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. 1314
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    another 1 hour and 20 minutes to price change ?

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

      02:15 BST

    2. Ayling Buyers Club
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yup.

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

      1hr 13min now.

  2. Ayling Buyers Club
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    2 FTs, 0.0 ITB. Zaha -> Pogba = -1.0

    Obviously can't do the straight swap. I consider removing one of the following players from my team:

    DEF: Danilo (5.5) / Daniels (5.0)
    MID: Salah (9.0) / De Bruyne (10.0)
    FWD: Gabbiadini (7.0)

    I also have: Foster/Elliot, Stephens/Suttner/Hünemeier, Ritchie/Carroll, Lukaku/Kane, but they're all staying. Now where do I find that extra 1m?

    1. Big Sum
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Danilo>4.5

      1. Shearer & Sutton
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        This

    2. Ayling Buyers Club
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I might also do a hit. Could possibly do Daniels to Jones, Salah to Richarlison (whom I really like) and the aforementioned Zaha to Pogba for a 4 pt hit.

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

    Really excited about seing Ince play tomorrow, it could be a good differential this week!

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

      Think Ince was the wrong choice, even if hauls tomorrow.

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

        Lol?

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

        Why that ? You rate Mooy more or just don't like Huddersfield FPL wise ? Ince did great things last year and in pre-season + had a good game last week.

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

          Newcastle seriously depleted and I don't rate him as PL quality, think he will struggle to return against stronger defences.

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

            Has good fixtures for a midterm investment though.

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

      Ince FC

  4. 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.

    1. RLC in for JWP + Pogba in for Willian before the price changes today -4.

    2. Just bring Pogba in for KDB for now.

    3. Wait

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

      1) imo.

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

      I did 2 for free, and will sort it out later this week after the Euro midweek matches...

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

        Little harsch to get rid of De Bruyne before he's even played!

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

          Very true, bit he's too expensive, will get Silva or possibly Jesus (though he is .5 more)

    3. istanbul05
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      1 for me.

    4. Shearer & Sutton
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      1

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

    What time are price rises please?

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

      1 hr 10min

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

        2.10 am?

    2. Big Sum
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      😀

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

      70 minutes from now.

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

        I thoght they were 1.10 am?

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

      4,200 seconds from now.

  6. MURPH707
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Anybody else got the issue of it saying only 1 FT?

  7. istanbul05
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    DDG,
    Kompany, Stephens, Dawson, Ake,
    KDB, Salah, Tadic,
    Kane, Kaku, Mounie.

    Elliot, Atsu, Carroll, Long.

    A) Ake,Tadic to Mbemba,Pogba -4?
    or
    B) Salah to Pogba

    Cheers guys

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

      If yr playing 433, go Atsu to RLC

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

      B), I really like Aké attacking return potential and Tadic has great fixtures. Salah though fixtures even if he could score 3 against Arsenal.

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

      No BOU players atm!

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

    Just brought in Ramsey this week for Zaha.

    I know it seems like a serious knee-jerk but does this make sense? Gets me a coveted Man U MF and relieves my JWP issue?

    Ramsey, JWP to Pogba & Tadic for -4?

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

      Do you have 2m in the bank?

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

      Not a knee jerk, do it.

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

      Nevermind, got that all wrong LMAO

      Ramsey & JWP to Pogba and RLC.

      Probably just need to leave this alone, overthinking it.

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

    Holding tough. By this time tomorrow Erik or Alli may be all the rage for a double up with Kane.
    Fixtures 3-8 makes that decision more sensible anyway. The really plum fixtures are over for utd.

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

      Pogba is looking like Yaya Toure at his peak.

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

        2 games not enough. Gambled so far this season so going to continue.
        I make take this to its extreme and lose Lukaku too.

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

      UTD Fixtures:

      26 Aug 17:30 3 Leicester (H) 2
      09 Sep 17:30 4 Stoke (A) 2
      17 Sep 16:00 5 Everton (H) 3
      23 Sep 15:00 6 Southampton (A) 3
      30 Sep 15:00 7 Crystal Palace (H) 2

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

        Yeah look fine but check Spurs.

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

          20 Aug 16:00 2 Chelsea (H) 5
          27 Aug 16:00 3 Burnley (H) 1
          09 Sep 15:00 4 Everton (A) 4
          16 Sep 17:30 5 Swansea (H) 2
          23 Sep 12:30 6 West Ham (A) 2
          30 Sep 12:30 7 Huddersfield (A) 2

          Not that different really.

          I have 3 players from both clubs...

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

            2 triples could be really good.

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

              But I have no City atm which could hurt, we'll see how it pans out.

    3. 1314
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      keeping my Alli and Kane untouched, they are nailed, cosistent and explosive at times, one of the best captain materials..probably sacrificing one of the Liv assets to squeeze out some funds..

    4. Oldman Unathletic
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Agree wholeheartedly with this comment.

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

        Now I got to figure out how to afford. It will be Alli if Erik rises tonight

        1. Oldman Unathletic
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I think that you can't go wrong with either, both players will score well over the season.

  10. Brayden29
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Have 2FT's to use, hoping for some advice, really like Pogba but not sure on what moves to make, particularly before price changes?
    Foster
    Kolasniac, Stephens, Jones, Davies
    KDB, Salah (vc), Willian
    Lukaku (c), Kane, Gabbiadini

    Elliot: RLC, Carroll, Long

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

      Any money ITB?

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

    would you ever firmino + kdb + willian -> Chicha + Eriksen + Alli/Pogba for -8?

    1. Brayden29
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      No

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

      absolutely not.
      Firmino, KDB and Willian are all good

  12. Shearer & Sutton
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Is Britos nailed?

    Which one?
    A) Willian+Danilo -> Pogba+Britos/Zanga -4

    B) Willian+Ritchie -> Pogba+Chalobah/RCL -4

    I'm currently A because Danilo not nailred any more.

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

    Price is at 1.10 or 2.10 please?

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

      *prce RISE

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

      02.10 bst

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

      66 minutes from now.

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

      2 BST

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

        Thanks all

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

    How much do people expect Hegazi to rise in price this week?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      0.1 max

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

    On 89 points total with an OR of 1.8m...

    Wildcard incoming.

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

      I'm similar fella. Also want to WC.

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

      2mil rank. Confidence in team. Just some tweaks. Any OR will be much better by end of this GW.

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

        Anyway.

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

    The term knee jerk is a fantasy football construction, it isn't real, erase it from your brain and make the transfer you think are best.

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

      Thank you

  17. White Hart Kane
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Who's been more dangerous this season, pog or mkh?

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

      Pogba = Alli
      Mkhi = Eriksen
      Kaku = Kane.

      Get it?

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

      I see them like Alli & Eriksen. Micky is perhaps more cultured, a better "footballer", but by god Pog & Alli do punish, brutally.

    3. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Micky. Pogba looks good, but I'd be surprised to see him do much against the top half

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

      Pogba more of a KDB than an Alli IMHO

      1. Frank Black
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Two completely different players. He's never going to provide 12+ assists. Will barely get to 10.

        1. Mo Mané No Problems
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Won't score that many goals either

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

    Repost

    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. laplana
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      No need for WC just do Salah to Pogba.

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

        3 United

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

          Take a hit to get rid of DDG then mate!

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

            Wiser to get rid of Valencia.

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

      Hmmm, could WC actually

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

      Pretty light in midfield - where there are so many good options

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

      Foster elliot
      Bavies Bertrand Jones hegazi long
      Jese eriksen Pogba RLC tcarroll
      Kaku Jesus firmino

      3.9 itb thinking of tcarroll upgrade but how does rest look?

  19. JÆKS ⭐
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    How are these moves? (not making them yet, just early thinking)

    DDG* (Elliot)
    Davies Stephens Francis* (Mee Rosenior)
    KDB Salah Willian* Gross (Carroll)
    Kane Lukaku Gabbiadini

    DDG Francis Willian --> Foster Jones Antonio (-4)

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

      Looks good mate!

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

      Poor imo.

      Just go Francis to a different 4.5 and roll the FT over to have 2 for next week.

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        🙁

        Good chance Hazard and Pedro are back by gw 3 so Willian no longer nailed on, and great fixtures for Antonio.

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

          True, but I think Chicarito might be the one to get.

          Hazard only on 25% atm and Willian on form.

          1. JÆKS ⭐
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Hazard played the full 90 in a friendly against QPR a couple of days ago. Can see him starting against Everton. Understand your point on Chicha, I'm not 100% sure Antonio is the one either, but both will be in the points I guess. Antonio got around 130 points in both his seasons in the pl, with playing 1000 minutes less and some games in defence as well.

    3. JÆKS ⭐
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Good defensive rotation as well

      According to the season ticker, Davies has a difficult game in 4, Stephens in 6. In both weeks Mee has an easy home game with Palace and Huddersfield!

      Means no Mhki/Pogba though but well can't have them all I guess.... Jumping early on the Antonio wagon rather than chasing points

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

      Meh.

  20. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Any other Foster/Elliot owners played Elliot this GW?

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

      o/

      Might be a mistake, but I changed it last minute this morning on someone's advice. Crossing my fingers...

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

      Hart over here

    3. Brayden29
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      No

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

      No because I knew Foster would keep a clean sheet.

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

    How did Rodriguez look today against Burnley?

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

      Poor imo

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Anonymous. Sell him

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

        I have him + 1.5M in the bank. Chicarito?

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

          Stoke (H) and Brighton (A) next though. I might give J Rod 1-2 weeks.

        2. Respect My Authoritah
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Decent option. I'd go for Gabbiadini lol

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

    Sell Willian or Tadic?

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

    Could really do with some help, have asked a couple of times but to no avail.

    Who to get in, Tadic or Redmond? Has to be one f the the two of them, thanks!

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

      Tadic

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

        Thank you.

    2. Shearer & Sutton
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Tadic

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

      No idea mate. I've been saying Redmond since the game launched, but after seeing MotD, I might be inclined to change my mind if I thought about it for another 5 hours.

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

        Tadic is a troll, I have been burned in the past. I think i'll make my mind up now, it's a means to an end and I can't be thinking about it for another 5 hours!

        Thanks for the replies everybody.

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

      Tadic

  24. bigbudgie
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Opinions on Charlie Daniels? And bournemouth in general. Two losses,no goals scored...get rid? I also have Fraser but at 5.5 4th mid he's less of a worry...

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Look like they have forgotten how to play and how to attack. Best advice would be sell and don't buy until they look in form

    2. Frank Black
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Get rid, terrible fixtures and he's going to drop in price too. I've just sold him, mostly wanted him for the first two fixtures and he didn't deliver.

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

        Thinking Dawson as a replacement. Or Ben Mee

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

      Rid of both, if this keeps up Howe will get canned.

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

      If you can't bench him, get rid

    5. Oldman Unathletic
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Bournemouth were out thought tactically in the first match against West Brom and outplayed by Watford today.

      Worrying times for Eddie Howe with Man City next up.

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

    Anybody think Hegazi could rise by 0.2 or more this gameweek?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Nope

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

      Hope so.

  26. Nathan20
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    On 14 points for the gw and some of you thought you had it bad.

    Will Walker, mooy, de bruyne, willian, kane and jesus catch me up?

  27. HellasLEAF
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    How long till price changes gents.

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

      1 hour

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

      about an hour

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

    55mins

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

      Fail reply

  29. Respect My Authoritah
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Considering Jesus captain after seeing MOTD. Bournemouth look dreadful, United seemed to struggle

  30. Reggie Nainggolan
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Lindelof for Hegazi
    De bruyne for Eriksen
    Willian fir Pogba (-4)

    Yay or nay

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

      Lindelof --> Jones.
      Hold on the rest

      1. Reggie Nainggolan
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        If I get Jones can't get pogba