Telegraph Fantasy Football Preview - Strikers - Part Two

Roberto Soldado’s arrival at White Hart Lane and a fair pricing of 5.8 means the Spaniard deserves real consideration, particularly when you take into account Tottenham’s tasty early run of fixtures. After last year’s striking struggles Soldado should bring goals back to the Spurs forward line – with his record of 59 goals in 101 games for Valencia more than enticing.

With Luis Suarez’s future looking increasingly in doubt, Daniel Sturridge could become their main man, although some fine late season form that saw him score 11 in 14 has seen his price rise to 6.2. Iago Aspas - a summer capture from Celta Vigo - will be another to benefit from the Suarez saga and buoyed by some strong pre season form might be worth a look, however for now at least Sturridge looks a safer bet – so long as his fitness concerns are resolved.

Christian Benteke and Michu were the real stars of last season’s game and as a result both have increased substantially in price. The Belgian offered 19 goals last term and unlike many he is guaranteed starts, the early outlook appears tough in regards to fixtures but the powerful striker should again cause havoc. Michu’s returns look a little more in doubt, largely due to the arrival of the prolific Wilfried Bony who looks set to be handed the centre forward role – with Michu playing just behind. At 5.2 Bony looks an excellent proposition if he can get near the form that saw him score 31 in 30 games in Holland last season, the only question marks being whether he can transfer that form into the English game.

Outside of the top priced names there is plenty of potential. Norwich pair Gary Hooper and Ricky van Wolfswinkel both have a strong history of scoring goals and at 4.9 look good value, providing they are able to transfer their form to the Premier League. The early fixtures, though, do at least offer potential for that and with Norwich strengthening significantly they look set for a good season – one which both Hooper and van Wolfswinkel should play a big part in. 

Dimitar Berbatov at 5.5 is a little more expensive than some of the of other options for the final striker berth, however unlike many there is no question marks over his ability to find consistent goals – with Fulham looking stronger than last term he should comfortably match last season’s solid returns. Andy Carroll hit real form at the end of last season and with a superb opening set of fixtures he could enjoy a strong start – providing a heel problem clears up before the season begins.

Papiss Cisse failed to reach the heights of his debut season last campaign, however at 5.3 he could be worth a look – although the arrival of Loic Remy could impact on his return. Arouna Kone enjoyed a successful debut season with Wigan and at Everton he should again prosper, but whether he is worth the 5.7 remains to be seen.  It would be a surprise to see Rickie Lambert match last season’s tally – Jay Rodriguez could the man to keep an eye on at St Mary’s if his form in the final third of last season is anything to go by.

Finally, for those of you looking for a real bargain, Jozy Altidore at 4.5 could be that man, given that he matched Bony for goals in Holland last season and is a much improved player to the one we saw on loan at Hull a few years back.