Fantasy Premier League 2013 Week 9: Bargain Buys to Boost Your Team

We’ve rooted out players from Southampton, Tottenham and Newcastle to add to your Fantasy Premier League sides this weekend.

Dejan Lovren and Michael Dawson have been crucial components in two of the Premier League’s stingiest defences this season, and with Fulham and Hull their team's respective opponents this weekend, the pair should continue to impress. 

It’s also worth taking a punt on Loic Remy ahead of Gameweek 9. The Newcastle striker has impressed of late, bagging four in five; with Sunderland to come this weekend, he could—and should—rattle the net some more.

Here’s a breakdown of this week’s three bargain buys.

 

Dejan Lovren

The centre-back has been nothing short of colossal in the Southampton defence this season. The stats don’t always tell the whole story, but in Lovren’s case they do.

Eight games in and the Croat is one of three Southampton players—along with Jose Fonte and Adam Lallana—in the Fantasy Premier League dream team.

He is the sixth-highest points scorer with 51—just one behind Yaya Toure—and you can have him in your side for just £5.4 million.

There had been many suggesting, myself included, that Southampton’s excellent run of form would all unravel with the trip to Old Trafford last weekend, but it didn’t. Lovren and Co. limited the Red Devils to just one goal before the defender got on the end of a corner to nod in an equalizer (with a little help from Lallana’s leg) with two minutes to go.

Fulham may have put four past Crystal Palace at the weekend, but Southampton’s back four will provide a much sterner challenge.

Expect Lovren to shine once more.

  

Michael Dawson

Dawson has played in every minute of Spurs’ campaign this season and, along with centre-back partner Jan Vertonghen, has repeatedly kept various Premier League strike forces at bay.

The North London outfit are tied with Chelsea for the second-best defensive record in the league, having conceded just five in their opening eight games (Southampton have the best defensive record with just three goals conceded), and they will aim to continue that form when Hull visit White Hart Lane this weekend. 

Dawson and his fellow defenders have kept five clean sheets and, despite their blip against West Ham in which they lost 3-0, they have looked impressive.

Steve Bruce’s side will offer little in the way of an attacking threat. Seven goals from eight games demonstrate their woes in front of goal, and if Dawson can stamp his authority once more then he should get some Fantasy points on the board.

He has collected 35 points this season, and you can purchase him for £5.2 million.

 

Loic Remy

Bargain strikers can be difficult to come by, but Remy could be a man to get in your team this week.

The French international has hit a rich vein of form in recent weeks, scoring four in his last five outings for the Magpies. He is currently the fourth highest-ranked striker in Fantasy, yet at £7.8 million is the cheapest among the top 10.

Sunderland bring with them the worst defensive record in the league to Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby at the Stadium of Light, and while anything can happen on derby day, Remy will fancy his chances against Gus Poyet’s out-of-sorts back four.

If Newcastle can take an early lead then there is potential for the floodgates to open against a side severely lacking in confidence. And if they do, you will be glad to have Remy in your team.