A Return to Fantasy

A Return to the Fantasy (Super) League.

It is that time of year again when we have the return of football. After an eventful and yet to be completed off season and unforgettable international window, we have returned to the real deal. Meaning we have also returned to the annual 9642 Draft head-to-head league. We have a return of the regulars from seasons passed and also new comers. This time we have managed to rope in a massive 14 players to our league. Basically meaning I have to write up 14 teams. (I suddenly realise why the fool asked me to take these duties. Well without further ado…

Teh Chelski Fools (Adam S) – My podcast partner and eternal rivals. The Fools often like to build their team from the back and pick a liberal amount of Chelsea players. This year is no different, with seven players representing the Blue side of West London. The problem with this strategy is we are not really sure whether Blues Boss Tomas Tuchel has a best eleven he wants to pick week in and week our or will go with a highly variable line up week to week. The 3 Chelsea players in the defence will probably play but Chelsea had shown a lot of vulnerability in the back last season so there could be an issue there. The midfield looks solid though and should be scoring lots of points for the Fools.

Number9’s Rating: C- (too dependant on a team not named Manchester City (this is going to be a theme))

Dewtastic (Ricky A) – A very consistent and successful player in this league in the past. No surprises to see a decent side drafted here. Unfortunately, as he was quite far along in the draft he hasn’t managed to pick up a block buster player who managed or is projected to go above 150 points other than Bruno Fernandes. I can’t shake the feeling that much like the Red Devils if the mercurial Portuguese midfielder were to get injured the Dews could be in for a long season. But should still be getting above average points from elsewhere.

Number9’s Rating: B- (Somehow too reliant on Manchester United, despite only picking 1 United player)

Kiwi United #2 (Louis Tam) – Another regular of the league, who is unfortunately in the same boat as our previous entry. A solid enough line up with the one super star in Mohammed Salah. Unlike Bruno Fernandes though Salah is getting on a bit and has gotten a few injuries in the past. That said he will consistently score points for the Kiwis. Obviously once again a long term injury to Salah would be disastrous.

Number9’s Rating: C+ (Same as above but more vulnerable)

Nearly Came Home (T M) – A team of risky prospects. With injuries to Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane’s usually slow start to the season they may get of to a slow start. This team though has the potential to blow up if players like Saka, Joelinton and Lingard have a good year. But I personally think that’s unlikely. Still lots of class in this line up.

Number9’s Rating: B (Kane and Rashford should prove valuable)

Boom Xhakalaka (Casey A) – Another consistently successful player in this league. The Boom have a stacked defence that should provide them with a lot of points. Which is good for them because the is very reliant on Havertz and Pepe. Remember boys and girls you can’t win Fantasy if you rely on Arsenal, and read my above concerns about Chelsea. And unless Cavani has a blinder of a second season that forward line might struggle too.

Number9’s Rating: B- (Good defence should mean they put in a lot of good performances).

Pogba ate my Ferrari (Rob S) – We thought at the end of the draft night that there might be too many ‘Spurs players in this team. But while this is on the high side, there is a smattering of good players too make this team look very consistent on paper. Foden’s injury and general Spursiness of this team might lead to a slow start and the occasional WTF week but it generally be fine.

Number9’s Rating: B- (More Spurs that I would like).

WanaBissaka Your Mum (Doctor Evil) – The good doctor returns for another season. This team has some very good players all over the board but we have to wonder how good Jamie Vardy’s production will be this season with him getting on in years. Not mention if he were to pick an unfortunate injury. But if I had to rely on one player it’s him.

Number9’s Rating: B (Should be in the should for most of the season)

Toe_Hack Utd (David B) – Another 9642 veteran, who has picked a solid all round team. This team on paper doesn’t look like it will have any big scorers which means they aren’t as reliant on an individual or single team, but on the flip side this leaves them very vulnerable when they come up against a team with such a player.

Number9’s Rating: C+ (Needs more Dakka)

Woke City (Ray S) – A team which is full of good players but not necessarily players that will score many points in fantasy. While they players are going to be consistent they are not really going to give much production.

Number9’s Rating: C- (Needs even more Dakka)

Old Warsonians (Matthew J) – A team of bonified fantasy stars. The midfield is full or players who are likely to get over 150 if not 200 points, and even the defense has players who should all consistently get 120-130. The forward line is a bit under power but is full of younger players who will get opportunities. If one of them have a hot streak Warsonians might be the team to beat this season.

Number9’s Rating: A – (Has the correct amount of Dakka)

Babooshka (Nadir S) – Another team of potential fantasy performers. Kevin De Bryne leads a solid if unspectacular midfield cast. If Lacazette stays that forward line will be more than a handful. If not it’s still very strong. And the defence is absolutely solid. KDB’s inury will cause some concern at the start but if this team gets going it will be tough to beat

Number9’s Rating: A – (Should be in the top 4)

Abahani FC (Mukseet B) – A new comer to the league who has an eventful draft night. Jaden Sancho and James Maddison lead a sold midfield, and if Ivan Toney adapts to the premiership this team will performing well. Unfortunately, there are some injuries in this squad which means the team to struggle early one.

Number9’s Rating: B+ (Great debut draft, but minus points because Mohammedan’s 4life)

Jonesey’s Boys (Hayden J) – Another team with a solid midfield. But the defence and forward line are going to find it difficult to consistently generate points. (Unless Daka is a revelation in his first season). The boys could find themselves having an up and down season.

Number9’s Rating: B- (Good midfield should make up for the other departments in the long run though)