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The new fantasy football season is nearly upon us and even though there’s still plenty of players switching clubs, it’s always a good idea to get your squad selected early on and tweak it before the first gameweek.
This week, we pick out 10 bargains you should consider for this season. This could see you have some money in reserve for when those high-profile signings come in as deadline day approaches.
Nathan Ake is another fine coup for Bournemouth as he joins the club on a season-long loan. He was a regular at Watford last season and was the Young Player of the Year, helping the side to an FA Cup semi-final berth. At only 4.5m, he’s a great option to have on the bench while recruiting higher-profile players to start. STEVE MANDANDA (CRYSTAL PALACE) – 4.5m – Selected by 6.2% This is one to keep an eye on. Palace wouldn’t spend £1.5m on a French international goalkeeper if they wanted him to sit on the bench all season. Then again, Wayne Hennessey was brilliant in the last campaign and it would be harsh to have him play second fiddle. Nevertheless, Mandanda is different class and vastly experienced. He’s notorious for making phenomenal saves and was Ligue 1’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the last two seasons. MICHAEL KEANE (BURNLEY) – 5.0m – Selected by 1.2% Easily one of the best players for Burnley last season, Michael Keane could be a very handy FPL buy. Not only was he a rock at the back but he scored five goals and made three assists in the Championship last year. Not too shabby for a centre-back. ABEL HERNANDEZ (HULL CITY) – 6m – Selected by 2% The Uruguayan international was less than convincing when he first arrived in England and scored just four league goals as Hull City were relegated in the 2014-15 season. However, he really came into his own last year in the Championship, scoring 20 goals. PATRICK VAN AANHOLT (SUNDERLAND) – 5m – Selected by 8.1%
Despite his exploits particularly in the second half of last season, Patrick van Aanholt retains a fairly low price tag. The marauding left-back scored six goals and provided four assists last year and is great value for money. ALVARO NEGREDO (MIDDLESBROUGH) – 6.5m – Selected by 6% Alvaro Negredo enjoyed a fantastic spell at Manchester City not too long ago when he seemed almost unplayable. With a decent turn of pace, a strong physical presence and a hammer of a left foot, he seemed like he was built for Premier League football. However, it all went pear-shaped rather quickly. A loss of form resulted in erratic playing time and having burned so brightly on arrival, he faded just as quickly. There’s no doubting his quality though and after already scoring in pre-season, Aitor Karanka has backed the striker to have his best campaign yet. MOHAMED DIAME (HULL CITY) – 5.5m – Selected by 0.7% When it comes to budget midfielders, Mohamed Diame is someone who many FPL managers have opted for in recent seasons. The midfielder proved to be great value during his time with Wigan Athletic and West Ham United. With nine goals in the Championship last season, including the winner in the play-off final, the midfield powerhouse is bound to chip in with a useful points tally with his driving runs from the middle of the park. JOHANN BERG GUDMUNDSSON (BURNLEY) – 5.5m – Selected by 0.3% Here’s one for you football hipsters who fell in love with Iceland at Euro 2016. Johann Berg Gudmundsson was one of the best performers for the minnows that took the tournament in France by storm. However, he also had a cracking season with Charlton Athletic in the Championship last year. The rapid winger is known for his left-footed shots and delivery into the box. He bagged six goals and 12 assists last season. CHEIKHOU KOUYATE (WEST HAM UNITED) – 5.5m – Selected by 1.9% For a defensive midfielder, Cheikhou Kouyate spends an awful lot of time inside the opposition’s penalty area. He thrives on towering above defenders from set-pieces and drive forward as well. With five goals and three assists last season worth taking on board. Fancy pitting your wits against us? Join the ‘Sport360 Fans’ league using the code 118790-38575.
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