It’s been a few years since my weekly ‘Best Punts’ articles on the site (what fond memories I have of those), but as I once again find more time to invest in fantasy football once again, I am in the struggle of trying not to fill my line-up with risky punts.
An early differential can make a huge difference to an FPL season, but finding them before the Premier League season begins can always prove difficult. Here’s a handful of names that may be worth a watch.
Jack O’Connell (Sheffield Utd)
Position: Defender
Price: 4.5
Ownership: 0.6%
For those didn’t follow Sheffield United’s climb to second in the Championship last season, you mightn’t be aware of the side’s “overlapping centre-back” tactic. For large parts of the campaign, the Blades utilised a 3-5-2 or a 3-4-3 formation to push forward, the wide-men in midfield working as wing-backs. However, contrary to normal wing-backs, these players (often Enda Stevens and Chris Basham) would cut inside rather than looking for width when attacking. That width would come from two of the three centre-backs, John Egan left alone at the back, who would run the overlap.
One of those players running the overlap is Jack O’Connell. A centre-back known not only for his defensive prowess, but his crossing ability which led to four assists last time out. That, alongside three goals picked up (two with his head and one with his left-foot), make for pretty impressive attacking returns for a centre-back.
Clearly, whether Sheffield United are daring enough to employ the same risky attacking moves at a higher level remains to be seen, and an opening seven fixtures which include trips to Chelsea, Everton and Liverpool is enough to leave O’Connell’s name on the back burner. The arrival of Phil Jagielka could also throw a spanner in the works if Chris Wilder plumps for experience. Nonetheless, watching United’s moves in the opening weeks could be a good pointer for when fixtures turn peachy in December.
Harvey Barnes (Leicester City)
Position: Midfield
Price: 6.0
Ownership: 0.3%
A mere one goal and two assists in 16 Premier League appearances for Harvey Barnes last season is easily deceiving when it comes to the youngster’s potential this time out. Only three of those appearances were for a full 90 minutes and he still managed to fire plenty shots off (as the scouts highlighted on Thursday) and is very highly thought of amongst Leicester fans.
Priced at 6.0, FPL have put Barnes on a pedestal with the likes of Ross Barkley, Andros Townsend and Eric Lamela for a reason. Classified as a midfielder, the Leicester man could well have fallen into the attacker bracket with his attacking mind. The 21-year-old was one of the stand-outs in the Foxes’ pre-season draw with Rotherham United and City fans want to see him play. If he can outmuscle Marc Albrighton, which is very possible, Barnes could be a great way into a Leicester side who look set for a solid season.
Glenn Murray (Brighton)
Position: Forward
Price: 6.0
Ownership: 3.9%
An age of 35-years-old seems to be enough to sway a lot of people away from Glen Murray ahead of the 2019/20 season. Although, that may not be so wise. Netting 13 goals last time out, one more than in 2017/18, Murray has continued to find the net in pre-season with two goals to his name in a few short run-outs. The arrival of £15 million creative force Leandro Trossard only serves to help too – he picked up three assists against Birmingham City last week.
As Brighton prepare to welcome West Ham, Southampton and Burnley to the Amex in the opening five game weeks, who have mustered a mere three clean sheets between them during pre-season fixtures, Murray could be a canny pick. For sure, Brighton must learn not to rely on the veteran to avoid the drop, but every year people question the talisman’s age. And every year he delivers.
Tammy Abraham (Chelsea)
Position: Forward
Price: 7.0
Ownership: 2.2%
Frank Lampard has given Tammy Abraham the number nine shirt for a reason and it emerged today that Jose Mourinho has further encouraged the new Chelsea boss to give the youngster a chance saying, “he’s ready”. Indeed, 26 Championship goals in an electric season at Aston Villa points that way.
Pre-season time has been afforded him, more than any other Chelsea striker in fact, with two goals and an assist to his name. It looks almost certain that Abraham will get the nod to start come the start of the season, the question mark is just over whether he can find the net at Premier League level. The rejuvenated Ross Barkley’s playmaker role will help and fellow youngster Mason Mount could see another on-pitch relationship blossom.
A tricky trip to Manchester United and first home match against Leicester City is a bit of a baptism of fire, but when Abraham heads to Norwich in Gameweek 3 before welcoming Sheffield United to Stamford Bridge in 4, he could be a clever investment.
Jeffrey Schlupp (Crystal Palace)
Position: Midfield
Price: 5.5
Ownership: 0.2%
Always a popular out of position punt when classified as a defender, there’s still reason to be tempted by Crystal Palace’s Jeffrey Schlupp. As Wilfried Zaha looks ever more likely to be making his way to Goodison Park, Roy Hodgson has been pushing Schlupp up top with Christian Benteke. The Belgian has spoken positively of the new striking relationship, picking up on Schlupp’s desire to run in behind. And, despite Benteke’s poor form in front of goal, he won more battles in the air per challenge than the likes of Harry Kane, Callum Wilson and Romelu Lukaku – the former Liverpool man’s aerial prowess could lean in Schlupp’s favour.
Whether or not Schlupp is still an out of position option does depend on Zaha’s future. If the winger stays, Schlupp isn’t a tempting option. If he goes, the potential of a 5.5 midfield-classified striker is there.
Danny Ings (Southampton)
Position: Forward
Price: 6.0
Ownership: 2.4%
Welcoming Danny Ings on a full-time deal following a £20 million agreement with Liverpool, the Englishman’s seven goals and three assists last season was enough to cement his role at St. Mary’s stadium. And with a pre-season brace against Preston late last month, Ings is ready for another comeback season.
He’ll have to compete with Shane Long and Che Adams for a starting spot, although it looks likely for Ings to partner the latter up top. At the same price, Adams is attracting attention as a differential following his 38 goals for Birmingham City last season, but Ings’ Premier League know-how adds to his appeal. Alongside Adams, the two would make a pacey front pair capable of carrying the ball forward. Both could be good picks, but Ings is already proven at the top level.
Rolando Aarons (Newcastle City)
Position: N/A
Price: N/A
Ownership: N/A
One of the Premier League’s most promising starlets over the past few years, Rolando Aarons has never managed anything more than momentary flashes of genius. Steve Bruce is already a fan, signing him on loan whilst at Sheffield Wednesday last season, where he grabbed a goal and assist.
Those returns aren’t by any means staggering, but Aarons has already picked up an assist in pre-season and spoken of his eagerness to work under Bruce again. There’s not a lot of attracting options in a Newcastle United side toying with relegation, but Aarons has a spark that Steve Bruce seems to believe in. So much of a differential that FPL haven’t even got him on the game yet, if the going gets tough for the Magpies, this 23-year-old could provide a moment of flair to change fortunes. One to monitor.
Pablo Fornals (West Ham)
Position: Midfield
Price: 6.5
Ownership: 1.4%
Always hard to gauge new arrivals, Pablo Fornals’ goal and assist against Hertha Berlin on Wednesday shows a clever playmaker whirring into form. He starred for Spain during the Under-21 European Championship, despite being 23-years-old, netting two goals and assisting once.
His five goals and six assists at Villarreal last season don’t do his reputation as a creator justice, as fans have already seen during pre-season. The Spaniard looks set to be given the freedom to roam behind fellow new arrival Sébastien Haller, as Felipe Anderson and Micahel Antonio/Manual Lanzini take the flanks, and it’s a role he could well thrive in. Once a tricky opening fixture against Manchester City is out the way, he’ll travel to Brighton, Watford and Aston Villa in between taking on Norwich at home in four kind fixtures that could well see the attacking-midfielder continue his pre-season form.
4 years, 8 months agoAnother excellent article, thank you ThePuntMaster.
Somehow - I'm not quite sure how - Danny Ings has ended up in my squad. Can't help but feel another injury is inevitable, but feel he's as good a punt as any in that price bracket. Fornals is an excellent shout too - Currently on Lanzini but Fornals looked instrumental to West Ham's performance yesterday, they really dipped when he went off.