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Can we trust Spurs’ FPL defenders with appealing fixtures this season?

Fantasy Premier League managers are considering Spurs defenders ahead of the new season… but can they be trusted? That’s what I am here to find out.

When the 2020/21 fixtures were released there was a sudden spike in managers interested in the Spurs backline. These sorts of options have not been particularly popular in recent seasons, but some of them may well have come into the new campaign at just the right prices.

With a similar group of players to Jose Mourinho’s squad, Spurs kept 13 clean sheets in 2018/19, conceding 38 goals, the fifth-best in the league.  

Before that, they finished fourth overall for clean sheets and letting in just 36 goals in 2017/18.

And few managers will forget the 2016/17 campaign when Spurs ended up joint-top for clean sheets with Manchester United (17) as they let in only 26 goals across the season.

If they can rediscover this sort of form with their appealing fixtures at the start of 2020/21, we could find some exciting value options in defence.

But the question is… can they deliver on that kind schedule? To find out, I looked at some of the underlying numbers from last season.

As this article uses Opta data, only those with a valid Fantasy Football Scout subscription can access it in full.

Best players by position:

Sam FPLFamily <p>Fantasy Football Scout's General Manager. Half of the FPLFamily. Pundit on the FPL Pod, Fantasy Show and Sky Sports News&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

1,083 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Sky Sports News' Dharmesh Sheth on The Transfer Show:

    "It's understandable that Man Utd fans, watching the likes of Chelsea, are asking when they're going to get their business done.

    "The messages we're getting from Old Trafford if that they're quite relaxed about the situation. Jadon Sancho remains their No. 1 target but other areas they might want to improve are central defence and midfield.

    "But with the big signings, it's likely that - as with every other club given the financial impact of the pandemic - they will have to generate funds with sales. Diogo Dalot, Sergio Romero, Andreas Pereira, Jesse Lingard, Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones are players they could be open to selling."

    Can you imagine trying to find a buyer for Phil Jones?

    1. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Jesse Lingard, the Mason Greenwood of 2018 ... where did it all go wrong?!

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Fergie turning in his grave. No wonder he retired.

        1. Uncle Baby Billy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          "Fergie turning in his grave"

          I'm amazed there wasn't anything in the papers about it, him being famous and all that.

          1. Woy of the Wovers
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Must have meant his coffin. Or at least the place he sleeps during the hours of sunlight

    2. TheBrazilianRonaldo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Steve Bruce’s Newcastle

    3. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      "Can you imagine trying to find a buyer for Phil Jones"?

      Arsenal say hello. He'd be an ideal alongside David Luiz.

      1. UnluckyXI
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Arsenal already have 8 centre backs, most of them liabilities without Jones in the mix

        1. The Mighty Hippo
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          He'd be the icing on the cake.

          1. UnluckyXI
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Back three of Luiz, Jones, Mustafi

            1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Goals galore

            2. FOO FIGHTER
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Arteta will make himself available out of retirement as well.

  2. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on this guys??

    McCarthy Nyland
    TAA Vinagre Douglas KWP Taylor
    Salah Aubameyang Son Soucek Stevens
    Werner Ings Mitrovic

    1. UnluckyXI
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Same GK, Trent, KWP, your big mid two and your front three in my team so I hope it does well!

  3. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Werner Ings Mitro Brewster (assuming Brewster gets his loan)

    Which one goes?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      would u play brewsrer every week?

      1. Alisson WondHaaland
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        If he got his loan, potentially. But would give more money to upgrade elsewhere too

    2. Ninjaa
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Where is Brewster supposed to be going on loan??

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        the blades

      2. Soto Ayam
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Sheff

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

      Ings

  4. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Are we expecting Morgan to play the first few games for Leicester?

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      The will concede many.

  5. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Rate my team??

    Lloris
    TAA Justin/Taylor KW-P/Hegazi
    Auba Son Ziyech Maddison Sigurdsson
    Jimenez Ings

    0.5 ITB

    1. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Looks decent but I dont see the appeal of Siggy after a poor season

  6. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts?

    McCarthy Steer
    Trent Egan KWP C.Taylor Ferguson
    Salah Auba ASM Periera Anguissa
    Kane Werner Mitrovic

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      i d lose kane to upgrade mid. a bit unbalanced. nice enough though. gl

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      It’s balanced but lacking excitement

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks both

        I think Kane and Periera are pretty exciting lol

  7. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Souceck or a 4.5 playing defender?

    1. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Very tough. Soucek if he's your 5th mid

    2. UnluckyXI
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Soucek from gameweek 8 if he's managed the odd goal his first 7

  8. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Werner price prediction at GW5 deadline? I'm going with 9.1 😀

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      haha hope not

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      11.0

  9. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Guyz, how would you improve this?

    352/442 (rotating between justin/Vinagre)

    McCarthy
    TAA Tierny Justin Vinagre (4.0)
    Auba Salah (c) Son Ziyech Maxi
    Ings Mitrovic (davies)

    1. UnluckyXI
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I've gone Werner, Greenwood & 4.5 mid instead of ziyech, son and Davies.

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Do u see greenwood starting...?

        1. UnluckyXI
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          For now yes, other than Sancho not sure there are many incomings they can get that would deserve to start over him given his form

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I'd rather downgrade Maxi and upgrade Justin and commit to 442 but nothing wrong with it

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        For Justin upgrade, any 5.0 defo starter from Spurs??

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Dier and Davies apparently, I like Sheff Utd and Wolves ones

          1. Eleven Hag
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Sheff utd could be without Henderson, do u reckon they would still be good at the back?

            1. SADIO SANÉ
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              I do, but just my opinion - most of those guys have okay attacking threat too - Wilder is one of the best managers in the league

    3. FPL Bond @ Twitter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Vinagre not a good options because of rotation with AMN.

  10. MartialMatas
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    How's this? £0.5m left over.
    ASM worth the 0.5 over Soucek?

    Ryan
    TAA Doherty KWP
    Salah Aubameyang Alli Greenwood Soucek
    Werner Mitro

    Steer Saliba Branthwaite Brewster

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Sancho or not, we will sign a RW this window, dont see Greenwood starting every game

      1. sully29
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Doesn't have to, just has to start until we wildcard. The transfer window doesn't close until four GWs in and United are moving at a glacial pace....

    2. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      V nice. Love the Dele pick. And no, he's not worth the. 5. Keep itb

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      You would need to play Saliba over Greenwood week 1- Soucek good week 1 option then first on bench

  11. madsticks2
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Just looking at first 2 game weeks (using WC for gw3).

    Ramsdale
    TAA Bellerin Dier Mitchell
    Auba (c) Son ASM
    Kane Werner Vardy

    Keep Son/Vardy or change to Salah/ DCL?

  12. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Soucek, Ritchie or Kebano?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Soucek if 5th mid and planning to bench for poorer early fixtures otherwise would consider Ritchie

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Wouldn't say Kebano is nailed for the time being. He'll definitely be the most attacking of those 3. Funnily enough I sill think AK is our best winger/inside forward, so he'll be one to keep an eye on for the 5 mil bracket.

  13. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on this draft benching Bruno for week 1. (Will see how Saliba starts CS so may move to another 4.5 and if Doherty moves will get Egan and upgrade 4 m bench defender to 4.5 m) ?

    McCarthy
    TAA Doherty Saliba Justin
    Salah Aubameyang ASM Soucek
    Werner Mitrovic

    Steer/Button Bruno Brewster Mitchell/4.0 m

    1. sirmorbach
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      This is my team exactly, except for Justin, Saliba, and ASM. I've got Lascelles, KWP, and Armstrong. Hope we do well.

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I also have a Greenwood draft, with Jimi up top and Egan (or Davies) at the back

        1. dunas_dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Thanks- I gave one with Greenwood Martial over Bruno Mitrovic and not sure best one- but Bruno has to be best captain option week 2.

          1. dunas_dog
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            * have

  14. JURGENAUT
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Is there anyone who's currently planning to keep their FT in GW2 with no Utd player benched in GW1 thereby, having 2 FT's to play in GW3?

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Bruno could see price rise before GW 2?

      1. JURGENAUT
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        By GW2, what's a realistic price rise expectation would you say?

        1. Egg noodle
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          0.1

          1. Eleven Hag
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            this

    2. PastaFasul
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Many people I imagine...if they can manage to stay off the FT trigger.

      1. Soto Ayam
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yes, but most likely won't happen

    1. Botman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      oath

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Why? Wright is complaining about people who turn issues into racial issues, "why does it have to be racially driven", while at the same time numerous multi-national corporations are hiring people based predominately on race now.

      Wright is a hypocrite. You can't go around saying you want more diversity in an industry, and then complain about people who query whether certain appointments were made not based on merit, but immutable characteristics.

  15. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Ok I have decided. I am wildcarding GW2 and not changing my mind again!!!! This is so nerve wracking..

    1. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Why not GW3?

      1. Egg noodle
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        That Man United game is too good looking, want to captain Martial.

        1. L S P
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Then figure out how to bring him in with your FT. Shouldn’t be that hard.

          Save your WC tho.

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I wouldn't do that.

    3. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Love your enthusiasm and decisiveness. Go for it!

    4. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Will be far more valuable later on.

      1. nolard
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        This.
        You get to set up your team, but plan to fully set it up again two weeks later?
        Crazy stuff.

  16. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    What would you change here?

    Ryan Button
    TAA KWP Vinagre Taylor Mitchell
    Salah Aub Son Armstrong 4.5m
    Mitro Werner Antonio

    1. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      1.5m ITB to do Son -> Bruno GW2

      1. JURGENAUT
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Nice team, but what if Son hauls?

        1. Henryyy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I will be very happy, that's the ideal situation

  17. Simon69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Keep coming back to this... Thoughts? Slight concern over lack of flexibility with cash to bring in City / United assets.

    McCarthy

    TAA, Robertson, Dier, Vinagre

    Salah, Aubameyang, Willian, Barnes

    Werner, Adams

    Subs: Button, Gordon, Ferguson (poss another 4.0), Davis

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      whoz Adams?

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Che Adams Southampton striker who showed goof form on restart - 6 m forward

    2. sirmorbach
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Barnes to Soucek, Robbo to Doherty, Dier to 4.5, and Willian can become Bruno? Too many changes?

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Considering a GW3 WC

  18. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Is Struijk a likely 4 m starter for Leeds?

    1. Botman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      not really. but they still haven't signed anyone to replace White yet so he's a chance atm

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks- will keep eye on whether they get someone

  19. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Haven't seen Vardy on many drafts. I'm with Werner myself, but I thought we'd see more of him

    1. Botman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Think people put off by Leicester's injuries at the back more than anything

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Think Leicester's success matter greatly on their two attacking full backs providing outlets for creativity. That won't be the case for a while now, have to wait and see who they replace Chilwell with.

  20. HollywoodXI
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Fairly settled with my team. GTG?

    McCarthy
    Trent Doherty Vinagre Saliba
    Salah Auba Maddison Soucek
    Werner Kane

    Nyland Brewster Mitchell Stephens

    1. PastaFasul
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      That's my team except Mount over Maddison and Ritchie over Soucek

      1. HollywoodXI
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah I looked at Mount. Just concerned about rotation there, especially if Havertz signs. Soucek seems like a gift Too good to turn down at 5m.

        1. PastaFasul
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah, rotation or fixtures...it's a toss up but at those price points probably not a huge difference either way

  21. Can’t beat em so&hell…
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Where do I go here?

    Ryan/ button
    TAA/ Manquillo/ Bartley/ Bednarek/ 4.0
    Salah/ Son/ Auba/ Onomah/ Stephens
    Kane/ Ayew/ 7.5

  22. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Any changes?

    McCarthy
    Trent Dier Sailba
    Soucek Saint Salah Son Auba
    Mitro Kane (C)

    Nyland. Mitchell Digne Davis

    1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Dier is a funny one... no way is he top 2 at spurs but seems to play... bit risky?

    2. Apwilkin
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Digne on the bench? Digne has let me down many times, but feel like leaving a 6mn defender on the bench WK1 is questionable.

  23. Kiwi Don
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    With more players testing positive for Covid-19, is a strong bench this year more important than ever?

    1. Andy'81
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I'd rather think that luck will be a bigger factor then anything else when it comes to Covid in football.

  24. I Must Break You
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Thomas now a lock for LB at Leicester now that Chilwell out?

    1. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      And Fuchs injured, expected back late October, I should have added

  25. Sanguinista
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Are people going for the South/Brighton defensive combo? If so, which one is better?

    A. McCarthy/Lamptey
    B. Ryan/KWP

    1. PastaFasul
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Seen more drafts with B

    2. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      if Lamptey was nailed every game, defo A. But he's not (Potter randomness), so B.

  26. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Doherty > Spurs all but confirmed

    AMN/Vinagre double up for 9.5 looks tasty...

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      AMN rotation risk ??

      1. davies
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Not if Doherty leaves surely?

    2. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Good for Kane

  27. Scratch
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    How come Sky canned Charlie Hicholas, Le Tiss and Thompson?

    I know Le Tiss was a conspiracy weirdo the past several months but he was the best analyst of the four. The other two were okay. Thompson in very small doses.
    But i'm scratching my head as to why the one they kept was Merson who can barely string a coherent sentence together, the man needs to wear a dunce hat at all times.

    1. Greek Freak
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Looks like the 'PC gone mad' brigade have all gone to sleep.

  28. Humbuk
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Ive got two options on the table at the moment. Whats the verdict?

    GK- McCarthy / Nyland
    DEF- TAA / Vinagre / KWP / Saliba / Lampety
    MID- Salah / Auba / Son / ASM / Soueck
    FWD- Werner / Calvert-Lewin / Mitrovic

    or

    GK- McCarthy / Nyland
    DEF- TAA / Vinagre / Saliba / Lampety / 4.0 ?? (Ferguson injured)
    MID- Salah / Mane / Ziyech / Soucek / ASM
    FWD- Werner / Jimenez / Mitrovic

    Auba and Salah will be replaced by KDB in week 2 or 3

    1. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      1st one minus DCL imo

  29. PapaWengzz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    RMT #2

    McCarthy Nyland
    TAA Doherty Saliba KWP Mitchell
    Salah Son Ziyech Armstrong Bissouma
    Kane Werner Mitro

    Any of Kane, Son, Werner and Ziyech can turn into United assets after GW1.

    Thoughts?

    1. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Lack of Arse strikers would scare me tbh