Its that time of year again, the start of the Barclays Premier League 2012/13 season is just over a week away and with it comes that addictive little thing we call fantasy football. Its all well and good talking the talk among your friends and family about your football knowledge, but theres nothing more satisfying than proving it on the fantasy football field. We started our team-by-team guide with a look at the best and worst purchases from
Arsenal for your fantasy football. We then turned our attention to
Aston Villa. Next up - Chelsea..
Ones to Watch:
1. Eden Hazard (Midfield- £9.5) There are so many eyes on this young midfielder, so much expectation. He could well be one of the stars of this season, he certainly has the potential. I can see this lad really getting amongst the goals and assists this season and making an impact similar to Silva for Man City. However with a new boy there's always risk of a slow adaptation to the English game. He may have a slow start but regardless of this, whether it's from the get go or later on in the season, Hazard is surely going to make a massive impact in this Chelsea side.
2. Fernando Torres (Striker- £10.0) Fernando Torres is a massive enigma. It's so difficult to predict what to expect from him, whenever he looks like he's about to come good again he slips off the boil. It's no secret that Torres has had a troubled time at Chelsea so far, however I think under Di Matteo we could see a new lease of life in him and a return to the form that made defences quiver. With the exit of Drogba, Torres will likely be the focal point and with the talent of Hazard, Lampard, Mata and Marin around him, his opportunities should increase. Furthermore, netting the golden boot at Euro 2012 despite brief game time will surely give him a much needed confidence boost.
3. Ashley Cole (Defender- £6.5) While the other two are somewhat risky picks, this one is a no brainer. Despite his age, Cole continues to be one of the best Left backs in the world. Yes Chelsea's clean sheet record was somewhat disappointing last season by their usual standards but he's always a danger going forward and can often provide the odd goal and assist to boost your points tally.
Ones to Avoid:
1. Frank Lampard (Midfield- £9.0) He's always been a solid purchase in the past, however I think his starting opportunities may lessen this season. With the likes of Hazard, Mata, Ramires and Oscar all on the books, I can't see Lampard being worth the £9.0 price tag. Saying that, whenever he plays he is always a good bet to provide a goal and/or an assist so you never know.
2. Michael Essien (Midfield- £6.5) Essien was such a talent, unfortunately he just hasn't looked the player he was before the injury. I can't see him featuring very much this season and even if he does, not one likely to provide too many goals and assists.
3. Yossi Benayoun (Midfield- £6.5) Benayoun was never going to be a starter at Chelsea, even last year he couldn't make the starting line up on a regular basis. This year, with the introduction of Hazard, Marin and Oscar it's going to be difficult for the Israeli to make the bench never-mind the starting eleven.