The 2016/17 Premier League season kicks off on Saturday 13 August. As football enthusiasts prepare an initial squad, they are faced with the dilemma of choosing players within the budget that leads to a lot of decision making.
A natural tendency that fantasy managers carry is to start with signing goalkeepers after which they can at least heave a sigh of relief. However, for perfectionists, even this task seems daunting which is why we provide an in-depth analysis ideated to make your process far simpler.
To begin with, Fantasy managers choose between two strategies of signing goalkeepers. One is where you pick a star goalkeeper and cover him with a £4.0m priced choice. Otherwise, you could use two first-team goalkeepers while making sure their cost doesn't devour your budget.
To choose between a pool of goalkeepers, here is a list of five best goalkeepers to look out for this season:
1) Petr Cech (Arsenal)
Petr Cech is highly regarded in the Premier League for a decade now, and the percentage of fantasy managers selecting him is proof of that. However, ahead of this season Petr Cech ranks second in terms of popularity. The four-time Golden Glove award winner still remains a wise option considering his consistency which reflects in the number of clean sheets he keeps every season.
Protected by a decent defence, Petr Cech could once again be among points although a replacement for Per Mertesacker will add credence to the possibility. Priced at £5.5m, Petr Cech is one of the top choice premium goalkeepers.
First six fixtures: Liverpool (H), Leicester City (A), Watford (A), Southampton (H), Hull City (A), Chelsea (H)
2) David de Gea (Manchester United)
David de Gea priced at £5.5m tops the Fantasy charts for the pick of the season and you could easily be ruminating over not choosing him, if you agree with the most popular strategy of choosing goalkeepers. De Gea now starts for a Manchester United side under Jose Mourinho, a manager known to have a penchant for sturdy defences. Eric Bailly is a settling addition, however, Chris Smalling is set to miss the first game week.
De Gea, nonetheless, does not let down his fantasy managers as he routinely bags points by making saves that are likely to earn him bonus points. Besides, clean sheets are expected early on considering Man United’s fairly favourable fixtures.
First six fixtures: Bournemouth (A), Southampton (H), Hull City (A), Manchester City (H), Watford (A), Leicester City (H)
3) Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion)
West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis regards Ben Foster highly and should start ahead of Boaz Myhill. Furthermore, Pulis is expected to field a stubbornly defensive side yet again. With a tight defence comprising Jonny Evans, Gareth McAuley, Craig Dawson, clean sheets are anticipated in their early fixtures and £4.5m priced Ben Foster could benefit immensely.
If you’re planning on a rotation tactic, this bargain goalkeeper is recommended as he could even prove to be a stand-out player in his category, since the Baggies are not facing any of the big boys of the league in their first six fixtures.
First six fixtures: Crystal Palace (A), Everton (H), Middlesbrough (H), Bournemouth (A), West Ham United (H), Stoke City (A)
4) Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City)
Champions Leicester City start their title defence away at Hull City who have been considered as one of the most ill-prepared teams due to a torrid pre-season. That boosts Kasper Schmeichel’s chances of earning points for his Fantasy managers, most of whom would be counting on last season’s stunning performances.
Priced at £5.0m and shielded by one of the tightest defences evident from the previous season, Schmeichel is recommended as a safe bet.
First six fixtures: Hull City (A), Arsenal (H), Swansea (H), Liverpool (A), Burnley (H), Manchester United (A)
5) Eldin Jakupovic (Hull City)
If you are in favor of the £5.5m/4.0m goalkeeper strategy for your fantasy team, then you must use the services of Eldin Jakupovic who would be covering for injured first-team goalkeeper Allan McGregor. Hull’s first choice goalie is expected to be out of action until January and Jakupovic emerges as that ideal goalkeeper back-up for your reserves.
Hull City might need a lot of heroics from the 31-year-old but anything can happen in the Premier League, even Jakupovic could provide great cover for your number one goalkeeper.
First six fixtures: Leicester City (H), Swansea City (A), Manchester United (H), Burnley (A), Arsenal (H), Liverpool (A)
