United is better for now at least. City will obviously score loads but the goals will likely be spread out more than at most of the other top clubs so wonder if KDB is worth the huge price.

    2. Magpies4ever
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Any returns and i'll keep him, have more pressing issues with my team right now

    3. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Honestly even if he blanks I'm keeping him he will come good eventually

    4. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Already got rid. Not a captaincy option in my book and better options for less elsewhere.

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

        This ^^^.

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

          Thing is he will obviously do well over the season, but the way to win mini leagues is to jump on the players who are really in form and then be flexible. I'm most worried he's blocking me from more explosive options at the minute.

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

        Yep. Huge price, sitting a bit deep.

    5. Spartac Mac
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I can't remember from last year, but does KDB ever get high figure totals (i.e - 15+ points?).

      I've got him too, but I think I've realised that 10m is too much for a player that I won't captain and if tonight he plays further back and provides the pass before the assist to the goal I think he's a goner.

      Great over the course of the season I'd presume, but catching form of other plays seems a better approach.

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

        This is what I've been debating. Will I ever captain him if I have Lukaku and another heavy hitter up front (currently Jesus)? I don't think so, so then a cheaper option looks more tempting.

        1. Spartac Mac
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Agreed mate, can't see myself ever captaining him.

          I think with such an attacking side that city are, Aguero / Jesus banging in the goals or Silva popping up with assists for 2m less than KDB is more appealing.

    6. Ohhh Shola Ameobi
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Regardless of how he does tonight, I'm keeping. More pressing issues elsewhere, and Bournemouth up next.

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

      Keeping at least for the time being. Used my FTs already and not taking a hit to move him when they play Bournemouth next

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

        Yes I definitely wouldn't remove him for a hit. On a FT it's more tempting to go after the more explosive options though.

    8. Podge
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Unlikely to break 200 points, the other 4 you mention all will, for less money

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

      I'm planning to keep for Bournemouth.

      Planning & patience haven't been techniques I've ever been able to employ in FPL, so whether I manage or not remains to be seen.

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

        This was my plan too, but if he blanks tonight there's a good chance he'll fall in price this week too, with Eriksen, Pogba and Mkhi all likely to rise - hard to keep patient, but then again we didn't only get him for 2 weeks.

  12. Aston-villain
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    What do you guys think of triple united? I have mikhy and lukaku, considering Willian out for Pogba....yes or no???

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yes if free, for a hit then no - due to the amount of cover you already have.

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

      Def would be better imo.

    3. MTPockets
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Feels ott but difficult to argue against atm.

        1. Aston-villain
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Yeh feels ott to me aswel. Cant help but think Mou will go back to parking the bus soon.

          1. MTPockets
              6 years, 8 months ago

              It's more the issue of alternatives. But in the 8m bracket proving very good value even if more expensive others start to fire.

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

          They look hot so far.
          Could pay off nicely.

      • RATEBT
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Views on Chicharito?

        Abraham to Chicharito yay or nay?

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

          That's definitely a good move, yes.

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

            cheers

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

          Yes,nice move.

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

            thanks!

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

          Yay

        4. Taking the Mkhitaryan
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Good move

      • BigManBakar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Eriksen has been such a joy to own since GW 1. 🙂

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

          Hoping he'll be enough Spurs cover for next week.

        2. ★Kuntheman★
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          First pick in my team. Such an obvious pick at 9.5.

        3. Taking the Mkhitaryan
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Indeed. I felt he was going to have a big season. Hope it continues

        4. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          You have Kane too?

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

            Yep.

          2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Yes

      • THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Fraser > Richarlison for -4? Yes or no lads?

        1. The Royal Robin
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          No.

        2. Dr. DOOM
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Yes. Fraser is useless.

        3. Taking the Mkhitaryan
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Not sure richarlison is worth 4pts yet.

      • pakornk
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I wont transfer out Daniels because I know he will score against Man City. A burger for everyone if he doesn't

        1. Maddi Son
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          I'll have cheese and a little bit of ketchup.

      • Macafu
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        guys best 4,5 Defender?

      • Kalou
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Anyone know if ward prowse will lose his place now?
        Thanks.

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

          Best wait till deadline before making desicion. Played well when he came on

      • Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        What time tonight will Lukaku go up in price?

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

          Around 2:15, like always

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

            thanks

      • Hot Fuzz
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Price drop incoming....
        batshuaji 100.4... but its slowing down... so he might be safe...see what a own goal and a late substitution can do 🙂

        1. ★Kuntheman★
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          I wonder if anyone on FFS was patient and gave him another week after GW1 😆

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

            No. 😉

            1. ★Kuntheman★
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              😆

        2. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Didn't start this GW, and even less likely next GW with Fabs back and Haz isn't far off a return either.

      • Nathan20
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Jese, Richarlison or mooy?

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

          Richarlison seems best- Exciting Watford attack,fixtures
          Stoke are too defensive for Jesé to shine while Mooy is too deep and don't expect Huddersfield to keep up form

          1. Nathan20
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Thanks was just thinking if i were going into a gw with richarlison id feel more confident than with the other two. Only thing bugging me is the mooy set pieces thing, have a feeling that huddersfield could score a fair few set pieces this year which would make mooy a bargain at 5.5. Maybe I should get both 🙂

          2. Hot Fuzz
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Jon that spot on what i am thinking...wowread my mind..jinks hahah

      • Visionaries
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        A PVA > Trippier
        B Daniels > Hegazi
        C PVA & Firmino > Alonso & Hernandez -4 (have Salah)

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

          A

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

          A

      • The Royal Robin
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Willian > Erik

        A) Take the hit
        B) Wait a week

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

          Hit

        2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Do it. He could haul against Burnley

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

          Hit.

          Season keeper for me

        4. @fpl_phenom
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Hit

      • My Name Is Pepu
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Few of my friends in the US shared snaps of the Eclipse, incredible. Too bad I've never witnessed one in person.

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

          NASA is doing live coverage on their website

          1. My Name Is Pepu
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Ily mate, you're the MVP 🙂

      • Magpies4ever
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        What should i do with 1 FT and 1m in the bank?

        DDG
        Cedric, Naughton, Dunk
        KDB, Willian, Ritchie, Knockaert
        Kaku, Kane, Firmino
        Elliot, Daniels, Lejeune, Carroll

        1. Dr. DOOM
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Very similar to ypurs and I'm doing Ritchie - Richarlison

          1. Magpies4ever
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Cheers, sounds like a good move

      • ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Really amused by the confidence in City picks for today's game, I'm dreading today's game. EVE is always a pain in the arse for us, and they're damn solid defensively now.

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

          It will certainly be a tough one I would take a scrappy 1-0 right now. Everton are no mugs

          1. ★Kuntheman★
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            I hate going up against them, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Stoke. Notoriously a pain in the arse.

        2. The Royal Robin
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          My attention will be with Kun more than anyone. Any chance of Siggy playing for Ton?

          1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Koeman said he would be involved

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

          It will be a tough game for sure, hate going there. Can see an upset tbh

      • sodom85
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Who is the best in your opinon ?
        1.DF 4.0
        2.MF 4.5
        3.FW 4.5
        Thank.

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          2 obviously

          1. sodom85
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Cheers

        2. Karan14
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          2

          1. sodom85
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Cheers

        3. Taking the Mkhitaryan
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          1 and 3 don't play so obviously 2

          1. sodom85
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            I think so.

        4. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          2 there are no nailed 1 or 3's,

          1. sodom85
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Cheers

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

          2

          1. sodom85
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Cheers

        6. Nailed Jesus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          depends what you do with the extra 0.5m & how nailed on your squad is i.e. is the 4.5 MF likely to ever come on.

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

        Fine Dining for me Tonight

        Fish Fingers & beans

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

          Bin the beans & have a fish finger butty.
          Top treat.

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

          You can cook fish fingers in a toaster - top tip

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

            🙂 Sounds better than your rice pudding in the kettle 🙂

        3. Taking the Mkhitaryan
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Didn't know u can still get fishfingers

        4. Podge
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Nice with mash

        5. Fantasy Football Friend!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Milky beans?

      • ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        BREAKING: #BHAFC have reached agreement with FC Zurich for the transfer of Raphael Dwamena.

        https://twitter.com/OfficialBHAFC/status/899669930219581440

        Interesting stats from this guy, played in the Austrian second tier and scored 19 goals in 21 games. Moved to FC Zurich in the Swiss 1st division in January of this year due to his form and hit an impressive 14 goals in 19 games. Zurich won the Swiss Challenge cup and got promoted to the premier league.

        Scored a brace on his Ghana debut too. One to watch

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Stopped at reading Austrian second tier

        2. internal error
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Interesting.

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

          Has a decent chance of starting too, Murray and Hemed aren't the answer for Brighton.

        4. RubeRx
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          only 21

      • Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Those risers on FPLStatitics include WC'ers?

        Reckon Mooy and Chicharito will go up tonight?

        1. Nathan20
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          apparently

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

            Chicharito will.

          2. bitm2007
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            never use to, has this changes ?