Round 5 came and went, with several of the top clubs faltering in losing fashion.
Wednesday saw Roma suffer a 2-0 defeat to Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta, while their city rival Lazio succumbed to Inter at San Siro with a 1-0 loss, further solidifying the Nerazzurri’s case as a title contender. While the biggest stunner was Cagliari taking all three points at the San Paolo from Napoli, Torino riding Andrea Belotti’s four minute brace to victory over an AC Milan side who controlled most of the match became the lasting memory from yet another eventful round of calcio. Now, it is time to set our sights on round 6.
Here are five players with increasing stock that you will want to consider for your fantacalcio squad this weekend.
Juan Cuadrado (MID, Juventus, Value 10.50) – The fullback position was always an area of great concern for Juventus entering the season after selling Joao Cancelo and Leonardo Spinazzola. Now, with Mattia De Sciglio and Danilo‘s injury putting the club in a bit of crisis, Maurizio Sarri will call on Juan Cuadrado to start at RB vs SPAL. The Colombian, for all intents and purposes, is a very safe start for you considering his offensive upside and ability to plunge into advanced areas to score, just as he did vs Atletico Madrid. Though not ideal, Cuadrado at 10.50 is solid value when taking into account his form and the opponent.
Andrea Belotti (ATT, Torino, Value 24.40) – Hardly a surprise to see Belotti here. Finally fully fit and in fine form, the Italian bomber took advantage of his opportunities vs Milan, efficiently scoring two goals in the blink of an eye. Certainly, Toro’s number nine is brimming with confidence and showing shades of scoring reminiscent of the 2016/17 season in which he tucked away 26 goals in 35 Serie A matches. Yes, his price is steep, but which top striker, in form and producing, isn’t? The Rooster is crowing in 2019. Grab him for Monday’s travel to Parma who are susceptible to allowing goals.
Marten de Roon (MID, Atalanta, Value 13.90) – Widely popular as a social media star, Atalanta’s Marten de Roon happens to be a darn good midfielder as well. The former Middlesbrough man does not always receive the fan fare and appreciation like Papu Gomez or Duvan Zapata, yet the 28-year old Dutchman is a strong presence in the midfield that is vital to the team’s success. Plus, de Roon lends a hand in multiple categories, and if you lack diversity in the centrocampo, he could be worth a hard look at a fair market price of 13.90 away vs Sassuolo.
Nicolò Barella (MID, Inter, Value 20.30) – Inter are flying high and soaring, off to a perfect start which has them in sole possession of first place. There are plenty to praise in this hot start, including Antonio Conte, Stefano Sensi and Romelu Lukaku to name just a few. However, it is hard to argue against Nicolò Barella being the most impactful considering how he immediately is living up to his big transfer fee. Blending brains and brawn, the Italian is equally impactful physically as he is technically as the engine driving the midfield. At 20.30, Barella is 100% worth the investment if you haven’t already inserted him into squad, especially against last place Sampdoria where he could be a prime candidate to lend an assist or open his account with his first goal for the club.
Samir Handanovic (GK, Inter, Value 24.00) – When your club sits atop the league table in first place with a perfect start, it is only right they receive the red carpet treatment with multiple entrants into the weekly fantacalcio content piece. Having only conceded 1 goal in 5 matches, Inter employ the league‘s best defensive line with Diego Godin, Milan Skriniar and Stefan de Vrij, allowing Samir Handanovic to do his job care free and with a wealth of confidence that his goal will be virtually untested. Inter’s opponent Sampdoria has only scored three goals thus far and are struggling to muster up any hint of momentum under new boss Eusebio Di Francesco. In this best vs worst matchup, stockpiling Conte’s men for your squad is a safe bet and bodes well for another Handanovic cleansheet.
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