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. Roys Peak
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    have 1.6 itb
    Gross-->????
    cheers

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

      Give him another chance?

  2. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    A) Jones Pogba Mooy (-4)

    B) Trippier Ramsey Ritchie

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

      A

    2. Scratch
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      B with Jese

  3. Fantasy Football Friend!
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Wow, I never knew Richarlison has a deal with Nike. Gonna have to get him in I think.

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

      Just do it

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

        Lol

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

        Hahhah, after a really depressing day you actually managed to put a smile on my face

  4. Tmel
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Have 2FT and need to sacrifice one of the following to afford Pogba. Who to downgrade? 

    a) KDB 
    b) Salah
    c) Kane
    d) Jesus
    e) Hold back until Monday's games but miss out on the price rise

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

      All of these players cost at least 1m more than Pogba, why the rush then ?

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

        TV comes in handy later in the season.

        1. InVinceible
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          If Pogba is a must, then drop Salah

  5. Zoostation
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Disappointed with today, really hoping to get to 60points for the week.

    Obvious problems are JWP and lack of Man U midfielder. Common sense is telling me to hold tight though and carry 2FT into the international break.

    Any responses would be greatly welcome!

    Foster (Elliott)

    Bailly, Kolasanic, Stephens (Mee, Long)

    KDB, Salah, Ramsey, JWP (Carroll)

    Kane, Lukaku, Mounie

    1. Ghost Gooner
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Salah out

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

        I don't know.

        He was obviously rested because of CL. No reason to think he can't rebound next week back in the points.

        But I get where you are coming from, Man U midfielders need to be had!

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Kola > 5.5 def
      KDB > Silva
      JWP > Pogba

      -4

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

        Would be a -8. Only have 1FT.

        Not going down that road.

        1. Yankee Toffee
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Then yr stuck with Mounie and JWP which are both crap...

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

            Mounie will make you eat those words 🙂

            1. Yankee Toffee
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Maybe against Newcastle tomorrow, but he's still a striker from a promoted club, so you get what you pay for...

  6. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    A Ritchie to Pogba....or
    B KDB/Abrahams to Miki/Chicarito -4 or
    C KDB to Miki

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

      A

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

      A

    3. Sydney Saints
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Just move Ritchie to pogba .

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

    How does Kane generally perform with Son on the pitch - anyone have any numbers?

    I'd love to know if he pulls potential out of the forward line or Spurs' midfield.

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

      I feel like he adds potential to both Kane and Alli/Eriksen.

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

      Last season he helped Eriksen...but took goals out of Alli (primarily) and Kane.

      Alli plays number 10 normally, but drops deeper with Son on the pitch

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

    Frank de Boer really likes frowning

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      The low hanging brow.

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

      Has plenty to frown about in fairness.

  9. Rambo Motin
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Xhaka going up in price tonight?

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

      http://www.fplstatistics.co.uk

      ...nope

  10. Pomp and Circumstance
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    should I do Gabbi --> Javier Hernandez? already have Tadic and Bertrand from Southampton

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

      I am. This early in the season no point losing value and Austin will clearly get mins

  11. teddy.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Price risers and fallers tonight?

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

      Yep. There'll be some

    2. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Cheers!

  12. Mongreloid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    KDB & Willian to Mané & Pogba for a 4 point hit... Worth it or wait and see what tomorrow brings? Hate taking hits and hate early transfers, but with a price rise tonight for Pogba it's now or never... HELP!

    1. InVinceible
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Wait to see what happens Sun/Mon. Mikiis the ManU MID to be had anyway.

    2. The Hobbit
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Oh, so its never Pogba if he rise 0.1? I think you need to chill mate. 🙂

      Been there last year getting Kane before he played, then had to transfer him out for -4 because of injury. Dont rush, players get injured all the time! Maybe someone in your squad breaks his leg tomorrow and you will forget Pogba in light of a bigger matter.

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

        For that particular transfer it probably is a now or never (as a turn of phrase rather than absolutely literal). If he goes up tonight I can't afford the switch and I'm wondering if it's better points in the mid-long term to have Pogba and Mane or KDB and Willian. Anyone on here at midnight on a Saturday needs to chill - so you're probably right in that front!

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

    I don't think Mane's an option tbh. Ridiculous scenario, but the lack of bappage is fatal...

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Like Alli, crap baps but a deadly guy

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

        Indeed, indeed. 9.5 and non captaincies atm

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

    No one tempted by Jesé OOP ???

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

      Not yet no.

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

      Where did he play?

    3. Mongreloid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Hughes did! I just can't bring myself to own a stoke attacker... feels nasty

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

      He is a winger. Choupo-Moting started as a striker (OOP) until Berahino came on for injured Shaqiri. Also, no - Stoke unlikely to score a lot of goals.

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

      Could be a useful swap for me if Ritchie doesn't work out

    6. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Wait til fixtures clean up.

      tbh Richarlson looked better from WAT

  15. ZakyJ
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Ok so my team:

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

    Option 1: Kola & 4.5m mid > Hegazi & Pogba -4 0.4 ITB

    Option 2 WC to :
    Foster / Elliot
    Hezagi / trippier / Jones /Cedric / Mbembe
    Pogba / Ramsey / Willian / Jese / 4.5m
    Kane /Kaku /Jesus
    0.5ITB

    Option 3: your suggestion

    1. ZakyJ
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Also which 4.5m mid should I keep

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

      1 and keep TC.

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

    Mad to do Lukaku to Kane as my transfer this week, have 1m itb?

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

      What's the basis of the decision?

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

      I don't think it's the worst idea, with Pogba & Mkhy emerging as viable alternatives. I mean, you'd have to spend more on Eriksen/Alli and I don't think they'd do as good a job of covering the Spurs striker either.

  17. L9
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    zaha replacements ?
    a) richarlison (not very easy fixtures but cheap)
    b) antonio (easier fixtures but more expensive)
    c) philips(easy fixtures but west beom doesnt score a lot)
    0.5 itb trying to catch the price fall of zaha

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

      Ramsey

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

    Which one:

    A. Kola ➡️ P Jones & Willian ➡️ Pogba
    B. KDB ➡️ Pogba
    C. Danilo ➡️ Lowe & Willian ➡️ Pogba
    D. JWP ➡️ RLC & Willian ➡️ Pogba

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

      C easy

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

      Ward Prowse to Loftus Cheek.

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

      A

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

      I'm thinking D

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

    1FT + 1.5M in the bank. What should I do?

    Foster (Elliot)
    Walker Davies Bertrand Yoshida (4.0M)
    KDB Pogba Phillips (Atsu, Carroll)
    Lukaku Kane Rodriquez

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

      Safe move is one of saints defenders to jones.
      Or just roll the FT

  20. maditass
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    This is my current team:

    Forster - Elliott
    Bertrand - monreal - Davies - long - hunemeier
    Mane - Zaha - milivojevic - mkhitaryan - Carroll
    Firmino - Kane - Lukaku

    I need some advice on what to do with my team. I still have zaha and got 2 FT's to use. Currently im thinking about getting Chamberlain for him. And to get bailly for monreal. But I'm not sure if Chamberlain will be nailed, but in order to get bailly I gotta downgrade someone......
    I could get chicharito for firmino and get someone like mahrez even though they have hard fixtures, but then I won't get bailly.......
    And I feel like I need to do my transfer today as it's inevitable that zaha will go down and it's just luck that he ain't already dropped. And I don't want to push my luck any further tbh

    Short version:
    Zaha + monreal to Chamberlain + bailly
    Firmino + Zaha to chicharito + mahrez
    Can also just do forster + monreal to foster + bailly and bench zaha while using Carroll instead untill GW4 when I switch zaha for someone else. Gotta remove milivojevic sometime too......

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

      may be you'll need eriksen next week

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

        Kane out and eriksen in? 😉

    2. Ghost Gooner
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I stopped reading at 'getting Ox'

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

        Ox has been one of few good arsenal players these 2 games which is why I consider him instead of xhaka and it's mostly to have arsenal cover while making the bailly transfer possible

        1. Ghost Gooner
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Ox doesnt do anything fpl wise.

  21. nkhoughton
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    What to do have 2fts

    Foster
    Daniels Stephens Alonso
    Pogba Salah Willian RLC KDB
    Kane Jesus

    Eliot Rangel Mcburnie TAA

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

      may be next week de bruyne to eriksen

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

      Daniels to Jones and carry ft until the rest of the games are finished.

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        This

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

    Looking at how I can free up funds and Walkers 6.5m price tag is staring at me. He better produce this gw 😆

  23. Totti
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    what to do with that team
    2 FT

    foster elliot
    danilo daniels stephens löwe mee
    kdb willian ritchie ince jwp
    kane lukaku firmino

    suggestions would be highly appreciated

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Get a couple of 4.5 mids in !

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

        and then?

        1. Legomané
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I guess a tempter must be Willian and Ritchie or ince to Mkh\Pog and 4.5, leaving some cash ITB

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

    Those of you obsessed with your elite premium players are gonna get burned out heavily. Realise they aren't essential and actually hamper your side.

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

      Like the ones in your grav?

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

      Sure link your team and we'll copy yours....

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

    How is this for a WC team?

    Foster
    Dawson Bailly Yoshi
    Pogba Eriksen Son Tadic
    Jesus Luka Firmino

    Elliot Chalobah Zanka Long

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

    Dunno if I've made a good choices but I'm all set for next week:

    Foster
    Kolasinac/Stephens/Lowe
    KDB/Pogba/Miki/RLC
    Kane(c)/Kaku/Firmino

    Elliot/Carroll/Suttner/Lowe

  27. Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Jones or Yoshida?

    (have Bertrand)

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

      The boy Jones

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

      Jones

  28. Salah
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    How much did everyone get?.I got 38 points.

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

      No, you got 1pt and I'm thinking of selling you 🙁

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

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

    Pardew criticising Lukaku's movement...

    Frustrated to have Lukaku as the only Utd asset (Bailly's haul rubs salt in the wound), but anyone who watched Utd and Lukaku last season and pre season would not have been impressed on the eye test front....

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

      Obviously things have changed now, just trying to comfort...

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

        What's your take on the Pogba vs Mkhi debate?

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

          Don't have too much insight tbh, but I prefer Mkhi personally. Haven't got either yet atm...

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

      3 goals in 2 games, could have been more. Is the only answer really

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

        True. I wasn't going for him even with the ownership, but I was advised well on here that he'd get points even via his shin and backside.

    3. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Pardew is an imposter.

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

        He blimming loves himself.

        Regarding Lukaku, points are points and stats are stats but he's not a neat, silky player that's for sure.

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

    Is hegazi nailed?
    Best western brom Def overall (PVA out for me I think if he looks like falling at any point)

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

      Looks like Foster is the only nailed on. When McAuley is back he could replace Hegz or Dawson could displace Nyom. I think Nyom is fairly sorted though.