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. johnnybeefcake
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Im already on wildcard due to a poor first two weeks.
    I feel i have built a very template team. And advice?

    Foster

    Bertrand Jones Davies

    Mane Eriksen Pogba Atsu

    Kane Lukaku Chica

    1. tristanabc
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      subs?

    2. In FPHell
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Nice first XI, subs all fodder I take it?

  2. Bambi
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    watch MOTD, fraser doesn't look too bad. had two all-most assists

    1. GinjaWhinja
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Not good enough to warrant a spot and terrible fixtures to come. Better options right now.

  3. Lord of Ings
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    RMT:-
    ddg
    Bailly Bertrand Dawson
    Richarlison Willian salah Kdb
    Lukaku gabba Mounie

  4. Blanka
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Give your head a wobble.

    KDB to Pogba will lose you points.

    1. johnnybeefcake
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      the 2.0 price difference is too tempting

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Not if you make the most of the spare 2m.

      1. Blanka
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Still gonna be tight. KDB has been immense, Pogba not so much. Bandwagon.

        1. Pigeon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          So 2 goals and 2 assists is not as immense as KDB who is virtually in the same position as Pogba?

          1. Blanka
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Talking about previous seasons. Only seen KDB one game, but points are in his locker, set pieces 20+ assists etc. Would take a HUGE season from Pogba to come even close to KDB past seasons.

            1. Pigeon
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Problem with him last season was that his assists were very spread out over the season, he would get 2 a game which is very good in real life but when you need consistent points, I think he's 0.5 overpriced imo, I will keep him for Bournemouth however

              1. Blanka
                • 11 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Tbh, I keep convincing myself in and out of Pogba, but gonna hold fire for a bit I think and see what KDB does lol.

                1. Pigeon
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  8 years, 7 months ago

                  I've WC'd so I'm getting Pogba for the price rise but I might take him out again Monday, so many midfield options have come along now its a headwreck, even Hazard is coming back lol

        2. WDT
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          KDB has not been immense.

  5. tristanabc
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Have been very disappointed in my team so far.
    Depending on how tomorrow goes and perhaps Monday too, I'm thinking: KDB, Rodriguez -> Eriksen, Chicarito
    Thoughts?

    Foster Elliot
    Valencia Cedric Kola PVA Mee
    KDB Alli Tadic Atsu Carroll
    Lukaku Jesus Rodriguez

    (0.5 in bank)

    1. tristanabc
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      That would be for a -4 hit

    2. StalkingDwarf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I think I would downgrade Valencia to Jones to free up funds, and upgrade Tadic to an United mid.

      1. tristanabc
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        thanks - slightly concerned about missing out on spurs returns next week - and also Rodriguez being a bit of a bum

  6. F4L
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Francis that was disgraceful

  7. Ser Davos
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Absolutely trolled by Pulis defensive assets these last two years.

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

    1FT + 1.5M in the bank. Rodriquez to Chicarito? Or wait. I could also upgrade Atsu for 6.5M?

  9. F4L
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Nathan Chalobah and RLC; two great prospects

    1. StalkingDwarf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Tammy also looked decent against United. With better service and if he can focus on scoring rather than creating, he could be quite the striker.

      1. GinjaWhinja
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        KTBFFH

    2. Ser Davos
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yes, indeed. Jese and Richarlison perhaps opening up the cheap mid bracket at last. Otherwise, I'd say those two combined with a 4-3-3 would be pretty optimal.

  10. manu4life99
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Danilo >

    A) Hegazi (rotation risk?)
    B) Davies (Rose returning?)
    C) Other £5.5m def suggestion

    Thanks

    1. Bambi
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      trippier

    2. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yoshida, Cedric, Nyom

    3. Moves like Dejagah
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Trippier

    4. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Jones and save.5m

  11. 9I6
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Trying to figure out the best way of getting some UTD in here:

    Foster, Myhill
    Azpi, Kola, TAA, Fosu-Mensah, Dummet
    KDB, Salah, Alli, Carroll, RLC
    Kane, Firmino, Mounie

    Am I best trying to bring in Lukaku or Pogba or fix my defense a bit with someone like Trippier or Jones?

  12. thorvaldsson
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Bad game week so far under the average score but I made myself a promise not to panic and see the game week through and allow all the info to come in.

    1. Moves like Dejagah
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yep, don't do anything rash.

  13. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Rose is due back right? Davies at risk?

  14. Moves like Dejagah
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    So I'm relying on Aaron Mooy and Marcos Alonso to save my gameweek. You've gotta love fantasy football.

  15. Banana Shaqiri - HMD, PUP
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Still no Lukaku for me, have Mkhi. Is it worth doubling or even tripling up with Utd until their fixtures turn?

    1. StalkingDwarf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I've trippled up on United. I think they'll have a classic second Mourinho season and will do very well. Their midfield are filled with bargains too.

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Doubling is a good risk to take, tripling up is too much imo

        1. StalkingDwarf
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I disagree with that. It's no different then picking from other teams. However, if United do very well, then I think it's better to have 3 players from a team that you know will do well, than picking a less proven player from a different team.

          Trippling up on Spurs attack for example proved to be a very good (and quite affordable) choice last season.

  16. bojack
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Ironically, given his old tweets, Andre Gray looked homoerotic in that vest.

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      tats galore

    2. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      50 shades of Gray?

      1. bojack
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Yes please.

  17. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Hegazi likely to double rise?

  18. The Tinkerman
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    So, which has better reasoning?

    A) WC next week - Deal with int. break injuries if any occur, more transfer info, but I'll need at least one hit this week, probably 2, and likely to lose 0.4m ish on the team I want next week.

    B) WC now - far better for team value, avoid the hits this week, but less info on transfers and a risk of int. break injuries causing a hit for GW4.

    I only have 1 player I want for sure long term, and 6 or 7 I want rid of imminently. Likely to lose minimum ~0.3m in drops and ~0.5m in rises if I do nothing.

    1. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Neither

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Wondering the same thing. May plan as if I'm not WCing but then WC depending on the rest of this gws games

  19. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Dann + Daniels >

    A)Dawson + Jones
    B)Trippier + Hegazi

    1. The Tinkerman
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      B

      1. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Hegazi nailed you reckon?

        1. The Tinkerman
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          For now, I'm assuming you'd WC in a few weeks. Too hard to predict now with Evans/McAuley situations

  20. Dynamic Duos
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    So tempted to WC this .

    Pogba Eriksen Son Tadic
    Jesus Firmino Luka

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Why? That's a decent draft team.

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        No WC to this

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      No need, good attack that

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Sorry I ment to get this

  21. the snazzy viking
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Chalolbah after watching MOTD

  22. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Mmmm...I really don't recall ever seeing the second place team that high...

    Attacking teams for the GW so far by collective ICT Threat... http://members.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/my-stats-tables/view/3846/

  23. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Edging towards Mkhitaryan just... give me reasonings why I should go Pogba. Will really appreciate it!

    1. Samwise the Brave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Nailed on

    2. Hooky
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      He's taller

  24. Gabbiadini
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

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

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Likely

  25. Lord of Ings
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Pull the trigger on zaha + alonso to eriksen and Davies for a -4?

  26. bojack
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Match of the Day commentary excerpt: "Hart fisting away"

    1. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Was that why Winston Reid was stretchered off in the warm-up?

      1. Reedy
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        No, that was when he got his head and shoulders in

      2. bojack
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        May well have been 🙂

  27. Salahbrate
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Nice to see Jones nailed.

  28. JackBetherz
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Pick two players that add up to a total of £12.5m or under from this list:
    A) Ramsey 7.0m
    B) Jese 6.0m
    C) Richarlison 5.5m (watford brazil winger)
    D) Mooy 5.5m
    E) Wijnaldum 7.0m
    F) Brady 5.5m
    G) Lanzini 7.0m (if recovers from injury)
    Thanks in advance
    And reasons why if possible

    1. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Richarlison is 6m. None of those are gonna get you many points.

      1. JackBetherz
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        That's a good spot, I won't get him as I don't think he's worth 6m... What players would you recommend that are 7.0m or under and not on this list then?

    2. Samwise the Brave
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      AB
      Or
      BG

      Jese should be the focal point with Arnie gone
      Lanzini should be solid with those fixtures and Chico up top
      Rambo I believe played well (didn't see it) and the formation suits him + arsenal create plenty of chances

      On the others
      Don't trust Watford
      Mooy you are completely reliant on assists from set plays
      I like Brady but brunley not really an attacking force

      1. JackBetherz
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Thankyou! Yeah not a fan of Mooy either. Problem is I can't afford Lanzini/Rambo and Jese else they'd both be straight in my team!!

  29. champ20ns
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    So tempted to do Miki to Pogba

    1. Totalfootball
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Why ?
      Mkhi also gave a 10 pointer

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

      That's dumb. Sorry.

  30. Tomas Brolin ate all Depays
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    How come JWP only paid 25 mins ?

    1. Moves like Dejagah
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Lemina started.

    2. Loonie1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      He was never nailed. People forgot about Lemina, Davis, Boufal.