2011/12 Fantasy Season Preview - Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur FC

Last Season Summary

League ranking: 5th (62 pts)

Points per game (home: away): 1.89: 1.37

Goals scored per game (home: away): 1.58: 1.32
Goals conceded per game (home: away): 1.00: 1.42

Number of clean sheets: 8

Top league scorer: Rafael Van der Vaart (13 goals)

Top league assister: Rafael Van der Vaart (8 assists)

Transfers

In: Brad Friedel, Cristian Ceballos, Souleymane, Coulibaly

Out: Jamie O'Hara, Jonathan Woodgate, Bongani Khumalo, Kyle Naughton, Steven Caulker, Ryan Mason, Jonathan Obika

Pre-Season Results

0-1 Kaizer Chiefs

1-1 Orlando Pirates

2-3 Barnet

3-0 Orlando Pirates

5-3 MK Dons

4-1 Leyton Orient

3-2 Brighton and Hove Albion

Predicted Season Finish: 6th

With the owners not willing to break their wage structure, to grab a Champions League ticket becomes an increasingly difficult task for Harry Redknapp. Added with key player Modric trying to force a move away from White Hart Lane, Tottenham's players will feel uneasy to settle this season.

Defence - 7/10

Entertaining football is always Tottenham's priority, so being leaky at times is expected. Perhaps the inclusion of Brad Friedel in the squad will improve the back line by a bit.

Midfield - 9/10

With world class players such as Bale, Van der Vaart and Modric here, Tottenham is unarguably solid in this area. The depth is also pretty adequate for playing across various tournaments.

Attack - 6/10

Jermaine Defoe is the only "clinical" forward Tottenham has, but he's rarely fully fit for one whole season. Weak coverage.

Fantasy Ace: Rafael Van der Vaart (£10.0m)

Priced at £7.5m last summer, Van der Vaart has firmly established himself as the icon of White Hart Lane. Armed with outstanding skills and vision, it's not a surprising fact that the former Real Madrid man contributed a sky-high 165 points during his first spell with the London club.

VdV is also the primary penalty taker of Tottenham, making the club's ace a good deal even though at the price of £10.0m.

Solid Picks: Gareth Bale (£8.0m), Luka Modric (£8.0m), Jermaine Defoe (£8.5m)

Emerged as an flying back, Bale's speed and excellent left foot has always been terrorising for opponents' defence even against top tier clubs like the Milan twins. Unfortunately fitness problems are ghosting him throughout the last season, making him less promising than he should.

Still trying to push a deal to Chelsea, Modric's (pix) contribution on the pitch is fairly rewarded with 34 bonus points. However, as a midfield dynamo, the Croatian makes more assist to the assister rather than the goalscorer - there's no fantasy points for that.

Similar to Bale, Defoe is also a frequent visitor to the red cross army, making him breaking the 150 point benchmark only once throughout his fantasy career despite his excellent speed and finishing.

Worth Scouting: Brad Friedel (£5.5m)

With Gomes a very volatile goalkeeper, the inclusion of Friedel is definitely a big boost to Tottenham's defence. It remains to be seen whether there will be more clean sheets for Tottenham with his arrival.

2011/12 Fantasy Season Preview - Liverpool

Liverpool FC

Last Season Summary

League ranking: 6th (58 pts)

Points per game (home: away): 2.11: 0.95

Goals scored per game (home: away): 1.95: 1.16
Goals conceded per game (home: away): 0.74: 1.58

Number of clean sheets: 14

Top league scorer: Dirk Kuyt (13 goals)

Top league assister: Dirk Kuyt (7 assists)

Transfers

In: Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Alexander Doni

Out: Paul Konchesky, Stephen Darby

Pre-Season Results
4-3 Guangdong
6-3 Malaysia XI
0-3 Hull City
0-3 Galatasary
3-3 Valerenga
2-0 Valencia

Predicted Season Finish: 4th

Another disappointing season for the Reds with only local fixtures available for this coming year, but it could be much worse if not for Kenny Dalglish's return. And thanks to the big money splashed by ambitious owner John Henry, the Reds are hopeful of regaining a Champions League spot, if not better.

Defence - 7/10

Recent pre-season results of Liverpool hardly made me believe that they actually got 14 clean sheets last season. Conceding 3 goals in all friendly matches barring Valencia so far is a worrying sign for Kenny Dalglish and Steven Clarke.

Midfield - 10/10

This is the department of Liverpool with extravagant flair and depth. To field a 0-10-0 formation with all recognizable midfielders is certainly not a problem for Liverpool. It remains intriguing to see how Dalglish is going to sort out the overpopulation of midfielders at Anfield.

Attack - 8/10

Undeniably Luis Suarez has been pivotal to Liverpool's offence. Unfortunately Carroll has showing little signs of promise so far - he will need to buck up to take the Reds to a better league position.

Fantasy Ace: Luis Suarez (£9.5m)

The fact that he's not priced at double-digit and is even cheaper than his teammate Andy Carroll made me laugh. The Uruguayan's performance last season was incredible. Although his fantasy points wasn't that good, but you can account a big portion of the reasons to luck. Added with the increased transparency of the new bonus point system, you can expect him to hit at least 150 fantasy points this season.

Powerhouse Picks: Charlie Adam (£9.0m), Stewart Downing (£8.5m)

It's hard to believe that Charlie Adam (pix) will score another whopping 192 fantasy points again this season. Nevertheless, just like how Sir Alex Ferguson suggested that the Scot's set pieces are worth £10m alone, I believe that Adam will give his opponents a hard time with his long range precision passes.

Also renowned for his quality crosses, Stewart Downing will provide the kind of promising wing play that Liverpool had long lost. With Carroll as high main receiver, you can expect a good amount of assists from him.

Solid Picks: Dirk Kuyt (£10.0m), Andy Carroll (£10.0m)

Kuyt has once again become the most consistent and reliable player of Liverpool last season. Unfortunately, several big name signings will foster intense competition in all his comfortable spots. He should become the subject of rotation.

Being the most expensive player bought by Liverpool currently, Dalglish will feel very hard to keep Carroll (pix) on the bench. However, his far from satisfying display during pre-season tour has made me doubt about his performance in the league despite last season's fantastic performance with Newcastle.

Worth Scouting: Glen Johnson (£7.0m), Daniel Agger (£6.0m), Raul Meireles (£7.5m), Alberto Aquilani (£7.0m), Jordan Henderson (£6.5m)

Despite of Johnson's strength in offence, the Englishman's weakness in defence makes his first choice right-back role rather unsecured, especially with the emergence of Martin Kelly and John Flanagan.

Agger is always the best centre-back available at Liverpool, but his frequent injuries has flawed his career at England thus far.

With so many central midfielders available, Meireles looks to be a surplus for Dalglish now, despite being one of the club's saviours last season with his entertaining volleys.

It's the same case like Meireles too for Aquilani, but the Italian's spectacular pre-season with the club might just be good enough to change Dalglish's mind. At the price of £7.0m, he's a wonderful buy if he starts and plays in the hole behind Carroll.

Bought for £16m in reality, it's still highly doubted whether Henderson is bought for immediate impact or future development. But being only £6.5m in fantasy, he also resembles good business if he is Dalglish's first choice right midfield.

No Thanks: Steven Gerrard (£11.0m)

The skipper was once the unstoppable force of Anfield, but things have pretty much changed. Firstly, the captain marvel seems to lost his speed after continuous injuries. And secondly, the abundance of midfielders have made his time at Anfield tougher. Also, Liverpool is no longer a one-man or two-men team.

2011/12 Fantasy Season Preview - Everton

Everton FC

Last Season Summary

League ranking: 7th (54 pts)

Points per game (home: away): 1.79: 1.05

Goals per game (for: against): 1.34: 1.18

Number of clean sheets: 9

Top league scorer: Tim Cahill (9 goals)

Top league assister: Leighton Baines (11 assists)

Transfers

In: Eric Dier

Out: James Vaughan, Kieran Agard, Hope Akpan, Nathan Craig, Iain Turner

Predicted Season Finish: 7th

Being a team full of internationals, Everton managed to turn around a dismal start last season. The quality is always there, but Moyes will have to work harder to make sure that his team is consistent throughout the season. If he succeeds, then it is highly probable that they can tackle Tottenham out of top six.

Fantasy Ace: Leighton Baines (£8.0m)

Delivered 7, 9  and 11 assists over the past three seasons, Baines has firmly made his name at Goodison Park. Being one of the best left-footer of the league, Baines just never disappoint us with his crosses and set pieces.

Of course, you will have to pray that Arteta continues to be fragile or is going to be sold - in that way Baines will have no doubt to take all the dead balls.

Decent Picks: Tim Cahill (£9.0m), Sylvain Distin (£5.5m), Phil Jagielka (£5.5m)

Cahill has a consistent goal record over the last few years. Definitely a reliable attacking man for you.

Joining from Portsmouth, Distin has been solid in the back line for the Toffees. He's not as good as the time when Lescott was there, but nevertheless he's decent.

Being wanted by Arsenal, Jagielka's skills and leadership in defending should not be doubted. He has a slump over the last two years, but I expect him to recover.

Worth Scouting: Mikel Arteta (£8.0m)

Arteta is unstoppable when he's fit. Unfortunately, injury is consistently disrupting the form of the Spaniard.

No Thanks: Seamus Coleman (£7.0m)
Reclassified as a midfielder, Coleman lost the ability to claim 4 clean sheet points. He will need to play more games and perform better to match his asking price - which I highly doubt will happen.

2011/12 Fantasy Season Preview - Sunderland

Sunderland AFC

Last Season Summary

League ranking: 10th (47 pts)

Points per game (home: away): 1.37: 1.11

Goals per game (for: against): 1.18: 1.47

Number of clean sheets: 13

Top league scorer: Asamoah Gyan (10 goals)

Top league assister: Asamoah Gyan, Jordan Henderson (4 assists)

Transfers

In: Ahmed Elmohamady, Sebastien Larsson, Kieren Westwood, Connor Wickham, Dong-Won Ji, Craig Gardner, Wes Brown, John O'Shea, David Vaughan

Out: Jordan Henderson, Liam Noble

Predicted Season Finish: 8th

It's crazy to see how Sunderland fosters their squad depth this season. After such a big improvement in all areas, you can only expect them to perform better.

Fantasy Ace: Asamoah Gyan (£8.0m)

With so many new signings coming on, it's pretty hard to determine who's the boss. But I'll stick with Gyan.

The rapper has slowly adapted to the Premier League tempo and looks more and more promising to takeover Darren Bent's role.

Of course, it's very entertaining to see him dancing on the pitch too.

Decent Picks: Phillip Bardsley (£5.0m), John O'Shea (£5.0m), Simon Mignolet/ Craig Gordon (£4.5m), Sebastian Larsson (£6.5m), Craig Gardner (£6.0m)

Phillip Bardsley had been awesome last season, 3 goals and 2 assists coupled with Sunderland's impressive 13 clean sheets, Bardsley got more than 100 points for the first time in his fantasy career. You can only expect that to improve with the addition of two veteran defenders from Manchester United.

Being able to play at all defensive positions, John O'Shea is definitely a great addition to the squad. As he will get all the playing time he wants at Sunderland as opposed to Manchester United, he is set to reach a new height of his career.

It's still unclear whether Mignolet or Gordon will get the #1 spot, but with a new bunch of experienced defenders, they will be less busy - expect more clean sheets.

Addicted to buying players in a pair, Sunderland gets Larsson and Gardner from Birmingham. Both of them have respectable statistics. Gardner could be scoring almost the same number of fantasy points as Larsson if not for his red cards.

Worth Scouting: Connor Wickham (£6.0m), Fraizer Campbell (£6.0m)

It's crazy how football clubs nowadays are willing to splash big money for an 18-year-old footballer. Wickham scored  9 goals last season for Ipswich, but whether he will be as effective in the Premier League is still a question.

Fraizer Campbell has always had limited chances to perform, and it will be the same this season. If he can make a breakthrough into the starting XI, I believe he can actually become a decent fantasy forward.

2011/12 Fantasy Season Preview - Aston Villa

Aston Villa FC

Last Season Summary

League ranking: 9th (48 pts)

Points per game (home: away): 1.63: 0.89

Goals per game (for: against): 1.26: 1.55

Number of clean sheets: 7

Top league scorer: Darren Bent (9 goals)

Top league assister: Ashley Young (10 assists)

Transfers

In: Shay Given, Charles N'Zogbia

Out: Brad Friedel, Ashley Young, Stewart Downing, Nigel Reo-Coker

Predicted Season Finish: 9th

The loss of both Young and Downing is a big shame. Although the acquisition of N'Zogbia plus pushing Albrighton up into the first team can solve the problem, it's obvious that their offence has down by a level.

Fantasy Ace: Dareen Bent (£10.0m)

For the first time Bent's price reaches the double-digit mark - his ability is finally fully recognised by fantasy committee. Being the most efficient striker across the league, it's natural for him to hit more than 15 goals again this season.

Decent Picks: Charles N'Zogbia (£7.5m), Marc Albrighton (£6.5m), Shay Given (£5.0m)

Bought from Wigan, N'Zogbia has shown consistent improvement in fantasy over the past few seasons. With Darren Bent in front, the Frenchman's assist figure should improve.

Albrighton's price has been significantly increased. But don't worry, he should be Alex McLeish's best XI - this will definitely boost his fantasy points.

Given has finally escaped from the cold bench at Manchester City, and you can expect a keeper of his calibre to improve Villa's defence. McLeish's defensive approach will help to increase his value for money too.

Worth Scouting: Gabriel Agbonlahor (£6.5m)

Once a popular fantasy commodity, Agbonlahor lost his sharpness last season, scoring only 3 goals and 1 assist. With his price dropping to £6.5m, he can be an absolute bargain - should he regain his scoring boots.

2011/12 Fantasy Season Preview - Fulham

Fulham FC

Last Season Summary

League ranking: 8th (49 pts)

Points per game (home: away): 1.63: 0.95

Goals per game (for: against): 1.29: 1.13

Number of clean sheets: 14

Top league scorer: Clint Dempsey (12 goals)

Top league assister: Bobby Zamora (5 assists)

Transfers

In: Pajtim Kasami, John Arne Riise, Dan Burn, Csaba Somogyi, Marcel Gecov

Out: David Stockdale, Jonathan Greening, Zoltan Gera, Eddie Johnson, Diomansy Kamara, Kagisho Dikgacoi, John Pantsil

Predicted Season Finish: 10th

Several changes from what Martin Jol inherited from Mark Hughes. While the spine of the team is pretty much the same, the Cottagers' participation in Europa League will divert their attention towards Premier League.

Fantasy Ace: Clint Dempsey (£8.5m)

Unarguably the most recognised United States player currently, Dempsey went through his best times at Fulham last season , scoring 12 goals and 3 assists. The fact that his fantasy price rising consistently - ranging from £0.5m to £1.5m every year - shows how important is the attacking midfielder to the Cottagers nowadays.

Currently 28, I believe Dempsey is capable of making this coming season even better than his last.

Decent Picks: Aaron Hughes (£5.0m), John Arne Riise (£6.0m)

Priced at permissible level of £5.0m, Hughes should be your first choice if you want a defender from Fulham. He got all Fulham's clean sheet points last season with only 16 minutes away from 100% appearance for Fulham, so you will have no trouble of rotation from him.

Joining Fulham with a view of playing with his brother, John Riise will provide Fulham more dynamism in attack. Gifted with a great left foot, the Norwegian defender can give a lot of support in offence. Furthermore, he also has a pair of strong arms which can conduct long-range throw-ins.

Worth Scouting: Bobby Zamora (£7.0m), Brede Hangeland (£6.5m), Damien Duff (£6.5m)

While Zamora has been constantly sidelined throughout the season, when he's fit he is one of the best mid-priced strikers across the league.

Scoring 6 whopping goals last season, Hangeland is priced expensively this season. At £6.0m I would still consider him, but being £1.5m more expensive than Aaron Hughes he is not really a value for money selection unless he is able to score like last season.

Not the very same Duff we knew when he was at Chelsea. The Irish has been quite injury-prone just like Zamora. Being quite inconsistent as well, you will need some courage and wisdom to earn good fantasy points from him.

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