Fantasy Premier League 2013 Week 8: Strikers You Need in Your Team

After a week of international action, managers worldwide will be taking this break to restructure and reassess the lineups they’ve built over the last two months.

Outside of club competition, the World Cup qualifiers of recent days have contributed as many fine striking performances as much as anything else.

Robin van Persie’s brace for Holland, Nicklas Bendtner’s two-goal display in Denmark’s draw against Italy and Wayne Rooney’s opener in the 4-1 mauling of Montenegro may all be considered worthy auditions to make it into one’s fantasy side.

However, there are several other more financially friendly options one might think about going into Week 8 as far as the forward line is concerned.

Romelu Lukaku

Opposition: Hull City (H)

Value: £7.9m

After scoring two first-half goals against Croatia and helping Belgium qualify for the 2014 World Cup, Romelu Lukaku continued his fine streak of scoring form.

The on-loan Everton striker should maintain his starting place up top for the Toffees against Hull City, where he’ll look to extend his scoring streak to four consecutive Premier League games.

The youngster is yet to turn out under Roberto Martinez and fail to score, but the Tigers could prove more difficult than some would suggest considering they haven’t conceded a goal in their last three games.

Daniel Sturridge

Opposition: Newcastle United (A)

Value: £9.9m

It’s no secret by now that Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez are developing one of, if not the Premier League’s most devastating strike partnership right now, so it’s important to jump on the bandwagon early.

At £9.9 million, it’s Sturridge who still provides the more cash-conscious option between the two while still posing as much of a scoring threat for the Reds.

Newcastle have unsurprisingly been at their defensive best when playing at St. James’ Park this season, but even that hasn’t been too impressive.

Alan Pardew’s side haven’t kept a clean sheet in the Premier League since August and will be pushed to the brink by Brendan Rodgers’ prolific attacking assets. Liverpool have scored six goals in their last two games, two of which are courtesy of the former Manchester City and Chelsea striker, Sturridge.

Pablo Osvaldo

Opposition: Manchester United (A)

Value: £7.8m

Recent weeks have seen Pablo Osvaldo finally get off the scoring mark in Southampton colours, the former Roma star grabbing a goal and an assist in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

However, a trip to Manchester United will be a truer test of the Italian’s mettle just a week after he netted in the 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw against Denmark.

The Saints are currently flying thanks largely to their stingy defence, but are starting to add the finishing touch in attack, too, Osvaldo benefitting from his revived relationship with Mauricio Pochettino.