Fantasy Premier League 2021 – Final (ish) Draft before opening day
Mid Price Madness
Goalkeepers and Defenders
Aaron Ramsdale (Sheffield United, 5.0m) / Orjan Nyland (Aston Villa, 4.0m) / Joe Gomez (Liverpool, 5.5m) / Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Man United, 5.5m) / George Baldock (Sheffield United, 5.5m) / Reece James (Chelsea, 5.0m) / Stuart Dallas (Leeds, 4.5m)
Starting out with Ramsdale in goal, hoping he can pick up where Henderson left off and keep Sheffield United’s defensive record strong. Nyland is a decent second choice for now, and he’s just 4.0m which is all you want from a second goalkeeper.
Wan-Bissaka may not have a game but with the cash spread around that won’t be an issue (same for Rashford in a minute). Man United had a strong second half to the season and their defence was a good foundation for that.
A Liverpool defender is a must, luckily Gomez is just cheap enough to fit in and, as I pointed out in the piece about Liverpool, he was the reason their defence was pulled together so well after Christmas.
I’ve doubled up on the Sheffield United defence with Baldock, hoping for more clean sheets and the occasional attacking return from the flying fullback! Reece James could be a steal if Chelsea gets their act together at the back. He also loves an attacking return like Baldock.
As you may have guessed by now, I really like Stuart Dallas. He’s potentially the full package for FPL and I’m planning on taking full advantage.
Midfielder
Marcus Rashford (Manchester United, 9.5m) / Heung-Min Son (Spurs, 9.0m) / Kai Havertz (Chelsea, 8.5m) / Christian Pulisic (Chelsea, 8.5m) / Allan Saint-Maximin (Newcastle 5.5m)
Rashford is the best Man United option that fits the bill for this squad, and his reclassification makes him even more appealing. The two Chelsea stars are also very appealing in a squad built like this, both Pulisic and Havertz have great potential and start the season nicely against Brighton.
Son is also a must-own when looking for not-quite-premium stars! He should be a key player for Spurs and a goal machine this year, especially with his good opening fixtures.
Finally a slightly cheaper option, Saint-Maximin ended the season well and Newcastle have made some good signings. I’m hoping they begin well and he picks up where he left off, especially with an easy opening match against West Ham who are in disarray.
Forwards
Danny Ings (Southampton, 8.5m) / Raul Jimenez (Wolves, 8.5m) / Callum Wilson (Newcastle, 6.5m)
When looking for reliable mid-priced strikers, only 1 name comes to mind. Raul Jimenez has been the definition of reliability since joining Wolves and will be their main man for another year. Ings was also incredibly reliable last year. He does have injury issues but if they stay away he’s a winner.
Finally, Callum Wilson; one of Newcastle’s marquee signings and a proven Premier League striker. He also loves playing the Hammers, which is their first game. What a way to introduce yourself to your new team!
This week we’re starting with Pulisic as captain and Wilson VC.