Premier League Recent News Wrap-Up & Fantasy Impact

We’re officially three weeks away from the return of Premier League football. While I admit to suffering a bit of football burnout after the long season and the World Cup, it is imperative to stay abreast of all the relevant moves and transactions taking place in the preseason. I am one of a minority of folks yet to begin tinkering with fantasy lineups, but I’m well aware of what’s happening, and hopefully you are too friends. Manchester United and Leicester will kick off the season sooner than you think (on a Friday, so beware of the non-standard deadline). Here are some of the recent headlines in a quick wrap up for you.

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Richarlison

The young Brazilian could be on his way to Everton in a big money move to join former manager Marco Silva. He was brilliant early on last season with five goals for Watford. He should do well under a manager who got the best out of him. Everton have a great early schedule, so put him on your watchlist.

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Alisson

That sound of joy you hear is Liverpool fans everywhere celebrating finally having a capable goalkeeper who is on par with other top-six teams. Virgil Van Dijk helped to solidify the defense last year, and the Brazilian bought from Roma will take the back unit to another level.

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Jorginho / Maurizio Sarri

Two men who should improve the style of football played at Stamford Bridge in their own ways. Former club Napoli played some of the most attractive football seen in Europe last season, many times dominating possession.

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Felipe Anderson

Another Brazilian born player arriving via Italy, Anderson possesses the talent to get 15 goals & assists combined for West Ham. Monitor him in the preseason; he could be a breakout star.

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Juan Mata / Alexis Sanchez

Jose Mourinho has stated that Sanchez is expected to be a major player at the start of the season. He finally enjoyed a summer of rest, while teammates Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford are coming off deep World Cup runs. Juan Mata scored the only goal for Manchester United in their first preseason game, and he should have a free role behind the striker to start the season. Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling, Antonio Valencia are others who had the summer off and will begin the season in the team, so act accordingly.

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Eden Hazard

Just a word of caution for those playing the FPL Draft game: Where do you draft a player who is hoping Real Madrid comes to get him? It will be a hard one to call regarding the Belgian.

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Which recent headline stands out most to you? Do you plan to get any of the new signings into any of your fantasy lineups? Get your research done, it’s the foundation to a good season.

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