Fantasy Football Potential – Alex Smithies

Cardiff have signed Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Alex Smithies for an undisclosed fee. Smithies had previously spent eight years at fellow Premier League club Huddersfield where he played League One and Championship football, winning the League One play-off final in the 2011/12 campaign.

He has also played international football with England at a range of youth levels, playing for the u16 through to the u19 England team registering 15 caps. The 28 year old has played over 350 games in English league football, but this season could see him making his Premier League debut.

Here’s what Neil Warnock had to say about the move:

“I wondered if he just has a blinder when he plays against us. But having watched Alex for a while, there is no doubting his pedigree. He’s a lad that knows he will have to fight for his place. Neil Etheridge had a fabulous season in 2017/18 and improved as time went on. It’s great for us to have that healthy competition.”

Fantasy Premier League Potential (4.5m)

Being a goalkeeper from a newly promoted side isn’t easy and Smithies will struggle to make many FPL teams. However, being a team on the back foot will give plenty of saves, so Smithies may be a good option for save points. Saves also bring bonus points so the Cardiff keeper may arise in your radar.

That said however there are doubts that Smithies may not even be the first choice as Neil Etheridge was the keeper who helped get Cardiff to the Premier League last season. It is a tough call as to who he will select, but whoever is first choice could bring good value at £4.5m.

Cardiff’s first five fixtures are as follows: Bournemouth (A), Newcastle (H), Huddersfield (A), Arsenal (H) and Chelsea (A). It’s a mixed start for Cardiff but Smithies may be able to sneak a couple of clean sheets and a lot of save points from these games.

Written by Harry Clark (@HarryClark67)