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

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

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

      Nah he's a cb

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

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

    3. Lieutenant Frank Columbo
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Thought Sanchez was primarily a centre half?

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

      but could mean toby means full back?

      they are paying 40m for a bench player?

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

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

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

        3-5-2

    5. Sᴄʜᴜ̈RRʟᴇ ⓝ
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      No, Trippier is a specialist RB.

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

    kdb+iwobi => silva+eriksen too sideways?

    already have mkhi, but no spurs cover atm

  3. The special 5
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      9 years, 1 month ago

      wait untill the gw is over to assess.

      jrod=>chicharito looks good as it stands

  4. Davido989
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

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

    1. Dokdok666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

      1. Davido989
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

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

        1. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          And for Puncheon

    2. Bubz
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I might give RLC a run out next gameweek

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

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

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

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

    4. how now brown cow
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

      1. Davido989
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month 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
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 1 month 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. Rogue Todd
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Playing badly and winning - the hallmark of champions 😉

      1. Davido989
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        We'll have to settle for second 😉

    6. GENERATION X
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

    7. Rainer
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Good win with 5 changes, its all about Wednesday 🙂

      1. Davido989
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        We need signings.

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

          Is Salah rotation free for a few games now?

    8. E25
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month 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.

  5. Reggie Nainggolan
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, Eriksen

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

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

  7. how now brown cow
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

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

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

      Most Chelsea concede is 1 in my humble.

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

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

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

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

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

      West Ham probably more annoyed than FPL in fairness.

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

        A disgrace to everyone involved

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

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

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

          No way... have at him 🙂

      2. GreennRed
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month 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
      9 years, 1 month 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 - ☭BowenOfRice☭
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Can't fault you there.

  9. E25
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Willian -> pogba before he rises tonight?

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

      Aye but Chelski could come good...

      1. E25
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Hazard back soon may affect willians output though

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

      nah wait it out!

      1. E25
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

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

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

      2

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

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

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

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

      Nice

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

        May regret lack of Spurs attackers though

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

          Probably...

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

        Was posted yesterday

  14. citizen_kane
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Will Firmino rise tonight?
    Will Benteke drop tonight?

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

      no
      yes

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

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

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

          He doesn't

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

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

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

          fplstatistics

          1. citizen_kane
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 1 month 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.

  15. Legomane
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month 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
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        2 clean sheets as well though.

        Transfers look good.

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

          Cheers bud

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

        Can't imagine Jones will last beyond first WC tbh

  16. capoultra
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month 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.

  17. jam sandwich
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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

  18. BlzE_94
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

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

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

      destiny calls

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

    Any price drops expected tonight?

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

      About 8.

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

        Daniels one of them by any chance?

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

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

      ...switch to the last page

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

        Cheers

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

      Loads

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

      they do

  21. George James
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I'd do it.

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

      KDB out for a hit isn't pretty

      1. walkman666
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Agree

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

      delusional

    2. gawa11
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Possible

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

    This website is really laggy on mobile today :-/

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

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

  25. Lord of Ings
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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!

  26. gawa11
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

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

    2. Salah to pog just

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

  28. Junior ⚽
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

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

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

      just don't do that

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

      Nay not yet

    3. Junior ⚽
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

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

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

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

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

        Really debatable.

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

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

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

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

    2. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 1 month 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
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month 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.

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

    A) Dawson
    B) Hegazi

    Will Hegazi lose his place when McAuley's back?

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

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