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.

3,512 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Live Lad
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Kaku + Mhki to Kane + Silva. (-4)? Can do each for free but a hot will be worth I think with their good home games. Thoughts?

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Could be a good move with tougher fixtures coming up for united

    2. Sailboats
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Yes, sell Miki for sure. Not keen on Lukaku > Kane for a hit

      1. Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        Kane versus a shaky Bournemouth is pretty juicy. Should outscore Kak by 4 goals to 1 🙂

  2. Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Pretty meh weekend since the opener...even 45pts from Spurs felt below par...12 pts from that disallowed Kane/Davies goal would have been nice.
    Need Coutinho, Firmino and Bellerin to step up this afternoon.

    1. Emp
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      how can 45 pts from three(four with cap) players be meh?

      1. Legomané
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        Meh 'since' the opener
        45 felt 'below par' with the offside call and the fact Kane would have had 5 if Spurs had really gone for it.

        1. Legomané
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 15 days ago

          45 from 3 but only 16 from my other 5 inc Kak and Jones

  3. ooooo
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Repost
    .How about this draft?
    Elliot
    Azpi Davies Cedric
    Salah Richarlison Silva Atsu
    Kane Morata Jesus

    Pereira RLC Wimmer Mbemba

    Atsu rotation with Wimmer. 0.3itb

  4. Green Thunder
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Need advice on using my wildcard. Plan on using it b4 gw 8.

    Current team
    Foster/Elliot
    Kolasinac/jones/Trippier/zanka/mbemba
    Eriksen/sala/sterling/xhaka/caroll
    Kane/lukaku/Abraham
    With 0.8 in the bank.
    Thanks

    1. Bialystrzelec
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Could see some similarities to my team. Also considering WC. I think that Foster and Zanka must go. If i were you, I'd think about alternatives for Eriksen and Trippier, as the second one's his pitch time may shrink and their schedule stiffens.

  5. Bialystrzelec
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    (Bottomed)
    Would you use WC? Morata status is questionable. Moreover, I'd like to replace Foster, Dunk and get City defender. Would you change anything up front or in midfield?

    1 FT / 0 ITB

    Foster / Elliot
    Kolasinac / Cedric / Dunk / Mee / Naughton
    Salah / Miki / Richarlison / Ritchie / Carroll
    Kane / Jesus / Morata

    Thanks guys!

    1. Concrete
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Defence needs sorting imo. Maybe city and Chelsea defence

      1. Bialystrzelec
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        Absolutely agree, but I need at least additional £1 and don't want to get rid anyone from front formation. I have headache how to fit Stones (preferably Walker) in. I think that Kola, Cedric and Naughton are good for now and couple of game weeks ahead.

      2. Emp
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        defence needs sorting what are you on about?

    2. ooooo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Needs davies

      1. Bialystrzelec
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        Their calender stiffens and Rose may soon return, so I'm not that sure about him.

  6. Tim Canterbury
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    So Ben Davies has three 14+ scores in 7 gameweeks

    1. Sailboats
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      This year's Alonso

      1. Tommyg
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 17 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        This.

    2. Teror
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      If he continues at this rate he'll be the greatest FPL wingback ever

  7. Emiliano Sala
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Mkhi to david silva yes or no?

    1. Concrete
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Short term, yes

    2. Sailboats
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Yes

    3. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Might be a bit sideways and carried risk. Mkhi highly owned and Silva prone to rotation. Think I'll stick

  8. Positive vibes
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Is Rashford nailed?
    Thanks.

    1. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Ask Martial

  9. ooooo
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Kiko Femenia the best £4.7 max defender?

    1. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      No

      1. ooooo
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        Who instead?

    2. umerlfc
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Many have Mee and Naughton

  10. Frank Koscielny
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Forster / Elliot
    Kola / Bavies / Jones (Suttner / Long)
    Alli / Salah / Ritchie (Tadic / Tarroll)
    Kane / Lukaku / Calvert-Lewin

    0.9 ITB and 2 FT

    I obviously want to get rid of Tadic and enjoy the form of City and fixtures of Chelsea. Which way is the best way. I'm struggling to find a -4 where I can manage to get it done properly. And wildcarding this bunch seems excessive given 2 FT's. Any advice here?

  11. GAMBIT
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    I want to get rid of Lukaku again.

    Twice now he needed a second bite of the cherry to score and his build up play is so poor which means less scope for assists and less bonus points. Jesus/Morata/Lacazette are all 1.3m cheaper and probably won't score as many goals but I feel they will match his points total due to assists and bonus points.

    What does the FFS make of this? I know Lukaku has 60% ownership but the extra 1.3m helps the rest of the squad a lot

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Don’t think it’s a good idea but each to their own. He’ll be right up there with Kane in my opinion.

    2. Pranav Santhosh
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      I was going to get rid for morata but with morata injury doubt I'm probably going to do alli to silva/sterling/sane instead

    3. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      I am planning to get rid of Lukaku, Mkhi and Jones with my WC. And Kolasinac. Time to get on Spurs, Chelsea and City IMO.

    4. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Yep would agree with all of that. He's going for me this week as long as morata is fit.

      Manu to shut up shop a little and protect leads more in the bigger games as well leads to the inevitable conclusion.

    5. ILOVEBAPS
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      All good points. If you're going to do it now is the time with MU fixtures a bit tough.
      Can always get him back in a few weeks if it goes bad.

    6. GAMBIT
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Cheers all!

    7. Shultan
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Yep get rid of the goal who has 7 goals & returned in 6/7 matches

      1. GAMBIT
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        And yet, only 1 point more than Morata

  12. Make United Great Again
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Who’s your City mid of choice?

    1. Sane
    2. Silva
    3. Sterling

    1. GAMBIT
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      2

    2. Pranav Santhosh
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      3

    3. ILOVEBAPS
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      1.
      But only if you don't mind the occasional benching.

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        I do. But with Aguero out don’t you think he’ll be more nailed?

        1. ILOVEBAPS
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 15 days ago

          Yes but he'll still be rotated. I really like Sané and so does Pep which is why he will manage his minutes in CL and PL.

    4. Make United Great Again
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Haha. Three different answers!

      1. GAMBIT
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        For different reasons, I chose Silva because he's guaranteed minutes and is heavily involved in their build up play

  13. ILOVEBAPS
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Should I WC this team?
    Had planned to but just not sure.

    DDG Elliot
    Cedric Hegazi Mee Davies 3.9
    Eriksen Silva Salah TC C-M
    Lukaku Kane Joselu

    1. ooooo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      I would

    2. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      In a similar position. I don't think it's worth it actually.

      Save until 12?

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        If I don't do it this IB it will be a week to week proposition.

    3. JasonG123
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Are you planning on keeping Lukaku?

      1. ILOVEBAPS
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        I think I'm ready to take the risk and trade him for a fit Morata.

    4. Emp
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      not a chance

  14. JasonG123
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Silvia vs Sane vs Sterling as a Mkhi replacement?

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Sterling

    2. Tommyg
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Silva in the box seat. Should have scored yesterday. Think pep sees him as a vital cog.

    3. ILOVEBAPS
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Silva. Will play more often and always be involved.

    4. Numb
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Aguero won't be out long, could even be back next GW. And then Sterling and Sane are rotation risks again. Silva.

  15. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Early ideas on what to do with this lot?

    Foster
    Cedric Jones Bavies
    Salah Mkhi Silva Atsu
    Morata Kane Vardy

    Elliot Naughton T.Carrol Mbemba

    1ft 1.6itb

    A. Morata > Lukaku
    B. Morata > Jesus
    C. Mkhi > Sane/Sterling
    D. Save

    Cheers

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      C wouldn't go to lukaku or mkhi now wait for his tough fixtures to finish

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      B

  16. ralfb
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    anyone knows if niasse will play today?

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Wouldn't count on it.

      Even if he does, Koeman will probably be desperate to prove he was right by hauling him off after an hour

  17. purple.emu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    For all WCers the big decision is keeping Lukaku.

    When you have Jesus, Vardy, Morata with MUCH better fixture why would you hold on? These are all cheaper as well.

    1. aleksios
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Exactly my thinking.

    2. Whats the Mata?
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Because he's owned by 60% of the players and 11.9 will be a lot to pay when youll need him back.
      Besides dont you see utd scoring against Hudds and Pool?

    3. Frank Koscielny
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Consistency

      1. purple.emu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        The reason to keep him is because of his own ship! Crazy, Jesus plays stoke and West Brom at home. Man City are probably the best side in the league at the moment Mourinio tightens up in the big games.

        Can't see Lukuku getting more than one goal which could be considered not good enough.

        1. purple.emu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 15 days ago

          Consistency in easy games?

  18. Fantasy Gold
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Who do you think will be the surprise benching in today's games?

    My guess is Sturridge starting instead of Firmino.

    1. Numb
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      That won't be that much of a surprise.

    2. Emp
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      never gonna happen

    3. _Gunner
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      I can see it happening but as a Firmino owner I would be upset

  19. aleksios
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Suttner and Luka to Maguire and Jesus -4?

  20. Whats the Mata?
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Otamendi or Luiz on WC?

    1. aleksios
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Ota

    2. Make United Great Again
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Otamendi

  21. Tabbara
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Is 51 points with Salah ritchie and Kola good score week?

    1. aleksios
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Decent.

    2. Stockport Hatter
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      I'd say it's decent. Average points being 40. I'm on 58 with Monreal, Salah and Mee to play.

    3. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Not great

    4. ILOVEBAPS
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Very.

  22. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Morning dzzz, have a few issues in my team so tempted to WC but unsure...thoughts on below? have 1ft and 1.3m

    forster -- elliot
    valencia* bertrand kola --- mee* wimmer
    salah ritchie mkhi willian* -- carroll
    kane morata* joselu*

    A: WC and remove * players
    B: Valencia + Willian >> Walker + Sterling (-4)..or any combo upto 15m
    C: Willian + Morata >> Sterling + Jesus (-4)
    D: Valencia + Willian + Morata >> Naughton + Hazard/KDB + Jesus (-8)

    1. aleksios
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      B.

    2. AllanM
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      If you have WC use it. Bertrand needs to come out as well.

      Kola/Davies/Jones/Luiz/Ota

      Pick 2 from those in D and get 3 below 5 mil to rotate who are all playing.

  23. ooooo
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    best £4.5 defender?

    1. Numb
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      No clear best one really.

      1. Gudjohnsen
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        Simpson

    2. Lazaretti
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Mee, Clark, Fernandez or maybe Holgate or Martina - fixtures, (Naughton Lascalles both over 4.5)

      1. ooooo
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        able to afford anything up to 4.7

    3. shirtless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Suttner's been ok.

  24. Gudjohnsen
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Should I give Alonso 2-3 more games? Seems so overrated at the moment.

    1. aleksios
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      For sure.Not even thinking of getting rid atm.

    2. Lazaretti
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      I will. Until gw16 CHE have just 2 difficult games ManU home Pool away.

  25. @NF_Janner
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    I have played my WC and before I choose my team I am trying to gain value. So far I've brang in Falani, Richarlison, Daucaure, Schimichael. I've also swapped Alonso for Maguire as he may fall. Anyone else who is likely to go up over the break?

    1. Frank Koscielny
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      fplstatistics.com

    2. @NF_Janner
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      My team is
      Schimichael
      Maguire,Jones, Davies, Otimendi, Daniels
      Erikson, Silva, Dacaure, Falalani, Richarlison
      Kane, Lacasette, Abraham

    3. AllanM
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Best tactic.

    4. djpete
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Bear in mind you'll need double rises to actually 'make' money. Gaining value on any of the above players will only be relevant if you keep them, can't see any of that lot getting double rises during the break. Kane, Davies, Silva at a push might. Lacazette if he scores a hat trick today and Morata and Aguero stay injured.

      1. @NF_Janner
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        Yeah good point. Hopefully as its a long break they may go up twice. Probably a case of keeping he watford players and falani as bench players when I pick my team and hope they do well the following week.

  26. shirtless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Actually wasted a transfer this week for the first time in living memory. Held off from doing Alli>Silva & Jesus>Lukaku following the Aguero news. Only cost me 2 points but still have 2FTs for the break, and more flexibility.

  27. BucketHead
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Davidson Luiz at 5.9 tempting any one else??

    1. BucketHead
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      #david Luiz

    2. Ha.
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Possibly, would prefer Azpi but that 0.7m comes in very useful...

    3. Frank Koscielny
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Yes, but given the run of fixtures and yesterdays view of Azpi, I'll try to find .7 to bring him in. But to answer your question 5.9 for those fixtures is great if you can take the ocasional yellow and odd red

  28. ooooo
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    A) Maguire + 4.5 mid (Caroll/RLC)
    B) Mee + Atsu

    Which one is better?

    1. Ha.
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      A

      1. ooooo
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        Thanks

  29. Ha.
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Had a dream Atsu scored a hatrick. Woken up now 🙁

  30. Whats the Mata?
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    On a WC:
    A. Jesus + Silva + Luiz
    OR
    B. Lukaku + Sterling + Cedric

    1. Ha.
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      A for immediate fixtures