Fantasy Football bosses needed to be cunning Foxes this week

Available at 500/1 before kick-off, Leicester City’s 5-3 victory over Manchester United was a result few saw coming. But for those bosses who put their faith in Nigel Pearson’s men, the rewards were handsome.

With an average tally for the week at 36 points, the lowest weekend of the season so far, it paid to shy away from the big boys and seek out that hidden gem in the market.

And having accrued just 36 minutes of Premier League football, before the week’s proceedings, Jamie Vardy would have been extremely low down on the list for strikers to lead everyone’s fantasy teams.

But the former Fleetwood man bagged a goal, assisted with two others and netted himself three bonus points, totalling 21 points, nearly double the total Robin van Persie has earned all season.

His partner in crime Leonardo Ulloa also impressed, with a brace for himself, totalling 12 points.

While it was a sobering week for those that had peppered their side with the supposed best in the business, Angel Di Maria, Danny Welbeck and Mesut Ozil were the only ‘Big Four’ players to pick up more than 10 points, managers should not be panicked into playing their Wildcard.

Danny Welbeck continues to impress for Arsenal, and could be a bargain to be had at £7.1m, having opened his account at the weekend, while Di Maria and Falcao look inspired signings by Louis van Gaal, and are worth including in your team.

But while Gameweek Five may have been a flash in the pan with no less than four big upsets, it could pay to take a close look at the fixtures in the coming fortnight.

Sunderland, for example, have two very winnable home ties against Swansea and Stoke up next – maybe a cheap deal for Seb Larsson at £5.6m could be wise?

Perhaps more risky, West Ham have a trip to a stunned Old Trafford, followed by a visit of QPR. It could pay to take a look at Diafra Sakho at £5.5m or Enner Valencia at £6.9m as the Irons look to continue on the up.

This weekend may have left virtual managers tearing their hair out at the decision to bring the likes of Tyler Blackett or Pablo Zabaleta into their team, but things could well return to normal when Gameweek Six comes around.

All odds and markets correct as of the date of publishing

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