A-League Men Fantasy: The top five buys under 180K

With the relaunch of A-Leagues Fantasy, several strategies have been established to create the best possible team within a $4 million budget.

A-Leagues Fantasy has returned. Source: Adelaide United Instagram

Every player has a $4 million cap for a 15-man squad. It might sound simple, but things get financially challenging as you start finalising your team.

Cost and squad selections are always a headache when completing a team. So we've come up with five affordable options to free up your budget and earn some valuable points to beat your mates.

1. Al Hassan Toure ($165.3k) - Macarthur FC - Attacker

Should his Australia Cup performances be anything to go by, Macarthur's Al Hassan Toure could be in for a fantastic season of goal involvements. Dwight Yorke's side looks lively going forward, and so far, it's been Toure with the goals.

Based on his Australia Cup appearances, Toure is set to play out wide and will be looking to link up with other attackers in the team, such as Lachlan Rose, Ulises Davila, Daniel Arzani, and Anthony Carter.

For only 165.3k, Toure is an absolute bargain. He is a very affordable option and can significantly free up your budget to sign other players for a larger price.

2. Zach Clough ($165.3k) - Adelaide United - Attacker

It's fair to say Zach Clough had a disappointing start to life down under with just one goal in 13 games last season.

However, with a full pre-season under his belt and impressive performances in Adelaide United's Australia Cup games, Clough is set to become one of their star attackers this season. With Hiroshi Ibusuki's presence up top and the return of Ben Halloran, Clough could play a vital role in linking up with these players, especially with assists.

Adelaide doesn't have the most winnable fixtures to start, facing Wellington, Macarthur, and Sydney FC all away in their first three games. However, if Adelaide scores goals and creates chances in those games, Clough will undoubtedly be involved. The English midfielder also presents himself as a very handy substitute long-term as his value could increase.

3. Stefan Colakovski ($165.3k) - Perth Glory - Midfielder

Stefan Colakovski's move from premiers Melbourne City to Perth Glory came as a surprise for many fans. Should the Glory create chances, Colakovski will undoubtedly play a role in that.

Last season, the Glory was one of the worst sides in A-League Men's history. They were terrible in the final third, but the addition of Colakovski will change that for the Western Australian side.

Stefan Colakovski is a potential bargain buy for A-Leagues Fantasy. Source: @scolakovski Twitter

A-League Men fans know the exciting creativity the North Macedonia U21 international can offer, especially in attack. With Bruno Fornaroli up top, there is a good chance that Colakovski will be linking up with the Uruguay-born striker to create goal-scoring opportunities for the Glory.

165.3k for Colakovski is a bargain of a deal.

Despite their first five matches being away, the Glory doesn't have a hard start. They face the Wanderers, Jets, Mariners, Adelaide, and Melbourne City. Colakovski could undoubtedly be amongst the goals in the early stages of 2022/23.

4. Kusini Yengi ($165.3k) - Western Sydney Wanderers - Attacker

After almost an entire season on the sidelines, Kusini Yengi will be looking to return to the A-League Men with a bang for his new side. The Wanderers have recruited significantly in the off-season, especially in attack, with Milos Ninkovic, Sulejman Krpić, Yeni Ngbakoto, and Brandon Borrello all joining the Red and Black.

With Yengi allocated the number nine jersey, there is a good chance he could play a consistent role in Mark Rudan's plans. For only 165.3k, he can be a very affordable long-term buy.

The Wanderers also have a very generous fixture list ahead of them, with four of their first five matches at home. They host the Glory, Roar, and Jets, and Yengi should have opportunities to open his account for the club in front of their passionate supporters.

5. Jake McGing ($165.3k) - Macarthur - Defender

Fresh from winning the Australia Cup, Jake McGing provides good value as a squad player in your fantasy team. He is a defender who could earn clean sheets and extra points from assists.

McGing picked up an assist against Oakleigh, a clean sheet against Wellington, and another clean sheet in the final against Sydney United in the Australia Cup. It looks like him and his Macarthur side not only look sharp going forward but solid in the backline.

For only 165.3k, McGing provides excellent value and can help free up your budget on other players.

Macarthur's first two games are against the Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United. Clean sheets are plausible for Dwight Yorke's team, and McGing could well and truly pick up some points.

Don't forget to click here and join FPF's official A-Leagues Fantasy competition!