We're days away from the start of the 2021/2022 Premier League season.
Fans will be lighting candles and praying that their club goes all the way. That their hard work following their team will be vindicated. That ultimately, they can achieve greatness.
That's right - those fans will be playing Fantasy Premier League. Never mind the real stuff.
No doubt many of you will be scurrying onto your laptops and phones to pick your teams this week before this year's deadline.
We've saved you some time by picking 10 steals from this year's squad selection. You won't see a Harry Kane or a Bruno Fernandes in here, but if you want to save some cash - these players will fit the bill.
Asmir Begovic - 4.0 points
When it comes to squad selections, you're more likely to shell out on a good starting goalkeeper. Keepers like Ederson and Mendy are a point or two away from the bottom rung.
Lots of time is usually wasted picking a sub goalkeeper who likely won't see much playing time. Everton's Asmir Begovic could fit the bill, as Jordan Pickford has shown the shakies in preseason.
Daniel Amartey - 4.0 points
Leicester were dealt a significant blow during preseason - when defender Wesley Fofana suffered a brutal leg break. That opened the door however for their other centre-backs.
Jonny Evans is out with an injury currently, and Daniel Amartey could be the preferred option to pair with Soyuncu. He played a blinder in the Community Shield gone by, and could be one to watch.
Alexander Zinchenko - 5.5 points
The Ukranian international had an interesting Euros, with Andriy Shevchenko opting to play him in the left side of midfield. With Man City stacked in those positions, it's unlikely he'll move away from defense.
While Zinchenko isn't cheap, he isn't dear either. A player that has been the heartbeat for Manchester City in the latter half of the season - his price could skyrocket if he sees regular playing time.
Max Aarons - 4.5 points
The first of the Championship selections. Many Premier League watchers won't expect the debutant teams to do much this year, but some players could surprise some people with their individual performances.
Max Aarons is one of those, as a young, lightning quick right back for Norwich. His assists tally of two last year might not be much to go by, but giving Buendia's exit on the right hand side, his role could be elevated this season.
Bukayo Saka - 6.5 points
Many will be fresh from seeing Bukayo Saka in the Euros and think to themselves that Saka is a must have. Despite only 5 goals and 3 assists last season, Saka could still be slept on.
At 19 years old, there is more to see from Saka this coming season. He was regarded by many as Arsenal's best player last year, so it's likely his stats will increase as he matures on the pitch.
Jorginho - 6.0 points
Ballon D'or anyone? Jorginho is the type of player that doesn't rack up the stats over the course of a season. Much of his work in midfield goes relatively unnoticed.
Having said that, when he's on the pitch he's Chelsea's penalty taker. Penalty takers are usually a good bet - especially when they play in midfield. Jorginho is cheap enough at this price.
Diogo Jota - 7.5 points
I hear you saying '7.5 points, that's not a steal' in the comments. I raise you this argument. Diogo Jota is a midfielder in this year's FPL and he really shouldn't be. That's why he's a steal.
The Portugese international will be Liverpool's dark horse going into this season. He bagged 9 goals in 19 matches last year. If it wasn't for injury last season, he'd probably have been well into double digits.
Ismaïla Sarr - 6.0 points
Another midfielder who plays more forward, Ismaïla Sarr could be an FPL steal this year. At 6 points, his thirteen Championship goals last year are encouraging.
Sarr has taken penalties for Watford in the past, and his pace will no doubt be a problem for Premier League defenses. The Senegalese could make for an interesting addition to your squad.
Kelechi Iheanacho - 7.5 points
Strikers are generally more expensive, hence why a 7.5 is making a feature here. Given Iheanacho's finish to last year's season and his goal in the Community Shield - we're backing him to continue that form.
Leicester did start that game with a single striker in Jamie Vardy who will still be their first choice. Iheanacho has probably done enough to play alongside him, and even coming off the bench he could rack up the points.
Ivan Toney - 6.5 points
31 goals in the Championship last season. Need we say more? There is a worry that Toney's goalscoring will be hampered by coming against better defenses this year. But 6.5 points is a good price to take the risk.
Brentford will be relying on all of Toney's goals in the top-flight, so the pressure on his shoulders will be high. There's a chance a majority of FPL players won't have heard of him, so even as an investment this is a good shout.
See Also: Bukayo Saka Receives Brilliant Support From Rival Spurs Fans On Arsenal Return
