Premier League fantasy football transfer tips: Add in form Aguero and back Benteke
Published:
Robbie Purves | August 25, 2016
Fantasy football transfer tips
The Premier League is back with its third instalment of games and features some intriguing encounters and individual match ups.
With the next wave of fixtures just around the corner you may be tempted into some early alterations, here, Coral football writers have picked out some Premier League fantasy football transfer tips…
Add Aguero
Pep Guardiola’s fearsome outfit take on West Ham United on Sunday and, with Sergio Aguero in lethal form, expect the Argentina frontman to find the back of the net.
At the fantasy price of £13.1m, he isn’t cheap, but having managed to score six goals in three games and possessing a record of seven in nine appearances against the Hammers he is well worth the purchase.
However, if you’re looking for a cheaper option at £10.9m, back Harry Kane to find his scoring boots against Liverpool. Last year’s Premier League top scorer has a superb record versus Liverpool, netting twice in three outings against the Anfield side – with his Spurs side who Coral have at a generous 11/8 win at home.
Van Dijk to dominate
The Dutch international centre back arrived at Southampton with a goalscoring reputation from Celtic. Virgil van Dijk, priced at £5.5m, has netted 18 goals in his last three seasons thanks to a ferocious aerial presence and ability from direct free-kicks.
At 6ft 4in, the Dutchman towers over most and makes it count, recording 158 successful headers last term, 36 more than any other defender.
Van Dijk will come up against a Sunderland side that have already leaked four goals and are looking susceptible to aerial balls. Combine this with the fact that Saints have amassed 12 goal attempts from set-plays already this term and possess Dusan Tadic and James Ward-Prowse who are famed or their delivery, and Van Dijk looks likely to score highly this weekend.
Back Benteke
The Belgian striker recently completed his £27m move to Crystal Palace after a difficult spell at Liverpool. Despite this, Christian Benteke managed 10 goals from just eight Premier League starts under Jurgen Klopp.
The talented marksman will be keen on showing his worth during his Palace top-flight debut and, although he struggled at Anfield, Benteke scored 42 in an awful Aston Villa side and is a quality striker when given the chance.
Fellow new arrival Andros Townsend will help the Belgian hit the ground running. Townsend, £6.5m, has produced more crosses than any other player in the division so far this term and will look to serve his striker with reliable service.
At the fantasy price of just £7.4m, Benteke is a steal, especially as the Eagles come up against bottom club Bournemouth this weekend – the sharpshooter is 6/5 to net anytime against the Cherries.
Toffees midfield maestro
In the congested reasonably priced midfield bracket, Ross Barkley is the shining light and has excelled under new Everton boss Ronald Koeman thus far.
The Toffees midfield maestro was a staple of most fantasy football teams last term until he went off the boil, but now looks set to make this the season he realises his potential.
Barkley netted in Everton’s league curtain raiser, then provided an assist for Kevin Mirallas’ strike in a win over West Bromwich Albion.
Koeman’s sides are famed for gathering pace and finishing the season strong, therefore adding Barkley now could be a smart selection before his price rises.
Departures
You might think the two games into the new campaign is too early to tamper, but if you want to avoid losing ground in the table, getting rid of deadwood may be a good idea.
After his move from league winning Leicester City to Chelsea, many selected N’Golo Kante in their teams. However, making interceptions and tackling aren’t going to rack up the fantasy points and should be replaced by someone like Paul Pogba or Kevin De Bruyne if money isn’t an issue.
Philippe Coutinho was selected by over 35 per cent of fantasy league managers, but taking the Brazilian out of your team could be a wise decision. The playmaker has Tottenham, Leicester and Chelsea in his next games and would do well to get any points in that spell – instead, look to add Mesut Ozil.
The German genius was rested in Arsenal’s first game and only played 17 minutes in the second. Last year’s top assisting talent is now ready to start against Watford, a club he has recorded three assists in as many games against.
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