MANCHESTER CITY SIT top of the Premier League and in the Fantasy Premier League world, they’re at the centre of people’s thoughts too.
1 – City Slickers
HERE at Donegal Sport Hub, in our league in conjunction with Champions Travel, managers were left in a pickle when Sergio Agüero picked up a two-game suspension – for the Premier League, it was three games in all when the League Cup is factored in.
Those who kept faith in the Argentine, or even had a contingency plan to get him in this week again, should be rewarded at Swansea City in Gameweek 6.
Kevin De Bruyne (pictured above) is another City player who has proved to be something of an asset in recent weeks. The Belgian has an impressive four assists and two goals in his last four outings.
[adrotate group=”80″]2 – What about Troy Boy?
HAVING picked up just one point from their first three Premier League fixtures, Watford have now pieced together back to back victories. And fine ones at that, last week’s 3-1 win over Manchester United added to a 4-2 success at West Ham United.
The fixtures’ computer wasn’t overly kind to the Vicarage Road side, who were paired with Southampton, Chelsea and Arsenal beforehand. However, with Troy Deeney having scored in each of their last two games, he might be worth a chance considering he’s still valued at £6.9million.
Watford’s next five fixtures are Burnley (a), Bournemouth (h), Middlesbrough (a), Swansea (a) and Hull City (h).
3 – Red alert
NATHAN REDMOND’S abilities were showcased last Sunday night on Match of the Day 2 and although the Southampton midfielder’s catch doesn’t always match his chase, there’s an incredible liveliness about his general.
The former Norwich player is reasonably priced at £6million and started the season well with 10 points against Watford.
Southampton are taking on West Ham at the Olympic Stadium.
[adrotate group=”80″]4 – Case for the defence
LIVERPOOL have already won at Arsenal and Chelsea this season but are always liable for a slip-up against side they’re expected to beat. Remember Burnley?
With that theory, it’s forgivable to have an element of tentativeness when looking at a fixture list that is now not the most fearsome for the Merseysiders. Another facet they’ve shown this season is an ability to spread their goals and assists, which makes life difficult for fantasy managers.
[adrotate group=”80″]Their four top midfielders are separated by only five points – Philippe Coutinho (27), Adam Lallana (25), Roberto Firmino (24) and Sadio Mané (23).
So, why not approach it from the other angle and recruit from the back, with say, Dejan Lovren – a goalscorer at Chelsea last week – an option at £4.9million, although Liverpool have to keep a sheet clean this season.
5 – Jermaine’s done it seven times before …
JERMAINE DEFOE has proven to be a bargain signing for Sunderland and in turn, a bargain for Fantasy Premier League managers.
Fifteen league goals last season made for a healthy return of 138 points and this year the former Tottenham striker has already been on the mark twice.
In fact, since Fantasy Premier League was founded in 2006/07, Defoe has hit double figures on seven occasions.
Back-to-back home games against Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion before not overly daunting trips to Stoke City and West Ham mean Defoe is certainly an option, despite carrying a knock.
Fixtures
Saturday, September 25, 12:30pm
Manchester United v Leicester
Saturday, September 25, 3pm
Bournemouth v Everton
Liverpool v Hull
Middlesbrough v Tottenham
Stoke v West Brom
Sunderland v Crystal Palace
Swansea v Man City
Saturday, September 25, 5:30pm
Arsenal v Chelsea
Saturday, September 26, 4pm
West Ham v Southampton
Monday, September 26
Burnley v Watford, 8pm
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