Members

The Technical Area – Pogba and Mkhitaryan

Successive 4-0 routs of West Ham United and Swansea City suggests the spirit of attacking football looks to have finally returned to Old Trafford.

Bolstered by the summer acquisitions of Nemanja Matic and Romelu Lukaku, Manchester United’s attacking output has generated a huge amount of buzz within Fantasy circles.

Having written in the pre-season that the Red Devils were my top pick to improve their goalscoring numbers in 2017/18 (after underperforming their projected output by over 10 goals last term), my own projection system was bullish on their potential to produce early returns.

Yet even I didn’t expect the goals to flow so freely over the opening weeks. With the fixtures continuing to align in their favour (at least over the next five Gameweeks), the case for us to increase our investment in United’s attack is strong. Indeed, though many managers have coverage already in the form of Romelu Lukaku – FPL’s most selected player with 55% ownership – the prospect of doubling up is a significant temptation.

This week’s Technical Area will be digging into the performances of two in-vogue midfield assets – Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan – in an attempt to tease out the optimal Fantasy prospect.

Two Gameweeks in, Pogba and Mkhitaryan currently occupy first and second place respectively for FPL midfielders.

Pogba followed up an eight-point opener with an explosive 15-point performance in Gameweek 2, while Mkhitaryan has returned 10 and 11 points in impressively consistent fashion. Yet despite the similarity of their totals, the manner in which the pair have produced their points has been very different.

1,928 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    things change quickly around here. Kane, KDB, Daniels, Kola all essential 2 weeks ago. Now a new list of players emerge as essential.

    In a couple of weeks will these players be "useless" and will another list of "essential" players emerge?

    1. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I don't have Kane for GW3, but he's gonna go berserk. 13 pts minimum.

      The guy has been incredibly unlucky not to score so far. Lukaku the exact opposite.

      1. Fantasy Football Friend!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Lukaku's been lucky?

        He's taken his chances and Kane hasn't.

      2. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        or he could continue hitting the woodwork, it still August after all.

      3. XabiAlonso
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Me neither, got alli and eriksen thought cover him

    2. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      None of those were essential, as the OR proves and the same applies to the vast majority, if not all on the new list.

    3. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Captain Kane for me. Goals incoming

      1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Not sure Daniels was ever essential

    4. BigManBakar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Daniels was never essential. I was amazed to see his ownership on here. Typical FFS groupthink - Ake and Daniels were being portrayed as the second coming of Nesta and Maldini on here.

      1. bojack
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        😆

        And when you consider that they have horrendous fixtures either side of the international break.

        Bournemouth have always conceded plenty and that has continued.

        1. BigManBakar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          They had poor defensive stats last year too and were lucky to come away with 10 clean sheets. It was expected that they would regress to the mean.

  2. The Royal Robin
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Lukaku and Eriksen rising tonight?

    1. thepeen555
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Could be close

    2. Norman Conquest
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      doubtful but depends what happens tonight after the city game there could be a surge in transfers

    3. bojack
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Hope so I need some good news price wise.

      Dann potential drop could mean I have to spend a FT which I'd planned to save.

  3. Twelve years a slave
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Mkhitaryan and Eriksen looking far superior to
    de Bruyne and Salah and a couple of million cheaper too

    Unless De Bruyne has a huge game tonight those will be my transfers, the extra savings would be enoughh to change stones to Alonso

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      tripling on united attack?

    2. XabiAlonso
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      What about pogba is mkhitarian the better option you think

      1. thepeen555
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Mkhi less likely to get booked and sent off I reckon.

    3. bojack
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Eriksen was always a better pick than De Bruyne for me, but going without City attack scared me.

      Salah v Mkhi is up in the air. I don't see Mkhi running in behind like Salah did v Watford.

      1. thepeen555
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        That's what I think will see how Jesus does tonight but I may get rid of lac to have mcfc cover - not too worried about Arsenal cover

        1. *sigh*
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          So you will get rid of a player on one performance? Hmmm interesting

          1. thepeen555
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Nah not from 1 performance - I don't like Arsenal or city but would rather City cover

    4. *sigh*
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      So will you be doubling up on Spurs and Man U leaving you no City and Liverpool cover?

  4. Siva Mohan
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    DDG
    Stones | Yoshida | Hegazi | PVA
    Salah | Alli | Willian
    Gabbi | Aguero | Lukaku
    Elliot | Atsu | Mee | Lokilo

    2 FT & 0.5 ITB

    A. Atsu >> Mooy
    B. Alli >> Eriksen

    Please suggest, thanks.

    1. gatekeepa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Both great options. Prefer eriksen to D.Ali. And mooy is this years mahrez(15/16)

      1. Pigeon
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Sorry but that is ridiculous calling Mooy the next Mahrez

        1. gatekeepa
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Not as type of player but as fantasy value... starting at 5.5 and sky is there limit. No need to get offended

          1. Pigeon
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Thats what I meant, I doubt he will score as much as Mahrez did. Why would I be offended??

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Alli to Erik not wotit imo

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        *worth it

    3. johnnys balloons
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I would do (if i am in yours position) salah/aguero to mkhi/kane. But thats just me wanting kane for next gw and not belive in salah that much againt arsenal and city. After that Wc could work

  5. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    When is Koscielny due back?

    1. Turbolag
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      This week.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        So Kola back to wing. Excellent

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          good point

        2. thepeen555
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Hopefully bud

  6. CloudSky
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Kane got 1 in 6 against Burnley. Dont ignore at your own peril. 😀

    (Harry, youre still a wizard, I believe!)

    1. Turbolag
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      1 in 6 vs. Burnley
      Wembley
      August

      It's Kane's worst nightmare.

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Cue hatty from Harry

      2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I hope everyone believes this and doesn't captain him so I can shoot up the ranks

      3. CloudSky
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        When you say it like that I probably should stay as far as possible from captaining him. Yet he passed the eye test and something tells me he will come good next week.

  7. gatekeepa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Foster/(Elliot)
    Alonso/kolas/Stephens/(lowe/long)
    KDB/Ritchie/mooy/JWP/ (Carroll)
    Lukaku/Kane/firmino

    Would you keep JWP in this team ?
    I see him as the weakest player atm. Or shall I just hold onto my FT?
    Any input welcome

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Midfield weak. Try and get Mkhi/Eriksen/Mane in there

    2. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Solid team. I'd stay put and save your FT for international week

    3. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Just play Carroll over JWP next game or two and reassess - maybe use WC after.

      1. gatekeepa
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        WC? Lol. U reckon?

  8. Jelder
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Foster
    Tripper Alonso Jones
    Miki Eriksen Salah Mooy
    Lukaku Chicarito Firmino

    Elliot Hegazi Jesé Lowe

    Thoughts on this team?
    Also do you think I should get Kane and 5.5 mid in in at the expense of Firmino and Eriksen?

    1. Podge
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Lovely, no

    2. bojack
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Don't lose Eriksen..

      I'm assuming your on a WC otherwise you've had some start to the season.

      1. Jelder
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Eriksen over Kane and keep the squad like that? Kane is tempting but it's at the cost of players who will also pick up points. Not much to be missed out on of its Eriksen who provides the assist(s) to him.

        Haha you assumed right, early WC to try and keep with the pace - I wish I started with this squad!

        1. bojack
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          All I'd say is I don't like the 4.5 fifth defender. Just get a 4.0.

          1. Jelder
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            No? Why's that? Could come in handy for a bench boost knowing they'll be nailed with favourable fixtures?

  9. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    How would you improve this team?

    DDG Elliott
    Davies Yoshida Stephens TAA Mee
    KDB Alli Willian Carroll Chalobah
    Lukaku Jesus Firmino

    a. KDB + Firmino + Stephens > Eriksen + Chicha + Alonso
    b. KDB + Firmino + Willian > Eriksen + Chicha + Pogba
    c. KDB + Firmino + Stephens > Pogba + Chicha + Alonso
    d. Anything else

    1. gatekeepa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      A. But KDB n Firm not so easily binned imo

      1. King Kohli
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Agreed, leaning towards B myself.

  10. COYS.
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Current Team
    DDG
    Holebas Berty Walker Kola
    Eriksen Willian Salah
    Frimino Kaku Gabbi

    bench Elliot Matic Iwobi Rangel

    1Ft and 0.5 in bank

    Transfer suggestions
    A) Antonio for willan and Tripper for kola(-4)
    B) Antonio for Willan
    C) Kola for Tripper
    D) Antonio for Willian and 5.4 mf for iwobi (-4), also will have to bench kola

    Any other suggestions will also be helpful

    1. Haggis
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      E) Save

  11. Fantasy Football Friend!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    2 FTs

    Dann & Danilo > Jones & Trippier looking good?

    I'll wait for news on Trippier, obviously.

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Good moves

  12. The Royal Robin
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    KDB + Willian > Pogba + Eriksen -4?

    Exact funds.

    1. Podge
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Wait but yes in principle

    2. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      7 years, 1 month ago

      No

    3. *sigh*
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Royal Robin I think you just need to step away from the transfer button for a couple of weeks and relax

  13. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    "this" Should be banned.

    1. Podge
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      This

      1. Podge
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Hits

        1. Podge
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Shit

          1. Podge
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Sith

            1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              Should go on countdown

            2. Harper_
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              Tits

              1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
                • 7 Years
                7 years, 1 month ago

                ban

    2. Captain Vantastic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      This.

    3. Turbolag
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      So we're not allowed to show that we agree without posting the same thing? How many people actually look at upvotes?

      1. Dr. DOOM
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        This

        1. JONALDINHO
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          This

          1. johnnys balloons
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            This

      2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        this

      3. thepeen555
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        This

    4. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      This

    5. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      thus

    6. aaaaaa
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      This

  14. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Lukaku, Mkhitaryan and Bailly too much or not?

    1. Scout
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      No I have 3 Man Utd players

    2. Podge
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Not enough

    3. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Just enough

  15. Scout
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Need help pick one?

    Davies alonso hegazi
    Pogba mkhi eriksen antonio (for two weeks then swap to mahrez or siggy)

    Or Davies hegazi maguire Bertrand
    Pogba mkhi eriksen mane?

    1. gatekeepa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      First lot

      1. Scout
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        With the swap of Antonio after two weeks?

        1. gatekeepa
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Yes y not. By then u might have assessed siggys role in the blue shirt. Although I've been a huge fan of siggy as a swans player I doubt he'll be able to carry that role to everton with him. And the immediate schedule doesn't help the situation nor the evaluation

  16. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    2 mins to total solar eclipse. Live here:

    http://time.com/4900148/total-solar-eclipse-time-livestream/

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      (Other streams are available)

    2. thepeen555
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Nice

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Can't stand the American filler commentary though.

        Oh my gahd it's gorgeous

        Aliens

        Etc

  17. Dr. DOOM
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    How good was Mooy against Newcastle?
    And how did he fare to Richarlison?

    1. gatekeepa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Mooy was playing a bit too deep for my liking, however he's on corners and set pieces and dictates play from deep. For his price he's gotta be IT! Richarlison sounds great but haven't seen him play this gw so no opinion yet

  18. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Foster Elliott
    Kolosanic Stephens Sutner Daniels Long
    KDB Mikky Willian Atsu Carroll
    Lukaku Kane Firmino

    Would you do Kolo to Trippier this week or save FT?

  19. Captain Vantastic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Firmino to Chica. -4. Yes or no?

    1. Scout
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    2. JONALDINHO
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      No way

    3. Dr. DOOM
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      NO!

    4. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      No

    5. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Not for a hit

    6. gatekeepa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Not unless u have mane/salah in your side

  20. Jay Jay Okocha
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed:

    Sell Daniels for Dawson/Jones or play Fernandez (cpl) and roll the transfer?

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Get Jones

  21. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Foster - Elliot
    Jones - Daniels - Bertrand - Dawson - 4.0
    KDB - Salah - Willian - Pogba - T.Caroll
    Lukaku - Kane - Quaner

    ok until WC after GW3?

  22. The Royal Robin
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    A) McDonalds
    B) Subway

    1. Turbolag
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      B easily

  23. d1sable
    • Has Moderation Rights
    7 years, 1 month ago

    40 mins till line ups. Any suprises from Pep do we think? As i own Aguero i fear the bench.

    1. Captain Vantastic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Unchanged team I reckon

      1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        hope danilo is not out yet

    2. Jonesfromthere
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Unchanged

    3. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      A few outlets are predicting Kun on the bench. I think he will start though and I know more than them.

    4. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I can see Danilo being benched. And wouldn't put it past Pep to have Sterling in for one of Jesus-Kun

    5. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      big shock will be unchanged in my opinion

      Only change possible this week is maybe sane starts at wing back instead of Danilo but think he would prefer to give Danilo one more game at home

      I think the rotation really begins after the int break and when cl begins

    6. aaaaaa
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      He changes when no one predicts him to.

    7. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Hmm. How do I make a green post? Can't find the theme setting.

    8. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      unchanged.

    9. johnnys balloons
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Why change anything, its just second match of the season? No competition started beside PL. Sane and sterling both played friendly in spain

  24. R Whites
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    JWP >>> xxx

    A. RLC plus 1mil
    B. Albrighton
    C. Anything else?

    Foster - Elliot
    Luiz - Cedric - Simpson - Mee - Rangel
    KdB - Mhki - mane - JWP- Carroll
    Lukaku - Kane - Mounie

    1. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      In same boat and tempted to just play Tom Carroll next 2 (cry, NEW) and then use WC.

  25. aaaaaa
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Just hope Pep does what he's best at! Surprise us by benching Jesus/ Kun!

    Really want to stay in LMS

  26. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    what's the situation with Rose? He made those comments about spurs and it was rumoured he wanted out

    Is Ben Davies now a secure pick?

    1. Jonesfromthere
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Secure for another month I'd say

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      He apologised.

    3. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Sounds like the talks have resolved matters and he stays. Rose will be a major asset on that Wembley pitch

  27. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    BREAKING: Troy Deeney has tested positive for salad.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Definitely a false positive.

  28. Syd.
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Man City

    EDS XI: Grimshaw, Wilson, Latibeaudiere, Oliver, Francis, Smith, Davenport, Richards, Brahim, Dilrosun, Nmecha. #ManCity

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Mods, ban please. I nearly made an early rage transfer due to this.

      1. Syd.
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Jafooli please ignore this man cannot take a joke

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          This is bordering on bullying. Mods. IP ban please.

    2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      BAN

  29. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    JWP & Zaha to Richarlison & Jese for -4??

    Yay or nay?

    1. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Quite like this. Could be fun for a few weeks & if it doesn't work out can be sorted okay. Don't think there are many starting 12m midfield combinations that are going to do too much damage.

  30. mitro
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Ritchie to Richarlison for free?

    1. Dr. DOOM
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      100%

    2. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I'd give Ritchie one last game vs WHU - he was unlucky not to score last game.

    3. gatekeepa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      If there is ever a time to hold a Newcastle asset and especially Ritchie it's now