Opinion

The Knee Jerk – Gameweek 4

Are Harry Kane and Romelu Lukau about to make this season very dull?

Many of us marvelled at the array of attacking options we faced prior to Gameweek 1 and, even today, the choices showed up; goals for Alexandre Lacazette, Gabriel Jesus and Alvaro Morata demonstrated that.

But there is already a feeling of inevitability about the fact that Lukaku and Kane have dominated as the top two captain picks for four successive Gameweeks.

The Spurs’ striker’s “mini drought” ended today at Goodison Park – perhaps the least likely venue for a haul when we studied his opening four Gameweeks. But the Toffees were poor and simply folded to an impressive Spurs display.

Now, with the next four fixtures looking so favourable Mauricio Pochettino’s side, Kane’s bandwagon will surely gather pace, stalled only by the fact that 30% of Fantasy Premier League managers may be otherwise distracted by replacing the suspended Sadio Mane in midfield.

It now seems only a matter of time before Kane’s 26% ownership rises and starts to reach levels similar to that of Lukaku.

The Manchester United striker was hardly spectacular at Stoke but, again, he found the net and could have scored more. Owned by 58%, if he remains free of injury, it’s feasible that he could even span the entire season as the go-to captain option for the majority of managers; 37% backed him today, with Kane back on 11%.

With the Wildcard active, I pondered losing one of this pair – temporarily gambling on Lacazette outscoring Kane today and paying the price.

I’m not sure I want to taste that medicine again. Fortunately, the funds have been reserved to bring in the Spurs man ahead of Gameweek five, and he’ll be locked in from now on.

Indeed, I’m now wondering if that means that the scope of my attacking changes this season will be limited to my third striker and an occasional shuffle of three big-hitters in midfield.

My faith in Kane is pretty much unshakable once the goals start rolling. Meanwhile, Lukaku looks likely to keep scoring merely by turning up to lead a United attack powered by Paul Pogba’s physicality and fed by Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s guile.

We can flirt with alternative options, even experiment with the captaincy from time to time, but giving up on the security on offer from Lukaku and Kane won’t be easy.

The aforementioned Jesus, Lacazette and Morata all have their merits. The latter is now the top scoring striker but, presumably surrendering spot-kick duties to Eden Hazard, I’m not convinced he or even Jesus can live with the “big two”.

I’m preparing to watch Kane and Lukaku dominate, push 30 goals and battle for the Golden Boot. That would tie up 24 million of my budget over the season and restrict my ability to react to the big-hitter bandwagons in midfield.

My season might be limited to switching Spurs, Liverpool and United midfielders to form, and shuffling some defenders according to fixtures.

That doesn’t sound all that appealing, but I’m not sure when I’ll next have the balls to change it.

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

4,474 Comments Post a Comment
  1. buttigieg93
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Should I activate my wildcard or wait till the next international break?Have 1 FT and 1.4 ITB.
    If not maybe do Stones>Davies or Willian>??

    Would appreciate your thoughts. Cheers!!

    Foster,Elliot
    Bertrand, Jones,Stones,Suttner,Long
    Salah,Mkhi,Willian,RLC,Carroll
    Kane,Lukaku,Firmino

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      What will your new WC team look like?

    2. homoud0072
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      you have a decent squad I don't think you need to wild card or even use your FT

    3. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Wouldn't wildcard...there's only Willian you might need to sort out if he loses out to Hazard.

    4. Virgil Hilts
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Don't think IB is a better or worse time to activate wildcards than normal weeks.

      I just think of it as 1 hour lasts 2 hours!

      Price change opportunities don't seem any more beneficial either, plus you don't know who will be rested after long journeys (Yoshida today for instance)

      1. buttigieg93
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah makes sense! Think I should WC?

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

    Lovely finish from Lacazette!

  3. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Rough: Taking out KDB for Alli. Putting in Jones.

    Smooth: Keeping Kane after pondering selling for Laca. Kolasniac

    1. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Rough: Had Gross from the start, played him in three games for nothing with Carroll on the bench... Switched their roles this week and look how that turned out...

      1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Ouch! Beats my rough.

        1. My Name Is Prince
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Plus Mane red card... Ouch indeed!

      2. Business Cat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Might get a TCarroll hattrick...not played yet 🙂

  4. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    No surprise to see Arsenal playing better football without Sanchez holding onto the ball and slowing down attacks.

    1. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Haha what a stupid comment...

      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        True though. He's a fabulous player, but he's not a great team player, certainly not for the way Arsenal want to play anyway. You could see today Arsenals attack was a lot quicker.

  5. Prøfeßör …
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Repost.

    xG results of the day. So fascinating. Have a look at Chelsea, Brighton and Southampton.

    https://www.reddit.com/r/FantasyPL/comments/6z3fh6/gameweek_4_saturday_xg_results_of_the_day/

    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Southampton are just awful - Gabbi to go

      Brighton isn't surprising I guess - got a bit lucky today, not expecting that scoreline again for a while

      Chelsea I'm still not sure about. Will have to see how things are once Hazard returns properly

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Andy - who are you looking at as gabbi replacement?

        Not much out there.....

      2. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        So disappointing from Gabbi. Holding him over Firmino still paid off

  6. pakornk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    why didnt anyone recommend Choupo-Moting before??

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Do you want the lottery numbers for next week?

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I captained him.

    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Just because. 😉

    4. Rash
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Because he hadnt left the bandwagon station yet..

    5. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      he wont score next week..it will be ...(pay me for a crystal ball session)

    6. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      My Grays Sports Almanac only goes up to 2015 😉

    7. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Because he plays for Stoke

  7. Indalo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    How are the Overall Ranks looking guys?

    2.1M here, not great but don't expect to be too high at the start with so many chips being played.

    1. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      250k here. no chips played.

      1. Indalo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Nice!

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Shocking but now not panicking like I have been. 2.8m and the only way is up.

      1. AF90
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        2.8m too, can't remember the last time I was this low! Feels bad but also not panicking!

    3. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Still a decidedly meh 1.7m.

      Early days yet.

      Outscored virtually all my mini-league rivals pretty handsomely this week though 😎

    4. andymck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      395k, had a nice climb today.

    5. shirtless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      5k! Highest rank for years. And 2FTs plus wildcard.

    6. Frozen flying mammoth
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      490k

    7. DaveZubie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I'm down with ya

      2,291,032 - WC played and shifted out Kane.

  8. Jakarta
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone know why Hegazi was subbed at 56 mins?

    1. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Pulis couldn't bare the thought of another 34 minutes of him on the pitch

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      He was poor.

    3. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Because it was his fault that Foster was having such a bad game

  9. Knowledgeable meerkat
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Ugh feel like a have a good team (haven't used WC) but not even top 1m yet. Losing to several casuals in my mini leagues. Someone give me a word of comfort

    1. FPLtfs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      We're in the same boat 🙂

    2. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      It's a marathon, not a sprint.

    3. Digital-Real
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Get membership 😉

    4. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Patience is a virtue.

    5. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      If you like your team, keep the faith.

      But pay attention! 🙂

    6. AF90
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I've used WC & not in top 2 million, cheer up 🙂

  10. Spartac Mac
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Here's one for yous:

    Only Lukaku owners, are you scared of not having Kane?

    Only Kane owners, are you scared of not having Lukaku?

    Those with both, who do you feel more comfortable in captaining?

    1. Indalo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      No
      N/A
      N/A

    2. Sailboats
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      NA
      NA
      Kane simply because hes a better player

    3. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      have both... its going to be kane for his upcoming fixtures.... think both will bring in regular points.

    4. Ramboros
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      The worst part of not owning Lukaku is in the past.

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        he should have scored 2 today....

    5. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Kane

    6. Frozen flying mammoth
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      More comfortable captaining Kane, whenever I don't I feel really uncomfortable like he's going to get a brace.

    7. MTPockets
        6 years, 9 months ago

        A bit concerned yes
        x
        x

      • DJ1000
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I have got rid of lukaku and have Kane Jesus and firminho in attack with pogba mkhitaryan alli and brady in midfield. Kane good captaincy choice in next 4

        1. Spartac Mac
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          That's a nice balance of still having United players in there.

          Think it could be the way forward, I feel much more confident in Kane (I'm unsure why as Lukaku is thriving) but Kane just has the air of 2+goals in these next fixtures.

      • G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        n/a
        n/a
        Fixture and form dependent

    8. pakornk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      who from Man City is essential now?

      1. Sailboats
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Pep

      2. Indalo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        No one is essential. Mendy and Jesus/Aguero seem the best options so far.

      3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Fernandinho

        1. Flynny
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Bravo

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Well, my Welbeck steer was pretty good ... 😉

      4. DJ1000
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Man city have good fixtures. Have only Jesus

    9. Sune
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Planning next transfers:

      Mané + Trippier > Salah + Bavies (-4)

      Sound moves?

      1. Chenku╰☆╮
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        wait on trippier.. he might not lose his place imo.

        1. Sune
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Will do. Aurier is scary though. Cheers Pinocchio!

          1. Chenku╰☆╮
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Aurier might be CL for all you know..

      2. My Name Is Prince
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I'm thinking of those exact moves for free... 😀

    10. Gaz_b
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      My plan was to do KDB and Jesus to Kane and Salah.

      I'm in two minds after today's Man City game.

      Other option would be Lukaku to Kane..

      Hmmm help!!

      1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I'd take the point for this week and do those moves - but do it on the deadline - you should hopefully get a couple of rises there.

    11. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      My team

      DDG Elliot
      Danilo Dawson Yoshida Mee Mbemba
      Mhiki Eriksen Willian RLC Carroll
      Kane Lukaku Firmino

      1FT, 0.5mil in the bank

      Not happy with Danilo Yoshi or Willian as not nailed. What would you gentlemen say is most pressing?

      1. aleksios
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Keep Willian imo.
        Ditch Yoshi to anyone.

    12. aleksios
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Lost on last page.How would you fit Kane here? 4.2 itb.

      --Foster--
      Alonso-Jones-Davies-Hegazi
      Eriksen-Pogba-Richarlison
      Luk-Firm-Chica
      ---Elliot-Zanka-Mooy-Chalobah

      a) Alonso to Cedric and Chica to Kane -4.
      b) Richarlison to a 4.5 mid and Chica to Kane -4.
      c) something else?

      Many thanks to all.

      1. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Not sure of your values but Hegazi to 4m fodder and chico to kane ?

        1. aleksios
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          0.4 short to that.

      2. Prøfeßör …
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        B for me although A looks fine too.

      3. Spartac Mac
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Tough one, but I'd say in the long run b) could be the best bet

    13. Rik Waller
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      What are your thoughts on Fab?
      How nailed is he? I really want him. Could be a bargain.

      1. trinzoo
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Not really nailed.

    14. ZaZaZu
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Why is Chicharito being dropped by all their owners?? I'm hoping FS can help me with this. Have I missed something?

      1. Nascimento
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Rubbish at football

        1. ZaZaZu
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          *yawn*

          1. Nascimento
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            You chose him not me. Muppet

          2. Nascimento
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            I notice you've not thanked any of the people that gave you advice below either.

      2. Chenku╰☆╮
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        its called a failed bandwagon.. two rebound tapins wont happen each week.

        1. Spartac Mac
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          This. Good player, but had two tap-ins and West Ham aren't at the races yet.

      3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        The team that I support and love, is a bit crap.

      4. Siggy in the Middle
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I don't get it either. He hasn't even played this Gameweek FFS.

        1. ZaZaZu
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          He's top of the transfers out and he's not played this game week. Odd

      5. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        He will score a brace on MNF and it will all change again.

      6. Business Cat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Probably the same people that are selling Mee in droves for no reason whatsoever...he's nearing price-drop.

        Clowns! 🙂

    15. FPL_JAAFAR
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Of all the players, i still can not fathom how bertrand has got no attacking returns in the first 4 weeks.

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

        Cause he was setting up Redmond & Gabbi.

        1. FPL_JAAFAR
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Good point. Soton may well be the worst team out there.

      2. Chenku╰☆╮
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        his attackers are sh**.. called believe austin doesnt get gametime.. he would feast on the chances.

        1. FPL_JAAFAR
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Long can step up as well

    16. Goonermeister
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Will Jesus or Kane rise this week?

      1. ZaZaZu
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Jesus more likely

    17. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Is Mane likely to fall?

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Yes, in a day or two. I bought him at 9.5, so no problem.

        1. FF Dirtbag
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah thought so. Going to probably Downgrade him though

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Coutinho or D. Silva, perhaps.

      2. My Name Is Prince
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Unless you bought for 9.6m, it won't affect you anyway

        1. dhamphiir
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          9.5

    18. ooooo
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Is Willian to Ramsey a decent move?

      1. Digital-Real
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        NO

      2. Digital-Real
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Willian to Cesc is

    19. shirtless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Bertrand>Spurs looks like my move this week. Originally had Trippier in early drafts anyway before the injury. Davies or save the worry and get Toby?

    20. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Theory;

      Champions League week is a better time to WC. More people watch UCL rather than crappy Internationals and therefore like the look of players more. A la 5 English teams in it this year.

      I have no facts, sources. Just a thought.

      1. My Name Is Prince
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Could be true...

    21. Nigawan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Activated my wc last week to get rid of KDB, Kolasinac, Kane, de gea for Alli, Alonso, Morata and foster. I guess thats why fantasy is just so so fun!

      a) keep faith in morata and alonso for at least 2 games
      b) Get b.davies and kane immedietly !

      1. ZaZaZu
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Painful, but I would keep faith with Morata and Alonso

    22. COYG
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      What should I do with 1ft and can take a -4? Willian has to go imo but to who

      fabianski
      trippier bertrand dawson
      salah mkhi silva willian
      kane lukaku mounie

      elliot mee mbemba carroll

      1. _figu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I'd downgrade Willian. Get Firmino and see what's left for mid

      2. ZaZaZu
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        No City players? A mistake imo, They looked superb tonight

        1. ZaZaZu
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Sorry, my mistake you have Silva. I meant more forwards.

    23. supersham
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Dunno if this is a stupid question but can someone explain the free hit chip to me? Is it basically a wc?

      1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Yes, and then your squad is reverted back to how it was for the following Gw

      2. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Use when it's a low-team playing GW

      3. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        1 GW WC. Get old team back after.

      4. thunder_mike
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Yes, probably best used for GW where only a few teams are playing.

    24. rocky7st
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Abraham, Bertrand > Kane, 5 mill def -4 worth doing?

      1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Yes

      2. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Naughton 4.5 and keep the change.

    25. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Thats a cracking header from Morata.

    26. beetlejuice
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Stephens to Davies.. check!

      1. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Checkmate.

      2. Business Cat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Ker-plunk!

    27. Podge
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Gross or choupo moting ?

      1. Henry_555
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Short term fixtures gross long term choupo imo

        1. FPL_JAAFAR
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Pass