Opinion

The Knee Jerk – Gameweek 4

Are Harry Kane and Romelu Lukau about to make this season very dull?

Many of us marvelled at the array of attacking options we faced prior to Gameweek 1 and, even today, the choices showed up; goals for Alexandre Lacazette, Gabriel Jesus and Alvaro Morata demonstrated that.

But there is already a feeling of inevitability about the fact that Lukaku and Kane have dominated as the top two captain picks for four successive Gameweeks.

The Spurs’ striker’s “mini drought” ended today at Goodison Park – perhaps the least likely venue for a haul when we studied his opening four Gameweeks. But the Toffees were poor and simply folded to an impressive Spurs display.

Now, with the next four fixtures looking so favourable Mauricio Pochettino’s side, Kane’s bandwagon will surely gather pace, stalled only by the fact that 30% of Fantasy Premier League managers may be otherwise distracted by replacing the suspended Sadio Mane in midfield.

It now seems only a matter of time before Kane’s 26% ownership rises and starts to reach levels similar to that of Lukaku.

The Manchester United striker was hardly spectacular at Stoke but, again, he found the net and could have scored more. Owned by 58%, if he remains free of injury, it’s feasible that he could even span the entire season as the go-to captain option for the majority of managers; 37% backed him today, with Kane back on 11%.

With the Wildcard active, I pondered losing one of this pair – temporarily gambling on Lacazette outscoring Kane today and paying the price.

I’m not sure I want to taste that medicine again. Fortunately, the funds have been reserved to bring in the Spurs man ahead of Gameweek five, and he’ll be locked in from now on.

Indeed, I’m now wondering if that means that the scope of my attacking changes this season will be limited to my third striker and an occasional shuffle of three big-hitters in midfield.

My faith in Kane is pretty much unshakable once the goals start rolling. Meanwhile, Lukaku looks likely to keep scoring merely by turning up to lead a United attack powered by Paul Pogba’s physicality and fed by Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s guile.

We can flirt with alternative options, even experiment with the captaincy from time to time, but giving up on the security on offer from Lukaku and Kane won’t be easy.

The aforementioned Jesus, Lacazette and Morata all have their merits. The latter is now the top scoring striker but, presumably surrendering spot-kick duties to Eden Hazard, I’m not convinced he or even Jesus can live with the “big two”.

I’m preparing to watch Kane and Lukaku dominate, push 30 goals and battle for the Golden Boot. That would tie up 24 million of my budget over the season and restrict my ability to react to the big-hitter bandwagons in midfield.

My season might be limited to switching Spurs, Liverpool and United midfielders to form, and shuffling some defenders according to fixtures.

That doesn’t sound all that appealing, but I’m not sure when I’ll next have the balls to change it.

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

4,474 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jay Jay Okocha
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Best replacement for Yoshida?

    A) Jones
    B) Maguire
    C) Donwgrade Tadic and bring in Kolasinac for a hit

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

      I have Yoshida as well and thinking of doing A. But I have Alonso, Bavies and Bertrand and can play Atsu as 4th mid so I think I'll save FT.

      Don't think Everton will be that bad for two weeks in a row but still really unlikely to keep CS against Man U away.

      C looks appealing long term, how much for a midfielder?

      1. Jay Jay Okocha
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        5.9 :/

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

          Atsu 5.0 and bank .9? I'd rather do that than Mooy for example and not ready to jump on most recent bandwagons.

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

            or just keep Yoshida and save FT. See what happens and maybe get Kola in for GW 6-10

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

      Don't know if it's worth a hit to bring in Kolasinac for Chelsea (A), even if Kolasinac is raiding down the left and gets another assist we'll almost certainly concede at least one. If Yoshida doesn't fall maybe save that one for next week.

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

        Yup youre right. I think I wont use mine on Yoshida and no pressing issues so rather just saving than doing Yoshida to Jones methinks.

  2. zinga
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Why are most people saying Bavies rather than Tripper? What am I missing?

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

      Aurier

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Aurier

      1. zinga
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Thought there was a logical reason. Thanks

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

      When is rose back?

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

        2026

      2. Pierce34
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        "Imminently"

      3. FPL.team
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        "In 2 weeks". Repeated every 2 weeks.

    4. Brayden29
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Davies more nailed now it seems

  3. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Willian to salah?
    Already have 3 spurs and utd. 10 itb

  4. buttigieg93
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Does anyone have faith in the Saints keeping clean sheets going forward?

    1. Virgil Hilts
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      VVD and Yoshida partnership would allow more clean sheets I reckon

  5. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Cedric to Bavies anyone?

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Anyone to Bavies is a good transfer

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

      I did Yoshida to Davies but at least Cedric's still a certain starter with some decent fixtures.

      If there's nobody else you'd rather get rid of I'd still do it though.

  6. Totalfootball
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    How did Alli look today ?

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

      Dangerous

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Frustrated

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

      Should have returned more points than he did

    4. Brayden29
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I back him next week

  7. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Who to sell first Yoshida or Danilo? Surely Yoshida?

    1. Virgil Hilts
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Neither. Yoshida probably got a rest as he plays in Far East for Japan. Danilo played full 90 and clean sheet today.

      Must have more pressing issues?

      1. Greenbackbøøg…
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I have many issues, but Danilo only played because kompany was injured, and with VVD and Hoedt I really doubt Yoshida will be nailed on this year

        1. FPL.team
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          That's good then coz Kompany is always injured.

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

      Yeah, I kept him for yesterday's game knowing there was a chance he wouldn't play. Now it looks like Hoedt and van Dijk might enter the fold I've already made the move to Davies.

  8. Brayden29
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    61 points all done this week has moved me up to 80k, mainly off the back of Kane (c) and Davies.
    Needing help with my side for next week though, have 1FT and 0.9 cash to use. Have a few players who aren't doing the job, but wondering whether I should WC or not:
    Foster
    Davies, Stephens, Jones, Hegazi
    Alli, Salah, Pogba
    Kane, Lukaku, Gabbiadini

    Elliot: RLC, Carroll, Long

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

      I wouldn't wildcard that. Stephens and Gabbiadini your only issues.

      1. Brayden29
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Would you take a hit to get rid of them?

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

          Only if you were going do do Stephens to a £4.5m defender and upgrade Gabbi to a striker you really wanted (I like the look of Vardy).

          Otherwise just get one out or roll the transfer for one more week.

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

          Stephens isn't really an issue yet either. He started this week. Just get rid of Gabbiadini.

          The rest of your team is good (as shown by your rank) - don't buy into the panic on here on people wanting to waste their WCs early.

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

    Why are people transferring out Cedric? Did I miss something?

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Saints playing awful

    2. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Luxury transfer

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

        I just brought him in for Yoshida. I saw a lot of people selling Cedric so thought I missed an injury or something..,

        1. Greenbackbøøg…
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Nah he's fine just saints out of form

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

      I'm keeping

    4. Pooodle
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      It happens when a player has 1 bad game.

  10. BlueIncognito
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Naughton gonna rise?

    1. Brayden29
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Touch and go

  11. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Usually against a kneejerk but my gut says Richarlison wont deliver. Struggling to find a replacement so I'm thinking of going with a 4.5 (Chalobah) and upgrading defence.

    Or I'm up for suggestions for a good replacement. 6.4 itb

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

      Ritchie

    2. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      plenty of options.

      Moting gross atsu mooy

      take ur pick

    3. Virgil Hilts
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Stoke lad. Wasn't a fluke today, played really well, 2 goals & MOM

  12. Jasoooooooo
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Time to get rid of Richarlison? How did he look today?

  13. white lightning
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Is this worth a -4 hit. 1ft & 4.1itb:
    Calvert-Lewin out - Kane in
    Mane out - Gross in (need a 6.2 or less midfielder)

    Current team:
    Foster, Lossl
    Davies, Jones, Hegazi, Mee, Fernandez
    Eriksen, Mane, Mkhi, Richarlison, Carroll
    Lukaku, Firmino, Calvert-Lewin

    Thanks.

    1. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Yes that is worth it

  14. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Fabianski Elliott
    Alonso Jones Cedric Ward Mbemba
    Mane Eriksen Mhki Eriksen Carroll
    Firmino Morata Chicharito

    How in the world do I get Kane in?

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

      Having 2 Eriksens is using up your budget.

    2. Maddi Son
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Mane for Eriksen and you're good to go.

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

        I see what you did there.

  15. FPL_JAAFAR
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    I have a question. If i wildcard now, would it last till gw5 or end of gw4?
    I am sorry for the dumb question.

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

      Have to start learning somewhere lol.
      Cheers

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

      Til GW5

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

        I have players yet to play this week. Would their points be affected.
        Thanks for the help.
        Appreicate it

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

          Appreciate*

        2. Virgil Hilts
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          No

    3. Virgil Hilts
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      You can make unlimited changes until an hour before before the Bournemouth v Brighton game kicks on on Friday night.

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

        Cheers

  16. MFC86
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Any risers tonight?

    1. Virgil Hilts
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Possibly....now 4 players just over 100% plus Bavies on 96% with 3 arrows.

      But probably not, just teasing us as per usual.

  17. BlueIncognito
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Would you WC this? 1 FT and 0.9 ITB

    DDG - Elliot
    Cedric - Dawson - Schindler - Mee - Rangel
    Mane - Hazard - Ritchie - Tadic - RLC
    Kane - Lukaku - Abraham

    1. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Not at all.
      Mane to Salah or Alli

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

        Anything worth a hit?

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

          Mane and Tadic out

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

            That's what I was thinking- Mane to Eriksen and Tadic to who?

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

              Tough in that price range. Maybe Ramsey? Ritchie?

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

      No. Mane to Eriksen. Tadic needs to go but not sure I'd move him for a hit.

  18. andy85wsm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Think I'll do Gabbiadini to Tammy and Suttner to Davies this week.

    Not ideal bringing in Tammy before he plays Spurs but it is what it is.

    Allows me to get Kolsinac in gw6

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Hope we'll find out Swans' attack looks like, would be cool if Clement found a way to put Bony Tammy and Ayew in the same team

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

      I would be wary of Kolasinac. Europa league.

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

      Kolasinac? That's a crazy punt.

      1. andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        How so?

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

          Kolasinac for Hegazi?

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

        No it isn't. Great fixtures between 6-10. If he plans on moving him after those City and Spurs.

    4. TopMarx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Kolasinac good move, now with no Ox to play wing back, he doesn't appear to have much competition for the role. Maybe we will start to see more 4 and 5 defences if players like him and Alonso become consistent attacking forces.

  19. Anthony77
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Chances of Ben Davis rising tonight ?
    I got exact 5.6mil cant afford a 0.1

    1. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      He won't
      Rather wait till after cl

  20. Jasoooooooo
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Time to get rid of Richarlison? How did he look today??

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

      Dangerous

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

      I'd also like to know this

  21. buttigieg93
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Who to ship out for Davies?Cheers

    A)Stones
    B)Bertrand
    C)Jones
    D)Save transfer

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

      A

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

      A

  22. Jacques The Lad
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    stephens or cedric to tripper for free?

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Stephens.

    2. Prison Mike
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I wouldn't bring in Trippier with aurier lurking

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

      Stephens, but Davies looks a safer bet than Trippier.

  23. Ser Bronn of The Blackwater
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Mhki or Pogba? I have Mhki but I fear for his mins

    1. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Pogba but dont swap if you have mkhi just now

      1. FPL.team
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Andy have you sold your soul?

        You've been a big Mkhitaryan believer all this time, what happened?

  24. socho
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Is Gross a 1 week wonder?

    1. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Most likely

    2. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      He'll tick along through out the season, probably never again like today

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

      He won't replicate a week like this, however he also won't blank every game now till the end of the season.

    4. Virgil Hilts
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      This seasons Joe Allen, albeit with a slightly more complicated double letter combo in his surname

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

      Probably, I've had him from the start so yesterday was very satisfying but have to think Brighton won't be scoring 3 every game.

      I'll keep him for at least another couple of weeks now though, good fixtures.

    6. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Probably just another Aaron Mooy. Don't expect returns every week but can give you some occassionally.

  25. Francescoli
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Forster / Elliott
    Jones / Cedric / Naughton / Hegazi / Mbemba
    Mhiki / Salah / Xhaka / D.Silva / Carroll
    Kane / Firmino / Lukaku

    1FT and 0.5 in the bank.

    Save the FT right?

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

      Yes- or maybe Xhaka to Ritchie

  26. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Hegazi definitely loses his place next GW or do we get one more?

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Getting subbed early is never a good sign

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Days are definitely numbered but there could have been a nice haul at home to WH

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

      I am thinking he is done. He was awful on that second (or was it third?)

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Didn't see today's game. Was at fault vs Stoke too

    3. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      What is the thing with him? Had a bad match?

  27. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    I want Bavies. I had him for a large portion of last season and then traded him out on wildcard to due fear of Danny Rose. No idea where he is or what he is doing. Cedric > Bavies locked in

    1. buttigieg93
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      About to do the same, should we be worried about Rose?

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        He has been 'imminent' now since April 2016. If he loses his spot can easily switch out. At his current price and the system he is in under Poch it's a no brainer imo

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

      Poch seems quite ruthless, plus Spurs fans seem willing to mock Rose being averse to Google so he could be out of favour when he's eventually back. Davies has been solid on the pitch and professional off it.

      Also, if Sanchez and Aurier are coming into the side maybe he'll want more stability and let Davies continue.

      (biased because I've already got Davies in for Yoshida, I'm Welsh and Ben Davies gave me my GCSE certificates 🙂 )

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

    Foster - Elliot
    Alonso - Davies - Bertrand - YOSHIDA - 4.0
    Eriksen - Pogba - Phillips - Atsu - Carroll
    Kane - Lukaku - Chica

    .4 ITB, 1 FT. Save FT?

  29. Ser Bronn of The Blackwater
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    I'm definitely captaining Bavies next week

  30. Supersonic
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Any chance of holgate getting his rwb spot back??