The new Premier League season is right around the corner and one of the biggest headaches across the country for supporters is working out fantasy teams for the next season.
Whether you are playing the normal version or are dipping into a draft league with your friends, making the right picks is crucial to whether you will be celebrating or commiserating at the end of the campaign.
The first point of call for many is buying the star attacking players who will secure a number of points through goals and assists in the upcoming campaign but defences are just as important.
It all starts between the sticks and choosing the right goalkeeper is crucial. Thankfully, we’ve identified the best options based on the 2018/19 season.
10. David De Gea (Manchester United)
2018/19 points total: 120 2019/20 cost: £5.5m
The experienced Manchester United goalkeeper is widely regarded to be one of the best stoppers in the division but did not have the greatest campaign last term as part of a shaky defence.
However, his tally of 120 points is a decent return and fans will be optimistic that the Spaniard will have a much better campaign in the forthcoming season.
9. Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City)
2018/19 points total: 120 2019/20 cost: £5.0m
A star of Leicester City’s remarkable Premier League title-winning campaign, the experienced stopper will be a key member of Brendan Rodgers’ side next term in a season that supporters are really excited about.
Like De Gea, his points tally of 120 last season is a solid return and there is a strong chance his numbers will improve in the 2019/20 campaign.
8. Ben Foster (Watford)
2018/19 points total: 129 2019/20 cost: £5.0m
Watford’s first-choice goalkeeper secured an impressive return of 129 points last season and the Hornets are looking solid heading into next term under Javi Gracia, with Ben Foster set to be an integral member of the squad once again.
7. Martin Dubravka (Newcastle United)
2018/19 points total: 131 2019/20 cost: £5.0m
Considering it was another difficult campaign for Newcastle United last season, a return of 131 points for goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is very good. A new dawn has arrived on Tyneside under Steve Bruce and the Slovakian goalkeeper will play a huge part in the club’s quest for stability.
6. Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea)
2018/19 points total: 142 2019/20 cost: £5.5m
The Spaniard had a dramatic first season in the Premier League, which did not always see him attract attention for the right reasons, Kepa Arrizabalaga should go from strength-to-strength under Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge.
5. Lukas Fabianski (West Ham)
2018/19 points total: 143 2019/20 cost: £5.0m
The Polish goalkeeper excelled during his time with Swansea City and has had exactly the same impact at West Ham. With an exciting squad getting stronger via activity in the transfer market, Fabianski has a great opportunity to achieve 150+ points next year.
4. Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur)
2018/19 points total: 145 2019/20 cost: £5.5m
The World Cup winner continues to be a core member of Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham squad and will be crucial again next term as Spurs look to finally end their long wait for a trophy. Like Fabianski, he could hit 150+ points.
3. Jordan Pickford (Everton)
2018/19 points total: 161 2019/20 cost: £5.5m
One of just three goalkeepers to accumulate over 150 points last season, Jordan Pickford’s numbers are extremely impressive as Everton’s first campaign under Marco Silva was certainly turbulent. With more stability next term, he could achieve even more.
2. Ederson (Manchester City)
2018/19 points total: 169 2019/20 cost: £6.0m
The Brazilian goalkeeper has now won two Premier League titles with Manchester City and has established himself as one of the best in the world. His price is joint-highest for a goalkeeper but that comes with a near certainty that he will hit 150 points minimum.
1. Alisson (Liverpool)
2018/19 points total: 176 2019/20: £6.0m
Alisson’s battle with his compatriot Ederson last season was one of the most interesting subplots of the Premier League title race and the contest between the two will reignite in the forthcoming season.
He has a high price but, like is City counterpart, he’s a sure bet to be among the highest points scorers in his position again next term.
