The difference between a valuable fantasy performer and a disappointment could be a simple matter of opportunity. A good example is Craig Bellamy, who has gone from being one of a platoon of players at Liverpool whose role was never fully established to a significant signing for West Ham United, likely to play in most games. His team may not make him as valuable in the points category, but that should be counterbalanced by the fact that he will not be rested before or after Champions League match-es. He has always scored and created and is likely to continue to do so at an attack-minded club such as West Ham.

Geovanni and Sulley Muntari are new to the Barclays Premier League, but both have built impressive reputations with clubs in leading European leagues. Muntari, especially, as Portsmouth’s record signing, should play in most games and could be one of the surprise performers of the season. Once again, neither will be involved in Europe.

David Rozehnal joins a club whose defence has been the subject of mirth in previous seasons, but is likely to perform very differently under Sam Allardyce - and it is a good bet that he will be involved in the set-pieces that are the Newcastle United manager’s speciality.

Steve Sidwell could follow Shaun Wright-Phillips and Scott Parker, both of whom stepped from leading roles at their previous clubs to being bit-part players at Chelsea. Will the former Reading midfield player get games ahead of Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and Co? Not enough to make him a fantasy factor.

Justin Hoyte had an excellent season in 2006-07, largely thanks to a series of injuries that prevented Arsenal fielding a settled back four. Before then, Hoyte was not considered to have a great first-team future and Arsène Wenger’s first-choice defence this season might be Johan Djourou, Emmanuel Eboué, Kolo Touré and Gaël Clichy. Notice who’s missing?

Jermain Defoe has been the subject of interest from several clubs, notably Portsmouth, but is adamant that he wants to stay at White Hart Lane and fight for his place. Unfortunately, he is fourth in the pecking order behind Dimitar Berbatov, Darren Bent and Robbie Keane, so his opportunities will be limited and he may see more action in cup competitions than in the Premier League, unless he goes elsewhere.

Andy Todd has moved from Blackburn Rovers, where he was surrounded by tough, experienced Premier League performers, to Derby County, where he may be the only such defender. He alone will be unable to prevent goals going in and costing his fantasy owners dear, and points may be thin on the ground.

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