Fantasy Premier League: Top Buys for 2011/2012

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Yet another Premier League season, means another season of trying your own luck as a manager in the Premier League. I am of course talking about the Fantasy Premier League game. This slideshow is based on the Fantasy Premier League game, and the players who could be useful additions to any squad you make

For the purposes of the article, prices are based on the Official Premier League Fantasy game. For those interested I have set up a league for Bleacher Report Members. Once you sign up enter the league code 165635-67464 to join up with other members from the site.

For now here are four players that could set the EPL on fire and should be included in your squad. Remember in the game you have a budget and therefore that has to be taken into account. The list may also provide indicators for players to keep an eye on in the Premier League in general.

Some general things to take into account with the players chosen and the game.

• Each team has a budget of £100 million
• Each team needs a squad of 15 players (2 Keepers, 5 defenders, 5 midfielders, 3 forwards)
• The highest point scorer for each postition last season are as follows; Goalkeeper: Joe Hart (175 pts); Defender: Leighton Baines (178 pts); Midfield; Nani (198 pts); Tevez (185 pts)
• Points are awarded based on various stats each game (clean sheet, goals, assists...)
• Teams can only have a certain amount of players form each EPL club.

So join up and check back on the Bleacher Report for weekly player performances. The game is merely for fun and there are no prizes involved. The winner will however have bragging rights around the site.

Goalkeeper: Mark Schwarzer

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Name: Mark Schwarzer

Age: 38

Club: Fulham

Position: Goalkeeper

In-Game Points Last Season: 113

In-Game Transfer Fee: £5.0 million

It is fair to say that Mark Schwarzer was not at his best last season. Although, that is not to say that we didn't see glimpses of Schwarzer at his best. He played exceptionally well at some stages, and is looking to be in good shape coming into the season. Seeing as though this might be one of his last seasons at the club, Schwarzer may just have a stellar season this year.

Why choose him over others?

In 2008/2009 Schwarzer was voted the best player at Fulham and ranked amonst the top keepers in the Premier League, in terms of the Fantasy game itself this would mean alot of points. The other factor is the price tag. Just £5.0 million for such a quality keeper makes him a popular buy. When compared with the other top keepers in the league, Schwarzer is £1-£2 million cheaper. This extra cash can prove useful when purchasing a striker later on.

Defender: Daniel Agger

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Name: Daniel Agger

Age: 26

Club: Liverpool

Position: Defender

In-Game Points Last Season: 54

In-Game Transfer Fee: £6.0 million

After an injury filled 2010/2011 Daniel Agger only managed to make 21 appearances for Liverpool - reason why he scored so low. Nevertheless in the games he did play he proved why he was rated so highly by Kenny Daglish (most notably 1-0 victory over Chelsea). Out of the Liverpool back line he does have the best shot, and could to be a threat going forward.

Why sign him?

In the Premier League Fantasy game defenders are awarded more points for scoring a goal, and his ability to have a pop from some way out will surely get him on the score sheets a couple of times this season. As well as that, he is surrounded by a very strong Liverpool squad, this would indicate that a fair amount of clean sheets will be achieved resulting in bonus points for Agger as he is a defender. Ensure he is somewhere along your back-line.

Midfielder: Yaya Toure

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Name: Yaya Toure

Age: 28

Club: Manchester City

Position: Midfielder

In-Game Points Last Season: 146

In-Game Transfer Fee: £8.0 million

After leading City's midfield in their charge to third place on the table, Yaya Toure will be looking to go above and beyond in 2011/2012. Last season the Ivorian scored 10 goals 48 appearances, and many of those were crucial to Manchester's success (Goal vs United in FA Cup semi final).With no notable midfield signings occurring in the transfer window, expect Toure to be a crucial part of City.

Why buy him?

In all honesty, I am of the belief that the Premier League game made a mistake in the way they priced Yaya Toure. At just £8.0 million Toure is an absolute bargain. Considering that midfielders such as Kuyt, Young and Nani are priced at the £10.0 Toure in my opinion is undervalued - but why not make the most of it?

Striker: Kenwyne Jones

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Name: Kenwyne Jones

Age: 26

Club: Stoke City

Position: Forward

In-Game Points Last Season: 121

In-Game Transfer Fee: £6.5 million

After securing a transfer to Stoke from Sunderland, many people wondered how Jones would play without former striker partner Darren Bent. Fast forward a season and Kenwyne Jones looks to be one of the prospects for the 2011/2012 season. All in all he netted 12 times for Stoke City, including a run where he scored in three consecutive games - coming close to the record for the most consecutive goals scored for a Stoke Player.

Why buy him?

Aside from the remarkably cheap price £6.5 million, Jones scored total of 121 points last season. Considering that was his first year at Stoke, and he was still settling in, perhaps he hasn't yet reached his top form. He would be a perfect addition alongside a big name striker (Perhaps Suarez or Rooney).