The ‘Punts’ for Fantasy 2017 – 2018

Following on from my articles, The ‘Must Haves’ for Draft Fantasy 2017 – 2018 and The ‘Alternates’ for Draft Fantasy 2017 – 2018, we now take a look at the third and final piece of the puzzle for the ever-planning draft fantasy manager. A group of players I like to call, ‘The Punts.’ And this, ladies and gentlemen, is the place where we fantasy managers go, to have some fun. These players are the hidden gems, the waiting to be discovereds, the unknowns. A group of players that only the most thorough and hard-nosed of fantasy managers are able to unearth. Now whilst these players are few and far between, if you can catch one at the start of the season, you’re onto a winner. So get comfy and read on, in the hope of finding that one player who might just be the difference between ultimate glory and dismal defeat.

Forward – Saido Berahino

Oh how the mighty have fallen…

Three seasons ago he was one of the most exciting prospects in English football, sought after by a host of Premier League clubs, not least Spurs. Two years on, and after one of the most disastrous and drawn-out transfer debacles in recent years, Berahino has finally made the move from West Brom to Stoke City. Whilst this probably wasn’t the glory move he was hoping for, he should certainly start to see more game time, now entering his first full season with the club.

Saido burst onto the scene in 2013 at the age of 20, and in only his second season of first team football, managed an impressive 20 goals (and remember, that’s for West Brom!) One cannot deny that the lad has skills, and if he gets his attitude right, he could be just what Stoke are looking for. A safe bet? Of course not. But if he can recreate the magic of the 2014-15 season, you’ll be seen as a fantasy football genius for drafting him in from the start.

Midfielder – Junior Stanislas

You mean Josh King, right?

No, my friends, I don’t.

Whilst most will be clambering for Mr. King after his hugely impressive season for Bournemouth, I’m looking a little deeper into the ranks of the South coast outfit for a true punt in all senses of the word. Junior Stanislas is a player who has flown under the radar in recent seasons, but if you’re a keen follower of AFC Bournemouth, you’ll know that he’s rated highly around the club. He had his best season yet last time round, scoring 7 goals and assisting 6 in 21 appearances. Not bad for a winger who missed half the season due to injury. On a personal note, Stanislas will always hold a special place in my heart. I transferred him in minutes before the GW38 deadline in place of the injured King. He went on to score and help me win my league by 2 points (still not sorry Dan.)

Defender – Nathan Ake

I promise, I’m not a Bournemouth fan, but Nathan Ake is just the most wonderful of punts. I had to include him.

Now I’m essentially basing this decision on 8 games on loan at Bournemouth last season. However, my friends, Eddie Howe is no fool. He must have seen something pretty special to be willing to part with £20m for the 22-year-old. And I for one think it’s a good bit of business. Ake showed himself to be a versatile and creative defender during his short stay with the South coast outfit last season. He scored three goals and helped the team to 3 clean sheets, winning over a large portion of the Bournemouth fans.

But let’s be realistic. I’m not telling you this is a sure-fire thing, because it certainly isn’t. But if you’re looking for someone to fill that fifth spot, with a bit of excitement and goal-scoring potential, then look no further.

Goalkeeper – Mathew Ryan

Mathew who?

Fair question.

I mean… the man might not even make Brighton’s first 11! But I’ve got a feeling about this one. And sometimes, you’ve just got to go with your gut.

His history makes for an interesting read. During his time at Club Brugge, Ryan was voted Belgian League Goalkeeper of the Year two years running. He then went on to Valencia where a number of factors, including injury (and possibly conceding 7 goals against Barcelona), kept him out of the side. However, he had an impressive return to form on loan at Genk last season, keeping a string of clean sheets. He’s an agile player with heaps of confidence in the box and he’ll be playing behind a back four who conceded the joint least number of goals in the Championship last season. So if you’re looking to have a little fun with your number two choice this season, then look no further than the Aussie kid playing football on the South Coast.

So, my friends, there you go. These players won’t be for everyone. But if you’re a risk-taker, an adventurer, a ‘think-outside-the-box’er, then these might just be the men for you. Men with potential, with promise, and with enough talent to make you think, “What if?” I can’t promise they’ll all deliver, but who knows, they just might.