Fantasy Football: Defenders steal the show in first Premier League Team of the Week of the season

The Premier League is back in a big way, but some it’s biggest stars weren’t. In fact, only one of the top 10 most-owned players in the Goal game was even involved in a goal (Salah) - which is is why we advise to find value for your team and not to always rely on your heaviest hitters.

Also, following a trend from last season, defenders are offering fantastic value boasting six of the 10 highest scoring players this week. Only one forward made the cut this week and to see who that was, just keep reading.

GK: Wayne Hennessey – Crystal Palace – 1 Game, 6 Saves, 1 Clean Sheet = 10 Points

DF: Jeffrey Schlupp – Crystal Palace – 1 Game, 1 Goal, 1 Clean Sheet = 14 Points

Coming in at just 0.68 per cent owned, it was Jeffrey Schlupp who was our Player of the Week in the first round of the Premier League season. He looks a good early out-of-position option as he played this match on the wing despite being listed a defender. That allowed him to be the only “defender” to both score and pick up a clean sheet. Next week’s matchup against Liverpool is a bit scary, but if he can hold onto his spot in the starting XI he may be worth owning in future.

DF: Benjamin Mendy – Manchester City – 1 Game, 2 Assists, 1 Clean Sheet = 13 Points

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DF: Jose Holebas – Watford – 1 Game, 2 Assists, 1 Clean Sheet = 13 Points

DF: Marcos Alonso – Chelsea – 1 Game, 1 Assist, 1 Clean Sheet = 10 Points

DF: Andrew Robertson – Liverpool – 1 Game, 1 Assist, 1 Clean Sheet = 10 Points

Robertson had a lot of Fantasy buzz heading into the season, and he backed it up well in MW1. His assist was a fantastic curled low cross to Salah which confirmed that the Scottish left back will continue to get forward and be a creative force this season. With improvements made in front of and behind the defence, Liverpool should concede fewer goals and pick up more clean sheets in 2018-19. As for Robertson, he’s starting to edge into must-own territory.

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MF: Sadio Mane – Liverpool – 1 Game, 2 Goals = 14 Points

The big question coming into week one was if it was worth paying a premium for Salah, and then Mane pops up and steals his thunder. After the fact, it seems we always should have known that the Senegalese winger would have a big day considering he had scored in Liverpool’s last two opening fixtures as well. Most people already have three of Jurgen Klopp’s men in their team but, if you don’t for some reason, Mane looks a fantastic buy.

MF: Roberto Pereyra – Watford – 1 Game, 2 Goals = 14 Points

MF: Ruben Neves – Wolves – 1 Game, 1 Goal, 1 Assist = 11 Points

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MF: Paul Pogba – Manchester United – 1 Game, 1 Goal = 8 Points

FWD: Richarlison – Everton – 1 Game, 2 Goals = 12 Points

It was very rewarding to see Richarlison put in this kind of performance, having advocated for him for the last month or so. His first goal was a little lucky but the second was an exquisite curling effort that confirmed that he’s found his shooting boots once more. The Brazilian did pick up a calf injury during the match which dims things a little bit for his owners but he delivered in a big way this week so his ownership may still rise before week two.