Even though it feels like the height of summer, the new Premier League season is just around the corner and with fantasy leagues being more popular than ever, it is definitely time to be building your ultimate league winning squad. But who to pick? Premier League clubs have been adding and improving their squads since the summer window opened which gives us, as fantasy manages, even more choice, so allow me to guide some selections you may be stuck on. Or don’t. But don’t say I didn’t tell you so…
Goalkeepers
Premium keepers are much more affordable this year which means it can be tempting to use the spot on an Allison or Ederson (both 5.5m), but the correct choice here is Mendy (£5.0m). If Chelsea’s defence is anything like what it can be he’s likely to rack up clean sheet points, especially with a good run of early fixtures. Forster (£4.0m) is an excellent choice for a reserve goalkeeper as he has the pedigree of a starting one and plays for a team that is bolstering it’s defence, so if he’s called upon, expect him to play well.
Defenders
I felt it important to have 5 starting-capable defenders, allowing for rotation through difficult fixtures in the early weeks. Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) is an absolute must with Liverpool’s stout defensive record and his penchant for assists. Cancelo (£7.0m) is in for the same reason and his RB/LB versatility ensures he’s even more likely to get game time in City’s rotation system. The second and final Chelsea player in the team, Reece James (£6.0m), is a bargain at this price for his potential attacking output alongside Trippier (£5.0m) who is a very influential player both in attack and defence for Newcastle. The last player in the defence is recently transferred Nico Williams (£4.0m). Likely to be an early benchwarmer in my team but starting for Forrest, he is great value for minimal value and could be a crucial part of the recently promoted team.
Midfielders
Potentially the entire teams star man, Son (£12.0m) was a difficult choice over Salah (£13.0m) but that extra mil plus a very similar goalscoring output along with the momentum Spurs carry into the new season gave him the edge for this team. With the departure of Sadio Mane over the summer and how well he played last year, Luis Diaz (£8.0m) is an excellent choice to grab a slice of a very potent Liverpool attack without breaking the bank. If Ronaldo was to leave United (as of writing he is still there), then picking up Jadon Sancho (£7.5m) could be the steal of the season. Even despite United’s attacking woes last year, Sancho still ranked well for chances created and in Ten Haag’s side, this could definitely lead to tangible output. The last two players in midfield are Neto (£5.5m) and Andreas (£4.5m). Both players are great value at those prices and are likely to be key parts of the way both Wolves and Fulham operate this coming season.
Attackers
Taking a gamble on a player who has come in from abroad and never played in the Premier League is obviously a huge risk but the upside with Haaland (£11.5m) is an opportunity I can’t look past. City are likely to create so many chances this year that even if the infamous xG stats catch up with him, he is likely to be contending for the golden boot. In this team he is paired alongside the man he replaced at City, Gabriel Jesus (£8.0m). Finally with a chance to be the regular main man in Arsenal’s front line, don’t be surprised if once he finds his range, he can’t stop scoring. And last but not least is definitely a squad filler, though could score some point from time to time rotating in for Leeds, Sam Greenwood (£4.5m).
Let me know who you chose for your squads and why in the comments!
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