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Fantasy football scout tips gameweek 4: Marcos Alonso, Theo Walcott, Wilfried Zaha and more

How many of our picks are in your team?

Mark Critchley
Saturday 01 September 2018 09:15 BST
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Marcos Alonso

Would Chelsea’s reversion to a four-man defence under Maurizio Sarri spell the end of Marcos Alonso as a prime fantasy asset? No, it would not.

Alonso has delivered five attacking returns - one goal and four assists - in his three outings so far this season, putting the pre-season fears of many managers to rest.

The costliest defender available now faces a pair of plum fixtures, with Bournemouth travelling to Stamford Bridge this weekend and Cardiff City following afterwards.

Theo Walcott

Last week’s surprise sending-off for early-season favourite Richarlison sent many managers into a tailspin, searching desperately for alternatives.

Fortunately, they may not have to look too far. Everton team-mate Theo Walcott has started the season well, with two goals and an assist in his last two outings.

Walcott is not as shot-happy as Richarlison but his underlying numbers show some promise and Everton’s run - starting with Huddersfield Town at home on Saturday - is enticing.

Pedro

Another option in the mid-price midfield bracket is Pedro, who has two goals from his opening three games as part of what-could-be a prolific Chelsea front line.

The return of Eden Hazard is a worry, and the Belgian is worthy considering for those who can move funds around to accommodate him.

Even so, Pedro started with Hazard, ahead of Willian, in the win at Newcastle United last weekend and Chelsea's pair of plum home games have turned our head.

Wilfried Zaha

Crystal Palace’s excellent schedule over the weeks to come makes several of their players a sound investment but their talisman is the pick of the bunch.

Wilfired Zaha’s ownership is high at 32.7 per cent, but is only likely to rise over a run that sees three home games in five with two trips to Huddersfield and Bournemouth.

Zaha’s late consolation against Watford last week followed a goal on the opening weekend at Fulham. Mark Hughes’ Southampton are the visitors at Selhurst Park this weekend.

Glenn Murray

Whereas the likes of Alonso and Zaha are heavily owned, one player flying under the radar is Brighton and Hove Albion’s Glenn Murray.

The 34-year-old has one goal to his name from three games, coming at the Amex against Manchester United, and Chris Hughton’s side are a stronger prospect when at home.

Fulham, their opponents, may be tipped to do well this year but have leaked goals thus far. Murray could, therefore, offer a different option up front.

Ones to watch: Jordan Pickford, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Pascal Gross, Marko Arnautovic

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