Opinion
30 September 2017 3512 comments
Mark Mark
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Suddenly the field has cleared again.

Having appeared to be awash with options and configurations up front, Harry Kane is now surely established as the undisputed primary target in attack.

And while Romelu Lukaku toiled in another four-goal victory for Manchester United, the other contenders for our frontlines have lost some ground.

Alvaro Morata’s early withdrawal against Manchester City has temporarily de-railed his burgeoning reputation and Fantasy ownership.

Confirmed as a hamstring issue by manager Antonio Conte, we must now wait on a further prognosis before we can be clear if this is a setback that will knock the Spaniard out.

Thankfully, Conte appears to be playing down the problem but the Morata bandwagon has hit the buffers for now.

With Sergio Aguero sidelined with a rib injury, Kane and Lukaku seem largely unchallenged heading into the break.

Despite his seven goals in as many Gameweeks, that’s a scenario that flatters Lukaku.

With news breaking post-deadline that the Belgian was struggling with a knock sustained in training, the initial thoughts were that he could miss today’s meeting with Crystal Palace.

He started and completed 90-minutes, but was subdued and failed to deliver the anticipated threat to a beleaguered opponent.

Kane, in contrast, was a menace from the first kick against Huddersfield until Spurs shifted down the gears in the second period.

But, typically this season, Lukaku could and should have matched Kane’s two-goals. He rolled a big chance wide before converting a tap-in from Anthony Martial’s centre.

Maybe the Belgian wasn’t fully fit but, in terms of the “eye-test” and pure performance, Kane demonstrated that he is on a different level at present.

My captain selection – switched to Lukaku overnight – was steered by the fears that Palace would capitulate, with the Terriers perhaps presenting a tougher opponent to Spurs.

To an extent that was true. United had more shots and had five big chances to Spurs’ two.

But Lukaku simply did not expose the Eagles frailty and help himself to the big score that I and many others hoped for and expected.

With United’s schedule now stiffening, Lukaku will doubtless suffer some sales, but those losses would be far more severe were it not for the setbacks for Morata and Aguero.

He may well survive in squads with Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus perhaps the most viable and “secure†alternative left standing to partner Kane in our forward lines.

With talk of Aguero returning in four weeks or less, a move for Jesus could also be a short-term measure, aimed at capturing Man City’s plum home encounters with Stoke City and Burnley.

But given that they sandwich a Champions League tie with Napoli, it will be interesting to see if Pep Guardiola attempts to manage the minutes of his only out-and-out striker.

Arguably, those jostling with Kane and Lukaku for our attention have failed to build their case heading into the internationals.

Kane looks untouchable, and while Lukaku is nowhere near as devastating, he continues to prove effective. That might be just enough for now.

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

  1. SMOOTH
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    on WC

    Foster Elliott
    Davies Jones Mee Mbemba XXX
    Salah Eriksen Sterling RLC XXX
    Kane Jesus DCL

    have 13.7 for those 2. playing 4-4-2

  2. ooooo
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Richarlison nailed?

    1. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Yes. Tough next two though.

    2. kalmoffit
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Surely is

  3. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Erik > Haz?

    1. We Will Klopp you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Too early, consider it for gw9

  4. An Púca
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Double Spurs fullbacks...Trippier to add to Davies whos already in my team.
    Too much?

    1. Turbolag
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I mean, Trippier won't be nailed as soon as Aurier's suspension is over.

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

      trippier isn't even the most senior rb at spurs

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

        current*

  5. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    BOTTOMED

    Erik > Haz?

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      No

    2. Turbolag
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I would.

    3. Sahil Yadav
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Not before the Bournemouth game. Don't think he will score more than Erik

    4. The Royal Robin
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Tempting, did Hazard play well today?

      1. Tommyg
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        No. Not particularly but then he has just amazing fixtures.

    5. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Thinking about it.

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Too early, consider it again for gw9 if Hazard impresses

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

    I am 7th in the Blowing Bubbles Championship.

    This is worrying - it means that they all know even less than me ... 😆

    1. Knowledgeable meerkat
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I was at the match today. West Ham were really poor! Swansea not much better. Neither side deserved to win that one in all honesty

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

        Fair comment. At least we are playing the right folk.

        1. Knowledgeable meerkat
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          I understand Carroll's strengths but when he's on the pitch Hernandez is so wasted! Noble and kouyate also struggled to boss the game like I've come to expect (I support Crawley town in league 2 but have been to several West Ham games and have a soft spot for them). What would you change if anything?

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

            Noble and Kouyaté struggled, because of the lack of movement in front of them. Requires confidence which is at a premium. I would simply send Hernandez, Arnautovic and Hart back where they came from. Completely useless.

            I would have started Masuaku.

            I would work on Edimilson.

  7. Knowledgeable meerkat
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Finally some progress.... 1.6m to 800k last gw, 800k to 300k tonight

    I have one man in particular to thank. Harry Kane, take a bow son.

  8. Big P
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Chaps, Pick the best TWO to keep at least until January?

    A) Zaha
    B) Matt Phillips
    C) Ramsey
    D) Sane
    E) Chuopo-Moting
    F) Siggy
    G) Arnie

    Loads of options as its a 5 man league!

    1. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      None of themh

      1. Big P
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

    2. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      E & F.

      1. Big P
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Not Sane?

        1. Rainer
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Will he be starting come GW12?

          1. Big P
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            Why 12?

            I don’t expect him to start every week....

    3. Turbolag
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Definitely Sane, but it's pretty much a toss-up between C,E, and F. I guess I'd take Ramsey.

  9. ★Kuntheman★
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Silva+Bertrand(or anyone cheaper) or Sterling+Otamendi?

    1. Knowledgeable meerkat
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Ouch. No way for silva and otamendi? That's by far the ideal

    2. kalmoffit
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Ster+Ota

    3. I Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Sterling and Otamendi

    4. SkeletONv01
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      S+O

    5. Turbolag
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Silva+Bertrand just because I'd feel safer owning Silva than Sterling.

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

      everyone is picking otamendi...why not stones?

  10. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Is GW8 the week Spurs and Kane end the Wembley hoodoo?

    I'm feeling a GW8 captain with 5 goals, similar to a certain Argentine we adore.

    1. Delph & Safety
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Let’s hope so

    2. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I will lay you 20/1 that this doesn't happen.

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Not expecting 5 goals but a hat trick will be fine

  11. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    anyone tempted by kdb ? thanks

    1. Delph & Safety
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I prefer David Silva or sterling at a cheaper price

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        ok for silva but sterling not nailed though. thanks for reply 🙂

    2. Knowledgeable meerkat
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      While the likes of silva eriksen and Salah keep producing, he simply isn't worth 10m. Not disputing his class by the way, he's my favourite player

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        thank you

  12. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Downgrade Chicharito and beef up my 3rd mid, or downgrade one of my premium mids and go for a 3rd heavy hitter?

    Lossl
    Cedric Maguire Alonso Bavies
    Brady Mkhi Eriksen
    Chich Lukaku Kane

    Foster Carroll TFM Chalobah

    1. An Púca
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Downgrade Alonso and upgrade Chich

    2. Balls of Steel
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Try to get Jesus in for the nice looking City fixtures

    3. Knowledgeable meerkat
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I like Kane lukaku vardy from now personally

    4. Man Chest Hair United
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Downgrade and upgrade Chalobah to Richarlison

  13. andymck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Sane looking to be nailed on with Kun out?

  14. SkeletONv01
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Morgan or Simpson?

  15. Zeeco
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Azpi or Jones people?

    1. ooooo
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Azpi

    2. SkeletONv01
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      If money no issue i would go with Azpi. ManU looking at worse fixtures, where Chelsea have great ones.

      1. Zeeco
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

    3. Sahil Yadav
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      There's a massive difference in their price. Depends upon how your team is affected by those players. I mean if you are getting Azpi then surely you are downgrading somewhere else. So you gotta decide with the pair

      Azpi is much better than Jones for fixtures

      1. Zeeco
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        My team is solid

  16. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    A Burnley CS tomorrow and the drinks are on me.

    1. Big P
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Wouldn’t be surprised

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

      *looks up trains to Southwark* 😉

    3. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Address please ? Could be a long night Berbs if this goes tits up for you. ☺

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Who in their right minds would give you their address ? . I'm considering changing my name and moving after joining a mini league with you

        1. George Sillett
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          My best mate Batman . I will hunt you down.

    4. Knowledgeable meerkat
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I'll be there

    5. Twisted Saltergater
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Mee*

  17. KLOPPTOMANIA
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Chaps. Is it time for me to WC?

    Foster/Elliott
    Davies Jones Maguire
    Eriksen Mhik Ritchie Mooy
    Kane Vardy Lukaku
    (Suttner hunemeier Carroll)

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn't, no. Few changes and you're gtg. I'd get rid of Mooy though.

      1. KLOPPTOMANIA
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Gross? Chapong?

        1. The Royal Robin
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Brady

    2. Knowledgeable meerkat
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Not at all, ironically looks similar to the team I want to get

      Mooy the only problem for me, definitely don't WC

    3. KLOPPTOMANIA
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks guys

  18. Sahil Yadav
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Repost

    Holding my WC.. Got 2 FT and 1.2m itb

    Foster, Elliot
    Kola, Davies, Cedric, Mee, Mbemba
    Alli, Salah, Mkhi, RLC, Carroll
    Kane, Lukaku, Jesus

    What should i do? I had Mkhi->Richarlison and Joselu to Vardy in mind.
    But would like to have a Chelsea and City cover as well

    1. RESULT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Hold defo

      1. RESULT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Get city mid n def
        OR Chelsea cover

  19. ooooo
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Cahill or Azpi and Coutinho or Salah?

    1. Sahil Yadav
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Azpi, Salah

    2. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Azpi & Salah!

  20. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Which do you prefer:

    A) Sterling, Choupo-Moteng
    B) Silva, Atsu

    Would play both every week.

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

      A

  21. CABAYE4
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else holding the WC again?

    Good GW for my team so far and 2 FT's to use to deal with international injuries so unless there's a disaster, I'm set to save it for a rainier day.

    Or am I wasting it by holding on this long?

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

      I am also wobbling. But I have to buy back Mbemba, this evening.

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

      I'm holding

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        The batsman's Holding the bowler's Willy.

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

          Botham's in the slips, legs apart, waiting for a tickle.

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

          Caught red handed

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

          *Willey. 😉

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 16 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            bloody autocorrect 😀

    3. kalmoffit
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I think I'll hold. Seems daft to play it now just because I expected I'd play it now.

  22. Foozeball
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Predictions on who will be the first team to concede a goal to Palace?
    I'm thinking (hoping) it's West Ham. Would love to have that Elliot CS 🙂

    1. Sánchez
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Man Utd

    2. Arctic monkeys
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Chelsea next game, RLC to score

      1. Foozeball
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        RLC cannot play against Palace because he's on loan from Chelsea

        1. Foozeball
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          *RLC cannot play against Chelsea

  23. semiconductor
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Im 0.1m short of making these transfers

    Mkhi-Gross-Wimmer to Silve-Fellani-Stones

    I will play 443 with my forth mid is Fellaini (won't play a lot)

    1. What do u think about the moves?
    2. Choose (a. Forget about Fellaini b. Sterling instead of Silva)

    1. FPL Mentor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Fellaini lol. Missed that boat and will be waiting a very long time until the next one.

  24. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Alonso + Chicharito > Mbemba + Jesus for -4?

    1. Man Chest Hair United
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Alonso has great fixtures I wouldn’t

    2. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Selling Alonso for -4 ahead of Palace is crazy!

    3. SkeletONv01
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      No way for this GW i would loose Alonso if i had him playing vs Palace.

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        What to do with Chicharito then? Only have 1 FT.

        1. Man Chest Hair United
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Keep
          Long in
          Or downgrade and upgrade Chalobah

  25. jimmy.floyd
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Best replacement for Bailly?

    1. Big P
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Why you ditching?

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Expensive and didn't play today?

        1. Big P
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Had a knock. He’s first choice and a beast.

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 16 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            I'm giving a reason why Jimmy might be looking to sell him. Bit gaulling when his partner CB is 1m less.

      2. jimmy.floyd
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Tough games ahead?

        1. Big P
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Not sure this applies to Utd under Mou as he loves parking the bus against better teams

  26. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    are swansea that bad that nobody considers abraham even with the good fixtures ? thanks

  27. Twisted Saltergater
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Any Docs on? 🙂 Can Morata with a dodgy hamstring score a hatful against Palace in a fortnight?

    1. Optimus.
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Rondon could even score against that lot

      1. MrZ
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Doubt it. Only 2 strikers scored against CPL

      2. Twisted Saltergater
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Hattrick for Rondon next week. He scores goals like buses... in, err, Antartica.

    2. IRBOX âš½
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Depends on the extent. Hamstring strain (grade 1) can be fully healed in 2 weeks

      1. IRBOX âš½
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Bit of dry needling and he should be ok, if it is just muscular

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          fingers crossed eh? The thought of him starting vs Palace is too good to miss.

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

    Someone give me clarity on morata

    1. We Will Klopp you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      There isn't any clarity atm, wait for it to be given

  29. We Will Klopp you
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Hate the international break as much as the next guy, can't wait to roll into gw8 with this team, hopefully those two weeks roll by quickly I can bring in Sterling for Mkhi and it's party time, should be fun to watch these guys in action too

    Fabianski (Elliott)
    Clark Davies Naughton (jones Naughton)
    Sterling* Silva Salah Brady (Chalobah)
    Kane Lukaku Vardy

  30. fedolefan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Any 4.4m defenders we can consider? These damn Burnley 4.5m defenders aren't dropping in price anytime soon I think.

    1. Pirlø's Pen
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Wimmer

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

      Stk and Brighton

      TAA if you're a masochist

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Wimmer should be back after the int break. Stoke nice fixtures upcoming.

    4. Football Weekender
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Wimmer from GW9.

      Brighton also have good fixtures and look fairly solid so Dunk & Suttner are worth considering.

    5. We Will Klopp you
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Mee would be perfect for those needing a 4.4er, just need him to actually drop. Maybe dunk/wimmer, but one plays for brighton the other stoke so it is what it is

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

      Spending a transfer on Wimmer is risky, right? Do we know for certain he's nailed? Zouma, ShawX, Indi, Wimmer all playing for 2 spots?

      1. fedolefan
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Good Brighton shouts lads. They have fixtures against teams who aren't scoring much.