Opinion
19 August 2017 4746 comments
Mark Mark
Share:

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. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    The team selection was a surprise. We were poor, lucky to win. RLC was the best player on the pitch.

    1. Dokdok666
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      RLC is looking so good, do you see it turning into fantasy points?

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Dunno, he laid it on a plate for Tekkers though.

        1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          And for Puncheon

    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I might give RLC a run out next gameweek

    3. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Hey berb... you think rlc will keep starting?

      I thought gomes looked very assured from what I saw. Chested down a few long balls that most would try head away

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        He should do but I don't know much about Palace.

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

          Me neither... might get him for chalobah. Was worried 1st day rlc wouldn't be a starter

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

      But you did win. FPL aside, that shouldn't be underestimated.

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Never a bad thing but I like to see good footy, we did have some good players missing though.

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

          I think any win after a midweek european game is fine. If you get to rest players in the process it's a bonus.

    5. Playing badly and winning - the hallmark of champions 😉

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        We'll have to settle for second 😉

    6. GENERATION X
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      well ive played him twice for 4 points so dont feel that great

    7. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Good win with 5 changes, its all about Wednesday 🙂

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        We need signings.

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

          Is Salah rotation free for a few games now?

    8. E25
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Selection was a surprise but I thought the team did really well considering 5 changes.

      Deffo missed Salah and of course our midfield duo but thoroughly deserved to win imo.

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

    Got mhki but want pogba.

    Willian for pogba
    De bruyne for eriksen/alli/mane

    Got salah. Shall I sell de bruyne if so for who

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

      Yes, Eriksen

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

    Can Pogba still be classified as a 'casuals' pick; how he was crucified after that Real match, now look at him

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

    Will be loving this site tomorrow if Eriksen/Alli get a decent score.

    1. More Tragic
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Most Chelsea concede is 1 in my humble.

      1. GreennRed
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        If Burnley can score 3 against them at The Bridge then Spurs can get 5 at least.

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

    From this gameweek I have come to the conclusion that Joe Hart is a disgrace to FPL. Doesn't get clean sheets or saves and couldn't save penalties. Utterly useless

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

      Hart has been shite for 2 years now; Butland is England's no1

    2. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      West Ham probably more annoyed than FPL in fairness.

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

        A disgrace to everyone involved

    3. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I think that's a few posts of you bashing hart 🙂

      I never really rated him, never thought he could get down quick enough or something. Butland has to be no.1 for England soon

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

        I needed to vent my anger, I'll try and limit my Hart tirades in the future

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

          No way... have at him 🙂

      2. GreennRed
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        He's lazy. Not motivated enough to be a top keeper any more. There's no doubt he was a talented keeper. But land better work hard cos Pickford wants the England jersey. Forster also very good.

    4. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      West Ham are a disgrace with the players they buy.

      Hart, Zabaleta, Fonte, Arnie, Hernandez are mercernaries looking for their paydays. Poor characters who do not bring team unity. They should be buying hungry youngsters who will try for the club.

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Can't fault you there.

  6. E25
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Willian -> pogba before he rises tonight?

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

      Aye but Chelski could come good...

      1. E25
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Hazard back soon may affect willians output though

    2. xtina
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      nah wait it out!

      1. E25
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        For what reason other than injury? Losing that 0.1 at this stage can really screw things

  7. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Last time mates, what is more worth -4:

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

    ?

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

      2

  8. FF Dirtbag
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    I dont have a clue what to do, was thinking of doing the following:

    KDB and Fraser - > Eriksen and Jese? For my 2FTs?

    Foster Elliot
    Davies Daniel's Stephens Mee Hune
    KDB Mane Willian Fraser Carroll
    Lukaku Kane Gabbi

  9. Lord of Ings
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    RMT For next week:-
    DDG
    Dawson Davies Alonso
    Willian Richarlison Kdb salah
    Lukaku Mounie gabba
    G2G?

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

      Nice

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

        May regret lack of Spurs attackers though

        1. Lord of Ings
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Probably...

  10. The Tinkerman
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    I think I missed some news on Trippier in the last day or so. Is he meant to be fit enough for the bench now or something? What's the source?

    1. Your Mum's Athletic
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Poch said he will face a late fitness test for Sunday's game. If he doesn't want to risk him, you'd assume he is back for the next

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

      http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/spurs-v-chelsea-team-news-180817/

      "Kieran is progressing well with his recovery and will need to be assessed tomorrow"

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

        Was posted yesterday

  11. citizen_kane
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Will Firmino rise tonight?
    Will Benteke drop tonight?

    1. More Tragic
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      no
      yes

      1. citizen_kane
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        May I ask: how do you know? Fantasyfootballfix and fiso have been all over the place with their predictions.

        1. He doesn't

          1. citizen_kane
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Well, I guess no one _knows_, but some seem to be more enlightened than others.

        2. More Tragic
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          fplstatistics

          1. citizen_kane
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Thanks. Hate being forced to do transfers before the gameweek is over. Part of the reason I don't care for the price changes system.

  12. Legomane
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Not a great week, I fancy going bandwaggoning...any objections or suggestions? Cheers 🙂

    Wijnaldum Kompany > Pogba Jones

    Foster
    Kompany Bertrand Davies
    De Bruyne Ramsey Wijnaldum Carroll
    Kane Lukaku Firmino

    (Myhill Romeu Ake Long)

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

      This maybe a season where Kaku, Micky & Pogba are the new Kane, Eriksen & Alli... might be worth keeping a 3rd utd attacking spot free

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

        2 clean sheets as well though.

        Transfers look good.

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

          Cheers bud

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

        Can't imagine Jones will last beyond first WC tbh

  13. capoultra
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Evening all,

    Have 2FTs, itchy trigger finger over:

    Rangel to Hegazi (but need funds from:)
    Kolasinac to Jones

    What say thee?

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

      Previous replies on this indicate Kola be be LB on Kos return so risky but Jones looks good and not really threatened by Lindleof right now it seems.

  14. jam sandwich
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    any hits worth taking? 0.1 ITB

    Foster
    Trippier - Daniels - Cedric
    de Bruyne - Pogba - Willian - Mooy
    Kane (c) - Lukaku (v) - Firmino

    Elliot - Carroll - Mee - Mariappa

  15. BlzE_94
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    As a United fan, i might just go with the mkhi, pogba, lukaku trio

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

      destiny calls

  16. seanysheep
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Any price drops expected tonight?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      About 8.

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

        Daniels one of them by any chance?

    2. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Go here:
      http://www.fplstatistics.co.uk

      ...switch to the last page

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

        Cheers

    3. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Loads

  17. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    When looking at the average positions of the whole team is there anyway for players names to pop up when hovering over their number?

    1. â­ Bemba_Da â­
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      they do

  18. George James
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Not one to knee jerk but how does this look? Won't be able to afford after price rise.

    KDB + Willian >> Eriksen + Pogba -4

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

      I'd do it.

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

      KDB out for a hit isn't pretty

      1. walkman666
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Agree

  19. Random Name
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Liverpool struggled to beat a crystal palace team turned over 3-0 by huddersfield.

    I genuinely think Everton might finish above them this season.

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

      delusional

    2. gawa11
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Possible

  20. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    This website is really laggy on mobile today :-/

  21. ooooo
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Hart
    Lowe Davies Stephens Ake
    Willian Mkhi Salah
    Kane Lukaku Jesus
    26 points...what should I do? Best to wildcard gw3?

  22. Lord of Ings
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Zaha---->Eriksen
    Alonso---->Davies

    OR
    Zaha---->Pogba/Mkhi
    Bailly----->Davies
    OR
    Zaha----->Richarlison
    Which of the 3 moves is best? P.s first 2 are -4.
    HELP PLEASE!

  23. gawa11
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Would you go...
    1. Kola to jones & willian to pog

    2. Salah to pog just

  24. StalkingDwarf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Too early to spend a transfer on a 4.5 mid? Have no really pressing issues and 2 free transfers. The only real "concern" is maybe Daniels but I still have some faith in Bournemouth.

    I have Mesa as a 2nd 4.5 mid in my 5-3-2, but I like RLC as a replacement. I think it give me better security, but at the end of the days, I still will have 2 points on the bench. I think I might as well if I'm not going to use the transfers.

  25. Junior âš½
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Salah to Pogba yay or nay? JUST WANT SOME POINTS!

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

      just don't do that

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

      Nay not yet

    3. Junior âš½
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Just read the article title and that's what came into my head.

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

      The word essential is often misused but Pogba comes close right now

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

        Really debatable.

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

          I guess I mean from an 8.0 pov, becoming a bit Alli-like, punishes after a poor/quiet game

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

    Pogba likely rising in price tonight is making transfers this week very tricky.
    Causing everyone to be very knee jerky, but then you can't really blame it/avoid it

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

      Yup. Blame the United fanboys. They make United player prices particularly volatile :/

    2. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      It's game theory at its finest. If everyone waited till Saturday morning to do their transfers we'd all be better off, but the herd acts out of self interest not the common good. Basically a variation on the prisoner's dilemma.

      1. Ramboros
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        The fact that you receive information about moves that will screw you over, contributes towards this not being a prisoner's dilemma.

        You want to make calculated moves based on the performance of every player? I'm not going to let you do that when I have money in the bank and a suspended/injured player that I want to replace with Pogba. I know who I need to get rid of and who I need to bring in. Why should I give you time to decide between doing Salah to Eriksen or Willian to Pogba? I have the information I need. I want you to either miss out on a price rise or make a decision without sufficient information.

  27. arndff_
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    A) Dawson
    B) Hegazi

    Will Hegazi lose his place when McAuley's back?

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

      Mcauley is 38 so can see hegazi replacing him however if they sign sakho/wimmer

  28. diesel001
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Richarlison now a superstar player because he had one good game against an undercooked Bournemouth.

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

      nothings changed then

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        No but he does look good value at as a 6m midfielder

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

      Did you expect any different? 😛

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

      Have you looked the stars/watched him play?

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

        Stats*

    4. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      He's Braziliant.

    5. GinjaWhinja
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      True but Bournemouth defence are not usually pushovers. Pretty much all his shots are inside the box. He has potential to shine - with some even tastier fixtures.

    6. Optic1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      To be clear, I was at the game today and both teams played horrendously. Bmth just slightly more shite than Watford. I would no way be investing in a Watford player after watching that lol

  29. TooDifficuIt
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    if kdb blanks will you keep him or get one from the united boys?

    1. Roys Peak
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      probably jump on pogba hypetrain and suffer next week

    2. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I've got my eye on conversion to Eriksen unless he amazes me

    3. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Sell him. No preference to replace him but Eriksen looking good.

    4. Kip
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      might get silva instead.

      seemed to get in better positions + 2mil cheaper

  30. Roys Peak
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    I have 2 FT's - who to swap for Daniels and Gross?