To buy, to hold, or to sell? That is the question facing fantasy managers ahead of Round 2 in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
The first round of Official Isuzu UTE A-League Fantasy is in the books in 2023-24 – and as always, the standout stars, under-performers and those picking up injuries have left managers with plenty to think before settling on a Round 2 squad.
The A-Leagues Fantasy Podcast crew debated long and hard on this week’s episode over which players to buy, hold and sell ahead of Round 2 – with Melbourne Victory star Zinedine Machach a strong contender for an early purchase, along with Western United’s Lachlan Wales who both bagged goals in Round 1.
Read on as aleagues.com.au takes you through the players to consider buying, holding or selling ahead of Round 2’s first lockout deadline on Friday night.
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BUY
Zinedine Machach (Melbourne Victory MID $239k)
With a goal on Melbourne Victory debut, French midfielder Zinedine Machach introduced himself to the Isuzu UTE A-League with a bang.
The midfielder bagged 18 points in a Round 1 Big Blue win for Victory, and from the eye test alone looks like a player capable of putting together a magnificent debut campaign Down Under. Do not sleep on Frenchman before prices begin to fluctuate after three rounds.
Lachlan Wales (Western United MID $213k)
Listed as a midfielder but playing as a forward, Western United’s Lachlan Wales is priced at just $213k and, after his Round 1 showing, could be a rich avenue to goal for your fantasy side.
Picking players who get forward is your best avenue to points in fantasy – and nothing is more appetising as a fantasy manager than a winger/striker classed as a midfielder.
Adam Taggart (Perth Glory FWD $299k)
Adam Taggart bagged a goal just 61 seconds into the 2023-24 Isuzu UTE A-League season; could it be the launchpad for a productive season in purple for the fringe Socceroo?
Taggart signed for Perth last December, months into the 2022-23 season; he arrived nursing an injury, but he’s since had an entire pre-season to get back into full swing and launch into a fresh campaign. If Taggart can maintain his fitness, he could be in for a monster campaign at his hometown club.
HOLD
Callum Talbot (Melbourne City DEF $197k)
A Round 1 score of -2 may scare away fantasy managers – but at $197k Callum Talbot’s fantasy value could eventually prove too good to be true – and as a result, it’s best to wait and see what the young City full-back can achieve.
With player value frozen until the end of Round 3, there’s no harm in holding onto Talbot for another week. Talbot is in 32% of teams heading into Round 2; he’s a player that will hurt you if he’s not in your squad due to his popularity among the rest of the competition.
Thomas Waddingham (Brisbane Roar FWD $150k)
After missing out in Round 1, Young Socceroos spearhead Thomas Waddingham is in the mix to make his A-League Men debut against Sydney FC.
There’s arguably no more exciting fantasy prospect than Waddingham early in the season; the 18-year-old bagged four goals for Brisbane Roar in the Australia Cup in pre-season and was in fine form for the Young Socceroos at the recent Marbella Week of Football in Spain.
At $150k, chuck the young gun in your side and let him rip.
Marco Tulio (Central Coast FWD $429k)
A four-point total in Round 1 was not enough to justify a price tag of $429k, but rest assured: Marco Tulio will catch fire for the Mariners this season.
It’s an inevitable fact for the classy Brazilian who showed glimpses in a disappointing 3-0 loss to Adelaide in Round 1. Aside from the A-League Men opener, Tulio has made light work of the Mariners’ AFC Cup, scoring five goals in two games against Stallion Laguna and Bali United.
SELL
Salim Khelifi (Perth Glory MID $308k)
Salim Khelifi loomed as an excellent option in pre-season, but an injury kept the Glory creator out for Round 1 and will do so again in Round 2.
The Tunisian is well worth a look when he returns to the fold – but for now his funds could be better spent elsewhere in your fantasy squad.
Steven Ugarkovic (Melbourne City MID $290k)
Priced at $290k and in 9% of fantasy teams heading into Round 2, Steven Ugarkovic is a player whose value could be better utilised on more offensive-minded midfielders.
Ugarkovic scored five points in Round 1 and is projected to score six in his next two rounds.
Matt Acton (Brisbane Roar GKP $155k)
At $155k, Matt Acton is one of the cheapest keepers in the game – but the new Brisbane Roar signing – currently in 8% of teams – will likely serve as number two behind Macklin Freke this season.
Ryan Scott, Tom Heward-Belle and Alex Paulsen are all priced the same at Acton – but are the current number one’s at their respective sides, and scored well in Round 1. If you’re going to have a $155k goalkeeper in your squad, make it one that is playing early doors.
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