The Knee Jerk

The Knee Jerk – Sunday

The Premier League’s bizarre shortage of goals continues as Sunday’s headline acts muster just two strikes between them. It saw both Olivier Giroud and Daniel Sturridge maintain their goal-a-game records, whilst at the Hawthorns, Swansea struck twice, leaving the Baggies without a goal in their three league outings.

The Game Changer

Giroud’s moment of quality proved the difference in a disjointed North London derby. A sublime flicked finish from a smart Theo Walcott centre was the Frenchman’s third goal in as many league games as he goes on establishing his top-flight reputation.

While we’re anticipating arrivals at the Emirates before the window slams shut, it’s fair to say that if a world class striker fails to saunter through the Emirates door, then Fantasy interest in the impressive Giroud will accelerate.

Currently priced at just 8.6 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, Giroud is owned by over 13% of managers following an outstanding pre-season that saw him strike eight goals. He has taken that form into the season and is not only accepting his goalscoring opportunities with confidence, his all-round play as Arsenal’s centre-forward has undoubtedly improved. It remains to be seen if that’s enough to discourage the lesser-spotted Emirates chequebook from fluttering in the direction of the Arsenal attack.

The Underused

The fixture computer did few favours for Swansea’s Fantasy prospects over the opening two matches. A home clash with the champions and an away trip to Spurs returned just a single goal but, today at the Hawthorns, we saw Michael Laudrup’s side kick-start their season and remind us of the talent they have within the ranks.

Ben Davies was a member of our team of the season last term after a full campaign at left-back generated eight clean sheets, a goal and two assists for the initial value of just 4.0. Priced at 5.0 this time round, he’s been largely ignored but will end the Gameweek as the top scoring defender having cracked the opening goal in the 2-0 win over West Brom. Team-mate Pablo Hernandez failed to make the anticipated impact in his first season but promises improvement this time around. Goal and assist returns today will earn him a couple of bonus and see him rank as the top midfielder in the Gameweek; at just 6.0, the classy Spaniard – who has now played a part in all three of his side’s strikes this term – could yet be a prospect for those who cannot stretch funds to cover Michu.

With Liverpool and Arsenal at home in the next three, the tests keep coming for Laudrup’s men but today’s result reminded Fantasy mangers that we’ll need to monitor progress at the Liberty and be ready to pay attention once the schedule eases from Gameweek 8.

The Selection Poser

Kolo Toure’s absence from the Liverpool lineup through a groin injury was perhaps expected, although noises from Anfield prior to the match gave his Fantasy owners some hope that he’d be available. It wasn’t to be.

With the injury played down by Brendan Rodgers, Toure could easily be in contention following the international break. However, it appears he may be about to slip down the pecking order by then. According to reports and Rodgers himself, Liverpool have agreed fees for defenders Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori. The signing of Sakho from Paris Saint-Germain, looks particularly daunting for Toure owners. The 23-year-old is a French international and is said to have commanded a fee of somewhere in the region of £18 million. It seems unlikely that Liverpool have paid that kind of money to have him play second fiddle to Toure. Sakho can be deployed at left-back but with Aly Cissokho recently joining the club as back-up to Jose Enrique, long-term, it looks as though Toure’s position is under real threat. The former City man is currently owned by over 9% of Fantasy Premier League managers.

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

4,423 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Arsenal fans I prepared you

    Spanish footballe expert Graham Hunter(SSN and talkSPORT) has just said Ozil wants a move to Manchester Uniteeed

    Open Controls
    1. Dukes of Hazard
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I have hear reports he's actually interested in a move to forest green rovers.

      Open Controls
    2. Andrew
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      See above, this would contradict that

      Open Controls
    3. Manani
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      He wants a move, but united refuse to pay such high fees.

      We have kagawa, ROoney on that spot anyway, but of course Ozil is a class above

      Open Controls
  2. King Nemanja
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    If Baines ends up moving to United, would he be straight into your teams?

    Could easily see 15+ clean sheets and 10+ assists, especially if he is playing at LW. Could be the alternative to RVP that so many are looking for.

    Open Controls
    1. Mind över Mata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      No pens, one of his great pluses

      Open Controls
    2. Dogba
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      No, he wouldn't be straight into the team. However if he starts on the LW and still have some set-pieces, I'd get him.

      Open Controls
    3. Kostja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      without the pens he wont be as good

      Open Controls
    4. Mind över Mata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Probably a rotation risk too

      Open Controls
    5. Dukes of Hazard
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      No. Reasons:
      1) we don't know if he would start
      2) he won't have penalty's and free kicks
      3) united wont build their team around him for attacking play
      4) center backs seem to get bonus points
      5) he's 7.5 million

      Open Controls
    6. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      yes, but only if he is nailed on(doubtful)

      Open Controls
    7. Manani
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      LW, interesting.

      Baines and Evra overlapping, could be a master-stroke!!

      Open Controls
  3. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    How much of a rotation threat is Toure?

    Thinking Toure and Celustika -> Kos and Burner (-4)

    Yay/nay?

    Open Controls
    1. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Toure is more than a rotation threat, Agger and Sakho will be the starting pair, with Toure and Ilori as back ups

      Open Controls
      1. Mind över Mata
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Agreed. Do you recon this is a good trade?

        Also leaves me with 0.1 for Ravel -> someone next gw

        Open Controls
        1. Lawrø
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          I personally wouldn't do it, never take point hits on defenders!

          Open Controls
          1. Mind över Mata
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 7 months ago

            Usually I'd agree but this would sort out my backline with two players it that I don't need - mmm, will think about it

            Open Controls
            1. Mind över Mata
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 7 months ago

              *without the it

              Open Controls
    2. LewanGOALski
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      rotation may be on the cards, but he played well so far. Tough to say.

      Open Controls
    3. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season Le…
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Gonna have to wait till Gw5 before Toure gets the axe .
      Need Benteke for game week 4 first .

      Open Controls
  4. roscola
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Surely the stage is now set for a glorious tale of forgotten hero Shinji Kagawa rescuing Moyes from his own folly? The magnanimity of it would be the stuff of legend. Surely??

    Open Controls
    1. Mind över Mata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah, all this talk of needing creativity and they have just the man for it!

      Open Controls
    2. SW6
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Hopefully, imagine the response from EvilKagawa if he started playing and scoring 🙂

      Open Controls
      1. roscola
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Maybe he'd turn into chilled out Kagawa? 🙂

        Open Controls
  5. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    current team for GW4 is:

    Mignolet
    Zabaleta - Mertesacker - Clyne
    Walcott - Silva - Mirallas - Snodgrass
    Giroud - Soldado - Sturridge

    Marshall - Kim - TurnerM - Clyne

    I have 0.9 mln in the bank.

    Who should be my priority to replace first - Clyne or Mirallas ?

    Clyne is not playing, and I am not sure, whetver he's out of favour with Chamber as a first choice, or he's still not fully fit (he played 90' in a Carling Cup though).
    Mirallas on the other hand is not providing numbers most of us have expected and the whole Everton actually struggle to score goals so far.

    Open Controls
    1. Dogba
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      This is a good time to ditch Mirallas I reckon, but NO TEAMS are scoring. I'll keep him for a GW or two more as long as he keeps starting, there just aren't any good alternatives at the moment.

      Open Controls
      1. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season Le…
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        I'd keep Mirallas for a bit longer ... Clyne out 1st IMO

        Open Controls
        1. LewanGOALski
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          who would you replace him with? I actually can't find any good alternative now. Coleman would be, but he has Chelsea away and fixtures are getting more and more difficult for EVE

          Open Controls
          1. Kim Philby
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 7 months ago

            I'm not trusting Everton yet.
            Another thing is, it looks this season so massively promotes the defenders.
            Not sure if it weren't prudent to seriously start investing in the defence...

            Open Controls
    2. Kim Philby
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      You have two Clynes?
      Very similar team to mine. Don't like the look of Mirallas, ditched him before GW3 myself.

      Open Controls
      1. LewanGOALski
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        ups 😉
        Clyne on the bench is Ward actually 😉

        who would you replace Mirallas with?
        As I have 0.9 in the bank, I could get Lampard. But I am not sure if I don't prefer some cheaper alternative, like HBA or Hernandez for example, to have money for later upgrades of Snodgrass, Clyne or so...

        Open Controls
        1. Kim Philby
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          I would love to help you but I'm in the dark myself. Got Silva in for Mirallas before the last gameweek and obviously got burnt.
          My current frontline is:
          Silva Walcott Hazard Kim Snodgrass
          Sturridge Soldado Lambert

          And I honestly don't know what to do with my team.
          Whether to get in any of van Persie, Benteke or whether to invest in the midfield.

          Open Controls
  6. Kim Philby
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Almost 7000 transferring van Persie in.
    14000 transferring him out, before the Crystal Palace tie!
    What were those people thinking getting him in in the first place!

    He's in my team now for a hit for sure.

    Open Controls
    1. big oak
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      well a front line of sturr giroud and benteke is a very good option

      Open Controls
      1. Kim Philby
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Ok, I know you may have done well without van Persie as I don't own him myself!
        Question is, why choose him at all if you want to get rid before Crystal Palace at home and after a long break following a defeat at Anfield when all United will be raring to go and prove what they're worth!

        Open Controls
    2. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Its madness isn't it. The Liverpool game was always going to be tough. Its a fixture that Liverpool always do well in. But to ditch before Palace at home is really odd. I'd be amazed if any regular community members with RVP here are ditching before gameweek 4.

      Open Controls
      1. Kim Philby
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        I don't have him but I'm seriously considering him from now on.
        He had his chances against the Reds. I think if it was the Liverpool of yesteryears, we might have conceded and again been narrowly beaten with Van Persie scoring one or two. But I hope it's the beginning of another new era for the Reds 😉
        Which leads me to think: ManU will go all over Palace and I want to be involved!

        Open Controls
  7. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    We are hearing that Tottenham might not be
    finished in the transfer market just yet as they
    line up a move for Real Madrid's Fabio Coentrao .

    Source : Sky Sports

    Open Controls
    1. Pratik
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      LB is definitely on the cards....I don't know why we aren't going for Baines. 🙂

      Open Controls
  8. ManTree(v2!) or just JAY!
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    On a wildcard

    RVP and Collins

    or

    Giroud and Zabaleta

    (already have Walcott)

    Open Controls
    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      second one

      Open Controls
  9. khanh
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Can we hope to get RVP at 13.8 after 2 weeks?

    Open Controls
    1. Touré De Force
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Zero chance

      Open Controls
      1. Twelve years a slave
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        If he blanks against palace you will get him for 13.4 after two weeks.

        If you wild card him in it dangerous , you could be left with a very weak team. Ay least those who started with him cn wildcard him out at somepoint

        Open Controls
    2. Dukes of Hazard
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      He blanks against palace and girod/soldado/benteke/sturridge score the exodus will be huge!!! 13.7

      Open Controls
    3. Pasqualinho
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      It looks like he'll be staying at 14M. High ownership, still a +ve NTI which is slowly decreasing, but will probably stabilise when the internationals are out of the way, should he still be fit.

      Open Controls
    4. King Nemanja
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Will need a net of 300k transfers out for that, zero chance

      Open Controls
    5. khanh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I'm wildcarding and dont know what to choose:

      a) RVP Hernandez WardPro
      OR
      b)Soldado Arfa Lamp

      Thinking a) now, if RVP fail I can easily switch to Soldado or Giroud

      Open Controls
  10. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Vorm, Stekelenburg
    Zabaleta, Amorebieta, Mertesacker, Coleman, Shaw
    Mirallas, Walcott, Silva, Giaccherini, Barkley
    Soldado, Dzeko, Van Wolfswinkel

    2.6 in the bank

    So the question is, Wildcard or not?

    Open Controls
  11. Kostja
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Liverpool expectin a bid for Suarez, I really hope he is gone

    Open Controls
    1. Dukes of Hazard
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Would make Sturridge so tempting. Oh wait he already is.

      Open Controls
    2. LewanGOALski
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      so do I. Sturridge season keeper then with no doubts.

      Open Controls
  12. GK
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Anything worth a hit? 1.3m in the bank

    Mignolet
    Nastasic, Shaw, Chester
    Walcott, Silva, Brady, Nolan
    Sturridge (vc), Giroud (c), Soldado

    (Daniels)(Mirallas, Collins, Coleman)

    Open Controls
  13. Lawrø
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Apologies if this has already been posted...

    Liverpool announce Sakho signing!

    http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/144053-reds-announce-sakho-signing

    Open Controls
  14. mvtaylor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Holy shit I can't believe Ozil turned Arsenal down!

    Open Controls
    1. theotherguy
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Source?

      Open Controls
        1. LewanGOALski
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          Marca is not a good source

          Open Controls
          1. mvtaylor
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 7 months ago

            Okay, go with the BBC transfer deadline day live news.

            0902: OZIL TO ARSENAL?
            Spanish football writer Andy West: "Mesut Ozil's potential departure from Real Madrid is possibly the most interesting storyline to follow. Last season he was one of Los Blancos' key players and widely regarded as an indispensible member of the team - never mind the squad - but the arrival of Isco and Bale means something will have to give...and so far it's been Ozil.

            "The Germany international reacted angrily to being substituted at Granada last weekend, and he didn't feature at all in yesterday's victory over Athletic Bilbao. However, latest rumours suggest he's set to rebuff Arsenal's interest and fight for his place in Madrid. We'll keep a keen eye on that one."

            Open Controls
    2. Kostja
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      they probably wanted to pay him with food stamps and a place in the dormitory

      Open Controls
  15. theotherguy
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    On WC. Pick 3 from:

    Giroud
    Benteke
    Sturridge
    Soldado

    Who to leave out?!

    Open Controls
    1. Dukes of Hazard
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I think Giroud. Walcott the only big hitting mid I am looking at which is why. He is however a million less than soldado. That could been enough to sway it. Between those two anyway in my opinion.

      Open Controls
      1. micol1873
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        1,2 & 3 IMO

        Open Controls
    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      leave out soldado. tottenham wont score much this season. maybe next year!

      Open Controls
  16. r0nh
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Ozil wants to stay at Madrid 😥

    Open Controls
  17. New Article Posted
  18. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Baines is also good.

    Open Controls
  19. Grubby
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    How much do you reckon Sakho will be valued at in the official BPL game?

    5.5? 6?

    Open Controls
    1. big oak
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      5.5 and does ilori

      Open Controls
  20. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    I feel sorry for Arsenal fans. 🙁 They can't be that lucky. I blame Wenger really

    Open Controls
  21. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Aside from Baker

    Any 3.9 defenders that will come back and play soon?

    Open Controls
  22. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    WC active:

    Mignolet, Given
    Zab, Coleman, Dawson, Chester, Cahill
    Lamps, Yaya, Hernandez, Ward-Prowse, Anita
    RVP, Sturridge, Giroud

    Alternatively:

    Mig, Giv
    Zab, Coleman, Dawson, Chester, Ivan
    Oscar, Yaya, Hernandez, Ward-Prowse, Walcott
    Sturridge, Giroud, Lambert

    Thought I'd keep RVP for the fixtures and cut back in midfield.

    Open Controls
  23. gsmiggle
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    What should I do with Mirallas and J-Rod- I have 1.3 mill in the bank. I was thinking of upgrading to Benteke and downgrading Mirallas. Your thoughts?

    Open Controls
  24. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    I missed the Giroud Rise yesterday on my WC/ Can i still get a double rise before next GW? Hes only risen 0.1 right?

    Open Controls