Gameweek 1’s Best Punts

Hello everybody and welcome to the first edition of my punts article. As the ”puntmaster” I felt that I should write about who I feel are the best punts for the forthcoming Gameweek. If these are successful, and get read, then I will try and put one out each Gameweek. Fantasy Football Scout does ”spot the differential” but this article focusses on those players who are even riskier punts. Each article will concentrate on three players – one defender, one midfielder and one forward.

Defender – Andrew Robertson, 4.5, 0.2%

Hull manager Steve Bruce has quite the eye for shrewd transfers. He signed Shane Long and Nikica Jelavic in January and added to his squad in a similar manner this summer in the shape of Andrew Robertson, the highly rated Dundee left-back, for £2.85 million. He could well take up a starting role because of Manuel Figueroa’s lack of consistency. He impressed in the Scottish league and pundits have tipped him to do so in the Premier League. Robertson has already appeared in pre-season, and netted too.

Many Fantasy managers will remember Hull’s impressive defensive exploits last season and will be looking at them again. Steve Bruce had them well organised, and when deploying five at the back they were very hard to break down. The chance of the Tigers playing five in defence increases Robertson’s appeal. He will be allowed to push forward more, and with strikers like Jelavic who specialise in the air, he could pick up an assist or two.

Hull’s opener is away this season, which may well deter potential suitors. However, they visit a QPR side who will be quaking with nerves. Their goal-scoring output will be low this season, as with any promoted club, and with Hull’s confident back line, I fancy a clean sheet in this fixture.

MIDFIELDER – Phillippe Coutinho, 8.0, 8.6%

Many Fantasy managers, including me, will remember the Coutinho bandwagon that many jumped on at the start of last season after the Brazilian’s superb end to the 2012/13 season. However it didn’t work out as Coutinho has a dire season in comparison to the previous one.

This season some people are hopping back on board that wagon. Coutinho’s pre-season performances have been influential, and most importantly for Fantasy football, clinical. Users have watched him score goals and rack up assists in pre-season with a keen eye. At only 8.0, he could be a bargain if he returns to being a ”premium” midfielder.

Liverpool welcome a depleted Southampton to Anfield this weekend. With a new manager at the helm and vital defensive members Luke Shaw and Dejan Lovren gone, the Saints may be shaky. Liverpool’s directness could cut them apart on multiple occasions, and with Coutinho in this rich vein of form, he could be one to watch.

FORWARD – Steven Naismith – 5.0 – 4.3%

Even though I am the “puntmaster” I understand the need for balance and consistency in players. However, Steven Naismith is one punt in my team for Gameweek 1 that I have even pondered captaining. I am an Everton fan, but being as impartial as I can, I think Naismith is a bargain for this weekend.

The main reason why is that Romelu Lukaku is struggling for fitness. His lack of pre-season after the World Cup and the whole transfer debacle means that he is not yet in shape. Despite the Fantasy Premier League game having him down as 75% chance of playing I don’t think that he will start. Martinez is a clever man who is unlikely to risk a player who is so important for the rest of the season. With Kone forever injured and McAleny unlikely to even make the bench, I think Naismith will be the most advanced forward.

Naismith proved himself last season. When he had the chance, he took it, scoring against some big teams. He re-found the eye for goal he had at Rangers and this fine finishing is evident in his impressive pre-season.

The trip to Leicester City offers the chance for Everton to start off on the front foot. The Toffees are known for their poor starts to the season, like Norwich at home last season, but this fixture shouldn’t throw up any problems. The newly promoted team will be itching for an upset and this may leave them open at the back, for Naismith to slip in.