Opinion
23 September 2017 4244 comments
Mark Mark
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Quite simply, we can’t have them all.

On a day that began with us fixated on the fortunes of Sergio Aguero, it was perhaps fitting that almost every other big striker produced their own bid to steal his thunder.

Aguero was a slow starter but eventually found his gear to take his turn in Manchester City’s mauling of Crystal Palace.

A goal and an assist were his reward, with two bonus points ensuring that the Argentine avoided being dwarfed by the double-figure blitz from Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane from midfield.

Again, there was evidence that Pep Guardiola’s attacking riches border on the ridiculous. Just ask Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian sat unused on the bench, forcing his 678,000 owners – not least the 183,000 who acquired him with Palace in mind – to choke on a bitter pill.

Pep’s Jesus decision was perhaps signposted by 90 minutes in midweek. But it’s no less confusing for us Fantasy managers, who must now wonder if Guardiola will toy with ongoing rotation of his strikers, with Sterling and Sane building compelling claims for regular starts.

Chelsea in Gameweek 6 will tell us more, although it’s City’s meeting with a beleaguered Stoke City defence that we really care about now.

We can, of course, opt out completely. It’s not as if our options are limited.

Harry Kane’s brace at the London Stadium offered a reminder that he will not surrender the Golden Boot, or his place in squads.

Sold by 196,000, with 141,000 of those swapping to Aguero, the Spurs striker set the bar for the City man with a 13-point return in the early kick-off.

Kane remains a force of nature, with the talent to circumvent Spurs’ woes on the Wembley turf – he now has 11 goals from his last five away matches.

Romelu Lukaku wasn’t to be put in the corner. He picked off his sixth goal in as many Gameweeks, as Manchester United endured a hard-fought victory at St Mary’s.

But Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata won today’s battle.

He ruthlessly exploited an ailing Stoke City defence to punish the 148,000 who had disposed of his services amid the clamour for Aguero.

Chelsea and Morata won’t play against a centre-back pairing of Darren Fletcher and Glen Johnson every week, but the Spaniard’s haul was nonetheless telling.

It offered a reminder that this is a season awash with goal scoring riches.

Our midfield firepower may have stalled – thanks in no small part to the absence of Eden Hazard and Alexis Sanchez. But that’s allowed the strikers to roll back the years and reinstate themselves as the critical position in our squad.

This could have a marked impact on our squad construction, particularly for those still with Wildcards to play. Funds in midfield will surely be scrutinised, monies in defence squeezed.

This could be a season where the big-hitting forwards take turns to dominate. Restricting ourselves to just two may no longer cut it.

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

  1. Hulk Smash
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    The difference between Kane (and Spurs) at home vs away is like night and day. Although he was unlucky not to score at home against SWA last week, the difference in form is undeniable. I'm confident we'll see returns against HUD away next week followed by blanks in successive home games.

    If I can get a settled team that doesn't need major surgery every week or two I might keep Kane for his away games and ship him out when he plays at home (possible exception for CRY at home). As he's so expensive you can literally swap him for whoever has the best form and fixture combo that week and not need a hit to facilitate it.

    GW8 is looking like a good time to test this theory. Kane has BOU at home, whereas Morata plays CRY. Thoughts?

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

      That strategy will do a number on your team value. And I suspect more often than not most people would have other fires to put out.

      Not to mention Morata/Kane potentially blanking when we don't expect them to.

      1. Hulk Smash
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Would it if you get him out on the Sunday / Monday night prior to a home game? Surely the incoming striker wouldn't have risen already by that point.

        Having other transfers to attend to is almost certain but getting the right man in your most expensive slot is going to benefit your points more than any other transfer you can make 9 times out of 10.

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

      he faces bou after the break which ill have to stick with him for

      then pool who, like dortmund, will come at spurs.

      sticking with him

    3. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Get them all.

    4. Seb Wassell
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Don't do it.

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

    GW 1,3,4,5,6 ranks:

    2.23m
    2.77m
    2.21m
    1.79m
    1.39m

    Overall Rank: 580k

    1. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Nicely done, slowly but surely.

    2. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Nice one Nate.

      1. Optimus.
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Ha, seriously is Sims Nate? 🙂

        1. Hibbo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          I have no idea man I was just ballsing about.

        2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          😯

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

          what?

        4. The Bandit
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Isn't it obvious? 😉

    3. ZeBestee
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Your gw score?

    4. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      OR - 24k

    5. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Haha, Just looked at mine

      1.30
      1.57
      1.59
      1.12
      1.66

      OR: 667k

      All over the place

    6. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      465,521 after I lost loads last week...I was at around 200k before that

  3. Mulla
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    With Benteke injured Palaces' only other fit recognised striker is, wait for it...
    ''Olayinka Fredrick Oladotun Ladapo '' 4.5m

    Wouldnt like to have to pay for that name on the back of a jersey.

    1. Holy See
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Sounds Ofol

      1. Cookie Kid
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Nice!!

      2. Mulla
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Ha I see what u did 4th there.
        Imagine Paul Merson trying to pronounce it though I'd crease lol !!

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      RLC OOP 😉

      1. Mulla
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Could be interesting as a cheeky punt for a few weeks. If only Palace weren't so rubbish.

    3. Emmicson
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Hey What are you Saying ?
      I am A Nigerian!

  4. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Lewis Hamilton - the dickhead's dickhead

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

      What happened?

      1. Hibbo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        He dumped the hottest piece of ass in pop music.

        1. el polako
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Jay Z got the hottest chick in the game wearing his chain 😉

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

          She's just a beard!
          😉

        3. Arctic_Orangutans
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          She’s unreal, imagine tanking it

      2. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Nothing, it's what he is

  5. Thiga
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    741k. Finally broken into the top 1m. The climb begins 🙂

  6. jimmy.floyd
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on Niasse?

  7. Fernando Torres
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Firmino + Mendy >>> Morata and Naughton for 2 FT??

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

      yes

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

    People are crazy. Speaking as Jesus owner who gonna lose at least 0,1 becouse he didn't play for once. I doesn't mater that next week he could go into double figures.

    1. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Lol.

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

      Good luck to you, I'm getting rid.

    3. chris_webs23
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I took a 4pt hit to get him!

      I've already had enough and got rid for vardy to boost midfield/defence.

    4. Harper_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      £10.5 for a player that misses an entire match and not even because of injury. Not good.

      1. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        It was Kun a few weeks back, none completely safe i reckon.

    5. Ambrosiana Inter
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Nooo not next week ,surely

    6. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Totally agree that was his rotation match why dump him after it - ok there is a risk it continues but I can't see it.

    7. Emmicson
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Good for those that would be keeping (Myself Included)
      As I Read earlier in the day from Someone who sold Aguero after getting benched in Gameweek 3,
      Since Then He's Scored 9, 20, and 11 points if I am Not Mistaken.

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

    Thoughts
    Willian + Welbeck to Vardy + Richarlison/Ritchie/Brady ?
    THANKS!!!

    1. An Púca
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I would
      Willian doesn't do it in FPL and Wellbeck inj

  10. Tim Canterbury
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    I don't think Granville will be on this week. 36 points.

    1. Emmicson
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      He Should Call in Sick!

  11. More Tragic
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    up 639 places

    Only Ritchie left

    🙁

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

      Hope you get a green arrow 🙂

      1. More Tragic
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        unlikely with auto subs

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

          Ritchie due a goal or 3 🙂

          1. More Tragic
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            fingers crossed

            need Arsenal game 1-1

  12. I Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    What's my best move?

    Foster
    Jones, Maguire, Cedric
    Eriksen, Salah, Mkhitaryan, Brady
    Kane, Morata, Firmino

    Elliot, Chalobah, Naughton, Lascelles.

    2 FT 0.0 ITB

    A) Firmino -> Vardy
    B) Firmino + Mkhitaryan -> Lukaku + Atsu
    C) Firmino + Mkhitaryan + Brady -> Lukaku + Ritchie + Loftus-Cheek (-4)

    1. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Surely you keep Mkhi with Palace next transferring him out is nuts.

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah Mkhi is gone but for GW8 not GW7

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

      A. Don't get rid of Mkhi

  13. villian-ty
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    How are these transfers?
    Stones, Firmino -> Morata Naughton
    Have the exact money now to do it

    Yes or No

    Have 2 FT
    Foster Ellioot
    Stones BDavies Jones Marripa Stuttner
    Willian Salah Carrolll Atsu Miki
    Kane Firmino Lukaku

  14. TiteAggro88
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Oumar Niasse? Who's gonna be the starter?

    1. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Niasse after he saved Koeman's backside today

  15. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    800k jump needed it and will take it.

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      500k jump here. welcome relief

    2. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I'm closing in on a 1 mil jump, sorely needed. Fingers crossed for something from either Elliot or Gross or somehow, something from them both.

      1. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I do like a big jump.

        1. Albrightondknight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Fly Eagle fly

          1. Eddie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            😉

  16. F4L
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    pfff, top 1 mil is the new top 10k anyways

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Long way off 1.4 mil OR

      1. F4L
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        not really long way off top 1mil. I was 1.1mil before today, now 600k

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

      I've failed in both counts so far 😀

  17. Fernando Torres
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    What to do with Firmino and Jesus?

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

      See what happens midweek.

    2. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Sell. Then buy back. Then sell

    3. chris_webs23
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I've got rid of Jesus for vardy to boost midfield/defence.

      And I see any of the Liverpool
      big mids as a better option than Firmino

  18. Wonderful Wizard Hazard
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    I think I will wait at least one more week to WC, but how about this?

    Foster
    Stones Jones Maguire
    Coutinho Silva Richarlison Gross
    Aguero Lukaku Morata

    Elliot Lowe Lascelles Carroll

    1. Delph & Safety
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good not sure if wildcard worthy but I guess GW8 is a nice time to do it.

  19. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    2.1m to 822K. Glad I Sat tight this week after WC last week and a poor GW. Onwards and upwards... Hopefully....!!!!

  20. Differentiator
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Someone talk me out of Firmino -> King please

    Struggling to see downsides, bar the obvious King playing for BOU

  21. Harper_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Just messing around with transfers, trying to afford this D Silva, Salah, Eriksen, Kane, Lukaku, Morata. It ain't easy.

    1. Costa Nostra
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Its not! I have Kane, Morata, Aguero Salah and D. Silva and that was pushing it.

  22. Roys Peak
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    sane and sterling viable options?

  23. camarozz
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    A red arrow with 52 makes me sick. Cannot get it together at all this season.

  24. F4L
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    City gonna walk this league. How any pundits think there will be a competition is funny

    1. chris_webs23
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Especially now they are doing it consistently without Kompany. And good cover for when Kun gets injured.

    2. el polako
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Last season they looked like it too.
      They made some improvements granted, especially in full backs departement but I wouldnt crown them just yet.
      Old Mourinho knows how to win a title in PL.

  25. grig
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Foster (WAT)
    Alonso (MCI) - Bavies (hud) - Bertrand (stk)
    Alli (hud) - Mkhi (CRY) - Brady (eve) - Carrol (whu)
    Kane (hud) - Lukaku (CRY) - Firmino (new)
    Bench: Elliott, Mee, RLC, Long

    0.0 ITB and 2FTs. Suggestions for a transfer? Firmino for Vardy could be one but then no Pool against Newcastle. Or maybe Bertrand to Hoedt and pocket the 0.5M (not really a needed transfer but also wouldnt want to waste it by not using it)?

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

      Could do with a Salah on the midfield but don't see any other way than moving Alli..

  26. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    2FT, need to use one. Nothing pressing, just Firminho drop looking likely. But he has Newcastle next week. May give him 1 more week

  27. Bambi
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone watch the Burnley game? How did Brady perform?

  28. Yank Revolution
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Willian/Firm out

    Ritchie/Vardy in for -4.

    Should I?

    (Firm about to drop, so....)

  29. Arctic_Orangutans
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Does anyone think Lacacette will do any good over the next two games for a temporary transfer on sky game I’m not too confident & he gets hauled off at 60th minute

  30. FPL Maldini
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Managed to get 63 points with 3 left to play and no City

    Fairly proud of that actually