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. Clintymints
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Silva, Sane, or Sterling? Who wins for the near future/medium term

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      No one knows. That's the problem.

  2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Where too from here? Pretty happy with Hart 3 clean sheets out of 4 games and nice fixtures on the horizon.

    Mkhi out?
    Upgrade Defence?

    Hart
    Davies / Cedric / Naughton / Mee
    Salah / Mkhi / Ritchie
    Kane / Lukaku / Morata

    Elliot / Mooy / Carroll / Long

    2ft, .5itb

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

      Mkhi out for Silva?

  3. Puyol Pants Up
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on:

    Lukaku + Mooy ---> Vardy + Sterling (2FT)

    1. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure if serious. Keep Lukaku.

      1. Puyol Pants Up
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Serious: Tough fixtures for Lukaku and Mooy has to go

        1. Royal5
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Mooy is a problem, but Lukaku looks like a season keeper to me.

    2. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Mooy has a good fixture next, but I can see why you'd be happy to move him on (I did too). Sterling would be nice but Vardy's surprising blank earlier might trouble me. Pool/Utd will probably bring goals so Lukaku might be best left in really.

  4. Fleas
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    For after the break:
    Kaku, Erik > Jesus, hazard
    Thoughts?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Doesn't look that great tbh.

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

        Thanks netley

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

      Not for me

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

      Doesn't look that great now, but with hindsight in 3 gameweeks it could look awesome.

      You're either a leader or a sheep 🙂

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

        This

      2. christoff
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        what about just being a rock? i don't mean just in game but also in general

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

          We all need a rock, they're cool

    4. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I think I like that, TBH.

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

        Me too

    5. Rashers
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Would not take Lukaku out personally.

      Scousers can't defend. Kane had no problems at Huddersfield.

      If you want some City maybe Erik to Sterling?

  5. Reggie Nainggolan
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Best 4.5m goalkeeper inc Lossl and excluding Elliot

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

    When is the HOF updated?

    Joined the members league last week. Have 6 top 5k finishes in the last 6 years so just a little curious as to where I am.

    Cheers

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

      Incredible record!

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

        Ur ID?

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

          502747 mate

          1. Bruno Bruno!!
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            thats impressive

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

              Thank you

              Should probably post more but I am lazy like that

              The info here is top class in general

          2. Henryyy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            Whats your secret? 😛

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

              Curreny sitting in Budapest drinking cheap beer using the missus free date . . . .

              So cheap beer 🙂

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

                *data

          3. Werkself
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            Wow. Have to think you're easily in the top 100.

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

              Be nice to be up there 🙂

              Like everyone else here I love my fantasy football no matter the ups or downs

    2. Clintymints
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Welcome to the big boy club 😀

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

        Ha ha ha

        We'll see. Top 500 will do me. Bang it on the CV 🙂 🙂 🙂

  7. davies
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Is Fellaini a genuine option while Pogba is out?

    1. Puyol Pants Up
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I believe so.

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Worth a shout, 4.9? Won't get much else for under 5.

    3. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I brought him in as a punt for this week before WC. People here were laughing at me 🙂 Think I'll keep him and play next 2 game weeks at least.

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

        I just didn't bother announcing it. Knew he was a good pick at that price with Pogba out.

      2. Werkself
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        I was one of those people, but acknowledged you earlier.

      3. Pranav Santhosh
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        I was one of them probably laughing before the gw started now your the one laughing 16 points for under 5 mill well done

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

      Jose thinks so

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

      Yes. Mou loves him

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

        Yes. Only slight worry is Herrera but for 4.9 you can't complain if he misses 1 or 2

    6. 42towels
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn't. Fellaini is a useful squad player, but against the big teams coming up, I hope Mou plays Herrera.

      (remember the number he did on Hazard? Drool..)

  8. Puyol Pants Up
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Cheeky repost:

    Foster, Elliott
    Mustafi, Jones, Bertrand, Mee, Long
    Salah, Eriksen, Ritchie, Mooy, Carroll
    Lukaku, Kane, Firmino

    2 FT, 0.0 ITB

    Thoughts on: Lukaku + Mooy ----> Vardy + Sterling/Silva?

  9. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Where too from here? Pretty happy with Hart 3 clean sheets out of 4 games and nice fixtures on the horizon.

    Mkhi out?
    Upgrade Defence?

    Hart
    Davies / Cedric / Naughton / Mee
    Salah / Mkhi / Ritchie
    Kane / Lukaku / Morata

    Elliot / Mooy / Carroll / Long

    2ft, .5itb.

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

      Mkhi out for City player. Possibly Mooy to Richarlison (I think I'll wait couple weeks before possibly getting him)/C-M/Shaqiri?

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Downgrade Mooy and upgrade Long? I don't mind a hit or two!

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

          That'd work as well, yea! Personally I like to have at least 3 D I can play every week. But what do I know haha.

          I wouldnt burn FTs until we know if Morata is able to play after IB

  10. davies
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone think Morata will be back for the Palace game?

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Definitely based on the vast information we have

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

        You've gone and spoiled the ending and I'm still trying to sift through it all

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

      I hope he will. Would make my WC choices so much easier!

    3. IL Fantasista
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      This "light" injury is the perfect excuse to avoid International call up. So I'd say there is a good chance of making the CP game.

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

        This isn't fabricated though. He genuinely has a hamstring problem.

        I'm not sure 2 weeks is enough time, but I hope so.

        1. IL Fantasista
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          True. We need more info.

  11. IL Fantasista
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Chances of Mendy droping today? Heard there were a few cases of players droping around 95% or so...

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

      He's not gonna play again this season. Just get rid of him.

      1. IL Fantasista
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        I know but I was hoping to do it tomorrow after all games are finished. New injuries could change current replacement option for him.

        1. Kiwivillan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          You want to do a -8 tomo with 2 week break and international games to manoeuvre. Weird

          1. IL Fantasista
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            No. Just Mendy out.

  12. camarozz
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Ramsey & Antonio to Coutinho & chompo-moting for a hit??

    I would do this if it wasn't for IB

  13. Mrjamman
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Newbie question- I have Wc active. If I’m playing around with choices and transfer out a player like Erickson who is worth 9.6 in my team then decide to keep him in my WC and put him back in will I have to purchase him again at his current higher price of 9.7 to get him back in. Hope that makes sense.

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

      If you confirm the transfer, yes you hae to buy him back at 9.7

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

      If you sell him for 9.6, you'd have to buy him back at 9.7 yes.

    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A good newbie question and one I warned my friend new to the game yesterday.

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

        Great thanks. I'll plan first before confirm transfers.

  14. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I was very close this week to doing Mooy>Fellaini to upgrade 4.5 def. I suppose I should make that trade now yes?

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

      Seems so. Pogba could be out longer than first thought?

    2. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe yeah...but Swansea have yet to keep a CS at home, that's the only reason I'm not saying 'go for it'.

    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Worst case $ swing

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

        That's true

  15. Carlton_Goal
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Aguero + Alli > Kane + Sane/David Silva?

    1. Down with this sort of thin…
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Good shout, defo do that. Both Sane and David Silva should play in Aguero's absence, hard to know who to choose.

      Long term though, when Aguero's back, think Silva is more guaranteed starts.

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

        Yeah I think Silva has more gauranteed starts but while Aguero is out I feel like Sane and Jesus will be getting the goals

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

      yes

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

        which one would you pick?

        1. Down with this sort of thin…
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Also B Silva to come in and rotate, maybe in CL just for D Silva.

          Yeah, go Sane. He like's a goal and Pep loves him.

  16. IL Fantasista
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Do you think this -8 could pay off?

    Mendy, Mbemba, Mhki out for Walker, Luiz, Sterling in.

    I'd have double CIT&CHE if Morata fit.

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

      That looks pretty good

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

      No. Sort out Mendy or use WC over INT break target than -8 early. Could backfire badly

    3. E25
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Could be good.. Don't take a - 8 before intls tho!

  17. Down with this sort of thin…
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    So will Mbemba rise tonight? Thinking of swapping him in for Gamez.

    Seems like a waste of my only free transfer though...

    Any other bright ideas for 4.0?

    1. E25
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Possibly. Could be a lot of WC traffic though

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

      Only if you don't take a -4 before the next gw

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

    Mark is really struggling this year isn’t he.

    4-4-3 with no heavy hitter defenders.

    Tarkowski? Dawson? With WBAs fixtures?

    What’s he thinking?

    1. IL Fantasista
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      4-4-3 is not a valid formation

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

        It is, if you can fit 1-2 premium defenders who offer attacking returns at least.

        He has none

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

          4-4-3 is not a valid formation

        2. E25
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Rush goalie?

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

            Haa 4-3-3

    2. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Link?

    3. Clintymints
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I've gotten worse listening to the podcasts tbh

  19. Uncle Gamst
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Thinking of bringing in Mbemba for Mariappa for, if former due to rise tonight, or waiting?

    Thanks

  20. Forza Juventus
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Hi guys,

    Getting Wildcard cold feet. Should I play it or not?

    De Gea Elliot

    Davies Bertrand Dawson Suttner Mariappa
    Salah Mkhi Alli Atsu Carroll
    Kane Lukaku Joselu

  21. Roys Peak
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    RMT
    Foster/Elliot
    Bertrand Trippier Kolasinic Stones/Rosenior
    Mkhi Sane King/RLC Westwood
    Lukaku Kane Lacazette
    cheers

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

    Aguero car crash

    And morata hamstring

    My FTs are flying out

    God bless Ben Davies though eh

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

      I need Bavies bad

    2. SC not pearls before swine
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Glad he came good. Taking a hit for him the week before he got rested was very annoying.

      1. Pinky Blinders
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Has Rose retired?

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

          The final petal has fallen :'(

  23. Deulofail
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Gonna be a quiet IB unless Morata is ruled out (or others). Pretty happy with my team (great fixtures all round).

    No idea what to do if I need to replace Morata though. Any ideas?

    Fabianski
    Alonso Kolasinac Azpilicueta Bavies Cedric
    Sanchez Carroll
    Kane Morata Vardy
    Elliot | RLC, Cork, Chalobah

    (0.0 ITB. 0FTs)

    1. E25
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      It's interesting...

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

        YOU'RE interesting...

        1. E25
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Well you are playing a 523....

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

            I am? Well that is an interesting revelation...

            No idea what to do if I need to replace Morata though. Any ideas?

            1. E25
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 2 months ago

              Missed this earlier... Jesus seems the pick!

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

                Can't afford. 0.0 ITB :'(

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

      lacazette?

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

        Not enough money :/

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

      1FT*

  24. Supersonic
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Bit of advice please guys.. 0.4itb 1ft.. willing to take a hit.. alli and firm out? Or sort my defence? Cheers

    Foster-Elliott

    Bavies-naughton-holgate-mbemba-tuanz

    Mkhi-salah-alli-choupo-tc

    Luk-Kane-firm

  25. davies
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    If Morata is back... thoughts?

    Mkhi > Fellaini
    Chicharito > Morata

    Allows me get rid of two awful players and get in Chelsea attack without losing Eriksen.

    1. Pinky Blinders
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Mkhi isn't awful.

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

        Not awful but still always a niggling thought with him.

        Moving him on next week. Thankful for what he has got me but not worried by what he might get me

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

          Yeah the early withdrawals are becoming annoying

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

            Mata can easily slot in there. He's gonna miss one sooner or later

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

      I would do that whilst knowing down the track the Lampshade will need moving

  26. E25
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    A) Sterling
    B) David Silva
    C) Sane
    (will likely have Jesus up top, playing 3 big hitters)

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

      De Bruyne is Persona non Grata round here now. A.

  27. FantasyNik123
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Who is everyone price chasing on the WC?

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

      Treeman.

      1. 42towels
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Who's that? 🙂

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

          Felony

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

            Mr. Elbows

  28. Shultan
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    So much negativity about lukaku in this article....the guy has scored 7 goals!!!
    Just cz he doesnt 'look good' as kane (who has still yet to produce at wembley!!) doesn't mean his tally 'flatters him'!

    Yes utd have had easy fixtures but kanes not exactly been gettig his goals agaisnt the big teams in the prem has he?

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

      i dont think kane looks that good...

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

      Terrible defending by Huddersfield. May just as well give him the goals.

    3. Pinky Blinders
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Him and Martial seem to be on the same page. Rashford has a different impact on him. It's quite striking how dangerous Lukaku looks as soon as Martial comes on.

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

      3 x 13 pointers last 4 games though. Can't compete with stuff like that.

      I think part of it is Kane is scoring early and captainers are calm and happy most of the game.

      Lukaku is getting the 4th in 4-0 wins or 89th minute goals etc so his owners sit angry at him most of the game

      1. 42towels
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Good point.

  29. Teahupo'o
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Which defender would you lose for Otamendi?

    A) Jones
    B) Maguire
    C) Cresswell

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

      Jones

    2. Pinky Blinders
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A and C are both good but why do you need to drop Otamemdi? Having a city defender is a must.

      1. Pinky Blinders
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Whoops sorry misread your question.

    3. Teahupo'o
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks.

  30. Supersonic
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    A) firmino and alli
    B) Jesus/morata/lava and