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. FPL Mentor
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    A. Salah & JWP 》 Pogba & Phillips
    B. Salah & JWP 》 Pogba & Tadic
    C. Salah & JWP 》 Mkhi & Phillips
    D. Stick with Salah and JWP

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

      D

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

      E. Stick with Salah; lose JWP

    3. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Ward Prowse to Loftus Cheek.

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

      B

    5. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      B or D

  2. Tomas Brolin ate all Depays
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    A kola Tadic to jones pog
    B JWP Tadic to RLC pog

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

      B

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      A

  3. trimmtrabb
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    What's better?

    A) Mkhi, Firmino

    B) Ramsey, Jesus

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

      A

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

      A

    3. AdemolaLookman
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      A

    4. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      A

  4. Dynamic Duos
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Mykhitaryan, Pogba and Luka is overkill?

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

      I have all 3... They have my flying so .... 😛

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

      Yes... you need some of that defense

    3. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Feels like it but seems to be working so far for anyone that gambled on it

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

    Salah -> Mkhi kneejerky??

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

      I would say so.

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

      Yes it is

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

        salah has worse games

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

      Yes... keep Salah and find another way to get Mkhy or Pogba

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

      No. It doesn't have to be for all season. Just ride the form of the form team for a while..

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

    How best to get Pogba into this squad? Don't want to miss out on all the expected price rises.

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

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

      Ramsey, Willian > Jese/Watford Brazilian

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

        I like this, thank you!

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

      Danilo -> 4.5
      Willian -> Pogba

      That's what I would do.

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

      Downgrade Danilo as likely to be benched week 3. Fosu- Mensah?

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

        Great, thanks!

    4. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Danilo > swansea/watford def

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

        Cheers!

  7. Still Unsure
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I am loving the amount of panic on here about Pogba tonight

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

        Even at 8.3 he's infinitely affordable 🙂

        1. Still Unsure
            8 years, 8 months ago

            Yup. But I won't stop the masses using their FT on a Saturday evening.

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

            True but having a hot in form Mid on great fixtures while he is due a double rise is a perfect storm

            1. Still Unsure
                8 years, 8 months ago

                Carry on. Long week ahead though 🙂

          • Ghost Gooner
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 8 months ago

            Would have understood if City Che Spu had already played but since they havent I am puzzled

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

          Sorry, bottomed. WC???

          Forster
          Danilo Valencia Hegazi
          Mooy Fraser Iwobi KDB Salah
          Kane Lukaku
          (Elliot / Mitrovic / Moreno / Mbemba)

          At least 3 non-starters, 2 more soon questionable (Danilo/Hegazi?)

          Advise much appreciated!

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

            Not sure.. wait to see how the next two days go ...

        3. MattSmitty
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          JWP + DDG --> Pogba + Foster
          or
          JWP + Bailly --> Pogba + 4.5/5.0 DEF

          1. Stats Don\'t Lie
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 8 months ago

            The former

        4. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Daniels >

          A)hegazi
          B)jones
          C)dawson
          D)fernandez

          Currently leaning towards A as enables dann > trippier

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

            A then

          2. Loonie1
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 8 months ago

            Wondering the same thing. Probably won't go WBA, as I have Foster, but looking at Fernandez.

        5. cult
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Foster
          Yoshida, Ake, Zanka
          KDB, Salah, Mkhi, Willian,
          Lukaku, Jesus, Firmino

          A. KDB/Salah > Pogba ------- will prob end up essential and I can catch prise rise
          B. KDB > Eriksen ------- Have no spurs cover
          C. Ake > Jones ------- obvious

        6. Jairzinho
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          What’s everyone’s favourite Harry Maguire tackle?

          Mine was a couple years ago, Hull were in the Championship, was around Christmas time. Anyone know of it?

          1. Fantasy Football Friend!
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 8 months ago

            I don't think you'll find many disagreeing. That one is the obvious choice.

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

              lulz

        7. Toast
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Foster
          Kola, Danilo, Stephens
          KDB, Willian, Ramsey, JWP
          Kane, Lukaku, Firmino

          Elliot, Carroll, Fraiser, Honeymonster

          0.0 itb

          A. Kola ➡️ P Jones & Willian ➡️ Pogba
          B. KDB ➡️ Pogba
          C. Danilo ➡️ Lowe & Ramsey ➡️ Pogba
          D. Kane ➡️ Augero & Willian ➡️ Pogba

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

            The hell is Honeymonster?

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

            C

          3. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 8 months ago

            C

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

          "If you threw him a stick, Vardy would chase it". Vardbark

        9. ZakyJ
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          I know it's probably Knee jerk but my team:

          Foster / Elliot
          Cedric / Kola / Francis / Mee / Hummemm
          KDB / Salah / Willian / Carrol / RLC
          Kane / Lukaku / Jesus
          2.5 ITB

          Could WC to :
          Foster / Elliot
          Hezagi / trippier / Jones /Cedric / Mbembe
          Pogba / Ramsey / Willian / Jese / 4.5m
          Kane /Kaku / Jesus

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

            Too knee jerk?

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

              Too weak in Midfield? I'd have 0.5 ITB after

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

            Don't WC yet if your front 3 wil stay the same and you can still monitor Willian tomorrow and KDB Monday in my opinion. The back line isn't great but nothing 1-2 transfers can't fix. You could easily do a -4 to bring in a desired midfielder + defender combo.

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

              Sorry, first one has jay Rodriguez in it not jesus

          3. Loonie1
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 8 months ago

            Not worth the WC, no. Try again without using WC.

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

          For those on your wildcard. Do we believe the template midfield is forming of Pogba - Mane - Eriksen

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

            Ive got Pogba Mkhi Eriksen Salah Mane; make of that what you will

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

              Who do you have in attack?

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

                Lukaku and Firmino. I like my front 7

          2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 8 months ago

            I have them 3 currently

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

          Oh Pogba you're so fine, so fine.

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

          Sorry for re-post - posted when site was down a few mins ago - would you WC this team or take a wait and see approach with MCity assets and fix with a -4 or -8?

          Considering Wildcard but KDB, Jesus have Bournemouth next week...

          Would you WC this team (Y/N)?

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

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

            If I do WC, I'd make 6-8 changes or so. If I don't I will keep faith with the likes of Firmino, KDB, Jesus, etc. most likely and take care of issues like Danilo and Iwobi.

            Worth mentioning I have 2.5M in bank as was saving it for Jesus to Kane but could use elsewhere as well.

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

              With 2.5 itb, you wouldn't need to wildcard. Upgrade Iwobi, then play Atsu and KDB until you sort out your defence.

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

                Thanks - I think I will do that with a -4 to upgrade Iwobi to a ManU midfielder and downgrade Danilo.

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

            I would be tempted to WC. A lot of people need changing with money that isn't there.

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

              But I think you shouldn't. It would take a while but you could field some of those players while you switch others out. KDB and Atsu aren't too huge of issues and you're defence only need a few transfers.

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

                Thx for the reply. I am tempted to wait to see how Atsu and KDB / Jesus perform. If they deliver returns, it could take pressure off and I could fix the fringe players with a -4 or so.

          3. Ghost Gooner
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 8 months ago

            WC

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

          Thoughts on

          Foster

          Jones Bertrand Davies

          should I change any of my backline?

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

            nah

        14. buttigieg93
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Any thoughts on improving my squad? Was thinking Daniels>Jones.
          Only have 1 FT. Cheers

          Foster,Elliot
          Bertrand,Stones,Daniels,Suttner,Long
          KDB,Mkhitaryan,Willian,Carroll,RLC
          Lukaku,Kane,Firmino.

        15. Gabbiadini
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Will Daniels drop in price b4 the end of the round...!?

          1. Loonie1
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 8 months ago

            Probably. Cost 5, has three points after meeting WBA and Watford, and now going to Man City and Arsenal. Not a lot of reasons to keep him.

        16. Rainer
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          I'm getting on the Richarlison wagon!

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

            choo choo...

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

          Jenas talks sense. Good gezza

        18. PvA
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          People who make fun of "Matic freeing Pogba" don't really understand football

          Take what they say with a grain of salt

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

            Herrera AND Matic frees pogba

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

              That's just common sense though. If United play 2 deep lying mids - of course Pogba will go up more as a #10

              But, the point is that Matic and Pogba in the pivot allows for Pogba to get more freedom

              #10 is where he is most lethal - but he won't play there all the time due to Mkhi

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

                could play there if Maureen deems Herrera is a better pick than Mata

        19. CelticBhoy1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          A) Jones Pogba Mooy

          B) Trippier Ramsey Ritchie

          1. CelticBhoy1
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 8 months ago

            *A is with a -4

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

          Gomes is like a loveable clown.

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

          Yes!

          fplstatistics has downgraded Eriksen from 100.4 to 100.0 of target for price rise in the last two hours.

          Looks like all the Pogba traffic is holding his price down for another night.

          #thriftycat

        22. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Team atm
          Heaton Elliott
          Daniels Walker Bert Jones Lowe
          KDB William Ritchie Carroll mooy
          Kane Kaku Abrahams

          A Have the exact cash for Ritchie to Pogba....or
          B KDB out for Pogba and upgrade elsewhere...

        23. Dynamic Duos
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Pogba or Mykhitarian?

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

            50:50 really but Pogba just my choice as think will get more playing time and score goals but Mkhit will get assists

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

            Mikhi

        24. Tomas Brolin ate all Depays
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Foster Elliot
          Kola Dawson Stephens mee dummet
          Kdb William Tadic JWP Caroll
          Firm Kane luk

          A kola Tadic to jones pog
          B JWP Tadic to RLC pog

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

            A from your choices but tough