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Goalkeepers are often overlooked in fantasy EPL, as their typical output and overall top end are rather limited and generally uninspired compared to outfield positions. Although not tremendously productive, owning the right keeper(s) could be the difference on any given game week.
There are two schools of thought: You can own a marquee keeper, ideally from one of the top four or five teams, or you can rotate keepers from lesser sides based on their matchups. The value with the former approach lies in its simplicity -- no requirement for a backup on your bench and a decent opportunity for clean sheets. The primary negative is, as one would surmise, very little time of possession for the opposition, especially in the attacking third of the pitch, limiting shots on goals, and other tallying opportunities.
If unable to obtain the services of a marquee goalkeeper, the rotation strategy can, if implemented thoughtfully, produce solid results. With bench spots and waiver picks at a premium this strategy can be rather costly, especially toward the latter part of the season when outfield player rotation increases.
With this in mind, here are our top-five goalkeepers for the 2015-'16 season:
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1. Lukasz Fabianski, Swansea
It may come as a surprise to some to see a mid-table team produce the highest rated goalkeeper; however, Fabianski has the stats to back up a No. 1 goalkeeper selection. Starting all but one match, the Polish national racked up an impressive points tally - considerably more than any other goalkeeper last season. Swansea’s bend-but-don’t-break defense allowed Fabianski a plethora of save opportunities each week - regardless of the opposition. Ranking the highest in total saves with 137, a stellar 13 clean sheets and a 3.70 Sv/G average, look for Fabianski and the Swansea defense to continue their stubborn displays in the '15-'16 season.
2. Costel Pantilimon, Sunderland
After completing the switch from Manchester City to start the '14-'15 season, Pantilimon took nine matches to oust a struggling Vito Mannone. After securing his role in the starting 11, Pantilimon started all but the final match of the season and boasted the highest FP/G of all goalkeepers. His 109 saves in only 28 matches resulted in a 3.89 Sv/G average, producing not only the most consistent returns, but also yielding a considerably higher top end. Should Sunderland’s defensive minded formation and style of play remain the same, Pantilimon’s owners will be kindly rewarded.
3. Adrian, West Ham
Sticking with the mid-table theme, Adrian comes in as the No. 3 goalkeeper selection. The Spaniard was the only goalkeeper last season to start all 38 matches. Adrian attained the second highest point total, which is testament to his consistency and durability. With 129 saves, a 3.39 Sv/G average and nine clean sheets, Adrian provided his owners peace of mind week after week. Although only tallying over 15 points in four matches, he never posted a negative result, which happens so often to goalkeepers of mid-to-low-table sides against top-tier opponents. The twist for Adrian in the '15-'16 is the change in management. In seasons past, West Ham had often been criticized for their “unattractive” playing style under Sam Allardyce. The '14-'15-witnessed “Big Sam” experiment with several formations regularly leaving Adrian exposed at the back (this is a good thing for fantasy managers). With the Croatian Slaven Bilic (a former Defender) taking the reigns, it remains to be seen if and how a change in West Ham’s formation and posture will affect Adrian’s production.
4. Thibaus Courtious, Chelsea
With the venerable Petr Cech making the switch to Arsenal, Courtious is now Chelsea’s undisputed No. 1. The young Belgian had a brilliant '14-'15 season with the Blues featuring in 32 matches and providing a significant presence in goal during the title charge. Courtious produced consistently despite relatively infrequent engagement in most matches. His 74 saves and nominal 2.31 Sv/G average shouldn’t be cause for concern with respect to production as nearly all goalkeepers from top-tier sides suffer in this category. What prospective owners should pay attention to are the 13 clean sheets and second fewest goals against (30) amongst goalkeepers with more than 20 games.
5. Joe Hart, Manchester City
Having seen off competition from the Manchester City new join, Willy Caballero, at the beginning of the 2014/2015 season, Joe Hart turned in yet another consistent performance. Starting 36 matches, the English international did his best with an uncharacteristically penetrable back four in front of him. Hart certainly benefited from the increased workload with 87 saves, but his 14 clean sheets led the league. There are potential suitors for the No. 5 goalkeeper ranking, but with the transfer rumors surrounding David De Gea, the rotation risk of Cech at Arsenal and Southampton’s Fraser Forster suffering a season-ending injury, Hart is the more reliable option amongst the top sides at this point.
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