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. Elderado$1
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Any advice/help guys

    DDG (Elliot)
    Bavies Stephens PvA (rosenior TAA)
    KDB salah redmond Carroll
    Jesus lukaku firmino

    2 FT
    0 IB

    Thanks

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

      what are you thinking about doing?

      1. Elderado$1
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Would like Kane into the fold but unsure, iwobi is deadwood also!

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

          trying to fit Kane in would be difficult, and would mean having to drop both KDB and Jesus. Hard position because Pogba and Mkhi have already risen. Maybe Jesus + KDB + Iwobi ➡ Kane and Antonio?

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

            sorry didn't mean to include Iwobi there

        2. Ambrosiana Inter
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Same 3 up front here...I was thinking jesus and firmino out , kane grey in but I think I 'll keep the free transfer

          1. Ambrosiana Inter
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Jesus is due to drop tonight so think well if u want to shift him

            1. Big_Andy_GAWA
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              Not sure if he will. He was closer to 100% to drop last night and didn't. Will be very close, however...

            2. Elderado$1
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              That seems like a good option gray should get goals with what seems a more attacking Watford than last year!

              1. Ambrosiana Inter
                • 6 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                Yup, I know I thought about it a lot...think grey gonna be the next bandwagon...but still not sure, I created my team on man city players, Don t wanna destroy it just yet

                1. Elderado$1
                  • 6 Years
                  6 years, 7 months ago

                  Think Jesus has to go for Kane to come in so looks like firmino goes as well! Who to get in for him gray/other striker or midfielder

                2. Ambrosiana Inter
                  • 6 Years
                  6 years, 7 months ago

                  This is my team very similar
                  Dr gea
                  Danilo,davies, cedric,mee, lowe
                  Mkyt,kdb,tadic,ince,carroll
                  Same 3 up front

    2. Ibracadabra
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      IWOBI AND TAA out is the exact move I am making and think it is pretty sensible. Iwobi may even drop tonight though could hold off one or two more days, not sure.

      1. Elderado$1
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I could really do with loosing both iwobi and TAA but no one jumping out as replacements! First of me doing this so have no idea how it works totally with regards to minus points etc!

  2. RVP20
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    My team is:
    Foster (Elliott)
    Danilo - Yoshida - Daniels (Suttner - Long)
    KDB - Salah - Mkhi - Ritchie (Carroll)
    Kane - Lukaku - Mounie
    1FT

    Should I do?
    (A) Danilo > Trippier
    (B) Daniels > Jones
    (C) KDB > Eriksen

    1. It’s a Knockaert
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      A and b are good. B this week and a the next

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

      B

    3. Geezer
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I think Danilo will start with Walker suspended. And Tottenham is reported buying Aurier

  3. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Oof lost on last

    Jesus to Chicarito or save one more week?

    1. Frank Black
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Save.

    2. It’s a Knockaert
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Save

    3. js007
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Do it

    4. MTPockets
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Probably what I'll do. Just not comfortable with him being the one to make way, and in retrospect him + Kane/Lukaku is too much of a midfield limiter.

      • Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        It's not lost. It's still there and answered.

      • Ibracadabra
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Save.

    5. Eton Rifles
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Anyone else giving the armband to Alli?

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

        bold but could be gold

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

        If I had him and not Kane sure

      3. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        strongly considering it, but will probably go Kaku (non Kane owner)

    6. MFPL
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Which trade should I do?
      A) KDB > Pogba
      B) KDB > Eriksen
      C) KDB and Ince > Pogba and D.Silva (-4 hit)
      D) KDB and Salah > Pogba and Eriksen (-4 hit)

      My current team is:
      De Gea (Elliot)
      Danilo Dawson Stephens (Lowe Long)
      De Bruyne Salah Ince Atsu (Carroll)
      Kane Lukaku Gabbiadini

      1. js007
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        D

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

        D

    7. js007
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      A) Salah, Stephens --> Pogba, Alonso
      B)Willian, Salah ---> Pogba, Mane (Already have Mkhi, Firmino)
      C) Willian, Salah --> Pogba, Eriksen(Already have Alli,Mkhi)

      1. HALFSPACE
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Poor Salah

        1. js007
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          So which 1 out of the three?

          1. Big_Andy_GAWA
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Why Salah out?!

    8. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      The Burning Question this gw

      Would you do KDB to eriksen for a -4?

      Have Kane and no other city player, if that matters

      1. Puyol Pants Up
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Probably not, but not the worst idea.

      2. js007
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        No

      3. FlockofSeagulls
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        That is not the burning question this gw. 🙂

      4. MTPockets
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Probably, but I'll likely lose Jesus for a hit (also have KDB).

        • Frank Black
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Definitely not, Bournemouth better fixture than Burnley.

        • hillsnick116
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          That's stupidity

      5. Puyol Pants Up
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Potentially a silly question but:

        Who to start?

        A) Mooy (SOU)
        B) Carroll (cry)

        I have both Bertrand and Stephens in my 11.

        1. js007
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          B

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

          A for me

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

          A

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

        Gotta love a bit of Kygo in the evening to wind down

      7. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Kdb to Erik for free.
        yes or no.

        1. Puyol Pants Up
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Yes

        2. sully29
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          I think so.

        3. hillsnick116
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          No

      8. BananaNose Maldonado
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Taking everything into account (i.e., class of the player and team, cost, rotation risk, fixtures), who do you like more over the next 5-6 game weeks:

        A) D. Silva
        B) Ramsey

        Cheers.

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

          B, purely because CL is about to kick in

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

            That's really the only thing putting me off Silva. I love him as a player, and he finally seems fresh and healthy.

        2. js007
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          A

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

          B

        4. Puyol Pants Up
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          A)

      9. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        save FT and bring in Sanchez next week, or just do Jesus -> Lacazette now and forget Sanchez?

        1. Puyol Pants Up
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Wait for Sanchez

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

          honestly, I think Lacazette could match Sanchez this season, especially if he has pens.

          1. SADIO SANÉ
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            yeah, he definitely could - but I'm blinded by the fact that Sanchez (c) will be the best differential of all time in GW4 if he stays

      10. Recoba
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        A) Play Suttner (wat)
        B) Daniels > Jones -4

        Is Jones worth a hit with rotation risk down the road?

      11. HALFSPACE
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Jesus wont start at BOU imo, so should sell but could be badly punished

        1. MTPockets
            6 years, 7 months ago

            That's what concerns me. I don't like their new set up (for fpl) or particularly rate Sterling, but he scores.

          • J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Why?

        2. js007
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Salah or Firmino who has a better chance of starting?
          A) Firmino--> Chicha
          B) Salah --> Pogba

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

            both start, both will score

        3. AYLD28
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          2 FT

          1. Ake, KDB & Willian > Dawson, Eriksen + Antonio
          2. Ake, Redmond & Willian > Dawson, Richarlison + Antonio

        4. Scotty B
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Just before I go to sleep..
          Keep Jesus or sell tonight before he drops in price?

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Sell for whom?

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

            If for Lukaku, Kane or Kun then yes. If not then no

        5. FlockofSeagulls
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Just saw Wilshere's red card in the reserves. Such a twat.

          Serious question. Is Wilshere a martial arts expert or prized fighter, cause this isn't the first time I've seen the angry midget look for a fight?

          1. Ramboros
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            I would be pissed off too if players were trying to foul me out of the game in a freaking u23 game.

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

              I'm not excusing what happen to him, but his reaction was ridiculous and it's not an isolated reaction over his career.

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

            Napoleon complex

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

              Has been now really.

        6. js007
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          A) Salah, Stephens --> Pogba, Alonso
          B)Willian, Salah ---> Pogba, Mane (Already have Mkhi, Firmino)
          C) Willian, Salah --> Pogba, Eriksen(Already have Alli,Mkhi)

          Reply please!

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

            Just Willian to Pogba

            1. js007
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              So Willian to Pogba? Or Kol to Alonso?

        7. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          So which Saint is most likely to lose his place to Wesley Hoedt, or will they follow the trend set by other clubs and play 3 CB's ?

          1. AYLD28
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Saints fans think Stephens is integral to the way they play so I think Yoshida but Stephens is a worry now

            1. bitm2007
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              I'm worried about Stephens, should have gone Cedric from the off.

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

            Yoshida is most likely to be replaced by Hoedt. Things will get even messier if VVD stays.

          3. Ramboros
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            I don't see Van Dijk being sold, so both might lose their spot.

          4. Puyol Pants Up
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Not sure, more a reason to activate my wildcard next week 🙂

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

          Wildcard defence too risky?

          Davies - Jones - Cedric - TAA - Mbemba

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

            Yep. Remove TAA imo for someone better; possibly look at Huds or TFM

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

            Too risky for a WC. You don't want to make boring defender transfers the next 5 weeks

          3. Whazza
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Thanks guys, thought so

          4. bitm2007
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Yes TAA, Davies and Jones once the CL begins, not nailed

        9. james_lebron
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Only gathered 32 points last round, any thoughts on my team? Potentially thinking of going

          PvA > Jones
          Ritchie > Richarlison

          Forster (Elliot)
          PvA - Bertrand - Ake (Suttner - Rosenior)
          KDB - Willian - Ramsey - Ritchie (Carroll)
          Kane - Lukaku - Firmino

        10. Geezer
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Any important injuries in tonights "carlsberg" cup?

          1. Eton Rifles
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Watford's pride

          2. FPL Wisdom
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            No but Holobas Red card

        11. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Would you wildcard this lot?

          DDG / Elliott

          Jones / Danilo / Stevens / mee / lejune

          Silva / eriksen / Ritchie / Carroll / JWP

          Lukaku / Kane / firmino

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            No.

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

              Ta

        12. Red Dagger ✪
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Serious question guys. This is my team...

          B. DeGea (Elliot)
          Stones, PVA, Bertrand (Mee Mariappa)
          KDB, Mane, Mooy, Carroll (RLC)
          Kane, Jesus,Firmino

          Worth wildcarding..?

          1. FPL Wisdom
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            No

          2. AYLD28
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            No good team for this week

        13. Your Mum's Athletic
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          I'm right in thinking if I WC, my -8 goes bye bye?

          1. FPL Wisdom
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            should do.

          2. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Did do previously.

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

            Will do

          4. bitm2007
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Yes it will, but your WC is worth more than that.

            1. Your Mum's Athletic
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              True but I'm not really not happy with my team so I feel like now is the time

        14. FPL Wisdom
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Play Atsu (Vs WHU home) or T Carol (Vs CRY Away)

          1. Puyol Pants Up
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Atsu

            1. Ibracadabra
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              God bless you.

        15. Ibracadabra
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          With Trippier's potential injury and the potential signing of Aurier, I have settled on the unglamorous double switch:

          Iwobi and TAA ---> Mkhitaryan + Mbemba.

          Other option was Ramsey + Trippier for exact cash but figure Mkhitaryan will rise eventually and can monitor Mbemba.

        16. Lyonnais
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Foster / Elliot
          Bailly, Stephens, Dann / Mee, Long
          Eriksen, Salah, Mooy, Fraser / Carroll
          Kane, Lukaku, Gabbiadini

          2.0 ITB

          Anything worth a hit here? Fraser needs to go I guess?!

        17. George James
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Eriksen rising tonight?

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Have you checked?

            1. George James
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              Yes I have but at 100.6 on fpl stats I was wondering others thought he might? That ok?

              1. Epic Fail
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                No.