Big Hitters Staying At Home

A World Cup summer guarantees two things: Excitement and fatigue. For the Premier League stars making the long journey to Brazil and back, the start of the new season could come as a daunting prospect. Even those who fall at the first hurdle will have faced taxing training camps, gruelling heat and a pre-season regime hindered by brevity. With preliminary squads now revealed around the world, here’s a quick look at the top seven talents whose Fantasy prospects may benefit from a rest that the selected World Cup players won’t get.

Manchester City

This season’s champions could reap the rewards of a Gallic dispute, with Samir Nasri missing out altogether on France’s World Cup squad. Nasri ended the season in excellent form but could still come in below the premium price-bracket this time around. With teammates David Silva, Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko all plying their trade in Brazil this summer, and all likely in line for a price hike, Nasri could quickly emerge as the City option of choice.

Elsewhere, Stevan Jovetic will be hoping to step up in his second season in England and could be given the chance to do so, while left-backs Kolarov and Clichy will continue to frustrate by vying for one berth between them.

Fresh options: Samir Nasri, Stevan Jovetic, Gael Clichy, Aleksandar Kolarov

Chelsea

Ever a reliable Fantasy force, Chelsea’s defence looks once again set to come to the fore. John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic will all be at home without international duty to worry about, while Petr Cech will also be free and could benefit from Thibalt Courtois’s Belgium exploits even if his rival returns from loan. With David Luiz and Gary Cahill both spending their summers on the other side of the world, late-season bloomer Tomas Kalas could even emerge as a surprising differential while the two ahead of him recuperate.

Further forward, Mohamed Salah and Nemanja Matic could benefit from their countries’ failure to qualify. Matic in particular may be an interesting differential – nailed on as they come, the Serb is a threat at set pieces and showed an eye for a pass with several assists this year.

Fresh options: Branislav Ivanovic, John Terry, Petr Cech, Tomas Kalas, Mohamed Salah, Nemanja Matic

Liverpool

Few will trust Liverpool’s defence after a shaky season, epitomised by their collapse at Crystal Palace – but it may be worth the gamble. Daniel Agger could benefit from rival Mamadou Sakho’s role in the French campaign, reuniting with Martin Skrtel, who himself will be fully rested and ready to launch another assault on Premier League keepers with his unrivalled set-piece prowess. A fully fit Jose Enrique would be an interesting (if increasingly mythical) prospect, while Jon Flanagan will be hoping to continue having ended the season on a high.

Further forward, Philippe Coutinho is one of the standout Brazilian names who won’t be representing the hosts. With Gerrard, Sturridge, Sterling and Suarez all set to fight it out in Group D, the playmaker could finally deliver on the hype that greeted his strong start in 2013.

Fresh options: Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, Jon Flanagan, Jose Enrique, Philippe Coutinho

Arsenal

Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey may well be the first name on many a team sheet next year. The mid-season injury that curtailed his form (and Arsenal’s title chances) could also serve to keep his price below the premium range going into next year, with a free summer giving him every chance to pick up where he left off with a spectacular final-day volley at Norwich.

Even more injury-tarnished was the season of Theo Walcott. Rumours are already circling that the crocked England man may be struggling to be fit in time for August’s openers, but if he can accelerate his road to recovery, there are few players in the game who can do as much damage as quickly.

With Bacary Sagna set to leave, Carl Jenkinson could benefit from Arsene Wenger’s notorious transfer market frugality, should he start the season as the squad’s only recognised right back.

Fresh options: Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Carl Jenkinson, Mikel Arteta

Everton

Fifth-placed Everton offered brilliant value over the course of this season, but doubts over the future of key players leave little certain regarding next year. Should he remain on Merseyside, this season’s star defender Seamus Coleman could start with a bang once again, but with a price-hike guaranteed and those alongside him potentially tired, many managers may avoid him early doors.

Should Lukaku fail to return, forgotten man Arouna Kone could yet provide us with an option if he returns to full fitness, while stalwart Leon Osman will always chip in  with the odd goal. But it’s Gerard Deulofeu who most will have their eyes on – if the Barcelona man gets another season with Roberto Martinez and is reclassified as a midfielder, even limited minutes may be enough to see him shine.

Fresh options: Seamus Coleman, Gerard Deulofeu, Aroune Kone, Leon Osman

Tottenham

The pickings at Spurs are slimmer but could be just as effective. Christian Eriksen stands head and shoulders above the rest, having finished the season in sublime form, while the ever-erratic Emanuel Adebayor could well be worth some investment if their new manager treats him more like Sherwood and less like AVB. Danny Rose is already being touted as next year’s Seamus Coleman – an assist on the final day showed that with a proper classification and no international worries, he could be a real prospect.

While early Europa League outings could prove just as taxing and remove much of the benefit of a proper summer’s rest, they could also do the opposite, allowing a match-fit Spurs to build up momentum and start on a roll.

Fresh options: Christian Eriksen, Danny Rose, Emmanuel Adebayor

Manchester United

An Old Trafford clear-out seems inevitable this summer. But as hard as it is to tell who will survive, a couple of key names still stand out. Should United fail to sign another centre-back, Jonny Evans could be the main benefactor, with the old guard on their way out and both Phil Jones and Chris Smalling currently part of the England set-up. Questions over Jones’s fitness are yet to be answered – should he fail to recover in time for the international campaign, he may take small solace in heading into the new season revitalised.

Elsewhere, physio room favourite Rafael does not feature for his national side and looks set to remain a frustrating blend of clean sheets, attacking threat, red cards and injuries – but if he can tighten up his discipline and his fitness (or at least one of them, if both is too much to ask), few in the league offer his potential at both ends.

It may even be worth sparing a final thought for Rio Ferdinand. Leaving Manchester United after 12 years, the former England defender is reportedly hoping to remain in the Premier League and could benefit from a schedule free from European commitments.

Fresh options: Jonny Evans, Rafael, Rio Ferdinand

There’s no telling what will happen come the kick-off just a few weeks from today – an early Uruguay exit and Luis Suarez will once again be the obvious essential, while any of the players above could yet suffer a freak injury on the beach in Barbados. But those who survive such holiday hazards will no doubt be well positioned to start the next campaign a step or two quicker than those still nursing a World Cup hangover.