Dugout Discussion

Pogba and Maguire lead list of unexpected Gameweek 1 starters

Paul Pogba (£8.0m) heads up a number of players who have made an unexpected appearance in Gameweek 1 of Fantasy Premier League.

It was thought to be unlikely that the French World Cup winner would feature against Leicester in the first match of 2018/19, as a result of his exploits in Russia, but he captains Manchester United at Old Trafford.

However, the biggest surprise starter of the night from a Fantasy perspective is Harry Maguire (£5.5m), who will sit next to Wes Morgan (£4.5m) at the heart of the Leicester defence. That comes after suggestions from manager Claude Puel that he was a serious doubt to play after going deep into the World Cup with England.

Despite the suggestions he would miss out, Maguire was still picked in 17 percent of FPL squads. His contribution tonight could end up unexpectedly making a big difference to the Fantasy landscape of Gameweek 1.

James Maddison (£6.5m) passed a fitness test to start in the number 10 role Jamie Vardy (£9.0m) was considered ready enough only for the bench. But even that is an unexpected role for the England man, and he could be in the frame for a start against Wolves next week.

Also on the bench tonight is Romelu Lukaku (£11.0m) while Marcus Rashford (£7.0m) leads the Manchester United attacking line. Alexis Sánchez (£10.5m) has not been given the centre-forwards role that was expected, or at least, that is what the team-sheet suggest. He may well take up that position after all with Rashford also able to operate out-wide.

Fantasy managers who had banked on World Cup semi-finalists not returning to full action for a few weeks may be hoping these team-sheets don’t set the tone for Gameweek 1.

MANCHESTER UNITED XI (4-3-3): De Gea; Shaw, Lindelof, Bailly, Darmian; Fred, Pogba, A Pereira; Sánchez, Rashford, Mata.

LEICESTER CITY XI (4-2-3-1): Schmeicheln; Chilwell, Maguire, Morgan, Amartey; Silva, Nidda; Gray, Maddison, R Pereira; Iheanacho.

3,287 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Shultan
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    F u vardy

  2. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Where has Okazaki gone?

    1. RÏɠBY
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      not sure he was suggested as starting on some sites

  3. Guy Demel
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    I can take that Shaw goal

    The DDG clean sheet however would have been devastating

    1. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Devastating? Bit overdramatic I think.

      1. Guy Demel
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I'll repeat. Devastating.

      2. RÏɠBY
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        word-for-word quote from maureen in about 5mins 😉

  4. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    CHAMPIONS!!!!

  5. Saint Luke
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Well, shipping out DDG and covering united defence with Shaw worked out!

  6. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    id almost forgot the joy of losing a cleanie post 90 mins

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      There’s nothing like it

      1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        almost come to expect it if im watching the game

    2. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      This

    3. Deli Alli OxenFree!
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Almost as good as the Defender you transferred out, with 5mins to go, scoring a goal!
      ...good times

  7. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Not a bad return from Shaw & Sanchez altogether, just didn't come in the way we expected

  8. Les Bleus
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    It’s because I checked my team’s points for the CS 🙁

  9. WVA
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Have Shaw
    Just seen that united conceded in the 90th minute
    Don't know what to feel

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Feel good.

  10. LeicesterA
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Gutted. Leicester fan and had DDG - ugh 🙁

  11. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Fun while it lasted but time to sort that Sanchez assist out!

  12. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    That's a waste of 6 m.

  13. JustPark
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    That was DDG's ball. His mistake.

    1. JIM BOB
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Best in the world

      1. JustPark
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Frustrating scene. Ball coming in near him.

    2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      that sort of ball in always does for keepers

  14. Salarrivederci
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    When I wake up tomorrow that assist better be gone! Night all.

    1. Agger
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      You still crying?

  15. yakirh
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Who gets winning goal bonus? Pogba or Shaw?

    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      It finished 2-1, what do you think?

      1. Goalosaurus
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I think it'll be the winning goal.

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Sanchez.

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

      Shaw

    4. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Shaw

    5. FPL Touches
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      DDG

  16. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Ouch. That goal.

  17. FER FUSCH AKE
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    shaw ddg double up not looking so bad.

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Are you only in the 85th minute?

    2. Gazpilicueta
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      not looking great either

  18. TAT
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Egersdorff has Shaw. The guy knows.

    1. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      That was just luck...

      1. TAT
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Obviously, but he knows how to get those points!

  19. FPL Touches
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    1 player, 10 points

    New season, same story.

    Up the f***ing Tics

  20. Lecky Legs FC
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Can't wait to cash in Alexis for KDB next GW already

  21. zizoo10
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Shaw owner here and I’m fuming. I wanted that 15

    1. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Me too
      But I'll take that

  22. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    I have to say, I find that Shaw goal extremely frustrating and rewards his owners for what I think is a poor decision in having him in their team. He hardly played last year. Young is clearly the first choice in that position and when he returns to fitness, having to transfer Shaw out is an unwanted transfer when there are likely to be other more pressing transfers to do.

    1. zizoo10
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Git gud

    2. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Don't be so bitter.

    3. TokyoRed 東京赤
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Yes, I’m regretting it already

    4. FPL Touches
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Nah Goob mate, just switch for an Arse defender. Missed a trick buddy.

      1. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        As I alluded to in my original post, spending a transfer switching out a defender is not something I want to be doing when there are likely to be other fires to put out in attacking areas as more of a priority.

    5. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      You miserable old git

    6. Dimen
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Why would you be so bitter over people owning a player? FPL is a lot of luck, people score goals on pure coincidence all the time.

    7. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Sour grapes much? He was a cert to start this week, and may hold his position.
      Cheap way into the utd defence that almost kept standard mourinho clean sheet.

    8. Hairy Potter
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Owners bought him knowing that and that he was a cheap way to get Man Utd defensive cover for a few weeks, maybe longer depending on whether Young comes back at right back. Why are there likely to be more pressing transfers to do?

      1. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Because there always are, especially this season when there will be big guns returning to the fold over the next few gameweeks and Arsenal's fixtures improving after their first 2. When you have the likes of De Bruyne, Hazard, Kane, Sterling, David Silva, Lacazette etc becoming desirable transfer options, I want to be in a position where I can get them without point hits or having to piss about with boring defenders.

        1. Hairy Potter
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Have never understood why transfers for keepers and defenders are so frowned upon by some people. If someone needs shipping then use your FT on what is best for your team at that time. I doubt I’ll want many of the players you’ve mentioned in the short term, but I can get either KDB or Hazard with a single FT if needed by getting rid of Sanchez. If I need to I’ll early wildcard which isn’t a big thing for me.

    9. Shultan
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Its not a poor decision, i wanted a utd defender, DDG was too expensive..so bought shaw thinking young wont start.

    10. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      are you trying to say he is fat and injury prone?

    11. Eden Wizard
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Sore much 😎

    12. Eden Wizard
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      The profit I’m making will come in handy 😎

  23. DRIZ ✅
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Alexis Sanchez at 10.5 (hefty price) non-owner

    Will he get two points or four points?

    Is that enough to justify his pricetag?

    1. Top 210 Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      What? He could've had four assists...u watch the game?

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

        Yes he had a good game imo just lacked shooting him self. Man Us inability to score when it’s on a plate was the issue for Sanchez, how he didn’t end on like 10+ points idk. If he was playing with City there he would have at least that in points

    2. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      He is getting 5 apparently

    3. FPL Touches
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Mane and Sane probably prove to be better value over the course of the season

    4. Granville
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Sanchez doesn't look right. Never seems to get beyond his marker.

    5. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      the margins are so fine, on another night he scores a goal & sets up three & ends up with nearly 20 points.

      I think with Kaku back now, and with no penalties, utd's goals may be too spread out to justify his price tag

      Pogba was the one to get before he had penalties. With penalties his price is just silly

      1. Deli Alli OxenFree!
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah mate...
        I hate ManU with a passion, and looking at Pogba if he truly is on pens—with that price

    6. Hairy Potter
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      He’s a placeholder for KDB or Hazard for many who bought him.

  24. Top 210 Club
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Damn flowerpot DDG at it again! Cost me 6-7 pts and don't even own him 🙁

  25. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    I would like to hear from the guy that was bragging about his a DDG - Bailly - Lindelof triple up. Always wait for the game to end 😛

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      You wont hear from him again

      1. Deli Alli OxenFree!
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        This^

    2. Dimen
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah I saw so many people celebrating after 75mins, though many of them were non owners wanting to jinx.

  26. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Ah well, 6 from Sanchez will do.

    1. El Matador
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      5

  27. Garlana
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Gloat alert...
    This doesn't happen often but for some reason 30mins before this game kicked off I brought Pogba and Shaw in 🙂

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Well played.No 1 in the world tonight.

      1. Garlana
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Ah I wish

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

      Congrats!

      1. Garlana
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Thank you 🙂

  28. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    First game of the season and getting trolled already. Took Shaw out earlier today. FFS.

    1. Dimen
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I'm still not too happy about owning him, brought him in last minutes because I wanted some players to watch tonight. Now I have Sanchez and Shaw and I don't want either. Still was worth it to see a player I own score live, just the best feeling.

    2. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      You plonker!!

  29. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Lucky non Sanchez owners. Be happy he only got 5 points, you know he deserved more.

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

      Worth keeping? I have him.

      1. squ1rrel
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        depends on KDB

      2. Dimen
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I have him too and he wasn't too convincing. Improved last 30 mins though. Anything could happen with him last week. I don't know what to do either.

    2. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Should've had another assist if Lukaku could finish

    3. RÏɠBY
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      IF he keeps the points..

    4. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      He was dire .

    5. tafrère
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Wut ? He was horrible today.

      1. Strangelove
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Agreed... absolute pony

      2. Deli Alli OxenFree!
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Also agree... he gave away more passes & lose balls than anyone else on the pitch; plus, he wasn’t fast enough(or able to control the ball) to get in on goal with that beauty of a breakaway!

    6. cheekumz
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      you think? I think he looked desperate to make an impact and it wasn't a good look.

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

        Sanchez always was a good placeholder for KDB. More than likely a FT for him.

      2. clodhopper
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I blame the other players for not being sharp enough on his passes first game early days he wasn’t far off I’ll keep for a while

    7. Bucky Barnes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      You've got to be joking

    8. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I have him he was mixed.

    9. Deli Alli OxenFree!
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I don’t even think he deserved 3 of those 5 points!
      ...that pinball of rebounds, ending on the defenders hand, looked like the definition of an Assist-less Penalty, imo

  30. TallestJohn
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Can't remember who it was but remember last season when someone took a shot, the keeper saved it and it rebounded in off the attacker? Surely based on that Mata shouldn't get the assist?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      best post ever