Bankers
The frightening thing about Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson is that they are only 20 and 25 years old respectively. Liverpool’s flying pair of full backs stormed the Fantasy League charts last year, both breaking the previous record of 73 points, held by John-Arne Riise since 2001/2. One theory goes that Jurgen Klopp last season decided to put more emphasis on creativity from wide and deep, given his midfield options were not of that ilk. Will it be the same approach in 2019/20? And how will opposition defences set up to negate their threat now they are so aware of it?
Solid Bets
It might seem strange to start with someone with only 42 Premier League appearances to his name, but such has been Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s impact in the top flight that he will be on many people’s wishlists – particularly now he seems to be the poster boy for a youthful revolution at Old Trafford.
Lucas Digne pretty much made Everton’s left flank his own last season, reflected in his top 5 full back points tally of 43. Despite the constant whiff of instability around the club, he can be relied upon to get his fair share of points from set-piece assists and clean sheets (13 last term).
Punts
At times it has seemed like Pep Guardiola’s patience with Benjamin Mendy has been exhausted, but the Frenchman registered six Fantasy League assists in only 10 appearances last season. If he can stay fit, there’s a points machine ready to take off.
Hector Bellerin is another full back flyer who will be coming back from injury in 2019/20. According to Des Ryan, Arsenal’s Head of Sports Medicine, the Spaniard can come back at an even higher level after his knee surgery. With a one in three assists to games ratio last term until injury struck in January, many will think he’s worth a punt.
Buyer Beware
For all Watford’s progress last season under Javi Gracia – finishing in their highest ever Premier League position and reaching the FA Cup final – their defence remains inconsistent at best. Jose Holebas, with 27 appearances and seven assists, could tempt many managers at auction, but last season his side as a collective conceded only one less than 17th-placed Brighton.
What to make of Sean Dyche’s Burnley? Seventh in 2017/18 with only one less goal shipped than Liverpool and Chelsea, 2018/19 saw the Clarets concede a whopping 68 times. With continuing uncertainty around the goalkeeping position too, it would be a brave man to pick any of Charlie Taylor, Matt Lowton or Phil Bardsley – none of whom registered positive points tallies last year.
