Goalkeepers

David James (Portsmouth)

James' career has been one of real highs and lows, but last season was an undoubted high. With a rock solid Pompey defence playing in front of him James will no doubt be good for a number of clean sheets again this season.

Manuel Almunia (Arsenal)

Last season Almunia managed to replace Jens Lehmann as Arsnal's number 1 keeper, and he looks set to retain his place for this year. With Lehmann now departed, Almunia should be able to put their petty squabbles behind him, and focus on keeping clean sheets for Arsenal this season.

Petr Cech (Chelsea)

Undoubtedly a class keeper, Cech has had a bad run of things of late. After a Premier League 07/08 marred by injuries, Cech went to Euro 2008 and dropped a clanger that led to his country's elimination from the tournament. With all that behind him he'll be looking to re-establish his reputation as one of the best keepers in the world and should be seriously considered by all Vital bosses.

Defenders

Patrice Evra (Manchester United)

Equally adept at going forward as he is at the back, Patrice is a Vital managers dream. Last season he scored 102 Vital points as United stormed to the Premier League title. Include him in your side and expect to pick up a number of clean sheets, as well as the odd assist.

Martin Laursen (Aston Villa)

After an injury hit start to life at Villa Park, Martin surprised everyone last season by staying fit and starting all 38 of Villa's league games. Not only that but he also managed 5 goals and finished the season on 104 points. He could be a good bet again as Villa look to improve on their 6th place finish from last year.

José Bosingwa (Chelsea)

Bosingwa recently signed for Chelsea for £16.3m and will be looking to live up to that price tag under his Euro 2008 Portugal Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who has taken the reigns at the South London club. José will be part of a traditionally mean Chelsea defence so expect him to pick up plenty of clean sheets, but we should see him getting into more advanced positions as well.

Midfielders

Deco (Chelsea)

Deco has won the Champions league with two different clubs and will be seeking to achieve this feat with a third now that he has signed for Chelsea. The Portuguese player has beautiful passing technique and, although he might not appear on the score sheets too often, you should expect a number of assists from the diminutive midfielder.

Luka Modric (Tottenham Hotspur)

Despite interest from a number of high profile clubs it was Tottenham who managed to get their hands on this highly rated Croatian star. Luka will be playing at the heart of Spurs' midfield where he can expect plenty of goal-scoring opportunities. He could well establish himself as a firm favourite amongst Vital managers this season.

Jimmy Bullard (Fulham)

Bullard made just 17 starts last season after returning from an injury that had kept him out of action for over a year. Despite this he still scored 55 points after his return and, if he stays fit, he could be a good bet for somewhere in the region of 100 points this season- a great prospect for bargain hunters.

Strikers

Dimitar Berbatov (Tottenham Hotspur)

With great touch and a fantastic eye for goal, Berbatov is a world class striker- when he can be bothered that is. Too often last season he looked like he just wasn't interested as Spurs struggled to a mid table finish. He still managed an impressive 148 points though and could get even more if he completes his expected move to Manchester United.

Peter Crouch (Portsmouth)

His feet may still stick out the bed put Peter is no longer a red after completing a move back to his former club Pompey. Not the most elegant of players but his goal scoring record is proven and he will be a threat to centre backs across the land this year, as he links up with fellow England striker Jermaine Defoe.

Jô (Manchester City)

City may not have succeeded in landing Ronaldinho this summer, but they did splash the cash to secure another Brazillian star, spending £18m on striker Jô. His goal scoring record at CSKA Moscow was phenomenal and, if he can adapt to life in England quickly, he could score a hatful of goals. To win Vital Fantasy Football you'll need to take a couple of risks, and Jô might just prove to be a surprise hit.