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. Scotty B
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Mkhi owners keeping or airways stepping to Pogba before he rises tonight?

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

      Would rather both than that idea.

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

      May do Alli to Pogba (have Eriksen)

    3. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I think Pogba is the better pick but that sideways move isn't worth a valuable FT.

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

      Stick...Mkhi to Pogba would be sideways and a waste of a FT

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

    Salah ➡ Pogba?
    Gives me money to do Agüero/Lukaku to Kane in the future, if my knees feel extra jerky 🙂

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

      Have to 2ft

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

      Salah is great and just got rest because of mid week game...
      so he is likely to start next weekend

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

        2 tough games up next though.

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

          Liverpool love it

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

            No argument there 🙂

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

    I knee jerked so hard.

    Valencia, Willian -> jones, pogba

    Playing the price game this year.

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

      Nothing wrong with those moves

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

      That's fine. Two free trades....prices will rise, and they are value picks.willian also going to start being iffy in a few weeks. I moved Danilo and Wijnaldum to Pogba and Jones for money, and hopefully, continued points (have firmino, so felt Gini was expendable).

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

      Indeed

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

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

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

  5. stachman
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Anything good you can say about Bertrand performance? Is he really worth that 0,5 over Yoshi or Cedric?

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

    A) Kolasinac (liv) > Trippier (BUR)
    Dawson (STK) > Hegazi (STK)
    Zaha > Pogba (-4 hit)

    B) Willian (EVE) > Richarlison/Jese
    Zaha > Pogba

    Other options to downgrade: Gabbiadini, Cedric.

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

    Standard garbage coverage from BBC

    Two blatant pens not shown or mentioned which should have gone against Saints

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

      Yoshida wasn't a pen; Arnie shouldn't have been sent off. Weird decisions

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

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

    Any help appreciated!!

    1. FFSbet.com
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      2

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

    1) zaha + bailly ----> pogba + Tripper.
    2)Zaha ---->Richarlison
    3) zaha + Alonso -----> eriksen + trippier

    Pick one.

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

      3

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

    Watch Pool destroy Arsenal 4-2. Firmino brace, Mane and Salah getting in the act as well

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

      One of the 1st 2 probably gets rested knowing Klopp.

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

        cant see it. Klopp knows that that front 3 are their best, and he will want to show some quality to the home fans

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

          Didn't stop him today.

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

        Depends on what Klopp does midweek in 2nd leg, too.

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

    Can't wait to see the knee jerks and comments when Rashford starts scoring haha.

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

      incoming can Rashford cover Lukaku posts

  12. socho
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Am I the only one who is skeptical on some referee's decisions so far this season?

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

      try being a Fulham fan 😡

  13. Torres76
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    TORRES76 6 mins ago
    Which three midfielders should I have to fill the spaces now?

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

    Funds: 22m

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

      You don't get much for 22m.

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

        I think it stretches

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

      Which options are you considering? Might as well ask people to pick your whole team...

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

      Ince 6m
      Mane/alli/erikson 9.5m
      Tadic 6.5m

  14. 9I6
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Having a nightmare week, on 13 points...

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

      Need a link update.

      1. 9I6
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks, updated.

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

          https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/entry/36505/history links better.
          Get some United.

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

      Ouch 😮

      1. 9I6
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Got a few to play but I'm seeing so many holes now. I've somehow ended up with no United coverage so I'm trying to figure that out now...

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

      From how many. If you've only played your keeper.....

      1. 9I6
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        From 5, still have Kane(C), Alli and KDB to play.

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

          As a Spurs fan, hope you turn it around 🙂

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

    Too knee jerky to go
    KDB--> Pogba?

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

      Good money itb with that... not bad if no other good ones

  16. Dušan Citizen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    I am afraid to take Chicharito for Firmino as South Americans have a game on 5th September at night and Man City-Liverpool is on 9th September (talking for Firmino, Jesus, Kun).

    1. Dušan Citizen
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Oh nice, West Ham's match is on Monday night

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

    What was Hart doing messing around before Austin struck his pen.

    7 goals conceded in 2 games. What an absolute mug.

  18. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Just done Willian to Pogba with free transfer.

    Is Danilo to Trippier worth -4 for game home to Burnley if plays some part in game tomorrow ?

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

      * other option is to play Ake v Man City

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

      I wouldn't bring in a defender for a hit.

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

    Pogba vs Mkhi in the comparison tool is enlightening

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

    In your opinion, Is KDB -> Pogba a sensible decision or a massive knee jerk?

    Basically

    A. Pogba & Jesus

    B. KDB & Firmino

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

      knee jerk

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

    20 points today, need help badly!

    Foster, Elliot
    Danilo, Cedric, Daniels, Simpson, Mariappa
    KDB, Salah, Ramsey, William, Carroll
    Kane, Lukaku, Rodriguez

    Is it worth a wildcard? Want to do something about Rodriguez, and get in Pogba... What do we reckon?

    1FT £0m ITB

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

      20 for me, too. Ignore our score, and play your game....I wouldn't wc. If you want, you can go 4-4-2, and trade jrod to a dud forward and then Willian or Ramsey to Pogba. I'd hold Salah and KDB.

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

        Many thanks. I'm just reluctant to play 4 at the back!

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

    Pogba lucky not to be sent off, having now seen MOTD.

    Definite yellow if he weren't already booked. Moss is a terrible ref.

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

      I'm not sure. I didn't feel the first one was particularly bad - it wasn't dangerous.

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

        Judging solely on the second one. He was already booked and that was a bookable offence. Not sure what Moss was seeing.

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

          He was seeing thousands of fans screaming at him

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

      I don't think he would have been carded if he wasn't already on a yellow. Fer escaped yellow for a similar challenge earlier.

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

    Would you get rid Tadic or Willian to get Pogba?

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

    Eriksen or mkhi/pogba? Please help

  25. johnnybeefcake
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Using my WC this week. I've had a shocker and my team is going nowhere. Want thoughts on how I could make this team better?

    Foster

    Jones Bertrand Trippier

    Mane Eriksen Pogba Atsu

    Kane Lukaku Chicharito

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

      looks same like mine so it's good! 😀

  26. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Seeing a few folk saying Mkhi isn't nailed on....probably due to last year I suppose.

    I said it before the season kicked off that somehow Mkhi has the air of somebody who is very central to United this season. He feels as nailed on as Lukaku and Pogba to me.

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

      Same, I'd go as far as saying if he doesn't play they won't do well

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

    When do the price changes happena again?

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

      200 minutes

  28. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Who will be the next Mahrez/Alli?

    A) Richarlison
    B) Jese

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

      A, hope he stays so advanced when Deeney and Gray are back. He looks very good in limited time.

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

    Why no Pogba assist for Bailly goal?

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

      He got 2

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

        Ahhh sweet.

        Only one assist given on the PL app under the scores section.

    2. Flaming Flamingo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      It was given as a Pogba assist

  30. johnnybeefcake
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Is Jones nailed on for the next few weeks or should I be safe and go with Bailly

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

      Nailed atm

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

        You thinking about putting him in your team TM? Either him or De Gea for me