Sky Sports Focus – Player List Analysis – Defenders

Late last week, we kicked off our assessment of the Sky Sports Player List by casting an eye over the Goalkeepers. This evening we continue our series of articles by analysing what’s on offer in defence – breaking down the teams one-by-one, I also offer my preferred pick from each backline.

When it comes to scoring, clean sheets are the bread and butter of our defenders points, with each successful shut out bringing home five points. Also consider that for each goal conceded, your defender will receive minus one point, which can quickly turn your backline into a drain on your team’s point total should your defender(s) incur a heavy loss. The other factor to bear in mind is the additional two bonus points on offer for four completed challenges and also for 60 completed passes. The Members area stats highlight the likely beneficiaries and can help you decipher which players from a particular back line are best placed to reap the bonus rewards.

If you are a little reluctant to spend heavily at the back, the general tactic is to try and target defenders around the low to mid price bracket who play for teams that won’t ship large numbers of goals. If they have attacking threat and bonus point potential, then all the better, of course, but it’s a rarity to find that combination at a price that gives value. As we’ll see, though, the likes of West Brom, Swansea and Sunderland remain relatively kindly priced and all three proved equally capable at home or on the road.

Another tactic I like to employ is to almost disregard fixtures when it comes to our defensive set ups. The reason being that with limited transfers and defenders scoring poorly in general, you ideally want to use your swaps on attacking players and injuries rather than chasing blocks of favourable fixtures in order to attempt to gain mediocre benefit. Injury-permitting, if you can limit tactical transfers at the back to a bare minimum over the course of the season then you should be well positioned. Of course this means the onus is very much on getting your initial selections right from the off and therefore picking defenders who are nailed on starters is absolutely key.

Arsenal

The Gunners defence is a good source of Fantasy points and, coming fresh off the back of a season where they managed 13 clean sheets and conceded only 36 goals, will be strengthened by the arrival of Petr Cech between the posts. The full-back berths, in particular, seem far more prone to rotation – on the right, Hector Bellerin (6.8) and Mathieu Debuchy (6.6) will battle it out, whilst Nacho Monreal (6.7) and Kieran Gibbs (7.0) will compete on the opposite flank. That, unfortunately, means paying a premium for one of the centre backs. Despite starting nine matches less than Per Mertesacker (7.6) due to injury, Laurent Koscielny (7.8) managed to score three points more. If the Frenchman manages to stay fit and pick up where he left off, he looks the likeliest source of points here.

My Pick: Laurent Koscielny, 7.8m

Aston Villa

Although Villa managed ten shutouts over the course of last season, it’s worth noting that just three of those arrived in Tim Sherwood’s 13 matches at the helm, compared to seven in 25 under Paul Lambert. Frustratingly, Leandro Bacuna – who produced five assists at right-back under the new manager – remains classified as a midfielder, which means that unless Alan Hutton (4.7) can oust the Dutchman or Micah Richards (5.3) is utilised as a full-back, our options are restricted. Richards is more likely to be fielded at centre-half in light of Ron Vlaar’s exit, with a host of options – Philippe Senderos (4.8), Ciaran Clark (5.2), Nathan Baker 4.6 and Jores Okore (5.1) – vying for the role alongside him. With that in mind, new left-back Jordan Amavi (4.9) looks safe by comparison and, having netted four times for Nice in Ligue 1 last term, carries a real attacking threat down the flank.

My Pick: Jordan Amavi, 4.9m

Bournemouth

As in most Fantasy games, the promoted teams generally offer us with viable budget options and Eddie Howe’s side are no exception. This article gives a detailed look at the options and stats on The Cherries including clean sheet and goals conceded stats – right-back Simon Francis (4.8) produced more key passes than any defender in the Championship last season, though new boy Tyrone Mings (5.0) is another option on the opposite side of defence. Former Everton man Sylvain Distin is likely to partner club captain Tommy Elphick in the heart of the back-four and the latter’s mere 4.1 price tag could be too good to ignore. Steve Cook (4.6) scored five times last term but is expected to lose his place to the more experience Distin.

My Pick: Simon Francis, 4.8m

Chelsea

The team with the most clean sheets last season (17) needs little introducing. Filipe Luis’ (6.0) possible departure and Kurt Zouma’s (6.3) exposure to first team duties need monitoring in what has typically been a very predictable back-four. The 7.5-priced Cesar Azpilicueta managed 22 bonus points last season (the second highest for defenders) and, if he nails down the left-back spot, could offer the best value of these premium options, with Gary Cahill (7.7) arguably the less enticing of Jose Mourinho’s regulars. John Terry (7.9, 163 points) and Branislav Ivanovic (8.0, 165 points) were the game’s highest scoring defenders last term but with Terry’s ageing years, it’s probably the safest choice to go with the Serbian.

My Pick: Branislav Ivanovic, 8.0m

Crystal Palace

With seven clean sheets all season (and two in 18 league outings under Alan Pardew), Palace’s assets have been priced very kindly. At 5.4, Scott Dann is the costliest option here due to his goal threat, though new boy Pape Souare (4.6) could be the best budget choice, providing he can claim a regular role on the left. With uncertainty surrounding Dann’s central defensive partner for the season ahead, Damien Delaney looks too risky, despite a budget 4.7 price tag. Joel Ward only managed 12 points in tackling bonus last season but actually made more successful tackles in the league for defenders, suggesting he was a tad unlucky not to more regularly receive the extra two points. For this reason, he’s my pick of the bunch, at 0.5 cheaper than Dann.

My Pick: Joel Ward, 4.9m

Everton

The Toffees defence seems slightly over priced this season following a poor return of ten clean sheets last campaign. Couple this with a shocking group of early fixtures makes them appear all the more unappealing. Having said that, Everton tightened up towards the back end of the season and still managed two defenders in the top ten overall with Phil Jagielka earning 116 points and Leighton Baines producing 109 points. With far less dead-ball duties nowadays, Baines’ (7.3) days as a premium option continue to look bleak, whilst Seamus Coleman’s 7.2 price tag seems excessive. John Stones (6.5) is the cheapest of the lot but with Chelsea hovering, it remains to be seen where he’ll be come the end of the transfer window. With this in mind, then, Jagielka (6.8) looks the best option once again and also averaged bonus points more frequently than any of his colleagues.

My Pick: Phil Jagielka, 6.8m

Leicester

New manager Claudio Ranieri has suggested he’ll retain a back-three again this season, though whether he’ll offer us a consistency of player selection remains debatable. Christian Fuchs (5.3) and Jeffrey Schlupp (4.9) look set to battle for the left wing-back berth and the Austrian would be the most appealing of the pair, given his dead-ball ability. The arrival of Robert Huth (5.2) midway through last season was key to the Foxes’ survival and, having worked with Ranieri before, he looks a secure pick, with plenty of goal threat. Skipper Wes Morgan is a little less costly at 4.9 but it’s uncertain whether he’ll be afforded a rest before the season starts due to his international commitments for Jamaica. The likes of Marcin Wasilewski (4.8), Danny Simpson (4.0), Liam Moore (3.7), Ritchie de Laet 3.8 and even Paul Konchesky 3.9 will be pushing to impress the new man in charge. Considering the Foxes managed ten clean sheets on their return to the Premier League, they could still offer us great value.

My Pick: Wes Morgan, 4.9m

Liverpool

Another team that comes with uncertainty in defence, with Brendan Rogers opting for three at the back for large portions of the season. Despite the tinkering, the Reds did, however, manage 14 clean sheets over the campaign, and it’s no surprise to see their mailed-on options price in the premium bracket, with Martin Skrtel and Nathaniel Clyne setting you back 7.3 and 7.0 respectively. Arguably, only those two look guaranteed starters as we approach the start of the new campaign – Mamadou Sakho (6.9) and Dejan Lovren (6.2) will compete for the slot alongside Skrtel, whilst Alberto Moreno’s spot on the left looks under threat from the impressive Joe Gomez (4.7), who has excelled in pre-season.

My Pick: Martin Skrtel, 7.3m

Man City

Just the 14 clean sheets for City last season although they managed to only concede 38 goals, the fifth best defence in the league. Aleksandar Kolarov (7.2) is obviously the flair choice here and if he can keep Gael Clichy (6.8) on the bench, looks quite enticing with set-piece duties and goal threat from open play. This has always been the case with Kolarov, though, and the far safer option is bonus king Pablo Zabaleta (7.4). For two seasons now, the Argentine has topped the defender stats for bonus (24) and will be looking to make it three in a row, presuming he can continue to pin Bacary Sagna (6.5) to the bench. Vincent Kompany (7.5) is the costliest City defender, with Eliaquim Mangala (7.1) expected to get the nod ahead of the more generously-priced Martin Demichelis (6.4).

My Pick: Pablo Zabaleta, 7.4m

Man United

Although they managed just 11 clean sheets last season, the Red Devils conceded a mere 37 goals – the fourth best in the league and five more than Chelsea. With Louis Van Gaal splashing the cash on Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger to sit in front of the back-four, you have to think they will improve on that record. Louis van Gaal’s comments on the right-back situation earlier today seem to indicate than Antonio Valencia (6.6) is currently ahead of Matteo Darmian (6.7) in the right-back pecking order, whilst Luke Shaw’s (6.5) propensity for injuries should keep him off our radars for now. With that in mind, Chris Smalling (6.9) looks the best choice overall as he chipped in with four goals and 14 points bonus in just 21 starts last term. If the former Fulham man can keep his fitness, he’s surely the pick of the bunch, though Phil Jones (6.4) and Marcos Rojo (6.5) could offer an alternative if either can nail down a regular role.

My Pick: Chris Smalling, 6.9m

Newcastle

With rumours growing of a possible move away for Fabricio Coloccini (5.3), it may leave Daryl Janmaat as the one definite defensive starter under Steve McClaren. Even at 5.7, the Dutchman is the stand out choice here after picking up a goal, six assists and 18 bonus points in a struggling outfit last time around. Massadio Haidara (3.8) could be a viable option if he can nail down the left-back berth, whilst fellow budget buys Mike Williamson (4.2) and Steven Taylor (4.7) will also be jostling for a first-team berth, depending on the rest of the Magpies’ summer shopping spree. With just eight clean sheets in 2014/15, there is plenty of room for improvement.

My Pick: Daryl Janmaat, 5.7m

Norwich

This article is your best bet for researching into the Canaries backline for the season ahead. It seems likely that club captain Russell Martin and Steven Whittaker (4.3 apiece) are the best bets, having grabbed two goals and five assists apiece in the Championship. If you are saving the pennies, that pair are cheaper than Seb Bassong (4.8) and Martin Olsson (4.9), though the latter is rated a doubt for the start of the new campaign after undergoing shoulder surgery.

My Pick: Russell Martin, 4.3m

Southampton

Despite losing a number of key defenders last season, the Saints remained resilient under Ronald Koeman, keeping 15 clean sheets and shipping just 33 goals, only one more than Chelsea. Similarly to last term, the St Mary’s club have been raided once again but given their displays under the Dutchman, it wouldn’t be a shock to see them repeat their defensive heroics for a third year running. Jose Fonte and Ryan Bertrand (both 6.5) are worthy of consideration off the back of 141 and 125 points last term, though the latter is expected to miss the first match or two through injury. Whilst this leaves Matt Targett as a temporary option, Bertrand will surely reclaim his spot once fully-fit. At centre-half, Maya Yoshida is just 5.4 but Koeman looks poised to strengthen here, having lost Toby Alderweireld to Spurs. New boy Cedric Soares comes in at 5.9 and looks nailed-on at right-back as a direct replacement for Nathaniel Clyne – he produced some decent attacking returns at former club Sporting Lisbon.

My Pick: Cedric Soares, 5.9m

Stoke

The Potters defence is another one with question marks at this stage. Certainly, Ryan Shawcross (6.2) is nailed on but the skipper, along with Erik Pieters (5.8) has yet to feature in pre-season due to a back concern. At right-back, Glen Johnson (5.8), Phil Bardsley (5.0) and Geoff Cameron (4.8) will do battle for a starting role, whilst the likes of Marc Wilson (4.8), Marc Muniesa (4.9) and Phillip Wollscheid (5.6) offer Mark Hughes further options in the back-four. With only nine clean sheets to their name last time out, there’s little reason for optimism here and with too many question marks over a number of players’ starting time, only Shawcross – who is expected to be fit for the season opener – looks reliable in terms of starts.

My Pick: Ryan Shawcross, 6.2m

Sunderland

With 13 shut outs last season (the same as Arsenal) it’s fair to say the Black Cats defence has been very kindly priced this time around. A number of summer signings means that Patrick van Aanholt (5.1) is the only definite starter right now – the attacking Dutchman picked up five assists and eight bonus points last season despite only starting 26 games through injury. New boys Sebastian Coates (4.5) and Younes Kaboul (5.2) are set to battle it out with skipper John O’Shea (5.2) and, to a lesser extent, the injury-prone Wes Brown (4.8) in the heart of defence, whilst Billy Jones’ (4.6) security of starts is under threat from summer signing Adam Matthews (4.8), who produced two goals and 12 assists in his final two years at Celtic.

My Pick: Patrick van Aanholt, 5.1m

Swansea

The Swans backline were also a valuable source of points last season and are also well geared up to deal with the Sky game’s bonus point system, with many of the backline flirting with passing bonus on a semi-regular basis. A total of 13 clean sheets under Gary Monk definitely warrants attention and the full backs probably offer the best avenue to explore. Franck Tabanou (5.5) is a new addition who comes with attacking prowess though still faces competition from Neil Taylor for the left-back berth. Central defensive pair Ashley Williams and Federico Fernandez (6.0 and 5.4 respectively) are both costlier than right-back Kyle Naughton (5.3), who chalked up ten extra bonus points in 15 starts after arriving from Tottenham. If he can stay fit, Naughton could be excellent value for money.

My Pick: Kyle Naughton, 5.3m

Tottenham

With only nine clean sheets (the joint fourth lowest in he league) its hard to see why Tottenham’s defence have been given such high price tags this season. With an abundance of defenders waiting in the wings, it’s hard to know who Pochettino will favour but full backs Kieran Trippier (6.1) and Danny Rose (6.5) carry an impressive attacking threat and one of those to two is probably your best bet. Rose just edges it after already nudging Ben Davies (5.3) to the bench last season, with Kyle Walker (5.9) still in contention for the right-back berth. Jan Vertonghen (6.4) and Toby Alderweireld (6.5) look the likely starters in central defence here, though the likes of Kevin Wimmer (4.7), Eric Dier (5.7) and Federico Fazio (5.9) highlight the multitude of options available to the Spurs boss.

My Pick: Danny Rose, 6.5m

Watford

Promoted Watford arrive on the back of 15 shut outs in the Championship. Of course, it’s likely they will struggle to reach that total this time around and as a result have been priced rather kindly. With a new man in charge and plenty of signings already, last season’s main men may struggle for pitch time. Summer acquisitions Jose Holebas (4.5), Sebastian Prodl (4.4) and Allan Nyom (4.0) could take three of the place in the back-four, with Gabrielle Angella (3.9) likely to partner Prodl at centre-half, though the likes of Craig Cathcart (3.8) and Juan Carlos Paredes (4.1) offer competition at centre-back and right-back respectively. Paying that little bit extra brings Holebas and Prodl into our thoughts and both look to have attacking points in their locker. If Angella continues in the first XI, though, at 3.9 he might be the Hornets best avenue for points after netting nine times in the last two seasons.

My Pick: Sebastian Prodl, 4.4m

West Brom

After a staggering 16 clean sheets from the Baggies, a hike in price across the board was inevitable. The increase is probably far less than most anticipated, though, and given that Tony Pulis’ defence rarely changes, Joleon Lescott (5.7), Gareth McAuley (5.6) and Craig Dawson (5.5) should offer us reliable starters, though the downside is that Pulis’ favoured left-back, Chris Brunt, is classified as a midfielder. Jonas Olsson (5.1) could also come into contention if Lescott shifts to left-back but is too much of a risk at this stage. Bonus points were a bit or a rarity for the West Brom backline, whilst goals and assists were also few and far between, meaning there is a heavy onus on shut outs for the Hawthorns side. If you think Pulis can work his magic again, then Dawson – being the cheapest secure starter – looks the best option.

My Pick: Craig Dawson, 5.5m

West Ham

Another team with nine clean sheets last season who should have probably done better. With Slaven Bilic now at the helm, and a few exciting signings on board, there’s reason for optimism amongst the Hammers fans. Unsurprisingly, raiding left-back Aaron Cresswell (6.2) is the priciest option, with new boy Angelo Obonna coming in at 6.1 ahead of Winston Reid (5.6) and Carl Jenkinson (5.0). James Tomkins is just 5.3 and, after scoring twice in pre-season, is certainly pushing for a starting berth, though the similarly-priced James Collins looks out of the picture. Cresswell is the luxury item after a fantastic debut season in the Premier League where he managed 38 starts and picked up two goals and four assists although his set-piece duty could be under threat from Frenchman Dimitri Payet. On the opposite flank, Jenkinson looks the best value at just 5.0m after arriving back on loan from Arsenal.

My Pick: Carl Jenkinson, 5.0m

SKY SPORTS FANTASY FOOTBALL SCOUT LEAGUES

We’ve already set up the official Scout League with a top prize of £1000 on offer to the winner once again. If you’ve tinkered with your Sky team and are looking to get involved, our league name is FFScout and the code is 8009000.

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