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

    Who is the best 4.4 DEF? Was considering Wimmer/Cameron to rotate with Mee but is Dunk a better bet?

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

      Wimmer for sure

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

        Cheers

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

        Would you rather have Wimmer and Gross or Choupo-Moting and Dunk?

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

          A by a mile

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

            Cheers

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

      Wimmer or Cameron are solid options
      Yedlin has nice potential too with decent fixtures

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

        Thanks - got Elliot and Atsu so thinking it'll be Wimmer!

  2. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    is it time to get rid of chicharito ? any thoughts ? thanks 🙂

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Long time.

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

      Sell sell sell

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

      Thinking I will downgrade him to Calvert lewi. Get a Chelsea defender in with the change and go 4 4 2

  3. Moxon
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    So with Mendy out are we considering Danilo, or is it just worth investing more and getting Otamendi?

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

      Delph a threat to danilo I'd avoid him

    2. Pooodle
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Get Otamendi

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

      Danilo benched today

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

        Otamendi is the only one 100% safe, if you're not getting him get none of them

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

    Big Crouchy is a thoroughly nice chap

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

      Always been. Love him

    2. Optimus.
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Abbey Clancy ftw

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

      Top bloke

    4. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Never met him.

  5. Epic Fail
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Remember some of these questions from back in the day!

    Who's better....

    Benteke or Lukaku?
    Berahino or Kane?

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

      Rvp > Suarez was another

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

      DGW captain Benteke or Negredo?

      That was a low point!

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

        I went with negredo 😎

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

        The Negredo squad 😎

        I didn't even own Benteke and I think I became so depressed about it I wrote a whole song and got like 20 upvotes

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

          I never owned tekkere either needless To say gw34 was not a good 1

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

      Lampard or Gerrard? Both?

  6. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Moreno: "I think the people who were saying I should leave should shut their mouths now."

    Good on you kid.

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Ooh, get her

    2. Optimus.
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      If only Lovren took heed of the hate online

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      after a couple of games we can forget the million bad ones

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

      Howler imminent

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        That's how it usually goes mate

    5. Zod
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I’d rather we played Robertson.

    6. Viper
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I know many Pool fans that hate him in the side and their opinion hasn't changed one bit this season

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Been one of the better performers

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

          He’s still not up to it.

  7. jmcclory123
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I've two transfers but only considering one unless of course the dreaded international break brings injuries as it usually does.

    Mkhi --> Silva

    Mkhi has went off the boil a little, United's fixtures are tough and City are on fire.

    Good move or jumping the gun?

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

      Solid move. I'm keeping Lukaku but will be ditching Mkhi. Although I lean towards Sterling right now. Even coming off the bench he has managed to bring in points and whenever I've watched Citeh this season he has looked both in sync with his team and very eager to please Pep.

    2. Pooodle
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Good move. Hold off as long as you can this week though.

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

    Kevin Long at -100.4% according to FPL statistics. What are the chances he'll drop?

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Can't really say when it's at 100% as they aren't 100% accurate. Just treat it as a drop.

    2. Junior ⚽
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Could be wildcards seedling for Mbemba.

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

    Was it a mistake going Cresswell over Maguire today? Both got 6 but Mag's fixture look a lot better.

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Yes.

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

      Time will tell, fwiw I got Fonte as could only afford a 4.9, lucky.

  10. Everyday im Schneiderlin
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    best 5.2 mid ?
    A atsu
    B doucoure
    C other?.

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

      Fellaini today it would seem

      1. Everyday im Schneiderlin
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        yeah was considering him.how long will he keep his place for?

        1. ENZO SZN™
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Untill Pogba returns.

  11. 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, with Sterling and a Chelsea defender for double City/Chelsea...can't see the value now other than avoiding price drops 🙁

    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 anyway and have a clear up?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      apparently not serious, should be back next gw?

    2. Pooodle
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Wouldn't WC

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

      Would not WC. Nice squad. Wait for Liverpool game as if Firmino poor then Vardy may be move to make.

    4. Jayv807
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Team looks good and no need to WC.

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

      Cheers guys. Was so certain yesterday but it doesn't feel right.. can't get a team with enough significant positive changes to make it worthwhile...

  12. TheBusDriver
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Another dreadful week. 53 points with only Joselu and Salah to go. F Mourinho and West Ham.

    1. Viper
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I got 56 and I'm relatively happy. Atsu & Ramsey to go

    2. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Shame.

      1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        😆

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

      At least your captain didn't fail!

    4. Pooodle
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      That's not bad at all.

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

      announce FPL retirement

    6. I Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      The average is 40. How is that dreadful?

  13. Viper
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    If Morata is fit (probably not), Is anyone else looking at doing Mhki - > Silva?

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      No.

      1. Viper
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Happy enough to keep Mhki going forward or just disagreeing for the sake of it? 😉

        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          I haven't got him 😉

          1. Viper
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            Fair point in that case 🙂

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

      Quite a few I think

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

      Probably me.

    4. Pooodle
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Yup. That's my plan.

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

        Own Silva so doubling up with Sterling and keeping Lukaku, just need to avoid impatience leading to an early transfer

    5. Jayv807
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I'm considering Sterling but that is because I already have silva.

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

    What would you choose
    1) Mkhtaryan -> Sterling
    2) Mkhtaryan, Arnold -> Silva, Mbemba (-4)
    ?

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

        A, a hit for Mbemba is very unappealing

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

    Who’s the best City defender from these three, and why:
    A) Sterling 7.9mln
    B) Sane 8.3mln
    C) Silva 8.4mln?

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

      * midfielder...

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

      Silva most nailed. Others more explosive. Sterling cheapest.

      Therefore A or C depending on your priorities 🙂

    3. Viper
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I just don't trust Sterling enough. Sane will be frustrating to own. Silva the boring but reliable choice

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

      Silva, involved in everything good, just needs a goal and that will elevate him to new heights.

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

      Thanks all.

      According to fplstatistics, there won’t be any rises/falls of Mkhi and these three from City, so I can wait at least one more day to take a decision, yes?

  16. Optimus.
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I remember when Rondon went on a similar purlpe patch last season when he scored 1 in 10

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

      I had him for most of that run - missed the game where he scored sadly but happy days nonetheless.

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

        😛

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

      I brought him in for a hat trick against Swansea and held for the next 3 months in which time he delivered a single assist.. good times

      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        You had him when he delivered? Count yourself lucky.

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

          No if he hadn't of scored that hat trick i wouldn't have held so long lol

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

      Had him too, of course AFTER his big game.

      Never gonna touch him again...

      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Restraining order?

    4. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Don't remind me Optimus!

  17. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    is dr bruyne back at the level we expected from him at the start of the season ? havent watched the game today

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      i rephrase that, is he playing more forward ?

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

        No

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

      He wins the big games. Does he do it for FPL though?

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

      Was playing fairly defensive. On free kicks and corners, but wouldn't pay that price for him.

  18. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Richarlison looks good doesn't he. Jheez, all MOTD highlights has been him.

    1. Everyday im Schneiderlin
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      yeah just thinking the same

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

      I owned him GW3-GW5. Smooth

      1. Konig Luther
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Same

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

      I've noticed in previous games no matter who they play he gets a couple of chances

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

      It was only 2 weeks ago I wanted rid of him now he's going nowhere

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

      Next two fixtures put me off. (ARS, che)

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

      His head is tiny

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Not every chap has a forehead the size of mine

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

          True mate

    7. Optimus.
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I still dont know what he looks like

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

      If the WC is activated tomorrow, he's in.

    9. Tmel
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Was planning on getting rid over the break given his next two games but will be holding now 🙂

  19. Roys Peak
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    how did sane look against chelsea?

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

      Okay, Sterling looked a bigger threat, Silva looked the biggest threat along with Jesus. KDB took his chance well.

  20. Everyday im Schneiderlin
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    best 5.2 mid?
    A atsu
    B decoure
    c fellaini ?

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

    Richarlison... at our peril...

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

    On my WC with 0.6 left to spend, which sounds best:

    A) Monreal -> Luiz
    B) Atsu -> Choupo-Moteng
    C) Sterling -> Silva

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

      B

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

      NOT A) for sure...

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

      C) 100% because Silva is far more nailed. Would not want to get rid of Monreal at all. He is a BPS machine. He will be in the bonus if they keep a CS. Atsu is fine. Id go C

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

    WC Team
    Fab Elliott
    Luiz azip Davies mee 3.9

    Silva coutino hazard atsu t.c

    Kane Jesus niasse

    1.2 itb

    Any good

  24. CFC96
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Have morata in my active wc, conte says he doesnt think its too serious, ill see how things are in 2 weeks

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

      I'm steering clear. Jesus a better bet short term, might when he is back though.

  25. Foozeball
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Delph might be a very good 4.5m bench option until January when Pep will be looking to buy a new LB

    1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      No

  26. An Púca
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Hegazi caught out for Richarlison's equaliser

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

      Hegazi is on borrowed time imo made a few mistakes last few matches I'm looking to get rid soon

  27. Sims
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    richarlison has ars and chelsea next otherwise looks a perfect alli replacement to allow 3 big hitters up top 🙁

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

      will just add liverpool conceded less than ars last year before berbinho mentions it

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        There's a good bitch.

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

      Could he be benched next 2? Hemed out anyway...

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

        hemed?

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

          Thought you had Hemed?

    3. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah, your invincible Arsenal defence will keep him out.

  28. SpiritRising
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    I was all set to use my wildcard after this game week but then I see next week's fixtures and they look quite good so will hold. Just not sure when is best time to use it after this game week as guessing there won't be any double game weeks before the new year. My team fwiw

    Forster Elliot

    Jones Bavies Dunk Naughton T.A.A
    Eriksen Ramsey Richarlison Atsu T Carrol
    Jesus Kane Lukaku

    I originally was going to lose Jesus and get sterling in midfield but now aguero is injured may be best to keep Jesus for now. Maybe injuries will force my hand one week.

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      yeah just keep til you need it, looks good

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

    Wouldn't surprise me if Joel Ward hung up his boots after what Rashford did to him today

  30. Everyday im Schneiderlin
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    how long is fellani nailed for ?

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

      🙂