Preview #1 - Rockville Gunners

G TH 5.5 Gomes
G BI 4.5 Foster
D AV 6.5 Cuellar
D LI 7.5 Johnson
D FU 5.0 Hughes
D AR 6.0 Sagna
D BR 5.0 Samba
M MU 8.5 Valencia
M FU 7.0 Dempsey
M EV 7.0 Pienaar
M TH 7.0 Kranjcar
M BL 5.0 Adam
F SU 8.5 Bent
F MC 10.5 Tevez
F BI 6.0 Jerome

99.5 Spent
0.5 Remaining

Wiggum Unscientific Projected Ranking: Upper to mid table
Probable Captain: Carlos Tevez
Biggest Strength: Strikers and Deep Midfield
Biggest Weakness: Lack of star midfielder
Potential Draft Steal: Antonio Valencia
Wildcard: Glen Johnson

Analysis: Top to bottom, this is one of the best teams assembled by a drafter in the 8th spot Wiggum can remember. A draft position normally associated with success or failure seems in this case to be one where we have a team that can realistically challenge the best for the title, or at least bring an upper table finish to the Washington DC suburbs.

In Carlos Tevez, there is one of the prem’s best players, and a top 3 fantasy producer. Overall, the strikers on the squad are strong and a good value overall, with Bent and Tevez likely to exceed 150+ points and Jerome capable of 100+. In the middle, there is a lot of quality on the team – particularly Dempsey and Valencia – even if there is no Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard. The GK situation is also secure, with two keepers who will likely put up enough points to justify their prices.

Maybe a little surprisingly, however, the SR’s most expensive defense appears to have enough question marks that might lead to early changes. Glen Johnson is either a great pick who will score 150+ points or else the most overpriced defender in the database. And will Sagna justify his 6.0 price with enough clean sheets and assists?

Regardless, the newcomers to the Small Rocks appear to be strong candidates to expect a mid-table finish at worst – a position I expect them to exceed should Antonio Valencia have a strong year in Manchester. With a few good transfers, another strong season from Tevez, and consistent production from the likes of Johnson, Bent, and Dempsey, Rockville Gunners appear ready – and able – to be gunning for an upper table finish.