Five alternatives to Paul Pogba for Sky Sports Fantasy Football bosses
Tuesday 19 September 2017 16:46, UK
Almost a quarter of all Sky Sports Fantasy Football players face a huge problem this weekend, with Paul Pogba sidelined through injury.
The second highest points scorer so far this season, Pogba was also an Elite Player for Fantasy Six-a-Side this Sunday, having the highest match average from Manchester United's squad.
But whether it's one of his team-mates, the man who makes Manchester United's city rivals tick, or a money-saving wildcard, there are several suitable alternatives available…
Nemanja Matic (£8.3m)
The man who has freed Pogba from his defensive responsibilities this season, Nemanja Matic has been hugely impressive.
The Serbian is averaging 70 passes per game, compared to Pogba's 77, making him just as likely to score Sky Sports Fantasy Football's passing bonuses.
Matic may not be among the goals like his team-mate, but he's won twice as many tackles this season, doubling the chances of tackle bonuses while saving bosses £2.9m.
David Silva (£10.6m)
For a more controversial transfer, look to the other side of Manchester and swap Pogba for one of his City rivals - David Silva.
For all the talent Pep Guardiola has recruited, the Spaniard has been arguably his best player so far this season, completing the most passes in the league to score three Sky Sports Fantasy Football bonuses in four games.
Four of Manchester City's next five opponents finished in the bottom half last season, so can expect Silva to continue to shine and leapfrog Pogba in the scoring charts
Christian Eriksen (£10.8m)
If Tottenham's playmaker is not in your Sky Sports Fantasy Football team, there's no better week to select him as he faces one of his favourite opponents.
Eriksen has six goals and three assists in seven games against Swansea and Harry Kane's return to form makes him immediately more likely to add to the latter tally.
The Dane has created more chances (10) than Pogba (nine), and with a run of favourable fixtures coming up for Spurs, could be a perfect replacement while the Frenchman is sidelined.
Pascal Gross (£7.3m)
A more unorthodox option could be Brighton's Pascal Gross, the midfielder only outscored by Pogba and Mohamed Salah in the game so far this season.
The Seagulls will be looking to kick on after getting their first win against West Bromwich Albion, and the man central to that victory will be key going forward.
Gross, who created the second most goalscoring chances in Bundesliga last season, scored two and assisted the other in a Sky Sports man of the match performance, and trusting him to build on that display will give you an extra £3.9m to spend elsewhere on your team.
Eden Hazard (£11.6m)
Chelsea's main man returned at the weekend, creating two chances in just 12 minutes off the bench against Leicester City.
The Blues' next three league games include clashes with Arsenal and Manchester City, and Eden Hazard has proven himself as a big game player - with a combined seven goals and five assists against the two heavyweights.
Whether Antonio Conte will throw his Belgian star straight back into the fold this weekend remains unclear, but when he makes his full return there will be arguably no better replacement for Pogba in Sky Sports Fantasy Football.
