The most popular XI on 2018-19 Premier League Fantasy Football

The 2018-19 Premier League season is about to get underway, which means it’s time to think about your Fantasy Football teams.

Many of you will have already entered your teams after doing hours of painstaking research.

A whopping 1.7 million teams have already been entered into this season’s Premier League Fantasy Football game - and there’s still a week-and-a-half, at the time of writing, before the actions begins.

Manchester United and Leicester City get the new season underway at Old Trafford on August 10.

Other notable fixtures on the opening weekend including Newcastle v Tottenham, Liverpool v West Ham and Arsenal v Manchester City.

If you haven’t even thought about your Fantasy Football team yet, then you’re in the right place.

We’ve taken a look at the most popular starting XI ahead of the 2018-19 campaign. You’re going to want at least a couple of these players to stand any chance of winning your mates’ mini-league.

Goalkeeper: David de Gea | £6m

Teams selected by: 29.4%

Despite the fact he endured a disastrous World Cup, David de Gea is being backed by Fantasy Football managers to rediscover his best form with Manchester United this season.

At £6 million, the Spanish shot-stopper isn’t cheap - but he’s been worth his weight in gold over the past few seasons and the same should be true this term.

Defender: Kieran Tripper | £6m

Teams selected by: 26.7%

One of the stars of the 2018 World Cup, Tottenham’s Kieran Tripper is the most popular defender on FPL this season.

Over a quarter of teams have selected the right-back, who provided seven assists and helped Spurs keep nine clean sheets during the previous campaign.

Defender: Harry Maguire | £5.5m

Teams selected by: 24.2%

Another of England’s World Cup heroes, Harry Maguire is the most popular centre-back with Fantasy Football managers this season.

The 25-year-old scored two goals, registered four assists and helped Leicester City keep nine clean sheets last season. He’s been linked with Manchester United but is expected to stay at the King Power Stadium.

Defender: Marcos Alonso | £6.5m

Teams selected by: 16.9%

A Fantasy Football machine, as all FPL veterans will tell you.

The Spanish left-back is a huge threat going forwards but, because he plays for Chelsea, also keeps a lot of clean sheets. Leave him out of your XI at your peril.

Defender: Charlie Daniels | £4.5m

Teams selected by: 16.7%

Looking for a cheap defender who plays most weeks? Say hello to Charlie Daniels.

The 31-year-old has scored eight Premier League goals over the past three seasons and set up 11 more for his teammates.

Midfielder: Mohamed Salah | £13m

Teams selected by: 50.7%

One of the biggest prices in FPL history, Mohamed Salah has been selected by just over half of the 1.7 million managers on the game this season.

The Liverpool forward recorded an insane 303-point tally last season thanks to 32 goals - a Premier League record - 12 assists and 15 clean sheets.

Midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne | £10m

Teams selected by: 27.8%

Ten million pounds is excellent value for a player guaranteed to put up the numbers this season.

The Manchester City maestro has scored 21 goals and provided 38 assists over the past three seasons.

Midfielder: Leroy Sane | £9.5m

Teams selected by: 19.2%

Left out of Germany’s World Cup squad, Leroy Sane will be raring to prove a point this season.

The 22-year-old was excellent for Manchester City last season, scoring 10 goals and registering 15 assists. Don’t be surprised if he improves on those numbers this term.

Midfielder: Henrikh Mkhitaryan | £7m

Teams selected by: 17.7%

Given his quality and the fact he’ll be starting most weeks, £7 million is a surprisingly low fee for the talented Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

If he flourishes under new Arsenal boss Unai Emery, that fee will soon rise rapidly.

Striker: Roberto Firmino | £9.5m

Teams selected by: 36.1%

One of the Premier League’s most effective forwards, Roberto Firmino is a potential bargain at under £10 million.

The Brazilian, who is one of Jurgen Klopp’s most important players, scored 15 goals and set up eight more last season. This could be the year he hits 20.