Opinion

The Knee Jerk – Gameweek 1 – Saturday

A classic knee jerk in the making, Mohamed Salah owners were already fidgeting by half-time at Vicarage Road.

Fresh from four goals in pre-season, he had endured an inauspicious start to life back in the Premier League. A toe-poked skyward effort when through on goal, packaged up with several over miscues and errant first touches totalled a miserable first 45 minutes for Salah.

In contrast, Sadio Mane had sparkled and smartly converted Emre Can’s flick to peg back a plucky first half Watford showing.

Shifted to the left flank by Salah’s arrival, it looked as though Mane had adjusted to already demonstrate that he was back as the go-to guy among the opulence in Liverpool’s attack.

But things were to turn dramatically.

Just through sheer pace and endeavour, Salah first won a penalty via Heurelho Gomes’ clumsy telescopic arms and then sprinted to convert Roberto Firmino’s chipped effort from two yards out.

He ended on 11 points and was quickly installed as the top transfer target from those in action on the day.

He tallied five shots, all in the penalty area and eight touches in the box – more than any other midfielder in Gameweek 1 so far. Just as we expected, the statistics are Salah’s friend and will likely reinforce his case throughout the season.

Mane, who picked up a booking, was left trailing and, on today’s evidence, will clearly have his work cut out to justify his billing as the most expensive option in Jurgen Klopp’s armoury.

Owned by 23.5% to Salah’s 23.3%, that narrow gap is closing as Philippe Coutinho owners bail out, turning to the Egyptian as their replacement.

It is, of course, early days and it’s back at Anfield where Mane has previously been so potent.

Nine of his 13 goals arrived on Merseyside last season and he will have Crystal Palace in his sights for Gameweek 2.

Firmino also deserves our recognition. With Klopp relegating James Milner to his bench, the Brazilian was again on penalty duties and expertly converted following Salah’s tumble.

With the assist to follow, Firmino waltzed his way to the maximum bonus points, already benefiting from his new classification as a forward.

If Milner is to remain out of favour – presumably now discounted as a left-back – then Firmino will surely prosper.

Liverpool won eight penalties last season, with all but one converted by Milner. Firmino scored 11 goals regardless.

We have no reason to expect that Liverpool’s penalty count will regress. Indeed, with Salah adding his pace to Mane’s bursts, there’s every chance it will be maintained or even increased.

The conclusion is that Firmino’s stock is on the rise and that suddenly, Mane is in danger of slipping further down our Liverpool attack pecking order.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

4,257 Comments Post a Comment
    1. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Wonder how much they can score against their own backline

  1. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Do Liverpool have a European game midweek?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Yes Hoffenheim on Tues

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers

    2. RLukaku
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Yes vs Hoffeneim

  2. Lanley Staurel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    I went to the Saints game yesterday and I went to the previous 5 home games where we didnt score....

    Anyway, enough of my pain, once they figure out how to get the round thing over the white line between the 2 standy up posts I think Tadic will remain a good option. I have Redmond but Tadic was good yesterday, very good.

    http://members.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/my-stats-tables/view/5355/

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I think Tadic is an excellent player but I just don't see Southampton scoring many goals this season

    2. TokyoRed 東京赤
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Maybe it's your fault? If you want them to score, you can never see your beloved Saints again...

      1. Lanley Staurel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Im beginning to think that 🙂

    3. Sims
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      They need to play with Austin

      Gabbi is a poor striker

    4. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Please dont tempt me, I'm a Tadic fan... (fpl-wise) 😛

    5. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      View of Gabbi?

      1. Lanley Staurel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Confidence game with him I think. Once Saints atart scoring with him included things will change.

        1. bojack
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Ta

    6. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Don't count on it.

  3. nevertrustbony
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone know the code for the top 100 league?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      That Triggerlip's league? Deleted I think

      1. nevertrustbony
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah think so, the one triggerlips is in called 'top 100 any season'

  4. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone watch the Palace Hudersfield game? How does Mooy look as a fantasy prospect?

    1. My Name Is Pepu
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Average, these minnows normally have a honeymoon period towards the start of the season. Yesterday's Palace game was one of those for Huddersfield.

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        True but will give them a bit bounce and they have nice fixtures coming up including 3/4 home fixtures. Looking for a Fabregas replacement and the saving would be good if I wanted Kane in GW3

  5. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    My knees are weak. Tempted to do KDB -> Salah 😀

    1. Dr Van Nostrand
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      wait a week could be rested v Palace

      1. FPL Mike the Knight
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        is that just you hoping??? 🙂

        1. Dr Van Nostrand
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Not really Klopp said he would rotate early. Champions League is extremely important more so than the Palace game

          1. Holmes
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            But they cant win UCL anyway, so why bother and try to win PL games instead?

            1. Dr Van Nostrand
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              Money and prestige. Haven't done anything in UCL since Rafa.

            2. Dr Van Nostrand
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              Won it 5 times including as big underdogs last. Reckon better chance than the Prem title since its knockout

              1. @fpl_phenom
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 7 months ago

                What??

    2. Agger
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      If you want to catch price rises then sure but remember that Salah is playing on Tuesday night and could easily pick up a knock so you should wait

  6. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Can someone share me the link for the Contributers league

      1. FPL Maldini
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks

  7. Sims
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Also, reckon this xhaka bandwagon is the closest this site has come to casual(ism, if that's anything )

    Bound to end in tears, probably a red card if you're not lucky

    1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      it's a gamble for sure

        1. BrockLanders
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Would you go Xhaka over Fraser Doos??

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Also - big waste of an Arsenal spot if they hit form

      1. Sims
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        That too

        1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          With Sanchez back imminently and Wenger known to mess about, hardly worth the trouble despite the stats. Not sure what went on with Iwobi not starting. I suppose Wenger was concerned with Vardy's pace.

          1. Limbo
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            Ozil passed fit.

  8. Bambi
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone concerned Jesus owning managers out there?

    1. *sigh*
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Why should they be after one game?

    2. Dr Van Nostrand
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      nah had some good chances was unlucky

    3. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I don't own him. But I wouldn't be concerned

    4. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      No he was very good and unlucky not to score at least 2

    5. TokyoRed 東京赤
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Nope, not after a single match. I don't expect him to score every single time he plays and he came close a couple of times.

    6. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Why? It's one game ?

    7. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I'm concerned as a non owner!

    8. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      disappointed ... not concerned

    9. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I would be concerned if I owned any attacking City player as they struggled to break Brighton down and you can bet your bottom dollar every team City play this season will adopt the tactics Brighton did yesterday

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Syd - do you think that you are short of pace?

    10. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      No, still plan on having him and Aguero next week. After that one will probably leave my team.

      1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        No but he needs to be managed. Looks in danger of burn out.

        1. Hairy Potter
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Eh? He's had the summer off and only played the first game of the season.

          He'll be rotated at some point, all of City's attackers will be. Sometimes they will need more thrust from midfield from a Sterling or Sane rather than simply occupying space with wing backs hoping to stretch teams.

          1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            That was my point. He'll burn out if he's starting every game which seems to be the case at the moment.

            1. Hairy Potter
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              Maybe later in the season, but I'm not convinced that there is danger of burnout in August and September.

      2. Emp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        against bournemouth ?:o

        1. Hairy Potter
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah, I know, but I'll want Kane at home to Burnley.

          The other option would be to ship Lukaku.

  9. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone know the odds for Chelsea to be relegated?

    1. TokyoRed 東京赤
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Double up on Huddersfield as champions

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        These things are not impossible (Leis)

  10. Dasher0303
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Best replacement for Fabregas??

    1. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Ritchie gross or mooy

    2. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Someone who doesn't get sent off

    3. TokyoRed 東京赤
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I'm going Ramsey, but there are a few options in there...Willian, Zaha, Phillips

    4. Agger
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I've gone for Tom Ince

    5. Dasher0303
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Thinking about Ritchie and Ramsey. I will see how Newcastle go ok today and I already have Zaha. Thanks for the replies

  11. ludaslol
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Whats the difference between Wildcard & FreeHit? Just curious

    1. Puncheon Guly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Wildcard is for life, free hit is just for Christmas

    2. Dasher0303
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Free hit you get your team exactly the same as the gameweek before after the gameweek you played the free hit,

    3. Sims
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      U end up with the same team as pre-free hit when u play that chip, after the week u play it in

      Wildcard changes are permanent

  12. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Right I'm really worried now as all my main rivals in my league captained Lukaku and so did all the contributors

    I went Kane (c)

    This day could be painful

    1. TokyoRed 東京赤
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Or glorious.

      Meet with triumph and disaster, and treat these two imposters just the same.

    2. My Name Is Pepu
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      You can relax, Lukaku's gonna blank.

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Long way to go... One gameweek does not define the season

    4. Agger
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Benitez is one of the best manager's in football at setting up teams tactically for a 0-0 draw hoping to snatch a goal. So don't be surprised if Kane blanks today.
      Albeit, Newcastle don't have the quality that Real, Liverpool or Chelsea had for example 😉

      1. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        They also had a pretty unimpressive record in the championship last year.

        1. Hairy Potter
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          They struggled with teams parking the bus at SJP last season as they were the top dogs in the Championship.

    5. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I've done the same. All I can say is I'd rather have Kane in my corner than any other player. Quite happy he's a differential captain tonne honest

  13. R Whites
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Hegazi nailed on when Mac returns?

    1. My Name Is Pepu
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      McAuley will be paired with Hegazi in the centre once he's back and Dawson will shift to RB.

      1. The Tinkerman
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Evans?

        1. My Name Is Pepu
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          If Hegazi keeps putting up solid performances, old warrior McAuley might have to wait for his chance.

          1. Pieterke30
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            This

    2. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Probably not but you never know

    3. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Probably not. Evans is their best defender, he starts, Dawson at RB, then it's between Hegazi and McAuley for the other CB spot.

    4. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Pulis likes play as many centre backs as possible.

  14. ACAB
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Any Kun(c) deniers getting a bit concerned?

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      1 samdwich doesn't make a picnic

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Nope, whats done is done

    3. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I had Kun (C) and am pretty happy...but Lukaku or Kane could still put me in the ground.

    4. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      It'll be Aguero some weeks, Jesus the others. Just gotta stick to your guns and resist chopping and changing between the two.

    5. ACAB
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      If Kun & Jesus get simultaneous game time I will be squeezing both into my team.

  15. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    I really need United to hammer the hammers

    1. My Name Is Pepu
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      1-0 to United, 15 pointer for Bailly.

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      4-0 Captain Pogba in the Sky game.

      Pog (2) Martial (2) Kak got an assist!

    3. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Lukaku hat trick, all assisted by De Gea, please.

      1. TokyoRed 東京赤
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Jose's exciting new route one tactics 🙂

  16. Leeds2116
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    how many points are we all on so far?

    1. HammersFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      65 with 3 to play

  17. Alan_T
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Best combo long term / draft league guys?

    A) Siggy, Mounie, Defoe
    B) Ramsey, Benteke, King

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      B

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      B looks better quality

    3. My Name Is Pepu
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      None, both options pretty rubbish tbh

      1. Alan_T
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Arse bandit

  18. Leeds2116
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    KUN IS A MUST

    1. My Name Is Pepu
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Sssshhh.. Don't let everyone know mate.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Because of 1 goal? 😳

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        What has he averaged in the last 4 seasons?

  19. Goonermeister
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Link to Marks team?

    1. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      370

  20. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Chelsea yesterday. Today's surprise? Atsu goal and Lukaku blank ?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Luka and Kane blank

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Here's hoping!

      2. Winston.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Nope

  21. Scalper
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Thinking of saving FT. Thoughts?

    Forster/(Elliot)
    Stones/darmian/luiz/Cedric/(long)
    KDB/mkhi/zaha/salah/(Carroll)
    Lukaku(C)/Jesus/(Quaner)

    1. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Hold

  22. Jake Donahue
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Is there an alternative site to FPL discovery as it's still reporting gw38, found that website extremely useful

    1. Sims
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      It will be back next week

      1. Jake Donahue
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Brilliant, love that website.

        1. Sims
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Yes helps me decide who to cheer for once the dust settles

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      FFFix maybe?

  23. bojack
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Did anyone else notice that Match of the Day listed Iwobi as a starter against Leicester.

    Just rubbing salt into the wounds for owners 😉

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      BBC in cock-up shock (not)

  24. TokyoRed 東京赤
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Seeing quite a few ML opponents with keeper as VC, is that a default if they don't choose one?

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah

  25. reason17
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Which would you pick?
    A) Mounie
    B) Vokes

    are either of them on any set pieces at all?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Fixtures answer this one

  26. The Tinkerman
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Save FT, or shift Dann? Think Pool will smash Palace.

    DDG (Elliot)
    Danilo, Dann, Yoshi (Suttner/Long)
    KDB, Zaha, Willian, Fraser (Carroll)
    Kane, Kaku(C), Firmino

    1. Baked baines
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      At least Dann will start. Danilo is 85% dropped for next game.

      1. Js31
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Since when?

      2. The Tinkerman
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Disagree. Sane can't defend, and Everton won't sit back like Brighton did. They need to defend their flanks. Danilo to start and come off for Sane if they need a goal going into the last 30.

        1. potatoace
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Will Mendy not step in.

          1. The Tinkerman
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            He isn't match fit.

            1. potatoace
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 7 months ago

              I though t I read pep said he's ready just this game came a week too soon. I'll see if I can find it...

    2. Niemi
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Start Suttner instead?

      1. The Tinkerman
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Do you expect Leicester to blank at home vs. Brighton? I don't, but then I am Leicester fan.

    3. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I'm tempted to play Dann to be honest. Good chance he'll score against that horror show of a defence.

      1. The Tinkerman
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        They could also concede 6 based on the evidence of this week. Watch it be 0-0....

    4. Baked baines
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Orrrrr pep takes him off before 60 mins.

      1. The Tinkerman
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        He could. I'll take the gamble.

  27. Niemi
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Who's everyone bringing in for Fabregas? I know William's the obvious one. Could Ramsey get a start next time and be a good pick?

    Also monitoring Ritchie today. Could bring him in as my third midfielder, leaving 1.0 to upgrade Dann to a premium (5.5, 5.0, 5.0, 4.5, 4.0 current structure)

    1. MTPockets
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Of played-so-far think I'd get Ramsey.

    2. Baked baines
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Clear for all to see yest that Willian was by far Chelski's best player and also in preseason.
      When Hazard is back, conte can't afford a backlash from fans given what has happened. Won't be surprised to see him keep his place in the side.

      1. Sims
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Relax

    3. Emp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      i know this will seem knee jerky to people but im honestly cosidering gab and kaku to lac and firminho as i have 0.5 itb. And thats regardless of whether kaku scores a hattrick today. i think lac and kaku are similar options maybe goals a bit more spread in arsenal but they will score more as well. And firm looking a proper top pick taking set pieces now as well. Im disapointed i didnt consider lacazette more i feel like group think and fear has driven me to get kaku over any other reasons... bottom line there are a lot of premium strijer optiions out there who will all score similarly imo so why not go for the cheaper ones?