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.

4,746 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. FPL Mentor
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      D

    2. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      E. Stick with Salah; lose JWP

    3. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Ward Prowse to Loftus Cheek.

    4. AdemolaLookman
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B

    5. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B or D

  2. Tomas Brolin ate all Depays
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

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

    1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

  3. trimmtrabb
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    What's better?

    A) Mkhi, Firmino

    B) Ramsey, Jesus

    1. StalkingDwarf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. Reedy
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. AdemolaLookman
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

    4. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

  4. Dynamic Duos
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Mykhitaryan, Pogba and Luka is overkill?

    1. AdemolaLookman
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

    2. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yes... you need some of that defense

    3. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

  5. Creedey
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Salah -> Mkhi kneejerky??

    1. StalkingDwarf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I would say so.

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yes it is

      1. Creedey
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        salah has worse games

    3. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

    4. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

  6. Ëð
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Ramsey, Willian > Jese/Watford Brazilian

      1. Ëð
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I like this, thank you!

    2. StalkingDwarf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Danilo -> 4.5
      Willian -> Pogba

      That's what I would do.

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

      1. Ëð
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Great, thanks!

    4. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Danilo > swansea/watford def

      1. Ëð
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers!

  7. Still Unsure
    9 years, 1 month ago

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

    1. bojack
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Even at 8.3 he's infinitely affordable 🙂

      1. Still Unsure
        9 years, 1 month ago

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

      2. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month 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
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Carry on. Long week ahead though 🙂

    2. Ghost Gooner
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

  8. Gorbitz
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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…
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

  9. MattSmitty
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

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

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      The former

  10. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A then

    2. Loonie1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

  11. cult
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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

  12. Jairzinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

      1. F4L
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        lulz

  13. Toast
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      The hell is Honeymonster?

    2. StalkingDwarf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      C

    3. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      C

  14. F4L
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

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

  15. ZakyJ
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Too knee jerk?

      1. ZakyJ
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

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

    2. Ibracadabra
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 1 month 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
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Sorry, first one has jay Rodriguez in it not jesus

    3. Loonie1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

  16. johnnybeefcake
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

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

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

      1. johnnybeefcake
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Who do you have in attack?

        1. F4L
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Lukaku and Firmino. I like my front 7

    2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I have them 3 currently

  17. F4L
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Oh Pogba you're so fine, so fine.

  18. Ibracadabra
    • 17 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 1 month 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
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month 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
          • 17 Years
          9 years, 1 month 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
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month 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
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month 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
          • 17 Years
          9 years, 1 month 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
      9 years, 1 month ago

      WC

  19. johnnybeefcake
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on

    Foster

    Jones Bertrand Davies

    should I change any of my backline?

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      nah

  20. buttigieg93
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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.

  21. Gabbiadini
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

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

    1. Loonie1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month 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.

  22. Rainer
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    I'm getting on the Richarlison wagon!

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      choo choo...

  23. F4L
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Jenas talks sense. Good gezza

  24. PvA
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Herrera AND Matic frees pogba

      1. PvA
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month 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
          9 years, 1 month ago

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

  25. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    A) Jones Pogba Mooy

    B) Trippier Ramsey Ritchie

    1. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      *A is with a -4

  26. bojack
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Gomes is like a loveable clown.

  27. Business Cat
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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

  28. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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...

  29. Dynamic Duos
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Pogba or Mykhitarian?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month 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
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Mikhi

  30. Tomas Brolin ate all Depays
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A from your choices but tough