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Top 20 Premier League players you should consider for your fantasy soccer team, Part 1
Many fantasy games don't allow more than a couple of players from the same club, so I've limited this list in a similar way. Here are my solid-gold fantasy selections for the 2009/10 Premier League season (one player per club only):
Arsenal - Nicklas Bendtner
There are many Arsenal players with excellent fantasy credentials, but I would choose perhaps a slightly less obvious option. It makes sense to choose a forward, as Arsenal score way more goals than most other Prem teams (they scored 68 last season, the same number as champions Man Utd), and although Robin van Persie is their most talented striker, he is injury prone. Nicklas Bendtner showed signs of significant improvement in the latter half of 08/09, and with Emmanuel Adebayor gone to Man City, I'm confident this will be a breakout year for the tall Dane. He will score more than 12 league goals, mark my words and that's a very decent return on a player who won't be priced among the top tier of forwards.
Aston Villa - Stewart Downing
Again, Downing is not the most obvious choice, but I'm not sure that either Ashley Young or Gabriel Agbonlahor are good value for money: both young speedsters will be expensive to buy for your fantasy team. Martin O'Neill has brought in Downing to replace Gareth Barry not to replace Young on the left wing and I see the ex-Boro wide man playing a key creative role for Villa, but in a more central position. Downing will get you plenty of assists he will take most of their corners and free-kicks and chip in with a few goals too.
Birmingham - Sebastian Larsson
Larsson was not quite good enough to make it at Arsenal but he has found his level at Birmingham, where he is now a key player. His versatility means he starts a lot of games, and he has more high-level experience than many of his team-mates. And to be frank, I would never choose a defender from a promoted club more often than not, they concede far too many goals to make you a fantasy contender.
Blackburn - Stephen Warnock
Under Big Sam Allardyce, Blackburn have quickly morphed into the old Bolton: the new Rovers are tough, physical and defensive-minded (ah, that sounds like the old Blackburn too never mind). And so if you want a reasonably priced defender, pick one from Rovers. I'd go for full-back Stephen Warnock over the rocklike Ryan Nelson, if only because the Englishman gets forward more and so should give you a few crucial assists to go with Rovers' inevitable defensive meanness.
Bolton - Kevin Davies
Davies has been there and got the T-shirt. As Bolton's captain, he leads from the front, and while he does like to play rough, he doesn't pick up as many cards as you might think. Should get you at least double digits for goals and if fit he's built like a Shire horse, so this is rarely a problem will start every league game.
Burnley - Chris Eagles
Can play as a forward or in midfield, so if he's listed as a midfielder, he's a solid buy. As I said above, don't even consider picking a back from a promoted team. Torres, Drogba and Rooney will snack on Burnley's defenders like they're M&Ms.
Chelsea - Petr Cech
People say Cech has never been the same since his head injury, and while I see their point, Cech is still a very fine keeper who seems to be slowly getting over the mental trauma of that horrific collision with Stephen Hunt's knee. Chelsea don't concede many goals, so their defenders are expensive, but worth it. As their back four is fairly uncertain these days, I'd select the one player who will make the most appearances and therefore get you the most clean sheets that's Cech or John Terry, and who really wants Terry in their team?
Everton - Joleon Lescott
Lescott is one of the first names on my fantasy team sheet. He's great at the back and dangerous from set pieces. He's also in the form of his life no doubt he benefits from playing for a tough-tackling, well-drilled, defensively solid team, managed by the best young gaffer in Britain. What's not to like? Buy buy buy.
Fulham - Danny Murphy
Murphy is the creative lynchpin at the Cottage. Makes assists, takes penalties, and he's one of the first names on Roy Hodgson's team sheet. I wonder if he can match the terrific season he had in 08/09, but still, if I had to pick one player, Murphy gets the nod, just, over Brede Hangeland and Clint Dempsey; I can't see that Hangeland will reproduce his mighty form of last season, and Deuce is still a little too inconsistent for me.
Hull - Michael Turner
OK, Hull conceded a fair few goals last season, but with one Prem campaign under their belt, I think they'll tighten up considerably at the back. Turner is one of the best headers of the ball in the league and caused havoc in opposition penalty areas in 08/09, so clearly he's the guy to buy because Hull don't create enough in the last third to warrant choosing a midfielder or forward. (What I'm saying, really, is don't put a Hull player in your team. Don't tell Phil Brown I said that.)
Part 2 later today
Arsenal - Nicklas Bendtner
There are many Arsenal players with excellent fantasy credentials, but I would choose perhaps a slightly less obvious option. It makes sense to choose a forward, as Arsenal score way more goals than most other Prem teams (they scored 68 last season, the same number as champions Man Utd), and although Robin van Persie is their most talented striker, he is injury prone. Nicklas Bendtner showed signs of significant improvement in the latter half of 08/09, and with Emmanuel Adebayor gone to Man City, I'm confident this will be a breakout year for the tall Dane. He will score more than 12 league goals, mark my words and that's a very decent return on a player who won't be priced among the top tier of forwards.
Aston Villa - Stewart Downing
Again, Downing is not the most obvious choice, but I'm not sure that either Ashley Young or Gabriel Agbonlahor are good value for money: both young speedsters will be expensive to buy for your fantasy team. Martin O'Neill has brought in Downing to replace Gareth Barry not to replace Young on the left wing and I see the ex-Boro wide man playing a key creative role for Villa, but in a more central position. Downing will get you plenty of assists he will take most of their corners and free-kicks and chip in with a few goals too.
Birmingham - Sebastian Larsson
Larsson was not quite good enough to make it at Arsenal but he has found his level at Birmingham, where he is now a key player. His versatility means he starts a lot of games, and he has more high-level experience than many of his team-mates. And to be frank, I would never choose a defender from a promoted club more often than not, they concede far too many goals to make you a fantasy contender.
Blackburn - Stephen Warnock
Under Big Sam Allardyce, Blackburn have quickly morphed into the old Bolton: the new Rovers are tough, physical and defensive-minded (ah, that sounds like the old Blackburn too never mind). And so if you want a reasonably priced defender, pick one from Rovers. I'd go for full-back Stephen Warnock over the rocklike Ryan Nelson, if only because the Englishman gets forward more and so should give you a few crucial assists to go with Rovers' inevitable defensive meanness.
Bolton - Kevin Davies
Davies has been there and got the T-shirt. As Bolton's captain, he leads from the front, and while he does like to play rough, he doesn't pick up as many cards as you might think. Should get you at least double digits for goals and if fit he's built like a Shire horse, so this is rarely a problem will start every league game.
Burnley - Chris Eagles
Can play as a forward or in midfield, so if he's listed as a midfielder, he's a solid buy. As I said above, don't even consider picking a back from a promoted team. Torres, Drogba and Rooney will snack on Burnley's defenders like they're M&Ms.
Chelsea - Petr Cech
People say Cech has never been the same since his head injury, and while I see their point, Cech is still a very fine keeper who seems to be slowly getting over the mental trauma of that horrific collision with Stephen Hunt's knee. Chelsea don't concede many goals, so their defenders are expensive, but worth it. As their back four is fairly uncertain these days, I'd select the one player who will make the most appearances and therefore get you the most clean sheets that's Cech or John Terry, and who really wants Terry in their team?
Everton - Joleon Lescott
Lescott is one of the first names on my fantasy team sheet. He's great at the back and dangerous from set pieces. He's also in the form of his life no doubt he benefits from playing for a tough-tackling, well-drilled, defensively solid team, managed by the best young gaffer in Britain. What's not to like? Buy buy buy.
Fulham - Danny Murphy
Murphy is the creative lynchpin at the Cottage. Makes assists, takes penalties, and he's one of the first names on Roy Hodgson's team sheet. I wonder if he can match the terrific season he had in 08/09, but still, if I had to pick one player, Murphy gets the nod, just, over Brede Hangeland and Clint Dempsey; I can't see that Hangeland will reproduce his mighty form of last season, and Deuce is still a little too inconsistent for me.
Hull - Michael Turner
OK, Hull conceded a fair few goals last season, but with one Prem campaign under their belt, I think they'll tighten up considerably at the back. Turner is one of the best headers of the ball in the league and caused havoc in opposition penalty areas in 08/09, so clearly he's the guy to buy because Hull don't create enough in the last third to warrant choosing a midfielder or forward. (What I'm saying, really, is don't put a Hull player in your team. Don't tell Phil Brown I said that.)
Part 2 later today
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Nicklas Bentner is a very astute choice, I think. He is young, strong and always seems to make a difference when he enters a match from the bench. With Adebayor gone, Bentner's sure to see more time - can he be as successful going 90 as he has been running at tired defenders, though?Posted 22 Jul 2009 at 06:40 AM by Untroubled by Reason 
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Hey Ollie, I just wanted to say that i've become a big fan of your posts and really enjoy your writings about the PL. I think I was probably a bit overly critical of you when you started, but just wanted to say you've won me over and to keep up the good work. Peace
Posted 22 Jul 2009 at 06:55 AM by Sweetness
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Thanks dude, appreciate it.Quote:Originally Posted by Sweetness
Hey Ollie, I just wanted to say that i've become a big fan of your posts and really enjoy your writings about the PL. I think I was probably a bit overly critical of you when you started, but just wanted to say you've won me over and to keep up the good work. PeacePosted 22 Jul 2009 at 07:30 AM by Ollie Irish
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the sale of Ade gives Bendtner a chance to proove himself. But I still think Wenger should sing Chamakh or Huntelar who just Adebayors, but with quicker fit,technique & precission.
Posted 22 Jul 2009 at 07:48 AM by t.o.m
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why mancity must sing defenders
Mark hughes should sing two established utility defenders to stand areal chance of winning the league. To that effect the likes of captain Dunne, who I fill are not compitent enough should be sold.Posted 22 Jul 2009 at 08:17 AM by t.o.m
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Chris Eagles looks like a real bargain to mePosted 22 Jul 2009 at 10:32 AM by wjarrettc
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Other 10? Don't see them
nm nm nmPosted 05 Aug 2009 at 02:25 PM by Berlin1971
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Hey Ollie, do u think gerrard will play the opening game ? or is Lampard a better buy since they are playing Hull and Liverpool are playing Tottenham away ?
Posted 07 Aug 2009 at 08:30 PM by tonyMONTANA
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Downing is injured until at least mid October so picking him straight away wouldn't be a wise decision.Posted 09 Aug 2009 at 04:44 AM by KyleP 
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