Agbonlahor

Aston Villa's Gabriel Agbonlahor was one of last season's best budget Strikers. He finished with the 6th most points in the Fantasy Premier League, which was significantly better than many more pricier attackers.

This season looks like it may see a continuation of his good Fantasy League form, and at the preseason price of £7.5m he is worth considering as a (now) mid-priced striker for a variety of reasons:

Last season Agbonhlahor played the most minutes of any striker in the Premiership. The most important statistic is Minutes Played, since the more time a player gets on the pitch, the more points they will earn for you. Marlon Harewood has come into the Villa strike-force from West Ham during the off season, but in most friendlies so far Agbonlahor has been getting the largest amount of game time.

Agbonlahor has a good disciplinary record. He works hard and doesnt dive, which tends to get him into the Referee's favour - so when he does fall down in the box, it is often rewarded with a penalty. And during the Fantasy League season, that is three points for Agbonlahor for an assist.

Villa's midfield of Gareth Barry and new signing Nigel Reo-Coker are both attacking minded midfielders. While this may prove a problem sometimes for Villa in defence, this is a good thing for Agbonlahor as far as the Premier Fantasy League is concerned. It will create more chances to attack, which means more chances for Agbonlahor to earn points.

The other strikers available for sub-£8m are not expected to come close to Agbonlahor. Ashley Young, another Villa striker, is available for £7m, but will be competing against the preferred Agbonlahor for game time. McBride of Fulham is also £7m, but despite his talents, his age and Fulham's struggles this season will keep his score low. Doyle of Reading (£7.5m) and Kanu of Portsmouth (£6.5m) both had superb seasons last year, but it would be a surprise if their clubs can turn the same quality of performances in again this time around.

Last season Agbonlahor consistently turned in a minimum of 2 points per week through lots of game time and good discipline. This is the platform upon which goals, assists and bonus points accrue to give a striker a large points tally. As a mid-priced striker, Agbonlahor is worth considering.