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. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on the following

    Alderweireld to Hegazi
    Zaha to Pogba

    If Danilo becomes a doubt after city presser

    Danilo to Trippier (-4)

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Danilo probably won't play next week

    2. More Tragic
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      sound

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

      Would hold onto TOT assets til at least after next week with BUR

  2. BlzE_94
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Is Mane, Eriksen, Alli, Pogba and Mkhitaryan the dream midfield?

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

      For now maybe.

    2. The Royal Robin
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah but you're not going to get Lukaku / Kane with that.

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

      Too many double ups

    4. SADIO SANÉ
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Sanchez Hazard Coutinho Son Martial

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

    Looks good to me!

  4. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    I want rid of 8-9 of my players.
    Fook

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

      WC?

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Tempted.
        Awful week. Too many doubts

  5. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Who's rising in value tonight?

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

        Is this reliable though? An app says Firmino is too 😐

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

          It's been reliable all last week.

          Impressive considering the lack of data so far this season.

        2. walkman666
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          It's the best we got. Do you think any one person has some other formula or powers that supercede these sites? And, this one seems to be the most reliable. It's the one we all use to guesstimate price changes.

      2. walkman666
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Lol. Better to teach to a man to fish....

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

    Foster | Elliot
    Kolasinac | Danilo | Cedric | Stephens | Daniels
    KDB | Willian | Carroll | RLC | Chalobah
    Kane | Lukaku | Jesus

    Daniels > Bertrand and KDB > Alli
    -Will I be able to do it or will Daniels drop 0.1 before I can assess all games!?

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Danilo may not play GW3 as Mendy will probably be fit

  7. 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

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

      On bench ofc Long not second Lowe

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

        Hahaha 😀

    2. The Royal Robin
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Fancy Kola to start? Him coming off after an hour worries me.

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

        Imo he should rather play maybe even more advanced role

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

        And I can always play WC and sort more things if necessary 😉

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

    Wildcarding now is actually genius.

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

      Explain why please

    2. The Royal Robin
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Is it though?

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

      Yip. Completely change your team based on two gameweeks of form. Genius. Troll.

      1. BLANKET DEFENCE
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Hon Mayo.

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

          Are you heading in later?

          1. BLANKET DEFENCE
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            I'll be there alright. Tough game ahead. We could do it though

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

              We will do it if Rochford gets the tactics right. Never mind us having to worry about Kerry forwards. We need to give them something to think about.

              1. BLANKET DEFENCE
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Ya he needs to get the sub right too. The ones that can have the most impact he too often leaves on the bench.

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

                  He has to start Andy. I hear some asking him to be brought in later. Wouldn't be surprised to see Big Barry on Donaghy. Maybe the Doc or Diarmuid O'Connor on bench.

    4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      why? i am worried about wc too early

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

      You're a great additon to the site.

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

      Got any grapes?

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

      Wait.

  9. jg7u
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Salah was rested after playing midweek CL game. Do you think it will happen again next Weekend If he plays midweek? Pondering If Salah to Pogba is too knee-jerky.

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

      Dont, keep Salah and find another way to Pogs

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

    Is Jones nailed or is Lindelof likely to come in?

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

      Jones not nailed

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

      Best to avoid both until it's more clear. Have you Saints or West Brom defenders?

  11. Dirty Harry
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Salah >

    1. Pogba
    2. Mhki

    Salah rotation, two tough fixtures and Liverpool aren't looking all the best going forward yet.

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

      Moved him for Pogba for those reasons you listed.

      1. Dirty Harry
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah I'm also a Liverpool fan and its not all that convincing yet to be honest. Salah getting benched was a major blow. I think we would have benefited with him starting to be honest. But Man Utd look unstoppable at the moment.

  12. PvA
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Just saw Burnley x WBA highlights... WBA got so lucky with a clean sheet

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

      I take it 🙂

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

      And a goal....from open play

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

      Just bad finishing by Burnley.

      Stoke have some decent players feel they'll test Albion next week.

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

    Wildcarding and stacking Utd, Spurs, City and Southampton.

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

      Then 1 bad game for each, or Liverpool arsenal putting on a show then it's back to the drawing board

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

        Well I will have Firmino to and would be able to downgrade Son to Ramsey or trade Jesus, I would have options

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

          Just seems a bit stupid being honest. So many factors could change.
          Sanchez stays etc, Chelsea beat spurs. Not to mention international break.
          Hell if laca was given his goal I'm sure there would be a Jesus to laca bandwagon right noe

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

            Laca was my (C) and this has made me fuming that he blanked

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

      Stacked UTD and Spuds myself

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

    How's this lot looking?
    DDG
    Bailly Bertrand Dawson Alonso
    Willian Richarlison Kdb salah
    Lukaku gabba

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

      Decent, but no Pogba

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

    Mkhi set to rise tonight?

    FFFix says yes but fplstats says no, at the minute.

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

      62% on fplstatistics...so no chance.

      Pogba's sucked all his traffic away...his price ain't going anywhere.

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

        Hope so, gonna leave it tonight anyway. Thanks!

  16. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Pick one to play next week:

    A) Suttner (Watford away)
    B) Carroll (Palace away)
    C) Chalobah (Brighton home)

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

      C

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

      B or C

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

      C

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

        Chalobah did look decent vs Bournemouth!

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

          I thought about picking him over RLC, went with RLC after all however from these I would definitely pick C

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

          Except for when Arter tricked him into leaving the ball, shoulda smashed it home...

  17. The Legend Squad
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Need to get rid of Danilo, not sure he's assured a start for much longer.

    Going to go for a 4.5m defender so I can get Pogba in for Willian.

    Which 4.5m defender would you go for?

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

      Went for Lowe last week

      1. The Legend Squad
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        What was the reason? Attacking potential? Do Hud look solid at the back?

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

          Ppl here saying he could be on some corners or pens, Hud did not lose first game and have some nice fixtures

  18. hannibalos
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Wildcard activated! I know it might be too early but it just felt right to me to do it now.

    According to RMT in members area I will be stripped of 43 points in the course of the next 6 gws because of that but I have reason to doubt that. Went for players with best value.

    For example instead of Valencia I went for Blind. Valencia does not deserve the 1M more when we compare the two and their position on the field.

    Instead of De Bruyne and Lacazzette I went for Jesus and Ramsey. They just offer better value overall.

    I hope I will be true and not the RMT. Let's see

  19. The Son Haz got Atsu on
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    I reckon Pogba is fools gold but we will see. Bandwagon in full flow

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

      ...right on through the hills for 15 days...

    2. The Royal Robin
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      He's had a good start, is in with a good chance of a double price rise. What's not to like?

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

        The first 70min of that match...the near red-card

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

          When Fellaini is on, he's much better.

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

            Martial too

        2. walkman666
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I'd focus more on the team scoring eight goals in two matches and his involvement in some of those goals. He's also cheap, and early on, a definite price gainer.

    3. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      It's not like he's some journeyman player ....he is pretty good at this sport.

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

        He's raw at the minute. In a year or two, he will probably be world class

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

      I just honestly don't know any more...

    5. KGFC
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Prefer Mkhi to Pogba

  20. Nailed Jesus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Britos or Mee? Is Britos nailed when Cathcart & Kaboul are fit?

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

      Think so, WAT looked pretty good actually

  21. DAZZ
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Taken a hit to bring Pogba in, all aboard!

    1. Dirty Harry
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Choo choo

  22. PvA
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    JRod's stats up there if not better with Chicha and Gabbi's... if you have him - you should really hold on

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      thinking of benching him next week as punishment

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

      Cool, thanks. I have him + 1.5M in the bank. Trying to be patient.

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

        Stoke at home is a good chance for him to score points

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

    Anyone from the Ince gang here?

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

      Paul was on earlier but he had to go to bed

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      All 5 went to sleep.

    3. Dirty Harry
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      In draft yes :/

    4. PvA
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Hahaha 2 comments and both about sleep... what have I missed?

  24. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Firmino...

    A) Keep
    B) Sell

    1. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I'm keeping for now.

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

      A

    3. Dirty Harry
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Who would you be selling for?

      Two big games coming up

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

        Maybe Chicharito?

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

          Away to West Brom and home to Spurs next. Tough enough ties.

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

            He's got Newcastle and Huddersfield next? 😐

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

              Apologies. I should have sussed that fixtures are remaining fixtures. I skipped 2 GWs. If he can reach form of old he can trouble WBA away and Spurs too.

        2. Dirty Harry
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Keep

    4. Red20
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I'm keeping for now.. more pressing issues.

  25. Aladdin Sané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Best non-Newcastle 4.5 defender?

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

      Look at WAT, BUR or BHA...

  26. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Don't know whether to ditch the double Saints defence...

    A/ Ake > Jones
    B/ Ake > Trippier, Forster > Foster

    Forster, Elliot
    Ake, Bertrand, Löwe, TAA, Long

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

    zaha to richarlison or antonio?

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

      Lanzini should be back next GW. Id gamble on him.

  28. stachman
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Best mid for 6.5?

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

      Richarlson or Tadic

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

    Players I'm 100% happy to keep in my team:

    Elliot, Carroll, Lukaku.

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

      This.

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

        I have 7 I'd love to sell right now.

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

      So 2 bench fodder and the hottest striker atm...

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

        Yep.

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

      GW1 team went well then...

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

        I've only ever had one good start. Best season ever I WCed after GW1.

  30. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    if wimmer goes w brom whose place does he take?

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

      Have to assume that is a plan for Evans leaving, so Evans.

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

      Johnny Evans if he goes to City

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

      Evans to man city? Saints still a factor?