Opinion
30 September 2017 3512 comments
Mark Mark
Share:

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. Dream Killers 2.0
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Rank from 1.8 million to 771k to 106k in three weeks.

    Just goes to show how quickly things can change in this game...!

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

      Well done mate

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

    I am wildcarding and would like to up my TV. Where can I find the likely prise rises and falls?

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

        Thanks!

  3. Sterling is £11Mill..…
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    if all goes well for Laca then Morata > Laca looks pretty obvious

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      cpl // WAT // bou

      I think I'll stick thanks 😉

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

    12 pts on the bench with Elliot to go. anyone with more??

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

      ive got 0 on the bench, basically every week

      1. VS10_
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Same, just 16 points benched in total. One week was down to 10 playing.

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

          yep, don't see the point in putting any funds onto the bench. Only got Mbemba playing on it right now, never needed to use him either

          1. VS10_
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            Think I'll have to beef up a bit when on the wildcard but not too much.

    2. Fred54
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      You win but have 10 from 1 player! (DocoWatford) Others are all non starters and Zanka who got zero through minus points.

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

    Mane brace or hat trick tomorrow? Thinking the hat trick is on

    1. EDEN THE MAN
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Goal

    2. Sterling is £11Mill..…
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      yea keep dreaming, you will be lucky if he doesnt hobble off

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

        we'll see 😉

        1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          he might assist Salad a couple of times

          1. Art Vandelay
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            Lettuce see.

    3. FPL Emu
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Couple of Firmino assists there

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

        *salah

  6. EDEN THE MAN
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on Ederson as a ManCity defensive option?

    1. FPL Emu
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Otamendi's goal threat and the others' attacking threat make them better options

  7. Digital-Real
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    City's strong defending was no flash in the pan. Need to get City defender in. Otamendi looks dangerous in the box.

    1. EDEN THE MAN
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I’m thinking of Ederson

      1. Digital-Real
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        what's his price?

        1. EDEN THE MAN
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          5.5

          1. Digital-Real
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            for extra 0.2 get Ota. That's what i'm considering.

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

      There is merit to this. City are really proving the old adage that attack is the best form of defence.

      TBH, their defenders aren't amongst the best in the league. United, Chelsea and Spurs easily have better defenders and keepers. But City have a relentless juggernaut of an attack that will force teams to play conservatively creating little threat except on counter attacks where they will be thwarted by the lightning speed of the likes of Walker.

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

    Early thoughts on what I should be looking to do over the IB?

    Lössl Elliot
    Bavies Jones naughton hegazi mbemba
    Eriksen Mkhitaryan richarlison Tcarroll RLC
    Kaku Kane morata

    1ft 1.5itb

    Thinking maybe upgrade hegazi or switch out Mkhitaryan due to tough fixtures

    1. FPL Emu
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Probably just go mkhi to a city mid

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

        This is in my thoughts.. problem is I'm unsure who

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

    eriksen and alli are covering Kane pretty well.

    1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      is this a meme?

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

        kinda

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

      45-45 kane-erik since gw1

      1. Les Bleus
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        What about having Kane captain though?

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

          90-90

          1. Les Bleus
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            Ask those with Eriksen how many times they've captained him. Then ask the Kane owners the same question. It ain't all about 45-45

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

              Aye but if they captained lukaku gw1-3

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

      Eriksen's got 45 this season. Kane's got 45 this season. So yea, he is

      1. Les Bleus
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        People seem to forget that captain is a huge part of this game.

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

          yes, but there are other options to Kane. Those who have just left the armband on Lukaku all season will definitely be in the top 1mil right now.

          1. Les Bleus
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            Sure there are other options, but no better options.

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

              not too sure yet. He hasn't proved himself at Wembley, and Spurs don't have the squad United/City have. There will be some very lacklustre Spurs performances coming up when they have to play double headers against Real in the CL

              1. Les Bleus
                • 14 Years
                8 years, 2 months ago

                I agree with the Wembley effect. But his form is too hot right now to worry about the future.

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

                Swans at Wembley being very lacklustre.

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

        Kane more of a captaincy pick than Erik so we are talking of 90pts for kane

    4. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      You can't cover a goal scorer.

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

      Cover lol

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

        some people can't get sarcasm

  10. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    ^700k green arrow BOOM. 3 to go

  11. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Forster is the best fpl keeper. Agree?

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

      And Foster is the worst!

  12. arndff_
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Who to pick for the next [at least] 3 fixtures:
    A) Morata
    B) Lacazette?

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

      if fit A.

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      The one with two hamstrings

    3. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Probably the one that isn't injured.

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

      After the game, Conte said that Morata's injury doesn't look very serious, so he will be fit for CFC next match.

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

        Certainly not guaranteed and i wouldnt invest in someone with a Hamstring on the edge.

  13. Cocky Spaniel Alves
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Evening.

    Foster Elliot
    Kolasinac Davies TAA Suttner Prödl
    Mkihtarian Salah Ritchie Brady Carroll
    Kane Lukaku Firmino

    2 FT 0.4 ITB

    I should wait, right? Or would you make an early transfer already?

    Thinkinga about losing Lukaku/Mkhi/Firmino and getting Jesus/Sterling/Morata in but that could well change and probably already has in terms of Morata.

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

    Nice surprise. OR 88k from 315k
    Expected green but not top 100k.
    Only Firmino & Kolasinac to play though

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

      Nicely done mate

  15. Francescoli
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Best 5.5 of under midfielder?

    If Xhaka blanks again, I'll need to move him on

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      None exist I'm afraid. Maybe Fellaini (gasp) if you're desperate.

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

      Fellaini 🙂

  16. Jolly Good
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Sterling or Sane? Who’s the biggest beneficiary fpl wise of kun accident?

    1. Digital-Real
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Both

      1. Jolly Good
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Thinking of getting one in team.. Which one looks best?

    2. n-doggg
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Flip a coin. I’m going sterling purely for the value

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

    Bavies & (K)ane, what a start it was!

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

      couldn't believe Spurs scored 4 w/o Alli and Eriksen involvement. Was class indeed

    2. Sterling is £11Mill..…
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      why do people have Bavies or even Trippier im a Spurs fan and even I don thave them, theres better picks. You guys r lucky

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

        haha, bet you have both of them in the double up

      2. Les Bleus
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Do you watch Spurs play as a Spurs fan?

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

        don't worry mate it's only the cool kids that have bavies

      4. Sterling is £11Mill..…
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        no I have Otamendi, Kola and... Naughton for some reason. Naughton is a crap pick hands up to that and if I had the money I would turn Naughton into one of the Spurs guys but only cause of their price. Both are at risk of rotation or being ousted, and Spurs home defence is questionable imo. For them to get CS ok thats fine, but for that many attacking returns is lucky.

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

          Are you sure you're a Spurs fan? You must not watch them play, at least.

          1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            Davies has 2 goals in 6 games, ok so that is lucky unless you expect him to score 12 across the whole season. And what is Trippier going to get 19 assists is he?
            If you actually read what I wrote my point references their likely minutes and that these attacking returns wont be consistant so yes your are lucky to get so many points from attacking returns. How many assists and goals have Rose and Walker got in rpevious seasons? 12 goals and 19 assists was it?

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

              😀

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

          Spurs width comes from their full backs and combine that with 4 clean sheets from 7 makes Davies one of best value fpl players available imo

      5. Lanley Staurel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        You watch and understand football right?

        1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          u know how to read right?

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

            😀 nib

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

      Was loving it. Kane should have had more

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

    Are Kane and Lukaku players to keep in team all season as while may not get big points every week they will be vying for golden boot come end of season? Best to keep transfers for mids, defence and third striker.

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

      that's what I'm doing. Most don't seem to agree though

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

        I think so, started without Lukaku (went week (sarcasm)) won't be losing him again unless he loses a limb. Some players just seem to fish out goals, Lukaku and Vardy are two of them so happy to have them on board

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

          Kane a season keeper for sure, best striker in the prem, the guy can score any type of goal

          1. Big Mac 24
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            and makes each one look rediculously easy

    2. Lanley Staurel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I will keep them both for now. For sure.

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

    Is Cahill nailed or a rotation risk for Chelsea?

    1. Tickle Me Enzo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      would be highly surprised if he's not thrown right back into starting position

      1. Tickle Me Enzo
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        at 0.3 more however, Azp's the man to go to

    2. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Nailed I'd say. He's the captain.

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

        Thinking Chelsea defence worth investing in
        4 intriguing options

        A Azpilicueta assists and bonus
        B Alonso goal threat
        C Cahill underpriced
        D Luiz bargain

        1. Les Bleus
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          I'm thinking about Luiz

  20. Tickle Me Enzo
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    First FFS member season and one thing I'm still unsure of is how to check the status of, and most benefit from the likelihood of player predicted price increases while wildcarding over international break. Is there a quick link to read on this subject available or any other recommendations? Cheers

    1. MTPockets
        8 years, 2 months ago

        http://fplstatistics.com/ is the best but not perfect.

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

      Unsure whether to wildcard lads? Part of me really wants to take advantage of the fixture shift and load up on Chelsea/City - however at the moment I'm scoring plenty of points!

      Foster Elliot

      Bertrand Davies Cresswell Suttner Rangel

      Eriksen Silva Ramsey Atsu Carroll

      Firmino Lukaku Kane

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

        No need to WC. Good squad. See how Firmino does tomorrow and if poor consider Vardy

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

      Mkhi out on WC a no brainer?

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

        100 %

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

          Thanks

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

        not 100%. Next 2 have the potential for hauls. Only problem is Sterling seems better value

      3. Red Dagger ✪
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        for a hit would be worth it

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

      Do we think Luiz is a good option?

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

        Yep

    5. arndff_
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Mkhi to Silva is a good move:
      A) Yes
      B) No?

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

        yeah, in 2 Fridays time

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

        Yes

      3. walkman666
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        A, alternatively, sane or Sterling. Another blank and highly owned silva will have market pressure.

    6. XABI 15
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Not going to do these just yet. But does this -8 sound good?

      Lukaku Antonio Fosu to Jesus Sane Otamendi

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

        For a -8 that sounds pretty good.

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

        That would probs repay itself quickly

    7. SuperMario
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Jesus, its a tough one to activate the WC tonight or not...

      1. n-doggg
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Done it. Do it. For the fixture shift if nothing else

        1. SuperMario
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Trying to assess who the hell would become the essential players..

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

        same thought here, hard to know if price rises will be plentiful this week

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

        I just did. Didn't necessary have to but felt like there were enough changes to be made and better options available.

      4. grumpyman
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        I was all set, but Morata's injury has screwed my plan. Don't fancy Jesus given that Aguero could conceivably be back for the next game, and that Napoli tie means Man City rotation. Vardy looks a no-go with Leicester struggling. Not sure what front 3 I actually want anymore.

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

      would you wildcard this lot?

      Foster Elliot
      Kolasinac Valencia Mee Lowe Long
      Mkihtarian Eriksen choupo Brady Carroll
      Kane Lukaku Vardy

      would be mainly Valencia long foster Brady mkihitarian Carroll Vardy out

      1. walkman666
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        No.

      2. Aston-villain
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Yes

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

        Look okay, I'd rather take a hit or somthing

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

        No. Perhaps Mkhitaryian to Sterling

    9. n-doggg
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      The highest scoring Chelsea mid is Kante who has blanked every game apart from one! Hazard needs to change that soon

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

      Worth doing Long to Mbemba tonight to avoid drop and catch rise?
      (Have 2 FT)

      1. walkman666
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        I'm considering it and I have only 1 FT. Seems prudent not to do this though. We should eat the 0.1 drop and deal with long when on wc.

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

          I guess. As I have 0.8 itb I could get a burnley defender for him too so I may go for that. Not Mee tho 😉

    11. Digital-Real
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I know it's just a game, but hate the feeling of a bad gameweek.

      1. Les Bleus
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        FPL is anything but a game! 😀

        1. Digital-Real
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          You know it!