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. Ings on the up
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Very dirty from Arnie! What a clown.

  2. Viper
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month 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
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I think KDB is a different class creatively.

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

    2. Clintymints
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 1 month 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

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

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

    1. thepeen555
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Sure

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

      If you own Lacazette its already over.

    3. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Massive overreaction.

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah, 2 gameweeks in, sure pal

  4. popcoin
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    My 4.5 defender shortlist. Any additions welcome. Who would you pick considering fixtures and team form?

    A) Fernandez (cry, NEW, tot, WAT, whu)
    B) Britos (BHA, sot, MCI, swa, wba)
    C) Manquillo (WHU, swa, STO, bha, LIV)
    D) Fosu-Mensah (SWA, bur, SOT, mci, mun)
    E) Suttner (wat, WBA, bou, NEW, ars)
    F) Lowe (SOT, whu, LEI, bur, TOT)
    G) Manquillo (WHU, swa, STO, bha, LIV)
    H) Ward (tot, CRY, liv, HUD, eve)

    1. Clintymints
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Lowe

      Little information so far but maybe on some dead balls attacking fullback in a team with kind fixtures

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

      Suttner

    3. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      C) Benitez will tighten Newcastle up.

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

        or maybe G! 😉

    4. Gruu
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      C or G

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

      That's not a short list.

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

    Choose one: Zaha to?

    A) Mané
    B) Myki
    C) Pogba
    B) Eriksen
    Have Alli Matic Lukaku Salah

    1. Egg noodle
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Eriksen

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

      Mane for coverage purposes. Maybe flawed logic but I'd personally like to have a Pool attacker in there

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

      Without a doubt Eriksen

  6. Egg noodle
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    What is West Broms first choice back four? Does Hegazi fit?

    1. Guy Demel
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      2 clean sheets and a goal suggests he fits until form dips

      1. Egg noodle
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Alright cheers bud

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

    Any Advice or Gtg
    Took -4 last week for Bats,PVA to Morata & Hegazi Ft this week Daniels to Jones

    Elliot(Hart)
    Hegazi,Danilo,Jones,Alonso,(Mee)
    RLC,Alli,Eriksen,KDB,(Carrol)
    Morata,Kaku(Abraham)

  8. Lone Wolf
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Choose one. Today (price changes). All for -4

    A) Kola, Tadic > Jones, Pogba
    B) Kola, Willian > Bavies, Pogba
    C) Daniels, Willian > 4.5, Pogba

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

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

    0 ITB

  10. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    So why no Mane bonus?

    And how was Gabbi today?

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

      Did very little BPS wise outside the winning goal which is worth 21 bps.
      Sold him last week.

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

      Not a bap magnet sadly

      Gabby took his goal nicely and smacked the bar with a cracking 30 yarder

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers guys! Think I'll be keeping both then going forward

  11. Torres76
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Which three midfielders should I have to fill the spaces now?

    1. Pogba
    2. xx
    3. Xx
    4. Xx
    5. Caroll

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

      How much money?

      1. Torres76
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Balance of 22m mate

  12. WUSS
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Has Mkhi already risen to 8.1 or is he going to rise to 8.2 tonight?
    FPL counter shows him at 105

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

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

      He's on 8.1 and not rising.

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

      going 8.2 tonight

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

        Are you using FFFix?

    3. thepeen555
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      It doesn't on mine

  13. Redbull Sucks
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    a. Jesus and Zaha to Pogba and Chicharito
    b. KDB and Zaha to Pogba and Eriksen
    c. Jesus and Zaha to Mkhitaryan and Chicharito

    2 FT, please help pick one option

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

      B by far for me

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      B by a mile

  14. thepeen555
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Didn't realise little pea actually scored 2 what a doughnut

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

      A pea doughnut? Yuck!

  15. Lone Wolf
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Is Trippier fit? Any info about him?

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

      Late fitness test so will know tomorrow

    2. Lone Wolf
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      cheers both

  16. Torres76
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Best three united players

    1. DDG
    2. Jones
    3. Miky
    4. Pogba
    5. Lukaku

    Cheers

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

      1 4 5

    2. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      If I could choose any right now it would be Jones, Pogba, Lukaku.

  17. Jairzinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    What was Yoshida doing there to win that penno? Is he a forward?

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

      Pushing for a winner, last min vs 10 men.

    2. TMERC187
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Yes forward, Yoshida. OOP easy option.

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

    LOL @ Joe Hart

    1. thepeen555
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Muggy lol

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

    That's not a red for Arnie; when did the sport become this? Grrrr

  20. Smoky Johnson
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    please help

    How do i delete my FPL account? Cant find the button.
    How do i delete my FFS account? Cant find the button.

    Wanna get out

    1. Smoky Johnson
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Whoever is +1ing me can go fook themselves

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

      you mean, cant find the cat flap 😉

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

      ...like a cat in a bag, waiting to drown, this time I'm going down...

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

      Use the WC.

      1. Smoky Johnson
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Just tell me the buttons are god dammit

        1. thepeen555
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Cntrl W

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

          Try Ctrl, Alt, DeLaet

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

          Easier to log out of both tbh.

      2. thepeen555
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Prob has already

        1. Smoky Johnson
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          havent actually

    5. Sir Edo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Cool down, you still got Jesus captain left i guess..

      1. Smoky Johnson
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        arg o tappat suget - vägrar

        1. Sir Edo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          I know how you feel.
          Had one of those weeks last week. Parental leave with crazy kids, bad summer weather, 40pts in gw1. Beat that! 😉

          1. Smoky Johnson
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            We had the same team only you had dawson and i went for ritchie so i did beat that. Also you saved 1 which i didnt so u got pogba points today. Why am i even arguing? Nvm

    6. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      This cat doesn't have nine lives if getting out after two weeks.

  21. Ings on the up
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Does anybody know what "Expected Goals xG" means on the match of the day stats?

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

      The highest the xG, the more goals you should score. xG equals quality of each shot from the position on pitch. Shot outside box has low xG and one near the 6 yard box is high.

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

      Well, you look at every goal and every shot and numberwang to get expectations based on what actually happens

  22. LewanGOALski
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Rambo over Tadic and Redmond as Zaha replacement didn't go well then...

  23. Egg noodle
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    West Broms first choice back 4 anyone?
    Sorry for repost, need an answer before I sleep so that I can rage transfer

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

      Dawson, McCauley, Evans, Nyom

  24. 824545201
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Evans a must have? A 5m City defender is pretty juicy.

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

      lulz

      1. 824545201
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        What's funny?

    2. Egg noodle
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      ?

      1. 824545201
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        30m pounds, done deal.

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

      No BPS for sitting down 🙂

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

        Better defender than Stones or Otamendi.

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

      Reckon he'll be first choice then?

      1. 824545201
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        If City continue with 3 at the back i can see him being nailed. Otamendi playing CL and Evans PL.

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

          I'd be very surprised, but who knows.

          1. 824545201
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Kompany also sure to get injured sooner rather than later.

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

              Well, yes. But in the mean time I need to see some game time.

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

          He's a better defender than Otamendi. City will still concede goals though.

  25. arifv
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Who to replace linderlof with?

    1. 824545201
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Jones the obvious choice.

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

    1) zaha + Alonso --->eriksen + trippier
    2) zaha + bailly---->pogba + trippier
    3) Zaha----> Richarlison?
    Leaning towards 1 atm....please help!

    1. 824545201
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      2 if you don't have mkhi.

  27. diesel001
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    What is Mourinho's record like in these Saturday evening kick-offs?

    Has not lost a game at home on a Sunday.

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

      I've always hated the days stats. I don't see how it's relevant at all.

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

        Yeah, they are meaningless.

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

    1) JWP Kolasinac to Richarlison Trippier -4
    2) JWP Willian to RLC Pogba -4

    Any help appreciated!

  29. PMz
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Darmian > Jones or BDavies?

    Foster (Elliot)

    Mee Stephens Dawson

    KdB Phillips Richie Salah

    Gabi Lukaku Kane

    Subs Carol Darmian 4.0

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

      Bdavies

  30. WUSS
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Zaha to mkhi and Danilo to Jones for a hit?

    1. Lone Wolf
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      yes