The Scout assesses the opening player prices in 2021/22 Fantasy Premier League and their implications.
Attacking targets
Aston Villa trio Jack Grealish (£8.0m), Emiliano Buendia (£6.5m) and Ollie Watkins (£7.5m) could emerge as top targets thanks to their strong opening schedule.
Dean Smith’s side face promoted pair Watford and Brentford in the first three Gameweeks, as well as hosting Newcastle United.
Grealish and Watkins shine v Liverpool
Grealish’s average of 5.2 points per match was a team-leading total for Villa last term, putting him among the top 10 midfielders in Fantasy.
New signing Buendia arrives on the back of 15 goals and 16 assists for Norwich City in last season’s Championship.
And Watkins’ 87 shots in the box and 45 chances created both ranked second among forwards in 2020/21.
See: All of Aston Villa's FPL player prices
Villa's Emiliano Martinez, the top-scoring goalkeeper last term, has risen from a starting price of £4.5m to £5.5m.
But his multiple routes to points means he can still offer strong value.
Martinez combined 15 clean sheets with 36 save points and 27 bonus to total 186 points in 2020/21, the seventh-best score.
Villa's clean sheets 2020/21
Tempting Toney
Brentford striker Ivan Toney will cost managers £6.5m following his outstanding season in the Championship.
The Bees’ talisman was a key figure in their promotion to the Premier League, scoring 33 goals and supplying 10 assists.
Toney's hat-trick v Wycombe
His 135 shots and 90 shots in the penalty area were team-leading totals last term, both ranking third in the Championship.
Toney can take advantage of a strong opening schedule, with Brentford facing four of last season’s bottom-half sides in the first five Gameweeks.
See: All of Brentford's FPL player prices
Also in this series
Part 1: 2021/22 FPL player price reveal
Part 2: Aubameyang now cheaper as a forward
Part 3: Dallas value affected by midfielder status
Part 4: Sanchez can emerge as No 1 pick in goal
Part 5: Salah and Kane given equal billing
Part 6: West Ham offer value at both ends
Part 7: Top scorer Fernandes jumps in value
Part 9: Everton stars look tempting for early fixtures
Part 10: Back cheaper Iheanacho over Vardy?
Part 11: Wilson has early appeal
Part 12: De Bruyne given highest-ever starting value
