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. Scotty B
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Who do we think will score the most points tomorrow?

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

      Lacazette

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

      Salah and Ramsey tied

    3. SC not pearls before swine
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Think it might be the week Alexis reintroduces himself.

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

        This

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

      Mane 100%

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

        Please be the case since I put him in for KDB.

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

      All of my players

    6. KingNidge
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Joselu

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

      Laca

    8. Egg noodle
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Dunk

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

      Sanchez

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

      Alexis

    11. Lukaku91
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      ritchie, salah & gross

    12. COLLIN QUANER
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Laca

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

    Has anyone seen the top of the last man standing league?
    The leader took a 20 point hit! Don't think it's the first time that he's done it either!

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

      Pretty impressive with his OR as well

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

        Crazy strategy but well done to him.

  3. CloudSky
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Does Luiz walk straight into first 11?

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

      Yes

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

        Azpi worth the extra 0.7 over him in your opinion?

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

          Yes

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

      100%

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

        I got my eye on Luis for wildcard.

        Azpi out of reach.

        Luis still great option

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

          Agreed.

  4. Egg noodle
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I captained Chalobah and VC'd Kane. I enjoyed it.

    1. Egg noodle
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Did I say Bellerin is first on my bench?

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

        no

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

        Noob. Your first bench player should be someone who plays on Saturday.

        1. Egg noodle
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          🙂
          That's a lesson I learnt today

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

          Why?

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

      You're sick! 🙂

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

    Berahino's a bit shit isn't he? Was crap today, Shaqiri should have taken the pen. Cho-Mo hopefully back to playing CF next week

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

      Hughes fkd up big time signing him.

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

        He loves a Pulis player

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

    Kolasinac

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

    Pretty settled on my WC subject to any unforeseen injuries. How would you spend an additional 0.5?

    A) Atsu, Silva, Monreal
    B) Atsu, Sterling, David Luiz
    C) Chupa-Moteng, Sterling, Monreal

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

      I have Atsu but probably gettind rid on WC. Going to bring C-M in so for me clear C.

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

      I'd go with C.

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

      B for me.

    4. marcomatrix23
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      C for me

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

    Any need to WC this?

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

    2FTs, 0.2 itb.

    Thinking of downgrading Daniels to a 4.5 as he's too expensive to sit on the bench most weeks. I want to get in Vardy for McBurnie and go 433, dropping Antonio for a 4.5. I also want to bring in a Chelsea defender (who?) for Bertrand. Also Ritchie to Choupo and maybe Toby to Davies and Foster to Elliot too.

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

    Is my team bad? Wondering whether to play WC after this GW, but got 2FTs and 0.4ITB. Here it is:

    DDG(liv)
    Naughton(HUD) Monreal(wat) Otamendi(STK)
    Atsu(sou) Salah(MUN) Mkhi(liv) Eriksen(BOU)
    Abraham(HUD) Lukaku(liv)[VC] Kane(BOU)[C]

    Elliot Dawson TCarroll Long

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

      I wouldn't WC with 2 FTs.

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

        Welp, if all the players stay in good health, I can do only ONE transfer, can't I:

        Mkhi to a City midfielder...?

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

          Ya, that seems good transfer. I just got rid of Mkhi as well. He could still do well but I felt I needed some of that City attack.

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

    Early thoughts on what to do with this team?

    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

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

      Kane not scoring at home, would do it after next GW and hold to Lukaku for the Liverpool game, can see him scoring 🙂

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

        Thanks

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

    I'm on my wildcard - and I'm 0.3 short of my ideal team. Does anyone have any suggestions for boosting TV while on a WC?

    I've brought in Ward, Richarlison, King and Surman as guys likely to rise - with a hope they go the extra 0.1 to generate the profit I need. Is that a sensible strategy? Bring in guys to rise and pray like hell?

    Cheers!

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

      They won't double rise. Definitely keep them if you want them in. The likes of Kane and Davies may double rise but I guess you want to keep them on the WC anyway.

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

      Yes, otherwise you'll have to make the least impactful sacrifice

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

      If you've already played the wildcard then yes, bring in the players likely to rise and hope they go up .2 over 2 weeks. Not sure how much tv can be built over the international break though as price rises have been erratic this season.

    4. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Have a plan B, 3 double risers that you don't already have or want to keep will be tricky.

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

    As an Alonso owner, i'm concerned about his form. Last few games he's looked poor.

    Anyone else feel the same way?

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

      2 words ... Crystal, Palace

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

        5 syllables: Az-pi-li-cue-ta

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

          More pressing issue though

          Morata for one

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

            Yeah, I mean, I wouldn't get rid of Alonso if I owned him

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

        1 syllable: Dave

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

      Yes. Probably getting rid on the wildcard. Ideally for Azpi, but likely for Luiz or Rudiger due to budget.

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

        Will assess after Palace, then move for Azpi or Cahill.

    3. Ramboros
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I don't get this. He looked very good against Atletico, and still kept his side out for most of the game against City.

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

        He didn't look sharp against, Arsenal, Stoke and City. Quite a few will agree on this.

    4. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      The last time you dropped Alonso after a couple of bad games he scored a brace

      1. Hybrid.power
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Duno why i typed you, I meant me!

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

    Right time to lose Mkhi with Hudds on the horizon and an sv of 8.2m? Own Silva and Lukaku, my target is Sterling,

    A) worth it
    B) keep Mkhi
    C) Downgrade to Ritchie and beef up defence of Davies Jones Naughton Clark Rosenoir a gameweek later(343)
    D) Mkhi and Vardy (happy with Vardy just throwing it out there) to Ritchie and Jesus -4 (big 3)

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

      If you have Silva think I would keep Mkhit. Pedro might be alternative though. Looked pretty sharp when came on and CP next.....

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

        Worries me that Willian came on before him, Mkhi or Sterling for me, cheers

  14. white lightning
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Currently on 71 with Firmino to play & climbed over 1m places in rank to 690k. I realise this will drop a bit with 3 games left but I'm happy for now.

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

      Wont drop when Bobby scores a hatty 😀

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

      Great stuff!

    3. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      ok

    4. white lightning
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks boys.

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

    how is this for a WC

    Foster
    Davies, Jones, Stones
    Coutinho, Atsu, Sterling, Mkhyi
    Kane, Lukaku, Vardy
    Sub: Elliot, King, Francis, Mbemba

    Not sure about Mkyhi. Could do him to Eriksen and lose Stones for a rubbish defender and rotate my cheap defenders each week?

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

      Don't get triple united, get some Chelsea

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

      Be careful of Stones anyway. Kompany will be returning soon.

  16. Patty
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    WC this?
    Foster Elliot
    Kolasinac Bavies Betrand Daniels Jones
    Mkhi Ramsey Gross Ritchie Carroll
    Kane Lukaku Vardy

    Would probably only have 4/5 of the above players in my WC team

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

      If you're gonna make that many changes then yes

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

    % chance of the following starting and getting 60+ minutes?

    a) Firmino
    b) Siggy
    c) Brady
    d) Ritchie
    e) Kolasinac

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

      All should start and get 60+ mins

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

      All more likely than not

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

    How do you activate wildcard on FPL app?

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

      Make your transfers. When you have to confirm then, a tab should be available to check that says 'play wildcard'

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

        cheers

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

      Transfers page. There should be a play wildcard button.

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

    Sick of the sight of Redmond and Hernandez. One needs to go this week but no options without a hit. Would hit be completely mad to do

    Lukaku + Redmond for Jesus + Sane/Sterling?

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

    I know there has been a recent hot topic on the matter but I think this season is different and Alonso may not be the best Chelsea defender to own.

    Who do you all think is the best? Between Azpi & Alonso for me.

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

      Azpi the best imo

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

      May even go for Luiz.

    3. marcomatrix23
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Azpi for me

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

      Luiz looks to be great value once he's done with his suspension

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

        He's done, baby!

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

          Oh nice. I thought he had one more game to go.

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

      Have faith in Alonso

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

      Azpi

    7. SC not pearls before swine
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I think I'd still take Alonso. .4 isn't a huge price point difference and his upside is still huge.

      I'm not sure I'll get a Chelsea defender though. There's a lot of enticing options at premium defender for quite a bit cheaper among the other big clubs.

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

        Who like? Apart from Davies, don't think there is many other defenders as exciting as Alonso & Azpi

  21. kfreeman93
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I've Kane and Davies. Is it sensible to bin Alli for a Liverpool mid?

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

      More sensible to bin for a city mid or upgrade to hazard

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Alli was close to scoring, dangerous guy - as you'll no doubt find out as soon as you sell him.

  22. marcomatrix23
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    WC this lot?

    Forster/Elliot
    Kola/Bavies/Dawson/Daniels/Long
    Eriksen/Miki/Ritchie/King/Carroll
    Kaku/Kane/Firm

    to

    Forster/Elliot
    Azpi/Bavies/Monreal/Fernandez/3.9
    Eriksen/Silva/ChoMo/King/Carroll
    Kaku/Kane/Vardy

    Forster & Fernandez can be switched to Fabianski & Cedric
    After Forster's peno save and seeing that he still get save point, think first option can be better

    Thoughts?

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

      I would hold on Vardy, Leicester have problems, looked clueless in attack against Bournemouth. Vardy nursing a hip injury.

  23. Patty
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Is Mbemba going to keep his spot?

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

      He will lose it as soon as his price finally goes up.

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Seems to be okay until Dummett's back.

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

    I know this is a bit early and things change but on the face of it does this sound decent, Firmino & Mkhi -> Vardy & D.Silva for a hit?

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

    People who planned to wildcard, are you reconsidering after the events this week? Firstly the Aguero injury, now the Morata one. 2 players who would have been in most teams.

    1. Harmonica1967
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I am, had originally assumed I was trying to fit one or both in, but Kane's resurgence coupled with their injuries means I'm likely gonna stick with Lukaku and Kane for the time being.

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

      Seriously reconsidering. Don't think there will be many price rises. Wildcard was built around morata and aguero

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

      Not really, those reasons further motivate me to play my WC.

    4. Hasselbaink Forever
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Yup, team looks pretty good for next week too, so think I’ll keep hold of it for now

  26. Harmonica1967
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Had been planning the wildcard for the IB, but after two solid weeks in a row, I've moved up to the top of the mini-league, so I'm debating whether to hold this team:

    Forster
    Mee-Jones-Davies
    Eriksen-Fab-Ritchie-Ramsey
    Kane-Lukaku-Vardy

    Elliot, Dunk, TC, Femenia
    0.2 ITB, 1FT.

    Worth the wildcard? Also considering Eriksen to Salah/Sterling, or holding the FT and maybe ditching both Eriksen and Fab before GW9 without the hit.

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

      No need to wildcard the game week 8 move seems smart

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

      Who’s fab?

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

        regas

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

    Richarlison mixing it with the big boys in midfield.
    3 goals 2 assists 40 points

    1. SC not pearls before swine
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I think if I were to wildcard I'd go 3-5-2 with him and Choupo-Moting as the 4/5 midfielders. Look like great value.

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

    Think I will give Alli one more chance. If he can't get a goal vs Bournemouth I will prob swap him for Mane / Salah / Coutinho

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

      I’m thinking the same with Eriksen

  29. 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
    C) Other, please state

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

      No City so I would do Mkhi to Sterling

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

        I have silva, does that change your thoughts on the matter