Opinion

The Knee Jerk – Gameweek 28

Eleven goals from the three matches – a hat-trick from a midfield differential and another double-digit return from Romelu Lukaku – with Liverpool’s attack yet to feature, Gameweek 28 looks destined to punch well above its weight.

Brought in by more than 143,000 ahead of Gameweek 28, second only to Swansea City’s Gylfi Sigurdsson among midfielders, Bournemouth’s Josh King is clearly the headline act so far.

It all started disastrously for King’s legion of new owners, with the Norwegian calmly side-footing his early spot-kick wide to register a -2 deficit.

However, he was to recover spectacularly, notching only the second hat-trick by an FPL midfielder this season, only falling short of matching Alexis Sanchez’ Gameweek 14 tally of 23-points due to his early penalty miss.

Deployed in a central striker role in recent matches, King was again played in the No 10 position behind Benik Afobe but found his route to goal nonetheless.

Incredibly, he has now produced eight goals in his last seven Gameweeks and looks an assured starter and vital source of goals for the Cherries for the remainder of the season.

The fixture list may stiffen, but King’s potential to go on providing points for a price tag of just 5.5 will surely drive an instant boom in ownership.

Already more than 10,000 have made the move ahead of the Gameweek 29 home meeting with Swansea City – only Spurs’ Harry Kane has seen more transfers since today’s 2pm deadline.

The availability such a budget midfield option, potentially playing in a striker’s role, could now raise further doubts on relying on a three-man forward line.

Southampton’s Manolo Gabbiadini will be targeted by many once he returns to action but, arguably, with such value available in midfield, there remains a strong case for the 3-5-2.

Certainly, Lukaku looks destined to remain part of our strike force, regardless of formation. He also played a key role in ensuring that the Gameweek 28 tallies will be higher than perhaps expected.

The top captain pick, with 767,000 trusting the striker with the armband, he once again proved his new reassuring level of consistency, particularly at Goodison Park.

Scoring for the fifth consecutive home outing, Lukaku produced a seventh double-figure return and, regardless of the frenzied clamour for Kane ahead of Gameweek 29, his role in our squads surely cannot be questioned.

With three of the next five at home – against Hull City, Leicester City and Burnley – Lukaku will remain locked in and will likely challenge as a captaincy contender over those matches.

While there was disappointment, with Swansea City’s Fernando Llorente failing to provide for his 378,000 new owners having limped off with a dead leg, it seems likely that Gameweek 28 could yet supply some significant scores – particularly if the Liverpool midfield can sparkle at Anfield on Sunday.

Having been flattened by the paltry returns from Manchester City’s midweek failings, Gameweek 28 has already provided unexpected fireworks with Messrs Mane, Coutinho, and perhaps Firmino, yet to take the stage to follow King’s lead.

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

3,455 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FPL Footy Show Pod
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Awful week - 45(-12) with Mane left to play (Firmino out)

    Swans goal scuppered my Hull double cleanie

    Opted for Lanzini over Antonio

    So this week I'm looking at

    Heaton

    Brunt Alonso Coleman

    Alli Mane Lanzini Siggy

    Kane Kaku Llorente

    Any surgery needed? I need to score 18 points more than my ML rival for second leg of our work Champs league (£200 up for grabs!)

    Will trade advice for compliments (it's all I got!)

    1. boombaba
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      my advise is calm down with them spaces between lines

    2. Les Bleus
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      How much ITB? Team looks good for next GW. Just keep an ear out for any Llorente news.

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      That is not awful - 16 after hits with Coutinho(c) and Firmino is awful.

    4. Legomane
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      🙂
      30(-16) here with Heaton Mané (C)outinho to go...all of my rivals capped Lukaku, own Mané snd are on about 40-45pts...so I'm kinda stuffed this week barring a big score from differential Couts

  2. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-39246810 - World wide web creator Tim Berners-Lee targets fake news

    Is this the end of Dinnery?

    1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      or just Trump?

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Hopefully both.....

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Majority of them fake, will have hard time seperating truth from fake news 😀

    3. Football Weekender
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      What's the deal with Dinnery? Does just collect injury info from pressers and relay it? Or does he claim to be "ITK" or whatever?

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Just a bit of subtle jealousy on here, people seem to resent his self styled twitter popularity

        1. Football Weekender
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah, don't really get that. Think it's quite handy having all the injury information in one place personally.

          1. Hotdogs for Tea
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Yes, a good source all in one place.

            His DGW spread sheet is useful too (just as a handy guide) and easy to find on Twitter.

  3. mcrayeps
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Hazard alli mane siggy (davies)
    Kane Costa Lukaku

    Am i ok to King-less?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yep

  4. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Wenger's final game in charge at Arsenal, North London derby FA Cup Final??

  5. Pat Bonner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone without Kane sticking with aguero? Original plan was to do the move but aguero at home to Liverpool could be a great differential. Can see a lot of goals in that game

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I think it'll be tight or an easy-peasy game for Liverpool

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Sticking with them both

  6. sammy777
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Who should I sell to get Kane in?

    Costa or Lukaku?

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Neither have a front three of C L and K

      1. Evasivo
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I could do Llorente Negredo Mane to Kane Costa King which looks quite tasty

  7. Evasivo
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Which one to lose first for Kane?

    A) Negredo
    B) Llorente

    Looks like both dropping tonight if I'm not mistaken and potentially a Kane rise too

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Nedgredo

  8. ROSSI_7
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    My team 🙂
    Heaton
    Coleman Walker Alonso
    Sigurdsson King Sanchez Alli
    Kane Costa Lukaku

    Grant Carroll Mawson Robertson

    1. ItsJonesy
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Very nice.

    2. Legomane
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I'm about 2m short of those moves 🙁

  9. wowBOBwow
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    When is the FAC draw?

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Monday night

  10. The Head-Ake
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Jak Henessey
    McAuley Coleman Walker Alonso Holgate
    Pedro Siggy Fletcher Cout Mane
    Kaku Costa Llorente 1 FT and 3.8 ITB

    I am in a hige dilemm right now and I wanna get Kane in but don't know which defender to get rid of as others say that I need all of them so I though of losing either Pedro or Siggy but I feel like I need them both and I am anyways gonna do Cout to Eriksen if he messes up today and others talk about DGWs and I have no clue as to what transfers I should make? So what transfers should I do? Need as much help as I can! Thanks.

    1. Evasivo
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Mane to King?

      1. The Head-Ake
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Thing is he scores too

  11. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    WC team? Loading up on those with DGWs

    Pickford - De Gea
    Fernandez - Yoshida - Vertonghen - Luiz - Mustafi
    Tadic - Mata - Eriksen - Sanchez - De Roon
    Costa - Kane - Gabbiadini

    1. Evasivo
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Who has DGWs?

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Southampton, Utd, Arsenal likely to have two

      2. n-doggg
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        All of those

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah but .... too early to ignore single GW players ? ... Coleman, Gylfi, Liverpool mids

    3. wowBOBwow
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Triple soton and Mata is horrific.

  12. FFPro
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Walker is so bloody expensive (6.4)... Vertonghen (5.5) 0 goals 0 assists 3 bonus this season doesn't appeal.

    If Rose was out longer Davies (4.7) would be amazing.

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      When is Rose due back

      1. FFPro
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Full training end of March, back in April.

        Outside chance of gw30

  13. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    I'm doing Anichebe to Kane ans will be downgrading one of my two Liverpool midfielders to do it.. Which one to drop?

    A. Mane
    B. Coutinho

    1. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Who are you downgrading to?

      1. n-doggg
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Sub 5 mil as my 5th mid. Rest of mid will be Sanchez, Alli, xxx, Siggy

        1. Oven Glover
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Similar to mine. I have Coutinho as I can't afford Mane. You should keep Mane imo.

          1. n-doggg
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Cheers. Will see what happened today as well but annoyingly it looks like Kane is rising tonight

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A

  14. Foozeball
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Repost for more thoughts

    Current team:

    Jaku
    Alonso - Walker - Brunt - Coleman
    King - Mane - Sigurdsson
    Costa - Llorente - Lukaku

    Mannone, Snoddy, Robertson, T. Carroll
    1 FT, 7.0 ITB

    Going to transfer Llorente -> Kane
    For a hit:
    A) Snoddy -> Zaha
    B) Brunt -> Valencia
    C) Snoddy or Brunt -> Other
    D) Hold

    1. Evasivo
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      D

      1. The Head-Ake
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        D

  15. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    morning dzzz, Thoughts on the next move(s)...3.9m itb

    Heaton -- Grant
    Valencia Coleman Stones -- Mcauly Robertson
    Mane Barkley Siggy Sterling -- Fletch
    Kun Lloriente Kaku

    A: Sterling + Loriente >> King + Kane (-4)
    B: Sterling + Kun >> Alli + Kane (-4)
    C: something else? just kun >> kane?

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      B

  16. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone hoping Firmino plays today? I know the chance is slim (less than 10%) that he is even named in the squad.

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      His owners will be but it is highly unlikely

    2. Football Weekender
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I really hope he plays some part.

      I've made loads of early transfers this season due to the crazy price changes and this will be the first time I've been burnt by one. Suppose it was inevitable it would happen at some point.

    3. FFPro
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I sold Firmino to King for a -4, vindicated already but for him not to start it would be the icing on the cake.

  17. The Head-Ake
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Siggy or Pedro and why?

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I would like to own both

    2. vardys party
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Siggy as always involved in Swans goals

  18. thep025
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Get in Walker or Valencia?

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Valencia he has Dgw

      1. Oven Glover
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Walker has dgw too

    2. FFPro
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Valencia has 1 extra game to be rescheduled. Likely to be earlier too.

      If they were the same price I'd say Walker, but given the price and extra game I'd go Valencia.

  19. vardys party
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Wild card planned team:
    De gea Pickford
    Vert Prodl Alonso Morgan Yosh
    Sanchez Pedro Coutinho Alli King
    Gabbi Lukaku Kane

    I know defence is weak, but seems to be best I can do to have that front 8. Thoughts?

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Not bad IMO. Prefer Rojo to Morgan though

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Actually Ashley Williams over Morgan. Or Funes Mori

    2. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I think King is too expensive to be a 5th mid in a 343. Maybe downgrade him to Tom Carroll and upgrade a defender?

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Looks decent though:

        De Gea
        Vertonghen Alonso Williams
        Sanchez Pedro Coutinho Alli
        Kane Lukaku Gabbiadini

        Pickford - King - Yoshida - Prodl

  20. The Head-Ake
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Do you Wc before DGW or after?

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I will WC a week before the big DGW then play bench boost for the DGW and field 15 DGWers

      1. Belsunz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        same here.

  21. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    What are the chances of Llorente and Baines starting next GW?

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Both will be ok just picked up dead legs

      1. _Gunner
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I think according to the tweets that Baines has a back problem, but Koeman said that it was precautionary so that is atleast good news

  22. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    How would you improve this team?

    Jaku Valdes
    Walker Alonso Coleman Chambers Evans
    Mane Coutinho Siggy King Fletcher
    Kun Ibra Lukaku

    1 FT 0.1 itb

    I'm thinking Ibra > Kane. Any better moves?

    1. vardys party
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      That's your best this week. Kun to Costa after perhaps

    2. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Ibra needs to go so him to Kane

  23. Carpe Diem
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC?

    Valdes, Pickford
    Alonso, Vertonghen, Mawson, Jones, Yoshida
    Sanchez, Pedro, Sterling, Eriksen, King
    Kane, Defoe, Gabbiadini

    1. vardys party
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure on Jones' minutes and I'd be worried about no lukaku, but you can't have them all

      1. Carpe Diem
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        As a United fan I'd say he's nailed when fit, Mourinho loves him.

        1. Carpe Diem
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          RE: Lukaku, fixtures turn after 29 so happy to avoid, plus think Everton will grow complacent soon since they're nailed on for a 7th place finish with the win yesterday.

    2. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Anything in the bank?

      1. Carpe Diem
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Just a few pennies

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Is it any better than your existing team ?

      1. Carpe Diem
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Certainly, tore my team apart for 27 and 28 and planned a 29 WC. Currently with 2x MCI, 3x LIV (play each other) and 3x WBA (terrible side and terrible fixtures) so surgery is definitely needed.

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          If that is the case then go for it.

          Lots of hiding behind the sofa without a second big hitter forward?

          I am struggling to see your starting 11, so maybe bit of a benching headache and lost points/value each week left on the bench in comparison to real bench fodder

          1. Carpe Diem
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah, with Ibra out, Aguero not the same as before, Costa not a prolific hauler and Lukaku with poor fixtures I don't think I'll need that big a sofa. Since I'm WCing now I'm going for a side that I can bench boost in the later GWs with so avoiding fodder, Gabbiadini/King will rotate as the 7th attacker and defense according to fixtures.

    4. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      You're gonna get sick of Defoe after a couple of blanks and want rid. King will face difficult fixtures at this time too. Sterling out for bench fodder and Defoe to Kaku or Costa. Valencia in for Vertongen and Jones to someone else..

      1. Carpe Diem
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Defoe is tempting at that price point with the pens and Sunderland's annual miracle run plus DGW coming, don't want Lukaku and haven't had Costa all year, don't like the aversion to hauls.

  24. Belsunz
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    the remaining fixtures of Palace are brutal. Still have to play all the top 6 teams... Hull must fancy their chances catching them after yesterday's win.

    1. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Big Sams first relegation imminent

    2. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Boro have a very tough run in as well. Can see a Defoe inspired Sunderland escape coming!

  25. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Some of the stories in the BBC gossip column do make me laugh

    West Ham want to sell Andy Carroll and buy Daniel Sturridge - sell one striker who is injured all the time for another striker who is injured all the time. Who makes this sheeeet up

    1. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      It's the West Ham way (sadly).

  26. Pep says
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Just reading some of Mauricio's comments on Rose and Davies. He's very happy with Davies and he how he has already tried to improve even though he knows he's in Rose's shadow. Rose has a knee injury.
    I think Davies could retain the spot for the spot for the Burnley game with Danny Rose making a late cameo if he's ready. Don't think he'll risk him straight away. Davies may even have 3 starts in him (4 if I'm very optimistic).
    Anyone else think Davies is worth a shot?

    1. zeepeee
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Me

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Nope, if Rose is fit then he is nailed on to start. Davies will always be his bisch

      1. Pep says
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Ya but he won't rush him back for the sake of Burnley. It's not worth the risk. I'd be happy to get 2 games outta him. Rose has already been delayed a month, I'm wouldn't be surprised if it's mid late April before he returns?

    3. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Interesting but too short term

  27. aleksios
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Siggy--Eriksen--Droon--xx--xx
    Costa--Lukaku-xx

    a) Mane--King--Kane
    b) Coutinho/Alli--Sanchez--Gabbiadini

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      B with Alli

  28. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Today is the day that Hebknut will be finally dethroned

    1. zeepeee
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Unlikely, he still has mane(c)

    2. The Head-Ake
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Not really. He has Mane capltain and Cout to play and guy below him doesn't have anyone left to play so don't think so.

  29. Legomane
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Past caring on taking hits..just want a solid team again! Kane in is essential. Sanchez is highly desirable, as is Brunt out after 2,1,1...

    Heaton Pickford
    Alonso Coleman Brunt Pieters Smith
    Eriksen Coutinho Mané Sigurdsson Carroll
    Aguero Lukaku Llorente

    A. (-8)
    Aguero Mane Brunt >
    Kane Sanchez Walker

    B. (-8)
    Aguero Coutinho Brunt >
    Kane Sanchez 5.0
    (4.6 allows Llorente > Gabbiadini next week, 4.4 to be on safe side)

    C. (-4)
    Aguero Mane/Eriksen >
    Kane Sanchez

    D. WC
    Heaton, Brunt, Smith, Llorente etc > out

    Thoughts very much appreciated 🙂

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A for me

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Fellow Coutinho(c). Make or break this week on the Liverpool game - unfortunately think it will be break with my luck.

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A - would give a very solid starting 11, but Valencia instead of Walker may be a bit more balanced ?

      1. Legomane
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Thinking walker now, then switch Coleman > Valencia at Everton fixture turn ahead of DGWs

    4. Legomane
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers guys, much appreciated

  30. The Head-Ake
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Repost no2

    Jak Henessey
    McAuley Coleman Walker Alonso Holgate
    Pedro Siggy Fletcher Cout Mane
    Kaku Costa Llorente 1 FT and 3.8 ITB

    I am in a huge dilemma right now and I wanna get Kane in but don't know which defender to get rid of as others say that I need all of them so I though of losing either Pedro or Siggy but I feel like I need them both and I am anyways gonna do Cout to Eriksen if he messes up today and others talk about DGWs and I have no clue as to what transfers I should make? So what transfers should I do? Need as much help as I can! Thanks.

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Costa, Llorente, Coutinho and McAuley to Kane, Alli, Gabbiadini and Yoshida IMO

      1. The Head-Ake
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        When is DGW?

    2. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      You will have to chose one of Coleman or Walker to make way to accommodate Kane not a easy decision by no means