Most fantasy players can make an informed assessment of the prospects this season for Steven Gerrard or Cesc Fàbregas, but how many are familiar with the Premier League’s newcomers? An ability to predict the impact of the new arrivals could prove an important factor. Here we give you a helping hand.

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Samir Nasri (Arsenal)

The young Frenchman says that he can play on the left and right wings, as well as in the centre behind one or two strikers. Given such versatility, he would appear to be an ideal replacement at Arsenal for Alexander Hleb. His record of 11 goals in 121 French league games is far from impressive, but he seems to be improving. Last season he scored six times in 30 league appearances for Marseilles and recorded the joint highest number of assists.

Prediction 5 goals, 6 assists, 0 red cards, 4 yellow cards.

Johan Elmander (Bolton Wanderers)

When he signed the Sweden forward, Gary Megson, the Bolton manager, said that he would score goals and create opportunities for teammates. Elmander’s hat-trick for Toulouse against Bordeaux to seal a Champions League place was no doubt in Megson’s mind, but the player’s efforts at Euro 2008, where he played on the right wing, did not inspire great confidence.

Prediction 7 goals, 4 assists, 0 red cards, 7 yellow cards.

José Bosingwa (Chelsea)

The Portugal defender played frequently as a midfield player when at Boavista, which will stand him in good stead as he raids down the flank from his right-back position for Chelsea. He showed his attacking excellence at Euro 2008 and can be expected to send over a regular supply of crosses from the byline while racking up plenty of clean sheets as part of a fine Chelsea back four.

Prediction1 goal, 4 assists, 0 red cards, 6 yellow cards, 14 clean sheets, 22 goals conceded.

Deco (Chelsea)

Barcelona no longer wanted him, but fantasy owners may be keen to acquire the Portugal midfield player. He showed during Euro 2008 that he has few peers in terms of creative passing, although the presence in Chelsea’s midfield of Michael Ballack and, possibly, Frank Lampard may cramp his style. Deco’s keenness to throw himself into tackles could lead to disciplinary problems, though.

Prediction: 8 goals, 9 assists, 1 red card, 6 yellow cards.

Philipp Degen (Liverpool)

Rafael Ben-Ítez, the Liverpool manager, says that Degen’s strength is “going forward”, which is music to the ears of fantasy owners. But first the Swiss must win a place ahead of Steve Finnan and Álvaro Arbeloa, while Jamie Carragher is also an obstacle when he is moved across from centre back. Degen’s sloppy defending in the recent friendly against Lucerne is a concern.

Prediction 0 goals, 2 assists, 0 red cards, 2 yellow cards, 7 clean sheets, 15 goals conceded.

Jô (Manchester City)

The young Brazil striker scored at a rate of more than one goal per two Russian league games for CSKA Moscow and he will be given every chance to succeed with City, given that they paid about £18 million for him. Given his fine efforts in the Champions League, he should not be overawed by playing in the Premier League.

Prediction15 goals, 5 assists, 0 red cards, 4 yellow cards.

Jonas Gutiérrez (Newcastle United)

Kevin Keegan, the Newcastle manager, says that the Argentinian is the “real deal”, a pacy winger who can cross well from the right or left. Newcastle have enough good strikers to ensure that he finishes the season with plenty of assists. However, his dismal scoring record of only six goals in almost 200 league games for Velez Sarsfield and Mallorca suggests that he will not be viewed as an essential fantasy choice.

Prediction 2 goals, 10 assists, 0 red cards, 3 yellow cards.

Luka Modric (Tottenham Hotspur)

The central midfield player’s creative passing for Croatia at Euro 2008 was impressive and his record of 13 goals in 25 league appearances for Dynamo Zagreb last season demands attention. However, enough star names have failed at White Hart Lane for caution to be advised.

Prediction 10 goals, 4 assists, 0 red cards, 7 yellow cards.

Valon Behrami (West Ham United)

The Swiss was among his country’s best performers during Euro 2008, where he proved an industrious and clever player on the right of midfield. But a record of only seven goals in 122 Italian league games for Lazio, Verona and Genoa does not augur well.

Prediction 3 goals, 4 assists, 0 red cards, 2 yellow cards.

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