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The Numbers Game – Team Defensive Form

In what has been a largely unpredictable start to the season for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, we take a look at the defensive statistics of the first four Gameweeks to review how the performance of the teams is impacting on points tallies to this point.

In many ways the importance of team form is more pronounced for the defensive positions than it is in attacking areas.

Whereas a forward can play in a largely uninspiring team but still nick a goal, the best defenders can have clean sheet points taken away by a single slip from another player. FPL managers look for attacking potential to mitigate this, but stoic central defenders can also be valuable if they are part of a solid collective unit. Therefore, it is important to look at the defence in context of the team’s strengths as well as the individual’s.

For this analysis, we will use the team data available in the member’s area. The following chart ranks the teams by Opta’s metric ‘Bad Touches’ (in ascending order), from the ‘Disciplined’ teams who make limited mistakes and have high concentration, to the ‘Own Worst Enemy’ teams who have recorded many bad touches (see data table for reference below). The size of the circles denotes the rank of teams by crosses conceded, chances conceded, and big chances conceded (small is good, large is bad).

1,268 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ee99101
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Hi guys!

    Instead of silva what you prefer?

    A) Westwood
    B) Targett

    Thanks

    1. jiGGidyJ1
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      B, for Ayew

      1. jiGGidyJ1
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Reply fail

      2. ee99101
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I already have both 🙂 Witch one to play?

    2. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Targett, goodish cleanie chance.

      1. ee99101
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks feed feo!

  2. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    FAO Silva & Westwood Owners!

    Are you:
    A - Transfering a silva out for free
    B - Transferring Silva out for a hit
    C - Keeping Silva and playing Westwood?

    cheers!

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      D. Wildcard

    2. ee99101
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      C for me.

      My doubt is Westwood or Targett.

      What do you think?

      1. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I have a rule of always playing the attacker over defender so Westwood

    3. jiGGidyJ1
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      B, for Ayew

    4. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      It would have to be B or C for me and I have not fully decided yet tbh . I am leaning towards C at the min

    5. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Done A to Yaya....

    6. Tatty Bojangles
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      B - Not bothered about taking a few hits and risks early in the season, has never done me any harm before. Will probably bring in KdB.

      1. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks guys thought more would play Westwood to be fair. Yaya, KDB, Sterling and Ayew are all very tempting!

  3. Every Dog Has Its Day
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Play one.

    A) Cathcart - Swansea (H)
    B) Gomez - Manchester United (A)

    Leaning towards Gomez right now.

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      No other options?

      1. Every Dog Has Its Day
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Richards but I have Kasper and Mahrez 😛

  4. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Hi folks.....please can I have some views on this wildcard team....have I picked the correct city midfielder??. .

    Begovic McCarthy
    Kolarov shaw naughton
    Pedro sterling Sanchez mahrez
    Kun Wilson gomis

    Views appreciated!...Thanks

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Sorry.....should have added....other defenders are Francis and oshea...Westwood on bench too

    2. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Team looks fine. There is no "correct" city midfield. Sterling might be a great shout, but not, perhaps, as dependable as Silva or Yaya.

  5. Farcelona
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Which one?

    A. Diouf to Wilson

    B. Redmond to Westwood

    C. Diouf to Wilson and Redmond to Westwood

    D. Diouf to Wilson, Redmond to Westwood and Payet to Pedro (-4)

    Have 2 FT so will do at least one of these.

    1. Jeremiah
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      A

      1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        This

    2. Bertzeiner-m
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      A, why get rid of Redmond? I expect a decent return this week.

    3. Farcelona
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Have done A, was leaning towards it as well. Thanks all.

  6. Jeremiah
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Best option? 🙂

    A. Dioud > Wilson, bench Siva & play Westwood/Morgan.

    B. Silva > Pedro/KDB/Sterling & hope Diouf plays.

    1. Farcelona
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      A

  7. Vikkiharte
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Can't decide lens or Chadli. . Lens has not let me down yet other mids are mane sterling and payet. What ye reakon

    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Chadli for me. More goal threat, and playing on Sunday the next two weeks. 😉

      1. Vikkiharte
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks jelly

    2. Farcelona
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Bench Payet.

      1. Annie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        at home to Newcastle, ridiculous

        1. Farcelona
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Not convinced he's any good, if he doesn't perform tomorrow I'm getting rid of him.

      2. Vikkiharte
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I also have benteke up front would it be crazy drop him against utd

  8. elkunaguero
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    FFS homepage should have a poll this week on whether to start Butland or McCarthy

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      We have decided on Butland, haven't you heard?

    2. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      You're right. Also should have a poll for the 3rd def and 4th mid slot.

  9. DaveZubie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Front 8

    Sánchez,Silva, Payet, Albrighton (Westwood)
    Agüero, Wilson, Gomis

    How does this look:
    This week: Silva -> YaYa
    Next week (or week after) Albrighton -> Pedro

    1. Jeremiah
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Solid plan.

  10. JJO
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Mane Ivanovic Cedric
    Wich 2 to play?

    1. Farcelona
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Mane Ivanovic

      1. JJO
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks

  11. BT31 - WE ARE ALL TINKERMEN…
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Ready? (-8), play any of the benched players?

    Schmeichel
    Mertesacker Kolarov Azpi
    Mahrez Ayew Yaya Sanchez
    Aguero Wilson Benteke

    Hennessey Sinclair Morgan Ward

    1. Farcelona
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Looks good

    2. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Gtg.

      Leave the bench as it is

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Looks ok.

    4. Bertzeiner-m
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      GTG

  12. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    This week has been really headache for me trying to use my ft.

    This is my team to play at moment.

    Myhill
    Cedric Toby Richards
    Sanchez(c) Yaya Mane Ayew
    Tekkers Aguero Diouf

    McCarthy Darmian Gomez Surman

    Any ideas? I was thinking maybe

    A) Diouf to Vardy/Wilson but Diouf has great fixtures and form.
    B) Darmian to Naughton/Dawson/Sagna
    C) Mane to Payet, but was going to get Coutinho for Mane next Gwk.
    D)???

    1. Farcelona
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      A, although I'm in the same position and am hesitant about transferring Diouf out.

      1. Farcelona
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        However, Bournemouth also have good fixtures and Wilson has form.

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          But Diouf is better

          1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            * In a better team

            1. Dynamic Duos
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              Both.

              1. Somalion
                • 14 Years
                8 years, 9 months ago

                This.

                1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
                  • 11 Years
                  8 years, 9 months ago

                  Nope.

                  1. Somalion
                    • 14 Years
                    8 years, 9 months ago

                    Yup.

                    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
                      • 11 Years
                      8 years, 9 months ago

                      🙂

                      1. Somalion
                        • 14 Years
                        8 years, 9 months ago

                        😛

    2. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      A Wilson

  13. The Train Driver
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Seems like Cavani has found his form again... Maybe there's still hope for Falcao?

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Falcao is a one season wonder

      1. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        *3 season

      2. Nicks93
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        What???????

        1. Greenbackbøøg…
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Had that year when he scored like 40, hasn't done anything since

          1. Stats Don\'t Lie
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            1 year at Porto + 2 at atletico

    2. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      That hinges more on whether he's found his knee ligaments.

  14. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Wayne Rooney was not present when the Man Utd squad arrived at the Lowry Hotel ahead of the match with Liverpool

    Uh Oh

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      His 12 owners will be livid

    2. the axolotl
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      great chipper next door tbf

    3. BabyB
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Sauce?

    4. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      At the hooker house, obviously.

      1. the axolotl
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        elderly ride and a batterred sausage afterwards, that's what champs are made of

    5. Every Dog Has Its Day
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Martial wagon!

  15. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Who to bench?

    A)Payet
    B)Mane

    Who to captain?

    A)ayew
    B)Kane
    C)mahrez

    1. joinho
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Wouldn't want to bench either of those, captain Kane for me high risk high reward

    2. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Easily Mane. Don't see the saints scoring.

      C

      1. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        It's just tough to bench Mane after last week

    3. Vikkiharte
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Do you have to bench payet or mane

      1. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Take your pick
        Ayew, Pedro, mahrez, Mane, payet
        Wilson, Kane, kun

    4. Top 210 Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I'm playing both all out attack..

      1. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Contemplating this.

        1. Top 210 Club
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          You only have so many dgw.. Rather use bench boost and trip captain for those. Perfect week for all out attack I feel..

          1. Stats Don\'t Lie
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            It's just cos its right after internationals, and those weeks are always really weird.

            1. Top 210 Club
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              True, going with gut feeling

  16. joinho
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Even with Silva out I'm still feeling confident of getting a decent score this week:

    Guzan (Ruddy)
    Kolarov, Francis, Targett (Huth) (Clyne)
    Ayew, Albrighton, Mahrez, Payet (Silva)
    Kane (c), Pellè, Agüero

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Looking good. Just remember Bertrand is back I believe

    2. Ryanroberts
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Same. I don't want to panic swap Silva now. Though I'm not that confident of Darmian keeping a CS

      Butland (McCarthy)
      Kolarov naughton darmian (Richards, Oxford)
      Mahrez sanchez ayew payet (silva)
      Wilson Gomis Aguero

  17. Demel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Would you do this?

    Myhill & Silva > Sorenson & Pedro (-4)

    To create...

    Sorenson
    Darmian - Gomez- Kolarov
    Ayew - Sanchez - Pedro - Mahrez
    Diouf - Aguero - Gomis

    McCarthy - Westwood - Prodl - Francis

  18. Paulodi.canio
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Is gomez still a safe pick?

    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Think so

  19. Dr Joness
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Okazaki or Vardy?

  20. Keep calm and hoof me the b…
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Hi
    My front 8 is
    Yaya, sanchez, ayew, payet, mahrez
    Aguero, gomis, wilson

    Who to bench?

    1. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      AOA or Payet

      1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I'd bench Ayew or AOA

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      That's my front 8. I'm torn between benching Payet and Wilson.
      Wilson may win out due to penalty duties.

    3. Elijah's Wood
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      One of Gomis or Ayew, i cant see Watford rolling over

    4. Pablitto
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      payet

  21. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone got anymore information on which goalkeeper likely to start for Crystal Palace? McCarthy likely to retain his spot?

    1. the axolotl
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      nobody knows really i'd say

    2. Every Dog Has Its Day
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I think he's safe.

    3. Elijah's Wood
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Same situation as WBA, if you dont have a backup then play and hope. Wouldnt get rid for a hit

    4. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      OK, thanks guys, I'll take my chances and wait till next week to bring in new GK. Probably only 1-2 point loss if no GK anyway,

  22. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Reading 4 - Ipswich 1

  23. Canadian Football
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Freaking Belgium players always seem to troll me,

    Hazard this season
    Lukaku everytime he is in my squad
    Fellaini (2013) with Everton
    Benteke (2013)

    Now the 2015 addition of Benteke......

    For those who own him, what are you doing? Really want to sell him for Gomis but not sure i want to pigeon toe myself with double SWA attack.

    Tekkers (and Liverpool for that matter) form are horrid!!!

    1. the axolotl
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      i'm keeping over gomis. might turn out bad

      1. Canadian Football
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        if he was showing threat, i might keep. But he really hasn't scored a goal. (the one he did get was clearly illegal).

        No Lallana, no Hendo.....wish i could find a reason to keep. I really want to believe. Problem is, if we keep him this week, his next two fixtures are plum, i have a feeling it will be the same old "give one more week" next thing you know, 3 more weeks have past without results and he will remain in our team.

        1. the axolotl
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          yeah that's the danger, i fear my judgement is clouded by those fixtures too. still though, the man is a beast and sooner or later they'll click to some extent or another and that will bring points for benteke

  24. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    I'm seeing more yaya than sterling...

    Is the general consensus that yaya is a better wildcard option?
    Thanks

    1. Farcelona
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I believe so.

    2. Pablitto
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      KdB

  25. mina
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    who to captain

    A) Gomis
    B) Aguero

    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      B

  26. Elijah's Wood
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Those on a WC with Silva, what are you doing? Really has thrown a spanner into the works

    1. Canadian Football
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      take him out of WC.

      1. Elijah's Wood
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        The only thing thats stopping me is that he will probably be on the bench for one GW. If i ditch now i know ill want him back in in the future

        1. Canadian Football
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          who knows how/if he will play in CL next week. hate to be guessing that is all.

          1. Elijah's Wood
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Yeh definately, £10m is alot sitting on the bench.

            Thanks CF!

    2. Farcelona
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Could you not get someone else in this week, keep the funds in the bank and transfer him in next week? His price might fall before you got him in (although I doubt it).

      1. Elijah's Wood
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Yeh absolutely, just relying on nothing going wrong with your team so you wont have to take a hit

        Sterling is my placeholder for the time being though

  27. Badgevilla
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone else having trouble logging into FPL myself and my friend both having same problem all day?

  28. Jimbo123
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Got 2FT......help anyone?

    A.) Mings -------> Sagna

    B.) Panti & Deeney-------> Lindegaard & Sakho

    C.) Mings & Panti ---------> Bellerin & Lindegaard

    ???

    1. Gamoriola of the Galaxy (Eu…
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      A

  29. FrancescoLazio
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Azpilicuta out for Cresswell? have a FT burning a hole.

    Don't think Chelsea will keep a CS in the next 3 or 4

    1. FrancescoLazio
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Or for Shaw either?

    2. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Why not but it may be worth holding, Azpi is much more attacking this year. Nice Ist World problem, I'm jealous.

  30. Jeremiah
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone else keeping Diouf & playing him?