Few tips for those that haven't played before (or those that want to try something new).
Only pick players that play regularly, even for cheap options bench options. Having players that don't play could cost you value, find the right 4m defender that plays and he could be worth 4.5m very quickly, money you can use elsewhere.
Try and pick from a wide range of teams. Should help keep your weekly points slightly more balanced. Ie if you've got 3 Leicester players and they've got a tough run, you could notice a points per game drop off. Also helps with bonus points.
Look for bargains. Any player that you think looks cheap in comparison to what sort of figures and seasons you would expect them to have. There's a few already, and many often occur throughout the season, Jack Stephens, Mawson, Fraser, all stepped up at points last season, returning good points for their value. Understudies are worth watching if the 1st choice becomes injured for a long stretch.
Go where the points are. I've never been one to spend big on defenders or keepers, I'd rather chase the big points that can come from midfield and most importantly up front. Especially for the forwards; having one capable of scoring huge points is key, ideally you want three. It makes your captain selection easier, as you can pick whichever one has the greatest chance of picking up big points.
Try not to waste transfers on keepers or defenders unless you can spot clear points over the medium term, or a player that can't be ignored, ie Alonso last season. But don't be afraid to spend points to accumulate them, I put Lukaku into my team last season vs Sunderland, cost me a transfer, but gained me huge points.
Value and form are key indicators, don't be stubborn if a team or player are showing great form. Jump on the hype and keep an eye out for when price changes come into play. Catch it right, and it can add value. The more value, the more money you have to spend. Which can be key in a season with 6 very strong teams with key players in each.
I've currently gone:
Hart, Federici.
Ake, Stephens, Dummett, Super Glen Johnson, Hunemeier.
Coutinho, Walcott, Fabregas, Ritchie, Aarons.
Jesus, Kane, Lukaku.
Midfield needs work, not sure on any of them for different reasons, esp for the first few GW's. I can see drastic changes, esp Walcott and Cesc.
Only a couple days left to sort it out now.. Boom. The season is nearly back.
A couple players i think are reasonably priced:
Begovic: Bournemouth have added a nice little spine this summer.
Hart: West ham should have a better season, Fonte Reid and Hart, good experience there
Ake: Great stats albeit a small sample size from last season, he scores too, as we know to our detriment. My first pick.
Dummett: in fact any Newcastle defender that will play regularly, I've gone Dummett as it seems he has the least competition, not sure who starts out of Lascelles, Lejeune, Clark.
Ince: hot form in preseason. There's a load of wingers with points scoring potential reasonably priced, Knockaert, Ritchie, Atsu, Redmond, Demari Gray, esp if Mahrez gets a move away.
Gayle: nice opening set of fixtures and he is Newcastles goals.
Gabbidini: Nice opening set of fixtures and he is Southampton goals.
Premium players to watch:
Walker, Mendy, Kompany- if he's fit, he's huge points. Moses now as a defender, Alonso, Cahill, Trippier, Rose, Milner now as a defender esp if he retains pens. VVD if he gets his move to us.
De Bruyne, Coutinho, Hazard, Alli, Eriksen, Salah, Mane, Pogba, Sanchez, Ozil. They pick themselves, but expect all to have very strong seasons.
Kane, Aguero, Jesus, Lukaku, Firmino, Lacazette, Hernandez, Morata. Same as above, all have a reasonable chance of 20 contributions goals and Assists. Some at a very minimum.
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