Fantasy Premier League tips for potential Sunderland bargains in 2014-15? We know you want them – want them real bad – but you’re only getting three.
Gus Poyet’s Black Cats staved off relegation with a quite stunning end to last season that took in wins at Chelsea, Manchester United and very almost eventual champions Manchester City, who had previously beaten them in the League Cup final.
The Stadium of Light has hardly been a hive of activity transfer-wise this summer, but there’s value to be had regardless – join us, then, as we impart our Sunderland-flavoured Fantasy Premier League tips…
Connor Wickham – £6m
The young forward was instrumental in the aforementioned great escape of last season, scoring twice against City, once against Chelsea and setting up Sebastian Larsson’s winner at Old Trafford.
Suffice it to say, if he can see his way to carrying that form over into the new campaign then he’ll be one heck of a bargain at that price.
Approach with caution, though – there seem to be some doubts about his motivation/character.
Jack Rodwell – £5m
It seems so long ago that Rodwell broke into the England time as an exciting young attacking midfielder, but that’s what happened.
He started off in a deeper role before David Moyes shunted him further forward at Everton, a move he repaid with goals before his momentum was curtailed by one of many injury lay-offs.
If he can get back to that sort of form and sustain fitness, well, he’ll make a mockery of his bargain basement Fantasy fee.
Jordi Gómez – £5.5m
A new arrival from Wigan Athletic, the Spanish midfielder hasn’t quite shone at Premier League level before (hat-trick against Reading notwithstanding) but could earn you points with his set-piece delivery and penalty taking.
Stay tuned for more club-specific Fantasy Premier League tips!