We roll out the third article focusing on the Player Price List in this season’s Sky Sports Fantasy Football game this afternoon. Having analysed the Goalkeepers and Defenders, we now move onto the midfielders, where, as you’d expect, there’s a whole array of options available.
Arguably, midfield is the most important position in the Sky Sports game. Not only are the top premium players likely to return similar point-hauls to their more expensive forward equivalents, but a few of the lower mid-price players have a history of providing us with great value and very high points per million (ppm).
Balance, therefore, is the crucial factor here. Acquiring a couple of premium midfielders, who are your main point-grabbers, and then drafting in a couple of mid-price options to sit alongside a fifth budget choice, lends itself nicely to affording a premium frontline and a reasonably solid defence.
Often the mid-price and value options are hard to get right first time but of course will evolve with form and fixtures. This structure helps to make sure you can adapt with a minor amount of surgery to your team and keep those precious transfers for the inevitable injuries and possible captain switches if required.
Make sure you check the rules, taking special note of the passing and tackling bonus offered, and also the Man of the Match award (MoTM), as these elements often favour midfielders and should sway your choices towards players who are heavily involved in the game.
Here’s our team-by-team analysis of the midfield options for the season. We’ve mainly populated our list with solid and reliable starters, though have thrown in one or two risky picks for those willing to take a gamble…
Arsenal
Preferred options: Mesut Ozil (8.4), Santi Cazorla (8.2) Aaron Ramsey (8.2) Theo Walcott (8.0)
Arsenal have been kind to us Sky Sports Fantasy managers over the last few seasons, with their possession-based style of playing lending itself perfectly to the passing bonus system, in addition to real goal threat from their attacking midfield assets. Our quartet above are similarly priced, and in truth all look fantastic options, though I’m swaying towards the safe pick in Santi Cazorla. The Spaniard is a deceptive scorer of points and was the third highest placed midfielder overall with 186 points – he earns from all areas with seven goals, 11 assists, 38 bonus points and three MoTM awards. Alternatives Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott have probably more potential for bigger hauls but have suffered from injury in recent seasons and using transfers up to keep shipping them in and out is a concern. Of course if any of the three can stay fit this season then they could easily claim a place in the top five scoring midfielders.
Aston Villa
Preferred options: Jack Grealish (6.3)
Let’s face it, the Villains look pretty strapped for options in most areas after star players Ron Vlaar, Fabian Delph and Christian Benteke departed over the summer. However. there is hope that Villa’s starlet Jack Grealish can keep on the straight and narrow and come of age after impressing towards the end of last term. The winger looks at at home in and around the box with some tidy touches and key passes, although it failed to translate into Fantasy points. This season could be different, though, as the onus is likely to be on his young shoulders to produce the spark required and keep Sherwood’s boys in the top flight. He’s set to step up his fitness in the week ahead and is expected to be ready for the season opener at Bournemouth.
Bournemouth
Preferred options: Christian Atsu (4.9), Matt Ritchie (5.9)
If Christian Atsu can nail down a first team spot, he looks great value at 4.9 million, given that Eddie Howe’s side are looking to continue the approach that harvested 98 goals in the Championship last year. Matt Ritchie may come in at 1.0 million more but is all but secured of a first-team place – the Scottish international picked up 15 goals and 17 assists in 2014/15 and with dead-ball duties also heightening his appeal, he looks to be the main man for the Cherries once again.
Chelsea
Preferred options: Eden Hazard (9.0) Cesc Fabregas (8.7)
Eden Hazard bagged 249 points last season, just one short of the top Fantasy player Sergio Aguero, who cost 0.9 million more. Barring injury, it’s difficult to see the Belgian failing to reach a similar level of returns and he should probably be the first name on our teamsheet. Hazard’s tendency to pick up the MoTM award to supplement his goals/assists makes him a fantastic captain choice and he was an ever-present in 2014/15, starting all 38 matches, meaning he fits the bill in terms of transfer consolidation. Cesc Fabregas was also outstanding for Chelsea especially pre-Christmas and was the fourth highest scoring midfielder overall – with assists and bonus points a regularity, the former Gunner offers some rock solid consistency.
Crystal Palace
Preferred options: Yannick Bolasie (6.9) Jason Puncheon (6.5) Yohan Cabaye (7.2)
With 144 points and seven MoTM awards to his name in the previous campaign, Yannick Bolasie fits the criteria for consideration in our line ups. The Congolese star has had a price rise of only 0.4 and is expected to improve on last season’s tally as he continues his development. On occasion he was fielded off the front man and when Palace’s fixtures turn for the better, he could offer a great mid-price option. While Jason Puncheon and Yohan Cabaye are slightly less enticing options, both look likely to chip in with decent returns, although a lot may depend on who takes a hold of set-pieces for the Eagles. Cabaye was a regular in the bonus point and MoTM market in his previous stint in the Premier League and comes with the highest price of our trio here, though if the Frenchman does indeed wrestle dead-ball duties off Puncheon, we could have a goldmine in Pardew’s attack-minded side.
Everton
Preferred options: Gerard Deulofeu (6.6) Kevin Mirallas (6.9) James McCarthy (6.5)
Gerard Deulofeu and Kevin Mirallas are two players who have the potential to become viable Fantasy options. The issue, of course, is whether they can somehow avoid Roberto Martinez’ midfield tinkering and nail down regular first-team spots – if so, they could be great picks when the Toffees fixtures turn for the better around Gameweek 11. James McCarthy managed 100 points last season from just 27 starts and could yet be one to consider, despite his deep-lying role – 16 bonus points and four MoTM helped his cause here.
Leicester
Preferred options: Riyad Mahrez (6.0) Marc Albrighton (5.1)
It’s already well documented that Claudio Ranieri’s appointment throws a spanner in the works when it comes to team selection, but this pair’s impressive form in the latter stages of 2014/15 warrants our attention. Mahrez was the seventh best value player in the game last term and has subsequently risen in price from 4.5 to 6.0. Even at that new valuation, though, if he’s fielded behind a front pair in a 3-4-1-2 again, the Algerian looks a decent shout for Leicester’s early fixtures. At 5.1 million, Marc Albrighton looks one of the better budget options this season – a strong finish last time out, with a couple of goals and assists in his final six appearances after nailing down a first team spot, shows his potential if the Tinkerman takes a shine to him.
Liverpool
Preferred options: Philippe Coutinho (8.4) Roberto Firmino (8.0) Jordan Henderson (7.6) James Milner (7.2)
The two Brazilians – Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino come in at a higher price bracket than our English pair but perhaps offer less value. Jordan Henderson outscored Coutinho by 167 points to 147 last season and that was with Steven Gerrard’s shadow looming. It’s a similar situation to Crystal Palace here, whereby whoever ends up on set-pieces could be the best option. With even penalties up in the air with the arrival of Christian Benteke, I’m inclined to go with the cheapest option in James Milner. The former City man should be flirting with bonus points on a regular basis in a central midfield birth alongside Henderson and, as we’ve seen already in pre-season, is likely to be afforded license to roam forward.
Man City
Preferred options: Yaya Toure (8.6) Raheem Sterling (8.5) David Silva (8.9) Fabian Delph (6.6)
David Silva bagged 213 points in a highly impressive 2014/15 campaign – the Spaniard is another regular bonus and MoTM earner (seven) and, when fit, has been close to essential. There’s nothing to say he won’t repeat this feat again, particularly if Manuel Pellegrini utilises his new 4-3-3 formation more often. Raheem Sterling will add pace and yet more goals to City’s attack and, like Yaya Toure, has already notched over the summer – although both great options, given their minor difference in price to Silva, it leads me to opt for the Spaniard. Fabian Delph looks the budget pick after 24 bonus points picked up at Villa – you would expect that number to rise significantly in his new surroundings, providing he nails down a regular role. The former Villa man’s hamstring injury needs to be monitored, though, after he limped off less than 20 minutes into his debut.
Man United
Preferred options: Juan Mata (8.5), Memphis Depay (7.9) Morgan Schneiderlin (7.0), Bastian Schweinsteiger (8.6)
It’s been a long time since Man United gave up this many viable midfield options and with so many vying for a place on Louis Van Gaal’s teamsheet, there’s every chance that Angel di Maria could be on his way out over the next couple of days as PSG’s interest mounts. Three stand out options for me are Juan Mata (on the basis he currently has penalty duties), Memphis Depay on his goal scoring record, advanced position potential and free-kicks, and Morgan Schneiderlin. Last season, the latter had the best bonus rate in the entire game and earned additional points every 54.8 minutes on average – Schneiderlin managed 44 points in passing and tackles in just 24 starts, almost the equivalent of nine goals. Playing for United, I would expect that figure could rise even further. Bastian Schweinsteiger, of course, is also very likely to flirt with bonus and the MoTM award but comes in at a hefty 8.6. Given his reputation, he could be worth the outlay but with the cheaper alternatives already mentioned he’s perhaps a tad riskier, considering his recent injury record.
Newcastle
Preferred options: Siem de Jong (5.9), Rolando Aarons (5.0) Moussa Sissoko (6.3) Jack Colback (5.8) Georginio Wijnaldum (7.0)
After a bitterly disappointing campaign, it will take a lot of convincing for Fantasy managers to smile upon Magpies options but, assuming Steve McClaren can make an impact, they actually have quite a few value picks on show. Moussa Sissoko and Jack Colback offer bonus point potential, whereas Siem de Jong and new boy Georginio Wijnaldum look good value for goals if nailed on and injury-free. Aarons is the real budget option and a very exciting player to watch, if the wide man can nail down a first team spot and keep clear of injury, he could emerge as one of the best cut-price alternatives in the game – the youngster has already scored twice over the summer and is staking a real claim for inclusion in McClaren’s starting XI.
Norwich
Preferred options: Nathan Redmond (5.5) Wesley Hoolahan (5.5)
Not too many options from the Canaries camp stand out, with Bradley Johnson perhaps unlucky to miss our recommendation, having been priced at 6.1 million: that seems a stretch too far for a player who may struggle to make the step up once again. Both Nathan Redmond and Wes Hoolahan are cheaper and also have Premier League experience; they’re likely to be relied upon to make things happen in the final third for Alex Neil’s side. Hoolahan has a monopoly on set-pieces when on the field but his advancing years may make him a candidate for rotation, whereas Redmond looks a safer bet for minutes and offers significant threat down the flanks. Fantasy managers will have concerns over his lack of goals whilst in the Championship however; he only managed to find the net on four occasions before his two strikes in the play-offs.
Southampton
Preferred options: Dusan Tadic (6.5) Sadio Mane (7.6)
Southampton have the potential to offer a number of decent options from midfield and again have an opening schedule to justify inclusion in our squads. We’ll play safe here, though, with the two names above – Dusan Tadic continues to produce great underlying stats and if he can earn more pitch time in his second season, looks good value after dropping by 0.2m. Great Expectations – Sadio Mane was the fourth best value player in the game in 2014/15, delivering 25.9 points per million after his kind initial pricing of 5.8 in his debut campaign. The Senegal international has been afforded a significant rise to 7.6 but he still looks a great pick after 11 goals, four assists and six MoTM awards in just 24 starts and six sub appearances – playing off the lone striker on occasion means he could again be a significant factor for the Saints.
Stoke
Preferred options: Charlie Adam (6.0) Marko Arnautovic (5.5) Marco van Ginkel (5.3)
The Stoke lineup is another with quite a few uncertainties, with a few ins and outs, plus Bojan’s return from injury casting doubt on Mark Hughes’ strongest set-up. Charlie Adam has always been a favourite in the Sky Sports game, as evidenced by his three MoTM awards in just 15 starts, but therein lies the problem; his pitch time is always in question. If he’s nailed on, the Scot is likely the best option from the Potters – a share of set–pieces and the occasional tackling bonus makes him a good all-rounder. Marco van Ginkel looks like a straight replacement for Steven N’Zonzi and if he can replicate the Frenchman’s penchant for bonus points (16) and add a few goals in the process, could offer great value at just 5.3. Arnautovic is another who, at just 5.5, will be on quite a few radars. If the Austrian can improve his consistency and goal threat, then a real bargain could be on offer.
Sunderland
Preferred options: Sebastian Larsson (5.2) Jeremain Lens (5.9) Emanuele Giaccherini (5.1)
There are not too many options form the Black Cats to shout about, which is unsurprising given they only managed 31 goals last season. Old faithful Seb Larsson is perhaps the safest candidate and offers dead-ball deliveries to add to his appeal, although with only 97 points it’s perhaps not the most inspiring choice. New signing Jeremain Lens has been classed as a midfielder and is expected to nail down one of the front three positions, so offers an interesting route given his decent record in Holland and Ukraine. Emmanule Giaccherini may be offered a better platform to perform this term after a brace in early pre-season – the Italian was limited to just eight starts in the previous campaign but if he can stake a claim for a regular role he could emerge as a genuine option – one to keep an eye on.
Swansea
Preferred options: Gylfi Sigurdsson (7.1) Jonjo Shelvey (6.3) Andre Ayew (6.5) Ki Sung-Yeung (6.2)
Gylfi Sigurdsson was fantastic for the Swans last season with 142 points to his name. Resultantly handed a significant bump in price by 0.7m to 7.1m – in the same company as Nemanja Matic and Nacer Chadli – I would say the playmaker is still likely to offer great value for this price, having returned seven goals and ten assists in 2014/15. New signing Andre Ayew certainly looks capable of goals and may even find himself fielded up front on occasion should Garry Monk opt for the two-man frontline he rolled out in the latter stages of the previous campaign. Jonjo Shelvey and Ki Sung-yeung offer bonus points and goal threat from the centre of the park and are also worthy of our attentions after respectable campaigns – particularly Ki, who bagged eight goals and 123 points.
Tottenham
Preferred options: Christian Eriksen (7.7) Nacer Chadli (7.1) Ryan Mason (5.4) Nabil Bentaleb (5.2)
Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb are hardly inspiring choices but nevertheless have the potential to offer value due to their bonus point accumulation – both produced 20+ bonus points despite starting less than 30 matches. If they continue their development and add a few more goals/assists, then they could proved ideal budget filler options. Christian Eriksen and Nacer Chadli are the chief goal-getters in midfield after both reaching double-digits last season. The Dane is priced 0.6 higher but comes with set-pieces and a higher chance of bonus points, and also looks more secure in terms of pitch time.
Watford
Preferred options: Almen Abdi (3.5) Etienne Capoue (5.0), Jose Manuel Jurado (4.3)
Almen Abdi’s price of 3.5 million could be too good to ignore if he can nail down a starting role under new boss Quique Sanchez Flores. The Swiss international – who scored nine times in 28 appearances last term – is somewhat injury-prone and has recently admitted he’s uncertain where he’ll fit into the Hornets new 4-2-3-1 system, so looks one to monitor for now. Newly-signed ex-Spurs man Etienne Capoue looks likely to nail down a first team spot in the double-pivot and will need to get stuck in to give them a chance of survival, meaning tackling bonus and MoTM awards look likely if he can stamp his authority. Fellow summer signing Jose Manuel Jurado could be the pick of the bunch, though. At just 4.3, he’s played under Flores before and grabbed an assist for the winner against Dundee United on his debut yesterday.
West Brom
Preferred options: Craig Gardner (5.2), Chris Brunt (5.6)
Craig Gardner sets you back just 5.2, although he returned 103 points in 2014/15, despite starting only 30 matches. The former Villa man is expected to continue on the right of Tony Pulis’ midfield and bagged three goals, four assists, 16 bonus points and a MoTM award for the Baggies last term. Chris Brunt is a little pricier (5.6) but has set-piece duties to boost his appeal – the downside, of course, is that the Northern Ireland international could be fielded more often than not as a left-back by the Baggies boss, making him a reverse out of position prospect.
West Ham
Preferred options: Dimitri Payet (6.2) Cheikhou Kouyate (5.5) Pedro Obiang (5.1)
Two more options are thrown up by the Hammers in the budget bonus point earner category. Cheikhou Kouyate and Pedro Obiang look primed to receive tackling and possibly passing on a regular basis if they are fielded as a central midfield pairing. Kouyate picked up four goals, three assists, 12 bonus points and two MoTM’s to fire his way to 107 points despite covering at centre-back on occasion. There’s no doubt, though, that Dimitri Payet looks the pick on the bunch and comes it a very friendly 6.2 million. The Frenchman created the most chances in Europe’s top five leagues for Marseille last season and with the lion’s share of dead-ball duties, certainly looks worth a gamble given West Ham’s kind initial fixtures.
SKY SPORTS FANTASY FOOTBALL SCOUT LEAGUES
We’ve already set up the official Scout League with a top prize of £1000 on offer to the winner once again. If you’ve tinkered with your Sky team and are looking to get involved, our league name is FFScout and the code is 8009000.
Finally, we’ve set up a community article to exclusively deal with Sky Sports Fantasy teams. Those looking to get involved with the discussion should click this link.
