Members

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. Takedog1
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    hello fellow managers.

    any clear cut changes needed here apart from curtois out? plz help a brother in need.

    curtois
    kolarov bellerin cedric

    ozil sterling mahrez pedro

    aguero sakho aguero

    hoolahan darían gomez swarzer

    1ft 1.1 itb

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      kun clone chip activated!

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

        that'll be worth a repost

      2. Takedog1
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        wilson ** haha

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      curtouis for begovich ASAP

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

        This

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

      Looks passable if you don't want a GK this week.

      1. Takedog1
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        but am i swell doing it now as we don't know when curtois will be back?

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

          It's a big injury so ages it seems.

          1. Takedog1
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            thnx

        2. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          10 weeks

          I'm concerned about the internal medial meniscus tear, thats a bad one for reaggrevations...

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

    Should I play aoa? International history putting me off.

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

      Which attacker would you bench & who is your 3rd defender?

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

        I'd bench Mane or payet
        My current back 3 is williams, Azpi, Cedric

  3. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Bit surprised that more of ffs users aren't doing Silva -> Kdb which looked obvious move to me.

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I have my doubts Silva being fit for West Ham game when looking his injury history.

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        hes fine, as long as he makes it through CL unscathed..

    2. Mind över Mata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Silva is probably back next week, it isn't clear where KDB will play

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

      Would be worries over gametime.

    4. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      KDB is not going to score 10 goals, do you think he has enough involvement to generate enough assists to justify price?

      Silva, Sterling and YYT all better picks

      1. Man Chest Hair United
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        If he plays in the hole he could be good value

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          why do that if you are city? silva is the best #10 in the league

      2. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        10 goals 20 assists last season. Guy'a beast.

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Bun....des....liga

          1. Jay Jay Okocha
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            ... A competition on par with the EPL, no reason to believe his.numbers will fall of dramatically

            1. The Suspended One
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              ...... Said no one EVER!

              lmfao.....

    5. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Really considering this. All new players have done well so far this season.

    6. Takedog1
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      this

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

      Because he hasn't played a single minute.

  4. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Lost on last page, any thoughts? GTG, or should I take a hit here?

    Butland
    Kolarov, Shaw, Williams
    Pedro, Sanchez, Mahrez, Westwoodinho
    Aguero (c), Gomes, Wilson

    McCarthy; Muneisa, Silva*, Ward*

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

      Looks good mate.

    2. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Save

      1. Mind över Mata
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers both

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

          Bit late to the party but catching up, I like to read a few pages first, looks solid, assume Sanchez vice

          1. Mind över Mata
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Yes, he is vc

  5. Ian Davis
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Which looks best?:

    A) De Gea / Bellerin / Cedric / 4.5

    B) Begovic / Shaw / Cedric / J Evans

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Told you, B, on previous page, as did someone else too.

      1. Ian Davis
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah you did, cheers mate. No harm in asking again though.

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

      B

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

        Part of a WC? maybe pickup Naughton instead of Cedric

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

          Oh and B lol

          1. Ian Davis
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Cheers mate, good shout to get Naughton as well. Yeah, on wildcard.

  6. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Manutd barely conceding any crosses makes me wanna start Shelvey ahead of Benteke 🙂

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      roffle, if that came off, it would be an all-time great move

      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Feel like doing it just for the sheer puntiness involved 🙂 .. That being said Benteke is on penos with Hendo out

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          you'd be crazy to do it really...

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

          Just do it pool have as much chemistry going for them as a vacuum.

        3. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          playing devil's advocate, united lead league in goals against (2) and thats before DDG comes back...

          They are going to be legit defensively..

          1. Valar(Keith)
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Yup.. i wanna pretend i dont own Benteke for this week. if he does well i'll be happy i own him for the following two. if he does poorly it'll be justified 🙂

  7. vova
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Raheem or Yaya instead of Silva?

      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Raheem

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

      Sterling.

    2. Man Chest Hair United
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Kev

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

        Same price, depends on what your aims are, Yaya has high ownership so could bite you but Sterling could gain you ground, tough one, my choice Yaya

  8. Wouter
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Aguero > Martial -4?

    1. The Orienteer - find me in …
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Yes do it!

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      clearly!

    3. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Good shout imo

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

        Consider Naismith though

  9. DannyBoy....
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Start Panti or Mccarthy guys?

    1. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Panti

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

        Panti

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

    Anyone think Diouf could play?

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      may do, missing training is a big concern...

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

        When was training?

        Debating bringing in Wilson.

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          yesterday (thurs)

        2. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          i would hold diouf for the next run of fixtures, 8 good ones

          1. Nomar
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Not much good if he's out for a few weeks though.

    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I have him and I'm not sure he will play.

      But after this week his fixtures are very good so the dilemma is if I sell him this GW or not.

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

      Unlikely if he's got a hamstring injury and hasn't trained

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        not the kind of player to play 50%, I'd be concerned risking him without fitness, especially after he traveld to Africa before returning.

    4. Onana Whatsmyname
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Yep.....trouble with a hammy is he could break down early.

      Considering -4 to Wilson but really want Stoke coverage from next week. What are you doing with him?

    5. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Yes, though it looks like Johnny Howson can take off the trakkie top.

  11. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Could really do with a 0-0 in the WBA - Southampton game tomorrow

    Have to play both Cedric and Evans thanks to Silva's injury 😕

    1. Redhulkster
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Silva to kdb
      Aoa activated

      Come on shaqiriiiii
      Hi to the trout
      Bye to the carp

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

      Not out of the question to be honest

  12. il Brutto
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    I'm on a wildcard at the moment and there are quite a few players I'd like to get in put can't find the room. How do you think these three players will fare in the coming weeks?

    A) Benteke
    B) Chadli
    C) Hazard

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      A) same
      B) same
      C) god-who-knows...

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

      If on a WC I would maybe only pick Chadli out of those

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

    fantasyfootballscout ‏@FFScout 5m5 minutes ago
    Local Manchester press suggest that Rooney may be out of United's squad for the Liverpool clash

    over celebration after goals record?

    better or wosre for gomez?

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      not at the hotel does not mean out of squad..

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

        true. didn't even read the article tbf, but where would hysteria be if everybody actually read the bloody articles

      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      good news for Fellaini owners

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

    Good to go? Save my FT? 1m itb

    Mignolet
    Darmian, Kolarov, Cedric
    Sanchez, Yaya(c), Ayew, Mahrez
    Aguero, Gomis, Wilson

    McCarthy, Payet, Huth, Gomez

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

      Yeah save.

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      solid squad

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

        A pain in the neck tho deciding who to bench each week. I getting rid of Payet next week for bench fodder.

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          ditto

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

    Play two of:

    Darmian Gomez Richards Oxford

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

      Darmian & Oxford.

      1. BRS75
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Coming from a west ham fan, Oxford won't start

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      darmian, richards for me

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

        This

    3. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Will Oxford start?

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

        Darmian and Gomez, Richards Oxford subs order

  16. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Interesting speculation about Rooney.
    I don't buy the "media commitments" idea...I really can't see an old dictator like LVG being happy with that.
    Rooney speaking out about the dressing room being flat shows on the pitch..it's flat during the matches as well.

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

      It doesn't help when your captain is the same man who repeatedly threatened to ditch the club for rival teams unless they bumped up his wages....

      I understand why its flat.

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

      You think he's being punished?

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Maybe...dunno. It's interesting though. Plainly United isn't a happy camp again and it's showing on the pitch.

    3. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      There will probably be some logical reason behind it.

      Kid was sick, family bereavement, etc.

      Lots of explanations

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah, could easily be. I like a drama though.

  17. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Sorenson?
    Who's he play for?

    1. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Stoke?

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

        Ah ok. Says he's at Melbourne city on wiki.

        1. kalmoffit
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          No idea where he's got to, to be honest.

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

    So Shaw or Cresswell?

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

      What about Azpi?

  19. ryancroberts
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Punt on Felliani as an out of position forward anyone?...

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      no thankyou

  20. The Curse of Falcao
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    G2G?

    Cech

    Bellerin, Wilson, Azpi, Kolarov

    Mahrez, Yaya, Hazard

    Wilson, Kun, Bentekkers

    Subs: Guzan | Clyne | Wanyama | Barry

    1FT
    0.7 ITB

  21. Gazpilicueta
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    With the Silva issue, would it be ok to play 4-3-3 this week? I want to save my free transfer so I have 2 in the bank. I like that power position. or should I use it this week to fix?

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

      Hes back for the juve game. Hold if u have balls.

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

        hmmm.....

  22. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Pulis is worried that Rondon has "international fatigue" apparently.. Starting Targett over Huth(already have Schmeichel) looking more and more logical

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      who do you think starts at GK? I don't buy Linde going stright into the team after Myhill shutting out both teams they played not named Chelsea or City..

      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Noone knows really. Probably Myhill until he makes even a small mistake to justify Pulis starting Lindegaard over him

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          I hope you're right... Hennessey only BU ATM

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

      Berahino likely to turn out?

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

    UFPL play two of??

    Pelle (wba) Wilson (nor) Benteke (man)

    Play

    Willaims (wat) or Ayew (wat)

  24. MMN
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Cresswell good shout on a WC? Or just another bandwagon?

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

      West Ham have some good fixtures, if you get him, keep him for atleast 6 weeks

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      very good player, would be automatic if not for the 5.5....

      depends on your team, he;d have to be a premium def.

    3. Keep the Faith
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Did well last season and WH have decent home fixtures

  25. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Romero (I know) to Bego FT?

    1. Redhulkster
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I took schmeichel

      Had McCarthy and Hennessey

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

        Would do Schmeichel but wary of Leicester'Square ability to keep cleaning.
        Mind you Chelsea are worse at mo.

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Sounds good.

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

        🙂

  26. Jolly Good
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Is Gomez nailed for next 5-6 gws or should I get Monreal?

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

      Monreal

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      hes nailed, but Monreal a better pick, wait until after Chelsea if poss

    3. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Keep Gomez, better fixtures.

  27. Slumdog Mignolet.
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Ive got 2FT and not sure what to do, should I take our Silva for a week? 0.5 itb

    McCarthy - Schmeichel
    Cresswell - Kolarov - Darmian - gomez - Richards
    Depay - Silva - Ayew - Payet - Mahrez
    Aguero - Diouf - Gomis

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

      Diouf > Wilson?

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

      Darmian to Naughton and Depay to Pedro

    3. I Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Silva + Depay -> Sanchez + Sterling/YYT

      Can you afford that?

    4. Keep the Faith
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Nope front 7 is fine for this week without silva

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

        Oops read diouf as sakho

      2. I Member
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Diouf might not play.

    5. Slumdog Mignolet.
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks all

  28. Captain Shirokov
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Sterling, Pedro or De Bruyne?

    1. il Brutto
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Pedro

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Sterling

  29. il Brutto
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Who gets the nod Lloris, Begovic or Krul?

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

      Begovic

  30. An Púca
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Play Anya or 4th Def Gomez/Dawson...already have Myhill playing

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      or so you hope..