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. james 101
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      31 on the bench?!

  1. james 101
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Okay. Going round in circles...!

    Elliot. Foster.
    Davies. Jones. Kola. Lascelles. Hune.
    Eriksen. Mikhi. Ritchie. Choupo. Fellaini.
    Kane. Kun. Firmino.

    A. Leave it!
    B. Mikhi to Cout
    C. Choupo/Firm to Carroll/Morata -4
    D. Fellaini/Firm to Cout/Ayew -4
    E. Something else? Silva?!

    Thanks!!

    1. james 101
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Too many options...!

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

      C but maybe wait a week as Firmino has NEW and Morata has MCI.

      B would be crazy with MAN playing CRY next week.

  2. Yellin' in my Ear
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Maybe I should just not overthink it, firminho to vardy just seems sensible.

    1. Twelve years a slave
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Might want wait see how his groin is

      1. james 101
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Or at least read about it

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

        Vardy was flagged before today, it's not a new injury

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

      Sit tight. Liverpool might do well against Newcastle.

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

        This

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

    There's no outrage here because no one owns him, but Sterling got 2 goals, clean sheet and 0 bonus. We'd all be angry and @FPLVirg would have had a post the size of an article ready if he were in our teams.

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

      He gives the ball away and runs up blind alleyways.

    2. MTPockets
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Watch him for a game.

      • Puyol Pants Up
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Not really, Alli got 2 assists and no BPS and a lot have him and felt that it was fair.

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

          2 goals mate.

      • Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        He had 2 tap ins and bugger all else.

      • Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        But they won 5-0 with 72% possesion. Hard for a player like sterling to out shine the rest of a very talented team.

      • fedolefan
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Bookmarked all your names for the next time I see a bps complaint. 😛

    3. GS456
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Very happy with my aguero, lukaku, kane front 3 after today.

      Posted on here a few times mid-week and you all questioned it.

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

        Link?

        1. GS456
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          10288 is my team id

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

            No, link to all or one who questioned Lukaku/Kane/Aguero front line?

      2. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I've seen plenty with that front line, it's good, not seen it questioned by people though at all?

        1. GS456
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          every time i posted an RMT

          People told me "its not for me" or "its not balanced"

          1. MTPockets
              8 years, 6 months ago

              It isn't balanced, but only your opinion & points that count.

        2. Drip Doctor
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Sane and Sterlings consistency is bad news for Aguero owners IMO. This week it was Jesus, both should start vs Chelsea, but after that, who knows....

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

          Getting Pool players in?

          1. GS456
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Going to save one this week with Mkhi going against palace.

            and re-assess in the break.

            No salah is the obvious flaw in my team.

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

        How is it a Leicester peno if Mignolet makes contact with the ball before Vardy?

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

          Thought the same. It was a tad reckless tho.

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

          cos Migs kung fu kicked Vardz

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

            Maybe but he got to the ball 1st?

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

              That doesnt always matter

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

              still a peno. High tackle

        3. GS456
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          he got the ball but hasn't taken it out of vardy's possession.

          if he doesn't wipe vardy out, he scores.

        4. Nascimento
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Shouldn't have been but tbh - wouldn't mind betting if it was DDG instead of Mignolet nothing would be given and we'd listen to pundits banging on for weeks about what a world class bit of keeping it was.

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

            Ooh, stir that shit 😉

        5. Forever In Our Shadow
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Just looked worse than it was. Vardy made the most of it.

        6. HamezMace
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          You can no longer use the 'well he got the ball' argument, ask Mane

        7. bench boost for every gamew…
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          he kicks the ball, not promptly ofc and then Vardy runs into his legs, questionable penalty imo. But i can see why the ref gives it, though

          Ref did some funny things in this match, Vardy should have had yellow for that teatrics before the 1-2 goal, but ref gave Matip an wrongfully yellow instead
          disaalowed Leicester first goal butshould have done it at the other goal, have seen better referees than today, i must say

          Liverpool seems like a team you could have som offensive players, my guess is that Firmino will punish sellers next week.

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

        Vardy is just honestly a shit penalty taker.

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

          Think he had made 5 of last 6 before latest miss

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

            I know, but I cant believe keepers haven't caught onto his tactic of just smashing it down the middle

        2. GS456
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          but mahrez is worse haha

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

          He certainly needs to mix it up.

      5. SADIO SANÉ
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Completely missed that Mbemba played last week...was Lejuene still not ready or is Mbemba likely to be a starter from now on? Guess we'll see tomorrow, but any thoughts?

        1. Puyol Pants Up
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Isn’t Mbemba playing RB? I thought Gamez and Dummet are his only threats (Dummett our injured helps) I’m not too sure though.

          1. SADIO SANÉ
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            LB, Yedlin RB - looks like he's ahead of Gamez, not sure about Dummett

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

          Mbemba is playing ok. He came straight back in after injury too.

          1. SADIO SANÉ
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            cheers, I'll see how he does tomorrow first

      6. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Hiya lads, hope you've had a decent scoring GW, a mediocre 60 here.

        Some opinions of my proposed transfers if you could? Team is:

        Elliot
        Naughton - Jones - Alonso - Davies
        Salah - Eriksen - Miki
        Lukaku - Morata - Firmino
        _____________________________
        Krul: RLC, Carrol, Mbemba

        Firmino + Miki > Aguero + Atsu

        Would leave me with 0.1, and could then always bring in kane and Azpi for Alonso and Aguero or something if chopping and changing.

        Thoughts gents?

        1. Trevez
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Could down grade Alonso and upgrade rlc or Carroll to Silva

          1. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            that'd leave me with 3.4 for a defender haha! dont want to lose a chelsea defender also.

        2. bench boost for every gamew…
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          I think Mkhi will outscore Atsu enough to make that move kind of meh, also Firm has Newc away and Aguero Chelsea

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

          Do those moves next week, Mkhi and Firmino have good fixtures this week.

      7. Trevez
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I know I shouldn't keep Firmino but with mane coming back surely he will do something against Newcastle

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

          Unless Studge starts. Firmino owner and he goes away tonight.

          1. Puyol Pants Up
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Owner here too. I’m just worried selling him would backfire. Newcastle away is tasty

          2. Trevez
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Where does he go ?

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

              To The Land of Make Believe Strikers

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

        Mark overtakes Granville

        Odds on Granville being on next weeks Scoutcast?

        1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Slim

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

          Granville gets autosub and Lukaku vc.

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

            That's even better

            Granville always has a go at Mark for lucky bench points 🙂

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

        Is Fellaini at 4.9 out of question? He's played 90 minutes last two games.

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

          There are £4.5 midfielders who play 90 mins and will still play 90 mins in the future (not Fellaini).

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

            I have Atsu and Carroll. My midfield sucks but I haven't used my WC. Would possibly be only for Palace match up or max until 3rd international break (need to get rid of Phillips)

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

              Honestly I think I'll just do it haha. I'd rather have Fellaini + MIB than any of Richarlison/Jese/C-M/Shaqiri.

              And he's such an comical character.

      10. bojack
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Is Klopp begining to irritate anyone else?

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

          Conte irritates me more. But Klopp is getting a tad worse

        2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          What's he doing now? 🙁

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

            Just moaning on about decisions.

            At the moment he's produced no more than a bad version of Keegan's Newcastle. Don't really see why he's held in such high esteem.

            1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
              • 8 Years
              8 years, 6 months ago

              Fair enough!

            2. Ghost Gooner
              • 12 Years
              8 years, 6 months ago

              Won Bliga and UCL final not good enough for you? Smh

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

                Obviously he's got pedigree, but he's not living up to it now.

                1. Ghost Gooner
                  • 12 Years
                  8 years, 6 months ago

                  He needs a better keeper and cb pair. Lovren Matip and Klavan are terrible.

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

          I'm biased being an Arsenal fan (smh), but I started getting irritated with a lot of his mannerisms as it became evident they were getting 4th. Mind, I thought those same mannerisms and body language were a breath of fresh air in the league at the start of last season.

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

            Maybe it's just a case of familiarity breeding contempt.

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

              Yeah, and some of his explanations are getting up there with Rodgers' worst. I actually think he'll have a meltdown before the season ends unless they shore up their defense. There's only so many times you can watch your team score 3 and concede late to draw a game you should be cruising. They got really lucky today.

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

            I prefer Wengers manerisms

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

              Oh look.

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

        Its Kane time 😀 😀

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

        How did the mods get on!?

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

        Suggestions for next week please

        Foster (Elliott)
        Jones Bavies Dawson (TAA Hune)
        Mkhi Salah Atsu Gros (Carroll)
        Kaku (c) Kane Aguero
        1 FT 0ITB

        A) TAA to 4.5 ( Clarke/Fernandez/Burnley def) to catch price drop.
        B) Wait for midweek games to cover injuries.

      14. Humlesnurr
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I have excactly the funds to swap firmino for morata, but should i instead upgrade my 4th mid to richarlison, ritchie etc.?

        Front 8:
        Alli, salah, choupo-moting, RLC, carrol
        Lukaku, Kun, Firmino

        Cheers!

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

          Morata will get you more points than any 4th mid

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

        Aurier made a massive difference to the Spurs team imo. He'll be missed next GW, hurting Kane and Eriksens prospects 😐

        1. the axolotl
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          lolwut?

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

            you'll realise next week. Aurier provides the high intensity and width that Spurs need, and he's better defensively. Trippier isn't as good

            1. the axolotl
              • 14 Years
              8 years, 6 months ago

              think myself trippier is pretty good getting up and down the pitch and is dangerous with crosses. haven't seen a whole pile of aurier yet but wasn't particularly impressed today. and that 2nd yellow was pretty stupid

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

                was stupid, but I feel Aurier has better attacking positioning and stretches the pitch

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

              Aye the were hopeless last year without Aurier

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

          I wasn't keen on him. He'll come good, he is physical and quick, it position wise he was short at times

      16. Rainer
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        OMG KANE

      17. Karan_G14
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Kane - Aguero - Morata

        Front 3 worth it on GW8 wildcard?

        1. Ghost Gooner
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Yes

        2. Drip Doctor
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Vardy deserves recognition. 8.5, excellent form towards he back end of last season. Already 5 goals this.

          1. Drip Doctor
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            No rotation worries either

        3. Prøfeßör …
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          It's looking like the perfect front for a GW 8 wildcard.

        4. Prøfeßör …
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          *front 3

      18. Indalo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Going forward, what to do see as the more enticing duo?

        Kane and Mkhi

        OR

        Lukaku and Eriksen

        1. Indalo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          *what do you see

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

          Have all four atm and thinking of doing Lukaku > Morata this week. All are obviously good, from that choice I'd say B, but it's incredibly close.

      19. HD7
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Will Morata rise like Aguero this week?

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

          With City fixture next week? Surely not

        2. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Yes fastest riser my far according to FFFix.

          1. Werkself
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            That's the knee-jerkers. His transfer rate will slow.

        3. Werkself
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Doubt he'll rise 3x. Facing City is not as plum a fixture as Palace.

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

        A) Jesus + Firmino >> Vardy + Morata
        B) Jesus, Alonso, JWP >>> Morata, Azpi, Davis (-4)

      21. james 101
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        A. Luka
        B. Morata

        1. james 101
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Others are Kane n Kun

        2. Drip Doctor
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Said it weeks ago. Morata +1m is better than Lukaku.

          1. james 101
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            I agree

            1. Drip Doctor
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              8 years, 6 months ago

              Then why ask.

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

          A for Gw 7.
          B from Gw 8

      22. zes
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Morata - 6 goals from 12 shots (8 on target). Any stattos wanna tell me if that's sustainable?

        Anyone who's watched Chelsea much this year wanna comment on whether Morata is overachieving?

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

          he is most definitely overachieving imo. But he will be a consistent scorer

        2. the axolotl
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          that's not sustainable. he'll keep scoring though being good in the air and all. dunno if he'll be as prolific as some of the other contenders tho

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

          I haven't really watched him much this year but his track record at Juve/Madrid, nailedness and being a focal point for Chelsea make him look a great option

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

          Certainly not.

        5. Puyol Pants Up
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Didn’t he get 15+ goals last season for Madrid off the bench? I don’t think he needs many chances to score

          1. Athletic Nasherbo
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            Has had less minutes than others and Chelsea haven't had Hazard who's our best player who will create more chances. Plus our fixtures have been tougher than others IMO

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

        Eriksen golazoooooooo

      24. ooooo
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Best £4.5 GK?

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

          Elliott

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

          Joe Hart has decent fixtures.

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

            Wouldn't go near the West Ham defence atm

        3. Ode
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Fabianski

      25. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        DDG, Elliot
        Alonso, Cedric, Dawson, Mee, Long
        Alli, Salah, Choupo-Moting, Carroll. RLC
        Jesus, Morata, Kaku

        1FT, 0m

        Is this worth a WC

        DDG, Dawson, Long, Salah, Choupo-Moting and Jesus to Foster, Jones, Mbemba, Coutinho, Grob and Kun.

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

          Nah

      26. Dr Dream
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Watching match of the day.

        I think the standard of attacking in the prem has gone up a few notches this year.

      27. Spokey
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Brutal gw. Captain Alonso that gets a yellow and sub in 59. Had Vardy that could have had 12 points and not 3 if he scores on penalty. Overfallrank 2700000. Why do I even play this game...

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

          Capping Alonso was borderline madness, sorry.

        2. Dr Dream
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          I had the same two. Just laugh it off and go again.