Opinion
2 January 2017 3236 comments
Mark Mark
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Sergio Aguero continues to create drama.

Today’s first act was an early afternoon bombshell from Manchester which sent shockwaves as Pep Guardiola’s teamsheet hit home.

Then, as the clock struck four, the second act followed: enter Aguero stage left to revive a ten-man City with a finish of sublime quality.

The full performance, spanning three hours, with Pep directing and Aguero as the dashing leading man, summed up our season so far with the Argentine.

It seems the days when Aguero settled in our squads and quietly went about the business of saving our Gameweeks are long gone.

Now the striker seems to insist on seeking the headlines and, just when we begin to settle on the idea of Aguero returning to his familiar groove, Pep intervenes with his own unpredictable flashes.

Some may have anticipated a benched Aguero against Burnley but I was certainly not among them.

Foolishly attempting to play “second guess Pep”, I presumed that he had earmarked the visit of the Clarets as an opportunity to ease Aguero back into goalscoring form.

Instead, according to his post-match comments, he looked to protect his striker from exertion following his unconvincing run-out at Anfield.

“He played 90 minutes after four games out and I did not consider him playing 90 minutes again after two days.”

That seems plausible but why start him on the bench rather than use him to get in front and then hook him early?

Match fitness is surely the issue, and, with a rest in the FA Cup tie next weekend on the cards, why not allow Aguero to regain that sharpness with a start?

Such questions and arguments fall on deaf ears: Pep doesn’t answer to me, other Fantasy managers and perhaps not even to the City fans. Judging by his post-match interview, he barely answers to journalists.

We know he plays by his own rules and that those rules are so often hideously difficult to decipher.

By the end of act two, Aguero had delivered. A seven point return isn’t perhaps a cause for celebration for the 135,000 who transferred him in, or indeed the 11% who gave him the armband. But it came as a huge relief given the reaction at 2pm.

However, do today’s events add to the doubts and concerns surrounding Peps approach to Aguero?

Given that City’s Champions League campaign will accelerate again in February and, by that time, they may even be cast adrift in the title race, will Pep’s attitude to Aguero’s pitch time hinder the striker’s potential further?

There is also another factor.

Gabriel Jesus is now a Manchester City player. A precocious talent, Pep has made it clear that he is about to become another option.

“Now Gabriel Jesus is coming so we will have of course three strikers who can sense a goal.”

This won’t help matters.

We had doubts already but Pep’s approach and teamsheet for Burnley’s visit to the Etihad, just day’s after losing ground following the defeat to Liverpool, has perhaps compounded matters.

Following two acts of ill-discipline, we’re not sure if we can trust Aguero. We’re also not sure if Pep can be trusted to get him on the pitch in the first place.

Aguero had the final say with another reminder of his brilliance. We know the quality he brings but are we willing to risk the hefty fee to buy into the circus that comes with it?

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

  1. mr messi
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Is Gabriel likely to keep starting?

    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Would imagine Mustafi will come in soon, possibly even tomorrow

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Not once Mustafi up to full fitness

  2. Big Red Dog
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Does anyone know if Rose or Davies plays in the FA cup for Spurs? Wondering if I should do Clyne to Rose now? or should I get Baines even though he has City up next?

    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I'd imagine Rose will get a rest but no-one knows for sure

  3. sinik
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    GW23 will be a big week for United players, will mark the 3rd time that United have faced Hull in 3 weeks and will be at OT

    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Wonder if it's worth keeping Mkhitaryan....coming off on 64th min today wasn't cool

      1. Arctic monkeys
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Pogba is the one to get from that midfield, that new position suiting him so well.

        1. andy85wsm
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Yup - think I made a mistake there. So sideways though! Might just bring Alli in

          1. sinik
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Yeah I got Pogba simply because, even if I think Mkhi is nailed, Pogba is 'super nailed' AND he's on the ball literally ALLL THE TIME!

            Pogba is on nearly 2,000 touches for the season overall, then:
            2nd - Herrera with 1600
            3rd - Valencia with 1400
            4th - Ibra with 1100

            all others under 1000

      2. joeydordon
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        I wouldnt get rid of any utd player atm but id rather have pogba just for his involvement now!

    2. Espen8
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      3 players to have is Jones, Zlatan and Pogba.

  4. F4L
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    How does this WC team look?

    Grant Jaku

    Alonso Rose Jones Ake Browning

    Sanchez Pogba Alli Lallana Wally

    Ibra Costa Grabban

    enough itb for Lallana to Cout once he is fit

    1. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      is grant staying at stoke?

      if not 100% you'll have no gk

      1. F4L
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        apparently Stoke and Derby have agreed a fee

        1. kennethrhcp
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          sweet, missed that

      2. ILOVEBAPS
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Yes

    2. Espen8
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Had Grabban for a while now, really nice to have. Free´s up a lot of cash.

  5. Winners900
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Will Holebas drop tonight? Or can I wait ?

    87 now

    1. Camp No No
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Won't drop then, imo. Count wildcards in and it's probably nowhere near.

    2. Guru Mediation
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Won't drop tonight if at -87 now

  6. Swanny18
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Does Gueye going off to AFCON damage Everton clean sheet potential?

  7. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Just realized Spurs vs Chelsea is on wednesday so a rise for Alli before the game is a sure thing even if he escapes it tonight.

    So Milner to Alli done, could be 4 points down the drain.

  8. Camp No No
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Wildcards messing up with price change data?

    1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Yep.

      1. Camp No No
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Oh, thanks for confirmation.

    2. Camp No No
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I mean that fplstatistics shows about half a billion players either rising or dropping tonight. And that seems a fair bit more than in a normal GW, enough that I suspect that something is messing their data.

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        It's hard for them to differentiate between normal transfers and wildcards completely

  9. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Must do now or forget about it

    Haz and Anicabe to LaLa and Giroud

    Yea or Nay

    1. Guru Mediation
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldn't rush those 2 through myself. Think watching gru and haz play first is important

    2. Espen8
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      don´t buy Giroud, not a certain starter.

  10. Budweiser
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Can't believe I'm going to have to get Alli now because people can't wait!! Grrr.. He's not even played yet!!

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      guaranteed injury now 😉

      or in the cup

    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      We'd never get him if we waited until he'd played his next game Razz:

      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        😛 🙄

  11. ILOVEBAPS
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Your advice on 4th mid & defenders?
    A) Pogba/Alli, Chambers, McAuley
    B) Phillips, Baines, VVD

    1. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      A with Alli

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      B

    3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      B

    4. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Ok cheers. Pretty even huh.

  12. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    whats the attraction of holgate if he isnt nailed?

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      There isn't one

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        if he rises its an odd one alright

    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      He's 4.0 and gets games. Could even get a run if he switches back to 3 cb's and wingbacks Can also cover at right back as he did when Coileman was injured. He really just a fund raiser, after all who needs five defenders 😉

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        hansen.....?

        but yeh

  13. Espen8
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Eriksen to rise by the Chelsea game? Not that many had took him in so far. I don´t want to buy him and see him injured against Chelsea, happened before.

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Everyone wants Alli this week.

  14. Teahupo'o
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    What's the latest on Alonso?

    Could use a no show for Nyom's 8 points.

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      despearately need alonso to play............. well see who the fpl gods like more 😉

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        whats the latest on muneisa? could use a no show for chambers 8 points 😉

  15. F4L
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Mustafi could be a steal at 5.8mil in coming weeks..

  16. rainy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Schedule over the break, for your GW21 transfer pleasure

    FA Cup - - - - -
    6th Jan
    West Ham vs Man City

    7th Jan
    Man United vs Reading
    Millwall vs Bournemouth
    Bolton vs Crystal Palace
    Everton vs Leicester
    Hull vs Swansea
    Norwich vs Southampton
    Stoke vs Wolverhampton
    Sunderland vs Burnley
    Watford vs Burton Albion
    West Brom vs Derby
    Preston vs Arsenal

    8th Jan
    Chelsea vs Peterborough
    Liverpool vs Plymouth
    Middlesbrough vs Sheffield Wednesday
    Tottenham vs Villa

    League Cup - - -
    10th Jan
    Man United vs Hull

    11th Jan
    Southampton vs Liverpool

    1. Robben Mee Blind
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers. Forgot there be League cup too

  17. Hernanred
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Would any of you do Hazard+Aguero out for Sanchez+ Costa (barring any injuries). I don't have any Arsenal players going in to the Swansea game and it's making me nervous. Rest of Front 8 is Lallana, Eriksen, Phillips, Capoue, Ibra, Anichebe.

    1. Hernanred
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      This is for -4 btw.

      1. Bored Bear
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Probably, need Sanchez next 3 and prob as captain

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I put Aguero in today and already think he's not worth it. So yes, though I'd like both Haz and Costa for Hull. Sanchez is the most "essential" to own IMO.

    3. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      No. I'd do 1 at a time though.

  18. Recoba
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    A) Costa > Aguero
    B) Zaha + Holebas > Alli + Ake/Chambers -4

    1. Arctic monkeys
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      B with Chambers.

      1. Recoba
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers. Love the am

        1. Arctic monkeys
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Haha, same here

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I'm thinking of doing Aguero to Costa lol

      1. Recoba
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        So you wouldn't advise A

        1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          I think there is more value in spreading that cost and I'm tempted by 3-5-2. So it's more personal choice, there isn't a right or wrong.

  19. Knowledgeable meerkat
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Smith > bellerin for a ft?

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Sure! If you have no other issues! Wait until all games played however

  20. Hotdogs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Fplstatistics still has ake and walker at 0%, are they still locked from their unavailability/suspensions?

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Yes until tomorrow I think.

    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Damn you, I was just going bed and now I fancy a hot dog. About seven days locked

  21. _Ninja_
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Hazard / Origi -> Lallana / Kane?

    Heaton
    Baines / Jones / Evans
    Sanchez / Hazard / Eriksen / Phillips
    Ibra / Costa / Origi

    Pickford / Allen / Holebas / Amat

    1. Robben Mee Blind
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Sounds good. For free?

      1. _Ninja_
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Would be -4, still worth it?

        1. Robben Mee Blind
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Not sure mate. Losing Haz always very risky

          1. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            it is risky but one worth taking imo, just too streaky, and much more value elsewhere for the amount he costs, i've got rid, just not worth the outlay.

  22. EDEN THE MAN
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Team A or B?

    A: Heaton-Pick
    Friend-Alonso-Pieters-Ake-Amat
    Haz-Sanchez-Lallana-Philips-DeRoon
    Aguero-Costa-Defoe

    I will have enough to upgrade Lallana to Coutinho.

    B:Heaton-Pick
    Alonso-Baines-Pieters-Ake-Amat
    Sanchez-Pogba-Alli-Lallana-DeRoon
    Aguero-Costa-Rondon

    1. EDEN THE MAN
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Any1?

  23. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Parm runs FPL, confirmed: http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/14792309

    1. rainy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      While you're here, could you do something about Theo's flag ... 😉

  24. Robben Mee Blind
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Firmino, Siggy and Origi -> Lallana, Philips & Lukaku (-4)?
    Would spread the moves out over the cup break. Next fixture for all 3 newcomers is a bit meh but same for the 3 I'd be losing!

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Moves are ok but don't take a hit if you can afford to wait.

    2. JÆKS ⭐
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I'm not so convinced, might be a week too soon

    3. Robben Mee Blind
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers guys. I'd certainly like to wait but price drops might force my hand

  25. JÆKS ⭐
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Would you rather have:

    A) Eriksen
    B) Lukaku

    1. Ibracadabra
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      B

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers!

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      A) better team

  26. FPL Maldini
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Is Walker to Baines a good move next week?

    Someone who is on penalties

  27. Rhinos
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    good write up this article, clearly kun aint justifying his price tag right now but that doesnt mean he's not a good option. Gonna keeo now and cross fingers

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Could be worth keeping, but not in my opinion. 12.8 for a player not even assured of starts with a lunatic Pep just aint worth it imo, Costa and Ibra the much better picks. I'd rather see him perform well before considering to bring him in, rather than bring in and hoping he performs well.

  28. pedro-tacuara
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Firmino + Siggy > Alexis + Phillips for a -4. Yay or nay?

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Yay

  29. Baked baines
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    With Mane going to the ACON and Sturridge limping off does Origi come back in to the equation?

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Depends if Coutinho will be back and if Sturridge will stil be injured by then.

    2. Ibracadabra
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Firmino through the middle at Old Trafford due to his work rate / pressing I think, potentially with Coutinho back as well. That was never a game for Sturridge.

  30. LostFerret
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Everton have some favourable fixtures coming up, anyone got thoughts on Barkley for a punt. Need to replace Zaha as my 5th mid, have some in the bank. Like to play 3-5-2.

    1. Ibracadabra
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Phillips / Lallana / I'd even be tempted to say R. Sterling or R. Snodgrass over Barkley long term.

    2. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      nope. Tempted to get lukaku back though but no pens is a serious turn off

    3. Espen8
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      No No No, how dare you go in the Barkley nightmare? Rather have Mirallas at 6m, plays more and on right corners.

    4. LostFerret
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Fair do's cheers. Thought it would be a punt too far