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. Total Foot 5
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    whcih way to go tonite? thnx

    a. ft kdb > pogba/mikh
    b. -4 wilian + kane > pogba + aguero
    c. b. -4 wilian + kompany > pogba + 5.0 stephens

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

      A and do it fast if yr gonna do it!

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

        ps. Go Cubbies

        1. Total Foot 5
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          haha good doin it fr pogba or mikh??

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

            Pogba imho. but up to you...

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

      Keep it simple for now, a imho

  2. nonprophet
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    I'm thinking of Salah to pogba after last night's benching and the fact that Liverpool have so many games in a short run, and arsenal and man city next. Good plan. Any reason not too?

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

      none, do it

    2. One Man
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Salah is class, just being rested. Can you find any other player to ship out for Pogba ?

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

    Trying to think of the pros to bringing Abraham in my team.....

    He's tall......ummm
    He's tall.......oh, um, and.....
    He's tall......and.......
    He's tall.......

    And he's tall!

    Transfer done! 🙂

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

      It was enough for Mounie

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

      Apparently that's all Fellaini has going for him....

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

        I disagree. Fellaini is the type of player that can change a game.

        I've seen him give away numerous penalties. 🙂

    3. Nathan20
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      he got 28 goals for bristol city. Chelsea rate him very highly and wont be making the lukaku mistake. Also when llorente comes back can you imagine a double 6"4 strike force. Will make west brom look like dwarfs.

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

        What's the "Lukaku mistake" mean? 😆

        1. Nathan20
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Loaning him out to other prem teams for years then selling him before trying to buy him back 2 years later. Fully expect he'll be a chelsea squad player in the next year or two.

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

            You're a Chelsea supporter I'm guessing?

            1. Nathan20
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              Nope just find chelseas transfer policy hilarious.

              Lukaku > Everton £28m
              Two years later bid £75m to bring him back.

              Nemanja Matic bought for £1.5m
              Swapped as part of deal for David Luiz
              Bought back for £21m 3 years later.

              David Luiz bought for £25m plus nemanja matic
              Sold to psg for £50m
              Bought back for £34m

              Makes me wonder whether the agents who get a cut of every deal have a lot more influence at chelsea than they are willing to admit.

  4. Natopotato88
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Not happy with myself for not following my gut decision to captain Pogba. C was on him all week then changed it to Lukaku last minute as i didnt want to get it wrong so i stuck with the majority 🙁

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

      Just bank the 27 points and run

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

      wuss

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

      Ah but once you start taking risks you'll miss the really big cap hauls, when they get 40pts

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

      It won't be the last time either, swings and roundabouts. Be content with owning Pogba today.

    5. Squeazy
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Absolutely the right decision. Play the odds mate, as you're doing.

  5. Perthite
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Is the best way to do Zaha->Pogba to downgrade Stephens or Yoshida or maybe Gabbi->Mounie?

    Foster/Elliot
    Stephrns Yoshida Daniels TAA Suttner
    Zaha Salah KDB Carroll Mooy
    Kane Lukaku Gabbi
    0.5m 1FT

    1. Veezeeboy
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      How about Mooy to Atsu ?
      Only other alternative unless you want to axe Salah or one of Soton boys at the back.

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

      Drop one of saints def, imo...

  6. MFPL
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Should I trade Ince & Danilo > Zanka and Pogba? Thanks!

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

      Will leave me with 2 Huddersfield defenders along with Dawson, Stephens and Long.

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

        Go Suttner for BHA, or Mee for BUR, do it now!

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      About a minute left

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

      Just do Danilo > Pogba

  7. Positive vibes
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Still wondering why Kola play at LCB and TAA not playing. Maybe real team Manager should play FPL too.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      No Kosc and rested.

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

      Once Kosc is back Kola should get LWB. TAA is being rested for Wed, it's a £40m game, it matters.

  8. Twelve years a slave
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    The cool kids bought pogba last week, despite being ridiculed by the sheep for not getting Mhkitaryan. Pogba was going to.lead to tears they said

    and now wholesale people.are taking hits to bring him in. Ya gotta laugh

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

      The cool kids started with him.

      1. waldo666
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        This

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

      Good on ya. I brought in Son instead...we'll see what happens...

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

      I'm not one to seek upvotes but you got a 50/50 call right so far(blind chicken pecks corn sometimes also)

      1. waldo666
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        And its hardly like Mkhi blanked

    4. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      You need to credit Jonty with your Pogba transfer.

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

      he was a hairs breadth away from being red-carded for a -2 pointer.

      Good luck in the future with him.

      1. Moyesinho
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        "he was a hairs breadth away from being red-carded for a -2 pointer."

        That is bollocks.

        He made one foul on a yellow, but it was fairly soft and the ref never even thought of giving him a second.

        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Could have easily been a second yellow

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

          To be fair, he was on thin ice!

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

    pogbd didnt rise

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

      Yeah, he did

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

    Price changes ?

  11. Total Foot 5
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    best move if possible tonite? thnx!

    1. wait it out next gw for 2 ft and avoid the minus 8
    2. zaha matic bertrand > pogba 4.5 loftus creek cedric

    1. Total Foot 5
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      option 2 is a -8

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

        too late m8

        1. Total Foot 5
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          would u have gone minus 8?

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

            No, but the price changes just happened. They are at 2:15am UK time every night. So if you had perfect money to get Pogba, you are priced out now.

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

              Because he rose .1 in price.

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

    How do we know if it happened yet?

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

      sticky belly

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

        ahhh someday....

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

    Hegazi didnt rise

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

    Zaha fell

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

      Davies, Pogba up tonight that's it I think

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

    Price changes have happened!

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

      Care to share them ?!

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

      Of course they have it's past 2.15

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

        cold.

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

    not so bad, no pogba or eriksen rise

    i will take it

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

      i hope....

    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Really 🙂

    3. Twelve years a slave
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      It a bit too.tame on the price fronts

    4. mikess
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Pogba rise definately

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

      Pogba rose!

  17. Positive vibes
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Will Kosc play next week? Really hope Kola can play as LWB.

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

      Yes, he returns @liv

  18. IRBOX ⚽
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    TM?

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

    Pogba 8.1.. tried to bring him in for Salah and got locked out.. omen perhaps

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

      I came home from the pub with 2 FTs yet I hit the WC button 😆

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        🙂

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

        As long as you got them in team before price rise.. don't swap them out now!!

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

      Bad omen.

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

        ACL???... nah should be fine : )

  20. Rogue Todd
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    #TMout

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

    pogba rose 🙁

    expected but disappointed

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Muppet

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

    Now that the pogba shi[ has sailed I will turn my attention to Son

    1. fedolefan
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Lol

      1. fedolefan
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        You can't get out of FFS bandwagons that easily mate.

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

      You were neglecting your family for FPL?

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

      I like Son as an option eventually.

    4. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Heard he has some international duty probably a lot of travelling. I am going to check these fixtures before committing. But would also like this as my non Pogba / Mhki option

    5. One Man
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Son is tempting, will watch him carefully. Could/should still outscore Pogba over the season.

  23. FPL Mentor
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Has Davies gone up to 5.6m?

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

      aye, Ben Davies

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

      Yea

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

    Please rate my wc team and tell me if I'm missing anyone?

    Pogba
    Pogba Pogba Pogba Pogba
    Pogba Mkhi Pogba
    Pogba Pogba Pogba

    Subs: Pogba Pogba Pogba

    Is 4-3-3 the best formation with these players?

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

      Shoot, I forgot one of my subs. Sorry.

      4th sub is Pogba.

    2. fedolefan
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      This is how you play the value game. Given that Bavies rose in price, Mkhi -> Bavies would have been my preferred transfer before the prices changed.

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

        WC fail.

        Shit!

    3. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Who you putting the armband on?

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

        Probably Pogba.

  25. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 17 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Wish Man City played today.

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yep, I wanted to assess KDB.

    2. Flaming Flamingo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Why's that?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Easier for transfers tomorrow.

        1. Flaming Flamingo
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Fair enough 🙂

    3. Pierce34
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Are you expecting a price drop from Jesus before the end of this gameweek, TM?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Needs another blank.

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

      Looking forward to having something to watch on Monday.

    5. mikess
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Nothing better than when you have a near full fixture list on a Saturday

  26. Andy_Social
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    What the hell? Solanke has dropped - he wasn't even on the fplstats list of 100% fallers?!!!

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

      He was

    2. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      He definetely was. Verified by my own eyes about an hour ago

    3. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Does anybody ne own him?

  27. Total Foot 5
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    other option to bring pogba pls? thx

    1. -4 kdb + matic > pogba + tadic
    2. -4 kdb + matic > pogba + 6.9 (maybe xaja or jese?)
    3. keep ft for 2ft next gw to bring pogba

  28. COYG
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone have to link to marks team?

      1. fedolefan
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Mark's profile really should have his team link. Will hopefully save some of these questions. Why does he have fantasyfootballscout as the website anyway?

  29. Qaiss
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    So think I'm going to do these transfers.

    Currently have 0.5 in the kitty. Will do Lacazette > Lukaku. This will leave me -0.6.

    Then I will do Kompany > Trippier. Is this a good decision?

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

      Yes, as long as Trip's back properly

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

      look great

    3. Flaming Flamingo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good to me 🙂

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

        I will have to take a -4 but I think it will be worth it 🙂

    4. matthew_1991
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Getting Lukaku in yes but get Hegazi(4.6) instead of Trippier(5.4), he's 0.8 cheaper plus Tripper hasn't even played this season and is a 50% injury doubt.

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

        I have Foster already. And I think Trippier will be back for Burnley next week.

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

          Old club and that

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

            True, may even face Chelsea today so will see.

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

    Looking at a few MLs... and I see the players with less skill are on top...

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

      No direct correlation of course. Just saying there leagues are a mixed bag right now

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

      Bloody casuals

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

      True, in mine, I can't see them keeping it up. Hopefully!