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. Texas Pete
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Hey guys. Lost on last page.

    Considering pulling a cheeky early Wildcard, to get rid of some rubbish, specifically in my defence and midfield, and hopefully catch a riser or two. I know it's early but the market seems to be pretty volatile early on and one or to of these are going up tonight.

    Transfers would be:

    Salah > Pogba
    Daniels > Hegazi
    (These already done for -4)

    Suttner > Davies
    Willian > Sllva
    Fraser > Doucoure

    Rest of team is

    DDG/Coleman
    Trippier/Bertrand/Rangel
    Eriksen/RLC
    Lukaku/kane/Mounie

    Worth it?

    1. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      You got a reply...

      I agree with the guy who replied

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      No

    3. Texas Pete
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Fair lay. Cheers lads

      Only posted again as he last one was lost on the last post. Sorry to be a nuisance.

    4. Reggie Nainggolan
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Not worth a wc for a further 3 transfers

  2. Lecky Legs FC
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    RP as I was bottomed on the page who to bring in for Iwobi? Needs to be £5.4 and lower

    A) Doucoure

    B) Davis

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

      hold out till Atsu plays tmr?

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        I'll scout him tomorrow see how it goes cheers NJ

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Don't like either, but probs doucoure

    3. Texas Pete
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Doucoure is due to rise tonight

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Ah right don't like panic buying but seems like I'll have to bank that 0.4 tonight before it goes to 0.3 cheers for the heads up.

  3. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Is the following worth a hit?

    Ake to Hegazi
    Danilo to Jones (Danilo a doubt if Mendy is fit)
    Zaha to Pogba

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Yes imo

    2. Random Name
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      if -4 hit then worth it

      if -8 hit then worth it

  4. Lord of Ings
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    How did Richarlison look today? Anyone?

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      good. Very good

    2. Blanka
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Great, hence everyone talking about getting him in.

    3. bojack
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      March of the Day shortly.

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

        I hope it's the Imperial March 😉

  5. StalkingDwarf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Haha just realized that I can't swap Daniels for Jones since I already have 3 United players. Shame. There goes my transfer excitement.

  6. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Bottomed:

    Suggestions? 1ft, 0itb

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

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

      Do u wanna double Man u mid or not? Thats yr question

  7. F4L
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Put David Silva in this week. Move to Pogba already, or just hope its just a purple patch?

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Id stick til monday at least

      1. F4L
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        would be priced out at the point unfortunately

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

          Someone else

  8. Lord of Ings
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Would you start Mounie vs Southampton or bench him?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Start

    2. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      They shipped 2 against 10 men today. Start him.

  9. Alan_T
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Has Daniels looked worth it? Worth sticking it out?

    On paper, Bournemouth results been terrible.

    1. Hooky
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I don't think he's worth it, especially with their fixtures.

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

      Get rid

  10. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    A) Jones Pogba Albrighton (-4)

    B) Trippier Redmond Ritchie

    1. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Trippier back soon? B looks grand

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

      A

  11. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Would you WC?

    DDG
    Stephens Dawson Suttner Kola
    Willian Pogba Tadic
    Lukaku Firmino Kane

    (Elliot Carroll Chalobah Lowe)

    1. bojack
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Do you remember that really indecisive customer on Open All Hours? That's who you remind me of.

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        I do yeah, great sketch.

        1. bojack
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          😆

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

        Fork handles?

    2. F4L
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I wouldn't personally; you feel like you need to?

    3. StalkingDwarf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I think it's still redeemable with a few transfers. Not too many big issues anyways.

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        What do you think needs working on?

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

          I don't like Willian as a pick. Tadic I'm iffy on. I think the main issue I have is that the defence/mid doesn't seem convincing, espicially since you're going 4-3-3. I would downgrade a striker to get Eriksen/United mid for Willian.

          1. The Royal Robin
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 8 months ago

            I've got £2.5m ITB.

    4. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Move Willian to Richarlison and upgrade 4th midfielder

  12. Lord of Ings
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Zaha---->Richarlison FT YAY?

  13. Dušan Citizen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    WILL ANYONE BE NICE ENOUGH TO REPLY???

    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. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Rather keep DDG than any of them.

      1. Dušan Citizen
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Then downgrade Firmino?

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

      Do Not. Get. Hart. For the love of god do not buy him

      Out of those Fabianski i guess, and its still not a great choice

    3. Optic1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I think that's a mistake mate tbh. Find another way.

    4. F4L
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Get Gomes imo

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

      I replied...

    6. Ste Wilkinson
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Better off going with foster and not giving a shit about the rotation IMO.

      1. Dušan Citizen
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Got Hegazi already, wouldn't double up

    7. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Probably Hart if you must although all 3 have decent looking fixtures and ropey looking defences.

    8. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Just go foster and hope he stays good

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

      Find another way. I want rid of Hart. But his fixtures will change for the better soon

      1. Dušan Citizen
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Downgrade Firmino then?

    10. matthew_1991
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Fabianski

    11. Sir Edo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I think the idea is quite nice, but you have to realize he cannot continue scoring like this..

      1. Dušan Citizen
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        I need some Utd cover as I don't have Lukaku.

        1. Sir Edo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Forget about cover, make sure you get the best players. If you think they are in United, buy them.. 😉 I have no Liverpool cover but I double City and Spurs attack instead..

    12. Reggie Nainggolan
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I got hart and can't wait to get rid

    13. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Fabianski if I had to pick, much prefer Foster and rotation be damned, though.

      1. Dušan Citizen
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        But I've got Hegazy already

  14. darrellb
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    i have lukaku, but united mids hurt me last week and seem to have done so again this week. i prevented a possible kneejerk by holding onto willian and saving my transfer, but is it worth now changing willian to pogba before he goes up tonight? it involves swapping firmino for chicharito and fixtures also support this swap. or wait until the weekend fixtures are over and buy them at a more expensive price? advice please.

    1. COYI456
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      literally have the exact same conundrum... don't want to make rash decisions but it seems like a very nice move. West Ham fixtures lightening up but they are quite a dodgy team form wise..

    2. matthew_1991
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      In a very similar position - I also have 3.5 ITB so I could do Matic/Mooy to Pogba and Firmino to Chica for a -4. Also if I ship Pogba in now and one of my players gets injured tomorrow I've used my FT. Might just do Matic to Pogba before price rise and decide on Firmino later in the week.

      1. darrellb
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        i need the money, hence the 2nd swap. if i were you, i would get pogba but hold onto firmino for now.

        1. matthew_1991
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Think that's what I'll do. Definitely want Chica for G/W 4 though (Huddersfield at home).

  15. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Missed everything today, anyone got a summary? 🙂 I see Mane got the winner (almost panick transferred him out this morning!) but no bonus? How was Gabbi? Nice to see him back on the score sheet! And big Rom? Least he got a goal 🙂

    1. bojack
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Lukaku did nowt apart from score, but that's what he's there for I guess 🙂

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah mate! Annoyed I bottled the Mane captain! Was on it all week until Friday! Guess I always would have changed this morning with the BS that was going about

  16. MiguelAngel
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Monreal or Danilo > Hegazi

  17. Ste Wilkinson
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Looking forward to Salah punishing all these sellers against a dogshit arsenal next week

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      haha, triple Pool FTW!

    2. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I was considering selling mane or a united mid but think he could do well against arsenal

      1. kennethrhcp
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        *for not or

  18. DoobNoob
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

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

    0ITB
    2FT

    Any recommendations?

    1. conew
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      danilo to 5.0 a 4,0 def to 4,5 plaing def

  19. Foozeball
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    lost on last article

    It's a shame we don't know for sure who is taking pens this year, since they haven't gotten one yet.
    It must be either Lukaku or Pogba, but I don't recall Lukaku being very good at them. How's Pogba at taking penalties?

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I think it'll be Lukaku first choice, Pogba second

  20. _Greg
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Decided to WC. too many player I wanted.

    Foster
    Trippier Jones Otamendi
    Pogba Mkhi Alli Eriksen
    Aguero Firmino Chicharito

    Elliot Mbemba Carroll Robertson

    0.1m in the bank

    The thinking was all the price rises are going to scupper getting these guys today, I've had a poor start and just wanna get back in the mix. Robertson looked good today although might put a Southampton defender back in there.

    1. Foozeball
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Robertson a rotation risk atm. Get a Southampton defender instead

      1. _Greg
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        cool

  21. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Spurs team sheet will be very interesting tomorrow... if Trippier is back, or even on the bench, is anyone not planning on getting him? Especially at 5.4?

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Might get him in for -4

    2. bojack
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      If he plays then yeah, I'd buy at 5.4, probably during the break.

    3. Foozeball
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Will get him in when I WC this week or next week

  22. Rhodes your boat
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Just got miki in.. want pogba already ahaha but I know it would of been other way round if I got pogba instead

  23. Zareos
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Should I WC?

    I'm ranked 3.1m (albeit with 5 players including Captain Kane to play). My team looks far less nailed now. This is what I have:

    Foster (Elliott)
    Alonso, Bertrand, Daniels, (Fernandez, Long)
    Salah, Ramsey, JWP, Atsu (Carroll)
    Kane, Aguero, Lacazette

    No United cover has been crushing.

    1. matthew_1991
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Not a bad team and you still have 5 to play. I'd wait and see what happens this weekend then maybe get a couple of United players in and take a -4. I still think it's too early to wildcard yet...

    2. matthew_1991
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Maybe Salah to Pogba and Lacazette to Lukaku for a -4 and save wildcard...

      1. Zareos
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Unfortunately I am 0.1m short because of price rises. That would have been my go to.

        1. matthew_1991
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Salah to Micki then maybe, he's 0.1m less than Pogba

  24. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    which is better?

    1. Kompany, KDB, Zaha and Fraser > B Davies, Eriksen, Pogba, Richarlison -8
    2. Kompany, KDB, Zaha and J rod > B Davies, Eriksen, Pogba, Chicharito -8
    3. Komany, KDB and Zaha > B Davies, Pogba and Micky -4

    1. Kip
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      the latter

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

      Getting rid of Kompany and KDB before they even have a chance to play seems very jerky

  25. More Tragic
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Is 29 with Luiz Richie Eriksen Willian & Aguero (c) left any good?

    1. the snazzy viking
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      About average

    2. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Not bad. Should get good points from remainder.

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

      Ntb

  26. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Which combo do you prefer until week 7 international break?

    A Pogba RLC
    B Ramsey JWP

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

      a by a mile

  27. Random Name
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Hart
    Bertrand, Jones, Daniels,
    Kdb, Eriksen, Pogba, Atsu
    Lukaku, Firmino, Lacazette

    (Hart, Hegazi, Carroll, Long)

    For once i might actually not have to wildcard early 🙂

  28. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    people getting trippier, won't sanchez take his place?

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

      Nah he's a cb

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

      Thought he was a CB...replacement for Wimmer?

    3. Lieutenant Frank Columbo
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Thought Sanchez was primarily a centre half?

    4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      but could mean toby means full back?

      they are paying 40m for a bench player?

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

        Nah, he can come in and Dier can play DM in a 3-4-2-1

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

        Vertonghen used to play full back.

        Probably just cover, assuming they make a better fist of the CL this year.

        Sadly 40m is just a bog standard price this window...doesn't mean stellar signing no more.

      3. Alan_T
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        3-5-2

    5. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      No, Trippier is a specialist RB.

  29. Kip
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    kdb+iwobi => silva+eriksen too sideways?

    already have mkhi, but no spurs cover atm

  30. The special 5
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    My team atm got 2ft and am stuck what to do:

    Foster, Elliott

    Bertie, TAA, Yoshi, Dawson, Daniels

    Miki, Ritchie, KDB, Milijovic, Alli

    Rodriguez, Lukuaku, Jesus

    1. Kip
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      wait untill the gw is over to assess.

      jrod=>chicharito looks good as it stands