Matthew Barrick is the current World Number 1 in Fantasy Premier League as we enter the international break. In this article he talks about his Top 5 players who have helped him to rise to the top of the rankings. You can follow Matthew’s FPL journey this season on Twitter @Barrick88 as he aims to remain Number 1.

Matthew’s Top 5 Players in Premier League

2017, the year of the defender?

Finding the right defenders has a massive effect on any team and has been the key to my success this season. The stats certainly supported my theory with Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United keeping a combined 45 clean sheets last year and returning 13 clean sheets already this season. I wanted to pick defenders from those three teams and two have paid off, making big returns. I also wanted to keep in mind the players that are dangerous going forward providing goals and assists.

• Ben Davies (Tottenham):

I have had Davies and Valencia in my team from the start. Ben Davies has been the top point scoring defender, achieving 3 clean sheets, 3 assists and 2 goals so far this season. Spurs’ formation gives Davies a license to keep going forward, and with Rose being injured; he is a sure starter.

• Antonio Valencia (Manchester United):

Man Utd look strong this season, and as all Mourinho teams do; they look especially solid at the back. 6 clean sheets in 7 games is an unbelievable start to their PL campaign, and let’s not forget that wonder goal against Everton.

As well as having the top two defenders in my team from the start I’ve also had the top two scoring forwards. Aguero and Lukaku have had Premier League defenses running for cover this season; returning a combined 13 goals so far this season.

• Sergio Aguero (Manchester City):

Aguero has gone under the radar with managers this season.  A fully fit Sergio is a must-have in any team. Man City’s Argentinian striker scored 6 goals in his first 6 games as well as 3 assists before his injury.

• Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United)

Possibly one of the biggest transfers this season, Manchester United’s forward is Mr. Reliable with 7 goals in 7 games. Lukaku has shown no signs of losing his goal scoring form, and with some big games to come; he will be looking to prove his critics wrong.

• Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Mo Salah has 4 goals and 2 assists on his return to the PL, a fine start for any midfielder. Liverpool has created an astonishing amount of chances this season, and I just hope Salah can continue making them, or even get on the end of some of them.

Picking these 5 players from the start has worked wonders for my team. All 5 are in the top 10 point scorers this season, but it isn’t just about how many points us managers have so far; it is all about how many we score from now until the end of the season. Injury to Aguero has meant bringing in Kane, who did not disappoint at the weekend; and has his golden boot campaign for this season well underway.

You can pit your wits against the World No.1 in the GW8 Premier League contest on Sportito where there’s a guaranteed prize pool of £750.

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