Fantasy football leagues across the world are heating up heading into winter and those taking part will be constantly tinkering with their squads as the fixtures come thick and fast.
A number of different games can be played, including Goal's very own version , which is up and running and available to download for free.
It's all about getting the right balance across defence , midfield and attack , but one area of the field where you absolutely have to get it right is between the posts.
With the season approaching the mid point, Goal takes a look at some of the best fantasy football goalkeepers to choose for your team, as well as a few bargains.
Best Fantasy Football Goalkeepers
As you'd expect, the main thing you have to factor in when choosing your fantasy football team goalkeeper is the likelihood of clean sheets.
Generally speaking, the teams which concede the least are those competing at the top half of the table, so those particular netminders tend to be safe picks.
While goalkeepers are ultimately rewarded for teams' overall defensive solidity, individual brilliance is also taken into consideration, so shotstopping ability and capacity to save penalties is a bonus.
Below are some of the best goalkeepers to choose in fantasy football for 2018-19.
*Prices based on official Premier League game
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Alisson | Liverpool | £5.7m
In Alisson, Liverpool now boast one of the most expensive goalkeepers in the world in their squad and he has already shown his worth with some fantastic performances for the Reds. Jurgen Klopp's side are on course to finish the season with one of the best defensive records and Alisson has played his part in that.
Ederson | Man City | £5.8m
Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson enjoyed an incredible first season in England, helping Manchester City win the Premier League and, in fantasy football terms, he was among the top performers as well. Ederson benefited from having a formidable defence in front of him, but he produced the goods individually as well, making two penalty saves during the season. Unsurprisingly, that standard has not dropped in 2018-19.
Kepa Arrizabalaga | Chelsea | £5.5m
Chelsea may have lost Thibaut Courtois to Real Madrid, but they wasted little time in finding a replacement, forking out a world record fee for Kepa Arrizabalaga, who signed from Athletic Bilbao for £72 million (€80m/$92m). Kepa has a strong defence in front of him and Maurizio Sarri has them well drilled.
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Jordan Pickford | Everton | £5m
Despite Everton's disastrous season in 2017-18, Jordan Pickford was one of the top scoring goalkeepers in fantasy football, finishing the season above the likes of Lloris, Courtois and Petr Cech. He is riding the crest of a wave after starring at the World Cup in Russia with England and, despite the odd error, he is a solid selection in 2018-19.
Hugo Lloris | Tottenham | £5.4m
Tottenham's Hugo Lloris has long been considered among the top goalkeepers in world football and he returns for another Premier League campaign as a World Cup winner. While Spurs finished third last season, Lloris's individual displays - and that of the defence in front of him - were not up to the standard usually associated with them. He will be eager to improve on that in 2018-19, though hasn't quite lived up to expectations.
David de Gea | Man United | £5.7m
David de Gea began the season as the most expensive goalkeeper in fantasy football, but he has struggled to live up to that price tag as Manchester United endure an inconsistent campaign. Nevertheless, the Spain international is one of the best shot-stoppers in world football and has shown in the past his ability to win points single-handedly.
Best Fantasy Football bargain goalkeepers
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Wayne Hennessey | Crystal Palace | £4.5m
Crystal Palace are in a fight to avoid relegation from the Premier League and they have been relying on the calming presence of Wayne Hennessey to inspire confidence at the back. The Wales international has lots of experience and will be called into action more often than most, so he should pick up plenty of points.
Rui Patricio | Wolves | £4.6m
Portugal's No.1 goalkeeper, Rui Patricio was a surprise signing by Wolves ahead of the new campaign and, considering his stature on the international stage, the European Championship winner can be acquired for a relatively cheap fee. Wolves are likely to be on the back foot for much of the season, meaning Patricio will be expected to deal with plenty of shots on goal, meaning he stands to earn a high number of points.
Mat Ryan | Brighton | £4.6m
Australia international Mat Ryan emerged from his first season in the Premier League with plenty of plaudits as he helped Brighton retain their status in the division. Ryan was also one of the top five scoring shot-stoppers in fantasy football, amassing a points yield that was higher than the likes of Lloris and Courtois.
Lukasz Fabianski | West Ham | £4.5m
Swansea suffered relegation to the Championship last term, but their goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was one of the top three goalkeepers in fantasy football. The Poland international has since signed for West Ham and is much cheaper than his counterparts at bigger clubs.
Joe Hart | Burnley | £4.5m
His reputation has taken a battering over the past few seasons, but Joe Hart has the potential to be a high scoring goalkeeper in fantasy football this season due, in large part, to the fact that he is playing behind a strong defence that doesn't let much through.
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