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

    double spurs or double saints defence ?

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

      Spurs

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

        ^^^

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

    How long is Hegazi expected to start for?

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

      as long as they keep clean sheets can't see him being dropped. if they don't, you want to transfer him out anyways!

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

    You thought Kane was essential until you saw this squad. 😎

    Foster

    Trippier/Jones/Cedric
    Hazard/Eriksen/Pogba/Jese
    Lukaku/Jesus/Chicarito

    4.0/4.5/4.5/4.0

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

      hazard? lol

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

      Lol Jese, someone ban this guy

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

        Jese did well today.

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

          Yes he scored, so what? Plenty better options

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

            Like?

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

              I'd be jerking all over Jese if he had better fixtures

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

                And didn't play for Stoke...

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

                  He's on the watchlist son

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

                    Better put JRod on there as well 😉

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

        Peal your arse off the sofa and switch the channel to some La Liga fella.

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

      There are other ways to bring in Pogba

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

      Over 68% of teams don't have Kane so don't know what you're dribbling on about!

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

      High defensive line

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

      Lol

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

      Hazard > Mane
      Jese > Ramsey or Willian

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

        Mane is a bonus point magnetic field, Willian never been a good fantasy asset and Ramsey? You are living in the past mate no offence.

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

          So Jese is the future? Stoke a real attacking team there...

          And Hazard, come on m8... What are you on about?

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

            Hazard is class but he's at 25% atm...

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

              Hazard would be KDB until Hazard is fit, was just showing how the funds can be spread without Kane in a way that destroys majority of Kane sides for points unless they have some weird differentials.

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

                Loool

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

                Based on half a game weeks point chasing before Kane has even played. Pointless

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

                  I'm expanding my mind to you guys, I'm not telling you guys to do anything I say, just sharing my knowledge.

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

                    Fair dinkum.

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

    What are we doing with JWP?

    Seems to me like he has to go, bit of a drag with their fixtures but how can we trust his gametime?

    Hold another week or are you shipping out?

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

      not sure but i'd be looking to get rid soon

      unfortunately alot of other issues in my team

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

      Just shipped him and Ramsey for RLC to and Pogba.

  5. Ntchampionees
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Cant wait for kdb to own

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

      you'll be waiting a long time

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

      I have him and can't wait to get rid.

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

    Is it madness to spend 3 hours on a saturday night thinking whether to use my 2 FT tonight to bring in Pogba or wait and miss out on the price rise?

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

      make the transfer and get on with it.

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

    If doing a WC on the international break.. is it worth catching Pogbas rise with KDB > Pogba... and then you can always get KDB on the WC???

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

      Yes

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

      Good point.

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

    Zaha + JRod to Phillips and Chicharito for free. Should I do it?

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

      Yes, but not Phillips

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

        Perhaps Ince or Knockeart?

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

          Richarlson maybe or Jese if yr feeling bold

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

    Just catching up with MOTD now and I'm shocked to see Daniel Sturridge up and about 😀

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

      Don't worry yourself he'll soon be crocked again.

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

      Made of glass

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

    Steady the knees

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

    How do Gabbiadini owners feel ? Satisfied or still concerned ?

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

      Very concerned but have other issues

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

        He did score after all, why the concerns ? Game time trouble ?

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

          Because of Austin

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

      Holding for now

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

      Not an owner, but I'd hold with the fixtures

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

      Extremely relieved and very happy 😆

    5. Ntchampionees
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Hoping its the end of a drought, tempting to kneejerk to hernandez. Both have decent fixtures. But as mentioned there's austin lurking and tadic getting the nod for the first penalty in front of him

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

    Meow! Time for bed.

    Decision made...no Pogba for me 🙂

    Night all!

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

      sensible.

      G'night

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

      Night BC

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

      Good kitty

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

      Good night you pesky cat. 🙂

  13. Ricochet
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Have 0.5 in the bank and need to replace JWP. Which of these look better:

    A) Richarlison & Gabbiadini
    B) Tadic & Gayle (4 point hit)

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

      A

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

    I would laugh so hard if there were no price rises tonight

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

      LOL

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

      What time is it?

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

        not sure, maybe 2?

        someone can confirm?

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

          2:30 UK time

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

          usually its around 2

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

      LSH - laugh so hard.

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

    Aguero and Salah to Jesus and Eriksen with 2ft. No Spurs going into next gw and Eriksen is set to rise tonight...

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

      No Kane?

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

    A Salah to Pogba (leaving me a handy 1.0 ITB)
    B Bailly to Jones and then Willian to Pogba (and keep Salah)

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

      B if for free

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

        This.

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

        Yes for free. Is Jones def nailed?

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

          No. But think he will start the next 3-4

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

    Danilo --> Hegazi tonight to catch his price rise?

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

      Yes. Pretty safe move

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

    So annoying, the connection to this site. I'm going to have to start C&Ping before I post just in case there's an error. Anyway:

    Bench order for next week?

    A) RLC (SWA)
    B) Chalobah (BHA)
    C) T. Carroll (cry)

    (Actually tempted to play one of them ahead of Iwobi, and save a transfer on Iwobi, but that's another matter)

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

      RLC, Carroll, Chalobah

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

        having connection problems too

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

          Cheers dude. Having to wait 30-60seconds to load pages and post comments sometimes. Been happening all day, and not just us.

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

      How the hell do you have RLC, Chalobah, Carroll and Iwobi in the same team?

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

        or should I say why?

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

          Bench order for next week?

          A) RLC (SWA)
          B) Chalobah (BHA)
          C) T. Carroll (cry)

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

            ACB
            Are you playing 523?

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

              Yup. Thanks for the reply. Could end up with Mkhi and KDB in the middle this week, or could be Mkhi and Ramsey, or KDB and RLC! 😀

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

        I tried, by gum did I try.

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

          No you didn't you were just an asshole

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

      A,B,C.

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

        Cheers, that's what leaning towards. Slight chance I'll play RLC

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

          No problem 🙂

  19. HALFSPACE
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Have 2 FTs and wont make any moves unless injuries

    Steady Knee FC

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

      In a similar situation, just wanting to get rid of Danilo before he gets dropped

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

    what time do price changes occur?

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

      reply fail

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

      2:15

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

    Explain the logic of binning Salah after 2 games. Don't get it at all.

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

      Just let it happen 🙂

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

      Some ditch Chicharito after one United away game you know...

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

      There isn't any. But people getting rid if they have Mane to cover UTD and TOT mids...

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

      I'm toying with Mane > Alli.
      That was the plan before GW1, KdB is the alternative.
      I agree it seems crazy but that was plan and reasoning for not starting with Alli in GW1 Slouch.

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

        Alli is hard to beat.

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

          It was a tough call not putting him in as he's almost essential in my book.
          I could downgrade Jesus as I've 2 ft's so I'll wait till Monday if I can.

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

            Was one of the first names on my sheet and never moved off it.

            I think I'll move towards Aguero now that I've cut KDB loose.

            Only Aguero cuts it for the City option armband in my book so I'm going there.

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

              🙂 KdB was never in my squad but replaced Alli in the days.
              Strange the things we do..... but did prefer Citehs fixtures.

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

                *days before GW1 Ko*

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

        Sideways move imho.

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

          How is that a sideways move?

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

            Because they're both 9.5 goalscoring mids with similar output 15 - 20 goals potential, but both allergic to bonus.

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

              I get that, but we're looking at fixtures.
              I've already got Firmino who's fairly nailed for my team but Mane & KdB were ahead of Alli just because of fixtures.
              With no Kane I'm keen to get Alli now.
              I see your point but it's about who you think will score more after all.

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

      I'm kinda on the fence but he may allow me a Spurs mid double-up (Kane non-owner) in GW3. If I do hold on to him, it comes down to getting rid of Kun/Kaku for Kane. There's risks with all these moves. While I don't think I may do the Salah move, I think it may be viable strategy to not hold on to premium assets as season keepers this season given how so many of them are delivering on a weekly basis. Plus, I think the knee-jerks of premium players have more to do with a team than the player himself. Pool looked very labored today and the general feeling is Spurs are going to be a rampant over the next few games.

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

    I've already said it but it just makes me laugh so much : in my draft team yesterday I sold Bailly to bring TAA in. Can you believe it ?

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

      May I ask why you did that? Drink? Drugs?

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

        Nope, I just thought Liverpool had more chances to get a CS at home vs Palace. And I rated TAA attacking returns more than I rated Baillys. Not so stupid imo, just didn't work. Don't really care about draft team anyway.

  23. Banana Boat
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Forster (Elliot)
    Stones, Jones, Stephens (Hegazi, Moreno)
    KDB, Eriksen, Tadic, Atsu (Carroll)
    Lukaku, Jesus, Firmino

    0.5 ITB

    A) KDB > Pogba
    B) Jesus + Atsu > Chicharito + Pogba
    C) Firmino + Tadic > Chicharito + Pogba
    D) Other

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

      A, I guess

    2. BROOKLYN GOONER
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      A

  24. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Willian>Pogba FT with 0.5m spare or wait and miss price rise

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

      Do it bro you don't wanna miss the train, set's off at 2:15am BST!

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

      Do it!

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

    Danilo expected to be dropped next week for Mendy?

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

      Might be dropped this week in favour of Sane

  26. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Which sounds better?

    Daniels -> Jones
    Danilo -> Trippier (assuming he returns this week)

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

      If Jones price doesn't rise this week B).

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

    Do price rises happen today? or are they locked until Monday?

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

      everyday of the week no restrictions

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

      Every night between 2am and 3am price changes happen.

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

      It's everyday bro!

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

      Cheers guys, couldn't remember if they generally didn't occur over Sat/Sun last year, guessing with all the knee jerking the start of the season is a little mental!

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

    > Pogba

    A) Willian
    B) Tadic

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

      Tough one. CHE poor fixtures, but Tadic only really scores from pens.

      Flip a coin...

      Barely leaning Willian

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

      Willian's game time is under threat with Hazard's return. Tadic will likely play from the start most weeks.

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

    Who should i transfer in for Danilo?
    0itb

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

      Jones, Trippier, Dawson or Cedric! 😀

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

        Listen to the man.

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

      If you are going to WC in gw3, then i would take a punt on anyone you like. If you are looking long term at the same price.... I think Trippier at TOT is a great option when fit and Bertrand for SOU for the next few weeks still.

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

    This Fantasy roadcc Vuelta game is really hard...really, really hard...

    No idea what to do next...

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

      DDG
      Valencia Bertrand Stephens danilo
      Salah KDB Brady
      Kaku Jesus firmino

      Elliot RLC tcarroll long

      Wild card? I need mikhtayrian eriksen as well as ship out danilo and downgrade Valencia..

      Thoughts please

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

        My bad even finding this site hard now