Opinion

The Knee Jerk – Gameweek 12

Paul Pogba’s impact on his return has been instant, both on Manchester United and on Fantasy managers.

His double-figure return from a goal and assist against Newcastle United helped spark a revived attacking performance from Jose Mourinho’s side.

He set up Anthony Martial’s equaliser and reinvigorated Romelu Lukaku to snap a seven-match drought in a United shirt.

Pogba was cited as the inspiration for United’s devastating early season form and now, with the Frenchman back in the fold, we can only hope that Mourinho’s side will rekindle their relentless goal scoring exploits of the first five Gameweeks.

There are some who required little encouragement to invest in Pogba’s influence.

Having dropped back to his initial valuation of 8.0, he is already the top transfer target in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), claiming 55,000 new owners at the time of writing.

While impressive against the Magpies, this seems classic knee-jerk material, particularly with United’s fixtures soon stiffening and managers eyeing up a potential exit for Lukaku from Gameweek 14.

Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata will doubtless be the target as the striker’s replacement, with Spaniard doing little to put that trade in jeopardy with today’s performance at West Brom.

His eighth goal of the season, and fifth on his travels, took him to the top of the FPL forward standings.

Indeed, United’s rebirth as an attacking force coincided with another convincing display from Chelsea in which Morata and, in particular, Eden Hazard again sparkled.

Pushed up in a central role in tandem with the striker, the Belgian is beginning to convince as a midfield heavy-hitter.

But unlike Morata, Hazard remains on the periphery of our thinking.

Part of just 5% of squads, his net ownership actually dropped ahead of today’s 18-point haul as he struggles to convince managers to make him part of their plans.

Even now, hours after his Hawthorns performance, Pogba, Leroy Sane and Mohamed Salah are all enjoying greater transfer traffic than a player who amassed 224 points last season – Hazard’s third tally over 200 points in his five-season FPL career.

Maybe our standards and expectations have altered.

While Morata can be eased into our line-ups in a swap for one of the rotating Man City strikers or a stuttering Harry Kane and Lukaku, Hazard requires major surgery in an area of our squads well served by cheaper and more consistent performers.

The aforementioned Salah continues to run riot, producing 16 points to top the overall standings. Sane, meanwhile, kept ticking over with an assist in Man City’s victory at the King Power Stadium.

Pogba has rapidly rejoined this contingent of midfielders threatening to better the likes of Hazard and certainly Alexis Sanchez, as our perception of what constitutes a midfield heavy-hitter is challenged.

I don’t doubt that Hazard will have more to say on this but, for now, it’s Pogba’s potential that has convinced Fantasy managers to act.

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

3,229 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Reckoner.
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Shameless brag right here, took a - 8 this week to do Krul, Davies, Carroll, Jesus > Pope, Daniels, Salah, Crouch

    With Crouch benched looking at 32 pts vs what would have been 10 pts, so +24 pts!

    1. Reckoner.
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      With so many of the big names high scoring I'm sure I'm not the only one where hits have worked out for them this GW.

    2. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      boast away, I too cashed in on the Daniels train

      1. Clump
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Your Twitter dilemma with Kos worked out nicely Mr Monkey!
        🙂

        1. The Hindu Monkey
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          yes it did. at 11am I had Lewin starting and Kane captain. Last minute decision to play Kolasanic and captain Morata. 15 points better off. Happy days.

        2. Clump
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          *Kol

    3. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I got Pope and Daniels free 😉

      Glad it worked out for you!

      1. ROSSI_7
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        same 16pts 🙂

    4. Jayv807
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Well done. Similar to my -8 success

      Out
      Davies, Cedric, Eriksen and Jesus = 12 points

      In
      Daniels, Alonso, Sane and Morata = 38 points

      So flat 18pts better

      If you also consider I captained Morata where I would have otherwise captained Kane, I’m 26pts ahead.

      First real transfer success of the year for me.

    5. adu0209
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I took -16 !!!!!(I know , CRAZY)before GW 12,TRANSFERS WERE
      FOSTER,CEDRIC,ERIKSEN,A.KING,STERLING,JESUS OUT (14pts)
      POPE,DANIEL,SALAH,ZAHA,RICHARLISON,MORATA IN
      (48pts and Richarlison still to play)
      So all worked out very well this week and I think I have much better team for upcoming weeks .

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Do you like capital letters?

  2. Shreyasbirajdar26
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Really want to knee jerk by taking a -8 hit to get pogba morata and daniels in for kane choupo and jones.
    Should i do it this week and get the price rises or no transfers this week to make the same moves i mentioned in the next gw.
    Help!!!!!

  3. Giovanni Giorgio
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Ritchie and Richarlison --> RLC and Pogba -4?

    Does mean I would have to start RLC or Carroll regularly.

    1. rdamjan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Why would you sell Richarlison?

      1. Giovanni Giorgio
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        His fixtures turn soon and Pogba looks essential.

    2. lilmessipran
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Too early to sell Richarlison

  4. ☆Khaz
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Jesus+Tarrol > Niasse+Hazard -4?

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

      Looks good

      1. ☆Khaz
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks

    2. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      yeah that looks good in fairness

      1. ☆Khaz
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        ty

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

    DDG
    Azpi Jones Otamendi
    salah Silva Richarlison Choupo
    Kane Lukaku(C) abraham

    Elliot Ward Dunk Carroll

    Any transfer I should make? Probably going to save

    1. suddenorgan
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      would wait for Jones/Abraham news, but yes 2FT's for GW14 could be very useful

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

        Thanks

  6. rdamjan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    My first early transfer this season.

    Vardy to Morata

    I hope no injuries midweek:)

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

    Thinking of bringing in Pogba but would only be after GW14. Is it worth bringing him in for Arsenal and City or wait for two weeks?

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I'm waiting for gw17

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

        I think I'll wait till then but if he rises by too much and I won't afford him, I'll do it early

    2. suddenorgan
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      wouldn't bother, even with Pgba back they'll park the bus for ars/MCI

      1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        This

  8. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Who needs to go first?

    A) Tammy
    B) Eriksen

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

      None at the moment but A

  9. Cookie Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Is this bad enough to wildcard?

    DDG Elliot
    Kola Jones Daniels Mee Long
    Salah Sterling Richarlison Gross TC
    Kane Lukaku Vardy

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

      No

    2. diesel001
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Nah. Vardy to a £4.5m and upgrade TC to Zaha IMO. Then play 3-5-2

    3. Midlands Saint73
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Just Vardy to shift

      1. Cookie Kid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers guys

  10. Spurred_On
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Who would be better to get rid of for Pogba?

    A) Sterling (have Jesus)
    B) Coutinho (have Salah)

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

      B

    2. Cookie Kid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A because a lot of games coming up and there will be city rotation

    3. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Neither

    4. ooooo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      No A actually

    5. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A but for heavens sake wait until end of week after Europe

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

      The move doesn't have to be done right away btw

  11. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Hi, want to replace Eriksen, who is the best options?
    A. Sane
    B. Silva
    C. Pogba
    D. Others
    (other mid: Haz, Salah, Richarlison)
    Thanks.

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Home to West Bromwich next?

      E. Eriksen.

    2. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A

      Should have had 3-4 assists yesterday. Another explosion is imminent.

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

      Tough one, if Silva manages to stay nailed through the winter congestion i'd be inclined to pick him

      If you don't have Lukaku, I'd go for him though.

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

        *Go for Pogba

  12. jaybradlights
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    A frustrating Saturday with 24.6 million returning one point, but I'll be holding firm (for now) to captain Kane WBA (h) then Aguero SOU (h) the following GW. Two more blanks and they can do one.

    Anyone want to talk me out of holding?

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      no, hold away

    2. French Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      If you held for Arsenal away you have to hold for West Brom at home

      1. jaybradlights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        First North London derby that Kane blanked in... but I take your point, thanks

  13. lilmessipran
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    I know I might be the only one here without Sane, so how do these moves look

    Jesus + T Carroll to Niasse/Wilson + Sane (-4)?

  14. French Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Can someone please explain to me how Pogba’s price is « locked » till next gameweek and why ?

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      it is, just accept it and move on x

    2. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      See HT.

      Basically to stop a massive price rise if the demand dictates it...which it will in this case.

    3. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      It's great news otherwise all the casual would buy him and his price would rise forcing us into knee jerky transfers and hits

      1. Fred54
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        What about mavericks like me who brought him in before deadline? 😉

        1. Kryten
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Dullards for life congrats great move 🙂

    4. Pasqualinho
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Red flag goes on to put the brakes on price drops, red flag comes off the price protection comes in place so the reverse is true. It’s simply to balance things up.

  15. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Vardy Silva Atsu > Wilson Salah Richarlison -8? Too much?

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      yes

      just do Salah and Wilson

    2. suddenorgan
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      find another way to get Salah, Silva looked dangerous yesterday

  16. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Were you beaten by my Aunt's dead team:
    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/team/4444092/event/12

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Comfortable victory 🙂

      She smashed me on captaincy though.

      1. Fred54
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        The main thing really is how scarily the perfect captain can bail you out.

        I mean the team only has 4 retuns from 10 players!

  17. Chris_White
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Gah, don't really want to do Lacazette to Morata this week but seems it will be a 0.3 swing (at least) in price. Just have to hope Burnley keep working their magic at home..

  18. ooooo
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    No other problems.
    Carroll to RLC?

    1. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yes.

    2. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Good move

  19. ROSSI_7
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Nick Pope what a signing to my fantasy team!! 🙂

    1. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      With I had him Swansea and fab are usless

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Same 🙂

  20. QuintonFortune25
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Time to wildcard? Think I need at least 3 maybe 4 transfers here.
    Foster
    Jones - Daniels - Mee - Duffy
    Salah - D.Silva - Sterling - Richarlison
    Kane - Aguero

    Myhill - Abraham - T.Carroll - Goldson

    Got 2.8M ITB and 1 FT

    1. The Wanton Trader
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      May as well...
      You’ll be getting another one soon... 🙂

    2. XabiAlonso
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yep just to tidy up

  21. JabbaWookiee
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Lukaku out for Wilson could sort my team right out. Madness or logical?

    1. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Bit knee jerky unless it was a wildcard strategy

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Lukaku could be back in the goals now with Pogba's return

    3. Chris_White
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Surely not this week

  22. Pillson
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    what next for my team? Patience with Fab and Alonso finally paid off this week, but Vardy and Ritchie are really trying me now. 1.2itb 1 FT
    Fabianski, Elliot
    Alonso Kolasinac Jones Ward 4m
    Salah Silva Fabregas Richarlison Ritchie
    Kane Vardy Abraham

  23. Cabellafan
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Does Niasse deserve a ban?

    1. DAN DARE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Probably but there was minimal contact so he wont

  24. money face bandwagon
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    after next gw at least

  25. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Ragnar Klavan at 4.3 - has started 5 of the last 9 including the last 3.... is he an option as a fifth def??

    1. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Not a good idea imo Liverpool fan. Unless matip is out long term maybe. He will be a non player when we have busy schedule and need a full squad

    2. XabiAlonso
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      He will get some games maybe ok as 5th def. what about jonjo kenny same price

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Interesting - what's the story with Kenny - who is his competition? Definitely Seems to have nailed down a place

  26. Cornholi0
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Firmino to Wilson?

    Yes/No

    1. Cabellafan
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yes

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

      No, Liverpool's fixtures look much better... and with Mane, Lallana and Coutinho back from injury, i'm expecting heavy metal football to return...

  27. England23
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Do we think richarlison will keep performing if Marco leaves?

    1. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah I think he looks that good plus only really Zaha to rival him but most have rlc

  28. hannesdela
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Wilson, Murray or Niasse as replacement for Abraham? (third striker spot)

    1. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I like Wilson on paper but not watched a Bournemouth game to judge the eye test

  29. Lucackadoodledoo
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Could callum wilson be a good shout for tammy?

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      very good

  30. DAZZ
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    26, 12, 4, 26, 12, 22, 26, 4, 32, 8, 4, 18.

    My captaincy returns from GW1 onwards, had kanes 4 braces, and Lukaku's brace first game of the season, ive nailed captaincy so far, but still only 170k overall.

    I think if i had made better decisions elsewhere on transfers id be in a much better position! I imagine theres people here with a much worse captaincy record than myself sitting much higher!

    1. HurriKane
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      50-50 for me

      6 times my captains has scored 6 or more points

    2. XabiAlonso
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Disgusting scores. Who you on this week 🙂

      1. DAZZ
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Alvaro Morata got me 18! Would have been 20 but for the 90th minute yellow 🙁