Opinion

The Knee Jerk – Gameweek 9

Just for a moment there, we thought we had Pep worked out.

After meticulously studying his selections, we were beginning to gain confidence that his days of meddling with our Gameweek tallies were over. We were almost complacent.

The tide of goals and points produced by his Manchester City side were more than a little seductive. But they were a siren song, tempting us to sail towards the rocky outlines of Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus, only to be shipwrecked by Guardiola’s teamsheet.

We always knew that Sergio Aguero was pivotal to his selection today. Many expected the start for the Argentine, but the smart money was on both Sterling and, to a lesser extent, Jesus be alongside him.

Between them, that pair had picked up 673,000 new owners who, this evening, have just a single point to show for their investment.

More significantly, some 586,000 or 11.3%, had the armband with Jesus. That included 36 of the top 100 managers heading into Gameweek 9 – the top choice among that leading pack.

Meanwhile, others had him as their vice-captain with Sterling – who was a total no-show – as their primary skipper. A double-blow.

It appears that Guardiola was biding his time, welcoming us in and reassuring us, before hitting us with a sucker punch.

So now we have to regroup, assess the damage and attempt to decode this latest situation with new data.

There were perhaps two factors at play.

For one, City faced their toughest test so far in the Champions League against Napoli in midweek.

Secondly, maybe there was a desire to give Aguero the opportunity of a start at the Etihad with the club scoring record in his sights.

In the end, he scored the goal to equal Eric Brook’s record and, interestingly, Guardiola again acknowledged post-match the importance of achieving this milestone quickly.

“Sergio has not played for three weeks and it takes time to get that little bit of rhythm back. He needs to play minutes, he did it today and maybe on Tuesday again. It was important for him to equal the record as soon as possible. When he breaks it, it will be something special.”

That would hint that Aguero will get another run-out on home turf against Wolves in the EFL Cup – the chance to break the record in front of his own supporters, rather than at The Hawthorns in Gameweek 10. Perhaps.

We can only really speculate. But what is of more concern is that, with a second tie with Napoli to arrive after the West Brom clash, we have to presume that Guardiola will have this in mind.

City sit clear on top of their group; they can afford to drop points but, after 11 successive victories in all competitions, Guardiola will not want to scupper the current momentum.

With Aguero, Jesus and Sterling – along with Bernando Silva and Leroy Sane – once described as his “five strikers”, just how will Pep now approach matters?

Previously convinced that his “central strikers” – Aguero and Jesus – would be paired together, are we now to accept that Guardiola has broken from this pattern? And if so, can we really ride with that?

Tonight Aguero is already the most bought player ahead of Gameweek 10. Meanwhile, Jesus ranks second for sales.

However, there is every chance that Aguero will be saved for Napoli while Jesus starts against the Baggies in Gameweek 10.

While we can study his selection patterns further and make assumptions, we seem unlikely to crack Guardiola’s code.

If we are to invest in City’s attack, we have to accept the anxiety and disappointment witnessed today, else perhaps settle for David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne who, to this point, seem immune to the tinkerings.

It’s becoming a fascinating sub-plot to a season that continues to test and tease.

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

3,488 Comments Post a Comment
  1. St. Joseph
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    If im using free hit chips right now (for gw 10)
    2 FT

    How many FT i have in gw 11?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      1

    2. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      1

  2. tokara
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    is Kun nailed now? intend to do kaku to kun

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      You can never be sure with a pep team.

      1. Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        This

    2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Not sure for the next 2 weeks

    3. Foozeball
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Only nailed City attackers are David Silva and De Bruyne, and even they might start on the bench for a game or two. Wouldn't be surprised to see one of them being rested around the Napoli game

    4. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Could easily play in midweek and then a rest at WBA before CL and Napoli

  3. Pep says
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Thought about losing Hazard this week for a Pool mid but remembered these comments..

    https://amp.independent.ie/sport/soccer/eden-hazard-backed-himself-to-score-against-bournemouth-35607614.html

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Ooft...4 in 4, may need a rethink...

  4. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Is getting a rotation risked explosive sane or sterling better than safer not explosive dsilva and rotation risked expensive Jesus or Aguero

    1. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I’m going to go the chicken route and get Silva....
      Cluck - Cluck..... 🙂

  5. PocketZola
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Do I wc? Wasted a tf doing foster to fab. 1tf 0.1 itb

    Fab
    Monreal kola Maguire mee
    Richar erik silva sterling
    Kaku kane

    Sub. Elliot, Rangel, rlc, mounie

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      No. Nice team

    2. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Kola to Ota

  6. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    How's this look for a WC draft?

    Pope
    Yoshida Gomez Trippier Monreal
    Salah Richarlison Silva Sane
    Kane Aguero

    Elliot Ayew RLC Mee

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good

    2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Shit defense. Get Otamendi
      Change it. Daniels and Maguire are also options. Rest good

      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Shit? 3 of the top 10 defenders in FPL plus a 4.5m Liverpool defender who started last 3 weeks and just got max bonus home to United. Oh and Mee captain of a team who until yesterday was unbeaten

        Thanks

        1. Whats the Mata?
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Id replace Gomez and Trippier though.
          You wouldnt want rotation risks in your WC team.

        2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Trippier Gomez yoshida are rotation risks. Plus believing in arsenal defense for the next 6 isnt ideal(3 tough ones). Otaendi has easier fixtures in next 12( only 3 tough ones)

          1. Stupendous
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            Good points ta

          2. Old Man
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            Yoshi looks fairly nailed to me. Playing well and they just got a clean sheet.

            1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 5 months ago

              Cedric better imo

              1. Old Man
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 5 months ago

                Yoshi carries a sinificant goal threat. VVD is my man. 😀

                1. Old Man
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  6 years, 5 months ago

                  *significant

      2. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        And if Otamendi had been given a rest yesterday he'd have less points than Lascelles.

        Goodnight

        1. Pep says
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          But he wasnt given a rest. Liverpool defence is poor. Arsenal defence is poor. Saints fixtures are bad after the next 2 weeks. Trippier seems nailed but Poch is unpredictable with this position

        2. Whats the Mata?
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Why ask for opinions if you dont wanna listen to them?

          1. Stupendous
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 5 months ago

            It's the way they replied as I don't think for one minute those names are shit.

            By the way mind the gap pal.

            Laters

            1. Pep says
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 5 months ago

              'Laters' lol

              1. Stupendous
                • 11 Years
                6 years, 5 months ago

                Lol....

                Lol

            2. Whats the Mata?
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 5 months ago

              Fair enough. Good luck pal.

            3. Sims
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 5 months ago

              yoshida. horror fixture run after next 2
              trippier- not nailed
              gomez- decent punt
              monreal- again, poor fixtures after next week
              mee- decent pick

              overall i'd give that defence a thumbs down

    3. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers all goodnight

    4. Mauricios Cappuccino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      basically you are fishing for compliments?

      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        No I'm looking for decent replies and now I'm starting to get some great ones minus yours but ta

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

      weren't u just dissing kane a page or two back?

      now he's in your wc draft all of a sudden

      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Yes well noticed. Tough crowd around here these days.

        Tired of flipping between him and Kun so sod it get both

        1. Own Goal
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Why not change your handle to - Stupid Is.
          Perhaps when you get to Secondary School, you'll learn something manners.
          BTW, talking to yourself could be a sign of mental illness.

  7. JasonG123
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Worth making the switch of Joselu to Diouf or hold?

    1. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Okazaki...?

      1. JasonG123
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Seems like a good option but not nailed?

        1. The Wanton Trader
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Payed off for me this week...
          Can’t see him being dropped if he keeps scoring..
          Got 4 goals in 6 starts this season..

    2. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Hold.

    3. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      one of those isn't it, if you're not careful you end up chasing points in the cheapo third striker position. With bur BOU the next two I'd hold for now

  8. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Best move here?
    2FT 0 itb
    Elliot
    Davies,Jones,Naughton
    D.Silva,Hazard,Groß,Choupo-Moting
    Kane,Lukaku,Jesus

    Foster,Carroll,Lowë,Mmemba

    1. Jones,Hazard > Otomendi/Azpi + Coutinho
    2. Lukaku or Jesus > Aguero and save the other FT
    3. Hazard,Jesus > Coutinho/Salah + Aguero
    4. Other suggestions?
    Thanks

  9. seewhyaxe
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    any good replacement for Clark? he seems to be dropped.

    Already have Ward. Trying to find a max 4.5m def to rotate with Ward.

    1. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      In the same boat. Have 2fts but Clark won't be starting this weekend so I'm not sure if I need to make that transfer this week.

      Looking at Yedlin or Manquillo to stick with Newcastle or go for Duffy. Not sure after that. Fernandez maybe

  10. Speédy
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Any update on Jones?

  11. Afghanistanislas
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Would Atsu > Richarlison be worth a hit? Plan on getting Aguero and Coutinho as well.

    1. eamonhegg
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Looking at the exact same situation.

      I think it is.

      Jones ? 4.0 Defender too cover the cost

  12. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Bony will be main striker when he is back true?

    1. Foozeball
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Shouldn't be. Hasn't shown much to prove he deserves to be the main striker, while Abraham is Swansea's leading scorer by far

  13. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Foster Elliott
    Kolasinac Jones Ward Fernandez Rosenoir
    Salah Sterling Gross Atsu Carroll
    Lukaku Aguero Kane

    1FT 0.4 it
    A) Looking at Jones + Gross to Richarilson + Kiko -4
    B) Can also do Jones + Atsu + Foster to Richarilson + Kiko + 4m -8
    C) Lose lukaku and getting bobby also on my mind. Zaha and pool mids are enticing options.

    Wildcard in hand. Thoughts?

    1. athreya
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Kaku to firmino and atsu to Richarlison.

    2. Foozeball
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I like A, although I would prefer a Burnley or Brighton defender over Kiko

      1. Foozeball
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Or Kaku -> cheaper forward (no idea who) and Atsu -> Richarlison

    3. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Interesting team. Not sure I like any of those moves though. Maybe just Lukaku > Firmino

      Not interested in any Chelsea?

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Check move below

  14. eamonhegg
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Jones & Astu > 4.1Def & Richarlson?

    Yes or no?

    1. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Yes if you have 3 other playing defenders

    2. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      yes

  15. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    How will you improve this mess?

    Krul Elliott
    Alonso* Jones* Kolasinac Cresswell* Hunemeier*
    Eriksen Sterling Chalobah* Cork Carroll
    Aguero Lukaku Vardy

    1 FT 2.7 itb

    Thinking of Alonso + Chalobah > Duffy + Salah.
    Still need another playing defender.

    1. athreya
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Ooh tough one. Might have to live with only 2 playing defenders this week. And maybe cresswell will be back.

      1. King Kohli
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Hoping one of Jones or Cresswell plays this week.
        Worth taking another hit to replace one of them?

        1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          No I feel

  16. Sims
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    selling alonso after his cleanie vs arsenal was a proper bullet dodger. 0,2,1,1 since then

    1. We Will Klopp you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I sold him before to get Davies, same here, wish I'd waited till after Arsenal but wasn't predicting a clean sheet there

  17. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Thought on Firmino? 5 blanks in a row

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah, not worth buying...

      1. OPTA FPL
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        but 3rd striker this year is terrible. cannt find anyone else

    2. Clucas
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I m waiting today to see how it looks. I m thinking vardy to firmino. This brazilian owns us big time

    3. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      He's quality and he'll pick up again at some point. Not for tot though, after that

    4. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Played well against ManU and in champions league

  18. Clucas
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    BTW, what a nice intro written by Mark. This article described perfectly the situation we were all in this Saturday. Cheers and let s hope kane won t score today 🙂

    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      No Let's hope that Kane gets a hat-trick. He won't of course, but I still live in hope.

    2. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Kane Eriksen and Davies to punish the doubters is fine with me

  19. We Will Klopp you
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Just had a thought, Heard about Duffy's goal threat so thinking I can bring him in for Clark for a hit leaving me .5m to get a Newcastle def by gw13

    Def is: Davies, Jones, Ward *Clark *Rosenoir

    Thoughts?

  20. Rafiki
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Do people rate Junior Stanislas?

    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I’m a fan. He makes Bournemouth tick and did very well last season when he wasn’t injured

    2. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Absolutely
      Surprised he hasn't been mentioned much on here since his haul yesterday

  21. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on Jones Atsu Kaku to Morata Stones Richarilson for -8?

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      great moves

    2. Sims
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      morata doesn't look fit tbh

    3. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Thumbs up
      Seems a shame to be getting rid of Jones TBH unless he's confirmed out for a while. But getting a city defender not a bad swap

  22. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Zaha or Groß?

  23. puhd
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Fabianski/Elliot
    Naughton Lascalles Jones Maguire Rosenior
    Hazard Sterling Silva Ritchie Carroll
    Kane Vardy Jesus

    What to do with this lot? 0.1 ITB and 2 FT

  24. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Which 4 players are in most need of the boot?

    Elliot Fab
    Otamendi Luiz Ward Cedric Davies
    Hazard Richo Sterling RLC Carroll
    Kane Vardy Jesus

    Cheers in advance.

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Vardy Jesus caroll Davies any 2 or 3 to get Morata and liverpool mid maybe

    2. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Vardy RLC Luiz Kane

    3. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      4? Luiz, Davies, Vardy and ..... reluctant to say Jesus despite the risks

    4. olidooley
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Vardy to Firmino should be good

    5. Markus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Very similar team to mine, so will watch with interest. I don't consider you to have any fires there (I have jones, and arguably Alonso for luiz and cedric) Wait for spurs game to give a hint on Davies, and midweek for an indication on Jesus/Morata. I was certain of bringing Morata this game week (for vardy or Jesus) but yesterday gave me doubts...

    6. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers all.

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

      RCL
      Vardy
      Cedric / Davies

    8. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Luiz Davies and maybe jesus

    9. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Vardy only. Hes a 8.5 striker in a relegation battling team, just chew on that.. Would get rid and upgrade RLC/Carrol.
      Cedric when SOU fixtures turn. Dont see why you would boot anyone else yet.

    10. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Luiz, Davies, Vardy perhaps although he has Everton

      Defence should be fine

  25. Markus
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Somebody who knows more about quadriceps (or just want to take an educated guess), how long are we expecting Jones to be out for? If only a couple of weeks I might hold, it's not like lindelof did a great audition to oust him.

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      International break will come after gw 11. he will have 4 weeks to recover

    2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Yup he needs to be fit for Newcastle (h) on 18 November. Till then bench

  26. MOULACTICOS
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Elliot Fabianski

    Davies Cedric Mee Naughton Mbemba
    Carrol Kante Salah Sterling Silva'
    Kane Vardy Lukaku

    Looking to sell Vardy for budget fwd, so that i can upgrade Davies to Azpli and Kante to Richarlison. which budget fwd do i go for.

    A: Diouf
    B: Abraham
    C: Other (please comment)

    1. bigbudgie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      It's a lottery down there
      I have Joselu and I haven't won yet

    2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Abraham and Pls stick with anyone of ur choice

    3. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Okazaki....?
      4 goals in 6 starts...
      I’m holding on to him for the foreseeable...

  27. gatekeepa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    GM all,
    As planned a few weeks ago gw10 will be my WC week:
    Here' where I stand atm. Please comment freely

    Hennesey/Elliot
    Ward/Duffy/Mee(becomes Naughton gw11)/ Francis/3.9
    D.silva/coutinho/richarlison/gross/Carroll
    Kun/Kane/lukaku

    I have basically kept the super heavy hitting trio upfront. Shifted in cash from def (Alonso/kolasinac/cresswell to my midfield)
    going Uber cheap fixture based rotation of 4 * 4.5 defenders and goalkeepers.

    Comments please

    1. Hedge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Hennesey dropped potentially?

      1. gatekeepa
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Surely he won't carry on playing veteran speroni. And even if he does I'll be ok with Elliot in the immediate run

  28. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Alonso owners keeping or dumping?

    1. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Ditching this week

    2. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      If I owned I'd be dumping him

  29. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Best team for a FREE HIT this week?

    Pope
    Kolasinac, Bellerin, Moreno
    Sanchez, Hazard, Salah, Richarlison, Zaha
    Morata, Firmino

    Bench: Fodder x 4

  30. Page 302
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Worried Alonso owner here. How did the Chelsea defense line up after he was subbed? I mean, who moved over to LB/LWB?

    And is Alonso still nailed on now?