Bankers
Manchester City and Liverpool’s extraordinary seasons had many consequences for the record books, and the Fantasy League charts were no exception. The brilliant Brazilians – Alisson and Ederson – broke a ten-year monopoly on the top 5 highest ever goalkeeper points totals, with the Liverpool stopper ending the season third with 58 points and the City man fifth on 57. With both their clubs’ defences likely to be further stiffened this summer, it’s hard to imagine they won’t lead the way again.
Solid Bets
Who’s your pick to come from the bunch next term to upset the big six apple cart?
It could be Leicester (again) under new manager Brendan Rodgers who already have a title-winning ‘keeper in Kasper Schmeichel and one who is likely to start every Premier League game barring injury.
Despite an up-and-down season, Everton under Marco Silva could improve on their eighth place finish with a few astute signings, and Jordan Pickford – despite some high-profile errors – finished last season with the sixth-highest GK points tally, with more clean sheets than Hugo Lloris.
Punts
His 2018/19 points tally of -3 wasn’t exactly stellar, but despite this and conceding 55 goals, Lukasz Fabianski was named Hammer of the Year by West Ham’s fans. It would be a surprise if he doesn’t improve his numbers next season, particularly with Manuel Pellegrini likely to strengthen the defence in front of him and continue his side’s overall upward trajectory.
You wouldn’t have predicted that a Crystal Palace ‘keeper would end the season in the top 5 for the ‘clean sheets to appearances’ ratio. It wasn’t Wayne Hennessey either but Victor Guaita, who arrived in South London last July from Getafe. The Spaniard’s first team appearances were limited by Hennessey’s form, but so quickly did he gain the trust of Roy Hodgson when called upon that he ended up making more Premier League appearances (19) than the Welshman. If the likes of Mamadou Sakho remain in front of him at Selhurst Park next season he could be a very worthwhile selection.
No one can be sure if Wolves will suffer from second season syndrome, but if they don’t, then Rui Patricio could be as good a pick as anyone. Portugal’s number one will start the season a Nations League champion, and finished in Fantasy League’s ‘keeper top 10 last season.
Buyer Beware
Does anyone know what’s in store at Old Trafford? Will Ole still be at the wheel next summer? And what of David de Gea? He was dropped from Spain’s first XI for their most recent European Championship qualifier with Sweden, which is unlikely to be coincidental with his – and his club’s – alarming end of season form. In previous years it often felt like De Gea was the one saving his side, but after several high-profile mistakes and the sixth-most goals conceded in the PL, it would require a lot of confidence to select the Spaniard in 2019/20.
Bournemouth continue to consolidate their position in the top flight, but their fluctuating form – big wins interspersed with heavy defeats – is not an attractive proposition for Fantasy League managers. Asmir Begovic, with 24 appearances, was most regularly between the sticks last season but he finished with the fifth-worst points tally of all ‘keepers. Indeed, in the past three seasons, the Cherries have conceded an average of 1.7 goals per game – something buyers would be well advised to consider.
