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. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Damn, that's tons more than I've got on the pitch!

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

    1FT 0.8mil itb. Assuming Kompany isn't injured (I won't make any transfers until if I know he'll play next week), what should I do? I'm thinking Valencia -> Jones, as I don't think that his attacking threat is worth the extra 1.4mil over Jones and it gives me cash to fix the rest of my team.

    GK: Begovic (Elliot)
    DEF: Alonso, Valencia, Kompany, Davies (Suttner)
    MID: Eriksen, Salah, Miki (Richarlison, Carroll)
    FWD: Kaku, Chicharito, Joselu

    1. Badluck Jonathan
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Completely agree on Valencia to Jones. I did the same after week 2. Jones great value in a mourinho defence, Valencia overpriced.

      Thoughts on my team below?

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

      I'd be worried about Jones getting dropped after yesterday.

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

    Which Transfer should I do?
    A) Mane and Luk to Pogba/Cout and Kane (-4)
    Or
    B) Mane to Erik

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

      B

    2. Badluck Jonathan
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Probably B. But wouldn't disagree with A either. You'll want Kane before long!

      Thoughts on my team below?

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

      A

  3. Scotty B
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Elliot
    Cedric Jones Alonso
    Salah Pogba RLC Eriksen(c)
    Morata Lacazette Firmino

    Fabianski Bellerin Carroll Tuanzabe

    0 ITB & 1 FT

    Lacazette > Jesus then good to go?

    1. Dr. DOOM
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I would save.

    2. Badluck Jonathan
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Good move I'd say. Laca unlikely to get much at the bridge.

      Thoughts on my team. Below?

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

    Foster (Elliot)
    Zanka-Jones-Naughton-Cedric(Rosenior)
    Pogba-Erik-Salah(RLC-Carroll)
    Firm-Lukaku-Morata

    2.4itb 1FT

    Would you change anything this week? Thinking should i get Kane

    1. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Morata => Kane

    2. Badluck Jonathan
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Lukaku to Kane. Morata and Firmino great value and you need Kane.

      Thoughts on my team below?

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

    Current team is:

    Foster
    Kola Stephens Daniels Lowe
    Eriksen Salah Mkhi Willian
    Kane Lukaku

    Elliott Caroll Quaner Long

    I have 2ft so my plan is to do Willian + Long --> Gross + Davies.
    That way I will play 442 and bench either Lowe or Kolasinac.

    Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

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

      Good moves but prefer Choupo-Moting to Gross

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        would you have last week......seems a bit knee jerky

        1. Badluck Jonathan
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          He's playing number 9 at stoke as a 5.5 mid. Looks good to me

    2. Badluck Jonathan
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Agree with CM over Gross. Good plan though. Bench Lowe

  6. Badluck Jonathan
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Morning all. Current squad, 2fts, wc still available:

    Foster • Heaton
    Jones • Dawson • Suttner • Francis • Mee
    Pogba • Eriksen • Wijnaldum • JWP • Carroll
    Kane • Lukaku • Firmino

    Really tempted by
    Lukaku > Morata
    Wijnaldum > Mhki

    Can then upgrade JWP to a better 5.5 later.

    Is it crazy to lose Lukaku? Struggling to improve my midfield unless I do.

    Thoughts appreciated

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

      I would

      1. Badluck Jonathan
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks

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

      I actually like that idea. Most ppl won't agree with getting rid of Kaku but he hasn't been good enough for his price given how good Morata and Firmino have been performing. Good transfers

      1. Badluck Jonathan
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks - this makes me feel more confident

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

      Mkhi and Pogba can cover for Lukaku

      1. Badluck Jonathan
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I'm thinking this, especially when I will captain Kane for the next few at least

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

      Lukaku already gone from my squad for Kane. Lukaku scores goals, obviously, but Kane looks by far the better pick out the two.

      1. Badluck Jonathan
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Kane is locked in. It's kaku v Morata really and Morata looks better value

    5. Concentration
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I did it last week. Dropped for Firmino to upgrade elsewhere.

      Still have Kane.

      1. Badluck Jonathan
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Ballsy when everyone was bringing in Firmino! Paid off this week though- well played

  7. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    What to do with Willian? Have 0.9 ITB. Antonio?

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

      Do you have Pogba, Mkhi?

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

        Mkhi. And only 7.9 to use when I ditch Willian.

    2. Badluck Jonathan
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Any downgrades elsewhere so you can stretch to Pogba?

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

        Already have 3 united players. DDG, Mkhi and Lukaku

        1. Badluck Jonathan
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Downgrade Lukaku like me then 😉

    3. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      same issue for me - i have rambo as well so looking at a downgrade of one to bring in alli/eriksen/united

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

        I would want Eriksen but there are any players I can downgrade 🙁

  8. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Whats the situation with Moreno? Nailed to start? Looking 4.5 replacement for TFM

    1. Badluck Jonathan
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I wouldn't say he's nailed. Robertson will get games

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

    Worth it for free?

    Mane + Hegazi > Salah + Simpson

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

    Guess that Morata & Alonso to Kane & Cedric -4 makes sense now :/

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

      Or Lukaku & Alonso to Kane and Kola

      1. Badluck Jonathan
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Prefer this option tbh

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

      Not sure I'd want to lose those Chelsea players

    3. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      how does that make sense, you were obviously happy before this week.........doesnt sound like a massive net gain in points to me

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

    Anyone able to afford 6 big hitters from midfield and attack and still have a decent defence ?

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

      i had 7 big hitters, until kane decided to score and threw my plans into turmoil :/

      1. Lucky Z
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        It was a matter of time. Prerry little time.

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Painful journey though...

      Foster
      Cedric Clark Davies
      Mkhi Ramsey Pogba Salah
      Morata Kane Firmino

      -4/.5

      [Carroll Naughton Rangel Elliot]

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

        looks good. not sure we could consider ramsey as a big hitter though.

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          You asked for 6? 😆

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

            arghh youre right 😀

    3. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      It won't be possible.

      All you have to do is look at Mark's team for this. He's done exactly that.

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

        Link?

        1. Cok3y5murf
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Hot Topic

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

      I'll have
      Kane Morata Firm
      Alli Mkh Pogba/Cout
      With quite good Defence Jones Cedric Wimmer Bavies Naughton

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

        Hmm nice . just what i was looking for 😉

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

      Think that's quite possibly really
      I've had 5 biggies with Kola PVA Cedric Suttner Long defence at start of season

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

      Define big hitters?

      I think I have 5 in midfield and attack with a strong defence.

      Foster
      Alonso Davies Jones Cedric Naughton
      Salah Eriksen Mikhitaryan RLC Carroll
      Kane Lukaku Hemed.

      Playing 532 with the occasional game for Hemed over Naughton.

  12. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    How are we so certain it's the end of the line (for now) for Hegazi?

    Did 'knocks & niggles' Pulis say something?

    Everyone on here I've asked says he's toast.

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Not certain but big mac is edging closer to a return

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

        Also Gibbs in at LB frees Dawson to return to CB with Evans?

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah, Heg's looking a squad player by the second

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

      Played 56 mins, that's enough to say he's now a doubt.

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I'd like to know that. Why was he hauled off early yesterday?

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

        Not sure, trying to find out...

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

        I've read that they changed formation.

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

    Who is the best replacement of mane?
    Salah?pogba?coutinho?

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

      Do you have Eriksen?

  14. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Who are you replacing mane with?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Rambo, then bumping Laca up to Harry

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

        You confident with Ramsey Netley?

        Could be my Tadic replacement

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          If we forget the Anfield caper he's been pretty good

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

            Nailed'ish?

            1. Netley Lucas
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              Yeah, I guess Wenger could put a DM with Xhaka in the tough games but should get the easy games

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

                Seems to get subbed early for the like of Elneny or Coquelin when a lead wants protecting.

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

    What position did Gross play in?

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

      Cam just behind the striker, that's where he's been playing since start...

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

      #10

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

        Is that another OOP?

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

          Not really. Midfielder playing in midfield.

  16. Markus
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    To the guy who talked me out of starting gross and to go for Suttner instead... Cheers! That feeling when you're feeling smug cos you thought he was in your team then log on and see him on the bench!

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

      Gotta take responsibly for your selections and stop asking others to pick your team. You knew the best option yourself!

  17. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Dat Guy Welbeck likely to continue getting starts?

    Wendo seems to like him, right?

    1. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      No. Alexis will step up defo.

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

        Play all three?

        Sanchez, Laca and Wellers?

        1. Lucky Z
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Of course, not. Ozil and Alexis behind Laca.

    2. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Wengers likes him because he is a good (to some extend) back-up both for AMF and CF

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

        Seems to work in a 2-up-top. Wenger may persist.

        1. Lucky Z
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          There are 3 slots for attackers

          Simple:

          1. Ozil - untouchable
          2. Lacazette - Wenger already said that he will be the main striker
          3. Alexis - Wenger did not let him to go not for using him as a back-up for Welbeck

          Giroud and Welbeck as back-ups. Walcott 6th in this bunch for cup games or games where Arsenal needs some speed-up.

  18. Fantasytom
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Mane, erikkson, carroll, Atsu, pogba
    Kane, lukaku, gabbi

    Need to get rid of mane and gabbi with 2 FTs

    Options up too limited away from big hitters - I'm thinking of going to morata/Jesus for gabbi and then perhaps a stoke mid for mane?

    Thoughts appreciated

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

    2FT and 0.5ITB, I've been considering different options however is Mane Chalobah to Salah Gross best move here?

    Foster
    Bavies/Cedric/Jones
    Mane/Eriksen/Miki/TC
    Kane/Kaku/Chica

    Elliot/Lowe/Chalobah/Mbemba

  20. tattywelshie
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone looking at Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting? Longest name ever, but looks good at 5.5 down as a mid but playing as a striker!

    1. Badluck Jonathan
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Agree. Yes I'm considering

  21. Concentration
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Anything worth doing here?

    Hart, Elliott
    Mendy, Cedric, Jones, Mee, Moreno
    Alli, Salah, Mkhi, Pogba, Carroll
    Kane, Firmino, Abraham

  22. Trovsmash
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    A. Lukaku & Alonso to Kane & Kolasinac -4

    B. Morata & Alonso to Kane & Cedric -4

    1. Dr. DOOM
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Same issue, but I'll save.

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

    Anybody else notice that the average points this season for the past gws are considerably low? Probably due to obvious results going the other way a lot of times.

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Yep, thought 30pts would kill me yesterday but very few in my MLs scored more.

  24. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Please advise!

    Foster • Myhill
    Cedric • Lascelles • Mustafi • Prödl • Mee
    Alli • Willian • Pogba • Ritchie • T.Carroll
    Kane • Lukaku • Chicharito

    2FT, 1.5 ITB

    A) Willian => Mahrez
    B) Mustafi & Willian => Maguire & Coutinho
    C) Other

  25. John wick
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    What is the safety score of TM last man standing this week till yesterday?

  26. KAPO KANE
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on trying to integrate Jesus?
    Or should we stick with Kane, Lukaku and Firmino?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Do you have the cash? Or will it require surgery?

      1. KAPO KANE
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Minor surgery, but regardless of price, do you think he's a better pick than Firmino given City's attacking prowess?

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          I have him. Enjoyed the brace, but not the early sub. Don't know if he'll play full 90 at any time.

          1. KAPO KANE
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Hmm. It's so so difficult this year with strikers!

    2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      you have to question......as i have.........whether we have forgotten that pool were down to 10 men
      still questions over gametime...
      brace made the decision difficult, but im tempted to swap to morata

      1. KAPO KANE
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        This is true, like him being taken off on 57 minutes currently on a brace! Bizarre!

  27. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    2FT 2.2itb

    Foster
    Bailly - Stephens - Otamendi
    Alli - Mhki - Carroll - Mooy
    Firmino - Lukaku - Kane

    Bench: Elliot, Rangel, RLC, Mbemba

    Options?

    A) Stephens > Davies
    B) Rangel/Mbemba > Davies
    C) Firmino & Mooy > Mounie & KDB ( depending on how Mounie goes )

    1. Kane Train
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      anybody??

  28. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    UCL Fantasy question.

    Is it true that scoring begins from Matchday 2? What kind of weird rule is that?

    Source: Word of mouth.

  29. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    tempted to give tadic and willian 1 more week............... just cant see who id swap to at the mo 🙁