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As week four of the EPL looms, we continue to look at the most viable and valuable fantasy transfer options.
Editor’s Note: be sure to check out all of our articles, and read more about the English Premier League (EPL) and the Spanish La Liga and fantasy analysis.
Simon Mignolet – Goalkeeper-Liverpool – 5.1m
Season Total – 18 Points; Position Rank – T-3rd
Last Match – D 0-0 (A) vs. Arsenal, 6 Points (90 Minutes Played, Clean Sheet, Five Saves, Yellow Card)
Next Fixture – (H) vs. West Ham – Saturday, August 29th
The Belgian has provided everything any fantasy owner could wish for from a goalkeeper. Through three matches, against an onslaught of scoring chances, Mignolet has yet to concede a goal. In his latest performance, the "Red's" goalie saved five potent Arsenal goal-scoring opportunities, including an acrobatic parrying save from an Olivier Giroud strike. Increasing Mignolet’s value is the current form of the Liverpool rearguard. Returning centerbacks Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel have been stalwart. New fullbacks Nathan Clyne and Joe Gomez have also been reliable, providing stellar pacing on the flank while holding tight to their defensive responsibilities. Currently surging, the form of the Red’s back unit appears worthy enough to extinguish even West Ham’s red-hot attack.
Aleksandar Kolarov – Defender-Man City- 5.7m
Season Total – 31 Points; Position Rank – T-1st
Last Match – W 2-0 (A) vs. Everton, 15 Points (90 Minutes Played, Clean Sheet, Goal Scored)
Next Fixture – (H) vs. Watford – Saturday, August 29th
Having Gael Clichey nipping at his boots has, seemingly, provided worthwhile motivation for Kolarov. Prior to the season, there was much debate as to which fullback would man the left side for Manchester City in the new campaign. After getting the initial nod, Aleksander Kolarov has eliminated any further notion of debate. The
Serbian has been downright dangerous. Taking a page out of the Pablo Zabaleta playbook, Kolarov has been a fearsome threat on the offensive flank, ranking third in the league with 18 crosses.
His still-budding partnership with newcomer Raheem Sterling has been highlighted with numerous overlapping runs, with the former Liverpool youngster occupying the primary defensive attention. With the extra space in which to operate, Kolarov has been an offensive revelation on a squad already rich with goal scoring threats. His impeccably-placed ball past Tim Howard last week opened the scoring, in what would become City’s third consecutive shutout victory. With City shutouts looking likely as a week-to-week occurrence, Kolarov is a sold investment, even if his goal-scoring prowess does not continue.
Xherdan Shaqiri – Midfielder - Stoke City – 7.0m
Season Total – 7 Points; Position Rank – N/A (DNP in First Two Matches)
Last Match – D 1-1 (A) vs. Norwich, 7 Points (90 Minutes Played, Assist)
Next Fixture – (H) vs. West Brom – Saturday, August 29th
There weren’t any fireworks, but all things considered, Xherdan Shaqiri’s Premier League debut was a rousing success. The Swiss-international, brought to the club from Inter Milan for a record fee, was forced to sit out his first eligible match in week two due to a lingering UEFA suspension. After a long two-week wait, Shaqiri finally took the field for the Potters last weekend. Mark
Hughes, inevitably relieved to have acquired the playmaking midfielder, immediately cited Shaq for set-piece duties. On a first half free-kick, Shaqiri found the crown of Mame Biram Diouf to give the Potters a lead, in a game that would eventually end 1-1. After being buried at Bayern Munich and essentially disappearing in Milan, many pundits and managers alike had, prematurely it would seem, given up on Shaqiri’s potential. Already coined “The Ronaldo of Switzerland,” Shaqiri should excel with his elevated responsibility and regular playing time.
Bakary Sako – Midfielder – Crystal Palace – 5.5m
Season Total – 10 Points; Position Rank – N/A (DNP in First Two Matches)
Last Match – W 2-1 (H) vs. Aston Villa, 10 Points (90 Minutes Played, Goal Scored)
Next Fixture – (A) vs. Chelsea – Saturday, August 29th
Nobody has ever characterized Alan Pardew as a man easily impressed. However, once trust is established, Pardew tends to trust his guys and let them deliver. Bakary Sako, after sitting out Palace’s first two matches, has seemingly earned his boss’s trust. With Yannick Bolasie in Africa mourning the death of his father, Connor Wickham out with injury and Glenn Murray failing to impress, Palace relied on Sako for an offensive spark against Aston Villa. After Villa drew even, Sako, who had five shots on goal on the day, put Palace ahead with an 87th minute strike. With a depleted arsenal of attacking options, look for Pardew to continue to use Sako in the midfield, relying on the Malian international for continued heroics.
Phillippe Coutinho – Midfielder – Liverpool – 8.1m
Season Total – 16 Points; Position Rank – 12th
Last Match – D 0-0 (A) vs. Arsenal, 3 Points (87 Minutes Played, Clean Sheet)
Next Fixture – (H) vs. West Ham – Saturday, August 29th
If only the standard size of a professional net was an inch wider, Phillippe Coutinho would have set the soaking wet Anfield ablaze even in Monday’s downpour. Twice the pint-sized Brazilian midfielder had his efforts on goal, agonizingly, hit the post. The second was a masterful curling attempt that would have snuck inside the far post, if not for a fingertip save by Petr Cech. With the stalwart defensive efforts of James Milner behind him, Coutinho has found more room to create scoring chances during the new campaign. Despite just four landing on goal, Coutinho’s 15 shots lead the league. With Christian Benteke commanding the opposing defensive attention, the midfielder should continue to exploit his newfound added operating space.
