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The Technical Area – Assessing Budget Defenders

With nine Gameweeks now behind us, we’re already nearly a quarter of the way through this season’s Premier League campaign.

While surprises have been thrown up across the board – particularly in midfield – the primary concern now facing many managers has to do with their defence.

Big-ticket, fire-and-forget options in the form of Marcos Alonso and Ben Davies have stuttered of late, leaving many of us eyeing exit routes into more reliable sources of points.

This week’s Technical Area will be taking stock of the defensive situation and mapping out paths for success between now and the mid-point of the year.

Given the heavy fixture congestion facing sides over December, reliability of starts – as well as a deep bench – becomes more important than ever. As does wringing the most out of our already strained budgets.

1,007 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SALVA
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Should I ship Davies tonight before price changes? Want to bring in Danielt but his price is dropping too..

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Might as well wait then innit?

      1. SALVA
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        But will Daniels price drop before deadline...2FT to burn..

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Oh, dunno, haven't looked. I guess you'll have to weigh up the chances. If in doubt make the move.

    2. Optic1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Daniels been on that rate for time. He won't be dropping.

    3. SALVA
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers both. appreciated!

    4. Ziro
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      You want points or money?

  2. HamezMace
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    A. Aguero and Mee
    B. Jesus and Stones

    1. fancy111
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B for this week. Aguero long term but I'd prefer Aguero and Stones

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah that'd be great, but unaffordable right now.
        Cheers.

        1. fancy111
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Gathered that was the case. B for this week and then maybe another way to upgrade to Aguero down the line?

          1. HamezMace
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Yeah I'm sure some complex multiple hits solution will present itself.

  3. Kingtekkerz
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Atsu to Richarlison tonight before price rise?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      If you really want the 0.1 saving.

      1. Kingtekkerz
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Not very important, but I guess its not very risky bringing in him tonight versus doing it tomorrow

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Not particularly. I mean of course injuries can happen, but the closer the weekend the less likely.

    2. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, that's a good move anyway

    3. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      why wait

    4. Kingtekkerz
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers guys!

    5. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      What Atsu is going up in price :p

  4. KingOllie
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Jesus captainers unite

    1. william prunier
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Once bitten

      1. DeathoftheParty
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        This...

      2. KingOllie
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        He aint not starting 2 games in a row.
        Hes peps favourite child

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      give me a day King

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      o/

  5. Bat Man
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Moreno or Gomez who is more nailed?

    1. fancy111
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      On par I think. Maybe Gomez because he can play centre half as well

    2. Balance
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Probably good to stay away for me..

    3. Kevinw82
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Neither, Liverpool don't do clean sheets. Moreno for attacking returns if you must

  6. Sims
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Start naughton or hemed?

    1. DeathoftheParty
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Hemed, 1 point over 0... much of a muchness

    2. Balance
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Hemed probably

  7. Pumpkinhead
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Really want to Captain Aguero. Too risky considering I have Salah?

    1. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Bad idea

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      It's risky whether you have Salah or not.

      I'll be captaining him.

      1. Pumpkinhead
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Having Salah adds a viable c option that is secure of a start.

      2. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Have a good vice , all ok Epic

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Probably Morata. Should be decent enough.

          Cue red arrow again.

          1. Debauchy
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Keep grinding eh

    3. fancy111
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Aguero played 120 minutes midweek. Guessing Pep is ask too much of a risk. In otherwise, no idea

  8. TheTinman
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    I just gotta repost!!

    Is anybody worth a -4 for Gross over the next 2 gws. Going to wildcard after that

    Would have 10.5m to spend...

    I have Salah, Eriksen, Ritchie already

    1. william prunier
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Not against the saints

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Same answer I gave previously.

      1. TheTinman
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks buddy

    3. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      same answer I gave previously

  9. Red Dagger ✪
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Is it worth taking hits here....?

    Elliot
    Kola Davies Naughton
    Zaha, Hazard, Sterling Groß
    Jesus, Morata, Aguero

    Nordfelt Carroll Hunemeir Mbemba

    I'm worried about Davies, Sterling and Aguero not starting. Any ideas...? Or should I just roll the dice and let it play out. I have 0FT and 0.4m itb.

    Thanks for the help.

    1. TheTinman
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Would probably roll the dice

      1. Red Dagger ✪
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers.

    2. Kevinw82
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Get a new sub that plays. Mariappa for Mbemba maybe?

  10. Henning
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Is Azpilicueta in for Davies worth a hit?

    My Def is Davies Yoshida Lascellec Zanka Jones

    1. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      No IMO

    2. Kingtekkerz
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Chelsea looking shaky in defence atm, so no for me

  11. Js31
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    A - Hazard & Aguero
    B - Coutinho & Morata

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A

    3. Balance
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A

  12. ONE PUNCH MAN
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Which club has the most hated fans?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      We all hate Leeds.

      1. Geezer
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        This

      2. PL Ball
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Correct.

      3. Stevie B
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Why Leeds? Sorry that I ask. But unfortunately I am German (I am not proud of this) and like Leeds.

        1. Monkey Hanger
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Leeds are scum. Simple.

    2. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Liverpool or chelsea

    3. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Bristol City

      1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        lol keep looking up

    4. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Millwall

    5. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Manchester United...and by a distance.

      Dunno if hate is the right word but certainly considered the most disingenuous bunch of glory hunting not fans in the country....

      Most of them have no idea where Old Trafford actually is....

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Poseidon would be proud , lol

    6. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I'd have thought Manchester United.

      I don't mind United as they have a great away following of actual Mancs and they have original songs.

      Arsenal seem to have one song. That irritates me.

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Arsenal win the prize as biggest moaners in the prem...and again by a distance.

        1. Debauchy
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          What ? but yeah a lot of them do

      2. Js31
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Thankfully someone here understands we have a proper following. Fair play to you

        1. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          I don't think anybody has a problem with the folk from Manchester that actually go... It's the millions of people who just declared themselves Manchester United fans to in some way revel in associated glory....

          Something deeply strange about that.

          1. Js31
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Of course, couldn't agree more. That comes with success, same thing is happening to a city now

        2. bojack
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          I've a pal who goes to all the aways. Have been to a few and the songs are bloody brilliant.

          1. Js31
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            I don't think there is a better away support in the league. Old Trafford poor atmosphere but which big club is any different? Atmospheres in the prem generally poor now. Football fan culture has been ruined

      3. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Wenger out ?

    7. George James
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Man united the worst. Can’t stand cockneys

      1. Js31
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Lol clueless

    8. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Norwich - too many fingers

    9. Kevinw82
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Tottenham. Big club syndrome..

  13. Js31
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    A or B?

    A - Hazard & Aguero
    B - Coutinho & Morata

    1. vandebeek
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Salah& Morata would be the best imo

      1. Js31
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Already have Salah. Which you think?

        1. vandebeek
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          then its A

    2. fancy111
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A

      1. fancy111
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        With the proviso that Aguero may not start this week. Better in the long run imo

        1. Js31
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          I could get Morata & Aguero in same team. Who's better option Morata or Hazard? I'm so torn

  14. vandebeek
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Best replacement for lukaku ?
    Already have kane and vardy

    1. william prunier
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A city one

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Kun.

      1. vandebeek
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Already have 3 cit players and isnt Aguero in a big doubt to start for this GW?

  15. The Head-Ake
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Davies and King to Richarlison and Dunk before today's price change?

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Anyone?

    2. ONE PUNCH MAN
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      go for it,logical moves.

    3. lugs
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      yes definitely

      1. The Head-Ake
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Would be a -4 though, still GTG?

        1. lugs
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          there's a good chance that both Rich and Dunk will be in the points this week so yes imo

          1. The Head-Ake
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 6 months ago

            Thanks. I did it

  16. CRO KLOPP
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Do you guys think that you can have now better team on free hit with 100 mil then later when prices go up?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Hard to say. There will be new transfers in January and other players showing form.

  17. Geezer
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Kane fit for the weekend?

    1. william prunier
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Likely

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Hopefully not.

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Wait for presser

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Why wait when he can ask for wild speculation?

    4. ONE PUNCH MAN
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      any rumours?

    5. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      He won't miss the United game.

    6. Sánchez
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      We'll see, we'll see

    7. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I've just got off the phone to Pochettino.

      He said Kane's only got one leg yet expects him to play.

  18. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Davies to 3.9m
    Atsu to Salah

    Only 0.3 short 😛

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      back to the drawing board

  19. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    What to do with 2ft:
    A) Hazard to Salah
    or
    B) Hazard + Sterling to Sanchez + Richarlison

  20. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Good to go for GW 10 ?

    Elliot

    Jones - Cedric - Mee

    Sterling - Silva - Salah (c) - Richarlison

    Kane - Lukaku - Firmino

    Speroni - Carroll - Naughton - Long

    How many points will this team get ?!!
    Tnks.

  21. Monkey Hanger
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Watching a recording of the Chelsea/Watford match. Richarlison should of had a 20pter.
    Anyone thinking of captaining him? Doesn't look a bad week for a punt.

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      yep, but no, but yeah

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Vicky, is that you?

    2. ONE PUNCH MAN
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      owning is enough.

  22. Punty McPuntface
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Wildcard button about to be pushed!

    Gomes Elliot
    Ward jones trippier kiko odi
    zaha surman Richarlson sterling salah
    Firmino Kane Jesus

    0.5ITB

    Thoughts?

    1. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      my eyes

      1. Punty McPuntface
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        ...have lit up because you're so impressed?!

    2. ooooo
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      So this is what a non-template WC looks like..

      1. Punty McPuntface
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Looking at playing the long game!

    3. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Is that the dog from Garfield in defence?

      1. Punty McPuntface
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        It's actually the dog from gazorpazorpfield!

  23. Mona Lisa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    RMT?

    Elliot - (Foster)
    Bellerin - Alonso - Cedric - (Mariappa - Mbemba)
    (S)alah - Hazard - Richarlison - Sterling - Choups
    Firmino - Kane - (McBurnie)

    1 FT, 0.1 ITB, any changes needed?, what you guys tinks? Danke

  24. Stevie B
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    A) Sterling -> Salah (and make Salah the captain) B) Atsu -> Richarlison C) Sterling, Atsu and Vardy -> Salah, Richarlison and Abraham. What is better? Can not A and B together because of the money. Thank you!

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A

  25. trequartista
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Best defenders under 5m? Looking for a Davies replacement. Already got Otamendi/Soton defence..

    1. william prunier
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Daniels, heck maybe even dann if Palace keep it up

      1. Hooky
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        Don't trust this guy to give recommendations on good defenders 😉

  26. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Need advise,best 4.5M defender to rotate with Mee ?

    Elliot
    Alonso/Otamendi/Mee/???/Long

  27. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Niasse likely to start for Everton?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      No, Calvert-Lewin.

      1. Harry Ball Bag™⚽⚽…
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        WIth Rooney in behind?

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          Not sure, I guess so. I know Unsworth worked with the youngsters so he's likely to give them a chance.

    2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      tempted to gamble on him hes a bit of a supersub

  28. ONE PUNCH MAN
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    I hope people benching Jones ,don't get those jammy points off the bench when Mourinho parks Volvo Gran Artic 300. I hate when that happens,all I could get is a 1 pointer from RLC. from the bench

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      It could be worse.. You could captain Sterling and have Kane as vice captain when Sterling fails to come off the bench. Oh wait, that's better...

      1. ONE PUNCH MAN
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        don't remind me of that,my ML rival jumped to top of league with that cheeky fortune.

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 6 months ago

          This game is a cruel mistress most of the time.

    2. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      I think I'll select Jones every week from now until GW38.

      1. ONE PUNCH MAN
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        we should ,shouldn't we? unless injured ,United do look like team that can defend. I am more confident of a United cleansheet when they play a top 6 side to be honest. 😛

    3. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      RLC will haul don't worry

      1. ONE PUNCH MAN
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        not when I want .

  29. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    Best Striker to have out of these from GW12 onwards?
    A) Aguero
    B) Lukaku
    C) Jesus
    D) Morata

    1. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Kun

    2. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Lukaku

    3. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      A

  30. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 6 months ago

    gomes (foster)
    jones kolasinic naughton (mbemba schindler)
    silva sterling carrol eriksen (mooy)
    morata jesus chicharito.

    one ft 3.5m in bank

    1. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 6 months ago

      Eriksen ➡ Richarlison, Chicharito ➡ Kane

      1. Hazardous1983
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 6 months ago

        kane doubtful to much risk, need salah this week i feel.

        jesus or aguero to start this week?