Positional battles at defender are more likely to mean that the loser doesn’t play at all – which is actually desirable in Fantasy because it at least allows for auto-subs and avoids a one-point debacle. For this reason, handcuffs work better with defenders. Nevertheless, there are some players higher up the pitch fighting for their spot in the XI, and they are worth noting. It is more likely managers are able to find room for both in these pairings, but there should still be a winner that comes out with better fantasy prospects.

See More: Which Fantasy Manager are You?

Manchester City’s Yaya Touré and İlkay Gündoğan, MID

Touré (107 pts, 5G) was once a superstar, but those days are over now. Gündoğan (3.9 PPG) will likely never be able to replicate Yaya’s goal scoring exploits from his prime years, but last the German’s injury-shorted cameo last season did show that fantasy points can arrive from deep in the midfield, if the rest of the team is sufficiently talented around them. Yaya may be more silky than Ilkay, yet Touré more passé, at least in the eyes of Pep Guardiola. Pep had a falling-out then a falling-in with Yaya last year, and considering Gündoğan was brought in early in Pep’s regime, managers will need to know if there is room for both, and production to spare. The City midfield is so desirable from a fantasy perspective and so crowded in real-life, these maestros should be available around the 70th pick and thereafter.

See More: The Start of a New Era at Arsenal

Stoke’s Bojan and Ramadan Sobhi, MID

Stoke have never been the top offensive fantasy team in the EPL, but they did have their moments last season, such as Marko Arnautovic’s brace against Middlesbrough, and a brief Peter Crouch hot-streak in the Spring. Now however, Arnautovic is at West Ham, and Crouchinho is not getting any younger. Saido Berahino probably stands the most to gain if he can prove his fitness, but behind the forward line there are some battles for attacking midfielder berth. Manager Mark Hughes has said it himself: Bojan has a clean slate this season after a loan spell at Mainz. Thus far, Bojan has shown some chance of regaining his spot as a playmaker during the pre-season. If the playing time does come available for another, Ramadan Sobhi would want to capitalize. Hughes has also spoken well of the Egyptian’s talent, and has promise him a larger role. Fabian Delph remains a rumoured addition as well in the suddenly crowded Stoke midfield. Look for these names on waivers to start the season, though I would consider a later round flyer on Berahino.

West Brom’s Nacer Chadli and Matt Phillips, MID

Similarly to Stoke, Tony Pulis’ West From side are not typically the essence of offense unless you know who to look for. Nacer Chadli (3.1 PPG) remains supremely talented, but he can score a bunch and then go missing for long periods. Matt Phillips (3.7 PPG), on the other hand, only went missing last year due to injury, and may have the edge on Chadli for consistent production. The midfield should have room to accommodate both, but as a Fantasy manager, I would be concerned they they might cannibalize each others’ free kick opportunities and crosses. Other questions remain: Will Chadli be sold, and do they need him so badly? Will Jay Rodriguez (another supreme sleeper like Berahino) add a new dimension to the attack and make use of his supply line? For now, I would take Phillips, Rodriguez, and then Chadli on my bench in 8-team drafts, and flip them later if needed.

See More: Michael Keane – Premier League’s New Gem

Feel free to follow @Cjacksondraft for links and any draft fantasy football advice I can give you.

@Cjacksondraft is an avid fantasy football (soccer) fan who currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and loves his day job. Peaked during the 2003 Kentucky All “A” Regional tournament. I still like waking up early on Saturdays and Sundays to watch EPL live on the West Coast.