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. shearer9
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Do we think Willian will start GW3?

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

      Yeah, Hazard won't be back until after the int. break.

      1. shearer9
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers.

      2. shearer9
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        But may I ask how you know this?

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

    Anyone else have real trouble with this site today. Slow loading and taking an age to post comments, often resulting in white, unformatted page (must be a name for that) or temporary error screen? Could be my browser/extensions screwing things up.

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Same problem

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

      All good here.

    3. F4L
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      same for me; on IE and Chrome

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

      same for me, coincidence fpl having same issue?

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

      Yep, on mobile browser (with fibre optic broadband. Connection isn't problem). Also had trouble with FPL site.

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

      Last comment I posted took over 30 seconds, so I left the room to go make a cup of tea while I waited.

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

        This one only took about 6 seconds ^

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

    Worth holding Tammy Abraham?

    Or worth finding 0.6 to get Mounie?

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

      At least wait until he's played. I'm holding for now, especially since Swansea's fixtures get a tad easier from now on.

      ... Just hope he starts with Llorente!

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

        He has played twice?

  4. Taking the Mkhitaryan
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Every page I read is the same people asking the same question they asked and had answered on the previous page. I keep thinking I am reading the same page again

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

      Totem ftw.

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

      Before asking a question I try answer 4 or 5 and also read back a few pages... I think lots just think the place should revolve around them.

  5. ooooo
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Made a really bad decision having hart. keep or get foster?

    1. Random Name
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      mate i've just transferred hart IN

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

        Well..

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

      Wow that was bad

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

    A Keep Willian or
    B Transfer Willian to Pogba on free tonight

    1. Random Name
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      i used my gwk 1 transfer to get willian yesterday.

      I've transferred him out today for pogba.

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

        Beef jerky

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

      B

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

      I'm liking b

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

      What other United cover do you have?

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

        Lukaku

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

          definitely B then

  7. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Is the Kolasinac bandwagon over now?

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

      Stalled. Hopefully moved to LWB when Koscielny returns

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

      I doubt its fuy over... many will sell but he does look a decent fantasy asset (non owner here)

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

        Fuy... fully

    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Why should it? Were there ever defs giving attacking returns every match?

  8. the vanisher
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Need to replace Arnautovic (7.0) and Lejeune (4.5) any suggestions?

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

      Anything itb?

      1. the vanisher
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        No

  9. FF Dirtbag
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Where are people checking rises?

    1. the vanisher
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      fplstatistics

    2. FF Dirtbag
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks guys.

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

    RMT

    Begovic / Elliot
    Jones / Danilo / Cedric / 4m / 4m
    Mkhi / Erikson / Willian / KDB / Salah
    Lukaku / Mounie / Chicharito

    0ITB
    2FT

    Recommendations?

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

    What is more worth -4:

    1) JWP Kolasinac to Richarlison Trippier
    2) JWP Willian to RLC Pogba

    ?

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

      2

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

        Tempted by it!

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

      2

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

    When is Mendy expected to come in for Danilo?

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

      I'll be nervous in GW3, expect him back GW4 for sure

  13. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    For those who watched the arsenal game, how did Ramsey do?

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      looked good; on another day he scores, got forward a lot

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Good stuff. Kind of wish i'd saved the FT rather than bringing him in for Zaha, but 90mins today was a good sign at least & planning to hold for as many GW's as possible, hoping he demonstrates he has been wrongly priced at 7.0 (in a good way!)

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

      Further forward than Lacazette most of the time 🙂

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        happy days. hopefully Wenger doesn't go changing things up now that they have a formation that helps Ramsey. bad result today, he may need to look at tactical reshuffles

    3. Karan_G14
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Got into the box a lot but Arsenal lacked quality.

    4. Holy See
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Thought he looked like he has potential, good runs into the box. How long before he gets injured tho, that's what's puttin me off. Looks good to me tho.

  14. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    "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."

    This is incorrectly. Lukaku's 2 goals versus West Ham and Bailly goal all came before the 75th minute mark

    1. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      This is incorrect*

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

      My night's ruined now

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

    A) Salah -> Pogba
    B) Ramsey + Willian -> Pogba + Richarlison

    All for free

    1. the snazzy viking
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      All too kneejerk

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

        Really?

    2. Lord of Ings
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B easy.

    3. Blanka
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B.

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

      neither

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

      Richarlison better than Jese?

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

        Better fixtures

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

          This

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

          Fair. Is that the only benefit?

  16. F4L
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Last week was all about Zaha, this week Pogba is the rage. Next week it will be Eriksen

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

      and the week after?

      1. Random Name
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Lacazette

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

          Think I'm gonna sell Lacazette mate. Dream is over

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

        Kane

      3. F4L
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Sanchez forcing WCs

    2. Karan_G14
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Eriksen is a good long term pick tbh.

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

        Agree and the one player I fear not owning (for now)

    3. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      We're reverse alphabetical so it's gotta be Ali and in GW4.

  17. istanbul05
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    DDG,
    Kompany, Stephens, Dawson, Ake,
    KDB, Salah, Zaha,
    Kake, Kaku, Mounie.

    Elliot, Atsu, Carroll, Long.

    Thoughts on Ake/Tadic to Mbemba/Pogba -4? Would leave me with 2 4.0 DFs which would be a worry...

  18. arndff_
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Should I get Pogba or to stick with my current selection?

    DDG Elliot
    Monreal Ake Stephens Suttner Long
    KDB Salah Mkhi Atsu TCarroll
    Kane Lukaku Mounie

  19. Optic1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Alonso dropping tonight. Daniels dropping tonight. Pogba rising tonight.

    Alonso > Kompany
    Willian > Pogba
    Daniels > Jones -4

    It's tonight or not at all really. Yes or no?

    1. AYLD28
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Nice moves if they only cost -4

    2. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Alonso isn't dropping tonight.

      1. Do I Not Like Orange
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        And neither is Daniels. Where are you getting this info? FPLstatistics has them both miles off dropping.

      2. Optic1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        He is according to fffix. Could be off though.

        Although tbh that bit is irrelevant as the Alonso money is needed for Pogba who we know is rising for sure.

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

          Fix a bit unreliable to be honest. Still has John Terry on the rise

          1. Optic1
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Lolol

            Fair point!

    3. captaincuddles
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Nah at least wait until your players have played before getting rid.

  20. shearer9
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Willian -> Richarlison?

  21. TaiwanHC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Will Trippier come back next week?

    1. Karan_G14
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Has a good chance.

      Could make the bench against Chelse.

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

    I suppose this is a "cover " question.
    But is losing Lukaku to fund Pogba / Mhki and a lot of cash a viable option.
    I am serious.

    1. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I dont think it is. Lukaku will prove to be a more reliable point scorer than Pog or Mkhi. A captain option

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

        Yeah but on the captain front Kane and Jesus can be enough?

    2. Konig Luther
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      people are getting crazy

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

        Of my front 3 Kaku Jesus and Kane. I always intended losing Kaku when Haz was back so not as knee jerk as it may seem.

    3. @fpl_phenom
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Lukaku on pens too so I wouldn't do it. He's going to score a lot of goals.

      1. Your Mum's Athletic
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        How do you know he is on pens? No-one knows

  23. Random Name
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Need stones 15 pointer tmrw

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

      No chance tomorrow.

      1. Random Name
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        it's 10pm mate

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

      That may never actually happen never mind tomorrow. Bookmark me 🙂

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

      Monday night they play

  24. Lord of Ings
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Zaha + Alonso ------> Eriksen + Alder for (-4) yay ?help

  25. Waylander
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Random Name you are quoting people saying Mane wouldn't play should we pull up your dozens of posts claiming La(C)azette? LOL

    1. Random Name
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Actually i claimed Lacazette captain gwk 1. For gwk 2 i claimed lukaku captain.

      You can look through my posts to try and disprove me but you won't be able to

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

        Saw it several times on here yesterday. No need to disprove.

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

        Link your team.

  26. JurgenRodgers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Just done my 1st Knee Jerk
    2 FTs..
    Kdb/Groß out
    Pogba/Richarlison in
    £1.5 Itb

  27. Dušan Citizen
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Erm, would you get Hart, Fabianski or Ryan instead of DDG?

    Those 3 rotates well with Elliot.

    Need to free up money for Pogba, so going -4.

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

      Wouldn't touch Hart with a sh*tty stick.

      Fabianski of those...Swansea looked good defensively today before the late collapse.

  28. L9
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    what time does the price changes occure? english time

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

      4 hours

  29. The Royal Robin
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    So why did Kola get taken off?

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Tactical

    2. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Tactical change

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

      To go with 2 CB. Replaced by Giroud. Attacking move

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        When is Kocielny back.., ie when will Kolasinac be much more value as an FPL asset

  30. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Suggestions? 1ft, 0itb

    Forster, Elliott
    Bertrand, Daniels, Dann, Suttner, Long
    KDB, Mkhi, Wijnaldum, Atsu, Carroll
    Kane, Lukaku, Firmino

    1. Dušan Citizen
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Wijn and Firmino to Eriksen and Mounie or JRod?