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TFL scout, part 1: Goalkeepers

SINGAPORE — Goalkeepers are often the most underrated players in both the physical and virtual worlds of football, but underestimating their importance could cost you in the TODAY Fantasy League (TFL), which begins this Saturday (Aug 17) when the 2013/2014 English Premier League season kicks off.
If last season was anything to go by, most TFL managers will pick the same big-point scorers such Manchester United striker Robin van Persie and Tottenham’s midfield maestro Gareth Bale, which makes smart picks at the back all the more important in getting an edge on your rivals.

SINGAPORE — Goalkeepers are often the most underrated players in both the physical and virtual worlds of football, but underestimating their importance could cost you in the TODAY Fantasy League (TFL), which begins this Saturday (Aug 17) when the 2013/2014 English Premier League season kicks off. If last season was anything to go by, most TFL managers will pick the same big-point scorers such Manchester United striker Robin van Persie and Tottenham’s midfield maestro Gareth Bale, which makes smart picks at the back all the more important in getting an edge on your rivals. In picking your keeper, bear in mind that you only have five precious transfers per calendar month which you’ll need to freshen up your outfield players. You don’t want to waste a transfer on a goalkeeper, unless it’s due to a long-term injury or suspension. If there’s one player you’ll likely keep for the whole season, it’s the man between the sticks. It’s also recommended that you pick a goalkeeper who’s not from the same club as any of your defenders to guard against a massive points hit should the club have a disastrous day out. MUST-HAVES For those with TFL dollars to spare — your budget is £60 million for 11 players — consider Joe Hart of Manchester City. The top-scoring goalkeeper last season with 95 points, his £4.6m-pricetag makes him the most expensive goalkeeper in the TFL. Petr Cech — the third most expensive keeper at £4.3m behind Manchester United’s David de Gea (£4.5m) — was my first-choice goalkeeper last season and the Chelsea man did not disappoint, bagging a massive 77 points throughout the season. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is known for tightening his team’s defence and with the likes of Branislav Ivanovic, Ashley Cole, David Luiz and John Terry playing ahead of him, the Czech international should find it easy to keep plenty of clean sheets during the upcoming campaign. Tottenham Hotspur’s Hugo Lloris — a relative bargain at £3.8m — didn’t post impressive numbers last season with just 52 points, but that was mainly because he spent a good amount of time on the treatment table. He has since imposed himself as the team’s top choice and has a decent defence ahead of him. However, should Gareth Bale be sold to Real Madrid — something almost all non-Spurs are hoping for — the squad’s confidence could take a hit and that does not bode well for the France international. MAYBES Simon Mignolet’s arrival at Anfield prompted the shock exit of Pepe Reina on a season-long loan to Napoli, but that can be good news for TFL managers. At £4.0m, Belgian international Mignolet is cheaper what the Spaniard cost last season, with virtually the same backline that managed 16 clean sheets last season. Liverpool also only have two tricky ties against Man United and Arsenal in their first 10 games, so spending just £4 million on Mignolet could make good financial sense. Another potential dark horse is Arsenal’s Wojciech Szczesny (£4.2m). The Gunners conceded just 37 goals last season — the second lowest total in the English Premier League — and the Poland international can pick up some valuable points if he holds on to the number one jersey. Arsenal also do not face the league’s big six teams until gameweek 9 so you can expect their defence to record a fair number of clean sheets. MAJOR MISTAKES It will also be wise to avoid picking Man United goalkeepers for the first few weeks. The Red Devils take on Swansea (a), Chelsea (H), Liverpool (a) and Manchester City (a) in their opening five fixtures and the ageing legs of Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic may struggle to protect de Gea and Anders Lindegaard (£4.2m). Picking last season’s budget standouts Jussi Jaaskelainen (West Ham, £3.2m) and Asmir Begovic (Stoke, £3.5m) is also too risky this term, and I wouldn’t recommend it. West Ham aren’t likely to punch above their weight this season, while Begovic has a very tough opening round of fixtures to negotiate. Stoke will also likely adopt a more attacking approach under new manager Mark Hughes, so avoid investing in that club’s backline. YOUR TFL PRIMER Part 1: Watch the fixture list — http://tdy.sg/TFLprimer1 Part 2: Spotting the difference — http://tdy.sg/TFLprimer2 Part 3: Rotate the armband — http://tdy.sg/TFLprimer3 Part 4: Help from the bookies — http://tdy.sg/TFLprimer4 Part 5: Musical chairs at the big clubs — http://tdy.sg/TFLprimer5 TFL SCOUT REPORT Part 1: Goalkeepers — http://tdy.sg/TFLscout1 Part 2: Full-backs — http://tdy.sg/TFLscout2 Part 3: Centre-backs — http://tdy.sg/TFLscout3 Part 4: Midfielders — http://tdy.sg/TFLscout4 Part 5: Forwards — http://tdy.sg/TFLscout5 Click here to take part in the TODAY Fantasy League now — Manager of the Season wins US$5,000.

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