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. grifster69
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    A) ramsey>Silva
    B) mkhi>Silva
    Is it worth taking a -4 to get gabbadini out can't see any value strikers...
    Thanks

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

      B, Ramsey has better fixtures than mkhi. Also I'd use that extra money on upgrading Gabbiadini to Firmino or Vardy if you can afford either one. But don't do it for -4 unless you have more than 11 players starting next week.

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

        lol I mean less than 11, not more than 11 obviously.

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

    Which option outscores the other over the next 3 GWs? (2 FT)

    A. Mkhi > Sane

    B. Salah + Hegazi > Sane + Otamendi

    1. Egg noodle
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Obviously B

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

        Itching to pull the trigger on B because I can see both Sane & Otamendi rising & I can just about afford it. Problem is I'm no longer keen on Mkhi + the GW is 2 weeks away

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

      a

    3. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      A!

      Why would you get rid of salah?

  3. FDMS All Starz
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Sell or hold Morata?

    1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Hold for now until Tony speaks to us

    2. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Sell

      1. FDMS All Starz
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        Why? Conte says it may not be that serious...and I've made profit with him

  4. Egg noodle
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Can we have a couple of goals today please Roonmaster

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

      Niasse's the boss now.

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      He would probably rather have a couple of beers.

  5. POZZY
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Guys, need a little help from you guys. FPL provides me the monthly top-scorers in a particular league. Now, while calculating the scores, does it include all games as at the start of the month or games occuring in the respective months.

    For example, like today, all of today's points will get added to the September scores or that for October?

    Thanks in advance

    1. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Sept

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

    RMWCT

    Elliot
    Azpi Maguire Davies Cedric
    Silva Salah RIcharlison'
    Morata Kane Jesus

    pereira carroll rlc mbemba

    1. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      8

    2. SkeletONv01
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Cool team. Going to end up with a very similar one with 2FTs and a -4, i want that front 3 too 🙂 Consider someone else for Richarlison for the next 2 GWs, he plays Arsenal and Chelsea, cant see him scoring tbh.

  7. HARLEY
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Foster
    Mee Kola Bavies
    Salah Miki Silva Richarlison
    Kaku Kane Joselu

    Elliot Suttner Stephens Carroll

    2 ft 0.4 itb

    Any suggestions for me to replace?

  8. Ode
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Lukaku & Alli -> Kane & Silva -4?

    1. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      I would

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

      Yes

    3. Webbinho
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Yes. Kane essential

    4. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      I'd rather get Sterling

    5. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      No brainer

  9. FDMS All Starz
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Foster-Ellioit
    Bellerin-Cedric-Naughton-Simpson-Long
    Eriksen-Salah-Atsu-Caroll-Chalobah
    Kane-Lukaku-Morata

    With no real pressing issues other than Morata, would you do:

    1) Cedric & Morata--->Davies & Laca/Jesus

    Or

    2) Morata--->Laca/Jesus

    1. FDMS All Starz
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      1.1itb & 2FTs

      1. SkeletONv01
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        If Morata end up starting vs Palace i can see a massive haul for him, hold to him unless 100% sure he will not play. Cedric>Bavies looks like a no brainer tho.

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Need to hear more from Conte before you remove morata.

      If he is out I would do 1 with jesus

  10. Nathan20
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Sort of gave up on midfield.

    Eriksen, choupo-moting, Richardson, Carroll and loft us-cheek on bench.

    For the first time this season everything's clicked.

    80 points with lacazette to go.
    Needed that

    1. Nathan20
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Richarlison

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Decent

  11. Man Getting Hit By Football
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    How many players from your Gameweek 1 side have you still got?

    I've got 8 originals.
    Foster, Elliot, Kolasinac, Long (4.0), Salah, T.Carroll, Kane & Lukaku.

    1. Pirlø's Pen
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      4. Elliot, Kolasinac, Carroll & Jesus

    2. SkeletONv01
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Foster, Elliot, Yoshida, Tarrol, Eriksen, Kane, Kaku.

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

      9 for me: DDG, Elliot, Bertrand, Mee, Rangel, Alli, Ritchie, Salah, Jesus. Will probably be down to 7 after this IB though

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

      9

    5. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Foster Elliot
      Suttner Rosenior
      Eriksen Mkhi Carroll
      Kane Lukaku Abraham

      10/15

  12. Pauntley
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    What are we doing with Mkhi? Is he a season keeper due to value or are people looking to shift out due to poor fixtures?

    1. SkeletONv01
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Getting rid for Sterling.

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

      average player who got lucky with his returns. would sell for a city mid

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

        I've got Sterling - how about a double up with Sane?

      2. boc610
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        Oh well that's settled then.all those assists in bundesliga must have been a complete fluke but your cogent well thought out argument has convinced me.

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

      I'd be concerned with rotation in that position. If you want him you'll need a decent bench worthy option.

      Lukaku, Pogba, De Gea and Valencia seem the only nailed options...and arguably Jones

    4. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Mourinho loves to shut up shop vs the top so I don't see the value whilst their fixtures are tough. Jones still probably worth keeping though due to Mourinhos tactics.

  13. HamezMace
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    I always planned to WC during this international break, but not sure it's worth it, any major issues with this team that I'm not seeing,

    De Gea (Elliot)
    Kolasinac, Davies, Jones (Mee, Mbemba)
    Hazard, Coutinho, Richalison, Choupo-Moting (Carroll)
    Kane, Jesus, Chicarito

    1FT, 0.2m

    I'd probably switch out Jones to Cedric, and maybe try a reshuffle to get Chicarito out for someone like Morata, but realistically that would mean losing Hazard or Coutinho which I'm not too keen on.

    WC worthy, or stick?

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      If you are reasonably happy keep and use it when you actually need it.

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

        Good advice, thanks.

    2. Hotdogs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Stick, it looks good!

      WC the next IB (GW12)

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

        Another international break before Christmas? Didn't even know about that!....and thanks!

    3. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Stick

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

        Cheers Tim

    4. Man Getting Hit By Football
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Same boat as you. I'm holding onto my wildcard. November/December lots of games in quick succession so will come in handy to freshen the squad then. Your team looks good.

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

        Yeah I agree, Christmas period is always hectic so that'd be a good time.
        Classic Grav by the way....but the ball, his groin!

  14. Gt1996
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Classic knee jerk here,

    Firmino + Eriksen > Kane + RIcharlison?

    1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Not a knee jerk, sound transfers even though Richarlison got a few tough games now.

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Kane isnt really a knee jerk and to fnd it you have to downgrade somewhere. Ric is a good shout and no more of a risk than ritchie or groß etc. So go for it.

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

      I wouldn't want to lose Eriksen...although if it means getting Kane in, you might be right

  15. Salarrivederci
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Actually thinking about doing Jese, Mkhitaryan and Eriksen -> D. SIlva, Sane and Sterling (if Agüero injured for more than e few weeks)

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

      just miki to silva

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Just mhki to Sane.

    3. SkeletONv01
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      3 City mids is a bit too much for me 🙂 Keep Eriksen.

  16. boc610
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Really feels like this is contes last season no matter what and hes never
    done well in europe,id expect him at some stage to do what jose did last season and play weakened teams in the league if he feels thats out of reach ie major headache for fantasy managers

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      A bit premature.

      1. boc610
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        I did say at some stage plus have a look at his interviews in Italy..hes out of there next summer.

    2. HamezMace
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      2 - 3 years is pretty much the life span of a PL manager, at a top end club, obviously half that for a lower half team.

      Clearly issues behind the scenes as well.

      Chelsea aren't good enough to win the CL, so more likely to play stronger teams in the PL, plus they don't really have the squad depth to be playing much weakened teams.

      All the players we have, Alonso, Aziplicueta, Hazard and Morata will play 95% of league games when available.

  17. Atimis
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    World you have:

    A) Chupo Sterling Monreal 343
    B)Azpi Silva Cedric 433
    C)Azpi Sterling Monreal 433

    ?

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

      b

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

        Definitely most tempting

    2. Man Getting Hit By Football
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      B looks good

  18. eazy
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Who are your season keepers? Mine are probably Kane, Davies and maybe Mkhi. Was thinking of selling Davies after the next GW but yesterday made me realise what great value he provides for that price.

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

      Kane-Davies-Eriksen-Alonso.

    2. @persecuted_by_mods
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Mkhi season keeper? 😮

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
        9 years, 15 days ago

        Kane and Alli

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

      Elliot and Kane only

    4. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Davies Eriksen Kane
      Elliot if he stays #1

    5. Man Getting Hit By Football
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Assuming nailed.
      Kane, Davies, Jones, Elliot.

    6. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Elliot, Eriksen, salah, Kane

    7. Krafty Werks
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Kane, Bavies, Elliot.

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

    This was my free hit team before deadline:

    DGea
    Valencia-Monreal-Kolasinac-Davies
    Salah-Chupo-Brady
    Kane(c)-Luk-Lacazette.

    Would be 65 pts so far and 5 still to go.Easy 90 pts.
    Too bad i decided to hold..

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
      9 years, 15 days ago

      What's your current team

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

        Foster
        -Alonso-Kola-Davies-Jones
        Eriksen-Gross-Richie
        Kane(c)-Luk-Morata.
        62 pts with 2 to go still...

        1. We Will Klopp you
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 15 days ago

          Will be invaluable around blank gameweeks so wouldn't have regrets over that

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

    Who do we think are the best captaincy candidates for GW8 to GW18? My thinking in order of preference:

    GW8: Morata(cpl), Kane (BOU), Jesus(STO), Lacazette(wat), Mane(MUN), Lukaku(liv)
    GW9: Jesus(BUR), Morata(WAT), Lukaku(hud), Kane(LIV), Lacazette(eve), Mane(tot)
    GW10: Lacazette(SWA), Morata(bou), Mane(HUD), Jesus(wba), Lukaku(TOT), Kane(mun)
    GW11: Kane(CPL), Mane(whu), Jesus(ARS), Morata(MUN), Lacazette(mci), Lukaku(che)
    GW12: Mane(SOT), Lukaku(NEW), Morata(wba), Jesus(lei), Kane(ars), Lacazette(TOT)
    GW13: Lukaku(BHA), Kane(WBA), Jesus(hud), Lacazette(bur), Mane(CHE), Morata(liv)
    GW14: Lacazette(HUD), Morata(SWA), Jesus(SOT), Lukaku(wat), Kane(lei), Mane(sto)
    GW15: Jesus(WHM), Morata(NEW), Mane(bha), Kane(wat), Lukaku(ars), Lacazette(MUN)
    GW16: Kane(STO), Mane(EVE), Morata(whm), Lacazette(sot), Lukaku(MCI), Jesus(mun)
    GW17: Kane(BHA), Lukaku(BOU), Mane(WBA), Morata(hud), Jesus(swa), Lacazette(whm)
    GW18: Lacazette(NEW), Morata(SOT), Lukaku(wba), Mane(bou), Jesus(TOT), Kane(mci)

    Why stop at GW18? Because GW19 to GW22 are tough - 4 games in 10 days - you have to expect some rotation.

    Based on the above which strike force would you choose? It is possible to assume Jesus is Aguero and vice versa.

    1. We Will Klopp you
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Kane, Lukaku and perhaps one of Morata or Jesus/Vardy if going for a more balanced side in my 343

  21. We Will Klopp you
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Team currently:
    Fabianski
    Davies Naughton Clark (Jones Rosenoir)
    Salah Silva Mkhi Brady (Chalobah)
    Kane Lukaku vardy

    Considering all options to improve my team, these 2 made the final cut
    A) Mkhi to Sterling
    B) Mkhi to Richarlison (do now to catch prices) and then Vardy to Jesus/Morata, would try to wait out as long as possible for Morata news) -4
    Or C) keep it as it is
    D) other, please suggest

  22. Ode
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    KDB when I own him: 3 2 3

    When I don't: 9 6 3 11

    Firmino when I own him: 2 2 2

    When I don't: 12 2 12

    1. We Will Klopp you
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      I can relate, both have trolled me badly too

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Same for me KDB but worked out ok.

  23. Gt1996
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Playing around with how to get Kane in with only 1 FT... (0.4m itb)

    a) Firmino + Eriksen > Kane + Richarlison (-4)
    b) Morata + Eriksen + Mkhi > Kane + David Silva + Sterling (-8)
    c) Wait for the Liverpool game to see how Firmino performs
    d) Try and find something else, those are terrible choices.

    1. Gt1996
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Or Mkhi + Morata > RIcharlison + Kane

  24. boc610
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    I love how peoples pain at their fantasy scores in one singke gameweek completely clouding their judgement of players. Erik and ali?what was all the fuss about?mhki?bang average luck merchant. ..

  25. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    On a defence-heavy WC, which of these do you prefer?

    A) Richarlison / Simpson
    B) Chupo-Moteng / Monreal

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      A

  26. white heart pain
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Need Davies, how to i get him:

    Foster
    Jones Daniels Naughton
    Myki Eriksen Salah RLC
    Kane Kaku Firmino

    Elliot Carrol Ward Rangel

    0.0 bank

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Daniles Salah Ward to Mbemba Davies Coutihno.

      1. white heart pain
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        Interesting i like it but 0.2 short

  27. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    No Koscielny

  28. Clive The Ram
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Fellaini. 4.9m. Started the last three and scored two yesterday.

    What's the downside?

  29. Krafty Werks
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    On WC, 4th mid and 3rd striker, which do you prefer? :

    A - Ritchie & Rashford
    or
    B - Atsu & Vardy

    Thanks.

  30. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    What happened to Mbemba?