Opinion

The Knee Jerk – Gameweek 5

This Sergio Aguero chap looks a good option.

Twenty goals in 25 starts last season; he’s scored 24 and 26 goals in his two previous campaigns.

Priced at 11.4, cheaper than he’s ever been – he looks useful.

Of course, we all know this, it’s just that today’s devastating hat-trick at Watford has provided us with an almighty jolt and left us questioning our logic.

Seven days ago I wondered whether we will ever need look beyond the Harry Kane/Romelu Lukaku combination up front.

In true “knee-jerk” fashion, a week later, I’m now left asking if we can afford to overlook Aguero.

We can’t beat ourselves up; our reservations to this point were understandable.

Pep Guardiola’s plans with the Argentine, working in tandem with his apparent darling Gabriel Jesus, were shrouded in uncertainty.

Aguero has started up with Jesus in four of five Premier League matches. However, he was dropped to the bench at Bournemouth – a decision that appeared to confirm our fears that we could not rely on Aguero and Pep.

But today’s treble took Aguero to four goals since the south coast “rest” and the impact has been instant.

Over 74,000 have already moved to acquire Aguero, with Lukaku the major fall guy. The Manchester United striker has lost over 16,000 owners to his City rival before he’s even kicked a ball in Gameweek 5.

Some are clearly convinced, and the rest of us are left wondering if we should follow suit. City’s fixtures are more than enticing, and the prospect of watching Aguero run riot clutching FPL armbands is a petrifying thought.

Indeed, the only consolation today was that Aguero’s ownership remains relatively modest. He was part of just 502,000 squads ahead of Gameweek 5, and captained by 39% of those managers.

His 20-points will still make waves across mini-leagues and ranks, but it’s surely the least impactful hat-trick of Aguero’s illustrious FPL career.

But the haul hit even harder as a result of Kane’s bitterly disappointing blank.

Almost a million (20.1%) of FPL managers trusted Kane with the armband and were left frustrated by Spurs’ inability to breakdown a stubborn Swansea at Wembley.

Everything – the form, fixture and the statistics – all pointed to Kane being the Gameweek’s must-own, high-scoring option.

But there’s that logic again.

The same thought patterns that can perhaps persuade us that David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne or Gabriel Silva can cover Aguero’s future tallies.

Maybe, like a good few struggling Premier League managers, we just need to go back to basics.

Selecting Aguero in your Fantasy Football team used to be our rule number one. It was our basic instinct.

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

4,217 Comments Post a Comment
  1. umerlfc
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    I don't know if Kun can be ignored with those fixtures
    But still waiting for tomorrow's game and letting the price rise still the better option right?

    1. MTPockets
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I think so

      • sully29
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Tbh I still think there's a case for Jesus being better value. Especially as Pep's willingness to rotate at the drop of a hat makes them volatile captain choices.

        One of many things I'm undecided on.

        1. sully29
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          But yeah, wait until tomorrow and see what happens.

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

      Hate sideways transfers but seriously considering Jesus -> Kun.

      I'd rather deal with the occasional benching than 60 minute substitutions when their team is running riot and more points are there for the taking.

      Is this madness?

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

        You know the risks....

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

          You're right, and I think the risks for both players are near even but Kun having the bigger upside at this moment.

          I think the price rises alone might be worth the free transfer.

      2. MTPockets
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Not mad but possibly blinkered. They're both getting limited minutes, just that Aguero's wasn't in PL. Who knows how it will settle.

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

          I would advise against that. You have made your bed - now lie in it!. 🙂

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

            Ouch. 😆

        • SC not pearls before swine
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          I think who the completes the game and gets occasional rested will even out in the end. Jesus played the full 90 midweek against Feyenoord, while Kun was subbed off.

          But ultimately I do agree that given relatively equal pitch time, Kun will be the better choice.

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

        Love it how people are venting their Kane frustration out on Lukaku. 4 blanks in 5 and 0.8m more is apparently better than 1 blank in 4!

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

          It's madness. Had Schmeichel dived the other way it'd have been no blanks.

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

          I know was thinking the same, lukakus getting more sales when its kane whose blanking

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

          I think people are trying to get ahead of the curve, United/Everton is always a tough game and Southampton with Lemina integrated and VVD back in the fold should be solid.

          I reckon he'll get 1 goal across the 2 games.

      4. Veezeeboy
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Bottomed
        Having a poor start , at 2 mil overall . Pls help, any suggestions much appreciated.
        Would you
        A) wildcard this ? Or
        B) Take a hit involving Tadic and Jay Rodri out

        Forster-Elliot
        Bertrand-Jones-Davies-Suttner-Long
        Salah-Alli-Mkhi-Tadic-Tcarroll
        Morata-Kane-JRodri

        Excessive funds in Bertrand , Forster , Suttner looking useless , same goes for Tadic, J Rodri and no city cover .
        Wanted to hold off till Gw 8 intl break but slipping down the ranks .

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

          B

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

          J rod & tadic out for a hit

      5. Pierce34
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        TM, how many players on average left on LMS? Think I might be on the cusp with only Lukaku tomorrow.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          No idea tbh. Lukaku, Mkhi, Alonso, Jones and autosubs should make the score rise quite a bit.

          1. Pierce34
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Thanks - I'll make an early prediction and say that's me out. I'll count last year's run as beginner's luck!

      6. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Bottomed. Tempted take a risk with early transfers as I have exact money to do Stephens & Lukaku -> Otamendi & Aguero (-4). Which of the following options looks the best for you?

        Foster
        Davies, Jones, Suttner
        Willian, Eriksen, Mkhitaryan, Choupo-Moting
        Lukaku, Kane, Firmino

        Subs: Elliott --- Stephens, Carroll, Long --- 0.3 ITB, 1 FT

        A) Willian and Stephens -> Ritchie and Kolasinac (-4)
        B) Stephens & Lukaku -> Otamendi & Aguero (-4)
        B) Willian, Stephens & Lukaku -> Ritchie, Kolasinac/Mendy & Aguero (-8)

      7. Pinky Blinders
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        What should I do with Hegazi?

      8. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Good to see that common sense prevailed for once and Brady was given the assist. Yes Klavan got a touch but that's irrelevant as the ball was going to Arfield either way.

        1. ItOnlyTook9Years
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Was a welcome bonus in an otherwise barren week

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

          Swear I saw Wood getting his head on it. Maybe I'm seeing things.

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

            Nah watch the replay from the angle behind the goal. Wood didn't touch it.

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

        My team
        Foster Elliot
        Naughton Davies Kola Hegazi Rangel
        Salah Mkhy Eriksen Phillips TC
        Kane Kaku Chicha

        Thinking of Mkhy + Phillips for Ritchie + Silva for -4

        do it or wait?

        1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Wait

      10. NestorC
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Pick one. Cheers

        A) Monreal and Wimmer/Holgate
        B) Jones/Jagi and Morgan/Simp

      11. Greenbackbøøg…
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Lukakus brace tomorrow will really put a cat amongst the pigeons. Show the haters wrong Big Rom

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

          Would throw more shade on Kane.

        2. ItOnlyTook9Years
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          It would give the casuals another boost

          1. Greenbackbøøg…
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Proud casual here

            1. ItOnlyTook9Years
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              You didn't captain him though, so he'll hurt if he does well

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

        WC activated!

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          1st draft?

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

            Elliot (Fabianski)
            Bellerin - Ota - Davies (Mee Hunemier)
            DSilva - CM - Salah - Eriksen (Carroll)
            Kun - Kane - Abraham

            Thoughts?

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

              0.0ITB 101.1m squad value

            2. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              I'd try find 0.1 for Kosa. Lukaku plan for GW7?

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

                Cheers, Kola is a beast!

                No not really, just hiding 😛

        2. ItOnlyTook9Years
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Interesting, don't think I could pick which players are required yet

          1. sully29
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Me neither. Hoping things will have become clearer by the tim the next international break comes. The likes of Sanchez, Hazard and Coutinho could step up to the plate yet too.

            1. ItOnlyTook9Years
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Kinda need some cheaper options to become more obvious too, or at least a big hitter that's unquestionable

      13. stat
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Any predictions for players who could go up 0.2M by next GW, who aren't currently in team? I have activated my wildcard and I want to make some profit if possible.

          Note: I brought in Ward as a placeholder in order to bring back Mee when he drops so I can upgrade King to Carroll.

          Fabianski / Elliot
          Alonso / Cedric / Kola / Ward / Naughton
          Silva / Mkhi / Ritchie / Eriksen / King
          Aguero / Kane / Quaner

          1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Probably only aguerl who I assume you will want in anyway

            1. stat
                6 years, 8 months ago

                Yep already brought him in.

            2. Optic1
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              If you've actually activated the wild card I don't think you can catch rises. The trick is to take hits and then press the button at the end of the week. I could be making this up lol

              1. stat
                  6 years, 8 months ago

                  I think that I could still catch rises as long as a player goes up by at least 0.2M, but the transfers I made after activating my wildcard don't contribute to price changes.

                • Numb
                  • 9 Years
                  6 years, 8 months ago

                  You are

                  1. Optic1
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 8 months ago

                    I think I've lost the plot.

            3. Carlton P
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              On WC
              Playing one every week from Mbema, RLC, King, TC isnt too bad is it?

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

                How's rest of team looking?

              2. TorresMagic™
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                I was thinking of doing that for a hit. Long term might be a lot.

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

                It is.

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

              Who would you ditch for Aguero from Lukaku Morata Firmino?

              1. jimmy.floyd
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                Firmino

            5. the snazzy viking
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              The question after tomorrow will be

              A) Salah and Morata
              B) Firmino and Hazard

              1. F4L
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                A

              2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
                • 6 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                A at a guess (and a day early) - think Haz will provide more for Morata whereas Salah is the man on the end of things

            6. blind faith
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Is Sanchez kicking Welbeck to starting on the bench?

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

                He's got to kick someone.

              2. blind faith
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                ** badly worded. Will Welbeck start obviously the bench because of Sanchez return?

                1. blind faith
                  • 12 Years
                  6 years, 8 months ago

                  **on the bench!

                  I give up. I'm going to bed...

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

                  Yes. Sanchez and Lacazette are expected to line-up together unless Wenger comes up with a theory of why they can't, to jeopardize his own team, in which the weakest link, Welbeck, becomes the most nailed on player.

            7. F4L
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              All this, Pep's comments scream rotation talk. I think Pep, as any manager, feels a duty to keep all his players happy. So obviously he can just say, yes Aguero and Jesus will play every game, and Sane and Sterling wont get a look in. But the form City are in, and their strikers, I cant see any reason why they would get benched, or not at least play 5 out of every 6 games

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

                The thing is, their form didn't warrant us risking a heavy-hitter. Now, with the avalanche of goals going in, the risk is considerably low.

              2. sully29
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                It's not just that he wants to keep his players happy though, he actively thinks relatively regular rotation improves team performance.

                With Shaktar and Chelsea immediately after the Palace game we could all be in for a nasty letdown.....

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

              LMS safety?

              1. TorresMagic™
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                Check stickies.

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

                  stickies?

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

              Chicharito Mkhi >> Aguero King for free?
              2FT available

              Elliot
              Bavies Jones Hegazi Cedric
              Eriksen Salah Mkhi
              Kane Lukaku Chicharito

              (Foster Mbemba Chalobah TCarrol)
              2 FT, 0.5 ITB

            10. FC Hakkebøf
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Just did Morata + Yoshida --> Aguero + Naughton for a hit.. First hit of the season. If Pep decides to bench Aguero VS CP I Will literally start crying... Dont regret the move though. Im gonna get Morata back in for Firmino in gw8 or Kane in GW9 if he keeps his fine form...Thougts?

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

                Huge kneejerk

              2. FC Hakkebøf
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                Might be yes.. might be.. but I feel Kun is more essentiel and Morata for the next couple of Weeks.. and I earned 0.1 on Morata and spared 0.1 on Aguero = 0.2 itb .. might rise to 0.3 if Aguero rises twice.. I see more positive than Negatives on this one. So well see who gets the last laugh

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

              Time to wildcard? Bavies, firm, stephens to be cut
              DDG
              Alonso • Bavies • Steph • Simpson
              Eriksen • Mkhi • Atsu
              Kane • Lukaku • Firmino

              Elliott • Tarroll • RLC • Long

              1. FC Hakkebøf
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                Why cut firm? What other 8.6 striker Will outscore him? Good value for money imo

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

                  jesus, kaku, kane fwd

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

                No way

            12. Pariße
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              All of this striker talk...What happens when I want Sanchez after tomorrow?!

              WBA, BHA, wat, eve, SWA

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

                He's my priority over Aguero. He'll play every minute he can.

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

                  Almost impossible to squeeze him in with the current team structures though.

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

              Kun rising tonight? Im all set to do Kane > Kun but waiting an extra day would be nice.

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

                I suggest you wait and not do the move at all.

              2. ItOnlyTook9Years
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                You'll still afford him even if he rises though

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

              Is there a case for top heavy team?

              Lukaku Aguero Kane
              Eiksen Salah Atsu (rotating 4.5s )
              Kolasinak Cedric Jones 4.5 4.00
              Eliot + 3.9

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

                or go for cheapeer defence and bolster midfield, either way it looks doable

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

                Love how just last GW, there was a case for a defence heavy team. What a difference a matchday makes 🙂

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

                Think it looks good because Atsu returned 9 points. May look different on another week.

                P.S. You're getting closer to spelling Kola right.

              4. Jam0sh
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                That's quite similar to my team if I do Willian and Firmino -> Chalobah and Aguero for a hit..

              5. GuillermoDickero
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                Yep, I think this will end up to be the best way forward.

                All 3 will end up firing soon

            15. Puyol Pants Up
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              What to do here?

              Foster, Elliott
              Bertrand, Jones, Stephens, Mee, Long
              Eriksen, Salah, Ritchie, Mooy, Carroll
              Kane, Lukaku, Firmino

              1 FT, 0.4 ITB

              Save FT and bench Stephens and play Bert(MUN), Jones(sou), Mee(HUD) or sell Stephens?

            16. cynical1
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              A. Chicha to Jesus (before Chicha drops and I can't afford it)
              B. Hold and assess after games tomorrow

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

              When's the rough and the smooth article out?

              I did Agüero -> Kane

              Lol@me

            18. GuillermoDickero
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Is anyone contemplating having kane, kun and Kaku?

              They will all soon be firing and it could pay dividends owning them

              1. SC not pearls before swine
                • 13 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                I think there's a real case for having 3 10+ million forwards, but I think I'd have at least one of Morata/Jesus, maybe even Lacazette to have a little bit more money to throw in midfield/defense.

            19. BlueIncognito
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Lukaku & Tadic --> Aguero & 7.5 mid (Brady/Ramsey?) worth a hit? Really want Aguero but also have been wanting to get rid of Tadic for a while. Defense needs some work too but think it can wait. Would leave my team looking like this:

              DDG
              Cedric - Dawson - Mee
              Ritchie - Eriksen - Brady/Ramsey - Hazard
              Abraham - Aguero - Kane

              Elliot -- RLC / Schindler / Rangel