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. Zlat-man
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    (A)
    Alonso > Ward
    Alli > Salah/ Cout
    Rashford > Kun
    For -8

    (B)
    Alli > Richarli (or upto 7)
    Rash > Kun
    For -4

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

    Best 4 pointer here? WCing for GW12.

    A) Carroll & Lukaku -> Salah & Firmino (bench RLC)
    B) Sterling/Silva & Lukaku -> Salah & Aguero

    Silva, Sterling, Choupo, RLC (Carroll)
    Kane, Lukaku, Jesus

    Bank 1.5m, 1FT

    1. le flem
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      b

  3. HD7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Anything worth a hit or two?

    Elliot
    Walker Jones Simpson Kola
    Sterling Atsu Eriksen
    Kane Kaku(C) Jesus

    Subs: Fabianski, Carroll, Chalobah, Mbemba

    1. Guru Mediation
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Don't you have a free transfer?

      1. HD7
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Did BDavies to Walker

        1. Guru Mediation
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Before he played?

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

      No

  4. le flem
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    a

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

    How does city defence double up of Otamendi and stones sound?

    1. le flem
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Bit expensive. I'd have only 1 of them

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

      No way for me. Not the most reliable defence because city are so attacking, and I would want two city attackers

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

        This

      2. ooooo
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        I don't want to have to city attackers though as they are all rotation risks.

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

      21pts this week for my boss

  6. le flem
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Alli Jesus Luk to Salah Morata Kun worth -4?

  7. Tim Canterbury
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Otemendi 5.8m 55 points

    Sterling 8.2m 50 points
    Silva 8.6m 54 points

    Jesus 10.7m 48 points
    Aguero 11.6m 59 points

    As far as choosing your 3 City players goes there's a lesson above in value for money. Otem/Sterling/Silva for me and forget about the captaincy. Jesus is a little under double Otems price and has LESS points! AND he's not even a captain option due to rotation. Absolute no brainer

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Tried to convince Jonty to do something like this ... a defender and one of city attacker to Ota and pool attacker for the same reason.

    2. J T
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Sterling and aguero have both missed games throu suspension and injury so that's something to consider, good point thou. City strikers are too risky for me

    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Can the mods delete this one, please? 😉

    4. Demel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Aguero has achieved that given far less minutes. Him and Kane are the stand out options for captaincy. Ignoring Aguero is not a no brainer.

      1. Tim Canterbury
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Achieved what? 4 extra points that someone half his price? He's not a captaincy option

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        😀

  8. Zlat-man
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Bottomed

    (A)
    Alonso > Ward
    Alli > Salah/ Cout
    Rashford > Kun
    For -8

    (B)
    Alli > Richarli (or upto 7)
    Rash > Kun
    For -4

    1. QuintonFortune25
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      If you’re doing well then B but if you need to make up some ground take the risk on A.

    2. J T
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Why ditch Rashford he's doing well?

  9. Viper
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Alonso -> Otamendi?

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

      Yep..!

  10. ragsyboys
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Silva and cresswell --- Coutinho and dunk (-4) ? Have exact cash.. want to do it before coutinho rises

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

      Wait till the game at least. You have another city MF I presume.

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

        No.. But I have Jesus and Otamendi from Man C

    2. J T
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Ditching Silva for a hit is scandalous

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

    2 FT, 0.6ITB

    Fab/Elliot
    Stones/Luiz/Ward/Clark/Davies
    Sterling/Hazard/RLC/Carroll/Coutinho
    Kane/Jesus/Okazaki

    Any suggestions to utilise the tranfers?

  12. Man Getting Hit By Football
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    A. Kolasinac & Jesus -> Otamendi & Morata
    B. Kolasinac & Jesus -> Daniels & Aguero
    C. Kolasinac & Lukaku -> Otamendi & Aguero (Keep Jesus)

    Also have Davies instead of Kola for these transfers, 2FT. Thanks.

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

      Don't get rid of Kola before SWA!

      Just Lukaku -> Aguero (if he gets rested midweek)

      1. Man Getting Hit By Football
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks, thoughts about having Aguero & Jesus next week?

  13. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Ryan
    Azpi Otamendi Davies Ward
    Salah Silva Richarlison
    Kane Jesus Vardy

    Elliot Jones RLC Carroll

    2FT and 0.0itb. Any idea what i should about Jones?

  14. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Any transfer(s) suggestions?

    Pope - Elliot
    Alonso - Davies - Otamendi - Cedric - Mbemba
    Coutinho - Sterling - Richarlison - Choupo-Moting - RLC
    Kane - G.Jesus - Vardy

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Save

      1. LewanGOALski
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        actually I have 2 FTs - forgot to mention 😉

  15. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku to Agüero or Morata?

    I don't have any Chelsea players and buying Kun means triple City attack.

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

      I'm looking at the former (have morata already)

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I hate this triple up even though kun would be your captain.
      Keep lukaku is an option ?

    3. Melania
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I'm looking to go with Kun. Morata out of form, came back from injury quickly and Michy bagged a brace yesterday. Wait for the midweek game though.

    4. J T
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Morata, Unless you're happy for your striker to sit on the bench every 2/3weeks?

      1. Melania
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        Still going to get a lot of points though

        1. J T
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          No doubt he will but I prefer Kane Morata as you know they will play more minutes so more chance of scoring more points

    5. QuintonFortune25
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Morata looked poor yesterday. Lukaku to Aguero looks good.

    6. Max City
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      If you really want to get rid of Lukaku then Aguero is better than Morata

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

    Feel like there's quite a lot of work to be done here, suggestions?

    Foster | Elliot
    Jones | Stones | Bavies | Mee | Lowe
    Silva | Mhiki | Eriksen | Coutinho | Carroll
    Kane | Jesus | quarner

    0 ITB, 2 FTs
    Cheers

    1. le flem
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Mkhi Jesus to Richarlison Aguero

  17. Melania
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Would you get rid of DDG on a wildcard now? Best GK pairings going forward?

    1. le flem
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      yeah. Elliott and Pope rotate well, though you'd probably want to play Pope anyway because of save points

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

        Glad to play Elliot this week tho

    2. Rash
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I brought in DDG this gw and instantly regret it as it now prevent me doing hegazi to otta

  18. J T
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    So Lukaku > Rashford 3 weeks ago has worked out ok, he's 5pts better off so far

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

      Cool

  19. Kanteisking
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Sitting on this rabble

    Fabianski, Elliot
    Jones, Davies, Ward, Simpson, Mariappa
    Sterling, Eriksen, Coutinho, TC, Stephens
    Vardy, Lukaku, Kane

    0 ITB and 2 FT’s

    Thinking Simpson, Stephens and Vardy to Otamendi, Richarlison and Diouf. Thoughts? Anything better?

  20. Max City
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Would you guys save or use your free transfer for this set of defense:

    BDavies* / Jones* / Cresswell* / Lascelles / TAA*

    0.0 itb

  21. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Which one?

    A. Firmino, Vardy and Hazard
    B. Morata, Abraham and Salah

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

      A

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      B

    3. Max City
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      TBH I won't buy Vardy nor Morata right now

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

    Best combo for the next 2 weeks only?

    A) Salah & Firmino (HUD, whu)
    B) Coutinho & Firmino (HUD, whu)
    C) Salah (HUD, whu) & Vardy (EVE, sto)
    D) Coutinho (HUD, whu) & Vardy (EVE, sto)

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

      D

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

      B

    3. QuintonFortune25
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      A or B. Salah and Coutinho not much difference

    4. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I have c but prefer A or B atm.
      Today may give you a hint

    5. Max City
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      A

    6. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

      A

  23. Rash
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Brought in DDG this gw but already think it was wrong move how does this look for a -8

    DDG hegazi kaku to pope otta aguero

    DDG*
    Davies Jones naughton hegazi*
    Eriksen sané richarlison
    Kaku* Kane morata

  24. Pauntley
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Is Stones to Otamendi too sideways?!

    1. QuintonFortune25
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah save the transfer

    2. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

  25. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Aguero or Jesus?

    1. QuintonFortune25
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Aguero

    2. drughi
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      I prefer aguero but both good options

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

        I prefer Aguero too, but I just think Jesus is going to get points

        1. drughi
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          he will but I prefer aguero as I'm more confident captain him over jesus

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

    choupo moting and jones > richarlison and Mee for -4 ?

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

      Nah

    2. J T
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      No way

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

        i have a defence of bavies 3.9 naughton kola jones. jones has to go. im guessing you'd rather make only the jones move then?

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

          Yes, for someone better than Mee

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

            Tell my man shut up

        2. J T
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah jones > Otamendi

    3. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Yes for me .. ward if affordable.

  27. HALFSPACE
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Choupo to RLC & Jesus to Lukaku in gw12 methinks

    Jesus just not a captain option

  28. El Matador
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Guys looking at bringing in a Liverpool asset but don't know whether I should go Vardy to Firmino or one of Hazard/Silva to Salah. (2.2m itb).

    Hazard Zaha Silva (TC, Chalobah)
    Lukaku Vardy Jesus

    1. Tim Canterbury
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Given your structure probably Firmino but Salah a captaincy option

    2. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Vardy to Firm

    3. El Matador
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers

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

      What about Zaha > Coutinho...?
      I think you could afford it....

      1. El Matador
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 5 months ago

        0.1m out

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

          Damn it....!!

  29. Tim Canterbury
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Team for next week
    Elliot
    Cedric Mee Bavies Otem
    Sterling Silva Rich Salah(c)
    Kane(v) Lukaku

    1. Tim Canterbury
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 5 months ago

      Tammy Suttner Carroll bench

  30. ljuta zena
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 5 months ago

    Mrs Alonso to Holebas??? 😀