Opinion
19 August 2017 4746 comments
Mark Mark
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So far, it all seems pretty simple.

Manchester United are walking through teams and all we have to do as Fantasy managers is back them and count the points.

Romelu Lukaku – while wholly unconvincing throughout against Swansea City – again managed to earn his 53.5% of FPL managers points, with 67% of those owners backing him with the captaincy.

For all the naysaying that took place during today’s display, the fact remains that the Belgian is now three goals ahead of both Harry Kane and Gabriel Jesus – perhaps his most likely rivals for a spot in our forward lines.

Should they dare to blank in Sunday and Monday’s matches then further sales of both will follow, with Lukaku hoovering up yet more owners.

But the day truly belonged to Paul Pogba.

A 15-point haul in South Wales saw him reach new heights to follow his eight points gained in the opening weekend victory over West Ham.

A lot has been said and written on the presence of Nemanja Matic and how this has unleashed Pogba’s attacking talents. However, when we look closer, there is perhaps another individual key to Pogba’s recent boom.

In truth, Jose Mourinho’s side seemed to huff and puff through most of today’s victory, and Pogba cut a frustrated figure at times – indeed, he walked a disciplinary tightrope in the first half.

But late on, the introduction of both Marouane Fellaini and Anthony Martial seemed to galvanise matters. On their arrival, United simply eased through the gears and tore the Swans asunder, with Pogba the main benefactor.

United have now scored eight goals over two matches, with six of those strikes arriving after the 75-minute mark with Fellaini on the pitch.

When he arrives, Pogba appears unshackled to run at tired legs and spread devastation. Notably, his only points earned without Fellaini on the pitch so far has been his assist for Bailly’s opener today.

So while it’s difficult to question the thousands of FPL managers that are now flocking to Pogba, we still need to consider that, to this point, the influence of Matic has perhaps not been as significant as billed.

It’s only when Mourinho reinforces his midfield further that Pogba has proved unstoppable.

Meanwhile, Mkhitaryan quietly gained another two assists without taking control of the game or matching Pogba’s impact.

He is undoubtedly the creator to Pogba’s destroyer. The question is, are we forced to choose between them and if so, is it as straightforward as opting for the Frenchman?

Having just taken a points hit to acquire Mkhitaryan, he’s going nowhere. And with Phil Jones available for just 5.0 in a defence that’s already kept two shut-outs, this Fantasy manager can’t currently find a place for Pogba.

That’s a worry. Potentially, Pogba is transformed and, match after match, he could prove untameable for opposing defences.

But the Fellaini factor is interesting and we perhaps still need to show some caution. Leicester City in Gameweek 3 will likely provide a sterner test which may yet slow the United and Pogba juggernaut.

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

  1. Deulofail
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    One last time today. There's an important piece of information that could change people's minds!

    A) Lacazette + Ramsey
    B) Lacazette + Jese/Richarlison +1.0
    C) Chicharito + KDB + 0.5

    That piece of information is that I don't own Lukaku, so the 1.0m in B could be used to do Laca/Jesus > Lukaku next week (or for a hit this week).

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      What is your move ?

      1. Deulofail
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        A) Iwobi + KDB > Ramsey + Mkhi
        B) Iwobi + KDB > Jese/Richarlison + Mkhi + 1.0
        C) Iwobi + Laca > Mkhi + Chicharito + 0.5

        1. Deulofail
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          I'm really leaning towards A, but the consenseus (of about 5 people) is C, but I'm thinking people would say B if they knew about Lukaku haha

          1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 8 months ago

            Don't like B... the most knee jerky
            A is best imo
            I didn't see Little Pea... did he look great..??
            Last week I felt KDB would be the assister of the assister a lot this year... but only one week sample

  2. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    What to do with this lot?

    Thinking KDB > Eriksen, Ake > Trippier

    Forster, Elliot
    Ake, Bertrand, Löwe, TAA, Long
    KDB, Mkhi, Salah, Carroll, Cork
    Jesus, Kane, Firmino

    1. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Thems are probably my moves this week

    2. Marc OverMata
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Get a stronger 4th mid unless you plan on playing 3-3-3
      Wait till Monday to are decision on KDB

      1. Marc OverMata
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Make*

  3. FDMS All Starz
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Ok this is my mid:

    KdB - Salah - Mane - Atsu - Caroll

    How do I fit POGBA in? KDb to POGBA? I've got 2FTs so I can get Jesus if I want after Mondays game

  4. Dutchboy
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    A) Kolasinac (liv) > Trippier (BUR)
    Dawson (STK) > Hegazi (STK)
    Zaha > Pogba (-4 hit)

    B) Willian (EVE) > Richarlison/Jese
    Zaha > Pogba

    Other options to downgrade: Gabbiadini, Cedric.

    1. Johnny Leghorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      A. But a lot of knee jerky moves there.

  5. tissae
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Salah + Daniels + Foster ----> Pogba + DeGea + Hegazi

    Yay or nope??

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Just do Daniels > Jones

      1. seanysheep
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Why jones?

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

    Atsu or ritchie?
    Help is appreciated

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      watch tomorrows game

      1. kennethrhcp
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        This

    2. Marc OverMata
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Ritchie for me. Set plays are crucial to News survival I think

  7. Marc OverMata
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    A) give JRod 1 more week?
    B) get Chicharito before bandwagon with exact funds now?

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

      Not a fan of j rod so B

    2. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I am thinking about this exact same move as well. Have 1.5M in the bank after Salah -> Pogba.

  8. F4L
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Martial is so better than Rashford. Come on Maureen, give us that option

    1. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Wouldn't say so much better... 2 quality players thi. Glad he didn't leave

    2. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      He looked so dangerous when he came on just like the last game

    3. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Martial is a great player but keep in mind he scored both his goals late when the other team was gambling to make a comeback and left a lot of holes in their defense. If Rash came on late instead the scoring may have been reversed.

  9. Lone Wolf
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    best 5.5 def

    1. Marc OverMata
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Bertie

    2. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Costs 5.4

  10. kennethrhcp
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Lads I'm a little confused at what to do... had thought I'd lose mane this week with 2 tough fixtures... but with arsenal looking a bit fragile should I keep him? I've 2fts but can use elsewhere

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      keep; they'll score against City and Arsenal easily

    2. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I rate Mane against anyone. I'd keep

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVc0zzhd0I4

      1. Business Cat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Mane was head and shoulders above everyone else in that game today

        1. Johnny Leghorn
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Except even with the only goal of the game didnt get a bonus point! Grrr!

    3. Viper
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Liverpool rip it up vs the top teams.

      Plus, Arsenal..

    4. SC not pearls before swine
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I'm holding on. He was the first guy into my team preseason and I don't really see any reason to sell, other than his inability to get bonus points.

      1. kennethrhcp
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        The BP no show is weird

    5. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers lads!!!

  11. Scotty B
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    If no injuries, should this be my team for next GW or any changes I should consider?

    De Gea
    Dawson Kompany Bertrand
    Willian Mkhitaryan RLC Eriksen
    Jesus Lukaku Firmino

    Elliot Kolasanic Carroll Long

    1. Johnny Leghorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Great team!

  12. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    De Gea
    Monreal - Danilo - Davies - Cedric
    Alli - Eriksen - Willian
    Lukaku - Jesus - Firmino

    2FT

    Willian & Firmino --> Pogba & Chicharito?

  13. how now brown cow
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Maguire in for pencilled in for GW7,

    1. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I was thinking of going Fuchs but maguire def an option

  14. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    What are people doing?

    A) Get Hegazi
    B) Wait for Trippier

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Not doing either.

    2. bojack
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Neither. I'm watching MoTD in bed.

    3. F4L
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      B

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        B

  15. bojack
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Pogba and Mkhi are pretty hard to ignore at 8.0/8.1 aren't they.

    I'm still giving KDB Monday and probably Bournemouth, though 🙂

  16. Viper
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    It's just a result of a massive fail of a gwk I'm sure but this is actually tempting me for a -8

    KDB, PVA & Willian - > Pogba, Jones & Eriksen

    1. Meme2011
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      thinking of taking a -8 too

      kola, JWP, Firmino

      Jones, Pogba, Hernandez

    2. Ibracadabra
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I'm tempted to wildcard, but always thought GW3/4 I may if some of my early punts (Alexander Arnold, Iwobi, Danilo and Jesus) didn't pan out. I also had to sell Zaha this week due to injury.

      I scored 81 points in GW1 and have 29 this week with Jesus, KDB, Danilo, Eriksen and Atsu to go. Will likely WC this team and remove the 6 players with asterisks definitely and then MAYBE even Jesus or Firmino as well:

      Foster - Elliot
      Alexander Arnold* - Danilo* - Stephens - Jones - Long*
      KDB* - Eriksen - Iwobi* - Atsu* - Carroll
      Jesus - Lukaku - Firmino

  17. Dušan Citizen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    I am pretty confident that I don't know how to play this game anymore.

    2 captain fails and no Utd attacking cover so that gave me rank of 2m 243k.

    Did Willian and Firmino to Pogba and Chicha now for -4. If I have another bad gw, I am not sure what to do anymore.

    DDG (Elliot)
    PVA Stephens Hegazi (Mee Daniels)
    KDB Pogba Ramsey Phillips (Carroll)
    Kane (C) Jesus Chicharito

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Unlucky.

    2. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Kane Jesus KDB to go this week. Could look a lot more positive on Mon night.

      1. Dušan Citizen
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Still it will be red arrow.

      2. Ibracadabra
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Eriksen Danilo KDB Jesus and Atsu to go here but still wildcarding as none of my 2-3 week "preseason punts" (Iwobi, Alexander Arnold, Danilo, etc.) have worked out. Even if Jesus and KDB deliver, I will consider it a nice parting gift as at 20m+ combined they don't seem the value at the moment..

        1. Dušan Citizen
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          I guess 2 more week is the max I can wait to use WC.

    3. Sir Edo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Great team and points will come, specially tomorrow and Monday. Had to start working from 3,5 milion so you are not alone, moj brat!

      1. Dušan Citizen
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        But when it will come? :/ I don't need it when it's too late. And with this rank, I am afraid even top 500k will be impossible.

        1. Johnny Leghorn
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Relax! If you were running a 5000m you have only just finished the first lap! Anything other than maybe top 5k is still very possible!
          It's a good team, 2 goals from Jesus, a goal from Kane, assist from KDB and all is well. Don't panic buy. Reassess after 5 weeks with the odd tranfer for hot and cold players. Big hit's will only put you further behind.
          I think you do need to rearrange your def.
          You have too much money on the bench every week and have no premium defenders.
          Daniels or PVA to a 4.0m gives you the chance of a good upgrade. Mee to Bailly etc.
          2 seasons ago I was 2.5m after 2 weeks. I finished 38k.
          Stand by your preseason decisions for a little longer.
          Good luck!

  18. Ëð
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Foster, Elliot
    Danilo, Cedric, Daniels, Simpson, Mariappa
    KDB, Salah, Ramsey, Willian, Carroll
    Kane, Lukaku, Rodriguez

    A) Wildcard
    B) Salah -> Pogba, Rodriguez -> Hernandez
    C) something else?

    1. Ibracadabra
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Salah will start against Arsenal, he was just rested due to Champions League.

      1. Ëð
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Is anything worth a change? I'm quite concerned about lack of man united cover in midfield and Rodriguez not performing up front.

        1. Ibracadabra
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          I would monitor Willian tomorrow to see how CHE perform. Then check to see if Danilo plays and how KDB performs.

          I wouldn't wildcard just to squeeze in one ManU on form midfielder and Hernandez who scored two nice poacher tap-in goals but won't bag a brace every week.

      2. jg7u
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        They have another CL game midweek, do you think that affects Salah?

    2. Johnny Leghorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      KDB to Silva and Ramsey to Pogba? Don't lose Salah on one blip.

  19. F4L
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    David Silva âž¡ Pogba. Gimme that ££££

  20. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Pogba Miki Kaku - too much in 1 team ?

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      ive got them 3, and Firmino Mane Salah; triple ups FTW!

      1. Atimis
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Hohoho, nice ride 😀

        1. F4L
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          choo choo, i'll enjoy it while it lasts 🙂

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Not for Jose.

      1. Atimis
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        I like this one!

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Not the last 2 GWs.

      1. Atimis
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Maybe I will try, hoping it will last 2 weeks more

  21. Totalfootball
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Mkhi or pogba ?
    Just got mkhi in..

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Pogba

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Mkhi for me

  22. johnnybeefcake
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    How will Man Utd line up defeisvely next week?

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      The same.

    2. Marc OverMata
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Bau

  23. johnnybeefcake
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    im wildcarding this week. is this the ideal team?

    Foster
    Bertand Jones Davies
    Mane Eriksen Pogba Atsu
    Kane Lukaku Chica

    1. Ibracadabra
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Solid team. Not sure about Atsu as a 4th mid. Could also all change if Jesus or KDB run riot (doubtful) against Everton.

    2. Johnny Leghorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      No City is an error in my opinion.

  24. the vanisher
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Looking for Arnie ans Lejeune replacements;

    A. Jese - Trippier
    B. Richarlison - Trippier
    C. 7m - FosuMensah
    D. Other

    Thanks

    1. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      b for me

  25. Lone Wolf
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Bavies or Trippier

    1. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Trippier.

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Both should be great, Trip's assists maybe edge it but Bavies has a goal in him, so close

      1. Lone Wolf
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        need to get now. Tripp pick risky?

  26. 9I6
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Scoring very low this week mostly due to no United coverage.

    Is it too much of a kneejerk to do
    KDB -> Pogba
    Firmino -> Lukaku
    Azpi -> Trippier

    Would ideally just do the first two but I can't afford it by 0.1m.

    1. Tactical Nuke
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Triple jerking is quite a thing.

      1. 9I6
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        I'm on 13 point, starting to panic a bit this week...

        1. Tactical Nuke
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          KDB may score well this week.

  27. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Did anybody else put a team in Roadcc fantasy Vuelta?

  28. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    A Chicharito or
    B Firmino

  29. F4L
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Pogba seems a confidence player. High on confidence, he'll get points. Remember, Leicester are poor at set pieces, and he scored from a set piece against them last season.

    1. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Never mind just Pogba. Football is a confidence game and right now United will fancy they can thump anybody.

  30. Tactical Nuke
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Are we convinced tripper will be back GW3?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Almost