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.

4,746 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. hannibalos
    • 17 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

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

    1. Camp No No
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

      1. hannibalos
        • 17 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers!

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        This

      2. hannibalos
        • 17 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks mate 🙂

  2. DoobNoob
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Is Hegazi nailed on?

    1. laplana
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yes! 😀

    2. The Tinkerman
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      For now

  3. cult
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B

  4. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    double spurs or double saints defence ?

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Spurs

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        ^^^

  5. DoobNoob
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    How long is Hegazi expected to start for?

    1. Nailed Jesus
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month 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!

  6. laplana
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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 ⭐
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      hazard? lol

    2. Pigeon
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Lol Jese, someone ban this guy

      1. tafrère
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Jese did well today.

        1. Pigeon
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Yes he scored, so what? Plenty better options

          1. HALFSPACE
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Like?

            1. Deulofail
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

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

              1. Yankee Toffee
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                And didn't play for Stoke...

                1. HALFSPACE
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  He's on the watchlist son

                  1. Yankee Toffee
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Better put JRod on there as well 😉

      2. laplana
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

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

    3. Geezer
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      There are other ways to bring in Pogba

    4. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

    5. The Tinkerman
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      High defensive line

    6. HALFSPACE
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Lol

    7. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard > Mane
      Jese > Ramsey or Willian

      1. laplana
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month 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
          9 years, 1 month 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
            9 years, 1 month ago

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

            1. laplana
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 1 month 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
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Loool

              2. Kiwivillan
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

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

                1. laplana
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 1 month 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
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Fair dinkum.

  7. Zoostation
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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 ⭐
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month 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
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Just shipped him and Ramsey for RLC to and Pogba.

  8. Ntchampionees
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Cant wait for kdb to own

    1. More Tragic
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      you'll be waiting a long time

    2. Fantasy Football Friend!
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

  9. Geezer
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      9 years, 1 month ago

      make the transfer and get on with it.

  10. cult
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    2. Sz21
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Good point.

  11. Mishon
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

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

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, but not Phillips

      1. Mishon
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Perhaps Ince or Knockeart?

        1. Yankee Toffee
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Richarlson maybe or Jese if yr feeling bold

  12. Fantasy Football Friend!
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

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

    1. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Made of glass

  13. HALFSPACE
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Steady the knees

  14. tafrère
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    How do Gabbiadini owners feel ? Satisfied or still concerned ?

    1. Geezer
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Very concerned but have other issues

      1. tafrère
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

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

        1. Geezer
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Because of Austin

    2. Dirty Harry
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Holding for now

    3. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

    4. Netley Lucas
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Extremely relieved and very happy 😆

    5. Ntchampionees
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month 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

  15. Business Cat
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Meow! Time for bed.

    Decision made...no Pogba for me 🙂

    Night all!

    1. More Tragic
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      sensible.

      G'night

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Night BC

    3. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Good kitty

    4. FlockofSeagulls
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Good night you pesky cat. 🙂

  16. Ricochet
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

  17. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

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

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      LOL

    2. Geezer
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      What time is it?

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        not sure, maybe 2?

        someone can confirm?

        1. Yankee Toffee
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          2:30 UK time

        2. DoobNoob
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          usually its around 2

    3. FlockofSeagulls
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      LSH - laugh so hard.

  18. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      9 years, 1 month ago

      No Kane?

  19. kumast
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B if for free

      1. tafrère
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        This.

      2. kumast
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Yes for free. Is Jones def nailed?

        1. Geezer
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

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

  20. DoobNoob
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

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

    1. Geezer
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yes. Pretty safe move

  21. Deulofail
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      RLC, Carroll, Chalobah

      1. HALFSPACE
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        having connection problems too

        1. Deulofail
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month 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
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

      1. willl
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        or should I say why?

        1. Deulofail
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Bench order for next week?

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

          1. willl
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            ACB
            Are you playing 523?

            1. Deulofail
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 1 month 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
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I tried, by gum did I try.

        1. Deulofail
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          No you didn't you were just an asshole

    3. Red20
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A,B,C.

      1. Deulofail
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

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

        1. Red20
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          No problem 🙂

  22. HALFSPACE
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Have 2 FTs and wont make any moves unless injuries

    Steady Knee FC

    1. DoobNoob
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

  23. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    what time do price changes occur?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      reply fail

    2. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      2:15

  24. George Sillett
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

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

    1. HALFSPACE
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Just let it happen 🙂

    2. tafrère
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

    3. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month 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
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 1 month 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
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Alli is hard to beat.

        1. Gnu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 17 Years
          9 years, 1 month 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
            9 years, 1 month 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
              • 17 Years
              9 years, 1 month 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
                • 17 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                *days before GW1 Ko*

      2. Ser Davos
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Sideways move imho.

        1. Gnu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 17 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          How is that a sideways move?

          1. Ser Davos
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 1 month 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
              • 17 Years
              9 years, 1 month 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
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month 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.

  25. tafrère
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

      1. tafrère
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month 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.

  26. Banana Boat
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A, I guess

    2. BROOKLYN GOONER
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

  27. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

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

    1. laplana
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Do it!

  28. DoobNoob
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Danilo expected to be dropped next week for Mendy?

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Might be dropped this week in favour of Sane

  29. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Which sounds better?

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

    1. tafrère
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

  30. PoKoeman
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

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

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      everyday of the week no restrictions

    2. tafrère
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

    3. laplana
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      It's everyday bro!

    4. PoKoeman
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month 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!