Opinion

The Knee Jerk – Gameweek 5

This Sergio Aguero chap looks a good option.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But there’s that logic again.

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

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

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

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

4,217 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Carpe Diem
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    A) Alonso + Joselu
    B) 4.8m Def + Firmino

    1. Geri-hatricks
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      B

    2. Squires FC
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      B

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

    RLC looked quality today. Very unlucky not to get some points

    1. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      hes still a troll

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

      He's passing the eye test.

  3. Geri-hatricks
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    No City players + Stephens and Gabbi... is it time to drop the WC or is that knee jerk reaction?

    Squad:

    Elliot (Foster)
    Jones Stephens Wimmer (Mee Long)
    Salah Mkhi Eriksen Ritchie (Carroll)
    Kane Lukaku Gabbi

    1. Squires FC
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Hold

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

      I think thats a good squad. Get Maguire and a striker in for the 2 Soton boys

    3. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Use it if you don't like hits or where going to use it over the international break rather than the dec period

    4. Geri-hatricks
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Cheers lads. I forgot to mention I have 2FT so I might use them plus a hit to improve the squad rather than a WC

  4. Sims
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    can a player still rise more than twice in a gw? vaguely seem to remember pogba remaining at 0 after he rose twice earlier this season

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      They can in theory but it is a lot harder to do now

    2. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Yes. Hegazi did it.

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

    Fill the gaps...

    Elliot
    Jones Lascelles TAA (Kiko Rangel)
    Salah Eriksen ____ Atsu (Carroll)
    Kun Kane _____

    a) Mkhi & Firm

    b) Groß & Kaku

    1. Geri-hatricks
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      A

    2. Squires FC
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      A

  6. COYS Down Under
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    It's fun to laugh at the people who were crowing after Kane finally scored last week, saying anybody who didn't get him was being stupid.

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

      Fantasy sports are all about playing the odds and every single odd you could find (form, fixture, stats) pointed towards Kane. It's easy to say this in hindsight.

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Is it? I can think of many things that are more fun but won't bite you in the arse next week. Actually that may also be more fun..

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

    A) Aguero
    B) Jesus
    C) Both

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Aguero, Jesus, Morata looks the optimal front line balancing cost and returns. Based on captain choice, maybe better to have Lukaku or Kane over Aguero though.

    2. Squires FC
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Considering c

    3. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      either a or b not c

  8. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Kane and Danilo -> Aguero and Kola (-4)

    Good call?

    1. Squires FC
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Kane could easily get a hatty next wk. Unlikely but kun may not start. Hold imo

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

      I like that tbf but I'm just fed up with Kane

  9. Bambi
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Best two defenders up to 5.5? Otemendi and Ben Davies? Is Trippier a decent shout?

    1. cynical1
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      not sure about the Spurs fullbacks now
      I'd want a nailed player for 5.5

  10. cynical1
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    How was Chicharito?
    Obviously no goals but was he getting into good positions?
    Will Carroll help or hinder him in terms of FPL?

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

      Try being me.

      Bring Antonio in as a differential two games ago. Gets MOTM twice but no points. Nice.

      1. cynical1
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Worth sticking with him.

  11. Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Foster (Myhill)
    Davies Bertrand Jones (Aké Long)
    Eriksen Coutinho Mooy Carroll (Romeu)
    Kane Lukaku Firmino

    Miles back in ML, leader has Kak Jesus Firmino front line.
    Worth doing Kak > Aguero to have Kane/Aguero as differentials? Could also do Berty > Mendy (-4) for extra City cover...

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

    Watching Liverpool and City is always fun. That's why I'm looking to triple up on their attackers. Siting and watching Spurs/United/Chelsea most GWs can be a bit of a drag sometimes

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

      I agree with this and I own no city and only 1 Liverpool attacker right now

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

        time for some hits 😎

  13. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Hopefully kun will rose tomorrow night and not tonight?

    Anyone going to do lukaku to kun tomo night?

    City attacker v palace looks a must.

    Thanks

  14. XabiAlonso
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    A) Kane Jesus firmino
    B) Kane aguero Joselu

    1. cynical1
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      a

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Aguero, Morata, Firmino?

  15. mcgrejam
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Done my WC to this

    Elliott
    Jones,Cedric,Otamendi,Alonso
    Ritchie,Salah,Eriksen
    Aguero,Morata,Lukaku

    No starting subs

    Would you keep this team or try get some starting subs?

    1. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      decent team you need at least 2 starting subs maybe downgrade alonso to someone to improve your bench

  16. Flying Nugget
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Fantasy sport lovers - I am running a fundraiser for our local pool association. Details on the link to my profile. Cash prizes for winners, participation is much appreciated

  17. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Which 5.7 mid (enables Kun-Kaku-Kane)

    A) Gross
    B) Choupo Moting

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

      Atsu + mib

      Id take A out of those

      1. Danstoke82
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers!

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

      B

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

    Where do I go from here?

    Elliot, Fabianski (yep benched Fab)
    Cedric, Alonso, TAA, Mee, Dunk
    Antonio, Miki, Ali, Brady, RLC
    Kane, Firmino, Morata

    so frustrating that Antonio gets MOTM two games in a row but no points to go with it!

    Advice on moves? 0.0 itb

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

    Tadic & Joselu.

    The two biggest stat padders in FPL.

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

      joselu just takes random shots from outside the box that never worry the keepers

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

      OMG, what have I done.

  20. Begbie.
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Keep Alonso or Alli going forward? One has to go to fund Kun.

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

      Wait till 2moro, Alonso havent even played yet.

  21. AF90
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    How to get Man City cover with my 2 FT's?

    Foster, Elliot
    Jones, Cedric, Maguire, Naughton, Rosenior
    Salah, Alli, Mhki, Atsu, Brady
    Lukaku, Morata, Firmino

    Mhki & Firmino -> Gross & Aguero?

    1. AF90
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Or Mhki -> Silva, Morata -> Jesus?

  22. dark91
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone watched Liverpool today? , how did coutinho look?

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

      They'll b on motd in a minute

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

      Bit like Harry Winks

    3. Ghost Gooner
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Going through the motions

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

      involved in everything. End product was rusty, but only a matter of time before the points come rolling in

  23. nkhoughton
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Is Kun and Jesus double up overkill?

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

    I take a hit but i got enough ITB...

    Salah for Hazard?

    1. cynical1
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      no way, Salah looks lethal

      and I'm Chels

  25. rdpx
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Idly considering HK/Firm to Kun/Morata

    Wish I'd done it yesterday on my wild card, mind you.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I wouldn't drop Morata for anyone at the minute, so I'd definitely prefer the latter.

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

    So good to see David Silva healthy and back to bossing it again.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah, he's so, so good.

  27. shearer9
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Guy top of my ML captained Bavies with Jesus as vice, and has Hegazi coming in as first sub...

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

      fate

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

      jesus to save him

  28. GuillermoDickero
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    With a kane, Kaku, aguero front line would you be happy with this mid?

    Mhiki, eriksen, Carroll, RLC, Atsu

    Thinking about going big up top

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

      No

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

    Ritchie or Atsu +.8

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

      Ritchie for me

  30. Fantasyamateur
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Elliot
    Davies - Jones - Bertrand
    Micky - Eriksen - Salah - Carroll
    Lukaku - Kane - Chich

    Bench: Foster, Mbemba, Chalobah, Hegazi

    0.2M in the bank, 1FT.. Whats the best use of this? Want Agüero (Lukaku out?), but feel like Chicha is a huge leak in my team atm... Advice highly appreciated!