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. FPL_Hazards
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Wtf Kolasinac flagged?

    1. Brayden29
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Not for me...

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

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

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

      Where?

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

      Not where it matters.

  2. Brayden29
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months 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
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

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

  3. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

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

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

      to be discussed after Palace...

    2. Brayden29
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I would hold now with Chelsea's upcoming fixtures

    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Haha before Chelsea's fixtures turn golden? Please sell

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

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

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

    Squad's

    Fabianski (Elliott)
    Davies Clark Naughton (Jones Rosenoir)
    Salah Silva Mkhi Brady (Chalobah)
    Kane Lukaku Vardy

    A) Keep Mkhi
    B) Get Sterling (0.4m itb)
    C) Get Sane (0 itb)
    D) Other, please state

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      B mate, he has 5 goals and basically playing as a striker

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

        Many thanks Dynamic Duos, will go it after the international games

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          i will be with you my friend

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

            A few in my ml have Jesus so if I do that could potentially outsmart them

            1. Dynamic Duos
              • 12 Years
              8 years, 2 months ago

              yeh exactly it could be a very shrewd move.

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

                Fingers crossed it pays off, they've oustsmarted me by going Kane captain instead of kaku this gw and gw before, Kane instead of Aguero, would love to turn the tables on em

                1. Dynamic Duos
                  • 12 Years
                  8 years, 2 months ago

                  i am one of the Kane-ers, but Sterling and Silva together, we will be flying

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

      Get rid of Mkhi

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

        Cheers Ghost Gooner

        1. The Royal Robin
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Nice team, B.

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

            Thank you Royal Robin and cheers

            1. Dynamic Duos
              • 12 Years
              8 years, 2 months ago

              you should link your team mate.

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

                I would do but I have an embarrassing overall rank atm which I'm working on due to no Lukaku at the start of the season to be honest, once I get it back on track I will do

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

    Rather than WC thinking these 3 changes over International break. Obviously will wait until after International games. Just hope Firmino puts performance tomorrow or may rethink! Good changes or not for -8 ? A hit I know but WC still in tact. Other option just Mkhi to Sterling on a free.

    Mkhitaryian to Sterling
    Eriksen to Hazard
    Bertrand to Maguire

    Giving

    Foster
    Kolasinac Davies Maguire
    Hazard Sterling Brady Atsu
    Kane Lukaku Firmino

    Elliot Hegazi Carroll Long

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

      Mkhi to Sterling, too early for Hazard and Bertrand has to keep a clean sheet at some point if he doesn't shift him gw9 for free

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

        Thanks for that. I think that is good advice. Not too keen on losing Eriksen for Bournemouth game as due big score!

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

      I would WC and also bank Hegazi's profit and get a better option than Carroll, maybe even get Monreal over Kola

  6. Brayden29
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

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

      Sterling Azpi

  7. the snazzy viking
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Repost

    what to do...

    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, good plan or is there a better idea?

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

    Please RMWCT draft! 0.2 itb.

    Fabianski/Elliott
    Davies/Azpi/Jones/Cedric/Mbemba
    Salah/Eriksen/Ritchie/RLC/Carroll
    Kane/Jesus/Vardy

    4-4-3, but if I had an extra 0.3 I could also play 5-3-2 at a pinch. Any thoughts?

    Cheers!

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

      Lovely, cedric to Maguire perhaps?

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

        Love Southamptons post break fixtures - so I'm sticking with Cedric.

        I wanted 0.3 more to bring Mee in to rotate with Ritchie between Newcastle and Burnley...

    2. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I have pretty much exact same budget but am swinging to luk/Kane/jesus at the moment so my midfield doesn't look as good. going to be a long international break!

  9. JasonG123
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Should I WC this lot to get Chelsea and a city players (Jesus, Sane, Alonso, Morata if fit) and fix defence?

    Elliot (Speroni)
    Davies Jones Francis (Suttner Rosenoir)
    Mkhi Salah Ritchie Atsu (Carroll)
    Lukaku Kane Lacazette

    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I'd just do Lacazette (assume you got him as a one week punt) to Jesus

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

      Nah, Mkhi>Sterling/Silva, Lukaku>Jesus, Laca>Morata if fit is what i would do.

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

    "Ruled out of 30/9 trip to Man United by Roy Hodgson and then is unavailable to face parent club Chelsea on 14/10. - Expected back 21 Oct"

    Mark missed a trick while flagging RLC. Should have flagged him one game at a time, that way his price would have been locked for the next 7 days. Now however there's a possibility RLC ends up being 4.3 by the time he's available again.

    1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Do you think Mark is the only one who works at FPL Towers?

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

        He's the one pulling the strings I'd assume.

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

      That will actually be a cracking price for him.

      1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        I'd downgrade Carroll for him for that for sure

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

          Carroll is so bad. A pre-season pick gone wrong and all of us are now stuck with him.

    3. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Get some new material, champ. Mark has zero input on these things.

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

    Davies away is on a 11.25 points per game so far.

    1. Pirlø's Pen
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Incredible, Spurs away in general are just insane.

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

      Danny Rose and all that...

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

        Him and Jones fast becoming my fav fpl players

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

    Most consistent player in FPL has to be Tom Carroll. Never fails to deliver a solid 2 points. He even gets a 3 on a good day. Essential.

  13. FPL Maldini
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    How likely is it that Firmino doesn't start tomorrow?

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

      Why would he not?

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

      Wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't. Been poor since the Sevilla pen miss, yes missing Mane in the Prem hurt his game but confidence has taken a dent.

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

        Studge could start, that was partly in my thoughts when I brought in Vardy (sadly didn't have an immediate pay off, should do in the next few weeks), as Rainer said Firmino's been poor since that pen miss for the reason above most likely

  14. RESULT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Foster Elliott
    3.9 Alonso Davies Monreal mee
    Silva Willian atsu iwobi t.c
    Kane lukaku Jesus

    Want to downgrade Lukaku to 5.0
    Free funds for -4 ??

    OUT Iwobi Willian lukaku
    IN Coutino Hazard Niasse ??

    Any other ideas guys

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

    Miguire or Cresswell?

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

      Maguire

    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Maguire has no attacking threat this season.

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

        Got me an assist last week and 1 bonus. He's a menace on every corner.

        1. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Not even a penalty area touch today.

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

            I was surprised by his low bps today. Having said that, he's made 2 "mistakes" in consecutive games against Pool and Huddersfield that have led directly to goals. May have been asked to stay back today. Still a handful, every set piece. He's only 5.1m though. Look at what Dawson or Cedric are returning for that price.

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

      Both

  16. the Penman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Lukaku and Kane are proof that paying for premium players buys you one of two things:
    1) explosive returns
    2) consistent guaranteed points

    Kane is 1), Lukaku is 2).

    1. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Alli is 1), Eriksen is 2).

      1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Alli not exactly been explosive this season yet though...

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

          Alli has runs of blanks with the odd return but when he explodes he REALLY explodes, first time he gets a brace I will do whatever to get him in

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

            can have, that should say* lol, making him sound like choupa

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

    Any chance Danilo to be starter next round? How did Delph look on pitch?

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

      Delph played really well tbf

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

        So good chance Delph will continue at LWB. Taking Danilo is a big risk.

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

          Exactly I'd avoid

  18. Alnair
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Cedric or Stones?

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

      Stones

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

    a) Vardy and Alonso
    b) Morata (if fit) and Creswell

  20. purple.emu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    DeGea
    Monreal, Davies, Simpson
    Eriksen, Ritchie ChoupoM, Mkhi
    Kane, Kaku, Firminio
    (Elliot, Lowe, TCarroll, Long)

    Would you WC this team?

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

    Classic Lukaku 6 pointer!

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      The new Costa.

  22. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Who is more nailed/better option - Wimmer or Cameron? Want to get rid of TAA and he's 4.4 🙁 Stoke rotate well with Burnley too (Ben Mee)

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

      Fitness issues I think but they paid if for wimmer and he's less versatile than Cameron so more likely to nail a slot

      1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Ta

  23. FPL Maldini
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Thinking of this -4, what do you reckon?

    Lukaku Jesus
    Firmino ---> Vardy
    Siggy Mane

    Thoughts assuming no injuries in the IB?

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Do you mean? :
      Lukaku, Firmino Siggy >
      Jesus Vardy Mané

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

    Long to mbemba
    Carrol to surman

    Good first moves for wildcard based on fpl stats?

    Don't want to mess this up!
    Cheers

    1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      What's your team? I'd basically shift anyone below -80 for people close to 100 🙂

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

        Thanks looks like this currently

        Foster. (Elliot)
        Kolasinac . Daniels. Fernandez. (Dann. Long)

        Alli. Mane. Ritchie. Mickhi. (TC)

        Rashford. Friminho. Kane (c)

        1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah I'd also lose Dann for any defender looking like they might rise. And Alli might drop soon so ship him to someone safe even if you bring him back in for cheaper 🙂

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

            Cheers man you have been without exception the most helpful person I've come across on this site appreciate the time and effort 🙂

            1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
              • 8 Years
              8 years, 2 months ago

              Haha no problem! Not doing amazingly myself but can help with things like that 🙂

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

                Cheers why's your OR? Care to share your team?

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

                    Nice! Even happier to follow your advice! lol! Keep it up mate

                    1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
                      • 8 Years
                      8 years, 2 months ago

                      Haha cheers 🙂 Slowly working my way up! Good luck with the WC

  25. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Do we know roughly how long Morata will be out for?

  26. Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    The Morata injury has totally derailed my WC plans - had intended to build a team around a Kane Morata Jesus front line, but can't see the value now...

    Foster
    Davies Bellerin Bertrand Jones
    Eriksen Coutinho Mooy
    Kane Lukaku Firmino

    (Myhill Carroll Romeu Long)

    1FT 0.0ITB

    Thinking possibly just Coutinho > Sterling or Silva over the break..
    Or would you WC...lots of deadwood...

    1. Frank Koscielny
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Lacazette has nice fixtures and is the same price (I think). If you have him while waiting for news on Morata, you can easily get Morata in when fit.

      1. Frank Koscielny
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Point being, build the team you had in mind, but with Laca in stead of Morata

  27. Sgt. Pepper
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Whenever Gabriel Jesus was in the frame it looked like he is about to burst into tears 😀

  28. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    mbemba best 4m def still?

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

      Possibly not for long. May be going up to 4.1

      1. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        yeah wondering whether to get him in my wc draft

    2. Toby Lerone
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I've brought him in on wc today before he rises

  29. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Best City midfielder to get?

    A) Silva
    B) Sterling
    C) Sane

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      really you want A n B

    2. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      BAC at present

  30. Red-United
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Alli is at -92% to drop - do you think this will happen tonight, or can I wait until tomorrow?