Allsvenskan Fantasy

Fantasy Allsvenskan Midfielders

Having covered goalkeepers and defenders, it’s time to look at midfielders ahead of the Allsvenskan season which starts this weekend. Bear in mind that the game weeks come closely, with GW deadlines Sunday – Wednesday – Sunday, meaning we will have a busy schedule and are likely to see some rotation, especially as 5 subs will be allowed. Look out for injury doubts as a week out can result in 3 GWs missed!

Most of the familiar names are still in the league, with only Gudmundur Thorarinson (Norrköping) and Filip Rogic (Örebro) having departed from the 20 highest scoring midfielders last season. We’ll look at four different price brackets in this article: Premiums (9.0+), Upper mid-price (7.5-8.5), Lower mid-price (6.0-7.0) and Budget (4.5-5.5), starting with the Premiums.

Premiums (9.0+)

The most expensive midfielder is Muamer Tankovic (11.0), having had the most points in the game last season with 181. Tankovic had the most goal involvements of all with 14 goals and 9 assists, the most shots in the league and was justifiably many fantasy managers’ captain most weeks. HOWEVER, Tankovic dropped form at the end of the season and his contract expires at the end of the month, whereby it is still uncertain whether he will remain at Hammarby. Perhaps because of that – or simply because his points per 90 minutes was better than Tankovic’s – Alexander Kacaniklic (10.0) is the by far most selected player in the game (45,6%). His 6.93 points per 90 minutes was beaten only by Aslak Witry’s 6.96 last season. With 15 goals and 11 assists in his last 19 competitive games, it will be a dangerous gamble going without the Hammarby winger. Many will double up, or even triple up on Hammarby midfielders which was a viable tactic last year but somewhat more difficult this campaign as Darijan Bojanic (9.5) has seen a 2.5 million price increase after his 148 points last season – stemming from the 3rd most bonus points collected together with 4 goals and 11 assists.

Malmö premium options are, naturally, widely popular with Sören Rieks (9.0), Anders Christiansen (10.0) and Arnor Traustason (9.0) finding their way in as the 4th, 6th and 8th highest scoring midfielders last year. The Malmö players will face fierce competition tough, as Director of Sports Daniel Andersson has made sure to have an even larger squad this year. With the fixtures coming fast, Christiansen should be the most appealing option having had the best points per game last year, and having been appointed the new club captain after Markus Rosenberg, to further highlight that he is probably the first name Jon Dahl Tomason will put on the team sheet.

On-loan West Ham player Sead Haksabanovic (10.0) followed the form of Norrköping and picked up pace in the latter part of last season, which saw him earn the third best points per game ratio of all midfielders (6.63). Despite that, Haksabanovic is owned by less than 10% of the submitted teams as of today, as his loan spell is currently only agreed until the end of June. In that period, Norrköping face both AIK and Djurgården in the first three games.

Speaking of AIK, Seb Larsson (9.0) and Nabil Bahoui (9.0) round off the premium segment of players costing 9.0 or more. Bahoui is a real threat for the opponents on his day, but struggles with a knee injury and should be out for the start of the season. Seb Larsson is looking a more appealing option – his set-piece duties led to 6 goals and 8 assists last season.

Upper mid-price (7.5 – 8.5)

As you will notice later, the budget options are fairly scarce, but we are presented with a large number of options in the mid-price bracket.

Jonathan Ring’s (8.5) 150 points was the second highest by all midfielders and has led to a 1.0m price increase. His 12 clear cut chances was the most by any player together with Kharaisvili, and the end-product of 7 goals and 7 assists played an important part in Djurgården winning their first championship since 2005. As the champions have lost only Buya Turay from their attacking options, we should expect similar returns from Ring this year. Team-mate Fredrik Ulvestad (7.5) came in as the 5th highest scoring midfielder after 5 goals, 3 assists and 33 bonus points. Still fairly cheap, that is a 1.5m price increase and places him on the same level as Astrit Ajdarevic (7.5) who despite normally featuring as a sub registered the 11th most shots in the league last year (of which none found the net). Ajdarevic has been praised by the Djurgården managers ahead of the season and could possibly be an interesting, slightly more attacking Djurgården midfield option if he nails down a regular spot.

Daleho Irandust (8.5) and Hossam Aiesh (8.5) are two interesting players from Gothenburg rivals Häcken and IFK Göteborg. Irandust registered 5.14 points per game last season and after his summer move from Östersund, Aiesh started to find some form that reminded us of the 2018 season in which he registered 14 assists.

A very popular choice is Adel Nalic (7.5), who has returned to Malmö after a successful loan spell at AFC Eskilstuna. Nalic had some struggles with injuries but still managed 5 goals and 3 assists for the relegated side, in only 1672 minutes. Nalic has been featuring heavily in the Malmö pre-season and the Europa League Round of 16 games against Wolfsburg, meaning he should have a fair chance of game time together with far better colleagues than the AFC side that finished bottom of the league.

Those wanting to buy into the Hammarby side that scored 75 goals in 30 games, but struggle for funds, might look at Vladim Rodic (7.5) and Jesper Andersen (7.0) – although new signing Abbe Khalili (7.5) and Junior (7.0) could take game time off the two.

Jonathan Levi (7.5) is a new IFK Norrköping signing from Norwegian powerhouse Rosenborg, although having spent last year on loan at Elfsborg registering 5 goals and 4 assists in 21 games. Looking like a perfect fit for the Norrköping way of playing, the fans will hope for him to replace Simon Skrabb and Kalle Holmberg’s shoes. Alexander Fransson (7.5) might be a more solid route for returns, but Levi probably has the higher ceiling from the Norrköping options.

Lower mid-price (6.0 – 7.0)

Fan-favourite Ebenezer Ofori (7.0) has returned to AIK from New York City FC, although his previous spell in “Gnaget” only resulted in 4 goals in 81 games. His style of play could, however, be very well suited for the bonus point system, as the playmaker has a strong defensive part of his game. A shift to 3-4-3 for AIK has seen Ylätupa (6.5) and Jasir Asani (6.5) featuring regularly as the two wingers in the front 3, scoring 2 respective 3 goals in pre-season. It remains to be seen who plays when the season starts, but whoever nails down the spot could be a worthwhile shout as an attacking out of position mid-price option in a predicted top team.

Another team providing plenty of options is Örebro SK, where Gerzic (6.5), Besara (8.5) and Jake Larsson (7.0) are all interesting options. Gerzic’s 36 bonus points was 4th best in the league last season, in addition to 7 assists. Larsson scored 8 goals and Besara scored 19 in 73 goals for Örebro before leaving for Saudi Arabia and Cyprus.

Max Svensson (7.0) had the 10th most shots on goal last season with 23 from a total of 46 shots. 7 of those found the net, in addition to 3 assists meaning 10 goal involvements in his debut season for Helsingborg.

Batanero (7.0) and Romario (7.0) will provide you solid returns but little explosiveness, whereas Alexander Farnerud (7.0) and Simon Kroon (7.0) provide options for the gamblers. Farnerud is believed to provide support for the Göteborg strikers, meaning he probably isn’t nailed, but has a delicate left foot and can be brilliant on his day. Kroon has scored 3 in pre-season and could provide an interesting option should he keep that form going into the season.

Svante Ingelsson (6.5) is on loan from Udinese to Kalmar and provides an interesting option as he looks to find form again, although he isn’t known for scoring or assisting heavily yet in his career. Sam Lundholm (6.5) broke the 100 point barrier last season but is struggling with a foot injury that might keep him out of action for Sirius at the weekend.

In the lower price range of this bracket, Djurgården captain Jesper Karlström (6.0) scored the most out of all players priced 6.0 or cheaper with 108 points and team-mate Edward Chilufya (6.0) could be an interesting option should he nail down a regular spot. He has shown very encouraging signs when he plays but remains a rotation risk.

Budget (4.5 – 5.5)

To be fair, budget options are fairly limited this year but there are some options who could turn out well.

Many believe in a bright future for Göteborg’s August Erlingmark (5.0) but Yusuf (5.5) might be worth the extra 0.5 as he provided 2 goals and 2 assists in comparison to Erlingmarks lack of goal involvement. Yusuf is the most selected player in this price bracket, featuring in 17% of the squads.

Elfsborg midfielders Simon Olsson (5.5) and Samuel Holmén (5.0) are somewhat regular sources of points with Olsson having registered 2 goals and 6 assists and Holmén 2 goals and 3 assists.

Armin Gigovic (5.0) is rumoured to be on the radar for both Manchester City and Arsenal. Far from that ability today, the 18 year old could very well take Allsvenskan by surprise this year should he remain at Helsingborg.

Isak Jansson (4.5) is the 4.5 option of choice for the Fantasy Allsvenskan managers, selected by 12.6% of the managers after his 2 goals against Jönköping Södra in the Swedish cup and against Örebro in a friendly after that. The 18 year old Jansson seems to have made his spot his to lose having featured from start in all three cup games, and provides us with at least one interesting budget option to start with.

Have you identified any other hidden gems? Which options are you looking at? Comment below, and make sure to join the FFS league using the code v5ajyz!

Hansel


Allsvenskan Fantasy 2020

Preseason Advice by Position

Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards

Hansel So hot right now! 7 top 10k finishes - 6 of which within top 5k - 6 consecutive - 1 starting gw2 Follow them on Twitter

26 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Rotation's Alter Ego
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Cheers Hansel!

    Meltens has already submitted the final part of this preview which I'll look to get up tomorrow. Not long until the restart now!

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks - looking forward to it! Looking at the midfield options, I myself got in Max Svensson and Isak Jansson instead of Nalic and Yusuf, meaning plenty of additional cash to spend up top 🙂

      1. Meltens
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Very good article Hansel, plenty to ponder! 🙂

        I’m looking at Bojanic/Kaca/Rieks coupled with a mid price and Isak Jansson as a solid 4.5m option, for the time being.

  2. Mullered in Maenam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Brilliant thanks Hansel, lots to think about.

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks! Plenty of options but Kaca and Christiansen are at least nailed for me

      1. Mullered in Maenam
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I can't fit Christiansen and Kaca in to begin with Hansel or rather I'm choosing not to include one them to begin with as I'm going with a big 5 at the back to start. I can see me having both down the line though. Christiansen looks like better captain material for GWs 1 and 3 over Kaca so may well go with him.

  3. Bocaginge
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Hi guys, this is my debut season in Allsvenskan, would appreciate a little feedback if possible:

    Johansson
    Kack / Ahmedhozic / Lundstrom
    Kacaniklic / Rieks / Levi / Ulvestad / Larsson
    Kharaishvili / Holmberg

    Nilson / Bjornstrom / Bjorkman / Moro

    0.5 ITB

    1. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Not sure Kharaisvili will be fit? Also some rumours about Käck being 50/50 with Augustinsson for the LB slot at Djurgården

    2. Meltens
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Kharaishvili very unlikely to be fit I think, if he is he won’t play all three in a short space of time. Otherwise solid though I’d consider Aron Jóhannsson in Holmberg’s spot! 🙂

  4. poohdini
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thanks Hansel! I'm excited about Allsvenskan coming back after a long break.

    Kacaniklic is also the first name on my team sheet, followed by Witry and AC. I want to get players as nailed as possible to stay safe from the rotation threat, so I'll try to build my team with that in mind. That being said, I had Svensson for long stretches last season and looking to get him again because his stats looked like he was essential to his team. He's only 21 years old so you can expect him to improve after last season even more. Nalic was great as long as he stayed healthy last year, so he is also an option for my team.

    Not sure if I will go 4-5-1 or 5-4-1 but I want to have fewer forwards due to congested schedule. Of course, the next article might change my mind about this way of thinking.

  5. Sune
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thanks for this! This is me at the moment:

    Brattberg
    Witry, Gerson, Ahmedhodzic
    Irandust, Christiansen(vc), Kacaniklic(c), Svensson, Ring
    Kizito, Söder

    Noring, Björnström, Abraham, J V Persson

    Thoughts?

    1. Meltens
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Falkenberg tend to concede quite a bit so not sure I’d want to invest there, Kizito is also a bit of a gamble but I’m sure you’re aware of that. Very nice midfield though, love it! Söder is a fitness doubt for GW1 so I’d be slightly wary there, especially with games coming so swiftly GW1-3. A very good option down the road though no doubt!

      1. Sune
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I’m aware of Falkenberg’s defence but I’d like to go cheap on goalkeepers and I quite like their opening fixtures.

        Yeah Kizito is a gamble, I know. Haven’t really decided between him and Suljmani but again, I like their fixtures.

        Söder with a full practice today so I think he should be ok.

        Many thanks for your input!

      2. Sune
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        And good point with the tight schedule!

    2. Bob Sacamano
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Very nice!

      Just realized that my midfield would look just like that if I went for the Irandust/Svensson option ahead of the Tankovic/Jansson one! Otherwise I can only agree with Meltens about Falkenberg and Söder, especially with the tight schedule. I'm also no fan of the midpriced strikers like Kizito, but the fixtures do look good. Perhaps you could do Kizito to Moro and upgrade Björnström to Da Graca?

  6. Bob Sacamano
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thanks for another great article Hansel!

    I thought I was done tinkering with my team, but couldn't help myself from trying a few more twists. Defence and strikers looks all set, but ended up with a midfield dilemma.

    Max Svensson + Irandust
    or
    Tankovic + Isak Jansson

    Would love a Hammarby doubble-up, and Tankovic is the best option after Kacaniklic. He is a doubt however, as his contract is about to expire. Jansson is unproven but likely to start, and with a decent schedule he could be a steal at 4.5

    Irandust and Svensson both have decent schedules, and would give me a greater squad depth, but would force me to abbandon my Hammarby doubble-up.

    1. Sune
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I prefer Svensson + Irandust for now and keeping an eye on Johannsson for a potential Hammarby double up later on.

      1. Bob Sacamano
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks!

        I realize that's the more sensible option, but I'm just so tempted by the Hammarby midfield doubble-up. Will have to keep thinking about that one until the deadline.

  7. GertJan
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Thanks Hansel! You and Meltens always produce detailed and insightful stuff. 🙂

    My latest draft looks as follows:

    Abrahamsson - Nilsson
    Eric Larsson - Kack - Wernerson - Ahmedhodzic - JVP
    AC - Kacaniklic - Ring - Svensson - Jansson
    Soder - Froling - Moro

    Question for the Allsvenskan experts.... what are the chances of Voelkerling Persson really starting games for Helsingborg?

    Gonna keep a close eye on Soder as his fitness issues could scupper my plan, although I can swap him for Kujovic or Hammarby attacker before the deadline in case the Goteborg man is not deemed fit enough. I'm fairly set on wanting double Hammarby attack, but who's their first-choice striker - Johansson or Paulinho?

    Krogh Gerson has been in my team from day one, but yeah, those tricky GW2 and GW3 fixtures whilst operating in perhaps a flat back four makes him less appealing and therefore going without him for now.

    Where does Toivonen fit into this Malmo team and what do y'all think of his 11m (!) price tag?

    1. Bob Sacamano
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Looks really nice! Well balanced team with many options to go for. Personally, I'm no fan of Fröling though. He plays pretty wide and mostly scored from spot kicks last season. I'd concider downgrading him to a 6.0 or cheaper striker, and upgrade Söder to someone like Kujovic, Kiese Thelin or Paulinho. Even if Söder is fit for the start, it's unliklely he'll be able to play 3 games in 8 days.

      I wouldn't concider myself an expert, but I expect JVP to start for Helsingborg. They have very few options in CD, and even fewer at CM due to an injury crisis, so there are speculations that he could fill in there as well. Coach Mellberg hinted that he could be forced to use players in other positions, and I think JVP could be one of them.

      I also agree on your reasoning on Gerson. The schedule is tough and he could very well be affected by the tactical change to a flat back four. If Nyman is fit he'll proably be on pens, and as long as Haksabanovic is still there, he might be in charge of the other set-pieces.

      1. GertJan
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks! Listening to Joe over the years has taught me the important of price points when playing fantasy football. Premiums, mid-priced picks, budget gems - I've tried covering it all in this draft. 😉

        The sight of Froling in my team does annoy me a bit. Not consistent, not explosive, just mainly in it because he's relatively cheap, haha. Think in a few days I'll end up doing what you're suggesting. Someone like Kujovic looks likely to get more minutes over the first 3 gameweeks as opposed to Soder.

        I do like Goteborg's fixtures though. Would anyone double up on their defence instead?

        1. Bob Sacamano
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Our teams are pretty similar, but I've gone for a striker fodder instead of Fröling, allowing me to spend more in midfield (Irandust instead of Jansson). At least that's one option for me, currently still on Tankovic + Jansson.

          The Göteborg fixtures are great, and I'm currently on a doubble-up of Anestis and Da Graca. I am however concidering a switch to Vaiho + Wernersson over Anestis + Käck, if there are any doubts regarding Käcks position in the first eleven.

        2. Sune
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          This is me with a double up Goteborg defence:

          Vaiho
          Da Graca, Widgren, Ahmedhodzic, Calisir
          Irandust, AC, Ring, Kacaniklic, M. Svensson
          Kujovic
          Noring, Kizito, J V Persson, Abraham

          1. Bob Sacamano
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            I can't argue with that team, if I go for Irandust + Svensson we'll have 11/15 the same players, and pretty much the same coverage of teams. Nice!

            1. Sune
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 9 months ago

              Cheers! 🙂

  8. New Community Article
    Rotation's Alter Ego
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    The conclusion of this superb roundup of Allsvenskan options has just gone up, feel free to check it out!

    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/06/10/fantasy-allsvenskan-forwards