Watchlist

The Watchlist Updated – Goalkeepers

With ten days remaining until domestic action resumes, we’ve taken time out to update our Watchlist rankings ahead of a hectic winter period.

For those unfamiliar, the Watchlist rankings offer mid-term player recommendations for the next four-to-six Gameweeks and beyond. They can be found in your sidebar on desktop, or via your slide-in menu on mobile or tablet.

These highlight our current thinking on player selection for each position, listing the factors that are contributing to the given rank.

Our analysis gets underway with a look at the main contenders in our latest goalkeeper standings.

Burnley’s Nick Pope moves to the top of our reckoning ahead of four home fixtures (SWA ARS WAT STK) and trips to Bournemouth and Leicester over the next six Gameweeks.

Since replacing the injured Tom Heaton early in Gameweek 4, Pope has served up four clean sheets in seven starts and has conceded more than one goal on a single occasion – away to Man City’s attack in Gameweek 9.

The Clarets’ stopper offers a steady source of points, too. He’s supplied at least one save point in seven of his eight league outings, with an average of 18.3 minutes per save quicker than any goalkeeper.

Also the number one stopper for bonus points, with a total of seven to his name already, Pope’s price of 4.5 looks outstanding value for money right now. Over 24,000 have snapped him up since last weekend, yet he’s still owned by just 2% of Fantasy Premier League managers.

Clarets’ defenders Ben Mee (4.5) and Stephen Ward (4.9) offer attacking alternatives as routes into a rearguard with five clean sheets and just nine goals against – only the two Manchester clubs and Spurs can better them for either statistic.

Despite a premium price tag, David De Gea’s appeal as a fire and forget option between the posts continues to gain momentum.

The Man United number one has registered eight clean sheets in the first 11 Gameweeks – at least three more than any other keeper.

De Gea is also profiting from save points, earning at least one on as many as seven occasions already.

Indeed, he’s producing a save every 30 minutes so far this term – quicker than last season’s average of 40.9 minutes – and has already matched his total of five bonus points from 2016/17.

The top scoring keeper on 65 points, the Spaniard is second only to Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta (67 points) among all defensive options.

He’s also the second most popular player in the FPL game – only team-mate Romelu Lukaku (47.7% to 40.5%) has garnered more owners.

With Phil Jones now up to 5.5, there’s very little to separate him with the De Gea (5.7) in price ahead of four favourable fixtures (NEW BHA wat BOU) in the next six.

United have testing back-to-back encounters with Arsenal and Man City in Gameweek 15-16, though Jose Mourinho’s bus parking exploits against title rivals may well boost De Gea’s points potential.

Julian Speroni is our favoured budget keeper of choice as Newcastle’s Rob Elliot slips a little in our estimations.

Costing a mere 4.0 and sitting in 3% of squads, the veteran has started each of the last four league matches for Crystal Palace, whose upcoming defensive schedule is regarded as the most appealing over the next six Gameweeks in our season ticker.

Roy Hodgson’s men are set run that looks vital to their bid to beat the drop – they boast four strong home fixtures (EVE STK BOU WAT) as well as trips to Brighton and West Brom over this period.

Encouragingly, since moving to a 4-4-2 in Gameweek 8, Palace have allowed a mere three big chances – no side have conceded fewer. That’s all the more impressive when you consider they faced Chelsea and Spurs, restricting both to just a single goal.

Meanwhile, a total of 19 shots conceded in the box during that stretch is ranked third best in the top-flight and suggests they could soon be delivering the clean sheets.

At 4.7, Scott Dann is slightly more expensive but, having scored eight times in the last two seasons, offers a substantial threat in and around the opposition box.

Elliot, meanwhile, has struggled for returns in recent weeks. Still priced at 4.2, he’s mustered just one clean sheet in the last seven Gameweeks and picked up only three save points across that period.

Trips to Man United and Chelsea now arrive in the next four, while the Magpies also host a Watford side that are second only to Man City for away goals (12 to 14) so far.

Second only to De Gea for ownership (26.7%) in goal, the Newcastle stopper still offers three decent fixtures (wba LEI EVE) to profit from over the upcoming six.

Bournemouth are another team who have struggled to keep out their opponents this season, managing just two clean sheets to date.

Yet, like Palace, they have reason for optimism thanks to an eye-catching schedule (HUD swa BUR SOT cry) that is rated as the most appealing for defensive points over the next five Gameweeks.

That brings Asmir Begovic into out thinking.

Priced at 4.5, the Bosnian is second only to Swansea’s Lukasz Fabianski for saves (40 to 42) over the opening 11 rounds of fixtures and has earned nine save points as a result.

Indeed, he’s just one point behind the pricier Charlie Daniels (4.8), by 36 to 37, though the left-back could also be in profit over those fixtures thanks to his raids down the flank.

Simon Mignolet earns a place in our update thanks mainly to Liverpool’s excellent home form.

The Reds remain defensively dire on the road – shipping a league-high 16 goals – yet at Anfield, they have conceded just a single goal so far. Only Man United – with no goals against – boast a better record in front of their own supporters.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have already kept out Arsenal and Man United at home and have just one troublesome match (SOT CHE EVE WBA SWA LEI), against Chelsea in Gameweek 13, in their next six Anfield fixtures.

They play four times at home in six, with trips to Stoke and Brighton also on their short-term agenda.

The Belgian has struggled for save points, though, earning just four to date, and, at a price of 4.9, there may be cheaper attacking options such as Alberto Moreno (4.5) in Klopp’s defence.

Swansea’s Lukasz Fabianski (4.6) and Brighton’s Mat Ryan (4.5) remain valid options in the budget bracket, with both serving up more points (45 and 41) than any defensive team-mate.

Number one for saves (42) this season, the former has four decent looking match-ups in the next five (bur BOU stk WBA).

Ryan, meanwhile, has four strong home encounters (STK CRY BUR WAT) in the next eight Gameweeks allied with a trip to fellow promoted side, Huddersfield.

Again, though, there are viable options in the Seagull’s defence, with Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy impressing for both goal threat and clearances, blocks and interceptions.

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1,576 Comments Post a Comment
  1. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    one of the reasons phil jones has been a dream so far aside from being the cheapest route into the best defence is he has been rested in europe meaning zero midweek commitments. what if this means mourinho doesn't trust his body playing twice a week though?
    gw12 and 13 look safe, weekend games with a champions league game in between. then what though?

    gw13 = brighton H sat 25th
    gw14 = watford a tue 28th

    gw16 = man city H sun 10th
    gw17 = bournemouth H wed 13th

    gw19 = leicester a sat 23rd
    gw20 = burnley H tue 26th
    gw21 = southampton H sat 30th
    gw22 = everton a mon 1st jan

    i think gw14 is huge for jones owners, it's the perfect litmus test for the upcoming run. if he misses watford then suddenly the nice bournemouth and burnley home games suddenly look like misses. given him missing games would be down to preserving his body then it's maybe safe to assume 90mins or 0mins. some will also say that lots of players will miss games over winter. fact is though there will be centre backs who reliably play throughout that period.

    a potential spanner for a player who is currently hovering around essential status. something we're currently taking as a positive could flip around suddenly.

    1. Rash
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      That's why need to get as many active players as poss

      1. Sánchez
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Yep. I got Lowton for Mbemba recently in preparation for fixtures piling up

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I hope he gets rested for those easy games 😛

      1. Sánchez
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Thing is, chances are they prioritise Man City and Leicester away over the easy ones

        1. applebonkers
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          yep, this is the main concern. jones could suffer due to how integral he has become. in this case i dont think even the mourinho bus can stop 2017/18 man city and he surely doesn't bring the bus to leicester

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I don’t think Mourinho is going to start him thrice in a week.

    4. Sánchez
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I made this exact point recently and someone 'lolled' at me. I think he thought I was scare mongering.

      I can't see jones playing 2 a week either. I think CL and carabao he gets rest, but as you say here, once midweek becomes PL games, he won't play them and we'll have to consider this.

      The 90 or 0 bit is a good point though. I've been considering how and when I might need to replace him. I have a 433 so considering downgrade to get 2 x 4.5s and rotate them with my bigger 3

      1. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        frustrating, as if it's not possible to make moves and posts based on thoughts, not visa versa.
        avoided 3 of the most popular defenders on a recent wildcard, have made posts on each. davies has already come through, otamendi (too many cards) has just come in too. jones (his body, missed boat?, this upcoming run) still to be seen.
        if anything posts like yours on the most popular players are the most necessary

    5. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      This has got me so excited for Christmas.

    6. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Can't decide if I'd be pleased or not if this came to pass.

      I've got Jones and have profited wonderfully from the current situation, I'm also on a wildcard now and am keeping him but also *trying* to make sure I have a strong squad to cope with the inevitable rotation heading our way. Maybe I'd be better equipped than most to handle him being rested so it could actually benefit me.

      Probably not though, I'm not actually convinced the rest of my defence is rotation proof but I like the players so...

  2. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Which one of these needs to go out first?

    A) Luiz
    B) Davies
    C) VVD

    1. RIDZ
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      B - C - A

      but all of them should out :))

    2. ponsio22
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Davies
      Luiz
      VVD

    3. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I say vvd
      Bad fixtures. Saints poor form.
      Wait for luiz and see

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        But VVD is the only nailed one and has a good GW13 fixture.

    4. DonTheSpecialOne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Luiz but it depends if he's out of the squad or not. Horrible fixtures for VVD but at least he's nailed and Davies you never know, could play and bang in attacking points.

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Yup VVD is nailed and has good fixtures in GW13 (EVE) so I can keep him for a couple of weeks.

    5. Kolarov Fpl Legend
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      In that order

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

      Luiz has to go ASAP. Conte's comments make it sound like he's going to leave.

  3. pakornk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Any recommendations for defenders instead of Trippier?

    1. RIDZ
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      same price? Jones. if money is not a problem, Azpi

    2. kidzac
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Ben Davies.

      1. Kolarov Fpl Legend
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Do you watch football?

        1. kidzac
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          Yes I do, and I expected for him being to be benched vs palace. Started vs United and real Madrid. Indication that he is first choice right now.

          1. Sánchez
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 4 months ago

            6 blanks from last 7 looking good too

          2. Kolarov Fpl Legend
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 4 months ago

            If you cant have your 5.8 defender playing vs Bournemouth/Palace...and can have him playing vs Man utd/ Che...then is it worth to have him at all?

        2. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          He didnt answered your question, neither asked for your thoughts 😮

    3. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      He will play this week.

  4. DonTheSpecialOne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Marning, who'd you rather have, Zaha or Gross? Obviously Gross is on much better form but Zaha's fixtures are brilliant. Gonna run a comparisson on them in the members area later.

    1. Kolarov Fpl Legend
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I would go for the consistent 5-7 points... Hopefully

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      both are good, i think Zaha will score more points BUT obviously he's significantly more expensive so if you can invest the extra 1m elsewhere go for gross.

      1. DonTheSpecialOne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks fellas

    3. Geordienufc1
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I'd rather Zaha, personally. Better fixtures, more goal threat.

  5. Zizou
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    1) need to get shot of mbemba but for who
    dann/daniels - already have dunk ward and naughton

    2) need to ship davies for jones or similar 5.5def but do i do this transfer before 1

    1. Kolarov Fpl Legend
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      1.) Daniels imo
      2.) Jones

    2. CFC96
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      get daniels first, the scott dann hype has completely gone over my head. I understand he has the fixtures but hes averaging 1ppg and palace need to rely on outscoring the opposition to rack up points

      1. Zizou
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        so daniels this week and davies > jones next week

        1. CFC96
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          I would say so, only thing is even with strong fixtures you can never guarantee clean sheets but with Jones I'd say he is nailed on for at least a 6 in the next 2

    3. RIDZ
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      it's better to ship Davies first, you still have 3 active defenders who always play

      1. Zizou
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        yeah might actually get jones in first then access dann/daniels

  6. new article posted
  7. JCrosbie
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Naughton (v Burnley)

    or

    Vertonghan (v Arsenal)?

    29% vs 24% of clean sheet respectively

  8. Red Card Rockets
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    ScoutCast replay seems to be unavailable on YouTube

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

    Elliot
    Mee Kola Bavies
    Salah Ramsey Richarlison Silva
    Kane Aguero Joselu

    Foster Maguire Suttner Carroll

    1 ft 0.9 itb

    Should i use my wildcard?