With one week to go until the 2021/22 season kicks off, the stress is set to escalate for millions of Fantasy Premier League managers. However, for every debate about choosing Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) or Jadon Sancho (£9.5m), the true dilemma that causes sleepless nights stems from one question: what are the best Fantasy Football team names?
In mini leagues, we all know that the true winner is the manager with the funniest name, with end-of-season points being a mere afterthought. Some refer to an in-joke, some go for clichéd wordplay like ‘Norfolk and Chance’, whilst some choose clever player-related puns.
To help those with a mental block, here are some of Fantasy Football team names suggestions:
Krul Intentions
If your team is full of dangerous liaisons, perhaps naming it after Norwich’s goalkeeper is the right way. The shot stopper has a kind surname that lends itself to other suggestions like Krul and the Gang.
Alisson Wonderland
Going further back through Hollywood, Liverpool fans may want to reminisce about their elation when their goalkeeper headed home a dramatic late winner against West Brom. Other old film names include Citizen Kane and Cahills Have Eyes. When Harry Met Alli
There is also the 1989 romantic comedy about the first time Harry Kane (£12.5m) and Dele Alli (£6.5m) locked eyes upon each other. One had just arrived from MK Dons, the other having his breakthrough season. Things have complicated somewhat with Kane’s failure to turn up to pre-season training, although Alli’s FPL price drop could see him emerge as an option if he’s part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans.
Come Digne With Me
Moving from film to television, this team name encourages others to join you and the 22% who have decided to put faith in attacking full-back Lucas Digne (£5.5m). With a new, defensively-minded manager and 17 assists from the last two seasons, Digne is a strong option. Or perhaps you see yourself more on Löw Island, where the former German national team manager is spending his sabbatical. Sometimes, it’s just better to have a Netflix and Chilwell evening.
Gangster’s Allardyce
Some names create a visual image that’s hard to shake off. This is one of them. Named after Coolio’s global 1995 hit, this documentary sees Sam Allardyce investigate the gangs of modern-day Britain. Watch him share a pint of wine with leading figures.
Goals Aloud
For managers with an attacking squad that puts little money into defence, this tribute to the 2002 winners of Popstars: The Rivals could prove ideal. Other musical nods include Fiorentina Turner, Lallana Del Rey and the loveable North London-Tyneside duo of Sonny and Schär.
Slumdog Mignolet
An underdog team that prefers past Liverpool goalkeepers, as opposed to Alisson (£6.0m), may opt for this modern film reference. Willian Dollar Baby and Lord of the Ings will also be considered.
Turkish De Ligt
Çağlar Söyüncü (£5.0m) is highly-rated at Leicester City and was one of the few Turkey players to emerge from Euro 2020 with any credit. So it makes sense that some would compare him to Dutch centre-back Matthijs de Ligt. This also works for anyone impressed by Ozan Kabak during his loan spell at Anfield.
Dunk your Busquets
A famous Peter Kay stand-up routine explored the dipping of various British biscuits into cups of tea. Rich Tea is pathetically weak and quickly falls apart, whereas Hobnobs have remarkable durability. This team name explores what happens when you ask a Spanish defensive midfielder to imitate the captain of Brighton and Hove Albion. Other Barcelona-related suggestions include Pique Blinders, The Cesc Pistols and Who Ate All Depays?
Yes Ndidi
Wilfred Ndidi (£5.0m) has a versatile surname that is fun to say. This simple team name is a nod to player puns without being seen as trying too hard.
PAST PLAYERS:
A lot of former Premier League names have pun-worthy names that are too good to ignore. So if you want to go retro, perhaps try Men Behaving Chadli, Blink 1-Eto’o, The Neville Wears Prada, Moves Like Agger or the ambitious Fer Fuchs Ake.
CLASSICS:
There are few names that are so well known, they’ve almost certainly been snapped up by someone else. One Size Fitz Hall is a classic, as is Chicken Tikka Mo Salah and Delph and Safety.
