Fantasy Football 2009/2010

Many will include the likes of Jose Reina and Petr Cech in their team but it was infact Fulham’s Mark Schwarzer who scored the highest last season racking up 175 points. This was due in part to Fulham’s fantastic defensive record conceding just 28 goals in 33 league games.It was also due to the amount of saves Schwarzer had to make with every 3 saves adding an additional point. It is unlikely that Fulham can produce a season as good as the last one but at just 5.5 million Schwarzer should not be dismissed.

Birmingham shot stopper Joe Hart could be the bargain buy this season at just 4 million. Birmingham had the best defensive record in the Championship last season conceding only 37 goals. You should only need one keeper for the season as injuries and suspensions are rare, therefore it makes sense to buy the cheapest back-up goalie you can otherwise good money will be tied up in a player that will never be used.

Defenders will earn you 6pts on a clean sheet so it doesn’t make much of a difference if you buy a cheap player or an expensive one as long as they are first team regulars. Ashley Cole is the cheapest defender for Chelsea who is guaranteed to start. Cole ended last season on 141 points second only to the more expensive Jose Bosingwa. Cole is the type of player who likes to get forward and should get a few assists along the way.

Liverpool’s Alvaro Arbeloa and Manchester Utd’s Patrice Evra will start every game for their clubs and at 6.5 million are the cheapest defensive options available. Gary Neville could be worth monitoring as at 5.5 million he would be an absolute steal but Sir Alex may choose to play Rafael at right back instead and both players may be at risk of being substituted before the end of the game.

Last season Fulham’s Brede Hangeland put in a terrific first season performance and finished as the fifth highest scoring defender in the league notching up a massive 19 bonus points for his terrific individual performances for Fulham. Hangeland looks value for money at 5.5 million.

Club captain Tim Cahill finished as Everton’s top goal scorer with 8 league goals in 2008/2009, playing as a make shift striker during the clubs much publicised injury crisis. Cahill is phenomenal in the air and scores many of his goals from set pieces. Cahill often collects all the bonus points for his strong individual performances on the pitch.

Aston Villa’s Pacey left winger Ashley Young made an impact when he moved from Watford in 2007 becoming the first player to win the FA Premiership Player of the Month award three times in the same season in 2008. Young scored 8 goals and created 7 last term playing in a deadly three pronged attack with Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew. Alternatively Stewart Downing could be a cheaper solution at 7.5 million. Downing was first choice penalty and free kick taker at Middlesbrough and with the departure of Gareth Barry looks set to fill in at Villa Park.

Arsenal’s Andrei Arshavin joined the gunners last season and scored 6 goals in just 12 appearances for the club averaging a goal every other game. Arshavin netted 4 times in the 4-4 thriller against Liverpool proving he can perform against the big clubs. With Adebayor leaving to join City and no obvious replacements Arshavin could find himself playing in more of an attacking position alongside Van Persie but will still be scored as if he were a midfield player. Arshavin doesn’t come cheap at 11 million but is still a more affordable option to Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard.

Wayne Rooney looks set to be the main man at Old Trafford this season with the departure of goal machine Cristiano Ronaldo and fellow striker Carlos Tevez. Antonio Valencia had a good spell at Wigan but he is certainly no 30 goal a season player and has to adapt to the team first. Berbatov has yet to really prove himself to the fans and even though Michael Owen has scored twice in pre-season he probably won’t start every game and will act as more of an impact substitute.

Roque Santa Cruz must be wondering why he signed for Mark Hughes outfit with the arrival of Emmanuel Adebayor from Arsenal last week. Hughes will no doubt opt for Adebayor and Tevez in attack with Brazilian Ace Robinho in just behind. Tevez has consistently proven himself at this level with great seasons at West Ham and Man Utd and will relish the opportunity given to him by Hughes. Tevez will score goals, create assists and get bonus points for his die hard work ethic. Tevez is also the cheaper option at 8.5 million.

Kevin Phillips has proven he can score goals in the Premiership by winning the golden boot in the 1999/2000 season. Phillips scored 38 goals in 71 appearances at West Brom before joining newly promoted Birmingham last year where he netted 14 goals in 36 outings. Phillips certainly looks underpriced at 5 million when you consider what his record indicates.

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake scored 25 goals last season for Wolves in the Championship and successfully defended his golden boot for the second year running. Blake yet to prove himself in the top tier of English football may struggle to get nearly as many but at 5.5 million he is certainly worth including even as a substitute.

Of course it may not be possible to include all your favourite players into your dream team. This year more than ever player values seem to have soared. No longer can you have the likes of Gerrard and Lampard in the midfield unless you wish to sacrifice your entire defence or attack.

If you’re interested in joining the official bigdavestar.com fantasy football league and be in with a chance of winning £250 then please visit http://fantasy.premierleague.com and register your team. To join the league you will need to enter the following code 116666-91199.