After checking in on the latest movements of the goalkeepers on our Watchlist, our focus now shifts to the risers and fallers in defence.
Having registered five consecutive clean sheets, the form of the Chelsea rearguard has forced us to reassess the potential offered by premium assets at the back, while a run of four home fixtures in the next six brings Spurs defenders back into consideration.
But that’s certainly not to say that value can’t be found elsewhere, with a stack of mid-price candidates providing viable options for our five-man backlines.
You will find our current Watchlist standings in your right-hand menu on the homepage on desktop, or via the fourth button on the homepage on mobile and tablet.
West Bromwich Albion’s Gareth McAuley, who’s currently the fourth most popular defender in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) with an ownership of 24.3%, sits at the summit of our standings.
The centre-back has already scored twice in the top-flight this season, and his goal threat, combined with some very strong short-term fixtures (BUR, hul, WAT, SWA) over the coming period, make him a standout option, coming in at 4.7 in FPL – the same price as team-mate Ben Foster.
It’s not just McAuley who has caught our eye from the Baggies backline, though, with Chris Brunt another interesting option.
Brunt has started West Brom’s last two matches in midfield, offering us ‘out of position’ potential, but his starting spot may not necessarily be secure given Albion have suffered with injuries and suspensions over the past few weeks.
Both McAuley and Brunt found the net in Northern Ireland’s 4-0 win over Azerbaijan, with the latter also providing an assist. Considering he takes many of West Brom’s set-pieces – a key strength for the Baggies – Brunt boasts the prospects of assists, having served up 14 over the previous two seasons.
Chelsea’s in-form Marcos Alonso has emerged as the key top bracket target, having added a goal and assist to five successive shut-outs since his arrival on the teamsheet in Gameweek 6.
The Spaniard’s raids from left wing-back mean he promises attacking returns even in difficult match-ups, which could see him prosper even over the Blues’ testing short-term schedule.
Chelsea’s fixtures also ease considerably from Gameweek 15, providing the platform for Alonso’s 2.8% ownership and 6.0 price to climb further.
Tottenham’s Danny Rose is the other premium choice defender to features in the top echelons of the Watchlist.
Price is a key factor in Rose being favoured over team-mate Kyle Walker, with the former setting us back 5.9 in FPL, compared to 6.1 for Walker.
But Rose has also offered the greater attacking threat over the last four Gameweeks, averaging a shot every 40.9 minutes, compared to every 183 minutes for Walker.
He has also provided superior assist potential, averaging a key pass every 47.7 minutes over the same period, compared to every 73.2 minutes for the Spurs right-back.
Elsewhere in the mid-price bracket, Stoke City’s Erik Pieters has edged above Watford’s Jose Holebas and Bournemouth’s Adam Smith.
The left-back rises to prominence mostly due to the Potters strong short-term fixtures (BOU, wat, BUR), while he also benefits from the doubt surrounding Lee Grant’s starting role given Jack Butland is now back in training.
Holebas and Smith both fell off the suspension tightrope in the last round of fixtures, and will subsequently sit out next weekend’s fixtures.
Both players will likely enjoy a rise following Gameweek 12, though, due to their attacking promise.
Holebas holds the edge at this point given that Watford face five strong fixtures in six upon his return from suspension, making him a viable starter, even in an FPL 3-4-3.
Hull City’s Michael Dawson and Middlesbrough’s George Friend are both “up and comers” in this bracket – the pair come in at just 4.4 and 4.5 respectively in FPL and, like Holebas and Smith, boast the potential for attacking returns.
Hull also remain in the middle of a very favourable part of their schedule, while ‘Boro’s fixtures do improve slightly over the coming month.
Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren hovers near the top of our rankings as our preferred Reds option, with his set-piece threat and price tag offering some attraction, despite the lack of clean sheets for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The Croatian is just ahead of Leicester City’s Christian Fuchs, who slips in our estimations due to the absence of the injured Kasper Schmeichel, despite the promise of some kind short-term fixtures.
With a strong goal threat and some improving fixtures, Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk remains firmly in our thoughts.
But with Cedric Soares closing in on a first-team return following an ankle injury, the 4.9-priced right-back is set to replace the Dutchman on the Watchlist due to his kinder price tag and assist potential. Soares could well return for Gameweek 12.
Found lower down in our standings is Man City’s John Stones. We’re keeping faith in the England international given City’s schedule remains favourable, while his recent impressive BPS scores are also a contributing factor – Stones was in line for a second successive match with bonus points against ‘Boro before their late equaliser.
The Arsenal defence is represented by Laurent Koscielny lower down the ranks but could eventually be a key factor in our defensive plans.
Hector Bellerin is a doubt for the Gameweek 12 trip to Manchester United and it is suggested that he will be sidelined for a month with his ankle injury.
Should that be the case, we will likely promote Carl Jenkinson as an option in the Watchlist and, priced at just 5.0, he’ll likely edge his way into the top ranks as a short-term option during Bellerin’s absence.
