A new week of Official A-Leagues Fantasy brings about the same old conundrums for managers looking to tinker with their squads for a fresh weekend of Isuzu UTE A-League action.
Consider these five fantasy assets to take into battle in Round 2, thanks to Neds.
Joe Lolley – Sydney FC
- Ownership: 4%
- Price: $209,000
- Round 1 points: 7
The Englishman posed a significant threat to Melbourne Victory on his Sky Blues debut and despite failing to register a goal or assist in Round 1 managed seven points – four of which coming from accurate crosses, key passes and successful dribbles.
Lolley and fellow Sky Blues recruit Robert Mak caught the eye in Round 1, with the former often cutting in off the right to threaten with his left foot. Lolley had three shots, created one chance and played eight crosses in a dangerous debut.
Next up: Western United on the road on Sunday.
Nikolai Topor-Stanley – Western United
- Ownership: 4%
- Price: $286,400
- Round 1 points: 1
Injuries to Tomoki Imai (7% ownership) and Alex Wilkinson (23% ownership) have left fantasy managers looking for defensive replacements – and you may find it in Nikolai Topor-Stanley.
Imai had surgery during the week on his left AC joint (shoulder) after a heavy fall in Round 1. Topor-Stanley replaced Imai off the bench at half-time, and should continue to deputise in his absence.
The Western defence was abnormally porous in defeat to Melbourne City in Round 1. Whether that performance was a mere blip or an ominous sign of what’s to come remains to be seen – but for now, Topor-Stanley could prove a sound pickup for those looking to replace their sidelined defenders.
Next up: Sydney FC at AAMI Park on Sunday.
Valon Berisha – Melbourne City
- Ownership: 6%
- Price: $267
- Round 1 points: 5
He scored just five points in Round 1 – but it could have been an entirely different story for City’s star recruit who glimmered on the opening weekend.
The Kosovo international took 52 touches, played 32 passes at 88% accuracy to go with four crosses, four duels won and two created chances for Jamie Maclaren. With Florin Berenguer sidelined until December, Berisha could find himself a consistent home playing in behind City’s front three.
Next up: Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on Friday.
Carlo Armiento – Brisbane Roar
- Ownership: 0.8%
- Price: $165,300
- Points: 9
Brisbane Roar boss Warren Moon is challenging Carlo Armiento to play a key role in his Roar outfit this season. The left winger joined the club from Perth Glory in the off-season, and the 23-year-old put on a bright display in Round 1 – his first game back from an ACL tear.
It’s his distribution off the left wing getting Moon, Roar fans and fantasy managers excited. With Charlie Austin lurking in the penalty area, Moon expects Armiento’s delivery to make him a key attacking asset moving forward.
Ahead of his Brisbane’s clash with Melbourne City on Friday, Moon said: “Carlo was a left-sided player that we’d been looking at for a while. He is very attacking, gets forward and likes to take people on.
“We’ve got a striker (Austin) who likes to feed off crosses… so we are really pleased to have Carlo. It was a really encouraging start for him and those combinations will only get better.”
Next up: Friday night football against Melbourne City.
Nick D’Agostino – Melbourne Victory
- Ownership: 15.5%
- Price: $260,700
- Round 1 points: 12
Nick D’Agostino scored Goal of the Week in Round 1, and followed his starring display in the Big Blue by announcing his eagerness to “bang in a couple more this weekend” to continue his push for a spot on the plane to next month’s Men’s World Cup with the Socceroos.
“That’s one of my main goals. I want to get back into that squad,” D’Agostino, who scored 10 ALM goals last season, told The Global Game midweek.
“I didn’t make the last camp. It didn’t make me sad. It made me more eager to start the season well and score goals.
“As a number nine, that’s my job. I have to keep performing on the pitch, keep putting the ball in the back of the net and do as much as I possibly can to get on that plane. To get that seat.
“I’m working as hard as I can. Arnie knows the way I play and how I can impact the team. It’s up to me in the end to make up his mind for him.
“I’m looking forward to the responsibility and challenge of leading the line and hopefully I can bang in a couple more this weekend.”
Next up: Western Sydney at home on Saturday night.
