The Premier League kicked off last weekend with a classic English top flight match, as defending champions Leicester lost against Hull at the KC Stadium, despite the Tigers having an injury-plagued squad. It was a precedent to an entertaining week filled with fanfare, culminating in the seven-goal thriller between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
All eyes will be on early pace-setters Manchester United as they host Southampton in the first Friday night game of the season. Title favourites Manchester City and Chelsea will both travel to Stoke City and Watford respectively, while Leicester will face Arsenal at the King Power Stadium with both sides looking to bounce back from their disappointing start.
Here are the top five players that should be considered for your squad:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Manchester United)
The Swedish superstar might seem a tad too expensive for some especially with Aguero in the mix, but his current form suggests that he may be worth the money. Having continued his goal-scoring streak by netting the third against Bournemouth, you can expect Zlatan to flex his muscles against the Southampton defence considering he’ll receive plenty of support from the likes of Juan Mata, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba who will be eligible to play after serving his suspension.
Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
To all of the cynics who ridiculed the Reds for spending £34 million on the Senegalese winger, me included, we might have to end our premature criticisms after seeing his exceptional performance in Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Arsenal. Mane was a constant threat on the flanks as he bullied his way past defenders, dribbling the ball with ease and he even scored a wonderful solo goal. The former Southampton player is expected to provide extra width and pace to stretch the game for Liverpool when they travel to Burnley, who will be compact and defend in numbers at home.
Erik Lamela (Tottenham Hotspur)
The Argentine attacking midfielder was once touted as one of the brightest talents in football, but his dismal first season at Spurs suggested otherwise. However, his fortunes have been overturned when Mauricio Pochettino took over as he helped his side to finish third last season. Lamela maintained his form throughout pre-season and the opening game last week by scoring against Everton. Expect him to provide an assist or two when Spurs host Crystal Palace this weekend.
Fernando Llorente (Swansea City)
The striker’s position has always been problematic for the Welsh club ever since Wilfried Bony left for the blue side of Manchester in 2015. Llorente was brought in to beef up the offensive department, and early signs were positive based on his performance against Burnley. The big Spanish forward held the ball well as he tried to link up play with wingers and midfielders. He was closed to open his goal-scoring account and the game’s only goal, scored by Leroy Fer arrived after Tom Heaton can only parry one of his trademark headers. He’ll stand a better chance to do so against an understrength Hull at home.
Jermain Defoe (Sunderland)
The former Spurs striker might be 33 this year, but he still he got plenty left in the tank as proven by his goal against Manchester City. Defoe scored 15 goals last season to keep the Black Cats in the Premier League under the then manager Sam Allardyce, and he looked set to spearhead the club’s attacking outlet when they host promoted side Middlesbrough.
Other posts by Kin Boon Ah
