The English Premier League’s official fantasy sports league starts tonight, and Young Post has suggestions for value picks that will leave your competition in the dust
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool is an efficient fantasy pick at £9 million.The Fantasy Premier League, is a thrilling online game in which English Premier League (EPL) fanatics assemble a team of 15 real-life footballers. The objective is to use a budget of 100 million pounds (roughly HK$1 billion) to “buy” players who you think believe will score the most points. The team with the most points wins the league.
The 2017/18 season kicks off tonight, August 11, and we have some tips that will help propel your team to new heights.
Forget about Alexis Sanchez, Eden Hazard and Harry Kane – they are good, but far too expensive, and everyone will be buying them. Young Post recommends some cheaper alternatives that you should keep your eye on.
Think new:
One name we’ve got to mention is Mohamed Salah (£9 million), who caught our eye in Hong Kong as Liverpool won the Premier League Asia Trophy. His blistering pace and sense for a goal will guarantee managers a ton of points.
Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof (£5.5 million) is a cheap and solid defensive options. Team manager Jose Mourinho’s cautious mindset and the team’s defensive record last season means Lindelof should provide plenty of clean sheet points.
Other new signings to think about: Sead Kolasinac (£6 million), Javier Hernandez (£7 million), Jay Rodriguez (£6 million).
Think promotion:
Each season, there are players who turn up big from the newly promoted sides. Last year, Tom Heaton, Robert Snodgrass and Ben Mee rewarded those who had faith in the smaller clubs – so who are the ones to watch this season?
Dwight Gayle (£6.5 million) is among a select few strikers who provides guaranteed starts and goals. Following Newcastle United’s promotion, Gayle tallied 23 goals, and looks to continue this run at the top level.
Gareth McAuley, who last season was a cheap defender who offered a consistent goal threat and additional bonus points. This year, we’ve found an alternative – Lewis Dunk (£4.5 million). The towering centre-back’s stats top those of Michael Keane and Steve Cook, both players besting other defenders in total headers and CBI (clearances, blocks and interceptions) respectively.
Other promoted players to think about: Anthony Knockaert (£6 million), Tom Ince (£6 million), Matt Ritchie (£6 million).
Think wing-backs:
Chelsea’s Antonio Conte revolutionised the way we look at defenders. Nowadays, it is more about defenders who provide attacking threats down the wing back positions. James Milner (£6.5 million) has the potential to rack up some points. Naturally a midfielder, he’s listed a defender for the coming season and, as a prolific penalty taker, it would be unwise to leave him out your side.
Chris Brunt (£5.5 million) and Victor Moses (£6.5 million) have also shifted to defensive wing-back positions, providing attacking prowess while also profiting from clean sheets.
Other wing-backs to think about: Cuco Martina (£4.5 million), Cedric Soares (£5 million), Ryan Bertrand (£5.5 million).
Think formation:
With big-hitters like Harry Kane and Romelu Lukaku being Fantasy Football favourites, it is vital for managers to consider their formation before picking their players. If you’re looking for three up front, then you might consider Joshua King (£7.5 million). The midfield maestro is now listed as a forward, after proving his attacking threat last season - producing 178 total points.
If you want cheaper alternatives in the centre of the park, Wilfried Zaha’s (£7 million) creativity and goal-scoring threat could complete that 5-man midfield that you’re looking for.
Other cheap alternatives to think about: Andros Townsend (£6 million), Dominic Solanke (£5 million), Willian Borges Da Silva (£7 million), Nathan Ake (£5 million), Alex Iwobi (£5.5 million).
The season is fast approaching and it’s about time you get your team sorted. Every player and every decision can make the difference between being top of the table and falling into the bottom of the pack
Edited by Ben Young