As the clock ticks down towards this morning’s deadline, we present the case for a trio of overlooked alternatives once again. A north London summer signing, a familiar face from the midlands and a maverick from the blue half of Manchester come under the microscope this time around.
Christian Eriksen
While Erik Lamela’s price tag hogged the headlines, Tottenham’s new signing from Ajax may turn out to be their canniest piece of business over the summer period. With a year left on his contract, the 21-year-old arrives in north London for a fee less than £12m and with 17 goals and 36 assists over his last two seasons in the Dutch top-flight, the Dane’s talents as a playmaker are undisputed.
Likely to be handed a fair share of set-pieces, Eriksen has a ”big possibility” of starting against Norwich this afternoon and with Lamela more likely to be introduced off the bench after a long-haul flight back from international duties, his creativity will be crucial.
With Spurs scoring just twice in the league this term – both times from the spot – Eriksen will be tasked with supporting Roberto Soldado as Villas-Boas’ side look to bounce back from their north London derby defeat and at just 8.0 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) in addition to 7.0 in the Sky Sports game and 4.0 in the Sun Dream Team he looks a strong contender for this afternoon and the next few weeks as Spurs look to take advantage of a schedule that also sees them square up to Cardiff, West Ham, Villa and Fulham in the next six Gameweeks.
Aleksandar Kolarov
A cult favourite around these parts, the City left-back has disappointed far more often than he’s managed to deliver over his time at the Etihad. An injury to Gael Clichy hands Kolarov centre-stage once again, though, and with a starting role away to Stoke looking guaranteed, his foraging runs down the left could come to fruition as Manuel Pellegrini’s side look to get one over former City boss Mark Hughes.
Let’s be honest – the Serbian’s acquisition is no more than a punt ahead of this morning’s deadline. There’s no convincing stats-based case for his inclusion, just the knowledge that Kolarov’s penchant for a long shot and tendency to try the spectacular can, on occasion, come up trumps. A price of 5.3 in FPL – 6.6 in the Sky Sports game – offers the cheapest route into the City backline for the Britannia clash and could appeal to those willing to roll the dice on the brilliantly unpredictable Serbian.
Gabby Agonlahor
Kept firmly in the shade by the exploits of Christian Benteke, the Villa flier has, nonetheless, made a consistent start to the domestic campaign. Agbonlahor grabbed an assist in the opening day win at Arsenal and repeated the feat four days later as the midlands outfit spoiled Chelsea’s clean sheet at the Bridge.
With his speed down the flank crucial to Paul Lambert’s tactics, Agbonlahor’s contribution looks key once again as Newcastle come calling this afternoon and, while Benteke will understandably be the focal point, his team-mate offers a budget-friendly alternative across the Fantasy games worthy of our consideration. At 7.0 in FPL, 7.7 in Sky Sports game, he looks a real under the radar option as Lambert’s men look to build on their impressive start to the season.
