Fantasy Football: 7 Premier League New Transfer Signings to Pick This Season

The new Premier League season is upon us, and with it comes the myriad Fantasy Football games that will dominate your water-cooler conversations for the next nine months.

You will have already picked your starting teams and substitutes, but with one round of games to reflect on and the possibility of some big-name transfers to come before the window, it might be time to make a slew of changes.

Naturally, each fantasy game has different rules, but for those of you with a limited number of changes available, or perhaps with unlimited changes at your disposal, here are seven new signings I'd advise considering for your teams.

Each should deliver a bucket-load of points and hopefully, bragging rights over your mates as you romp to fantasy football glory...

1. David De Gea

OK, he's probably an expensive choice, and there are already doubts about whether Manchester United's new goalkeeper is up to the task, but don't be fooled.

De Gea is not only in front of one of the best defenses in the league, but he's also a proven shot-stopper likely to pull in some big points as the season progresses.

Expect him to confound his critics and grow in confidence.

2. Stewart Downing

Assists, assists, assists. Stewart Downing has got Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll to aim at from his role on the left of Liverpool's midfield, and I expect both to benefit heavily from his deliveries.

Downing will be on corners for Liverpool and could also weigh in with a good number of goals. As Jake Rodd points out below, he'll have to join the queue behind Steven Gerrard and Charlie Adam for free-kicks however.

3. Shay Given

Shay Given will likely be a more affordable option than the likes of Petr Cech, David de Gea and Joe Hart, but Aston Villa's new goalkeeper could prove a shrewd option.

If Given performs to his ability, Villa may be a good bet for some clean sheets this season.

4. Sergio Ageuro

An obvious one, but those who ignore Sergio Aguero will surely find themselves missing out on big points this season.

For fantasy leagues with the option of appointing a captain, Aguero could prove a good choice this season based on his performance against Swansea.

Added to his goals, the Argentine will likely deliver a good number of assists too.

5. Jay Bothroyd

Need a cheap striker to compliment your big names in a 4-3-3? Jay Bothroyd of QPR could be your man.

With QPR under new ownership and Neil Warnock likely to be splashing out over the next week or so, Bothroyd could be in for some reinforcements around him to lay on 10-15 goals this season.

6. Jonathan Woodgate

Jonathan Woodgate has been given another chance to resurrect his career at Stoke this season.

We know he's got ability, and if he gets a run in the Stoke team, there could be cheap points to be had from the defender.

Stoke proved against Chelsea they know how to defend, and Woodgate may even weigh in with the odd goal too.

7. Ashley Young

Another one to overlook at your peril. Ashley Young has slotted seamlessly into the Manchester United team and has a pedigree for delivering assists in big numbers in the Premier League.

With the likes of Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Co. to supply this season, Young will bring in seriously big points if he stays fit.