Following on from the article ‘The Must Haves for Draft Fantasy 2017-18,’ today we take a look at the group of players I like to call, ‘The Alternates.’

Let me set the scene. You’ve made your draft list with all the usual suspects; Kane, Sanchez, Hazard etc…That was the easy part. Now comes the real challenge… the alternates. These are the differentials, the maybes, the ‘Do I want him, well maybe, wait I’m not sure. Aaaaah what do I do?!’

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Those players that might not be on every fantasy football manager’s list, but could make all the difference when the curtain falls on Draft Fantasy Football Season 2017-18. Speaking as someone who won their league by 2 points last season (Sorry, not sorry, Dan), I know how important every point is. So my friends, sit back, relax and let me guide you in your quest for the oh so important, ‘Alternates.’

Forward – Sergio Aguero

“Ridiculous, insane, preposterous!” I hear you cry. How on earth can I possibly put Sergio Aguero, one of the most skilled players ever to grace The Premier League, as a differential? But please bear with me, there is method to my madness. While you’re right in thinking he could be absolute fantasy gold, things are not as simple as they seem at Manchester City this season. The emergence of the talented Gabriel Jesus may throw a rather large spanner in the works. Last season proved that Pep Guardiola isn’t afraid to bench Aguero in favour of the youngster, and having both on the pitch could potentially decrease Aguero’s output. Having said all that, I still think it’s worth the risk. If he gets the game time, he’ll undoubtedly score enough points to warrant being in your squads. And if the final game of the season was anything to go by (5-0 against Watford), both Aguero and Jesus could both be set for a point-rich season.

Image result for sergio aguero celebrating

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Midfielder – Paul Pogba

Another player that is arguably world class, but won’t be on all fantasy manager’s radars, is Manchester United’s record signing Paul Pogba. He arrived at Old Trafford with a hefty price tag and even heftier expectations on his shoulders. Needless to say, he didn’t live up to those expectations last season and United fans will be expecting a lot more from him this time round. However, if Mourinho can start to get the best out of him (and if anyone can, Mourinho can *cough* …spoken like a true United fan!), then he could be fantasy football gold! His strength, his power and his ability to control the ball are fantastic, and he could (or should!) play an integral part in United’s season.

Image result for paul pogba celebrating united

Defender – Kieran Trippier

My favourite of all the differential picks is Spurs full back Kieran Trippier. With Kyle Walker looking to be on his way out of Spurs, he looks the perfect replacement in the attacking full back position. Whilst being given a run in the team at the end of last season, it was clear that he wasn’t out of his depth, making marauding runs through many a Premier League defence. And with the stellar partnership of Vertonghen and Alderweireld alongside him, he looks like a strong option for points at both ends of the pitch.

Image result for kieran trippier celebrating

Goalkeeper – Jordan Pickford

Pickford had an astounding season last year for Sunderland, producing several performances that wowed the critics. He was far and away Sunderland’s best player and the statistics back that up. He has now made his big summer move to Everton, and it feels like a match made in heaven. A top six team with ambitions of being top four, Pickford is a great buy and a distinct improvement on Robles or Stekelenburg (sorry lads). He’s also got an experienced defence in front of him with the likes of Williams and Jagielka. Having said all that, one can’t ignore the fact that he’s not playing for a top four side, so there’s certainly an element of risk. But if you miss out on those top picks, he could be a very decent replacement.

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Image result for jordan pickford in everton kit

 

So there you are lads, just a few options for ‘The Alternates.’ A group of players that can make or break any Draft Fantasy League season. As someone who owned Charlie Adam in the memorable 2010-11 campaign, but also Radamel Falcao in the never-again mentioned 2014-15 campaign, I know just how important it is to get these decisions right. Good luck and always remember, “Great victory requires great risk.”