Scouting the Doubles – Gameweek 36 – The Defence

We turn our attentions to the pair of Double Gameweek 36 teams next, providing the first of a two-part series assessing the array of options available to Fantasy managers.

Our analysis begins with a look at the defensive candidates, scanning for the likeliest source of points at both ends of the pitch while also considering their ability to collect bonus points.

It’s fair to say that the Arsenal backline boasts indifferent form ahead of a home clash with Manchester United and a trip to Southampton.

Three clean sheets in their previous four at home is offset by a dire run on the road that has harvested just a single shut-out in their last 13 away fixtures.

The Red Devils’ attack has been relatively reliable on their travels, netting at least twice in seven of their last nine away league matches, though Southampton have struggled for a cutting edge of late and have failed to find the net in three of their last four at St Mary’s.

While Laurent Koscielny remains the Gunners’ likeliest source of points from defence, he’s struggled to justify a lofty 6.1 price tag and has averaged just 3.9 points per match this season.

Nonetheless, the Frenchman is nailed-on when fit, has found the net twice this term and is more likely to collect bonus points than any defensive team-mate.

Number one Petr Cech (5.3) is similarly secure in terms of starts and, as evidenced by his nine stops at Spurs on Sunday, can still provide points should his defence concede.

That could be key considering that Arsenal have allowed more efforts in the box (43) than any side over the last four Gameweeks. Cech is ranked third for saves (16) during that period, despite playing on just three occasions – that’s more than Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford, for example, who produced 13 stops in four outings.

Arsene Wenger’s recent shift to a 3-4-2-1 set-up has to be factored into our thinking, with Gabriel and Nacho Monreal subject to over 26,000+ and 25,000+ respective new owners since Saturday’s deadline passed.

Utilised as a wing-back or on the left of the back-three, the versatile Monreal is the pricier of the pair (at 5.8 to the Brazilian’s 4.8) but registered his best haul of the campaign against Leicester City in Gameweek 34, courtesy of a 12-point return.

With Shkodran Mustafi still on the sidelines, Gabriel has now started each of the last five Gameweeks, though it’s worth bearing in mind that he was withdrawn on 74 minutes against Spurs on Sunday as Wenger reverted to a back four late on.

Southampton’s defence has been slightly more resilient of late, serving up three clean sheets in their previous six league fixtures.

But both Manchester City and Chelsea have plundered at least three goals against Claude Puel’s men in the last three Gameweeks amid fears that, with only pride left to play for, the Saints are already on the beach.

A trip to Anfield precedes their midweek encounter against the Gunners, and with both their opponents still in the search for a top-four finish, it’s debatable whether investment in Southampton’s main assets will be worthwhile.

Certainly, cut-price pair Maya Yoshida (4.5) and Jack Stephens (4.2) have stepped up as more than just budget enablers of late, producing 34 and 31 points respectively over the last six.

Both delivered seven bonus points and three clean sheets during that run, with Yoshida grabbing a goal to Stephens’ assist.

By comparison, the 5.0-priced Fraser Forster earned just 23 points over that six-match run, with the Saints’ keeper earning save points in only four of his last 13 appearances.

The budget appeal of both Yoshida and Stephens has deterred many from eyeing up Ryan Bertrand.

At 5.5, the left-back represents the most expensive route into his side’s rearguard, yet he’s merited that lofty valuation – an average of 4.7 points per match is bettered by only Marcos Alonso and Seamus Coleman among FPL defenders this season.

In terms of underlying numbers, though, Bertrand’s fellow full-back Cedric Soares betters him for both key passes (35 to 21) and successful crosses (36 to 11).

Indeed, the Portuguese international – priced at just 4.8 – has produced attacking or defensive in five of his last six appearances and could be an overlooked option with a mere 2% ownership.

The Top Targets

Laurent Koscielny – with central defensive partner Mustafi still injured, Koscielny is the only fit member of Arsenal’s backline to find the net in the league this season. The top-scoring defender in FPL for bonus points, his total of 19 is more than twice that of any backline team-mate aside from Hector Bellerin (11), who has started just one of the last three due to Wenger’s tactical tinkering.

Petr Cech – a slightly less appealing option than Koscielny, perhaps, though the 0.8 difference in price could play a part in some managers’ thinking. Cech has failed to collect any bonus points in 2016/17 but, on the upside, has earned at least one save point in each of his last 12 league outings.

Jack Stephens – the number one transfer target in defence since last weekend, the Saints’ centre-half has been acquired by over 33,000 ahead of back-to-back double Gameweeks. Priced at 4.2, Stephens’ defensive contribution has produced at least two bonus points on each of the last three occasions that his side have delivered a clean sheet.

Maya Yoshida – no FPL defender has produced more attempts in the box (six) or efforts on target (three) over the last six Gameweeks than the Japan international. At just 4.5, Yoshida’s goal threat looks the most promising among Puel’s rearguard regulars.

Differential

Nacho Monreal – The Spaniard netted in the recent FA Cup semi-final win over Man City in his role as a Wembley wing-back. Nonetheless, with just nine bonus points accrued, the 4%-owned Monreal – who has scored just one league goal in five seasons in the Premier League – remains more of a gamble.

Gabriel – the Brazilian’s price is the main selling point. With no attacking returns to his name this term, Gabriel may need to rely on clean sheets to bring in the points, yet with Mustafi still sidelined, he looks set to offer the cheapest route into Wenger’s defence for the run-in. Four starts over the two double Gameweeks are far from assured, however.

Ryan Bertrand – a goal, four assists and as many clean sheets in his previous ten appearances highlights the left-back’s ability to deliver both defensive and attacking points. With Stephens and Yoshida so kindly priced, though, Bertrand remains a risky pick in light of the Saints’ opponents. With Dusan Tadic missing his spot-kick against Hull City on Saturday, there is just the merest chance that Bertrand will take on those duties for the season run-in – he would certainly rise in the Saints’ pecking order if James Ward-Prowse is off the pitch.