Next up thhis evening, we roll out the third article focusing on the Player Price List in this season’s Sky Sports Fantasy Football game. 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, a few of the lower mid-price assets have a history of providing us with great value and very high points per million (ppm).
Make sure you check the rules, taking special note of the extra point on offer for goals scored compared to forwards this season, plus tweaks to the passing and tackling bonus offered.
Shots on target is also another contributing factor towards bonus for this season, although with three accurate efforts needed for + 2 points or five needed for + 3 points, this seems more likely be an occasional added extra for a few shot-happy players, rather than a consistently hit parameter.
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 (11.6), Santi Cazorla (9.2), Aaron Ramsey (9.7), Granit Xhaka (8.9)
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.
Mesut Ozil bossed it last term, churning out six goals and 19 assists along with 30 bonus points to earn 198 points in total, placing him as the second-highest scoring midfielder in the game. Obviously, if the German can come close to these numbers again then he will still be a great pick, despite the sizeable price hike.
Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey both have potential to hit extremely high numbers in the Sky Sports game as they are amongst the best bonus magnets around, given there all-action style. The duo also offer goals and assists, with the former relying more on penalties and the later from late runs into the box.
For both of them, though, it’s the competition to feature in central midfield that will make or break their potential.
New addition Granit Xhaka is the cheapest of these options and if, as expected, he is nailed on, the summer signing could prove better value. Averaging 82.7 passes and 2.4 tackles per appearance in the Bundesliga, the Swiss international could rival Cazorla and Cesc Fabregas at the top of the table in terms of bonus points, though with very limited goal threat and a penchant for picking up yellow cards, he will be extremely reliant on those numbers to return points.
Bournemouth
Preferred options: Max Gradel (8.7), Jordan Ibe (8.1), Andrew Surman (6.7)
A total of 45 goals scored in the Premier League was not too shabby in their first season in the top-flight, as Eddie Howe continues to impose his attacking style on the Cherries.
Max Gradel certainly has the potential if he can come close to the 17 goals scored in 31 outings for Saint-Etienne in 2014/15. His previous campaign was cut short by injury, restricting the Ivorian to a mere eight appearances.
Jordan Ibe is the new kid on the block and is likely to feature at right wing, given Matt Ritchie’s exit from the club. A peripheral figure at former club Liverpool, there is cause for optimism that Ibe could now emerge as a viable option with the promise of first team football – he’s already netted a couple of goals in pre-season.
Andrew Surman is one for the Fantasy manager on a budget to look at; he had the third highest amount of successful passes in the league last season and should therefore regularly score four points from bonus.
Burnley
Preferred options: George Boyd (7.1), Scott Arfield (7.0), Johann Berg Gudmundsson (6.4), David Jones (6.6).
Scott Arfield was Burnley’s standout option midfielder in their Championship winning season, producing eight goals and six assists.
Arguably, he looks a more secure pick than George Boyd and also offers an option in the centre of the park. Boyd – who bagged five goals and as many assists last term – was benched in Burnley’s final friendly, allowing Johann Berg Gudmundsson a start on the right.
Arfield and Boyd sat second and third for successful tackles amongst the Clarets’ contingent last term – an indication of the work-rate Sean Dyche expects from his wide men.
If Gudmundsson can nail down a starting role, though his favourable price tag could be a bargain, given he still managed six goals and 11 assists for a Charlton outfit that was relegated from the Championship in 2015/16.
Chelsea
Preferred options: Eden Hazard (11.2), Cesc Fabregas (10.8), Willian (9.3), N’Golo Kante (8.8), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (8.5)
With so much in the air at the moment regarding Chelsea’s likely XI under new manager Antonio Conte, it’s difficult to pick out their best options.
A number of assets such as Oscar (9.1), Juan Cuadrado (8.6) and Nemanja Matic (8.6) could yet stake a claim as viable choices but with the information on offer at present, it looks as though there are three main protagonists.
Eden Hazard will hope to regain the form of seasons past under the new manager and potentially in a more central role. Aside from last season, the Belgian had been one of the game’s top three performers since his arrival and has been a magnet for MoTM awards during his time, making him a great captain choice.
Cesc Fabregas and N’Golo Kante appear to be a match made in heaven for Chelsea if given the central midfield berths, with the Spaniard topping passing bonus and the Frenchman topping tackling last season. Kante should be further rewarded in the new system and may even start to pick up passing points in a more possession-based team. Fabregas also got his hands dirty with 18 points from completed challenges, meaning his 72 points in total from bonus earned him the equivalent of 14.4 goals under the old system.
Both these bonus magnets could rival Hazard for value, then, if given the opportunity.
Crystal Palace
Preferred options: Yannick Bolasie (8.7), Yohan Cabaye (8.6), Andros Townsend (8.3)
A total of 144 points in 2014/15, followed by 96 points last term, highlights the inconsistency in Yannick Bolasie’s performances in the last two campaigns. The DR Congo international relies heavily on MoTM awards (seven earned in 2014/15) and is capable of explosive performances, so is definitely an option if you’re willing to gamble.
Yohan Cabaye somewhat disappointed last season, scoring five goals, making one assist and picking up tackling bonus nine times, though he still outscored Bolasie with 106 points. If the Frenchman can rediscover his form, pick up a few more penalties and keep up his decent tackling, then he should be further rewarded this season under the new rules.
New signing Andros Townsend looks the most enticing option of the bunch, however, and will likely be in the frame for Palace’s top goal scorer given their lack of striking options at present. Four strikes and two assists in 13 matches for a struggling Newcastle show his potential and the winger’s direct style will likely make him a MoTM target. Townsend should offer good value at a fairly low price and perhaps the odd shots on target bonus.
Everton
Preferred options: Ross Barkley (9.2), Kevin Mirallas (8.7), Gerard Deulofeu (8.1), Idrissa Gueye (7.5)
Last year’s poor season means that a number of Everton players have been priced kindly and, as a result, they offer great potential if new manager Ronald Koeman can get it right.
Ross Barkley is the costliest option but perhaps likely to be the most secure starter from the Toffees’ attacking midfield candidates, he will be hoping to improve on last season’s 157 points, which earned him joint 17th spot overall.
Much depends of Koeman’s formation and further arrivals, though Kevin Mirallas and Gerard Deulofeu, in particular, have staked a claim for a regular role over the summer. Deulofeu has even featured as a ‘false nine’ in pre-season and if Romelu Lukaku gets his mooted move away, then the Spaniard’s potential looks even greater.
Idrissa Gueye looks one of the best bonus options out there after his arrival from Aston Villa – 108 successful tackles was second to only N’Golo Kante in 2015/16 and he should benefit from the neck rule on challenges. Gueye also picked up ten bonus from passing in a poor Villa side and so one would expect him to improve on that tally at Everton.
Hull
Preferred options: Robert Snodgrass (7.7), Sam Clucas (7.4), Jake Livermore (7.2)
With Mo Diame departing for Newcastle, Robert Snodgrass seems the man most likely for Hull.
The Tigers have been handed a tough opening batch of fixtures, though, and with a new manager yet to be installed, few will be tempted to jump on board just yet.
First-choice for dead-ball duties, the Scot served up four goals and seven assists in 27 appearances after recovering from injury last time around and his creativity looks key to Hull’s survival bid.
Jake Livermore looks a secure option in the centre of the park and his work-rate could be favoured by the Sky Sports rules. He made more successful tackles than any team-mate in 2015/16 and produced four goals and three assists.
Sam Clucas could be one to watch if he can make an impression on the new manager. Although he delivered six goals and eight assists in the previous campaign, the winger started just two of his side’s final eight fixtures and it remains to be seen if he can force his way into the Hull XI over the season.
Leicester
Preferred options: Riyad Mahrez (11.0), Danny Drinkwater (8.9), Nampalys Mendy (8.1)
Riyad Mahrez’ 236-point haul in a stellar 2015/16 campaign comes with a dramatic price increase for the new season. A total of 17 goals, 11 assists and ten MoTM awards helped him to this figure and I’m sure there will be plenty of people willing to back the Algerian once again, given those numbers and the PFA player of the season award.
Danny Drinkwater also earned a hike in price and was a steady pick last season with 147 points – the combative midfielder is another who should benefit from the tackling adjustment but possibly not enough to justify his new outlay.
New signing Nampalys Mendy looks to have been brought in to replace the departed N’Golo Kante and, if he cements a starting role, could prove decent value – an average of 77.6 passes per game in Ligue 1 makes him a candidate for tier 2 passing.
Liverpool
Preferred options: Roberto Firmino (10.8), Philippe Coutinho (10.7), Sadio Mane (10.3), Georginio Wijnaldum (9.8), Emre Can (8.5)
Liverpool boast a wealth of options in the centre of the park as a result of Jurgen Klopp’s summer transfer activity.
The two that seem to standout above the rest are Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. Firmino bagged ten goals and seven assists in 24 starts and seven substitute appearances to establish himself as a genuine premium option. Somewhat surprisingly, the Brazilian also notched up ten points in bonus due his tackling (a rarity for an attacking player) and, if fielded at number ten as expected, he may continue to deliver.
The occasional ‘false nine’ position may also be another string to Firmino’s bow and, given the extra point for goals this season for midfielders, he looks to have quite a few avenues for points.
In regards to Mane, it’s hard not to see him improving on 11 goals and eight assists if fielded in an advanced wing role as expected. Like Firmino, the Senegalese international also offers Klopp the option of a “false nine†and his blistering pace could help the Reds’ unlock defences by getting in behind more often.
Man City
Preferred options: Kevin de Bruyne (11.8), David Silva (11.0), Yaya Toure (10.6), Ilkay Gundogan (8.8), Fernandinho (8.7)
City are another team with a lot of uncertainty surrounding likely formation and personnel under the new manager.
One thing’s for certain, though, passing bonus should be achieved on a regular basis by most of the central players with David Silva, Ilkay Gundogan when fit, Fernandinho and Yaya Toure the most likely candidates.
Nailed on players are, of course, key in all Fantasy games but even more so in Sky Sports due to the lack of a bench. As a result, it’s difficult to recommend new boy Leroy Sane (9.8) or Raheem Sterling (10.0) for the outset, though either could come into consideration if they can establish themselves as regulars.
Unfortunately Nolito (10.3) has been classified as a forward and as a result loses out on the extra point for goals.
Kevin de Bruyne is clearly the stand out option on show, given his direct style and eye for goal. The Belgian scored seven times and made eight assists in 22 starts and three sub appearances in his debut year at the Etihad – he also hit the target with 51% of efforts at goal, making him one of the few candidates likely to benefit from the shots on target bonus.
Man United
Preferred options: Henrikh Mkhitaryan (10.5), Juan Mata (9.7), Morgan Schneiderlin (8.6)
Nailed on midfield options look few and far between amongst Jose Mourinho’s ranks, though their potential signing of Paul Pogba could change all that
Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial should occupy the number ten and left wing roles respectively in Jose Mourinho’s 4-2-3-1 but have been classified as forwards, leaving just the right wing and central midfield berths as options.
Thankfully, Henrikh Mkhitaryan does look very kindly priced given his previous season at Dortmund. The Armenian scored eleven times and registered 15 assist in 31 league appearances – he also managed an attempt every 31.8 minutes so may be in the frame for shots on target bonus. After being benched for the Community Shield, though, there’s a fear he could be eased into contention after back-up option Jesse Lingard netted against Leicester on Sunday.
If Morgan Schneiderlin can claim a spot in central midfield then bonus points should come rolling in – the Frenchman dominated in this area whilst at Southampton and continued to impress last term, with18 bonus points earned in 25 starts.
Middlesbrough
Preferred options: Gaston Ramirez (7.5), Viktor Fischer (7.3), Adam Clayton (6.7), Albert Adomah (6.5)
Although Middlesbrough arrive with the toughest defence in last term’s Championship, Aitor Karanka’s side were far from prolific and scored just 63 times – the eighth most impressive attack.
After bagging seven goals and an assist in 18 outings on loan last term, Gaston Ramirez has earned himself a permanent move to the Riverside and looks likely to be handed the central support role in a 4-2-3-1. The Uruguayan has struggled in the top-flight before, though, with five goals in 2012/13 his highest haul.
Fellow new boy Viktor Fischer produced an effort every 29 minutes for Ajax last term, producing eight goals and three assists. The highly-rated young Dane could be one to catch the eye of the MoTM reporters if he can adjust to life in the top-flight
Albert Adomah managed a reasonable six goals and five assists and is the most budget friendly of the trio but bearing in mind that Karanka has a penchant for chopping and changing in the final third, he looks more susceptible to having his minutes managed, with the likes of Stewart Downing also in the mix.
Southampton
Preferred options: Dusan Tadic (9.3), Steve Davis (8.3), Nathan Redmond (8.2), James Ward-Prowse (8.1) Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (8.0)
Southampton have the potential to offer a number of decent options from midfield, depending on the level of rotation new manager Claude Puel employs, particularly around European fixtures.
Two names jump above the rest, though, with Dusan Tadic currently the safest pick. The Serbian finished last season with two goals and eight assists in his last ten matches and should find himself stationed at the tip of the diamond in Saints new system. Add in penalties and most set pieces and there’s a lot to like about the playmaker.
Nathan Redmond could offer us a cheaper alternative, however; the new signing has been playing up front in pre-season and averaged a chance every 46 minutes in a poor Canaries side last year. The 22-year-old also had 54 shots despite limited minutes and, similar to Andros Townsend, may pick up shots on target bonus if he can become more clinical in front of goal.
Stoke
Preferred options: Marko Arnautovic (9.4), Xherdan Shaqiri (8.9), Giannelli Imbula (8.2), Joe Allen (8.2)
Fresh of the back of a blinding season in which he scored eleven times, laid on six assists and collected six MoTM awards, Marko Arnautovic has seen a large price increase and sits alongside some Fantasy heavyweights such as Gylfi Sigurdsson.
While undoubtedly the talent has always been there, Arnautovic’s consistency was often lacking until this point – retaining penalty duties could be key for the Austrian and, after an initially tough fixture list, we may see further interest come his way.
Xherdan Shaqiri is another with obvious talent. The diminutive winger didn’t exactly set the world alight with three goals and six assists in his debut season but has sleeping giant potential – he’ll be keen to further impress after finding some form whilst on duty for Switzerland in Euro 2016.
Both Giannelli Imbula and new signing Joe Allen should feature in central midfield and may offer bonus potential. Allen struggled in this area for former club Liverpool but may fill the “Steven Nzonzi role†of past seasons, which resulted in regular flirtation with passing bonus. Imbula impressed since joining the Potters with some powerful and direct running at goal and scored twice in his 14 appearances. The winter signing is clearly one to keep an eye on this season.
Sunderland
Preferred options: Wahbi Khazri (8.7), Duncan Watmore (8.1), Yann M’Vila (7.9), Jan Kirchhoff (7.8)
The Black Cats are another team with a new manager and therefore an element of doubt surrounding their potential.
Wahbi Khazri at least offers significant set-piece threat and strong assist potential – the Tunisian created a chance every 41.3 minutes for his team-mates which is better than the likes of Marko Arnautovic (63.2) and Gylfi Sigurdsson (48.8) in the previous campaign.
It remains to be seen whether Duncan Watmore can establish himself as a regular under David Moyes this season. Given that 16 of last term’s 23 appearances arrived off the bench, there’s a chance that the youngster could still be utilised as an impact sub off the bench later in matches.
Yann M’Vila and Jan Kirchhoff look good options for those chasing tackle bonus, M’Vila – who is expected to complete his return to the club over the next dew days – completed 72 tackles, earning 16 bonus points, whilst Kirchhoff collected eight bonus from tackles in his 14 starts.
Swansea
Preferred options: Gylfi Sigurdsson (9.4), Ki Sung-Yeung (7.8)
Gylfi Sigurdsson looks the safest option from the Swans at present, with Andre Ayew now departed for West Ham.
The Icelandic midfielder should continue to feature at number ten and have a monopoly on set-pieces under Francesco Guidolin. He’s a decent candidate for MoTM, with three earned last season, and, as well as scoring 11 times last term, he also registered the fifth highest amount of shots on target amongst midfielders, giving him multiple avenues for points. It’s uncertain whether he’ll start the season, however. Sigurdsson did not get a run-out in pre-season following his Euro 16 exertions.
Tottenham
Preferred options: Dele Alli (10.8), Christian Eriksen (10.7) Erik Lamela (9.3), Mousa Dembele (8.8), Victor Wanyama (8.7), Eric Dier (8.6)
There are plenty of options here, with Mousa Dembele, Victor Wanyama and Eric Dier all offering decent bonus point potential, albeit at a rather high cost relevant to their attacking output. Having said that, the former was fourth overall for tackles so should see a jump in points, particularly if he can keep away from the treatment room.
The three amigos behind Harry Kane excite the most, though. Dele Alli jumps from a laughable valuation of 4.0 million after ten goals, nine assists and seven MoTM awards in 28 starts and should continue to operate in the number ten role and at times get beyond Kane. It remains to be seen what impact new boy Vincent Janssen can make on Mauricio Pochettino’s teamsheets, though – a role up front for the Dutchman could see Harry Kane drop deeper and perhaps force Alli into the double-pivot when all three are on the pitch.
Christian Eriksen grabbed six goals and racked up an impressive 13 assists. Thanks in part to the majority of set-piece duties, he also fired more shots on target than any other midfielder (41) and was perhaps a tad unlucky not to find the net more often in the previous campaign.
Erik Lamela is the cheapest of the attacking trio and had a strong finish to last season, with two goals and four assists in his final six outings. The Argentine was hugely impressive in Tottenham’s final pre-season friendly win over Inter Milan and could emerge as the best value here.
Watford
Preferred options: Etienne Capoue (7.8), Ben Watson (6.7)
There’s not too much on offer in the Watford midfield at present, with uncertainty around starting positions and potential wing-back roles for defenders.
Due to this, we’ve gone for two players who fared well in the bonus stakes with Etienne Capoue’s 67 tackles helping him to 14 bonus points and Ben Watson’s 58 netting him 12 additional points.
Those scouting Watford pre-season won’t be too impressed overall but one thing of note is that Capoue seems to have been given license to bomb forward – he’s netted a couple of goals in the process and, if he can bring that to his game this season, could emerge as a great under the radar option.
West Brom
Preferred options: Matt Phillips (7.6), Jonathan Leko (6.6)
Despite West Brom’s gritty style most of their midfielders (like defenders) failed to shine on the bonus front, which forces us to look to the wings for inspiration.
New signing Matt Phillips picked up three goals and eight assists in 25 appearances when last in the Premiership for QPR and could be a decent acquisition at such a cheap price. Certainly, he looks a secure starter under Tony Pulis going on the summer team sheets and has already notched for his new club over pre-season.
Academy starlet Jonathan Leko is one to watch out for. At present, he’s far from a guaranteed pick but it’s worth noting that the youngster started each of the final three league matches in 2015/16. Pulis has utilised him frequently over pre-season and, if he can nail down a first team spot, that budget price tag would make him a very attractive option.
West Ham
Preferred options: Dimitri Payet (11.0), Andre Ayew (9.4), Manuel Lanzini (8.9), Mark Noble (8.9), Michail Antonio (8.9), Sofiane Feghouli (8.4), Cheikhou Kouyate (7.9), Gokhan Tore (7.6)
West Ham boast a heap of talented options for our consideration.
Both Mark Noble and Cheick Kouyate offer strong bonus potential with an impressive 74 and 72 tackles earned respectively and also carry a reasonable goal threat, netting seven and five times last term. The latter notched twice in West Ham’s Europa League win last Thursday.
New boy Sofiane Feghouli is likely to feature in the right wing spot and has impressed in pre-season, finding the net twice. Michail Antonio scored eight times in 23 starts and three sub appearances, despite featuring at right-back on a number of occasions – if he can convince Slaven Bilic to deploy him further forward then he could be a real option, but unfortunately that doesn’t look likely at present.
Manuel Lanzini, although injured at the moment, showed flashes of brilliance, netted six times and laid on two assists in 23 starts. The Argentine will be looking to improve after a season of Premier League experience.
Andre Ayew’s arrival could be significant although there’s some doubt as to how he will be deployed by Bilic. It seems unlikely that he’ll figure up front, unless Andy Carroll breaks down opening the way for Ayew to lead the line. The Ghana international bagged 12 goals and five MoTM awards in his debut season so is clearly worth monitoring once settled into the Hammers pattern.
The real star of the show, of course, is Dimitri Payet who scored nine times and registered 12 assists. He also caught the match reporters’ eye with six MoTM awards and, given his rise to prominence in Euro 2016, could improve on that tally in his second season in the top-flight.
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.
If you’ve tinkered with your Sky team and are looking to get involved, our league name is FFScout and the code is 8183867.
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.
