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. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Conte said Moata withdrawal was precautionary, I hope he is rightb

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      *Morata

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Morata signaled the bench as soon as he felt his hammy 'go', it was his call, not Conte's.

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

      Bit of an odd precaution when you're drawing with Man City though.

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

    Surely, we're chasing Chelsea attackers this week for that Palace game. That has another 3-0 written all over it.

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

      I hope Morata's injury isn't anything serious. Currently looking Kane - Jesus - Vardy on WC but I'd rather have Morata.

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

        Don't get Vardy. You're going fixtures over form with that. He's only mainly scored penalties recently.

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

          Idk how I can fit Kane - Morata - Jesus in there unless I seriously downgrade on defence.

    2. SC not pearls before swine
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Who though? Hazard's a little too expensive, Morata maybe injured. Willian and Pedro are long term rotation risks.

      1. Jairzinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        Hazard for me.

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

        Hazard I'm thinking. Fire and forget even though he's expensive.

  3. Del Monte
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Is Walker worth the extra over Otamendi?

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

      No

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

      When is Kompany back?

      1. Del Monte
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        Never

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

      No

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

      No way. Otamendi has the most attacking threat of the City defenders

  4. Boomerang V
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Hi,

    Is Geoff Cameron 4.4 defender from Stoke nailed on?

    I am thinking about getting him if I WC...

    tks

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

      Yes

  5. Lecky Legs FC
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Been out all day so missed a lot of the action the good i captained Kane the bad I got rid of KDB for Hazard I can’t wait to wildcard after the IB now.

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

      Are you not better wildcarding right now? Which will be in play until after ib?

  6. samaael
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Foster
    Jones/ Alonso/ Mee
    Alli/ Salah/ Silva/ Brady
    Kane/ lukaku/ Joselu

    Elliot/Cuco Martina/ Chalobah/ Mbemba

    2FT 0.1ITB

    depending on other games

    a) Alli to Richarlison/ Alonso to Davies/ Joselu to Lacazette -4
    b) Alli to RLC/Carroll / Joselu to Lacazette and play 4-3-3

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

    Kaku + Eriksen to Hazard + Jesus after the break ?

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

      Yeah

  8. Melania
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Need to get me some Chels and Citeh, any ideas around how? 2FT 0.5it

    DDG,

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

      Go back a week and get Morata & Aguero

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

        Sterling, Jesus look interesting
        Chelsea defence ok but attack offers little unless hazard picks up form for Belgium

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

          What position did Sané play today, please?

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

      Good to go. You're in save hands with DDG.

      1. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        safe*

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

          And save

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

      DDG, Eliot
      Davies, Cedric, Dawson, Kolasnic, Mee
      Salah, Mhki, C-M, Ritchie, Romeu
      Kane, Lukaku, Wood

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

        Mkhi to one of sterling/sane/silva

        1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 15 days ago

          This

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

    Shorter repost.

    Would you WC this?

    Foster (Myhill)
    Toby - Kola - Jones - Bertrand - (Daniels)
    Salah - Eriksen - Antonio - Ritchie - (Carroll)
    Kane - Jesus - (McBurnie)

    1. Football Weekender
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      No way. Look at getting in some Chelsea & City for their good fixtures but it’s fine right now.

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

        Cheers.

  10. Football Weekender
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Weird gameweek this one so far. Sat on 35 points but with six still to play tomorrow. There’s some big scores out there so I’ve got some catching up to do.

    1. Puyol Pants Up
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      45 with 4 to play here. Kane (C) saving my week.

      1. Football Weekender
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        I think a lot hinges on Liverpool tomorrow - Salah & Firmino in particular. Sturridge lurking in the background for a possible start is a potential spanner in the works.

  11. FPL Maldini
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Really got this funny feeling Mane is going to get one of his explosive games tomorrow to put him back on everybody's radar.

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

    Keep Atsu on my WC?

    The 0.5 looks good in my defence, and I can't see any 5.5 / 5.6m mids that are worth the extra money? Any thoughts?

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

      i like choupo moting

    2. SC not pearls before swine
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      I think Choupo-Moting is worth it, but .5 is nice.

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

      C-M.

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

    This is has been my worst fpl season ever so far. 25 points with 3 to go, dropped to 3.4m rank & wildcard already used. Last in every ML

    Foster (Elliot)
    Alonso Kolasinac Cedric (Naughton)
    Eriksen Alli Salah Ramsey (Cork)
    Vardy Lukaku Abraham

    Planning to get Kane & City players during the IB, what other suggestions would you give me?

    1. Robe Wan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Alonso waste of cash get Bavies
      Lose Abraham and ramsey

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

    Has anyone triggered their WC ?

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

      I'm about to but other posters get me confused. Activate now to be live until after international break right?

      1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        Could activate just before the next deadline. You would until that point have loads of points hits so risk is forgetting to activate it! However, bonus is that your transfers affect price rises and so if everyone did that then market would be more aggressive giving you more value. Not sure enough people think like that for it to be worth it

      2. Trevez
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        That's what I thought, players I want won't rise so might wait until the gw is over

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

      o/

    3. Toby Lerone
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Yep I've triggered it

  15. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Time to WC this team

    Foster Elliott

    Davies Maguire Bertrand Mee Dunk

    Salah Eriksen Ritchie Gross Carroll

    Lukaku Kane Chicarito

    0.2 ITB 1FT

    Any ideas would be welcomed

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

      My team was pretty similar, decided to wildcard cause I wanted to get rid of Chica without taking a hit. Also Foster is useless, had him as well. You could survive without wildcard if you want though. Depends how many changes you'd make.

  16. The White Pele
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    davies to Azb ? for better fixtures.

    1. DD
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      I wouldn't drop Davies regardless of fixtures based on his current form.

  17. 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.

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

    Best transfers so far for my short fpl career. Did Phillips, Aguero -> Fellaini, Kane 🙂

    69 (-4), should really learn to give the arm band for the right guy but trending into right direction in my ML.

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

      Captaincy been my issue this year too, horrific so far, highest captaincy score is six so far (Lukaku), frustrating as I don't remember such a bad run of captaincies ever in previous years

  19. cjhewitt92
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Thoughts on Hazard

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

    This -4 looks delicious to me and all being ok after the IB i'll do it. What ya'll think?

    Alli, Chalobah, Kolasinac -> Richarilson, Azpilicueta, Sterling

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

      Wouldn't be selling Kola (wat) & Alli (BOU) as part of a -4, not a chance!

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

      I'd find it hard to let Kola go personally. That boy has some big points in him.

  21. Rainer
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    I know a lot can change in two weeks, but as of now, for the next 4 GWs...

    Silva, Sane or Sterling?

    1. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Crapshoot

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      i am looking to double up probably, Silva has to be first choice with Sterling i feel, Sane is absolute class but that 0.4 is handy. i have 8.5m to spend on a mid and already own Silva.

    3. Gruu
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      same dilemma mate..

  22. Lecky Legs FC
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Sorry for posting again but how did Hazard look today vs Citeh?

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

      Chelsea were out classed and so he didn't see much ball, a few good moments but disappeared in the game.

    2. Jolly Good
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Prob sterling. Tough call

  23. FPL Maldini
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Has the Aguero injury been confirmed as a broken rib? Or just fractured?

    1. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Are they not the same?

      1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        Fracture could just be like a crack I think, broken sounds more like a displacement too, like a clean break?

        No medical experience, just speculating. Think they're often used quite interchangeably

        1. walkman666
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 15 days ago

          I think they are the same.

          1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 15 days ago

            Fair enough - was just speculating 🙂

      2. FPL Maldini
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        I really don't know haha

    2. FPL Panda
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Same thing mate

      1. FPL Maldini
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 15 days ago

        Fair enough, well either way it's 6 weeks out then?

        Don't understand where this 2-4 weeks is coming from..

  24. Hasselbaink Forever
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Just imagine if Sterling could shoot

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      he does have 5 goals

    2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Imagine if Lovren could defend

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

      Imagine if Salah could finish

  25. the snazzy viking
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    what do I do here mates

    Fabianski / Elliot
    Kola Davies Maguire Ward / Wimmer
    Salah D.Silva Ritchie / **RLC** **Chalobah**
    Lukaku Morata* Laca
    1FT, 1.2 ITB

    Thinking maybe Lukaku to Kane

  26. Ruffio
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    I'm about to wildcard. If I get rid of long for mbemba tonight there's a good chance I improve my team value right? Even if it don't keep mbemba for the final draft I avoid longs potential drop?
    Thanks

    1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Yep

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

        Cheers dude helped me see sense. Went for mane as 1 week pre wildcard punt hoingnfor big things!

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

          Hoping for

        2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 15 days ago

          Good luck!

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

      Correct.

    3. Ghost Gooner
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Correct, avoid drops at all costs

  27. Rash
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Which option if any? Mkhitaryan hegazi to
    A. Silva otamendi -4
    B. Sterling azpi -4

    1.5itb

    Elliot
    Davies Jones naughton hegazi*
    Eriksen Mkhitaryan* richarlison
    Kaku Kane morata

    Lössl tcarroll mbemba RLC

  28. FPL_Hazards
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Wtf Kolasinac flagged?

    1. Brayden29
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Not for me...

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

      Wenger said on press that he had a little knock or something but is available.

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

      Where?

    4. Rainer
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Not where it matters.

  29. Brayden29
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    63 points led by captain Kane with Kolasniac, Martina, Salah and Atsu to come.
    Team well settled currently with only concern being Morata who I would especially like to have for his next fixture against Palace.
    Wondering who do we think is a better option out of Sterling/Sane as Man City attacker and which Chelsea DEF is the best option?

    1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Azpi popular. Flip a coin for the others. Sterling seems slightly more consistent points scorer, but Sane has more points!

  30. The Royal Robin
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 15 days ago

    Alonso isn't worth £7m anymore. Time to sell, right?

    1. Digital-Real
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      to be discussed after Palace...

    2. Brayden29
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      I would hold now with Chelsea's upcoming fixtures

    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      Haha before Chelsea's fixtures turn golden? Please sell

    4. grumpyman
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 15 days ago

      I'm looking to buy if I can scrape the money together.