Adrian Clarke: My Fantasy League XI

I shouldn’t really do this, but the good people at Grosvenor Casinos have twisted my arm and made me fess up ahead of tomorrow’s big kick off. Just don’t go stealing all my good ideas, OK!
Here’s my Fantasy League team for the opening weekend of the season… Remember you can check out Grosvenor’s Fantasy Football page to get your bets in early!

Maarten Stekelenburg (Southampton) £5million

The Saints were solid in defence last season and I think they’ll be pretty stingy once again. In the absence of injured Fraser Forster, Dutchman Stekelenburg will take his place between the sticks – and I expect him to do well.

Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea) £7million

The Serbian is a steady performer on the pitch AND in Fantasy League football. Chelsea may have had a rotten pre-season but they’ll keep plenty of clean sheets. Ivanovic scores the odd goal too.

Per Mertesacker (Arsenal) £5.5million

The Big Friendly German gets plenty of stick but I think he’s enjoyed a fantastic 12 months. His partnership with Laurent Koscielny has nice chemistry, and given he’s about nine foot four, Mertesacker should score a few from set pieces.

Luke Shaw (Manchester United) £5.5million

It’s a huge season for the England youngster. Louis van Gaal sent him on his holidays with a flea in his ear, and he’s responded by coming back in the best shape of his life. Flying forward, the United man will create chances aplenty.

Jordan Henderson (Liverpool) £7million

Taking over from Stevie G with the skipper’s armband might have a galvanizing effect on the Liverpool midfielder. He’s a much-improved player and I foresee a steady stream of assists and goals

Dimitri Payet (West Ham United) £7.5million

The Hammers new boy laid-on 17 goals for Marseille last season, and I’m banking on him coming up with a few more at the Boleyn Ground. He’s got a wand of a right boot, and will tee up all sorts of opportunities for his front men.

Mesut Ozil (Arsenal) £8.5million

I’m a massive fan of the silky German, and have a hunch this might be his year to prove the doubters wrong. If he stays fit Ozil will lay on a stream of chances, and if he’s a bit greedier in 2015/16, he’ll score plenty more himself as well.

Theo Walcott (Arsenal) £9million

I’m taking full advantage of the Fantasy League loophole that’s puts Walcott down as a midfielder. Wherever he plays, I expect Theo to net a hatful this season. He’s so hard to contain, and at the peak of his powers.

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) £10.5million

Manchester United’s talisman is due a red-hot goalscoring campaign, and after being given the nod to start up front I fancy him to make the net bulge a lot more this season. With Sir Bobby Charlton’s club record in sight he has plenty of incentive.

Saido Berahino (West Brom) £6.5million

Saido_Berahino_(cropped)

I rate the 22-year-old highly. He’s had one or two attitude issues, but with good pace, movement and finishing ability, he is a natural striker. Berahino may move to a bigger club, but wherever he is, he’ll score goals.

Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) £9.5million

Lots of people think Kane will suffer the dastardly ‘second season syndrome’ but I am not convinced. He looks mentally tough and well equipped to handle pressure of you ask me. His all-round game and technique are pretty sound.

 

Photo credits: Flickr (Creative Commons – Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0))

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