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.

4,244 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 17 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Last Man Standing Update

    Current safety score = 41
    Top score = 97
    LMS average = 59.88

    2 games + autosubs to go.

    48,29,32,32,42 are the scores needed after hits.
    League open until midnight, code is 44937-13340

    1. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Can you explain what you mean by league still open? Isn't the point in eleminating members not gaining new ones?
      Or is redemption a thing there?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        People join the site at different times of the season. Gaining a few who qualify makes the competition tougher. No new entries after GW23 deadline.

        1. My heart goes Salalalalah
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 23 days ago

          Again TM, let me know how to enter..

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 17 Years
            9 years, 23 days ago

            Enter the code above in the leagues section.

    2. AllanM
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      I didn't creatmy team till GW3. Does that mean I can't join?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Correct 🙁

    3. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      47 (-4) here with Kola (c) and Elliot, hopefully should be ok.....

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        You'll have a good idea after tomorrow.

      2. Yellin' in my Ear
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Yep, a 1-0 Newcastle win, coupled with lots of bha shots on target would help though

    4. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Tried joining. Says this league is closed for entries. I qualify with scores

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Sorry, should work now.

        1. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 23 days ago

          Yay in. Thanks

        2. My heart goes Salalalalah
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 23 days ago

          Need assistance. Like Morata

    5. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Wow, did I survive last week after my -12? 😯 thought i was out

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Early days. I'll get you again one day. 👿

    6. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Thanks

    7. Impossibility
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      I'm in! Thanks TM.

  2. Krionos
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Just a thought. Firmino will obviously be transfered out by many this week. And you could even say that's justifiable with his recent returns.

    But we are still looking at a player who is the only nailed on striker from the top 6, with a price tag that's at least 2.0 million less than any of the other frontmen from the big clubs. Morata, Aguero, Lukaku, Kane and possibly Lacasette have all had returns this week. But they are 10m+... Are we being too hasty again, with a player that the manager obviously loves and could possibly punish us within a week's time?

    1. Man Chest Hair United
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Salah Mane and Coutinho all have time further forward than him and all potentially better options

    2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      needs some form tho..........id rather be a week late etc

    3. Puyol Pants Up
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Could Sturridge start against Newcastle? Firmino was poor today and Sturridge was very lively when he came on and set up a goal

      1. Krionos
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Firmino had periods lat season where he didn't do much. When fit, he starts. Klopp loves him....

      2. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        A nailed Studge at that price is the first player I would have in the game. Doesn't matter cause it's not going to happen. If I were him I would flip off somewhere else in January.

    4. I Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      If he punishes me then so be it but his fixtures aren't great, he could be rested/rotated soon, and I have Salah. Vardy has better form, better fixtures and won't be rotated.

      1. Krionos
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        I'm wavering. The thing is, he never seems susceptible to rotation, and Liverpool generally perform well against strong opposition...

        1. I Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 23 days ago

          With CL in midweek and a long trip back from South America coming up I wouldn't be surprised if Sturridge starts over him soon.

    5. Twelve years a slave
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      He is not a striker though. This is the point many missed

      1. Krionos
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        He is in the fantasy game...

    6. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Once Mane is back, I'll look at him again. For now, Morata is what, only 1.5 more? Would be nice to know if he was definitely on pens, then once back in false 9 role I'll probably get him in. But Cout is only 8.8

      1. Krionos
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Cout is a midfielder...

    7. Veezeeboy
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      I think you have to hold him long term if you want him.
      Also he can't be captained due to his unpredictability.

      His positions are those of an attacking midfielder and his job is more about pressing and dropping deeper as a somewhat false nine .
      Was on 5.1 ppg last season ,Would be 5th or 6th for all strikers come end of the season if he was a striker in Fpl last year so I think you're onto something but playing short term he ll be patchy.

    8. Vlad
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      he can be dropped for a guy like david silva.. doesn't need to be a fw..

  3. Karan_G14
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Finally in the Top 1m (984k).

    62 with Elliot, Monreal, Ritchie & Joselu left. 80+ please!

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      wow 4 to play. I'm all out already for 68.

  4. Bubz
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Hennessey is rubbish

    1. Ghost Gooner
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      That's why I took a punt on Speroni as my second 4.0 keeper.

      1. LǝgleSs e|even
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Same here played him..as he was benching all along, after that EFL performance Speroni may have been a better pick this GW. Nevertheless will be autosubbed

  5. The Man Pastore
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Dawson + Siggy + Firmino --> Jones + D.Silva + Vardy for -4pts

    Yay or Nay?

    1. puhd
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Yes

    2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Can it not wait? Lots of midweek games. Otherwise seems sensible

  6. jimmy.floyd
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Mounie to Niasse?

    1. LǝgleSs e|even
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Hold, look at Joselu tmrw

    2. Krionos
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      no.

  7. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Would you do Ramsey and Mounie to Salah/Coutinho and Niasse for a -4? Or wait until tomorrows games?

    1. puhd
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Wait

  8. pakornk
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Why is Morata so sexy?

    1. puhd
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Ha

    2. the axolotl
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      stupid sexy morata

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        feels like im wearing nothing at all.....

        1. Yank Revolution
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 23 days ago

          nothing at all...nothing at all....

  9. Tommyg
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Just suicidal defending from Palace. Just disgraceful. Don't deserve the shirt.

    1. puhd
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Palace is a disgrace this season

  10. LǝgleSs e|even
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Get Jones in before price rise tonight?

    1. puhd
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      I would

    2. LǝgleSs e|even
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Any other alternative in similar or lower price bracket?

      1. puhd
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Jones is gold right now

    3. SuperMane Returns
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Jones is rising tonight?

      1. SuperMane Returns
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Oh yeh 108.1 on FPL statistics

  11. puhd
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    My defense needs a change?

    Jones Naughton Lascalles Maguire Rosenior

    I need something to pop!

    1. puhd
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Maybe it's just fine after all...

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Rest of your team?

      1. puhd
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Fabianski/Elliot
        Jones Lascalles Naughton Maguire Rosenior
        Silva Mhki Ritchie Gross Carroll
        Kane Lukaku Jesus

        1. puhd
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 23 days ago

          Jesus to Morata seems too kneejerky

  12. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    110k and 2 FTs 🙂 Nice to have a good start for once!

    1. AllanM
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Bossing it!

    2. puhd
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Wow!

    3. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Talk is cheap sir...

  13. Sims
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    kun could honestly have matched his previous GW score

    1. Nascimento
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Yeah, if he'd scored a hat-trick.

    2. LǝgleSs e|even
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      And if not for the woodworks Kane could have got 2 more in easily.

      1. Nascimento
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        And if Sanchez had played today instead of Monday and scored 5 he could have scored 5

        1. LǝgleSs e|even
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 23 days ago

          Sanchez will come good mate. He'll be on my WC soon

    3. Krionos
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Morata should have had 5...

    4. DAZZ
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Easily, missed a couple of easy chances by his standards

  14. beefo
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    What happened to Keane today? Any idea if his injury is long-term or not?

    1. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Gash on his foot. Not long term.

    2. puhd
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Not injured, he'll be ok

    3. beefo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Cheers, mates. Thanks.

  15. Rainer
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Kun, like Kane & Morata, should have had more points.

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Yeah I had them all could complain but come on it could have been worse too. Got to be happy if you own those 3.
      If buts and maybes yes it could easily have been a ton week.

  16. Numb
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Us non-Aguero owners got off lightly with 1 goal and 1 assist in a 5-0

    1. AllanM
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Agreed.

    2. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      True dat

    3. the axolotl
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      yeah you did. any game city score early enough in seems likely to open floodgates. just hard to know who'll be scoring the goals

      1. Krionos
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        City scored early?

    4. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      He's overrated. They share points. And pitch time.

    5. THE Wild Rover
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Don'y forget the baps 😉

    6. puhd
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Yeah

  17. KingOllie
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Aguero could have gotten much much more points today

    1. Numb
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      As could Kane have.

    2. LǝgleSs e|even
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      So could have Kane imo

    3. Nascimento
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Yep, if everyone got more points they'd have all scored more points.

    4. Krionos
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Did you see the Chelsea game?

  18. Dynamic Duos
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    That is the Sane we was talking about at the beginning of the season , special player

  19. amol
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Firmino > Lukaku and Mkhi > Atsu, yay or nay?

  20. Vlad Tepes
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Vardy 3 points. Could have been 13.....

    1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Except he put his penalty exactly where he always puts his penalties

    2. badgerboy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Also could have been just 1. Can't believe Mignolet walked away from that game with 6 points.

  21. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Firmino on -99.2, will he go down tonight? Was planning on getting rid this week so should I do it now before the drop or is it too early?

    1. THE Wild Rover
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Almost certain

    2. I Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      I've just sold him.

    3. Aston-villain
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Im gona

  22. sentz05
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Bring in Aguero for Jesus?

    1. QueefParkRangers
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Could be Agueros turn to be benched next.

  23. Unsuccessful
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Kane (c), Lukaku, Salah, Eriksen, no hits = red arrow.

    Wow

    1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Yep same here! - except -4... Not like I was highly ranked anyway

      1. Unsuccessful
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Ditto. Makes it even more bitter!!

        1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 23 days ago

          At least I only dropped 30k this week - small victories... (

    2. AllanM
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      4 players left to fix that.

    3. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Wtf seriously?

      1. Unsuccessful
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Yup down very slightly. Still got 4 to play but nevertheless a shock.

  24. Aston-villain
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Should I get Bertrand(good fixtures) or Jones?

  25. amol
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Any advice?

    Foster(Elliot)
    Cedric Jones Davies (Naughton, Rosenior)
    Mkhi Eriksen Salah Richarlison (RLC)
    Morata Kun Firmino

    0.3itb 2FT

  26. fedolefan
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Really need that Tadic-lite, stats merchant Joselu to deliver tomorrow. What have I done to my team that he's found his way in it!

  27. ★Kuntheman★
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    How would this look lads?
    Fabianski (Elliot)
    Azpilicueta Mendy Davies Bertrand Jones
    Eriksen Salah Mkhitaryan (Loftus-Cheek, Carroll)
    Aguero Morata (Joselu)

  28. Optimus.
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Salah the tap in master strikes again

  29. Twelve years a slave
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Vardy to lose penalties again? Would not be the first time

    1. We Will Klopp you
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Could do, Mahrez is waiting in the wings

  30. LǝgleSs e|even
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Lotsa could have , would have , and should have's going on here..
    Smh..