Opinion

This Much We Know – Gameweek 2

The Fantasy Gods once again take delight in punishing our jerking knees, budget midfielders vie for our attention and early baths are run all at stadiums all over the country.

Here’s the current Hall of Fame #1 Peter Kouwenberg’s take on another frown-inducing Gameweek.

We need Statto back and fast

Like Socrates, the one thing we know is that we know nothing. Without the reassuring illumination of several weeks’ form and statistics, many FPL managers feel like Thucydides’ account of two ancient armies fighting in the darkness and causing more harm than good through their aimless actions.

Gameweek Two was a prime example.

Based on nothing more than their first 90 minutes of the season being pointless, there were high profile casualties amongst some popular Fantasy Football Scout choices.

Marcos Alonso suffered a net ownership drop of over 65,000 managers, while Javier Hernández (73,000) and Manolo Gabbiadini (34,000) also fell victim to the impatience of the FPL beast, only for the trio to hit back with 16 points, 13 points and seven points respectively in Gameweek 2.

At the time of writing, Hernández is now the most transferred-in player of the week, with almost three hundred thousand new owners. He has four very alluring fixtures in the next five Gameweeks – what a difference a goal or two can make.

By contrast, the hugely popular Ben Davies, Granit Xhaka and Steve Mounie mustered a grand total of five points to suggest that, while some bandwagons undoubtedly do pay off, it takes a particular blend of luck, skill and daring to identify successful diamonds when our statistics tables are so bereft of detailed information.

It is, therefore, difficult to know whether to remain patient or leap aboard the nearest or loudest bandwagon.

Harry Kane represents the acid test for his 1.4 million owners.

An ‘easy game hosting Burnley’ dredges up a horrible sense of déjà vu from last season, while Everton at Goodison Park is unlikely to herald a glut of goals for a striker famously yet to get off the mark in this or any other August.

But can we really overlook his table-topping 14 attempts on goal, 11 in the box and four on target?

More than 86,000 FPL managers can, having already transferred him out this week, whereas Fantasy Football Scout users have him as the stand-out captaincy choice with over 40% of this week’s vote.

So, for the moment at least…

Variety is the spice of life

Although summer is generally my least fruitful part of the season, it is (objectively) the most fascinating period, with an incredible array of options starting well and the notion of a template team banished firmly to the shadowy gloom of winter.

Who, for example, would have expected to see four Watford players in double figures for FPL after two matches?

Despite having just called for caution in overusing truncated statistics, I can’t fail to be impressed Richarlison’s Premier League baptism.

Only the misfiring Harry Kane has had more shots in the box (11) than Andrade’s eight attempts, despite the Brazilian playing an hour less than most of his peers.

Abdoulaye Doucouré (5.1) is another one who may benefit from new manager Marco Silva’s fresh style – only four teams have had more efforts than Watford in the first two matches, whereas last season the Hornets were in the bottom half of the table for this statistic.

At 6.0, though, and with tough fixtures ahead after hosting Brighton this week, Richarlison suddenly finds himself in a hugely competitive price bracket.

Jesé Rodriguez (also 6.0) wasted no time after swapping Paris for the Potteries to produce a match winning performance against Arsenal. He fired in a shot every 23 minutes and sparkled in a wide attacking role.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (£5.5m) also managed three shots in the box and is another to monitor once Stoke City’s fixtures hit a purple patch, starting with a visit from Bournemouth in Gameweek 9.

Much was expected of Huddersfield Town’s record signing, Aaron Mooy (5.6), among the community and only three midfielders lead the ex-Manchester City midfielder on points at this stage.

Tucked away – both in his midfield position on the pitch and in most of the key statistics tables – Mooy has nonetheless matched Richarlison’s goal and assist from two games.

He certainly ‘passes the eye test’ and could become a great enabler with some appealing fixtures in the short term, before a visit to Wembley to face Spurs in Gameweek 7 signals a more challenging run of opponents.

We need to watch men in black too

When it comes to referees, I could moan for a living about poor decisions, but would barely qualify for your Sunday pub league when it comes to actually picking up a whistle.

Listening to last night’s post-match radio confirmed that I’m not alone in this role, as a succession of Manchester City fans came on to defend Kyle Walker and vilify Ronald Koeman’s touchline antics, while the Evertonion callers inevitably rallied around the ill-treated Morgan Schneiderin (blindly overlooking Calvert-Lewin’s dubious reaction leading to the Walker red card).

Nonetheless, those dismissals brought the crimson count up to seven already, and we may need to take note of card magnets as much as bonus magnets.

Last season saw a record number of bookings in the Premier League (3.7 per match), and the early figures suggest that we should expect a similar number of yellow cards to be flourished by the men in the middle.

However, there were only 1.2 red cards per Gameweek in the Premier League last season (46 in total) and this year seven unfortunates have already enjoyed an early season rest, which makes for a whopping 3.5 dismissals per Gameweek average.

This may, of course, be partly due to match officials across the country unwrapping their shiny new decks and deciding that they need to catch up on June and July’s wasted opportunities, but perhaps the apparent move towards football as a non-contact sport should have a far greater credence in our team selection.

Gary Cahill, Marko Arnautović, Cesc Fàbregas and Jonjo Shelvey all have past form for disciplinary issues, with previous seasons littered with yellow, and even a few red, cards.

While it may seem unlikely that the current rate of dismissals will be maintained (133 red cards in a season would surely leave some teams struggling to get a side out), I will certainly be paying greater heed to my potential targets’ behaviour on the pitch.

Last night, only four points separated Nicolás Otamendi and Kyle Walker, but the greater penalty for Walker’s one million owners is that they now have to bench a 6.5 asset next week, or waste a precious transfer getting rid.

At this stage of the season, that’s the last issue we need to be dealing with.

3,973 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    RLC is a bad Benteke miss away from being on the radar too

  2. MidlandC
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Guys I'm desperate to beat this one guy in my mini league. Is Mounie a stink bomb? Or juicy potential?

    1. el polako
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      After only 2 game weeks your guess is as good as anybody's else.

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

      Personally i think he is like Negredo last year
      Goals at start but never lived up to it

      1. BananaNose Maldonado
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Very similar in that the side he's on will create very few chances so you don't know how much is the player and how much is the team, but the end result likely will be the same: spotty (and likely few) points.

    3. MrNatural
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      There isn't any major factor counting against him other than the status of the team he plays for. He looks like a decent punt to me and if you see potential for differential points then i, for one, say GO FOR GOLD!

    4. LaCazettio
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Is JRod going to get goals or is he deadweight in my team?

      1. Blanka
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        You've lost 0.1 my as well keep either decent fixtures

    5. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      He's worth keeping for the decent fixtures...I'm looking to move on in WC in the international break.

    6. MidlandC
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers for the advice lads and chicks if you're out there

  3. Roys Peak
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    rmt wc please /10
    foster
    Dawson trip bert
    Eriksen pogba mane Richarlison jese
    lukaku kane
    cheers

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

      5
      Jese is a poor kneejerk pick

      1. Roys Peak
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        would vokes be better?

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

          Burnley aren't going to score many. Reshuffle the funds a little and upgrade Jese
          At least until we have seen more of him
          70 mins is not enough information

    2. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      downgrade Jese and get a premium defender instead (4-4-2)

      I'd rather have a defender with potential 6 points every week, than a 6m mid who play for a weak side

  4. Porkchops Johnson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Any idea what to do with this bunch?

    Foster (Fabianski)
    Stephens Dawson Daniels (Mee Dummett)
    Pogba Alli KDB JWP (Carroll)
    Lukaku Aguero JRod

    0,5 bank.

    1. stachman
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      1 FT?

      1. Porkchops Johnson
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Yep. Might need to do 2 transfers, in order to field 11 starting players with ok fixtures.

        1. stachman
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I would do something to JWP. Maybe just switch to Jese if you don't want to spend points...

          1. Porkchops Johnson
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            I guess Jese or Richarlison might be the candidates in that price range. That being said, I dont mind a -4 or even -8, since I think it will pay of in this situation

            1. stachman
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Ture that - Richarlison can be even better pick... Thing is - do you consider WC during international break?

              1. Porkchops Johnson
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                I haven't really decided on when to play WC. Figured I'd keep it for now, since my team isn't a total disaster. Might end up playing WC after next GW if both KDB and Aguero blank, maybe a bit silly to do a big hit now, in that case.

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Daniels > trippier
      Or JWP > richarlison

      1. Porkchops Johnson
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Daniels>Trippier + JWP>Mooy? -4

  5. The EJJ
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Foster, Elliot
    Bertrand, Dann, Daniels, Mee, Suttner
    KDB, Salah, Ramsey, Ritchie, Carroll
    Gabbi, Lukaku, Kane

    Very tempted to wild card this lot, or should I just do KDB -> Eriksen?

    1. stachman
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I know this will cost some bucks, but safe WC for international break... Still a lot can happen in August... I think you want to know if Alexis is staying at Arsenal before WC, for example...

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Save the wc, make the transfer

    3. Alexis Nonsense
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      If you do KDB --> Eriksen you're covered enough to wait

  6. RATEBT
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Do you think Daniels is going to drop this week?

    1. Spike ⚽️
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Oh yes

    2. Porkchops Johnson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, on -78% atm.

    3. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    4. RATEBT
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Hopefully he pulls a Zaha... don't wanna spend -4 on him

    5. LaCazettio
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Without a doubt

  7. J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Live Scoutcast link now available

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KUQgbZGOaE

    Starts at 9:30pm

    1. Wetdream
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Link not working ??

  8. Essrick
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Daniels & Zaha > Jones & Mooy for free?

    Only issue I have with it is not having 2FT's for after the international break!

  9. LewanGOALski
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Alli over Eriksen a stupid idea?
    Just have a feeling...

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Nah. He'll outscore Eriksen in a match eventually.

      I can personally see him scoring a header against Burnley... (but I have just brought in Eriksen...)

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

      18 goals last season can't be stupid

    3. Ser Davos
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Not at all.

      Really need to get my walnut around this though: bappage. He and Mane are chronic whereas an Eriksen can get them for a silent fart.

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

        Alli gives the ball away alot and commits fouls
        Eriksen doesn't

    4. MrNatural
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Eriksen more consistent but Alli more likely to score big on the odd occasion. I think. Dunno.

    5. polis
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Both?

    6. MikeDuff
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Alli banned from Europe too so will play all PL

      1. stachman
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I can't really see Poch benching Eriksen soon...

    7. Belsunz
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Alli more likely to get YC's

    8. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Eriksen's your man

  10. JamesFG
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Play 2:
    A) Kolasinac (liv)
    B) Lascelles (WHU)
    C) Suttner (wat)

    Currently on AB

    1. stachman
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yep AB, imo

  11. Atimis
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Came up with these on my WC:

    Foster-Elliot
    Alonso-Tripp-Hegaz-Zanka-Mbemba
    Mane-Pogba-Ramsey-Richarlison-TC
    Kane-Kaku-Chich

    Foster-Elliot
    Bertrand-Tripp-Jones-Lowe-Mbemba
    Eriksen-Pogba-Mane-RLC-TC
    Kane-Kaku-Chich

    Foster-Elliot
    Alonso-Jones-Hegaz-Mbemba-Long
    Eriksen-Pogba-Mane-RLC-TC
    Kane-Kaku-Chich

    1. Punter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I have something kinda similar below. Pretty happy but keep thinking I want Aguero in there

    2. RATEBT
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I like the second

    3. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Team 1 with Eriksen over Mane wins

  12. stachman
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    For those who are about to hit WC... Don't you think that knowledge where will Alexis spent this season is pretty helpful, when you reshuffle your squad? Wait for international break - there can still happen a lot in August...

  13. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    A)play wijnaldum and atsu
    B)suttner > trippier (-4) and bench one of the above

  14. Ser Davos
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    To call it a "Free Hit" is asking for trouble. Something akin to the "Flip Chip" would be better as you're effectively flipping your team for one week.

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

      Flip chip means your keeper plays up front

    2. Punter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah I totally assumed you just got an extra transfer with no hit. That would have been an awful chip but still that's what I thought of before reading the rules!

    3. Numb
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Why? FPL never use the term "hit" for extra transfers, that's just something on here.

      1. fedolefan
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I think it comes from cricket and the Free Hit there?

      2. Punter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Well I guess I'm on here a fair bit

      3. Ser Davos
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I think even casuals refer to any minus points as a hit, though I hear what you're saying.

        It's an "Isolation Chip" or a "Non Continuity Chip".

  15. Punter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    How's this WC looking?

    Foster - Elliot
    Yoshida - Trippier - Jones - Fernandez - Mbemba
    Eriksen - Pogba - Mane - Carroll - Richarlison
    Aguero - Lukaku - Chicarito

    1. Atimis
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I may go for Kun if Kane blanks GW3, before that I need him as my C 😉

  16. Snapes on a Plane
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    KDB> Eriksen for free? Yay or nay?

    1. LewanGOALski
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I an doingit. To Eriksen or Alli.

    2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I did this yesterday, guess it depends on your team? I did it to free up some monies for next week (and partially out of frustration)

  17. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Abraham scored yaay

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      If Swans pull their socks up Fer looks good.

  18. Kingtekkerz
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Which move to make?
    A) Fraser-->6m mid (Who?) (-4)
    B) Suttner-->Jones (-4) (4-3-3)
    C) Hold

    Thanks!

  19. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Wimmer wanted by many prem clubs and about to go to 4.4

    Could be some value there later

    1. Pigeon
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Dodgy defender imo

  20. KLOPPTOMANIA
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Eriksen or Mane?

    1. Yozzer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Close call. Mane just

    2. stachman
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Very close but leaning towards Erik just becuse of rotation... I think he will get more time...

  21. NorwichCityLad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Lacazette to

    A) Kane

    B) Hernandez
    Edging toward Hernandez do to form

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. Punter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Kane form is amazing if you're looking at shots, touches in the box and missed shots on target. It's mad that he hasn't scored

    3. Turbolag
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Why are you looking to ditch Lacazette? Look at his upcoming fixtures. If you have the money to get Kane, then by all means do it, but I'd rather keep Lacazette and the 2 million.

  22. Giggs_11
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    thinkin of KDB to ERIKSEN
    WILLIAN to POGBA

    THOUGHTS?

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

      I am keeping KDB, but if you want to get rid then good moves

    2. Belsunz
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Good moves

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

      Solid

    4. Ode
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      LOOKS NICE

    5. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Pogba's gone up in price...unless you have money in the bank, you're probably 0.1m short

  23. Yozzer
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    For my money draft

    Would you swap out Ayew for

    A jese
    B richarlison
    C keep ayew

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

      C

  24. JONALDINHO
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Repost(Sorry)
    If Ward Prowse doesn't start on Saturday should I take a hit to bring in Richarlison? And will he have risen by Saturday morning

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, possibly

    2. stachman
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure what you mean... You want to make this decision after GW starts?

      1. JONALDINHO
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Before deadline I was going to check lineups and switch last minute if needed

        1. stachman
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Don't expect 100% confirmed lineups before deadline...

          1. JONALDINHO
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Should I make it now then?

            1. stachman
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              I don't think it's worth a hit...

    3. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      sure

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

      Can u be reasonably confident richarlison will get 4 pts more than JWP?
      Otherwise you have just cost yourself

      1. Turbolag
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Not necessarily. The real question is whether Richarlison will score 4 more than JWP in the entire team that he is in your team, not just next week.

      2. JONALDINHO
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        if Richarlison starts and JWP doesn't then probably yes.

  25. ChelseaKTBFF
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Took a hit for Danilo and Salah to Jones and Eriksen. Thoughts?

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Should've asked pre moves

    2. JONALDINHO
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Danilo?Looked threatening when he came on and will be starting against Bournemouth. Salah too played well so far- was only rotated because of CL

      1. ChelseaKTBFF
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Fair but needed to make way for Eriksen before he rose in price. Spurs have to come good soon the stats are all there.

    3. ChelseaKTBFF
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Na, I took a hit last time out and it worked too I'm going with my gut. Just wondering what the rest of you think about it.

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

      Too late

    5. Jeremy Corbyn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      don't like

  26. Rainer
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Fraser subbed with 10 mins to go.

  27. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    holebas red

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      He's leveled up.

    2. Markus
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      It's a forlorn hope, but that doesn't give mariappa (my 5th Def) a starting role in his absence?!

      1. Markus
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Ah just saw he scored, good on you son!

  28. Paramaribo
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Foster
    Alonso Bailly Yoshida
    KDB Pogba Willian RLC
    Kane Lukaku Chicharito

    Subs: Elliot Mee Long Carroll
    0FT, 0.0 ITB

    A) KDB -> Eriksen for -4
    B) WC and get all price rises this week and avoid the drops of KdB and Kane
    C) Do nothing

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A if you really care about TV. If not too much then C

  29. LaCazettio
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Is JRod going to get goals or is he deadweight in my team?

    1. MrNatural
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Would only be confident in answering with hindsight

  30. Rainer
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    LOLebas 😆

    1. Champione
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      everything back to normal finally 😀 Kane (C) then