As I continue my look ahead to the 2011-12 Fantasy Premier League season, I assess which midfielders could do well.
The three most expensive midfielders in this season's game are Cesc Fabregas (£12 million), Frank Lampard (£12 million) and Steven Gerrard (£11 million). Arsenal's Fabregas has been dogged by injury this year and is the subject of intense transfer speculation, while Gerrard will not play for Liverpool until September due to an injury of his own. So, of the three, Lampard looks the best bet, but by his standards the England international had an average 2010-11 season, so a good strategy may be to keep away from the most expensive midfielders and sign several in that middle to upper bracket.
Rafael van der Vaart comes into this category and if Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp continues to deploy the Dutchman just behind the main striker, expect him to build on the 13 leagues goals and eight assists that he racked up last season.
The 2010-11 season was also a productive one for Arsenal's Samir Nasri (£9.5 million) but it remains to be seen how focused he will be after his refusal to extend a contract that expires next summer.
Nani (last season's top points scorer and assists provider in midfield) and Ashley Young both cost £10 million but are likely to be competing with each other for a place in the Manchester United side so it may be prudent to wait a few weeks before deciding whether to sign either. Antonio Valencia costs £2 million less and finished the 2010-11 season strongly. The Ecuadorian could be a bargain.
Everton's Tim Cahill (£9 million) is a reliable source of goals provided he steers clear of injury, while Fulham's Clint Dempsey (£8.5 million) also scores more goals than the average midfielder and finished as the fifth highest points scorer in his position last term.
Charles N'Zogbia is proving a popular selection in fantasy teams, and no wonder. He costs just £7.5 million and is a guaranteed starter, with Aston Villa having sold Stewart Downing and Young.
Cheaper Alternatives
Arsenal's Jack Wilshere looks value at £6.5 million, especially if he can add more goals to his game.
Queens Park Rangers Adel Taarabt (£6.5 million) scored 19 goals and provided 16 assists in the Championship last season, and although he is unlikely to equal that total, he looks a good bet to be the club's top scorer after they announced that he will be staying at Loftus Road.
Newcastle United pair Hatem Ben Arfa (£5.5 million) and Sylvain Marveaux (£5 million) are both creative players and could prove bargains, while much is expected of Blackburn's Argentine playmaker Mauro Formica (£5.5 million).
Nigel Reo-Coker, at £4.5 million is, surprisingly, the joint second cheapest midfielder in the game and almost certain to be a regular at Bolton Wanderers, considering their lack of midfield options.
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Comments
Reo cooker was a pretty cheap and good sub alternative. i had him most season.