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. Bobadoba
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    KDB or Salah out for Eriksen?

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

      I've just done KDB

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      KDB

    3. Gommy
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I've done Salah. If you've got KDB, it's because you picked him with Brighton & Bournemouth in mind. Just look at Salah's next two.

      Everyone's losing their heads over KDB...be sensible.

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

        Liverpool love scoring against the top teams

        1. Gommy
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I base my decisions on the current time, not history. This ever changing Liverpool side is no way near as explosive as recent years.

          I maintain. Be sensible.

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

        Only team where fixtures don't matter is Liverpool

        KDB to shine, but not until Pep figures this team out

        1. Gommy
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          As above.

  2. Catsandhats
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Either of these seem like a good idea?

    A) William > pogba -4
    B) jrod > Hernandez-4

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      B's alright I guess

    2. Planet Head
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I was thinking the same, but not since JRod dropped -1 and Chica went +1. Still think JRod will score so kept as is. Keep the faith!

    3. Bergkampgoal
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Not for a hit.

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

    Covering a lot of bases! Not sure about Mahrez fixtures?

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

      Fail

  4. js007
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    1)Firmino-Chicha
    2)Vardy-Kane
    3)Salah-Sterling

    -8
    Sounds good? Which of the above?

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

      I agree with tinkerman

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

    “Wesley has proven his talent through his performances for Lazio, as well as the Netherlands, and we believe he can develop even further here at Southampton, alongside his international teammate Virgil van Dijk, as well as the likes of Jack Stephens, Maya Yoshida, Jan Bednarek and Florin Gardos."

    Soton manager listing Stephens before Yoshida, hmm

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      wouldn't read too much into that

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

        If VVD ever comes back then it really is rip for Yoshi and Stephens. Unless they switch to a back 3

        1. F4L
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          yep, that's why I have Berty and Cedric 😛 3 at the back would be awesome for the fullbacks

  6. Planet Head
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Who to bench: Dann, Bertrand, Dawson or Richie? Thinking Richie but WHU concede a lot and he's on set pieces. Dann? Swansea have no teeth and he's a goal threat. Bertrand is away at Hudds but has a high PPG. Can't decide!

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

      Sod it - dropping Bertrand.

    2. Planet Head
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Ahhh but I've got Forster in goal :,(

    3. The Big Fella
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Ritchie. Newcastle have no form.

  7. The Mighty I
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Already done KdB > Eriksen, for a hit should I do Daniels > Jones and Fraser > Richarlison?

    1. The Mighty I
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      *2FT (1 already used)

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

      Just Daniels to Jones.

    3. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      No

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

    Bottomed.

    Last WC attempt before I go to bed tonight, opting for a 4-3-3:

    Foster
    Alonso - Bertrand - Trippier - Jones
    Pogba - Eriksen - Ox
    Lukaku - Kane (C) - Chicarito

    Elliot - Mooy - Carroll - Mbemba

    A) It'll do
    B) Bertrand > Cedric, Mooy > Richarlison

    Cheers!

    1. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A but Ox may not start

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

        Could swap him for Ritchie or Richarlison

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Richarlison is your man

    2. Planet Head
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I'd try and get a slightly stronger bench - Carroll and Mbemba are not gonna get you more than 2 ppg.

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

        A lot of people have Carroll plus 4.0m defender on their squad, that's the compromise of having a strong 11?

  9. F4L
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Hoedt surely has to be 5.0 mil any way right?

    1. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yes or 5.5

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        currently got Yoshi; don't mind too much just shifting him to the new geeza

  10. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Kane price drop likely before the weekend.?

  11. shite_factor
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Bottomed on last page:

    Thinking of this as to get in before the price rises.

    Swap Luiz for Cahill when hes back from suspension.

    Foster (Elliot)
    Trippier / Jones / Luiz (Mbembda & 4.0m fodder)
    Pogba / Eirksen / Mane / Mahrez (Field)
    Lukaku / Rooney / Chicha

    0.9m itb

    What do ye think?

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      honestly, I don't like it too much

  12. kennethrhcp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Ppl on here seem confident Jones will remain a starter... has jose hinted at same? Or is it that he seems to play when fit and expect more of the same

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

      Jones has played when fit. Think the only game he didn't start when fit was the 1 day sandwiched game last Christmas.

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

        Cheers, thought so. Might let him off for now and see after leic

        1. Fantasy Football Friend!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Lindelof will have 2 games over the international break to find some form and confidence. I think waiting until after Stoke would be wisest.

  13. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Hello guys. What would you do with this lot?

    Foster
    Davies, Stephens, Daniels
    Willian, KDB, Mkhitaryan, Fraser
    Lukaku, Kane, Firmino

    Subs: Elliott --- Carroll, Suttner, Long --- 0.0 ITB, 1 FT

    A) Daniels -> Jones
    B) KDB -> Eriksen
    C) Save FT
    D) Something else, what?

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

      Would you consider double up on west brom with dawson? I have and doing ok. As above I'm not sure on jones... oh and I reckon leic score

      1. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers, it's possible too yes. However I'd prefer United defender with their fixtures and Jones seems to be nailed (will also miss first UCL match). Would you keep KDB and prioritize getting rid of Daniels?

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

          I've no idea why so many are selling kdb. I know Erikson rising tonight... that might be it.
          Kdb can/will score points. Daniels next 2 fixtures are bad and I know I'm replacing him

  14. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Which to get? Already have Alli.

    A) Kane + 5.4 midfield
    B) Eriksen + 8.4 forward

    1. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      B, nothing good at 5.4 in midfield.

    3. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      If ya need 2 starters. B

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

    So Eriksen, going up tonight?

    Are we moving KDB tonight?

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

    Any ideas what to do with this lot with 1.5m ITB, 0FT?

    Foster/Elliott
    Bertie Jones Stephens
    Eriksen Pogba Willian Ritchie
    Kane Lukaku Gabbi
    (Suttner Hunemeier Carroll)

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I would just stay put, good team

  17. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Mane ---> Eriksen?

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

      Crab-like

    2. GE
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      They are so equal so too sideways IMO

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

    Can someone explain to me what people mean by power 5 when talking about their team or "covering the bases"?

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      its just an awful notion. Pick who you think will score the most points, don't overcomplicate things

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

        Exactly lol

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

      I usually see Big 6, which is Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham.

  19. FlockofSeagulls
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Ozil has created 10 chances for his teammates in 2 matches.

    Apparently this is an indication of poor form. 😆

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

      He doesn't track back though!! Which is important for a number 10 apparently!!

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

        there's a difference between someone who doesn't track back and someone who just doesn't try very hard

        Ozil is the latter

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

        He's not playing as a number 10 in this current system so he has to do his fair share.

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

      Meh. Luxury player.

  20. JaydenLFC87
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    KDB >

    A) Eriksen

    B) Pogba

    C) Save

    Have a FT already

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A

  21. RESULT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Foster Elliott
    Bert Alonso Dawson mee hunemier
    Silva Willian Fraser Carroll iwobi
    Lukaku Kane Jesus
    0.5itb
    I don't think I need to wc
    What changes if any for -4 or -8
    Appreciate any thoughts ffs community

  22. Puncheon Guly
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Erikson or Mane for this weekend? Have Kane, Erikson about to rise...

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Eriksen for sure imo. Mane should do things as well though

    2. Unbelievable Jeff!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I have the same situation and think I'll stick with Mane but it's a shame Eriksen is rising

  23. GE
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    1) DeBruyne, Alli and Jesus -> Pogba, Mkhi and Kane (-8)

    2) Save 2FT for international break

    1. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      1

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

      2. KdB, Alli and Jesus are all good options still imo.

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

        Please comvince me 🙂

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

          City are still really attacking, just not hitting their chances. Jesus has not been lacking good chances, they just haven't put them in yet.

        2. Bluth Banana
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Unless you`re set on using your wildcard in the international break, I wouldn`t. Known FPL aces like Sanchez and Hazard comes into contention, and you may get injuries you`d want to deal with. KdB makes an upgrade to either of these easy. 2 FT would be more worth than a -8 for players that may perform worse than the players you have now.

      2. GE
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        So afraid of Kane..

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

      2

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

      2.

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

    Pop Quiz:

    How many players from Arsenal's 03-04 'Invincibles' spoke fluent french?

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

      I`d guess five in the starting eleven, but I realize some of the players I think of might not have played there at the time.. haha

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

        You could be warm regarding the starting 11 but I'm looking for the total number in the squad that season.

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

          Hmm.. Henry, Pires, Vieira, Toure, Lauren, Wiltord, Cygan (?). So..7?

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

            Close enough.

            The answer was 8.

            Jérémie Aliadière was also part of the squad that season, although most of his performances would come in the league cup. 🙂

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

              Aha.. I never would have guessed him, so I'll take that 😉

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

                Fun Fact 6:

                Manchester United only have one less french speaking first team regulars this season than that Invincibles Arsenal squad.

                #thefrenchconnection 🙂

  25. Feed tha Sheep
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Will Lukaku rise tonight?is on 100% but not sure how reliable they are?

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      there's a chance; hard to tell atm about rises

  26. FF Dirtbag
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    What do you think? Can I get a vote on these.

    A) Nothing
    B) Daniels - > Jones
    Ć) B + Fraser - > 6m midfielder (-4)

    Foster Elliot
    Davies Daniels Stephens Mee Hune
    Eriksen Mane Willian Fraser Carroll
    Lukaku Kane Gabbi
    2FT

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

      B

      1. FF Dirtbag
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        And okay Carroll over Fraser?

        1. FF Dirtbag
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Play*

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

          I think so.

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

      If you've got 2FT then surely C isn't -4?

      1. FF Dirtbag
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Oops. I did kdb to Eriksen already. My bad.

  27. Bluth Banana
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Walker and Pugh --> Alonso and RLC. Worth a -4? Is RLC a certain starter? Cheers

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Play?

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

        I`d rotate RLC and Carroll for 4th midfield spot

    2. GE
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yes IMO

  28. Gríma Wormtongue
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    A) Jones

    or

    B) Trippier

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      isnt b injured?

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

      A, sounds like the Aurier deal is happening.

    3. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      both have caveats, Jones has the most. Trippier for me

  29. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    is eriksen + lacazette to pedro + kane a wise move ? thanks 🙂

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

      No

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        thank you 🙂

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

    Salah + Daniels ---> Eriksen + Schindler (-4)

    1. Totally !rre!evant
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Nope