Introduction
With the Premier League finally commencing and bringing the joy it always tends to bring along with it, the Premier League fans have also begun competing in their own league: the Fantasy Premier League. We, at BallThatMatters, waited for the first matchweek to analyze ourselves how the players and the new signings are performing and whom to rely on for the long run to save those “Free Transfers”. So without further ado, this is what we came up with.
GOALKEEPERS:
Matchweek 1 displayed a bunch tremendous defensive plays as we witnessed 6 clean sheets out of the 8 fixtures played. Certainly the goalkeepers are now in higher demand than they were before the league started. The top rated GK of the week is Vincente Guaita of Crystal Palace with the Spaniard saving 5 attempts on goal and bagged a clean sheet for his club. Not to mention, he is ranked 1st in top influencers of the game and earned 10pts this week. Guaita costs £5 in market which is a very economic bargain considering Liverpool’s Allison was such a big disappointment and yet is still valued at £6.
Another valuable prospect is Arsenal’s Bernd Leno. Earning 7 pts this week, the German made only 1 save and bagged a clean sheet as Arsenal’s defensive reinforcements gave him an easy time in the goal. Valued at £5, Leno would be a good option to consider in the Fantasy Premier League as apart from his keeping skills, his passing abilities and his through balls as a keeper are impressive. Who knows he might just land an assist the same day!
Other prospects for your GK position are:
Jordan Pickford (EVE) £5 [5 saves; 2nd most influential player; earned 8 pts; 1 clean sheet]
Karl Darlow (NEW) £5 [3 saves; 4th most influential player; earned 7 pts; 1 clean sheet]
For now, observe Hugo Lloris (TOT), Rui Patricio (WOL) and Kasper Schmeichel (LEI) and it is advisable to wait for a couple of matchweeks more to see how they really play. Allison is clearly not worth having in your team and wasting that £1 when we have greater talents in abundance and for a more sensible price tag.
DEFENDERS:
The defenders played a huge role in bagging clean sheets for their respective Premier League clubs. Keeping the goalkeeper from working less and keeping the ball away from the penalty area is basically the defender’s job and that’s exactly wat we saw from the following.
Gabriel Magalhaes (ARS) A disastrous first 5 minutes followed by a brilliant debut performance in the Premier League was enough of a rollercoaster ride for the Gooners. The Brazillian marked his debut with a goal from a set piece as he contributed to the Gunners victory both defensively and offensively. An amazing signing indeed and a prospect, Gabriel is the top suggestion who will contribute more in the future. He is currently valued at £5 and his value is expected to rise given his calibre.
Romain Saiss (WOL) With Wolves securing a 2-0 victory against Sheffield Utd, their strong point was undoubtedly their defence specially the 30 year-old who was a key player in their defensive back line. A far better option than any Liverpool defender at this point so its wiser to choose him over Virgil Van Djik if you are wondering. Valued at £5.
Other prospects:
Reece James (CHE) 1 goal and 1 assist and 14pts, he certainly has a lot of potential. Valued at £5.
Lucas Digne (EVE) 1 assist and maintained clean sheet, consistent performer. Valued at £6.
Timothy Castagne (LEI) 1 goal and maintained clean sheet; bagged 14 pts. Valued at £5.5.
MIDFIELDERS:
Midfielders were in action this week as they were the major contributors in goals, whether its assists or scoring themselves. There are lot of Premier League prospects in midfield but we have made a diverse list to increase the chances of you scoring points in the season ahead.
Willian (ARS) 3 assists in his debut was the perfect way to announce his arrival for the Gunners. Valued at £8.1, expect him to link up very well with Aubameyang and Lacazette ahead in the season
Salah (LIV) a hattrick in the opening match marked Salah’s dominance in the Top Scorer’s table. Liverpool’s defence was shambolic but they somehow managed to grab all 3 points at Anfield. Expect him to maintain his dominating performance throughout the league. Valued at £12
Jorginho (CHE) 1 goal 1 assist for the centre mid of Chelsea, he is a consistent player who contributes in every attacking buildup. Might give you some points with his assists. Valued at £5
Mateusz Klich (LEE) 1 goal in a failed effort to bag points against the champs, Klich had an amazing season last year with Leeds United as they won the EFL Championship to gain promotion to the PL. He is one of the few midfielders who is expected to outperform others as underdogs. Valued at £5.5
P-E Aubameyang (ARS) goals against ManCity, Chelsea and Liverpool in his last 3 games before the league started and a goal in the opening match of the PL, Aubameyang is arguably one of the most dominant performers in this league. Not only is he included in most FPL teams, he is also the most captained and vice-captained player so far in FPL. A player who must be in your team. Valued at £12.
Other prospects: Jack Harrison (LEE), Joao Moutinho (WOL), Kalvin Phillips (LEE), Allan (EVE), Andros Townsend (CRY)
FORWARDS:
Jamie Vardy (LEI) Top performer, hands down. Regular goal scorer for Leicester. Will bring points to your team either with goals or assists. Scored a brace in their first Premier League match against West Brom. Valued at £10.
Calvert-Lewin (EVE) a young talent, witnessed his growth in the past 2 seasons. He has potential and is always consistent on the pitch. Although not a regular goal scorer but is a star in the making. He opened his account by scoring the late winner against Tottenham. Valued at £7.
Raul Jimenez (WOL) the Portuguese has performed phenomenally under Nuno Esprito Santos and continues to maintain his form consistently. Valued at £8.5.
Calum Wilson (NEW) recently signed from now relegated Bournemouth, his form was questionable last season as he couldn’t replicate his form from the previous season where he contributed in 26 goals. Now that he is under Steve Bruce, he is expected to contribute just like he did in his prime. Marked his debut by scoring the opener in the West Ham match. Valued at £6.5.
Other prospects: Danny Ings (SOU), Richarlison (EVE), Charlie Austin (WES) Rodrigo (LEE), Mitrovic (FUL)
FINAL TEAM:
GK: Guaita, Pickford (£10)
DEF: Gabriel, Reiss, Saiss, Digne, Castagne (£26.5)
MID: Willian, Aubameyang/Salah (C), Klich, Moutinho, Allan (£36.1)
FOR: Vardy (VC), Wilson, Calvert-Lewin, (£23.5)
To read more articles about the Premier League, click here.
