A few player thoughts as the fantasy premier league pundits continue to offer our satisfaction guaranteed or your money back fantasy premier league tips and suggestions...
While the US has not yet agreed on a $700B bailout plan, we warned you (and begged you) to select Cristiano Ronaldo as the $14M bailout plan in your side. Everyone should select Ronaldo as their fantasy premier league captain, but the best player in the world is still only selected by 12% of managers. That's weak. Step it up or prepare for a long season a la Tottenham near the bottom of your fantasy premier league table.
Though Ronaldo comes with an exorbitant price tag, let's take a quick look at some "value for the money," picks that are in form and should be considered by all:
Amr Zaki (24% owned). There are 1,582,486 managers playing Fantasy Premier League on premierleague.com and all 1,582,486 managers should own this player. You only have an excuse if a) you hail from Saudi Arabia and don't want to select a player from your Egyptian rivals or b) you know the Wigan striker personally and Zaki's girlfriend is your ex. That's it. I can imagine no other reason for this player not being universally owned. He leads all forwards in goals (5) and bonus points (9).
Carlton Cole (6% owned). Cole is second only to the aforementioned Zaki in terms of fantasy premier league bonus points (8). He has quietly established himself as West Ham's go-to target up front, and is enjoying a resurgence under former Chelsea teammate Gianfranco Zola. Cole is cheap (5.5M) and the Hammers are in form. Dean Ashton is made of glass. Carlton Cole is made of bonus points. Pick Cole.
Armand Traore (1% owned). The former Arsenal man is in fine company as one of the most interesting "out of position" fantasy premier league plays this season. The Portsmouth left winger gets forward and he is a great value at 4.5MM.
Antonio Valencia (9% owned). The Wigan midfielder is a Denilson like selection. Priced at only 6.1MM, he could be an enticing option for frustrated Morgen Gamst-Pederson, Luka Modric, or Stewart Downing owners. However, most fantasy managers have decided to go with Manchester City's Stephen Ireland.
Posts
12 comments:
Pretty good week for my side (72 pts) lead by Boswinga for 13 and Defoe (C) for 14
Nice haul. Both of those guys' values should continue to increase as managers realize their value for the money as premium choices.
I'm hesistant on C.Cole.
1. Because I have Zaki, Robinho & Defoe (all at a discount), and don't want to replace any of them right now.
2. WH have 4 strikers vying for 2 spots.
3. After Bolton & Hull the matchups aren't very fantasy-friendly until the end of the year!
Barring injury, I don't see him in my team any time soon. But he's being added by the thousands, so he might be a nice little profit-maker for a couple of weeks, if you have the option.
Another potential bargain: Dean Marney
At 4.5, taking most corners & kicks on what looks to be a pretty decent team, he looks like the perfect reserve midfielder. (Pretty sure I won't bench Arteta, Fabregas, Wright-Phillips or Ronaldo. Ever.) Not to mention he's outscored the likes of Jenas, Noble, and even Gerrard so far. Scored 7 goals & 6 assists in the Championship last season. Could provide a nice surprise if one of your "regulars" is ever a no-show.
re: C Cole
I am not advocating building your team around Cole. (Build your team around Ronaldo!)
Nevertheless, Ashton won't return until 2009. Di Michele is old and unproven and Bellamy is in and out of fitness. Sears is too young for a regular place. Cole, at 5.5, is a bargain as the starting striker on a top half of the table attacking team.
He is cheap enough to store on the bench and with his size/strength he is always dangerous on set pieces.
He won't score 15-20 goals (Defoe and Zaki will!) but at 5.5, he could be a great bonus points machine bench option and could also chip in with 8 - 10 goals this season. A great return for a bench player.
Thinking about a Nicky Butt boycott till RSC gets his due as a fantasy STUD!
@ bmatt:
gameweek 6 preview:
"A Blackburn selection or two could pay off great dividends..."
The Paraguayan is a great player but he won't score 19 goals again this year!
I couldn't agree more with your top four underrated players. I've spoken about all four on my blog recently. I have Trazore and Zaki and I'm planning on bringing in Valencia and Cole this week to make room for Ronaldo! Great minds and all that . . .
or even Traore
If you could get Ronaldo for three transfers (ie 8 points) would you do this, or revamp the whole team with your wildcard? Is it too early for the wildcard?
If you want to revamp your team anyway, do it, and save the 8 points. You may regret it later, otherwise. (I won my league by less than that last year!)
re: wildcard
I would take the 8 pt hit if you love the team and only want to make 3 changes. Or maybe make 2 one week and one the next for just a 4 pt hit.
Post a Comment