Some may be surprised that a certain Brendan Rodgers is still in charge given his lacklustre performance last season. But who can blame him with a constantly injured Sturridge and greedy, over-confident Sterling who seemingly wants out the door. Mr. Rodgers has been very busy in the summer window thus far signing the most players in the league bar newcomers Bournemouth. New additions include Englishmen Danny Ings, James Milner & Nathaniel Clyne: all proven Premier League players. Clyne is certainly an upgrade on Johnson and could be a tasty FPL prospect if Liverpool stick with their 3-5-2 wingback formation. Milner could easily replace Sterling on the right wing if he vacates. Ings is one which I’m unsure on. Will he start? Currently on Liverpool’s books at the time of writing this are: Sturridge, Balotelli, Ings, Origi, Lambert, Borini and a deal with Aston Villa over Christian Benteke is seemingly on the horizon. Assuming Lambert and Borini are sold & Origi loaned it leaves 4 ‘premium’ strikers. If I was to guess I’d suggest Benteke and Sturridge to start with Balotelli and Ings on the bench.
STAR MAN – Roberto Firmino (8.5m)
If fit, nobody can doubt Sturridge’s talent. But it’s all ‘if’s’ and ‘but’s’ with the man. Currently the most expensive transfer of the window, Roberto Firmino makes a keen fantasy football manager lick his lips. Creating more chances than anyone in the Bundesliga over the past two seasons (138), he looks like an assist king if he settles into the league quickly. With an attacking team that could include Coutinho, Milner, Sturrudge and co, there will certainly be goals but will they be spread across evenly making it difficult to predict who’s going to pick up all the fantasy points?
HIDDEN GEM – James Milner (7.0m)
With Milner having made a summer switch to Liverpool from Manchester City, I think he will certainly be looking to prove doubters wrong. Often overlooked in the starting lineup by Pellegrini at City, I’m sure he will find himself a regular starter at Liverpool, especially with Sterling looking like he’ll be off.
By FPL Avids.
