There was a time many years ago when the task of barn-dooring players was far easier. There were instances where prices weren’t updated until Wednesday or Thursday which made weeks where teams played on Monday far easier to deal with. You could sit back, relax, see how everyone performed and then cherry-pick your team in your own sweet time.
Those days are now long gone and prices update shortly after a match is completed. We do have one advantage now - the majority of scores are updated throughout the game so we can make some educated decisions about a players expected score in real time. You have to be prepared that some points will change at the final whistle, things like clean sheet, winning a game, etc. but it’s certainly better than nothing!
This week is indeed one of those weeks where this new technology can really help. Why? There are a whole host of new players who have been added to the league and no-one really knows how they’ll perform. We don’t even know if they’re going to play so you have to be poised to grab the best bargains when they appear. A good example is Falcao – I think there’s a good chance that he’ll only play 30 minutes in the first game but what if he turns the magic on and scores a hat trick? You need to be ready to grab him before his price goes through the roof!
So where should you be looking?
Newcastle
Haidara – He costs just £4.27m, he scored double figures on his opening day even though they conceded 3 goals and he’s going to start. It’s very difficult to pick him this week away at Southampton but I wouldn’t be shocked to see his price fly!
QPR
Kelly – You’ve got him on your bench already right? At 1.9m and an average score of 4 what’s not to like? If you could spend all of your money like that you’d be hitting 200 every week!
Zaha – I have a sneaking suspicion about Zaha and believe me, it’s been a long time since I said anything good about him. I’m thinking of bringing him in this week because at 7m the price is all wrong.
Everton
McGeady – The definition of a differential player. He’s only 4.68m, he looks set in an attacking role until Pienaar is back and only 4.08% own him. He’d be a sexy addition to a bench slot.
Lukaku – When’s he going to start firing? At home to Crystal Palace may well be the time and with only West Brom to deal with this week his price could easily rise from 12.73m.
Sunderland
Van Aanholt – many of you will be aware of this player’s corking average of 11 points per week for a price of just 7.77m. Do I think that they’ll win against Spurs? Maybe. However there are come players like Van Aanholt, Haidara and Dier below who seem to score well despite the overall team performance.
Rodwell – He’s 2.61m and has a ROI of 9pts per million (The highest in the game). It’s ridiculously good.
Spurs
Dier – As many of you know, I’m a Spurs supporter so last week sucked for me. The only silver lining I can find is that we only lost by 3 goals this year’s so we’re 2 better than last year. Dier however was on the edge of being too expensive and has now dropped back to 8.15m and if he’s not worth 13/14m in a few weeks, I’ll eat my hat.
Chadli – Who? Historically I’d be kind calling him average but he’s doing far better this season under a new manager and already has 3 shots on target and a goal to his name. Another performance like that and he won’t be 6.35m when they face West Brom.
Man United
Falcao – Will he be the turning point for the Manchester United? I think that he will. When will he play, probably in week 5 but why take the risk because at his current price is a steal!
Rojo – I think that the new Manchester team will turn around their poor start to the season and Rojo could well be a bargain in the making – he’s already made my team.
Arsenal
Welbeck – I’ve always had time for Welbeck but his infrequent starting berth has always made me avoid him for fantasy purposes. With Giroud out injured this shouldn’t be a problem. He might be kept quiet this week against City but in week 5, against Villa, he could run riot.
Gibbs – He looks to be fit again and may well oust Monreal at left back. At 9m he’s a very dependable defender and historically hasn’t dropped to this cost.
