Hope everyone had a good Xmas. No time with the short game week to do a “ones to watch article” so here’s the Barclays fantasy premier league imaginary wildcard for GW19 with a few comments to help you along. Most people wont be able to afford it as I’ve stretched the budget to say the least but its a good ideas format. The place to trim back expense is in the defence if you are looking at it in that way.
- Bunn
- £4.1
- A great cheap backup keeper. Dont worry about the poor fixtures he’s just a back up.
- Szczesny
- £5.3
- A reasonably good way of getting value for the Arsenal defence although Gibbs and Sagna give reasonable attacking potential.
- Caulker
- £4.8
- No guarantee he will play but at this price he’s a bargain with their fixtures. Doesnt seem to come on as sub either for those annoying 1 pointers. Not sure whether its him or Gallas in favour at the moment and BAE adds another negative dimension but he’s great value even for the risk
- Nastasic
- £5.6
- Same points here as Caulker. Only Kompany and Hart are safe in the City defence but unless you’re printing money they’re hard to fit in to your fantasy premier league team. Seems to be ahead of Lescott, who I wouldn’t be surprised to see leaving in the jan window and K Toure is definitely not the solution. Has rotation and game time risk but good value
- O’Brien
- £4.3 (no game this week)
- Some exposure to the West ham defence is advisable due to their ability to keep clean sheets. Reid and Collins are just a little expensive compared to O’Brien but have more security
- Johnson
- £6.3
- the best attacking defender in one of the best overall defences. Skrel is also an option if you want a cheaper version
- Cameron
- £4.7
- You must have coverage of the Stoke defence. Cameron is the cheapest secure performer
- Puncheon
- £4.8
- The best cheap midfielder under £5.0m no question. Fixtures arent great but gives you a really good back up option
- Michu
- £8.0
- The first player on your midfield fantasy premier league team sheet. Top of the last 6 shooting stats by a country mile even with very tricky fixtures. Ripping up all rules books. A must have, fixture proof etc etc
- Nolan
- £6.7 (no game this week btw)
- What? Why would you choose him for your fantasy premier league team when he hasn’t returned in the last 7? He will come right believe me, the underlying stats and the performances I’ve seen show a revival is just around the corner. Fixtures after the blank are good. Misses Carroll undoubtedly but he can perform without him
- Walcott
- £8.5
- Ahead of Cazorla in my mind now he’s a striker. Made a real impression in the last 6 shooting stats
- Bale
- £9.6
- My favourite fantasy premier league midfielder. Can turn on goals and assists no matter what the opposition. Unfortunately not really the flat track bully you want for your fantasy premier league captain choice but always seems to be in the shooting and chances created stats and its notable he’s the only one in both tables for the overall season
- Van Persie
- £13.4
- If I need to write something here, you’ve obviously stumbled on to the wrong website. Mr reliable
- Suarez
- £10.2
- fixtures are stating to run out but still has the underlying stats which kill everyone.
- Tevez
- £9.5
With their good fixtures they need some exposure and Tevez is the best source for me. Good shooting and chances created stats and cheaper than Aguero although he is definitely an alternate option if you have the cash
If you’re wondering why there’s no Chelsea players. I think the time for them is after the Norwich and Everton away games which will be tough. Benitez will also rotate as he has said he will which diminishes their attraction. If you’re desperate to have them in unless you’ve got the money for Luiz or Cole at £6.5m I would gamble on Azpilicueta at £5.6m. In midfield I struggle with them all but probably Mata if I was forced to pick. Torres is your only option up front but to me there are better options.
Good luck to all fantasy football geeks in fantasy premier league GW19
