The start of the Premier League season is just around the corner, and with it comes the chance to shine on the Fantasy Premier League stage.
West Ham United have made seven new signings for the senior squad this summer and any one of them could prove to be a shrewd purchase in this year’s FPL team.
Read on for the values of each of the Irons’ summer acquisition’s values and why you should consider adding them to your squad.
Ryan Fredericks
FPL position: Defender
Value: £4.5m
Picked up on a free transfer from Fulham, Ryan Fredericks brings serious speed to the right-hand side for West Ham. Having played as a winger as a youngster, the 25-year-old knows how to deliver a pinpoint cross and create dangerous situations for attacking players.
Last campaign, Fredericks was named in the Championship Team of the Season and the Championship PFA Team of the Year. With 15 assists in the last two seasons – and nine in the Championship alone last campaign – Fredericks could prove to be a valuable source of extra points.
Issa Diop
Value: £4.5m
At just 21-years-old, Issa Diop became West Ham United’s record signing (before a certain Brazilian joined the ranks), highlighting the ability this French defender holds despite his young age.
Valued at just £4.5m by the game, Diop’s price is perhaps slightly lower than the talent he holds due to a first season in the English game. But, three goals and an assist last campaign in Ligue 1 shows that Diop can bring points to your team further up the pitch than his regular centre-back position.
Lukasz Fabianski
FPL position: Goalkeeper
Value: £4.5m
The Poland international made the move to West Ham from Swansea City this summer, and comes with the reputation of making the most saves in the Premier League over the last three seasons.
In the 2017/18 Opta ‘goals prevented’ rankings, Fabianski came third, stopping six goals that the sports analytics company thought the opposition would score. Furthermore, only Manchester United’s David De Gea and Manchester City’s Ederson picked up more Fantasy Premier League points in goal than the 33-year-old.
Jack Wilshere
Value: £5.0m
Boyhood West Ham fan Jack Wilshere will be looking forward to his first season wearing the Claret and Blue, and the midfielder could prove to be a decent purchase in the FPL.
A tenacious midfielder who loves to get forward, the 26-year-old has proven his ability to get involved in the goals, with 16 career finishes and 37 career assists. Wilshere’s technical skill on the ball could see him be the lynchpin of the West Ham midfield, which may equal points on the board.
Andriy Yarmolenko
FPL position: Midfielder
Value: £7.0m
When the Fantasy Premier League put a goalscoring winger into the midfield category, it makes sense to consider them for your side. Andriy Yarmolenko, who joined the Irons from Borussia Dortmund this summer, has 143 career goals and 96 career assists.
This season will be the Ukrainian’s first in the Premier League and while last year Yarmolenko only played 18 Bundesliga games, he still managed to be involved in eight goals. If the 28-year-old hits the ground running in England, Yarmolenko may be a must-have buy in FPL.
Fabian Balbuena
Value: £4.5m
Similar to Issa Diop, Fabian Balbuena’s maiden campaign in the Premier League might be the reason why the Paraguayan is valued at just £4.5m in FPL, but that could mean the 26-year-old is a shrewd option for your side.
Balbuena has looked strong and composed in pre-season for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, and is partial to a finish as well, with eight goals for Corinthians prior to moving to the Irons. ‘The General’ might be the leader your FPL defence needs.
Felipe Anderson
FPL position: Midfielder
Value: £7.0m
West Ham United’s record transfer comes to the FPL as a midfield option, and similarly to Yarmolenko must be considered for his goal-getting and assists. The versatile winger can play anywhere across the front-line, and has 40 career goals and 53 career assists.
Importantly, Anderson will likely be a crucial part of Manuel Pellegrini’s attack. With minutes on the pitch comes an increased likelihood of gaining more points. At £7.0m, the 25-year-old must be considered a real option for your team.