How to pick a perfect Premier League fantasy football team

Who and what to look for and who and what to avoid when making your selections this season

The kids are on holiday and the Olympics in full swing, but the Premier League is waking from its summer slumber to kick off again.

And that means its time to pick and fine tune your fantasy football team. 

There are many different versions competing for players but most follow a similar pattern: the wannabe manager picks a squad of players within a set budget and then sits back and hopes for the best.

Competitors are awarded points according to how their selections perform each week and have the option of transferring players in and out of the squad, as well as adjusting the formation and starting XI from week to week.

The most popular game is the Fantasy Premier League, run by the league itself, which has some three million users.

So what should prospective fantasy manager consider when picking their squad and who are the players to watch this season?

Pick players who play: No matter how well someone played at the Copa America, the Under-21 Championships or last season, if they are not guaranteed first-team game time there is little point in having them in the squad. Who will be first-choice striker at Liverpool, for example, and how will Manchester United's midfield look this season now Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan have rolled into town?

Check the fixtures: This is an important consideration at the start of the season, says Tom Meltzer of The Guardian. It allows managers to pick a solid team that will perform well at the outset and which can be tinkered with once the season starts to take shape. lean towards players whose teams have a relatively easy start.

Avoid new signings: This is generally good advice, a fantasy football writer who has written books on the subject tells TheWeek.co.uk. It is impossible to know how new arrivals will settle into the English game or their new club. Fernando Torres at Chelsea and Mario Balotelli at Liverpool are cases in point. However, a massive new signing such as Pogba at Man United or Granit Xhaka at Arsenal is almost guaranteed a run in the side.

Don't rely on one or two star performers: The "Zidanes y Pavones" approach had mixed results at Real Madrid and is not the best way to pick a fantasy team neither. A handful of big names leavened with cheap no-hopers will not produce the goods. "You want 11 players a week who can and will deliver points," says Meltzer. "This means that it is all about finding good value: think points-per-million, not just points." 

Don't be loyal: There is a temptation to pick players from the club you follow, which makes some sense as you probably know more about them. But picking your favourites does not always work and if they fail, you must be prepared to ditch them. Chelsea fans who held onto Eden Hazard but turned up their noses at Dimitri Payet last season would not have fared well. Likewise, Man Utd fans who kept faith with Wayne Rooney could have been enjoying the points scored by, say, Harry Kane.

Use transfers: You can't control injuries or form, but most games give you regular transfers and it pays to use them. "Keeping a close eye on your team every week is the single biggest thing you can do to boost your fortunes, as rival managers will soon start haemorrhaging easy points by neglecting to swap out players who are injured, suspended and so on," says website Trusted Reviews.

Handy hints:

Look at set pieces: Knowing which players will be taking the penalties, free kicks and corners is very useful as they have the potential to score more goals and assists. There is a list of who does what for each team at Fantasy Football Scout, a website that is a must read for serious managers.

Study positions: TheWeek.co.uk's fantasy expert says looking for players who have been wrongly classified can pay dividends. Defenders operating in midfield and midfielders playing up front can add real value. Anthony Martial of Manchester United is a case in point. Like Hazard at Chelsea and Alexis Sanchez at Arsenal, he is listed as a midfielder by Fantasy Premier League. Likewise, players such as "Eric Dier and N’Golo Kante are popular picks due to their budget-friendly price tags but offer little attacking threat from the centre of the park," says FourFourTwo. "Focusing on the goal-getters or raiding defenders should reap greater reward."

Check valuations: Price tags and popularity often reflect a player's efforts the previous season. Last year, Riyad Mahrez and Dele Alli came cheap; this year, they will cost the same as Pogba and Mesut Ozil. One the other hand, a talented player can endure an injury-ravaged or unlucky season and that can leave them undervalued. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is cheaper than Samir Nasri and Saints striker Charlie Austin is cheaper than Wilfried Bony of Man City -  Danny Ings of Liverpool is cheaper still. Perennial crocks (Andy Carroll, anyone?) should be treated with caution, however.

Home and away rotation: When selecting non-core players who will drop in and out of the team from week to week, it is worth choosing from teams with alternating home and away schedules. That way you can make sure that, for example, your weakest (and cheapest) defender is always playing at home.

Look at promoted clubs: Cut-price gems can be found in the ranks of the promoted teams, particularly if the player is new to the Premier League. It is a risk, and defenders are best avoided, but a newly promoted player can make a big impact for relatively little outlay, says our expert.

Check websites: There are plenty of experts out there crunching the numbers. Many of the sites have their own scouting reports and they are worth following.

The Week's top picks for 2016-17: 

Goalkeepers:

With only £1.5m difference between the top and bottom of the market there is no need to skimp.

The popular choice: David de Gea (Manchester United)

Solid citizen: Jack Butland (Stoke)

Fingers crossed: Eldin Jakupovic (Hull City)

Defenders:

The popular choices: Hector Bellerin (Arsenal), Toby Alderweireld (Spurs)

Solid citizens: Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Ramiro Funes Mori (Everton)

Fingers crossed: Reece Oxford (West Ham), Emilio Nsue (Middlesbrough)

Midfielders:

The popular choices: Dimitri Payet (West Ham), Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City)

Solid citizens: Yannick Bolasie (Crystal Palace), Christian Eriksen (Spurs)

Fingers crossed: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Dan Gosling (Bournemouth) 

Strikers:

The popular choices: Sergio Aguero (Man City), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Manchester United)

Solid citizens: Charlie Austin (Southampton), Romelu Lukaku (Everton) 

Fingers crossed: Andre Gray (Burnley), Danny Ings (Liverpool)

Pep Guardiola facing Manchester City squad quota headache

Man City boss could end up having to cut three foreign stars from his squad, as well as leaving a home-grown star off his Champions League list.

Manchester City's transfer plans mean that at least THREE of their current foreign stars will have to be shipped out to make room in the squad.

And even if Pep Guardiola adds an English talent to the ranks – with John Stones firmly in his sights – it will give the Blues a fresh Champions League headache.

Last season City had to leave an overseas player out of their Champions League squad, but if Stones or another home-grown player signs, they may have to leave out TWO players this time.

City will have 18 overseas players on their books when Ilkay Gundogan formally joins them on July 1, the same situation as last season, when Martin Demichelis was still with the club.

That does not pose any problems in terms of the Premier League, as their rules on overseas players are more relaxed – any player aged under 21 does not count towards the quota and Kelechi Iheanacho falls into that category.

But while the 19-year-old Nigerian does not count towards the Premier League quota, the rules of the Champions League are stricter.

Kelechi Iheanacho was left out of the Champions League squad last season

Uefa also allow unlimited under-21 players, but insist they must have been with the club for at least two seasons, and Iheanacho does not reach that milestone until January.

That means that even if City do not sign any more foreign players this summer – which is highly unlikely – they will STILL have to trim one squad member from the overseas list they submit to Uefa in August.

Last season it was Iheanacho who was left out for the group games, although he replaced Samir Nasri for the knockout stages, the Frenchman being left out when it became apparent his thigh injury would see him miss a large chunk of the season.

Manchester City would have a squad headache if they sign John Stones

The situation is further complicated by the fact that City are in hot pursuit of two more foreign stars, with Nolito seemingly set to sign after the Euros and Leroy Sane possibly joining him.

Sane would qualify as an under-21 player in the Premier League, but not in the Champions League.

But the Blues are also chasing Everton's John Stones, who would qualify for their Premier League squad.

Uefa's rules are aimed more at clubs producing their own talent, and allow a maximum of four “association-trained” players – that is, players who were brought through in the same country, but at another club.

City already have Joe Hart, Fabian Delph, Raheem Sterling and Gael Clichy on their list of association-trained players, so signing Stones, or another English-trained player, would exceed the limit.

None of those players are expected to be shipped out this summer, either permanently or on loan, so Guardiola could face a tough decision in August.

In terms of his overseas players, it is relatively straightforward – at least three need to be axed from both the Premier and Champions League squads, but that would happen anyway.

Pablo Zabaleta is talking to Roma, and there is a chance that Eliaquim Mangala, Aleks Kolarov, Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri and Wilfried Bony could either be sold or loaned out.

Samir Nasri on Karim Benzema absence

Samir Nasri tells KickOff.com that he was surprised by Karim Benzema’s omission from the France squad for Euro 2016.

The French Football Federation suspended the Real Madrid striker in December after being charged with conspiracy to blackmail amid allegations one of his friends tried to extort money from international teammate Mathieu Valbuena.

Benzema has since suggested that racism could have also played a part in him being dropped but, either way, Nasri insists he will be missed.

“It [his absence] will be really important because he had the best season of his career and scored plenty of goals in the league, so I was a little bit surprised with his suspension,” the Manchester City midfielder tellsKickOff.com.

“Sometimes you don’t understand things that are happening there, so I’m a little bit sad for him.”

Nasri himself will watch the tournament from home after retiring from international football in 2014 following a falling out with coach Didier Deschamps. 

Still, he feels Les Bleus have a good chance of winning Euro 2016, especially with it being played on home soil.

“I think it’s an easy group and the fact that there are now 24 teams makes it easier to qualify for the round of 16,” he adds.

“It’s really important for France to do well for so many reasons. Today football is just not a sport; there’s everything around it too.

“France really have to do well, and of course the last two times France organised tournaments they won the World Cup [in 1998] and European Championships [in 2000] , so why not a third time?”

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Samir Nasri wears the New Balance Football Galaxy/Bright Cherry Visaro boot. To find out more about New Balance Football, go to newbalance.com/football or follow @NBFootball on Twitter and Instagram

Samir Nasri's return lifts Man City's hopes of top-four finish

Samir Nasri’s hopes of winning this year’s Champions League are already over but the Manchester City midfielder did his bit to guarantee City’s involvement in next season’s competition with a match-winning comeback from injury.

Nasri is not part of City’s 21-strong Champions League squad list they had to submit to Uefa before the knockout stages of the competition after suffering a serious thigh muscle injury in October.

With City fearing a longer absence and short of attacking options at the time, due to an injury to Wilfried Bony, they selected Kelechi Iheanacho in Nasri’s place.

Nasri reels away after scoring against West Brom CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES

“It was a really easy decision. Even if I was to be back just for the final, it’s not something we had in mind. Why would I keep a spot when someone is available?” said Nasri after he scored against West Bromwich Albion in his first start since September. 

The goal gave City successive Premier League wins for the first time since October and lifted them to within two points of third-placed Arsenal in their effort to secure a top-four finish.

City needed Nasri’s goal after they quickly cancelled out Stéphane Sessègnon’s fine early strike with a Sergio Agüero penalty but then struggled to break down Albion again until the arrival from the bench of Kevin de Bruyne.

Even then, the West Brom manager, Tony Pulis, felt his side should have had a penalty at 1-1 for a clumsy challenge by Eliaquim Mangala on Sandro and then missed late chances through Saido Berahino and James McClean.

“Decisions like that don’t just affect us at this stage of the season,” said Pulis. “All the clubs round Manchester City who are trying to get into the Champions League, it affects them as well.” 

Samir Nasri: I am the type of player Pep Guardiola wants at Manchester City

Thirteen months after Samir Nasri’s previous Premier League start he ended as game-winner, standout performer and with a message for Pep Guardiola that, if wanted, Manchester City’s incoming coach is a “lucky man” to have a player ravenous to prove his worth.

Before the thigh injury that had ruled out Nasri since the 5-1 win against Bournemouth on 17 October, the Frenchman had faded from the first-team picture. He was again a replacement that day and the sense was of a footballer whose shining talent should make him an A-lister but who would depart City having disappointed.

The caveat here is that Nasri has the technical and creative abilities that Guardiola loves to harness. Witnessing the way the 28-year-old operated as an all-action de facto No10 against West Bromwich Albion, popping up in defence and on hand to hit City’s 66th-minute winner suggests Guardiola may consider giving Nasri a chance.

But, when it was put to him, the Frenchman said: “I don’t know because you never know. Maybe he comes with his [own] ideas and stuff. I played against him in the past, he had some praise for me but I think that was like five years ago now [when at Arsenal]. That is one thing.

“When the pre-season is going to start I am going to be fresh so I hope that will help me and I will try to perform because when you have been out for so long you are more hungry when you come back. You don’t want to waste your time. You want to be back with a bang. If I stay working with Pep Guardiola, if he wants me, he’s just going to be a lucky man because I will be really hungry.

“I am the type of player for his philosophy and the way he likes his team to play so we are just going to see and on the first day of pre-season I will have a chat with him because I am going to be really hungry.”

This desire was City’s gain in a match they had to win, as Nasri ghosted into the area to beat Ben Foster to complete a victory that ensures no slip in the chase for a Champions League berth.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side started by conceding a soft Stéphane Sessègnon goal. Only six minutes were complete when the paper-thin home defence allowed the forward to collect the ball in space inside the area. Joe Hart compounded the complacency by freezing as the ball sailed passed him on his near post.

From this juncture City chugged along unconvincingly even after Sergio Agüero’s 19th-minute penalty. What helped Nasri change the contest was the arrival of Kevin De Bruyne and Yaya Touré on the hour.

Instantly City were a vintage one-touch side whose devilry West Brom could not contain. Nasri’s finish followed a deft De Bruyne pass that split Tony Pulis’s side open and by the end City fully deserved the victory.

As does Nasri deserve credit for the display, one that is particularly satisfying after a lonely six months. When the season ends he plans no holiday. “I had a break for six months,” he said. “Trust me I travelled, did everything because I needed to clear my mind for sure, when you have all of this. When you come to the dressing room and hear all the guys talking about starting in this game and that game and you think: ‘When am I going to play?’ It’s too hard for the head. So I’ve had enough of a break and am just going to go in hard. I just want to play.

“I went everywhere. I’ve been in Dubai, America and, when I was close to return, I’ve been in Italy to do a detox. I’ve been in France also with the family because I needed people around me who care. Mentally it’s been really hard.”

Now he is back and Guardiola may take note.

Manchester City vs. West Ham 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online

By now, Manchester City would've been hoping to be several points clear at the top of the Premier League table. After all, they boast what is probably the strongest squad in the entire division. In reality, Manuel Pellegrini's side find themselves down in third place, a point in arrears of both Arsenal and Leicester City, having also been dogged by a peculiar inconsistency. If they're to stand any chance of leapfrogging their title rivals to the Premier League's summit this weekend, they're going to have to pick up a point or three away at West Ham United.

That's a task easier said than done, with the Hammers enjoying a wonderful campaign under Premier League managerial debutant Slaven Bilić. The Croatian's fine leadership has given West Ham a very real chance of qualifying for the Europa League, with attractive, intelligent football. They've only been beaten twice in front of their home fans so far this season, and City should be heading to London's East End for Saturday's late kickoff expecting a very difficult match.

Key player: Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)

Had Argentine striker Sergio Agüero not suffered with his usual injury problems for much of the season so far, Manchester City may by now have been cruising to the title. As it is, Agüero has made two fewer appearances than City's backup striker Wilfried Bony, and has tellingly scored over twice as many goals. He's a cut above any other forward plying their trade in England, and if he manages to stay fit for the remainder of the campaign, it'll boost the Blues' title hopes enormously.

Recent history

Manchester City went through a five-year phase from September 2009 to October 2014 in which they played West Ham 10 times in all competitions, winning eight, drawing two, and losing none. However, in line with the Hammers' resurgence over the last couple of seasons, City have actually lost two of the last three of these sides' meetings. That means depending on how 'recent' you're looking, the recent history between these teams can give either club the edge.

West Ham United injuries and suspensions

Out: Andy Carroll (knock); Diafra Sakho (hamstring); Manuel Lanzini (thigh). In doubt: None.

Manchester City injuries and suspensions

Out: Samir Nasri (hamstring); Vincent Kompany (calf). In doubt: Eliaquim Mangala(hamstring); Aleksandar Kolarov (calf); Fernandinho (knock).

The Hammers have three attacking absentees, though the injuries to strikers Carroll and Sakho are rather less frustrating than the one sustained by playmaker Lanzini, who was one of the Hammers' top performers through the first half of the season.

Meanwhile, City will still be without captain Kompany, while attacking midfielder Nasri continues to recover from hamstring surgery he had in November. Defenders Mangala and Kolarov are both doubts, though Fernandinho is expected to be included in the matchday squad after recovering from a knock.

Match date/time: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m. local

Venue: Upton Park, London, England

TV: NBC (US - English); NBC Universo (US - Spanish); Sportsnet One (Canada); Sky Sports 1/HD (UK)

Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US - English); NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra (US - Spanish); Sportsnet World Now (Canada); Sky Go (UK).

Nasri determined to fight for his Man City future

The Frenchman, who will miss the majority of the season due to a serious tendon injury, is happy at the club despite having been identified as a likely candidate to leave.

Samir Nasri is determined to stay and fight for his Manchester City future despite his growing status as the club's forgotten man, Goal has learned.

The Frenchman struggled to break into Manuel Pellegrini's first team at the start of the season following the summer arrivals of Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne for a combined outlay of close to £100 million.

Nasri had started two matches - one in the Premier League and one in the Champions League - and was largely restricted to late substitute appearances before being struck down with a tendon injury which will keep him on the sidelines for around six months.



He is also likely to be removed from City's Champions League squad for the knockout stages, which must be declared by February 2, as Pellegrini looks to increase the pool of players from which he can choose. Kelechi Iheanacho, the 19-year-old Nigerian, is currently favourite to take Nasri's place having missed out on being involved in the group stages.

Pellegrini has consistently played down the chances of signing any players in January, but has admitted that there is a chance somebody could arrive to fill the hole left by Nasri.

Many supporters had expected him to be moved on during the summer, especially given the likely arrival of Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium and the possibility of a squad overhaul.

But sources close to the 28-year-old indicate he has no plans to leave as he believes the new contract he signed in 2014, which runs for another three-and-a-half years, is a sign of the club's commitment.
The former Arsenal man is happy with Pellegrini - the Chilean always refers to Nasri in his press conferences when giving injury updates - but is said to be excited by the prospect of working with Guardiola, should the Catalan coach take up residence in Manchester this summer.

City, however, are set to ramp up their recruitment drive at the end of the season having already spent around £170m in 2015.

Paul Pogba and Lionel Messi are among the top-end targets on the club's wishlist, while the likes of Real Madrid midfielder Isco and Schalke starlet Leroy Sane have been linked with January moves but are more likely to be pursued in the summer.

In fact, a number of players are said to have been identified by Guardiola already, with newspapers across Europe linking the club with deals for Alexis Sanchez, Ilkay Gundogan, Neymar, Ander Herrera and David Alaba, who are all said to be favourites of the Bayern Munich boss.