The window has SLAMMED SHUT
The Premier League is back, and with it comes the return of Fantasy Premier League, everyone’s favourite way of enhancing, or sometimes spoiling, the football viewing experience.
It is a constant battle to stay ahead of the curve and sign players just before they pick up form and their price skyrockets. Many of you will be agonising over who to select for the opening weekend, trying to find a way of shoehorning in Mo Salah, Harry Kane and Sergio Agüero, looking for bargains in defence to balance out your reckless spending up top.
Fear not, my fellow fantasy managers, for I have compiled a list of fantasy league bargains that you should definitely get into your team before tomorrow.
Rui Patricio, Wolves – £4.5m
Patricio joined Wolves from Sporting Clube de Portugal this summer in a sensational coup for the newly promoted side, whose Iberian contingent continues to grow. With 73 caps for Portugal, and at a dirt-cheap price of just £4.5m, he looks like a savvy investment.
Shane Duffy, Brighton – £4.5m
Duffy and Lewis Dunk formed a solid partnership for Brighton last season, heading clear every ball that came within a five metre radius. Chris Hughton has made Brighton difficult to beat and laid a solid foundation for the Seagulls to build on this season. At £4.5m, Duffy could be an absolute steal if they continue to keep clean sheets.
Jamaal Lascelles, Newcastle – £5m
Lascelles was magnificent last season in the Premier League, with many calling for him to be handed an England call-up. The Newcastle captain earned 116 fantasy points and will once again be the fulcrum of the Magpies’ defence, which Rafa Benitez has extremely well drilled.
Rúben Neves, Wolves – £5m
Neves’ move to Wolves last summer ruffled a few feathers, as fans across the continent were bemused as to why a player of his quality would choose to play in the Championship. He was the best player in the league by a distance and the primary reason Wolves breezed to promotion. Next to his compatriot João Moutinho in midfield, the 21-year-old is likely to take the Premier League by storm.
Jean Michaël Seri, Fulham – £5.5m
This was another transfer that came as a complete shock, as a player who had been linked to Europe’s elite clubs joined newly-promoted Fulham. Seri’s varied skillset will be a big boost to the Cottagers’ midfield and, if he combines well with Tom Cairney, his £5.5m price could quickly rise as the weeks go by.
Felipe Anderson, West Ham – £7m
West Ham have had a busy window, bringing in some top talent from around Europe. Felipe Anderson joins an exciting attacking line-up that has the potential to be devastating if he can gel with Andriy Yarmolenko and Marko Arnautović. The Brazilian didn’t have the most prolific season at Lazio last year, largely due to injury, but his creativity should see him rack up the assists.
Ayoze Perez, Newcastle – £6.5m
Perez scored ten goals last season, which isn’t a bad return considering how little possession Newcastle averaged. His tireless running and tidy footwork make him a key component of the Magpies’ attack and his tendency to pop up with goals and assists make him a shrewd signing for any fantasy manager.
Once you’ve got your team sorted, join the Football JOE League on the official Fantasy Premier League website by clicking this link.
