Fantasy Premier League’s Best Punts

Being ”The Puntmaster” I thought that I should compile a handy list looking at the best punts in the Fantasy Premier League game this season. Every Fantasy team has one or two risky differentials and the following players might be the ones to fill those roles.

Jordi Gomez – Midfield – Sunderland – 5.5m

Jordi Gomez has always been a punt during his time in the Premier League and this is the case this year. His gametime is likely to be quite high as Sunderland lack quality in the midfield. During his time at Wigan he blew incredibly hot and cold; often this is what makes a player a punt. When Gomez is hot he is capable of churning out the goals, but he struggles to maintain good form. I got my name after captaining him for his hat-trick against Reading two years ago. Those were his only goals in that campaign, highlighting the fact that he is risky business. However, there are a lack of good midfield options below 5.5m so some Fantasy managers may be tempted.

Dwight Gayle – Forward – Crystal Palace – 5.5m

Many of us are looking for budget strikers as the likes of Sanchez and Hazard cost an arm and a leg in midfield. Forwards under 6.0 are wanted by Fantasy managers and I often see comments on Fantasy Football Scout asking, ”who is the best budget forward?” Gayle struggled to cement a place in the Palace first team last season, this is likely down to his inexperience. However, now he has matured and will be launching a bid for a starting place. Marouane Chamakh and Glen Murray are not much to contest with, but with Frazier Campbell seemingly on the Eagles’ doorstep, Gayle is far from nailed on. When he has played his eye for goal has been impressive. Seven goals in only 892 minutes is a great ratio and one worth watching.

Harry Kane – Forward – Tottenham – 5.0m

Spurs’ prolific end of season striker will be hoping to carry his form into the new season. He profited from Eriksen’s fantastic set pieces and forged a good partnership with fellow forward Emmanuel Adebayor, who is worth 8.5m, a sum that many may consider too much for his goal product. If Tottenham don’t sign any strikers then Kane will hope to make his way into the starting XI. If you need a cheap forward option, Kane may well serve you well, especially with his opening couple of games of West Ham away and QPR at home.

Matt Targett – Defender – Southampton – 4.0m

Every season defenders priced at 4.0 are at a premium. Southampton have churned out another young full back who could appear for England one day. Matt Targett is highly thought about and after Luke Shaw’s departure some thought he would take up his role.  However, Callum Chambers and Nathaniel Clyne are favourites to cement the two wing back roles. If you take the punt and Targett gets the chance then you could be getting clean sheets and assists at a bargain basement price.

Yoan Gouffran – Midfielder – Newcastle – 6.5m

Gouffran has flown under many Fantasy managers radars. I don’t remember seeing him in any rate my team posts in recent weeks and this is surprising given his our of position nature. He featured far up the pitch for Newcastle last season and profited with six goals and five assists. Newcastle’s army of signings will increase competition for places but there is no reason why Gouffran would be dropped this season. He may fly under many manager’s radars, but will you take the punt?

Arouna Kone – Forward – Everton – 5.5m

This time last season there were high hopes for Arouna Kone after his 11 goals and five assists for Wigan in the 2012/13 campaign. However, a long-term injury kept him out for the next season. He is getting back into shape, despite not joining the Everton squad yet and  seems hopeful of a return by the start of the season according to his social network posts. At the moment, with Everton short on strirkers, he could be a steal at 5.5m but his fitness is a risk and the reason I view him as a punt.

I hope that you enjoyed reading this and maybe have changed your mind on who to get in your team! Check out my other community articles for my ”New Premier League Players Analysis.”