So all fantasy leagues are really now up and running and last week felt like a better week. Already we are starting to see a few patterns developing and a feel for how our picks are shaping up. A few will be making transfers…some may have already pressed the reset button…but here FantasySports.co.uk takes our weekly look at those players and units who are blowing fire…and those who are frozen cold :
HOT – HENRIKH MKHITARYAN (Mid – Manchester United)
Whilst it holds true that due to 2 goals scored, Paul Pogba is currently the high scoring midfielder in fantasyland, in second and just two points behind him is colleague Mkhitaryan who has tallied 4 assists in two games and generally looked superb as the midfield orchestrator going forward. Mkhitaryan showed glimpses of quality last season, but this season has looked dynamite. Yes, the opposition hasn’t been the strongest, but from a fantasy perspective we don’t care…and United’s schedule is tasty – they don’t run into a fellow ‘top 6’ team until October 14th. We expect Mkhitaryan’s output to continue very healthily for now. Grab him whilst you can and start him with confidence.
NOT – GABRIEL JESUS (Fwd – Manchester City)
All preseason signs pointed to this season being the arrival of Jesus and him scoring goals for fun in a City shirt. Valued at over £10m he was a very popular selection, especially with what looked a decent start for him to get settled in. But, he has delivered just 2 points from two games and – most importantly, has lasted only 77 and 45 minutes in games. Watford, West Brom and Crystal Palace are the next three opponents up for City…it will be hard to bench him for these games, but until we see some production, and also see how the Alexis Sanchez situation develops, we are prepared to look at other options for now.
HOT – AHMED HEGAZI (Def – West Bromwich Albion)
Bandwagon firmly jumped on – but justifiably so. Again, clean sheets (plus a goal) against Bournemouth and Burnley is not the hugest of form to frank, but Hegazi has been the main beneficiary of West Brom’s superb start to the season and at still just £4.7m to buy, is an absolute steal having delivered 23 points in two games. Its doubtful he can continue this production, but lets give kudos to the Baggies set up under Pulis…they are gonna be frugal and tough to score on whomever they face…..why would you not want him in your team for that price??
NOT – NEMANJA MATIC (Mid – Manchester United)
Remember…this is a fantasy football piece before you start with the flame comments. We agree, Matic has been superb for United so far and he has been as instrumental in their performances as anyone. He has been what United have needed. But he is clearly extremely disciplined in the United holding role and his points production of 6 points so far has been solely down to the two clean sheets United have kept. That average isn’t really good enough for a starting spot in your line up. There will be weeks when Matic gets an assist or a goal….but its clear what his role is, leaving the glory for his more fluid teammates. Matic is the 8th most popular midfielder selected in fantasy football. We expect to see that position drop as managers chase points, not performances.
HOT – AARON MOOY (Mid – Huddersfield Town)
No doubt what the story of the season is so far….the Terriers winning two from two and making this Premier League lark look easy. Central to that has been the continued form of Australian midfielder Mooy, who was one of the players of the season last year, and Huddersfield secured his services from host club Manchester City in the summer for what could be a steal. Mooy has delivered 16 points in two games and is still valued at just £5.6m. Time on the pitch, will be key to many a goal Town score, and involved with set pieces also. Exchange for Matic anyone? Its not at all as daft as it may sound.
NOT – JOE HART (Gk – West Ham United)
Hart is the sixth most popular selected in fantasy football, but after 7 goals conceded and just one point delivered in two games, we strongly suggest you seek other options. West Ham may not be as bad as the table currently suggests, but defensively they have looked inept and we cant see many times when selecting Hart seems a good idea. Two words….again….Ben Foster. Just do it already!!!
Join us next week for our next ‘Hot or Not’ review and feel free to leave your comments below or join us on our social media page for more fantasy football discussion.
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