As the fantasy football auction approaches, it’s an exciting time for all fantasy managers, who need to select the players for their teams for the upcoming season. Making the right choices is crucial to avoid mistakes. This guide offers advice on which players to consider based on their positions, covering everything from top players to budget-friendly options, including goalkeepers, forwards, defenders, and midfielders.
In most leagues, auctions start with goalkeepers. A savvy fantasy manager enters the auction with a clear plan, ready to build a team that fits their strategy. It’s essential to have a budget in mind for forwards, who will be the key drivers of points. For top-class forwards, two names stand out: Lautaro Martinez, who scored 24 goals in the last Serie A season, and Dusan Vlahovic with 16 goals for the 2023/2024 season. While Vlahovic struggled under Allegri, he may thrive under new coach Thiago Motta’s system at Juventus.
Other, more affordable options include players like Thuram, Dybala, Lookman, and Kvaratskhelia. None of them are top scorers, but they can be acquired at much lower prices than the star strikers. The same goes for Zapata, who has been appointed captain of Torino and is respected by the new coach Vanoli.
When considering budget-friendly players, keep an eye on those who may not be starting right away. El Bilal Tourè, the most expensive player in Atalanta’s history, missed last season due to injury, but after Scamacca’s setback, there’s potential for him to shine. Cambiaghi could also be a value pick, being a great fit for Bologna’s system under Vincenzo Italiano. Noslin, who followed Baroni to Lazio, and Krstovic, who is ready to make an impact with Lecce after a learning year in Serie A, are also worth considering.
Choosing midfielders is perhaps the most challenging task. It requires a significant investment while offering the chance to play with an extra forward. A starting midfielder should ideally score around ten goals. In Serie A, only a few can provide that: Calhanoglu and De Ketelaere are reliable options, while Koopmeiners might struggle without Gasperini. Barella, Frattesi, and Loftus-Cheek have good scoring potential but may not be as dependable as the Turkish and Belgian midfielders.
Fantasy managers can always pair a star player with several “balanced” options who may not be starters but are still reliable in fantasy terms. Bologna’s Fabbian, who scored 5 goals last season, needs to step up in the absence of Ferguson. Castrovilli and Vecino, both scoring 6 goals in the current season, could become pivotal for Lazio, while Strefezza might be a key player for Como.
Surprises in fantasy football often come from players outperforming expectations. This can apply to those bought cheaply, as demonstrated by Felici’s potential to excel at Cagliari. Players like Zaniolo could be the next “false nine” for Atalanta.
For defenders, the path is clearer. The top players are well-known, largely due to their impressive stats and performances with top teams. Fantasy managers focusing on defensive modifiers should ensure they include at least one standout player like Dimarco, Dumfries, or Theo Hernandez. While seeking points, it’s also essential to pay attention to player ratings; budget-friendly options like Buongiorno and Darmian can provide satisfaction without breaking the bank. However, watch out for Bastoni, a reliable leader for Inter, who has seen his value drop due to frequent rotation.
If you seek a scoring defender or a reliable starter, there’s no need to abandon your budget. Cost-effective players such as Cambiaso, Bellanova, and Dorgu could yield bonuses, while players like Gila and Bani are worth investing in for consistent ratings.
After securing 5 or 6 key players, completing the defense with some high-risk, high-reward picks can also be a strategy. Players like Circati and Alberto Moreno show promise, and Mathias Olivera could excel in a new role under Conte.
Finally, goalkeepers are essential, especially for those using defensive modifiers. Fantasy managers typically fall into two camps: those who alternate mid-table keepers and those who prefer a starting goalkeeper from a top team. For the latter, stats suggest backing Sommer or Di Gregorio, while Meret and Maignan start a step behind after disappointing seasons for different reasons. Look out for reliable but less expensive alternatives like Provedel, Skorupski, and Falcone.
For the last slot in the goalkeeping department, consider potential diamond-in-the-rough picks like Suzuki, a Japanese international and Parma’s first choice, or Musso, who, having recovered from being a backup, could perform well based on previous solid ratings.
Above all these evaluations, consider each player’s assigned role in their respective teams. A competitive fantasy team typically includes 3 or 4 players who are designated set-piece takers, as they can secure vital points unexpectedly. Keep a list handy of all players assigned to spot-kicks, free-kicks, and corners, team by team. Moreover, if uncertainty arises about a player’s playing time and overall role during the season, refer to a list of Serie A teams with probable line-ups and player rotations to avoid overspending on likely benchwarmers.