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. Dave1966
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Charlie Daniels to Phil Jones yes or no?

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

      Yep

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

      No brainer.

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

      aye

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

      yep

    5. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Later on yes

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

    So Pogba's definitely going to be rising tonight? Niceeeeeee.

    TV: £97.8
    ITB: £2.5

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

    Just seen Nyom's got 3 bonus

    https://goo.gl/images/q8YZ9h

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

      haha..

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

    Any reason to stick with Bertrand? Anything that separates him from Yosh or Cedric?

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

      How many times have you asked this question lol? He's on some corner duties

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

        Couple, tbh 😉 Never really got the answer. Thank you very much 🙂

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

      He's probably the premium pick out of them but Cedric well capable and Yoshie surprisingly popping up in the box the last two games.. If the .5 gets you a better player elsewhere in your team it could be worth it.

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

    Will Hegazi be first choice when McA returns? What about this Wimmer lad from Spurs?

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

      Wimmer to take JEvans spot if he goes.

      With regards to McA, no one knows but imho Pulis wouldn't want to change a winning team, they are top of the league with Man U ffs

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

      McA pushing on in the years too.. struggled to make it past the 60min mark towards end of last season if I remember correctly.

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

    If ever theres a time to take a 4 point hit to bring a form player in, its early on

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

      anytime*

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

        Ive dumped willian for pogboom on a 4 point hit, ill reclaim them 4 from pogba over the next 4-6 weeks id say, needed to rid of willian anyway with haz back in training

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

      Early season is the time to build TV, yep. More players making the prices change quicker before the masses stop playing in a few weeks time.

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

    How has bertrand looked in the first 2 games for southampton, is he worth his price tag ?

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

      I'd say yes, he'll come around. Got a CS and 2 BAPS GW1

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

    Where to spend £2.5m?

    DDG
    Stephens Dawson Kola
    Willian Chalobah Pogba Tadic
    Lukaku Firmino Kane

    (Elliot Suttner Carroll Lowe)

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

      You'll want Alonso after he scores.

    2. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      How many transfers?

    3. The EJJ
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Willian -> Eriksen

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

      Yes need some Spuds midfield

  9. Aubaaaaa
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Which 2 West Brom defenders are most nailed on to start when both Mcauley and Evans are back?

    A. Hegazi
    B. Dawson
    C. Nyom
    D. Mcauley
    E. Evans

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

      I would have to think since Evans is captain it's him + Dawson, nyom full back

    2. william prunier
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A&e

  10. aleksios
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Would you do:
    a)Kolasinac to Hegazi and Ramsey to Pogba fir a hit.
    b) JWP to LCheek and Ramsey to Pogba for a hit.
    Thanks.

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

      b. As I would hold onto Kolasinac.

    2. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Personally neither due to the hit. Ramsey looked dangerous today, and they are facing Liverpool and Bournemouth defences next, who aren't known for shutting up shop like Stoke did today.

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

        Thanks man

  11. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Any chance Martial getting into that team 2 * 10 minutes giving 2 goals and 1 assist. Ripping teams apart with that pace at end of games.

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

      After the other team collapses. Sure there's a chance, but I don't think that's the reason. It'll be decided on the training pitch more than anything else.

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

      I think there's a chance he usurps Rashford

    3. Pongo
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      The way mourinho acted straight after martial scored tells me he's going to start instead of rashford now

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

      Thanks all. Yeah Rashford looks the one to make way if any. Was searching for value turns out same as Pog and Mhki. Maybe that should tell me something ...
      Also Martial has some decent stats last season unlike the other 2 🙂

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

    That miss from Mee 🙁

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

    Could be completely duff this suggestion, but it could be worth biting your knuckles and accepting a shocking overall rank and several red arrows with damage on the money front to allow more information to dictate a better WC further down the line.

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

      Could just take some hits instead with a much better rank and team value.

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

        Yeah, but even they can often backfire early on.

        Anyhow, what will be, will be... you're probably right

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

          For example would hate to WC this week and keep Elliot only for NEWC to buy a starting GK on deadling day. Not a huge deal but one that could bite down the line if the starting GK gets injured... small pieces of info like this added up together make a difference..

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

      Agree with this generally -each situation is different but transfer window closing, a few early injuries, and nailed starting XIs form around weeks 4-6 so it's getting close..

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

    1) zaha + Alonso ----> eriksen + Davies
    2)zaha ----> Richarlison
    3) zaha + bailly----> Davies + pogba
    4)alonso----> Davies
    Feedback would be appreciated.

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

      Hold on Alonso 3 probably

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

      thinking of zaha->richarlison

  15. The EJJ
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Foster, Elliot
    Bertrand, Daniels, Dann, Mee, Long
    KDB, Salah, Ramsey, Ritchie, Carroll
    Lukaku, Kane, Gabbi

    Bit of a dilemma over the United mids. Could get Pogba/Mkhi for Ramsey and downgrade Ritchie but only got Ramsey this week and thought he looked good. any thoughts?

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

      Very similar brought in Ramsey for Zaha last week and now a -4 to get utd mid - don't know if it's worth it.
      Team value could hurt if I don't. Undecided.

      1. The EJJ
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I think I might wait until after all the games and if need be do Ritchie -> RLC which gives me funds to do Ramsey to Pogba. No value in cheap midfielders yet so rotating the 4.5m might not be a bad option

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

      Ritchie to Pogba would be ideal

      but that means KDB to Silva, or ???

      Need some Spurs midfield too

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

    Would you change this attack?

    Pogba Salah Willian RLC KDB
    Kane Jesus

    Iffy on salah

    1. The EJJ
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Keep for another week/ monitor KDB's performance

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

      No if anything might have Eriksen / Alli over KDB but all good.

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

        When you own Kaku it's hard to let go but I rather your setup.

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

          I feel the same about Kane, it was who do I fear not owning more Kane or kaku I said Kane and went with it

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

            Yeah was always my plan to drop Kaku.

            Even now might drop Kaku this week
            Got to check when Haz is due back.

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

    Chalobah left it go cause Arter called it 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
    And his miss just after maybe there is a reason he is 3rd on my bench

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

      Poor sportsmanship from Arter. It seemed to have pissed Chabolah off as well because next minute he was powering though on goal 😆

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

        Yeah it's not sporting but can we really say it's not funny. If it happened in a 5 aside I would be pissed - don't expect to see it in FPL - that's what makes it funny for me I think.

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

    I'm one step ahead of most here. I've realised Kane isn't actually worth the 12.5 price tag.

    1. The EJJ
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      he hasn't even played yet ya melt

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

        Excuse me?

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

        "ya melt"
        😆 😆

    2. BRFC1883
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Based on what? His 29 goals last season?

    3. Vlad Tepes
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Man its been 1 GW lol, did you even play last year?

    4. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Of course you are. Bless you.

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

      Absolute and utter shite.

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

      I hate having the guy who won golden boot fast few seasons after blanking week 1

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

    People Just Do Nothing 😆 😆 😆

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

      Intervention! 😆

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

      Too late...HMS Pogba's already hurtling down the slipway

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

      Always knew you hated Nike

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

    my tv is taking a massive hit, too much knee jerking going on

  21. Vlad Tepes
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Is it worth bringing in Davies or will he be benched beacuse of Rose? Would like to know, he will prolly rice tonight so.

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

      Think Rose's knee will keep him out a few more weeks, not sure.

    2. Vlad Tepes
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Hm okey maybe I'll wait then until Trippier is back. Thinking of doubling up on Spurs defense instead of bringing Erikssen in(I have Kane).

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

    Suttner's stats are pretty bad

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

      Nearly gave a way a goal from nothing too.

  23. BellyKlopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    best 4.5 def?

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

      BUR, BHA and WAT are teams to look into. Mee, Britos, Suttner for example...

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

    My La(C)a has annoyed me after Luka only got 6

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

      To lazy to find the last post, laca was pure bad luck would have been 9 had the ref got it right. While I went Jesus who was unlucky last week when laca scored

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

    What to do here ? Want Eriksen. 2ft 0itb

    Heaton, Elliot
    Walker, Bertrand, Daniels, Dann, Moreno
    Mane, Salah, Mkhi, Ritchie, Carroll
    Lukaku, Aguero, Quaner

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

      Walker to a 5.0 (Jones, etc) and Salah to Erik

      Or straight swap for Mane,

      2 Pool mids too much going into the next few weeks imo

    2. Vlad Tepes
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Aguero -> Jesus
      Salah -> Eriksen

      ?

      Or just Mane -> Erikssen

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

        the first one still leaves him .5 short

    3. @fpl_phenom
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Moreno out to cheapy
      Salah to Eriksen

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

        Moreno only 4.5 mate

        1. @fpl_phenom
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Am I adding this up wrong Moreno to fodder , Salah to Eriksen

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

      What do ye think of:

      Heaton-> Foster
      Daniels-> Jones
      Salah-> Eriksen

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

        Works, but will cost you -4.

        Could go Salah to Son and take a gamble...

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

          I like this.

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

          If I knew he would play I'd do it be he has quite a few international games coming up I believe.

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

            Did not know that. Thanks. Will put me off too. Damn.

  26. _Greg
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Is there a negative stigma attached to wildcarding early? I've had my best seasons wildcarding in gwk2, back when there was only one all season! If you feel it's right, don't hold back!

    The points you get in the next couple of weeks before the mass majority (of the scout community) Wildcard in the international break, could be anything between 50-100 points extra.

    I may as well mention I've just pushed the button, just one too many concerns have arose!

  27. @fpl_phenom
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    What will people do if Danillo plays 90mins?

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

      Mendy is back in training so even if he does I doubt he starts against Bournemouth in GW3.

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

      I would still drop - he makes them more defensive minded, unlike Mendy, who is like Walker - box to box. From the BHA game, he had a tough time going forward and was passing back quite a bit.

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

      He won't.

    4. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Probably have a cup of tea and go to bed soon after.

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

        Ha! Didn't see your comment until after I posted mine. 😆

        Birds of a feather..... 😉

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

      Most likely take another sip of my peppermint tea.

      What will you do?

  28. Miami Monkey
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Ugh feeling annoyed as I have 2 FT, 0 itb, and nothing I can really do that makes sense

    Foster / Elliot
    Jones / Cedric / Stephens / Suttner / Rosenior
    Alli / Salah / Mkhi / Willian / 4.5
    Kane / Jesus / Gabbi

    The main target is Lukaku, but I really can't see a good way of getting him in besides for Kane. Jesus --> Lukaku and Willian --> 6.0 would have been decent, but Lukaku has already risen.

    Any ideas? Wish you could stack free transfers to 3...

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

      Cedric or Stephens to a 4.5 lets you do it but its another hit.

      You are a bit stuck as your midfield is good but your can't squeeze any money out of def.

      I'd keep Kane btw

      You could downgrade Gabbi and play 442 sometimes.

  29. Geezer
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Will Trippier start against Burnley?

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

      it's looking likely

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Is he back in full training or what's your source on that? Or are you looking directly at him now?

    2. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      maybe after intl break.

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

    Jrod has been utterly disappointing. Should I drop to Chicharito or wait it out a few more weeks?

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

      I think you know what to do

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

        Drop? 🙂

        1. @fpl_phenom
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Absolutely, to anyone...

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

      I'm likely waiting.

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

      Drop him!