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

    I don't see how I can afford Pogba and Lukaku when Hazard is back... gonna want him and probably Eriksen, plus someone from City long term.

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

      Can't have them all

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

        Exactly, two United attackers seems like an unaffordable luxury. They won't win 4-0 every week.

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

          Goal count will probably regress after the Leicester or Stoke match when they begin having more difficult fixtures.
          The question will be if we think Pogba or Mkhi will be more effective when less goals are scored.
          Both of them have had their points inflated by the late flurry of goals in both matches that would be less likely to occur against stronger teams

  2. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Heaton Elliott
    Daniels Walker Bert Jones Lowe
    KDB William Ritchie Carroll mooy
    Kane Kaku Abrahams

    A Have the exact cash for Ritchie to Pogba....or
    B KDB out for Pogba and upgrade elsewhere...

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

      This site has gone bonkers... City haven't even played yet and people want to transfer KDB out for Pogba...

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

    Would you go...

    1. Kola to jones & willian to pogba

    2. Salah to pogba just

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

    Is Salah to Pogba the move?

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

      Sure couldn't jerk the knee any further than that that's for sure!

  5. Tmel
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Have 2FT and need to sacrifice one of the following to afford Pogba. Who to downgrade? 

    a) KDB 
    b) Salah
    c) Kane
    d) Jesus
    e) Hold fire until Monday's games but miss out on the price rise

    1. Assisting the assister
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Would hold and let it go

  6. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Hegazi the new McAuley

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

    This will be an annoying watch

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

    I haven't used FPL statistics before. Is there a chance that Pogba won't rise?

    1. thepeen555
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Always a chance this early on they might not rise but it's a chance that some people don't take

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

      Slim

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

      Very, very slim chance.

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

      That rocket's leaving the launchpad

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

    Would you have KDB or Jesus as City cover?

    1. Jolly Good
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Jesus for me

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

      Jesus

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

        And .5 in the pocket and the way people are talking about losing KDB on here may soon be .6 🙂

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

          This 0.5m cheaper talk is nonesense, (if it doesn't change your formation) it's like mixing apples and oranges. You always have to look at alternatives you get in each area of the pitch, meaning if KDB's alternatives are priced at 9.5m and Gabriel's at 11.5m, in real numbers KDB is actually more expensive.

  10. Why Always Me
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Mane to pogba considering pool tough fixtures ?

    1. thepeen555
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I wouldn't say mane maybe salah as he may well be more CL man now I reckon

  11. Clintymints
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Hola seniors

    Anyone scared by the Eriksen .1 potential rise today and ditching KdB before the City game

    1. Clintymints
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I guess if Kane blanks, Jesus can come in and Eriksen can come in for KdB?

      Gaaaah the .1 is gona annoy me if it goes through today.

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

      No, wouldn't want to be losing cover of that City attack anyhow

      1. Clintymints
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Aye. it means finding 2.5 for WIllian > Eriksen and it just shaftes the back 4 to no end

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

          Probably best to just stick for now then, many players we thought would rise/fall didn't until later on into the week anyway, I'm guessing WCs were/(are) inflating things

          1. Clintymints
            • 16 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Aye probably right. Some lads have been over 100 last few days and eriksen only went over 100 today for the first time.

            Might sneak it.

            Hopefully

  12. Lone Wolf
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Choose one:

    A) Kola, Tadic > Jones, Pogba for -4
    B) Kola, Willian > Bavies, Pogba for -4
    C) stick (tomorrow it would be not possible due to price changes)

    1. Prøfeßör …
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      B but wait until tomorrow - get Trippier instead of Bavies.

      1. Lone Wolf
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        is he ok?

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

    After tomorrow, I have a feeling i'll want Alli Eriksen Kane

    1. Clintymints
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Feeling it already

      .1 more on Eriksen and I'll feel like I overpaid 😆

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

      or Hazard...

      I predict loads of Salah sales either way.

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

        I really want to keep hold of Salah, but it'll be difficult

      2. Clintymints
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Happy to keep Salad it's the Eriksen/Kdb debate that's annoying me

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

          Eriksen used to go missing in the big games, but really stepped up in the 2nd half of last season. Scored at the bridge and 2 assists for dele at the lane.

          Let's see how tomorrow goes....

          1. Clintymints
            • 16 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Aye he really did. Even the other day he looked to continue the good form

    3. Krionos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Or Morata and Alonso?

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

    Anybody got a MOTD stream link?

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

      Google those 3 words.

    2. Comment removed. Please refer to our terms and conditions on posting comments.

  15. Firma
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Who to bring in for Zaha before his price drops? Tadic/ Redmond / Richarlison / Willian / Jesse / Ramsey?? Too many options!

    1. Rasialdo10
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Richarlison looks in fine form and has a plum fixture in Brighton next week

  16. camarozz
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Oops. Pity I didn't read that article before I brought Pogba and Jones in for Salah and Ake for a hit.

    Had to be done tho as my rivals are seriously getting away from me this early in the season. I may regret it.

  17. Smoky Johnson
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Serious questions:

    How do i delete my FPL account?
    How do i delete my FFS account?

    Im
    Out.

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

      Dont quit, mate..

      1. Smoky Johnson
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Please answer my questions..

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

      Email me.

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

    1)Zaha + Alonso ---->eriksen + Davies
    2) zaha + bailly ---->pogba/mkhi + Davies
    3) Zaha---->Richarlison
    help asap

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

    Our naughty bitch.

  20. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Salah to Pogba tonight is a no brainier, yeah?

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

      I wouldn't

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Why on Earth not?

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

      😯

    3. Krionos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Your name is rather apt.

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

      Nope

  21. Alex1111345
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    I will probably WC gw3 to build value in my squad.

    That being said. I have;

    DDG, Elliot
    Kola, Danilo, Stephens, mee, 4m
    KDB, Mhiki, Jwp, atsu, carrol
    Lukaku, Kane, firmino

    I want pogba and Erikson who are due to rise. Probably by a few 0.1 by next GW.

    Should I take some hits to get them in? That being said. It is a -12 I'm looking at...

    DDG, KDB, Jwp, Kane out
    Forster, Erikson, pogba, aguero in

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

    Pogba .3 rise this GW?

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

      Followed by a blank in GW3. Leicester won't be pushovers. They'll defend deep and play long balls over the top to Vardy. Will suit them down to the ground.

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

        conceded 4 against Arsenal?

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

        Leicester's set-piece defense was very shaky against Arsenal. That benefits both Pogba and Mkhi

    2. Guy Demel
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Bandwagon
      United
      Big name
      Big points
      Early in season so active players high

      Probably .2 but .3 possible

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

      Very real possibility. For some reason much more popular relative to Mkhi. Might be related to him being more well known among the fanboys who don't actually watch any football

  23. Lecky Legs FC
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Would you do Ake & Iwobi > Jones & Doucoure for a -4 hit in the next couple of days

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

    Arnie 😆

  25. Pigeon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Got myself a membership after, liking the features so far!

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

      Enjoy.

      1. Pigeon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers TM

  26. Deulofail
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Im my draft team I sold Antonio (goal)

    And bought Arnautovic (RC)

    Hahahaha

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

      Antonio assist*

  27. thepeen555
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Lol @ arnie getting sent off

  28. Ings on the up
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Very dirty from Arnie! What a clown.

  29. Viper
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    My knee jerk is KDB -> Pogba

    Pogba let off the leash could match KDB's value let alone keep up with him at 2m cheaper

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

      I think KDB is a different class creatively.

      I'll probably be proved wrong and cave in next week.

    2. Clintymints
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Like a good gamble and tempted to drop KdB this minute

      Mkhit/Pog looks to be siilar to a Mane/Salah situation. Still rater Mkhit since he's technically further forward

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

    If you don't have pogba or mkhi in 3.5 hours - your fpl season ends here.

    1. thepeen555
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Sure

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

      If you own Lacazette its already over.

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

      Massive overreaction.

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

        Yeah, 2 gameweeks in, sure pal