Opinion
26 August 2017 3992 comments
Mark Mark
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The Manchester clubs are united in tormenting Fantasy Football managers.

In fairness, we should have expected Pep Guardiola’s City teamsheet to prove a source of frustration. It should come as no real surprise.

Even so, he seems determined to baffle us.

Having withdrawn Gabriel Jesus at half-time on Monday night following Kyle Walker’s dismissal, it appeared to signal that Guardiola’s affections were leaning towards Sergio Aguero for the lone striker role.

But just six days later, it was Aguero who made way as the City manager shuffled his formation and personnel in a bid to solve the frustration of Monday’s misses.

Aguero travelled to the Vitality Stadium today on the back of seven goals in his last seven away trips. He was backed by over 265,000 (5.7%) Fantasy Premier League managers with the captaincy.

Inevitably, Jesus took his opportunity to justify his selection. He served up his first goal of the season at Bournemouth having been sold by over 119,000 managers, triggering a 0.1 drop in price.

To make matters worse Aguero, along with today’s other omission from Monday’s teamsheet – John Stones – were both introduced from the bench by Guardiola. Auto-subs and Vice Captains were nullified.

City’s formation change – a move to 4-3-3 – also saw Kevin De Bruyne retreated alongside David Silva and Fernandinho as part of a central three.

That role muted his goal threat and again left him probing around the fringes of City’s 2-1 victory.

Statistically, the Belgian was still the most creative player in Gameweek 3 so far, providing four chances and laying on a big chance for Nicolas Otemendi who struck the post.

But those brief flashes will be lost on his Fantasy owners. They will continue to plot the exit of a 10.0 priced asset that has delivered three successive blanks. De Bruyne has already been sold more than any other player since the passing of today’s deadline.

As for United, while they engineered a 2-0 victory over a stubborn Leicester City at Old Trafford, Fantasy managers were left smarting by Romelu Lukaku’s penalty miss.

It remains to be seen if this dents Lukaku’s stock. There will be an ongoing debate on whether he will retain spot-kicks and whether Paul Pogba could be the beneficiary in waiting.

But for now, we can only consider what comes next in this current Gameweek.

Captained by over 1.7 million (37.3%) FPL managers, Lukaku’s zero point return sat alongside Aguero’s failing and a first blank from Pogba to set up Sunday’s performers.

Spurs’ Harry Kane now heads into a Wembley date with Burnley sporting over 741,000 armbands. Some 53% of his 1.3 million owners have trusted him as their skipper.

Confidence in Kane has been dented following his two single point returns, but now the scene is set for him to deliver the season’s first major twist.

A double-figure tally would cause a significant swing. Couple that with an impressive performance from Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez and it would represent a turning point that could spark transfer hits and Wildcards aplenty.

While Saturday disappointed, it means that Sunday could be huge for all kinds of reasons.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

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

    Backing Britos to beat McGregor in a ufc bout after the Maywesther fight is done...

  2. Scapegoat Salah
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Chances of RLC, Fraser or Ritchie dropping tonight?

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

    what to do with RLC with 0itb?

    1. niko mate
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Nothing

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

      Hold for now, could be fine for next gw

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

    Hoping Salah outperforms Mane tomorrow to prevent me being tempted to use my FT and MITB to get Mane in

    1. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Hoping you're incorrect.

    2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Same haha

  5. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    surely a pen???

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah I don't understand that either

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

        very strange

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

      Stupid rule

      1. Les Bleus
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        What is the rule?

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

      Far more of a pen than the Man Utd one. Difference being half of Thailand doesn't support Brighton

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

        Is somebody jealous???

  6. RustyBz
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Move jwp out or take the drop? 0.5 itb

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

      I have same issue but decided best to keep. Have.4 in bank

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

        Leaves likes of Jesé and richarlison out of reach but feels foolish to burn FT this early on int break

        1. Rate My Tome
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I have the same dilemma but with Fraser. Have you lost value anywhere else yet? I've lost a 0.1 on Jesus who I'm going to keep, but the thought of losing another on Fraser really hurts when Atsu is such an easy move to make.

  7. Gunned Down
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Pogba or Mikhi? help me decide please.

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Pogba

    2. Cato Fong 你好
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Heads or tails

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

      Pogba. Matic freeing him up

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

      Mickey

      1. FPL Maldini
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Pogba will be more nailed during the CL period I feel

        1. Gunned Down
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Pogba is more nailed, and better stats in the box, mikhi is more consistent and attacking,
          Nt able to come to a conclusion :/

        2. Kane-harry Island
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Exactly what I thought. Also he may be a candidate for future spot kicks

    5. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Pogba (Mkhi owner)

  8. Cato Fong 你好
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    That Britos tackle was quite something. How infuriating for Silva 🙁

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I love how he was surprised too.

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

      Would like to see him just terminate his contract.

  9. tm245
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Valencia with max baps? Nice.

    1. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yes. It softened the blow of Lukaku fail.

  10. arifv
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Best 5.5 mid to replace jwp already have atsu?

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

      Can you stretch .1 m to Mooy?

    2. OwenGodfrey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Mooy easily

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

        Sod it, if we're just going to ignore the whole 5.5 bit I'll go with Mane

    3. Pompel
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Mooy - helps build my TV 😉

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

        He's not 5.5m

    4. Calculated Risks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Atsu probs

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

        Even though he said he already has Atsu?

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

          My bad, no wonder I had him in my head

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

    my ritchie>richarlison transfer only costed me 3 points.

    Not too bad then

    1. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Exactly my thoughts also, I'm not as disappointed as I would normally be.

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

      ...and an FT

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

      Seven if you consider the opportunity cost of the transfer. But who's counting? 🙂

  12. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Is Jese price still frozen ?

    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      No

      1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        k thanks

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

      No - http://fplstatistics.com

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

    Bad time to wc?

    1. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Depends on your team

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

        It's not great

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

    Yoshi or Cedric?

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

      Cedric

  15. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Spurs / Arsenal captaincy rotation for next few weeks:

    Bournemouth (h)
    Swansea (h)
    West Brom (h)
    Brighton (h)
    Bournemouth (h)
    Liverpool (h) / Everton (a)
    Swansea (h)

    1. Sánchez
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      This says Sanchez and Kane are must have

    2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Got Kane & getting Lacazette for Aguero, such beautiful Captain options

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

      Slim chance that Sanchez starts vs Bournemouth. Too soon to shift Lukaku or Kane to Laca no matter what happens tomorrow.

      1. Sánchez
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I expect Sanchez to start tomorrow

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

          His minutes after IBs haven't been great the last few times.

          1. Sánchez
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            FFS team news expect him to play tomorrow

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

              They also expected Aguero to play today...

              1. Sánchez
                • 13 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                So did everyone else

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

                  I don't get what your point is?

                  My point is that just because it's in Team News doesn't mean it's gonna happen.

                  1. Sánchez
                    • 13 Years
                    8 years, 7 months ago

                    My point is I am not alone in expecting arsenal to play Sanchez tomorrow

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

                      Ah right, who's expecting him not to play then, he's their best player by miles.

                      Surely if he's fit he has to play?

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

                      Oh wait this was a reply to Rainers question.

                      I think I've had too many beers. Ignore me and move on with your day 🙂

                      1. Sánchez
                        • 13 Years
                        8 years, 7 months ago

                        Haha. No worries.
                        Not fussed if he does.
                        But if he does and plays well, it will alter my plans a lot

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

                        I'm really hoping he doesn't play because the headache of trying to get him in my team right now is too much!

      2. George Sillett
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Why is there a slim chance that Sanchez starts v Bournemouth?

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

          Because Man City don't play Bournemouth next...

  16. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Narrowed down my search for Fraser replacement

    1 richarlison
    2 Brady
    3 Atsu
    4 knockaert

    Anyone?

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

      wait after tmr's game.
      If jese scored/assist again I can see a massive bandwagon on him

      1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        yep

      2. Lord Flashheart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Don't like him
        Trouble maker who failed everywhere

      3. Essem
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        His price might drop tonight though.

        1. Lord Flashheart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          This

    2. Webbinho
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      4

  17. Emiliano Sala
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    I'm concerned about buying jones
    Is he nailed?
    He may rise tonight idk whether to buy him or not

    1. Sánchez
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Be harsh to drop him after 3/3 clean sheets

    2. SC not pearls before swine
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I think Jones should be alright for a while. Rojo's not back until December, and it seems like Mourinho prefers him to Smalling and Lindelof for now.

  18. Kane-harry Island
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Lads, what is the situation with Danilo?

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

      Likely to be benched when Walker back

      1. Kane-harry Island
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Too bad. I thought he had a great game today.

  19. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Fellaini.

    Worked tirelessly for United ever since he signed for them. Has played in whatever position has been asked of him and always tried his best. Scored so many important goals and had many commanding midfield performances. Hardly ever gets praised when he does well but is always scapegoated whenever United do poorly.

    Feel kinda sorry for the lad.

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

      Punching well above his weight and earning an absolute fortune.

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

      Fellaini knew what he was signing up for. Huge wages to make up for the fact that he would be playing in front of tourists that were going to boo him every time he didn't score.

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

        He got a huge cheer and chant the moment he started warming up today ... hadn't even stepped on the pitch

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

      Probably Mourinho's favourite player in that squad...apart from Matic 🙂

    4. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Nah he's a great asset to have

  20. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Going to to stay up. Its a bank holiday so have a day to recover

  21. Proietti
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    KDB out for?

    a) Mane
    b) Eriksen
    c) Ozil
    d) Salah
    e) Alli

    (already have Kane, Lukaku, Firmino, Mkhi)

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

      similar situation, only can tell after tmr's game. I would wait till after international games to do my transfer as well

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

      Eriksen as you have Firmino for Liverpool

    3. ando22
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Ozil

    4. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      B

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

    Could have sworn Lukaku was on 19pts before the gameweek started.

    😉

  23. ludaslol
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Who out for KdB and Gabbiadini? I have 2FT

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

      Who in obviously lol

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

        Kdb to Eriksen/Mane/Salah/Alli.. Pick one
        Gabbiadini a little bit tougher.. In that price range only chicharito probably slightly better but plays for a far worse team.

  24. Emiliano Sala
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Danilo to jones yes or no?

  25. Dasher0303
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Danilo to Jones or Davies on a free? Or do later after internationak break.

    1. Kane-harry Island
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I advise you wait after the break.

  26. RustyBz
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    We reckon jones will rise? Holding the trigger on Danilo -> Jonesy

  27. Kloppster
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone chose to do like my mini-league villain, he triple captained Kaku? =D

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

    Hart
    Stephens/Davies/Lowe/Ake
    Willian/Salah/Mkhi
    Jesus/Kane/Lukaku

    Have 2FT. I'm happy with my attack apart from Willian as he could lose his place now. Any suggestions on what I should change?
    Thinking downgrade Willian and spread the funds around the defence.

  29. fedolefan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Mounie owners, playing him against West Ham or looking at getting in Abraham/Vokes? I benched him GW1 and GW3, played him GW2 for his 1 pointer. 🙂

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

      Play him.

      That Wham defence has shipped 10 goals in 3 outings.

      Ch-ching!

    2. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I'll be keeping for West Ham, not many more options without downgrading KDB and I don't want to take a hit.

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

      Playing him vs West Ham, they look awful, Mounie has the attributes to succeed and Hudds looking good

    4. fedolefan
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah, cheers lads. He's in my starting XI now. Was just tempted by a switch to Abraham/Vokes. I'll wait it out this week.

  30. Emiliano Sala
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Will jones start for england?

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      2 secs, just texting Southgate.

    2. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      *Phil