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The Technical Area – Assessing Budget Defences

Though every Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season has its ebbs and flows, it would certainly feel that the tides are changing with greater frequency than ever this term.

Just a few short weeks ago, driven by a strong Christmas schedule and the outstanding form of premium defenders such as Marcos Alonso and Nicholas Otamendi, numerous Fantasy managers (myself included) found themselves stacking up at the back – hoarding high-priced defensive assets from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United while making financial sacrifices further up the pitch.

Yet on the back of one of the most disappointing defensive Gameweeks in recent memory – in which a suite of premium defenders either failed to provide returns or, in many cases, feature altogether – the notion of trimming funds from the backline is becoming increasingly popular.

Moreover, a glance at the upcoming fixture list demonstrates huge potential for a number of so-called “smaller” clubs to provide strong clean sheet prospects over the medium term.

With this fact in mind, this week’s Technical Area will be assessing the defensive capabilities of these sides based on their recent form and upcoming schedules.

We’ll also appraise a number of budget defensive options in an effort to identify those lower-priced players with the potential to match bigger-budget rivals during the season’s run-in.

782 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    What to do with this team with 2 FT?

    Pickford
    Jones Otamendi Azpi
    Lingard Sterling Salah Hazard Mkhitaryan
    Kane Wilson

    Elliot Mee Dunk Ladopo

    1. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      in the bank?

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        0 ITB

    2. gunner 2727
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      FH 31 or not?

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        All chips remaining! Not sure FH 31 or 35!

        1. gunner 2727
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          That decision is key to the move. If it's 35 which I'd suggest is best imo, then need to plan for firmino and some players for 31

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

      WC left?

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Yes! All chips remaining!

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

          As above, I think you need to decide what you're doing with the chips first. Makes all the difference.

  2. gunner 2727
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Bottomed

    Very confused here... if someone can simplify for me be much appreciated

    ------------------Adrian----------------
    -------- Jones. Ota. Alonso........
    Shaq. Haz. Salah. Sterling. Ling
    ------------- Aguero. Firmino-------
    Krul. Mee Kenny Meh
    2FT 0.7 ITB

    Want to do aguero to Kane and captain, but also need to sort Kenny and Adrian and obvious opportunity to add two for gw31. Both Alonso and otamendi are on my hit list also. Also benching mee as I stand. Current ideas are

    A) just do adrian to Pickford keep a FT
    B) ota and aguero to Bauer and Kane
    C) just do Kenny to Bauer
    B) ballsy -4 ota aguero ling to Kane Walcott Bauer.

    Not sure why it's always so complicated or if I just make that way!

    HELPPPP!

    1. TallestJohn
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      You can wait to make the defensive change unless there's a price drop, should be fine with Mee first sub.

      I like Kane this week but Aguero should be good as well.

      Maybe Krul to Fabianski this week, then next week drop one of the defenders to do Kun → Kane?

      1. gunner 2727
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Both ota and Alonso falling will cost me 0.1, another added factor. Like the suggestions but I need to include players for 31i think. Want 8 , hold 3.. 5 transfers left so bring in Kane and need the other 5 for GW 31 players

    2. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      No need to do anything rash. Maybe just C for now.

    3. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Adrian to Fabianski may be tempting instead.

      1. gunner 2727
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. I need a keeper for 31 so any move there would be pick karius or butland

        1. Prøfeßör …
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Ahh, true. Kenny to Bauer and assess the keepers for another few weeks or Adrian to Pickford (if you think Everton will recover).

        2. Prøfeßör …
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Essentially, A or C. 🙂

        3. Prøfeßör …
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Regardless of the move you make, you need to be sure you have a Kane plan for next week (if not getting him this week). If you want Kane captain, B is a good shout for the medium-term.

          1. gunner 2727
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            So that's A B or C? Haha, at least I know it's not just me complicating it.

            No seriously made some good points and appreciate the input! TVM

  3. Tosa86
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    I need to change Tarkowski: mee or ward?

    best regards

    1. gunner 2727
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Close, mee for this week if need a nailed starter... ward long term

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

      Mee

      1. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Is Tark confirmed out again this week??

        1. TallestJohn
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          No idea, but Mee is the best Burnley defender regardless.

          1. Pacer.
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            why?

            More baps, goals and assists from ward

            1. TallestJohn
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              No alternatives to Mee at CB, plus I gather from the scoutcast he's basically had a goal imminent all season lol. With Ward coming back from injury I wouldn't want to get him straight back in and Taylor could rotate.

              1. Pacer.
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 2 months ago

                I can't be sure but i think we'll see Ward straight back in. He's absolutely key to this team, especially with defour and wood out long term

      2. Tosa86
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Hegazi - Smalling - Otamendi - Tarkowski - Dunk.

        So, tarkowski is out until 24 and more i guess.
        Ward cost as Tarkowski, Lee 0.2 more than him.

        i can play Smalling otamendi and dunk or i can keep mee and put him instead dunk.

    3. Garth Marenghi
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Someone here (sorry can’t remember who) made a post about avoiding burnley defenders, comparing them to West Brom last season. Saying WBrom were “on the beach”, this season that could be burnley.

      1. Tosa86
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        why avoid the burnley defenders?
        in this case how is the best defender with 4.7? 🙂

        1. Garth Marenghi
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          The OP was saying burnley might be a team without motivation once they’re safe from regulation. Therefore less clean sheets.

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

        being on the beach is absolutely not in the DNA of this club under dyche. they have a great deal of pride in what they have achieved through discipline, hard work and understanding and I think every single place higher they manage to finish really matters to them. that is their prize

  4. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Current rank is 60K. Do I captain Kane or Salah? Salah actually feels like the sensible bet this week but Kane has that knack of scoring vs Arsenal.

    1. TallestJohn
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kane likely to be up against Ospina

      1. Dazzler365
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        That's not a good thing considering how poor cech has been

        1. TallestJohn
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Both are shocking. Cech is finished, Ospina never had it other than a run of 10 games where he got away with his bizarre positioning of standing behind the goal line.

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

      I think Salah will outscore Kane.

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I think you are wrong

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

          I know I say I "think", but my opinion is actually fact. Confirmed.

          1. drughi
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            You own a delorean ?

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

              Just an Almanac.

    3. gunner 2727
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I seem to always find a reason to not captain salah... this week it's I simply fancy Kane against our awful defensive play

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Tempted by Kane.

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

        I haven't captained him yet either. There's nothing wrong with that though. As good as he has been he has never been the highest scorer in a GW.

        1. ZeBestee
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Thats not a good reason not to captain him mate.

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

            Not saying it is. Just saying that it's ok to think there is a better option, because there always has been a better option.

            1. ZeBestee
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 2 months ago

              Fair enough. I believe even those who left the armband on him from gw1 have done well enough.

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

                I'd definitely be much better off if I captained him every week, but I'll stick with my guns and try to be clever. 😀

        2. gunner 2727
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          I have captained him. Missed pen week, pretty sure that's why I avoid!

  5. GUSFRING
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Need some opinions, how about this for a wildcard team...

    De Gea - Elliot

    Kenny - Hegazi - Mee - Hunemeier - Naughton

    Sanchez - Walcott - Salah - Richarlison - Lingard

    J Rodriguez - Firmino - Agueroooooooo

    1. TallestJohn
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Honestly can't tell if this is a joke, apologies if it isn't (Rodriguez charged with racial abuse today)

    2. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      1.Rodriguez will be out for few weeks!

      2. Get a playing keeper on the bench with the blanks coming soon and also if you have the bench boost chip. Same with Huenemeier!

      3. Coleman is back! Kenny's minutes are numbered!

      4. Get Deulofeu instead of Richarlison

      5. You need Kane!

      1. GUSFRING
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks some good food for thought there!

    3. gunner 2727
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      J rod dead, Kenny dead, no Kane, no blankers for 31... needs a rework!

  6. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Pope
    Alonso Otamendi Bauer
    Salah Sterling (V) Richarlison Lingard
    Kane (C) Firmino Wilson
    Elliot Vertongen Kenny RLC
    No ft. 0.3m itb. GTG?

  7. Dazzler365
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on Danilo? Hold or ship for mawson/mee this week

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

    Best Burnley asset?

    1. Drogba Legend
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Depends on the rest of your team..Pope, Mee, or Gudmunsson in my opinion

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

      pope/ward

  9. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Schmeichel

    Ota - Jones - Alonso - Azpi (Masuaku)
    Salah (C) - Sterling - Bilva - Choupo (TC)
    Kane - Firm (DCL)

    .5 ITB, 1FT

    Save?

  10. Toby Lerone
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Need help here please, 'mini' dilemma. I own Sanchez kane and salah but ML leader only owns aguero. Who do I captain out of the three I own to make ground? (he will defo captain kun)

    Thanks!

    1. GUSFRING
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      That doesn't matter at all actually coz you've got Salah...

  11. buttigieg93
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts this week? 2 FT's and 0.9 ITB. Still have all my free chips.Thanks.

    A) Otemendi> Bauer
    B) Otamendi > Mee
    C) Kenny > Bauer and bench
    D) Kenny > Mee and bench
    E) Other

    Pickford (Speroni)
    Alonso,Otamendi,Jones (Dunk,Kenny)
    Salah(C), Sterling,Son,Shaqiri,Lingard
    Kane,Firmino(Quaner).

    1. GUSFRING
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Oh Mane Mane

  12. only2
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Cuco Martina looks like a steal at 4,4 and nailed gw 31. Is he nailed? Baines out for a long time

    1. GUSFRING
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      He is also very bad at football

      1. only2
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Ah ty!

  13. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Whom to ditch first?

    A. Azpi

    B. Otamendi

    1. TallestJohn
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B

      Tougher fixtures coming up for City all the way until GW34 (they're likely to have a DGW then but may have already won the league by that stage). Despite being first choice City are still in four competitions and have numerous options at CB so rotation looms for Ota. Azpi still looks nailed.

  14. N00B
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    What do you think about Iheanacho for 3rd striker ?

    1. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      If he gets a run then I like.

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

      Leicester seem to think he's a good third striker

  15. Legohair
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Best week to use Free hit?
    Or TC?BB?

      1. Legohair
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks,i miss that article

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

        So free hit in GW 31.
        TC maybe GW 34
        WC GW 35
        BB GW 37
        Sounds right?

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

          Plenty of different ways to go about it. Whichever is right for you.

          1. Legohair
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks mate

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

      Use them for the blank and DGWs.

  16. gomez123
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who to be my skipper??
    A) Kun
    B) Kane
    C) Salah

    1. gunner 2727
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B orC for me, I'd lean B

  17. gunner 2727
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    If you had to pick a keeper to play the next 6 weeks would it be

    A) Pickford
    b) Butland
    c) Karius.

    Ta

    1. MGD
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      C probably

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

      C although I wouldn't entirely rule out rotation.

      Probably A if you want to be safe and keep that Liverpool spot open a little longer.

    3. gomez123
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      ACB

  18. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Rob Cross having a massive come down from his World Championship win

  19. smuggs
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Shaqiri or Wilson to start

    1. TallestJohn
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Big Shaq

    2. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Both to start, if possible.

      But at a push, I would start Wilson. Think Huddersfield will need to attack.

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Shaq attack.

  20. MGD
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Pope / Elliot
    Otamendi - Jones - Daniels / Masuaku* - Mbemba*
    Salah(C) - Sterling - Lingard - ChopaMoting / Mili
    Kane - Aguero - Firmino

    1 FT 0,8 ITB

    Ideas?

    Thinking Masuaku to:

    À) Robertson (Gw31. But how nailed?)
    B) Mawson/Fernandez/Naughton
    C) Bauer (Gw31. Seems nailed but fixtures?)

    1. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B or C for nailedness.

      Depends on what your plans are for 31 really.

      1. MGD
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        No chip in 31 is the plan

  21. Reuser
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Bit of an an unusual move but worth considering the following? Currently planning on playing free hit chip in 31.

    OUT: Aguero and Niasse
    IN: Aubameyang and Wilson -4

    Appreciate most will be looking at Arsenal players after the next two weeks, but I fancy getting him as an "early-adopter" differential (plus he is ineligible to play in Europe during the break). Need to take a few risks in order to move up the rankings.

    A risk shipping Aguero, but I always planned to sell him around this time, and am hopeful of Wilson returns against Huddersfield too.

    Would give me:

    Foster
    Alonso, Otamendi, Jones
    Salah, Sterling, Son, Shaqiri
    Kane, Aubameyang, Wilson

    (Myhill, Chilwell, RLC, Mbemba)

    Thanks.

    1. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Not a fan of the moves but I hope it works out for you.

      I would rather have Mkhitaryan or Ramsey if an Arsenal attacker is what you're after.

      1. Reuser
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks - certainly considered Mhiki, but my current midfield is delivering and I'm loathe to change them.

        Aguero on the other hand is slightly more expendable in my opinion.

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

      Aguero could punish but I like the Auba pick, think it should be an open game and like you say I think getting him in early will be a good differential. At least it should guarantee you 11 starters and would be a fun risk to take

      1. Reuser
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks - I think you are right in that it promises to be a "fun" pick if nothing else.

        After three top 10k finishes, I'm languishing around 250k this season - so time to be different and see what happens....

        1. TallestJohn
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          I'm happy with Kane, Firmino, Wilson at the moment but if I get the slightest excuse Auba will be coming in, even for a hit. Can see him doing well especially on the counter against the top teams.

  22. grifster69
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who to ship first
    A)DCL
    B)Masuaka
    Thanks

    1. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B.

  23. Tazah
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on tarkowski?

      1. Tazah
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        perfect so long plays again....thanks

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

          Sounds like Tarkowski is a 50/50. But that's the good thing about Long, he'll either get 90mins or nothing and a sub comes in.

          1. Tazah
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            from that i understood he's out of the match since he only said ward will be in the squad.... by ''going okay'' it seems that theyre still on their way back

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

              True.

  24. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Bought Otamendi at 5.9! Want to sell him in the coming weeks but being hesitant! What to do?

    1. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      keep him. I bought at 5.8 and it doesn't seem worth the transfer

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

      Give him the Leicester game and then sell imo

  25. Thunder Warrior
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Masuaku to:
    1) Fernandez ( probably no gw31)
    2) G. Cameron ( gw31 but is he nailed?
    3) other up to 4.4?

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

      Cameron filled in for Fletcher. Zeeglar 4.3, potentially Francis.

  26. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Best/cheapest Everton defender?

    1. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Well Stay Away is free....

    2. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Baines is unlikely to get minus points at the moment - probably him.

    3. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      yeah. good, old ffs. cheers

      1. Reuser
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Sorry - but don't see much value there until they sort themselves out.

        At a push - Martina?

  27. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Pickford
    Alonso, Jones, Taylor
    Salah, Sterling, Mkhi, Walcott
    Kane, Firmino, Wilson

    Elliot*, Dunk, Kenny*, RLC**

    1FT, 0.9 IDB

    What to do here? These are some preferred moves but I wonder what to do this week.

    a) RLC->Milivojevic
    b) Kenny->Robertson
    c) Kenny-> Mawson (possible blank gw31)

  28. Dr. DOOM
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Anything here worth using a FT on? Front 8 is good for now.

    Alonso-Jones-Otamendi (Ogbonna-Long)

    1. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      save

  29. Fantasy Gold
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    If your keepers were Foster and Elliot, would you use a FT to switch one of them to:

    A) Pickford
    B) Butland

    Seems a good week to do it with Elliot out of favour and Foster having Chelsea away next?

    1. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A

      1. Numb
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        After the last game?

        1. Fantasy Gold
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          You think that happens again?

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

      A looks good as long as you don't have more pressing issues

    3. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I would probably save the transfer and play Foster - see what WBA do in the FA Cup.

      A if I had to choose.

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks all

  30. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Pickford to Karius to burn 1 FT?

    1. Tazah
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      ive been thinking karius

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

      No, Pickford still more nailed despite Karius being no.1 now. As long as Everton don't defend like the last game every week he should get back to getting at least 3 points a game.