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. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    How is everyone doing so far? 56 pts and Chicharito to go. Not bad at all

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

      66 and Carroll to go.

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

      61 and same guy to go. Moved up by 1 mil ..

      1. seattlechelsea
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        67 with Mooy and Little Pea to go. Finally!

    3. Touré De Force
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      53 plus Elliot

    4. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      How do people get that many points I just don't get it

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Personally, I had (K)ane and Bavies; 40 pts

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Fair play , well done

      2. FPL Hitman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Bavies, Jesus and KDB

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

        It's called luck. Except, of course, when it's you and me.

        1. seattlechelsea
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          +1

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

            And you.

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

        Captain Kane, Gross and Kolasinac

    5. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      44 with Atsu and Lowe to go

    6. mbglo
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      54 with Atsu and Mee to go. Feels really good, especially considering I have Mané in my team

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

      66 and Chica and Atsu to go. Triple on Spurs and captained Kane. Best week of my fantasy premier career so far! (started this year tbf)

    8. Brayden29
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      61 all done

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

      55 with 5 to go (including Lascelles coming off the bench for Yoshida).

      4/5 of my starters have delivered but I captained Salah 🙁

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

      71 with 0 to go

    11. LotusNZ
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      53 all out

    12. A Betting Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I think it's fair to say that this attracted the higher scoring end of players as respondees 😐

  2. Klopp For The Kopps 😆
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    A) Erik and Lukaku
    B) Pogba and Kane (-4)

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

      A

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

      A

    3. Touré De Force
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      B for me

    4. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      B

  3. Touré De Force
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Don't understand the non love for Groß. Didn't he have a good record before coming to the EPL?

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

      Team not creating enough chances.

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

      Yes he did. Just an FPL unknown

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

      I felt he had potensial after the city game. He looked a little Vardy alike. His goals today shows he has more then speed.

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

    Mane to:
    A) Alli
    B) Salah
    C) Mane and Chicharito to Kane and Lotus-Cheek for -4

    Thanks!

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

      A

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

      Could survive with Alli only.

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

      B if you've already got Eriksen, otherwise A.

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

    How's this look? Could take a -4 to get Tadic out for Ramsey or Brady.

    DDG
    Cedric Dawson Mee
    Hazard Eriksen Tadic Ritchie
    Kane Lukaku Abraham

    Elliot -- RLC, Schindler, Rangel

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

      No need for a hit. Looks good

  6. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Sure it's been mentioned already but just looking at Choupo Moting's Bundesliga stats and they're pretty impressive for his price.

    1. Mainz | 74 apps - 20 goals
    2. Schalke | 82 apps - 18 goals

    Around the same goal to game ratio for his country too. Doesn't feel too knee-jerky seeing those stats. Anyone else thinking of Richarlison > Moting?

  7. mm0507
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    jese or moting? jese played as striker today, moting as left winger, but moting was more dangerous and scorec 2 goals.

    1. Prison Mike
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Moting + .5 seems better value, it is a risk but he's playing OOP and looked dangerous today so could easily pay off

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

      Was Jese the striker? Wouldn't know it as Choupo-Moting likes to get in the box. Not the safest pick but appealing.

  8. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Davies 97.2

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

      Oh no. 🙂

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        😉

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Cue Rose miraculous recover and rotation vs Swans

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

      What will happen when Rose is back from injury? I want both him and Trippier, but rotation is putting me off.

  9. Point-one short
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Evening all.

    These look like a good use of 2FT?

    Bertrand, Hegazi -> Naughton, Bavies

    Team is

    Foster | Elliot
    Bertrand | Cedric | Daniels | Hegazi | Long
    Salah | Eriksen | Mkhi | Ritchie | TC
    Kane | Kaku | Mounier
    2FT, 0.5ITB

    Cheers for any input

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

      Looks good

    2. mm0507
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      very good

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

    My defence is horrendous.
    PVA - palace in poor form, Kompany - injured. Stephen - massively at risk of rotation. Jones - suppose he may be at risk of rotation aswell

  11. fedolefan
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Watching MOTD. I've missed the grumpy, no handshake, only one team played to win Jose.

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      He's a broken record. Was only good fun during first spell at Chelsea.

  12. barracuda
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Abraham could be golden the next 10 weeks...

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

      Swansea need to shoot more first before I consider him

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

      Awesome fixtures after GW7 too. I'll put him on my watch list for potential players when using WC. Thanks.

  13. Ciro Di Marzio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    DDG
    Alonso *Yoshida *Hegazi
    *Mane Pogba *Richarlison Gross
    Lukaku Kane *Gabbi
    Elliot Carroll Mee Mason

    1ft 0.5itb

    5 players I really don't want anymore, is it worth a wildcard?
    If not, who's first out?

  14. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Clearly got the ball
    https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/906442113252028417

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Ouch

  15. The UnderAcheivers
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    My front three of Kane Lukaku Jesus is FINALLY paying off

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

      Nice, panicked with Jesus 3 weeks ago...regretting big time.

      1. The UnderAcheivers
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        mate four weeks in there will be plenty of regrets around. My biggest mistake was knee jerking Alonso out after GW 1 🙂

    2. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Rest of the team?

      1. The UnderAcheivers
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Foster (Elliot)
        Stephens Jones Alonso Suttner
        Mkhi Salah Carroll (Xhaka, RLC)
        Jesus Lukaku Kane

        yes i transfered alonso BACK in and my team needs some work, i have two free transfers now though

        1. The UnderAcheivers
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Oh my 5th defender is Mbemba

          1. Jigger & Pony
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Cheers

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

      Well done on sticking with it!

      1. The UnderAcheivers
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        About the only thing i stuck with! ha

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

    Any other Tadic owners in here? Please make me feel better

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

      hello

  17. The UnderAcheivers
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    is Gross worth a transfer in? Anyone thinking he can keep scoring

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

      I'd get him in on a wildcard or keep him if you already own (like me), otherwise only do it if you don't need to make any other moves.

  18. Pigeon
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Should I get Davies or is it not worth it with Rose coming back soon (I think)

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I would get him

  19. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Gros or Atsu?

    1. The UnderAcheivers
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      good question

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

      See what Atsu does.

      1. The UnderAcheivers
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        good point

      2. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Want to wait but can't afford Kane or gros to rise. Should be ok to wait for a couple of days?

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

          Be prepared to take a hit if someone gets injured.

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

            Might as well wait. Can get in atsu instead of gros in case of any price rises. Cheers bud

  20. laplana
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Davies might just do it!!! Cmon la!

  21. Jigger & Pony
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Best way to get Kane here?

    DDG Elliott
    Danilo Cedric Hegazi Lowe Long
    Eriksen Mkhi Willian Atsu Carroll
    Lukaku Jesus Lacazette

    1FT, 0.3m itb.

    1. The UnderAcheivers
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Downgrade Willian or Mkhi
      Upgrade Laca

      1. Jigger & Pony
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers was thinking the same

        1. The UnderAcheivers
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          No worries mate, good luck with your transfers

          1. Jigger & Pony
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Thanks, you too

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

    When are prices to change?

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

      Cheers

    2. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Next 5 minutes or so.

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

        Thx

  23. Nickofoz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Is it Trippier's spot to lose do we think now? Or Aurier comes straight in when he's ready to play?

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

      100% yes.

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      If tripper start midweek then decent chance of Aurier vs Swans

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

      Poch does have a history of rotating his fullbacks especially when Europe is involved so that is what I forsee for the future.

      But who gets the league and who gets Europe?

      My money would be on Trippier in the league

  24. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Which selections lads? Thanks to anyone that replies. Got 2FT.

    A) Willian>Choupou-Moting
    B) Willian>Gross/Grob

    1) Mee>Davies
    2) Stephens>Mendy
    3) Stephens>Davies - Save 0.9M
    4) Jones>Mendy

    1. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      3 out of the defensive transfers. Not sure yet on the mids, I suggest you make a decision later when their braces don't cloud your judgement as much.

      Not saying it's wrong to get them, but I know it would be too knee-jerky on my part to get one of them now.

    2. Prison Mike
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      A3

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

      A/B is flip of a coin. Choupo out of position but has he nailed that spot down? Gross good fixtures but Brighton still won't score 3 every game.

      2 or 3, Mendy expensive but does look good. 3 if you can see how you'd spend the money.

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

      1) Get Davies
      2) Move Willian

      I'd move Stephens and then do whatever with Willian. Bank cash for future transfers with doing A or B if you can't get upgrade. I'd consider Atsu as well (see how he does tomorrow)

  25. Patty
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on Ramsey > Eriksen on a FT

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

      I would go for Alli, Eriksen might get rotated while Alli is suspended in the CL.

      1. Pierce34
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        This. I don't expect rotation per se, but Eriksen won't be getting 90 minutes that's for sure.

        1. Ciro Di Marzio
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          He showed yesterday that he doesn't need 90. He's far more consistent than Ali, it's just that Ali can be more explosive.

          1. Pierce34
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            That's a bit of a myth I think, Alli last season mostly ticked over nicely with single goals and not many explosive hauls.

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

      No brainer. Do it.

    3. Klopp's Kids
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Good move

    4. Point-one short
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Would help to know the rest of your team, but yes, good move. You'd think eriksen will get a lot of points over the coming gameweeks.

  26. smix
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Lukaku to Kane for a hit ? Or do I manage just with Eriksen and look.at Morata captain

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

    Total number of price changes tonight?

    1. dark91
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      11 (3 and 8)

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

      1

  28. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    I never do early transfers, but i feel like i had too this GW, i've just taken out Kompany and put in B Davies! Price rise coming and his fixtures are good, if the spurs that turned up at Everton continue, my triple Spurs might pay off

    1. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I've brought him in too far r Danilo. I know they have champs league but I feel players are fitter at this stage of the season and the risk of injury isn't as great as in the layer stages

  29. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Hi, please help me choose better options A, B or C, and why?

    A. Chicarito - Alonso - 4.0 def
    B. Vardy - Bavies - 4.0 def
    C. Abraham - Alonso - Bavies

    Thank you.

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

      I don't like 4.0 defenders but B because I can see Vardy going on a good run and Davies being fairly secure and playing well for Spurs.

      C would be my second choice.

  30. Rafiki
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    How'd Jesé play? Might switch mane and yoshida for him and alonso for a hit?