The Scout assesses the opening player prices in 2021/22 Fantasy Premier League and their implications.
Back Iheanacho over Vardy?
Kelechi Iheanacho (£7.5m) can provide major value in the initial stages of 2021/22.
The Leicester City striker is a full £3.0m less than fellow forward Jamie Vardy, whose cost of £10.5m is his highest ever starting price in Fantasy.
Iheanacho's 2020/21 highlights
Brendan Rodgers’ side face only one of last season’s top five teams in the opening seven Gameweeks.
And the statistics show why Iheanacho could prove a popular pick for opening squads.
He scored 12 goals from Gameweek 22 onwards last term, more than any other forward in Fantasy.
Indeed, his 50 shots, 23 shots on target and 24 chances created in that period all put him among the top two players in his position.
Premium prices for Chelsea pair
Chelsea duo Edouard Mendy and Cesar Azpilicueta will both cost £6.0m at the start of the campaign.
The Blues had huge success in defence under Thomas Tuchel last term.
Chelsea's best saves of 2020/21
They produced 11 clean sheets after the German was appointed head coach in Gameweek 20, a league-leading total.
And their 13 goals conceded in that period was also the best tally.
But Chelsea have a tough early schedule, facing Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City in the first six Gameweeks.
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 8: Grealish and Toney to attract interest
Part 9: Everton stars look tempting for early fixtures
Part 11: Wilson has early appeal
Part 12: De Bruyne given highest-ever starting value
