Harry Redknapp has selected his 2022/23 Premier League fantasy team, with a mixture of surprises and expected picks.
The 75-year-old, who managed Portsmouth, Spurs, Southampton, West Ham and QPR in the top flight, was handed a budget of 1200 credits on Fantasy Football app Spitch.
But although he had that "wheeler dealer" nickname in his successful 34-year managerial career, Redknapp initially went over budget and had to make some last minute alterations - Heung-Min Son, Mo Salah, Eric Dier and Eberechi Eze were taken out of the side, which lined up in a 4-3-3 formation.
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In goal, Redknapp went for Spurs' Hugo Lloris and expects him to keep a clean sheet in their first game against Southampton.
At right-back, he simply had to go for Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, who "makes goals and gets plenty of assists".
But then for the opposite full-back slot, Redknapp opted for a left-field choice in Bournemouth's Jordan Zemura, who costs just 48 credits.
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Explaining his choice, Redknapp said: "He had a good season last year and bombs forward".
"Best centre-back around" Virgil van Dijk was a must-pick, while Aston Villa's Matty Cash, a Poland international now, slotted in to complete the defence.
Then in midfield, Redknapp, without any hesitation, picked Kevin De Bruyne, who he describes as "different class" after he hit 15 goals in the league last term.
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Set-piece king and Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse is a shrewd choice, while Redknapp waxed lyrical over Aston Villa's John McGinn.
He commented: "I like him and have always liked him. I tried to sign him when he was at Hibs when I was at Birmingham. Gordon Strachan recommended him to me and spoke very highly. He’s a very good player.”
Chelsea's Armanja Broja, heavily linked with West Ham is in the front three after impressing on loan at Southampton and you always feel there is guaranteed goals with Callum Wilson of Newcastle.
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And then there was the final piece of the puzzle, Manchester City's new No.9 Erling Haaland - who Redknapp is tipping to bang in the goals next term.
Redknapp explained: I’m sure he’s expensive but I’d be surprised if he doesn’t score plenty of goals this year. I certainly see him getting over 25."
Harry Redknapp was speaking at the launch of SPITCH’s all new Season Mode. SPITCH is a fantasy football app where you compete for the chance to win cash prizes. Sign up for free here: https://api.spitch.live/libero/affiliate-partner/ATVBP . 18+ only.
Topics: Harry Redknapp, Fantasy Football, Fantasy Premier League, Premier League