Some of the best fantasy football prospects for the coming weekend.
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Ronaldo Manchester United – Chances of deal grow increasingly remote.
Best Playermakers – World’s best number 10s.
With Friday afternoon dragging on, it’s inevitable that your fantasy picks for tomorrow will have crossed your mind.
Whether you’re ready to blow serious money on a big player, a cheap bit of filler to warm the bench, or a crazy differential to give you the edge over your rivals, we’ve got them all for you.
BIG GUNS
If you want the big points, you’ve got to pay the big money.
Diego Costa
There’s almost no point recommending Diego – if you don’t have him already you’re probably a relegation candidate in your league, and frankly should consider your position as manager. The Chelsea frontman looks set to pick up where Drogba left off, tearing terrified Arsenal defenders apart and picking up some serious points in the process.
Angel Di Maria
Di Maria has two goals and two assists already for Manchester United and looks a good bet to keep his run going against a vulnerable Everton. The winger is pricey but looks like a guaranteed points scorer whatever the fixture.
David Silva
Don’t panic! A lot of Silva owners jumped ship before his big haul last week, only to be stung by the double assist he picked up. Those who wisely stuck with the slippery Spaniard (or woke up too late on Saturday to take him out) were rewarded for their patience, and will get more points this week when Manchester City take on Aston Villa.
Branislav Ivanovic
Chelsea’s totemic right-back has been getting forward a ludicrous amount this season, taking an average of two shots a game (that’s a lot -Eden Hazard only takes 1.2, put it that way). He’s scored twice already, and his significant threat from set-pieces will be amplified by Arsenal’s lack of height. He’s expensive, but omit him at your peril.
Sergio Aguero
It’s Sergio Aguero. Against Philippe Senderos and Nathan Baker. Don’t make me spell it out for you.
BARGAIN BASEMENT
At least they’ll get appearance points.
Leonardo Ulloa
After his brace against Manchester United, people were selling their cars, homes and Wayne Rooney to get the big Argentinian into their team in time for his game against Crystal Palace. Predictably he did nothing, but he has a great opportunity to score some points this week against Burnley. Keep the faith.
Lukasz Fabianski
Swansea are defensively strong and have a tasty home fixture against crumbling Newcastle on the cards. Back The Pole between the poles to keep a clean sheet, and if you’re lucky he might even save a weak Cabella pentalty too
Romelu Lukaku
“Manchester United are vulnerable at the back” may be the most obvious statement of the season so far, but it bears repeating when old fantasy habits might stop you picking a player who’s about to face off against them. Lukaku will be facing the shaky Rojo and fresh-faced Football Manager regen Paddy McNair, and his pace and power should give them serious trouble.
Patrick Van Aanholt
Sunderland have done well defensively this season, and with Stoke coming to the Stadium of Light another clean sheet could be on the cards. Former Chelsea man Van Aanholt has potential going forward too, and has one assist this season despite Sunderland’s struggles in front of goal.
WILDCARDS
Why not? You’re never going to win the league with that team anyway.
Sadio Mané
The young Senegalese midfielder had an excellent league debut against QPR, and is now in line to start at Tottenham. “Gucci” has pace and trickery, is cheap, and most of the people in your league won’t have heard of him, let alone brought him in.
Radamel Falcao
The Colombian has yet to open his account for Manchester United, but he’s picked up two assists already and looked sharp. If you’re looking for a big name with big potential who people might not have bought yet, Radamel’s your man.
Abel Hernandez
The Uruguayan striker has slipped below most people’s radar, but has two goals in three games. Jump on now before the rest of your league catch on.
Thierry Henry Danny Welbeck
Facing off against Costa at the Bridge on Sunday will be young Danny, hot off a Champions League hat-trick in midweek. Chelsea’s defence is tough but has been porous this season, conceding three to Everton and two to Swansea and one to Burnley, who have yet to score another. Take a gamble on Danny this week.