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. Stevecat
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Firminho and femenia for little pea and trippier (-4?

    Or

    Can/Henderson for RLC

    I need some Liverpool Coveredge

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

      Are you inebriated?

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

        Yes ha ha.
        I need a Liverpool player

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

        Coverage - bloody computer

  2. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Welbecks a trap right? Gone once Sanchez is back?

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

      Welbeck is sheite full stop. Bournemouth made him look good.

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          You have been talking him up Doosra good prediction this week. How do you think his minutes will look?

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

            They should be fine, as he is the only member of the Arsenal attack who can keep the ball.

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

          I know his stats look good but I just dont like him. Arsenal should have far better players than that atbthe club. Opinion over stas for me on this one.

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

      no. hatrick due soon.

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

      Chelsea defenders will tackle him so should be gone after that.

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

      Yes agreed

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

      He shouldn't be. Offers a lot to Arsenal, nobody else has his pace and power. He also has very good link up play.

  3. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    A. Do we like Kola again? Still never feel confident in arsenal clean sheets.

    B. Also is Laca as good (for now) as Morata/Jesus?

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

      No to both.

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

        Damn. Got Laca on wc!

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

      Yes to both.

      Not super confident in Arsenal cleanies, but Kola seems to be a great LWB and will get a fair share of assists/shots on goal too.

      Laca is linking up well and definitely, has some great technique. Lots of FPL striker options so tricky decisons.

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

      I am keeping Kola, decent fixtures coming up. Don't think I would get him in if I didn't have him.

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

    Lacazette & Richarlison or Lukaku & Atsu?

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

      Latter

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

    I need a Gabbi replacement. What's peoples thoughts?

    Welbeck? Firmino?

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

      Firmino

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

      Firm if you can afford.

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

      I like Welbeck. And I have Firmino. Chris Wood for HOME matches.

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

        I'm considering Mane and Gabbi out for Pogba and Firmino for a hit. What's your thoughts on that?

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

          I don't like Pogba. Not good value.

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

            Oh really. He seems it at the moment.

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

              That's just me, then. 🙂

              LIV : BUR 614 lei 185
              MCY : wat 445 CPL 483

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

        prefer vokes to wood personally..

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

      The Firm

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

      Vokes is the better one..

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

    what should I do with willian? 1ft and can take a -4

    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

      Stop spamming. Answered earlier page. With that Kane + Kaku combo only way I see to do it is to downgrade Willian, get Firmino and see what's left for midfield.

      Or Dawson for Alonso and Willian to 5.0 mid like Atsu or something.

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

    Davies at +89 on fpl stats. Delta 5949. Could he go up in price tonight?

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

      There have been players on there at 90%+ for days...so I doubt it

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

      Doubt it but if you are going to do it get it done. Problem gone.

    3. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      don't think so

    4. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Highly unlikely

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

      Seen it happen (rise from a relatively low % on fplstats) before, but I'd put him only 5% to 10% chance of rising; rapid NTI though, keeps going up & up.

      If you are doing the transfer anyway in your mind, might as well do it tonight and sleep well.

      He'll be going up tomorrow night anyway imo.

  8. Lecky Legs FC
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Mane on -33.2 on FPL Statistics think his price will face tonight or tomorrow?

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

      Tomorrow for sure.

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Sound I'll make my changes tomorrow then.

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

      tomorrow or day after.

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

      Tomorrow is almost a certainty.

  9. F4L
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Mkhi + Firmino + Bertrand ➡ GroB + Welbeck + Walker for a -4. No brainer right?

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

      Ahahhahah

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

      ...don't forget to play your "last weeks points" chip 😉

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

    Is kane under some rotation risk since spurs have their mission of getting out from champions league in group stage once again? Llorente could do for premier league games though

    1. Mull
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      He's as much of a rotation risk as all the other options.

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

      Indont think so. Lorente will have cameos for a while imo.

    3. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Cmon, a player like Kane never is a rotation risk, maybe some early subs and a rest in the cup.

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

      No risk of rotation whatsoever.

      Might do more 70min appearances while the CL schedule is busy...but will still start.

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

    Got Alli on WC. Should I just admit that I got it wrong and switch straight to Eriksen? Or is that just sideways points chasing?

    1. Recoba
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Keep him

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

      See how midweek goes.

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

        Won't be able to afford the move after Eriksen rises tomorrow.

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

          Better to keep for a week then. Too many games midweek and an injury elsewhere means you could for a hit.

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

            Cheers. You're probably right.

    3. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Alli banned in UCL so won't be rotated for PL - a chance that Eriksen might be

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

        I can't see Eriksen not starting in the PL but more likely being subbed like he was today.

    4. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      The latter. Same here, holding.

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

      Alli suspended for champs league so will be very fresh for pl. plus he does well at wembley and is like a 2nd striker. Keep

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

      Sideways. Eriksen in wonderful form but - as others have said - Alli not a rotation risk due to European suspension. Also, look at how well Alli played today. Very close to both assisting and scoring. At 0.1 (soon to 0.2) cheaper than Eriksen, I actually prefer Alli right now.

  12. Gríma Wormtongue
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Best Midfielder for 8.5?
    not including Mkhitaryan or Pogba

    1. Lecky Legs FC
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Mahrez or Silva?

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

      Fabregas?

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

      Mahrez or David Silva

  13. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Could someone tell me why McBurnie is on 0 % now? He was on -95 % but when he got loaned out he moved to -38 %. Why is he at 0 % now?

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

      Can't buy.

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

        But is his price locked for the season or can he still fall?

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

          Is he in the game outside teams that have him?

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

      He was loaned to Barnsley on deadline day.

      However due to Swansea priorities being the Bony & Llorente deals, his was back of queue and paperwork wasn't done in time.

      Consequently football authorities have deemed the loan not completed and he's back at Swansea.

      Very confusing situation but he's definitely able to play in PL again now.

  14. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Who to lose for Bavies?

    Cedric or Jones

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

      Cedric

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

      Cedric

    3. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Cedric

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

      Ta

  15. ★Kuntheman★
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Davies worth a pick? Worried about rotation with Rose.

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Not even training yet

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

      Yes 100%. Rose should not be a concern for a while.

    3. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Only a concern in the medium term. If you want a long term pick get Aurier. Davies fine for a few weeks at least

  16. F4L
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Kante seems like the sort of gezzer to constantly have a smile on his face and would brighten up a room. Perfect roll model

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

      Ham roll?

  17. RickiH077
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Salah - erikson?

    Seems erikson could be more fixed and more steady points thought out the season.

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

      Liverpool have Burnley next... id keep Salah for this, sure to be a reaction from the 5-0 also!

  18. ★Kuntheman★
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Which combo is better?
    A) Lukaku-Bertrand-Lloris
    B) Kane-Davies-Foster

    1. Kristobal
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Definitely A.

    2. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Still not playing el kun? Madness

  19. Foozeball
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    How many unfortunate souls here captained Mane? 😮

    1. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      My rival did but still got just under 60 points to my 39...

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

      More than 50k moved KdB to Mane.

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

    A) Mounie & Mane + 0.5m itb

    Or

    B) Morata & Grosbb

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

      Pretty much the same dilemma but maybe if you don't have firmino get him and gross to ramsey? just and idea

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

        Yep, certainly an option, thanks.

        Suppose we will see how Mounie goes Monday. Blank and he's removed from the equation for me.

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

    If you think you had a bad week count yourself lucky your bench doesn't look like this...
    https://twitter.com/HaywardConor/status/906603560221249536?s=09

    Now that's gotta hurt :/

    1. Mull
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      He's asking for it benching that much quality. Only Choupo-Moting should be near a bench.

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

        Choupo I can understand, but Davies???

    2. Sánchez
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Wow. That is bad. But sort of deserved given how expensive that bench is

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

      In all seriousness I'm not sure I would survive that...

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

      Fake news.

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

      I'd be ultra impressed if he'd benched a keeper scoring 12 to make a numeric sequence 😆

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

    Richarlison spotted

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      he is a rare species nowadays

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

    DDG
    Kola Dawson Yoshida Naughton
    Mooy Eriksen Salah Mhki
    Kane(V) Lukaku(C)
    ------------------------------------------
    Elliot Carroll Quanar Long

    £1.0M ITB

    Suggestions?

  24. England23
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Best 6m mid?

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

      Brady?

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

      Too early to tell about that range. Atsu has looked decent and is 5.0. Mooy 5.7 Brady 5.5 Shaqiri Jese or Moting (after GW8)

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

    Okay based on last few pages of discussion it seems there are a lot of good posters here and all the spamming that happens while games are going is gone. I've posted this multiple times without getting any comments (that I've seen of). Could use some ideas what to do in next 3 weeks.

    Foster - Elliot
    Alonso - Davies - Bertrand - YOSHIDA - 4.0
    Eriksen - Pogba - Phillips - Atsu - Carroll
    Kane - Lukaku - Chica

    .4 ITB, 1 FT. I'm looking to WC after 2nd International break.

    Any suggestions? Save FT?

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

      Yoshida to naughton/ mee

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

        I was thinking about doing 4.0 D and go 3-4-3 until I WC. Just dont know where I'd put that extra 1.4 as I cant get Firmino and only midfielder I'd consider for GW6 & 7 in that 7 ish price range is Ramsey

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

          Get that chopper bloke from stoke. He looks good. I was looking at his stats other day. 5.5 mid oop

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

      yoshida to jones,

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

        I like it. Everton (H), Soton (A) and Palace (H) before WC.

  26. Vasty Deep
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Need a replacement for Mane. Is it too early to move for Hazard?

    I reckon he could score/ assist against tougher opponents. Loves arsenal of course...

  27. Yozzer
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone thinking of ditching lukaku?

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

        Maybe not the best idea then. Cheers Doos

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

      Possibly the one I would sacrifice for a midfield big hitter.

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

      o/

    3. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I'm a couple of weeks probably, for Morata

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

      Me but think I'd immediately regret it

    5. Numb
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Err, no

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

      Think its still a bit soon.

    7. Hungry Singh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      For Firmino or Jesus, yes. But very hesitant......

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

      No. Stop trying to over-complicate this game. He's a missed penalty away from being the top scorer in FPL!

    9. Yozzer
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Cheers lads. Mixed views. I do feel morata will outscore him and maybe even jeysus

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

    Redmond is at best a championship player. Sorry but he is.

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

      Why say sorry?

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

    Think I'll keep Morata and drop Firmino, reckon they'll miss Mane and Morata could do damage to Arsenal

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

      just keep firmino... its Burnley at home....

  30. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    3.2M > 1.4M OR today. First green arrows of a (so far) disastrous season.