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. Deulofail
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    1) What effect do you think the return of Andy Carroll with have on Chicharito?

    2) Is it fair to say that there is next to no chance that Chicharito is on pens?

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

      Hot topic! hahaha

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

      1. Little to none.
      2. Not while Noble is on the pitch

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

        Is Noble the only obstacle? Something can be arranged

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

      Niall Quinn and Phillips made it work...Carroll will be fit for maybe 10 games all season? I've just got him, he's class.

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

        Chicarito up top with Andre Ayew in at number 10 behind him is more likely to work as a partnership

    4. Bird Raymond
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      None, Carroll is only fit for the knackers yard.

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

        So you're saying that Carroll will never play?

  2. Lingardium Leviosa.
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Chasing points I know but...

    KDB > Pogba
    Firmino > Chicharito
    Daniels > Bavies** -4?

    **Don't need to make this one but...

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

      Surely going to wait until KDB plays tomorrow?

      1. Lingardium Leviosa.
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I can afford Willian to Pogba

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

        Monday....

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

      Wouldn't sell Firmino.

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

      You would genuinely rather have Pogba than KDB 😮
      You would genuinely rather have Pogba than KDB 😮

      The second downgrade is the most acceptable for me, so if you want Bavies (or Trippier) I would do the last two

      1. Lingardium Leviosa.
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        :/

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

    A time will come where Sanchez, Hazard and De Bruyne will all be in consideration, there's a headache for you.

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

      They'll have te go like gangbusters

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

    Bench one of:-
    1)willian
    2) Mounie

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

      2

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

    rather get trippier than Davies

    1. Lingardium Leviosa.
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Makes sense

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

    I have made a decision to wait. Too risky making transfers now, going to take the price rises and work out transfers either tomorrow or monday

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

      Can Pogba rise tonight AND tomorrow?

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

        No

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

        he can but it's unlikely he will

        even if he does i can still afford him as I will just work my second transfer to fit in the suitable priced player. so I will just wait

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

      I'm in the same boat. Doesn't look like Gabby is falling or Chico is rising. Or PVA.
      So I'll wait.
      League cup midweek for West ham

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

      KDB to Pogba and sort the rest out in the morning...

  7. FPL Mentor
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    De Gea Elliot
    Alonso Danilo Stephens TAA Mariappa
    KdB Salah Ramsey JWP Carroll
    Kane Lukaku Quaner

    1FT 0m ITB

    Shall i do Danilo & Ramsey 》 4.5m & Pogba?

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

      You think TAA will keep place with CL rotation / Joe Gomez performance today and Clyne returning soon? I think he is a big risk.

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

      I wouldn't sell Ramsey, I'd consider selling JWP before him. JWP started from the bench today.

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

    So if one was to consider moving Salah tonight to a Man U MF who is the best option?

    Mkhy or Pogba and why?

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

      Check out the hot topic.

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

        Cheers!

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

      Keep Salah - will come through. Liverpool, IMO, is a better offensive team than United.

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

      No choice here, Pogba's 0.1 cheaper. See him as Alli to Micky's Eriksen

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

      That's the question that is keeping us at home instead of going to the nightclub. Decisions decisions

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

        And also the question, why do I go to nightclubs?

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

      only problem with removing salah is you loose 0.1 TV gained on him

  9. Scotty B
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    0 itb, 1 F. Save? Bench look right?

    De Gea
    Dawson Kompany Bertrand
    Willian Mkhitaryan RLC Eriksen
    Jesus Lukaku Firmino

    Elliot Kolasanic Carroll Long

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

      Having a 6 priced defender on your bench in blasphemy.

      1. Scotty B
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        What do you mean?

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

          Play Kolasinac.

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

          Play him over RLC

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

      Kola over RLC

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

        This!

    3. Rains of Castamere
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I'd play RLC over Kola.

  10. Sz21
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Begovic, Elliot.
    Mee, Kolasinac, Jones, Yoshida, *Dummett.
    Willian, KDB, Ramsey, *JWP, Carroll.
    Kane, Lukaku, Firmino

    1ft, 0.0m.

    Thinking about a -4.
    RLC in for JWP + Pogba in for Willian before the prive changes today.

    Thoughts?
    RLC + Carroll rotating.

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

      That works, RLC looked good today...

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

    The good thing about Bailly scoring and Pogba & Mkhitaryan getting brace is that Jones price won't go up that fast. Could even wait the last minute to bring him in before GW3 deadline without losing value I think.

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

      I suspect you could be right.
      Although I'm looking to ditch Daniels and Jones is the perfect replacement

  12. dark91
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Just checked the run of West Ham's fixtures and would like to join the people getting Chicharito
    But the thing is my front 3 are
    Kane, Lukaku and Jesus and i am not really willing to drop any of them for him !!

    Is there any Man City mid that can be regarded as a good cover for Jesus?

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

      Kdb

      1. dark91
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I would rather avoid any City players than getting Kdb as he will be rotated once CL starts like last season !!
        Too expensive to be laying on my bench

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

      There's a whm milf that might do the trick... Antonio?

      1. dark91
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Do you think he has the same freedom as 2 seasons ago
        Haven't seen West Ham playing this GW tbh

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

          I think he had 4 shots today, 3 on target all in the box

          1. dark91
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Sounds promising. Thanks 🙂

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

      Your strike force is perfect without the little pea.

    4. Bird Raymond
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Same here, only way I can see around it is if Sanchez ends up going to City.

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

    Ake > Hegazi done. Bring on the price changes!

    Can't believe I'm going from Howe to Pulis. These two muppets are the two that have trolled me the most in this game.

  14. Nanoelektronicar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Salah to Pogba tonight?

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

      No

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

        Why not? Liverpool looking unconvincing so far. Salah rotation risk and they have two tough fixtures in the PL

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

      If you have Mane...

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

    What Arsenal player impressed you the most today? I think Bellerin is getting into the right positions. It was almost like looking at Alonso. Will probably get him in soon.

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

      Arsenal looked 2nd best today imo, they need Sanchez back

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

      Ramsey was very good.

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

    Eriksen please don't rise tonight! 🙁

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

        The site hasn't be accurate at all.

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

          Au contraire...it's been really accurate this week

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

      He's going up and down +/- 0.1 around 100.0...annoying isn't it?

      He was 100.4 a few hours ago...I think there's a good chance he'll stay.

      Even if he goes up...always the option of a double purchase with Trippier @ 5.4m to claw back the 0.1m rise

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

        Yes you are right Kitty, WC draft has 0.1 in bank thanks to Trippier.

  17. FPL Alaska
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Best 4.5 defender between:
    British
    Zanka
    Walker-Peters

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

      British

    2. FPL Alaska
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Oops: Britos

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

      Is Britos nailed when Kaboul, Prödl & Cathcart are all available?

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

      Britos maybe. Dunno if Brighton could get shut out 3 times in a row. Would be very bad for them if they do

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

    A total of 8pts combined from both weeks captains striving for double digits next week *fingers crossed*

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

      Clash of the Captitans next week, Kane v Kaku...

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

        Thinking about just leaving it on Kaku all year....

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

    A) de bruyne to pogba
    B) de bruyne to eriksen

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

      B

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

        but i'll wait till tomorrow after chelsea match

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

      A if you can ram yer 5.5 up to Antonio

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

    How can Charlie Austin have the marksmanship and composure to expertly slot home a pen with all that pressure yet totally misjudge and miss-time a high ten with Tadic after the game? 😆

    Surely the same skills are required for both actions.

  21. Cash Mané
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Can players rise in price during the round of play? Eg tonight!

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

      Yes

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

        Seriously should be changed imo. Price changes should be locked until after all games are played

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

          Where's the fun in that? 😉

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

          They could but the game would be very different then and now virtually every GW is a 3 day weekend with either a Fri or Mon game so I don't think it would really work.

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

          I agree, another suggestion in the past was that all price changes for the week would occur at once at the deadline. I.e nothing changes all week, then players can rise and fall by upto 0.3m at the start of the new week.

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

      Yep

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

      Prices change daily @ 2:30am UK time

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

    A) Danilo, Willian, Firm > Trippier, Pogba, Chicharito (-8)
    B) WC and also lose Fraser, Redmond, Dann, Long, Suttner etc.
    C) Other

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

      I think how many points so far determines whether you should wildcard or not. I'm on 62. If I doubled my points I wouldn't even be top of my mini league. My teams a shambles due to poor picks so I've wildcarded, it's only a week off when I normally do so. I finished in top 500 overall last year and I just know it's right for my team

  23. lsaints99
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    is Kola and Zaha to Trippier and Mkhi too risky to do tonight? Can only afford it with 0.0 itb so has to be done tonight

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

      Trip not nailed, hasn't even played yet...

      1. lsaints99
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        will be when he's back fit, which he should be considering he's facing a late fitness test for tmr

  24. GXNG
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone considering Martial?

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

      Not yet

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

      not nailed yet

    3. DAN DARE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      At the same price as Pogba, 0.1m less than Mkhi and hasn't started a game yet? Nope

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

    Made an insane squad without Kane, laughably good.

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

      Who cares ?

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

        I think majority of people on this forum will?

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

      WC?

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

        WC draft brother.

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

      Coolstorybro.jpg

      Why not post it?

  26. Deicide
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Foster Elliot
    Davies Naughton Bertrant Kola Mee
    KDB Atsu Tadic Doucoure Carroll
    Luka Firminho Kane

    Should I wildcard? Just 25 points so far.

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

      Nah just fix that midfield

  27. Camp No No
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    I really have to agree with Mourninho, the transfer fees are getting ridiculous…

    £32M for Evans!? Let that sink in for a while.

    Those are the fees that ruin the transfer market. How is a smaller club ever going to sign anybody playing in west of Poland if 30-something a bang average CB costs you £30M+?

    Next somebody pays a billion for Messi, and you know what: it's a bargain compared to what WBA asks for Evans.

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

      To be fair Evans is top class.

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

        He's so not worth £32m

        Two seasons ago, he'd be changing hands for £6-8m tops

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

          In todays market from PL club to PL club at the end of the transfer window I think it's a fair price honestly.

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

      Seriously...

      I wouldn't have Evans if he was given to me. He's a waste of a wage and a waste of a squad place. 32 MILL is ridiculous for a player that managers would do well to avoid.

      Who the hell would employ somebody in the full knowledge that they're always off work injured or sick other than football managers?

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

    Best FPL price predictor please? Football fix looks sort of broken in that. Thanks in advance 🙂

    1. Camp No No
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I use fplstatistics. Don't know if it's any good this season. Usually not too far off.

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

        Cheers!

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

        This

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

        Thanks mate 🙂

  29. DoobNoob
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Is Hegazi nailed on?

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

      Yes! 😀

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

      For now

  30. cult
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Foster
    Yoshida, Ake, Zanka
    KDB, Salah, Mkhi, Willian,
    Lukaku, Jesus, Firmino

    A. KDB/Salah > Pogba
    B. KDB > Eriksen ------- Have no spurs cover

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

      B