As we delve into our second full week of preseason, draft fantasy managers are starting to get a better idea who they want in their sides.
As the time for drafting comes ever closer and now we’ve seen the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal in action multiple times those early templates will be beginning to take shape.
With 12 matches taking place over the course of the week, here are our picks of the important information for drafting managers.
Lukaku hits the ground running as United defeat Real Salt Lake and Manchester City
Any concerns over how Romelu Lukaku might be fitting in at Manchester United may prove to be unfounded as the Belgian made an immediate impact.
The £75m striker found the net on his debut in a 2-1 in over Real Salt Lake before expertly managing to round Ederson and slot in from a tight angle to give his side the lead in a 2-0 win against local rivals Manchester City.
Playing Catch-up: Last weeks’s Preseason Roundup
With United’s favourable early run of fixtures, Lukaku is certain to be one of the top picks along with Harry Kane while Henrik Mkhitarayan – who managed a goal and two assists over both matches – should be considered by those managers who miss out on the ex-Everton man.
Ramsey emerging as a key man for Arsenal in penalty win over Bayern
While Alexis Sanchez’s future hangs in the balance and Alexandre Lacazette continues to pick up interest, Aaron Ramsey has flown below the radar of late.
The Welshman got the assist for Alex Iwobi’s late equaliser after scoring earlier in preseason, continuing the form that saw him bag three goals and two assists in his last six Premier League games.
Assuming he can keep free of injuries, “Rambo” could well be a decent option in the middle of the draft he can replicate past form. The Gunners went on to win 3-2 on penalties.
Burden of choice in Liverpool’s attack
With Salah and Firmino already looking sharp yet more attacking options revealed themselves as Liverpool comfortably beat Crystal Palace 2-0.
Divock Origi grabbed a goal and an assist while Dominic Solanke also bagged with a nice finish.
While neither are likely to be drafted unless striker options get very sparse, it’s worth noting how well the Belgian did when Coutinho and Mane were absent last year.
There was little to note for Palace apart from Andros Townsend – fielded as a wing-back – may well be one to avoid.
Lanzini proving one to watch for West Ham
Despite a bevy of attacking talent on its way to the London Stadium, it was a familiar name impressing for West Ham fans in their 0-0 draw with Sturm Graz and 2-1 win over Fulham.
The Argentine bagged in the latter game and tested the Austrians with a number of shots as well as a share of set-piece duties.
See More: An Imminent West Ham Switch
While Ashley Fletcher grabbed a goal and assist against Fulham, his game time will be limited as Javier Hernandez is set to arrive and provide some much needed goalscoring assistance for Slaven Bilic.
Ince and Mounie on fire for Huddersfield
Not considered a side with many players worth drafting, we’ve got our eye on one or two Huddersfield Town players after a goal-packed preseason.
After a 3-1 win away at Bury and 3-2 loss to Sandhausen, Tom Ince now has three in three while new signing Steve Mounie registered in both games.
Along with Elias Kachunga – who scored 12 last season and bagged against Bury as well – the aformetnioened two look like being decent picks if they’re still available in the final rounds.
Mahrez and Rodriguez on the scoresheet as Leicester edge past West Brom
Leicester recorded a penalty win to start their preseason with success over the Baggies.
Jay Rodriguez scored a gorgeous goal to give Tony Pulis’ side the lead before Riyad Mahrez equalised with a fine solo effort.
With the latter’s future unclear it would probably be wise to avoid the Algerian if you are drafting soon, with Jamie Vardy the more sensible option.
Competition hotting upon on Everton wings after Dutch thrashing
Ronald Koeman was handed a welcome dilemma as his Everton side thrashed FC Twente 3-0.
Goals from Kevin Mirallas, Aaron Lennon and Kieran Dowell ensured the Dutchman would have a problem picking his best attacker alongside Wayne Rooney and Sandro.
Previous form would suggest Mirallas would edge the other two although we’ll have a better indication when Everton start their European campaign in a couple of days.
Silva beginning to sort Watford defence
After shipping three goals to Wimbledon, it appears Marco Silva is beginning to put Watford’s defensive issues to rights after a 1-0 over Victoria Plzen.
Stefan Okaka grabbed the winner although it is the Hornets’ defensive assets that will be of more interest to drafting managers than the Nigerian.
See More: Winning Key Battles
Silva sured up Hull’s defence last season and fantasy managers will be hoping he can do the same and provide some under-the-radar options.
Abraham scores on Swansea debut
Tammy Abraham scored on his first start for new club Swansea in a 2-1 win at Richmond Kickers.
Abraham – who scored 23 goals in the Championship for Bristol City – could be a smart pick should Fernando Llorente’s start be disrupted by injury.
Oliver McBurnie grabbed the other goal in the win.
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