1790
Pro Pundits October 30

The case for a cheap FPL defence as premium assets continue to disappoint

1,790 Comments
Share

Fantasy Premier League managers could find value in spending as little money on defenders as possible in the coming weeks.

With Liverpool conceding for the fourth consecutive match in Gameweek 7, and the injury to Fabinho (£5.5m) exacerbating the loss of Virgil van Dijk (£6.4m), Trent Alexander Arnold (£7.4m) and Andrew Robertson’s (£7.1m) certainly offer less Fantasy value than before.

It’s not just Liverpool who are letting the premium defenders union down though. Last season’s top six have kept just seven clean sheets combined over the first six Gameweeks (Liverpool 1, Manchester City 1, Manchester United 1, Chelsea 2, Spurs 1, Arsenal 1) so justifying ownership of their expensive defenders is proving harder and harder each week.

Using some underlying statistics in the Fantasy Football Scout Premium Members Area, I want to analyse if teams with defenders at the more budget end of the spectrum (say, up to £5.0m) can possibly provide similar returns to their more expensive counterparts at the bigger clubs. 

For the purpose of this analysis, I have used data from the last four Gameweeks:

The Complete Guide to FPL Gameweek 7
1,790 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any thoughts? 2FT 0.2 ITB

    Martinez/McCarthy
    Robbo/Chilwell/Dallas/Konsa/Lamprey
    Salah/Son/Pulisic/Rodriguez/Jorginho
    Kane/DCL/Brewster

    There's no urgent moves that stand out to me, but feels wrong burning a transfer

    Thinking of perhaps Jorginho to Soucek and roll a transfer

    Open Controls
    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      That proposed move sounds good.

      Open Controls
    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nice team, I would try to find a way to upgrade Brewster and downgrade somewhere ...

      Open Controls
      1. thegaffer82
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I'd keep Brewster and try to upgrade Jorginho.

        Brewster in my opinion will be the 8th attacker to have this year as he's a starting striker for 4.5

        Open Controls
        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Yep personal preference, I am more 343

          Open Controls
      2. Wolfman180
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I am considering possibly downgrading Robertson if the Liverpool defence continues to be ropey.. I know you have them more for their attacking returns but I feel that there are cheaper alternatives that can match them. I just don't want to make that move before West Ham especially without Antonio

        Open Controls
        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Good thinking mate ... GL

          Open Controls
    3. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      would you benefit from moving one keeper to save 0.5m?
      losing jorg is good if you plan to triple chelsea at some stage

      Open Controls
  2. thom830g
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any suggestions to changes in this team? Is this the right line-up for my team - and right captain? 0 FT + 0,1 m ITB

    McCarthy
    TAA - Saiss - James
    Salah (VC) - Son - Mahrez - Podence
    Wilson - Kane (C) - DCL

    (4 m - Justin - Walker-Peters - Bissouma)

    Open Controls
  3. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hello folks, want to save FT with this but Castagne is out so will play Taylor instead. Do you see it's worth to make transfer now? For who? 0 ITB

    Martinez (Ryan)
    Chilwell Saiss Taylor (Castagne* Mitchell)
    Salah [C] Son Grealish Rodriguez (Burke)
    Kane DCL Jimenez

    A. Save FT
    B. Castagne > Dallas
    C. Other transfer

    Open Controls
    1. Balance
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A or B Dallas/Cresswell

      Open Controls
      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Ta, plan was Creswell in next week for Saiss ... may be forced now for Castagne

        Open Controls
    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Castagne could be three GW's so I'd go with B. I like Cresswell as an option also, whom Balance suggested.

      Open Controls
      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers mate

        Open Controls
    3. Boz
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B to Coufal?

      Open Controls
      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Coufal/Creswell the plan for next week ... prob now then

        Open Controls
    4. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Same situation... risk with rolling the transfer is if one of our starting defenders don't play, it's a no-show this GW :/

      Open Controls
      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yep Hamez and Saiss potentially .. no coverage

        Open Controls
  4. Flair
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Pages flying

    Open Controls
    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I know right - does nobody work who visits this site?

      I'm 'working' from home

      Open Controls
      1. Third Eye Vision
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Half term innit.

        Open Controls
        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          This, playing with little ones ...

          Open Controls
      2. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Fellow programmer?

        Open Controls
      3. Sim Simma
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        International crowd

        Open Controls
  5. xHaTr
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts for a -4?

    TAA, Jimenez, Trossard --> Dallas, Bamford, Mane

    Open Controls
    1. Balance
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Probably not for a -4 this week. TAA and Jim both have good fix.

      Open Controls
    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'm not overly keen on those moves.

      I'm guessing you have Salah, so I wouldn't get Mane. Also looking like a lot of Leeds to be bringing in. They are good, but are they that good?

      Open Controls
  6. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez
    Ayling Saiss Chilwell
    Salah Son(C) Rashford Pulisic
    Kane(vc) DCL Watkins

    Steer, Biss, Mitchell, Johnson.

    G2G?

    Open Controls
    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      GTG, nice Rashford insert there!

      Open Controls
    2. Steve McCroskey
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Really nice

      Open Controls
    3. built_this_city
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      bet ur bum was sore last week

      Open Controls
  7. ball c
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Maupay to Bamford?
    Or keep Maupay aganist a vunerable Spurs defence.
    Then Burnely at Home following this GW.
    Brighton good attacking team and are not shy to attack the stronger teams. Will get opportunities on the counter.

    Open Controls
    1. Boz
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Keep for this week and switch to Antonio next week

      Open Controls
      1. ball c
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Antonio out for around 4 weeks

        Open Controls
  8. Puntillimon
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone doing a differential captain pick?

    Open Controls
    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nope.

      Kane for me

      Open Controls
      1. camarozz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thinking Son.
        Have Kane and Salah.

        Open Controls
    2. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Differential captain picks are for the end of the season when trying to win a mini league or something like that.

      Open Controls
    3. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Just wondering 🙂 think I’m going salah again this week

      Open Controls
    4. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Salah

      Open Controls
    5. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yep, Son

      Open Controls
  9. Gunn Burn Mee Hause
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    City fans... Do you think Cancelo or Zinchenko will get the most starts and points in the next few months? Draft Team, so price not relevant...

    Open Controls
    1. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      This is what I’ve been pondering. I’m just going Dias instead.

      I realise you might not have this option in your draft.

      Open Controls
    2. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      im just thinking about Cancelo looks very attacking

      Open Controls
      1. Third Eye Vision
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah. Looks great and I thought he’d stay until Mendy was fit. However, Zinchenko threw a spanner in the works mid week. Cancelo isn’t a left footer, which is what Pep prefers.

        Don’t want another 5+ def benching doubt every week.

        Open Controls
    3. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I think the one who is the better of the will start most games.

      Open Controls
  10. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    4.0m ITB but should I just save FT?

    McCarthy
    TAA ~ Justin ~ Targett
    Salah ~ Son (c) ~ Pulisic ~ Soucek
    Mitrovic ~ Kane ~ C.Wilson

    4.0 ~ Bissouma ~ Mitchell ~ C.Taylor [1FT + 4.0m ITB]

    Open Controls
    1. Boz
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Easy save

      Open Controls
    2. bigwig
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Save. Mitro out next week unless he goes absolutely nuts against WBA

      Open Controls
      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks, both. That's what I'm thinking too - been wanting to get rid for a while and had other issues.

        Open Controls
    3. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would personally consider Wilson to Ings but it makes sense to save as well

      Open Controls
  11. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Yep. Mane

    Open Controls
  12. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any chance Chilwell gets rested this GW? Have no defenders on my bench atm... :/

    Open Controls
    1. Boz
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Unlikely

      Open Controls
  13. Gruu
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Doherty to Chilwell for free?

    Open Controls
    1. bigwig
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      absolutely

      Open Controls
    2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No-brainer

      Open Controls
  14. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    No clue what to do... 2ft and 0.1itb

    Martinez
    Robbo Kilman KWP
    Salah Son Pulisic Hames Grealish
    Kane DCL

    Forster; Ayling, Brewster, Lamptey

    Open Controls
  15. Alonso The Great Midfielder
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Castagne to who?
    a) Zouma
    b) bit punty on Cancelo

    Open Controls
    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Personally wouldn't go with Cancelo as Pep does rotate full backs. Lots of love for West Ham assets like Cresswell at the moment. Do you own Chilwell?

      Open Controls
      1. Alonso The Great Midfielder
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        thats the thinking too as zinchenko come back last week
        no i dont want chilwell

        Open Controls
  16. xHaTr
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Which sounds better?

    A: Chilwell and Barkley

    B: Dallas and Grealish

    Open Controls
    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

      Open Controls
    2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

      Open Controls
  17. Steve McCroskey
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Got 2 FTs already and thinking of wasting it this week, can't see any changes I'd like to make.

    Martinez

    Robertson / Chilwell / Dallas

    Jamez / Son / Salah / Grealish

    Kane / DCL / Watkins

    Button / KWP / Bissouma / Lamptey

    Was thinking perhaps Watkins > Bamford?

    Open Controls
    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Watkins to Bamford yeah

      Open Controls
    2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      or Lamptey to Coufal for long term

      Open Controls
  18. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    So Antonio only missing one game or what? Waiting to make transfers to raise cash for him but could get Chilwell and not bother raising cash for him if he's out for longer. Wat to do?

    Open Controls
    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He's out at least 2 GWs by the looks of things. Maybe back after the break. I'd scrap any plans to bring him in.

      Open Controls
    2. ball c
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Hes out for around 4 weeks. Go with Chilwell

      Open Controls
  19. AlexDelPiero
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Contemplating getting rid of TAA... am I nuts or is this actually pretty reasonable?

    TAA + Trossard ---> Chilwell + Foden? (-4)

    Considering form and fixtures...

    Open Controls
  20. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who do I bench?
    Shaw
    BDavies
    Konsa
    Saiss

    Open Controls
  21. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who has higher xG? Kane Son or Salah

    Open Controls
    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Kane

      Open Controls
  22. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Maupay to Bamford
    B) TAA to Chilwell
    C) Save

    Open Controls
    1. mikess
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

      Open Controls
    2. ball c
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      C).

      Open Controls
    3. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      C

      Open Controls
  23. mikess
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez
    Robertson, Saiss, Kilman (Mitchell, Dunne)
    Salah, Mane, Son, Rodriguez, Barkley
    DCL, Jimenez (Brewster)

    A) Go without Kane

    B) Robertson & Jimenez > Cresswell & Kane -4 one eye on WHU fixture run. Max 5.2 defender

    C) Rodriguez & Jimenez > 6.1 midfielder & Kane -4

    Open Controls
    1. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      C if you want Kane, but A probably the safer bet

      Open Controls
      1. mikess
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Slim pickings at that price

        Open Controls
        1. Ibralicious
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          That is true, esp while you already own Brewster I wouldn't do it

          Open Controls
        2. Ibralicious
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          B the maverick move if you captain Kane, but A the safer bet. Do whatever's worked for you so far this season (and in case it hasn't worked, try the opposite) 😀

          Open Controls
    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

      Open Controls
  24. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Don't want to burn a transfer and want to keep Jimi and Saiss at least one more week.

    What move is best?

    A. Sterling to KdB
    B. Burke to Bissouma
    C. Podence to Lookman (or other 5,6m mid)
    D. Something else

    Martinez (Forster)
    Saiss KWP Justin (Mitchell Lamptey)
    Salah Sterling Son Podence (Burke)
    Kane DCL Jimi

    0,1m in bank 2 FT

    Open Controls
    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Jimi to Ings long term imo

      Open Controls
    2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Out of those probably B

      Open Controls
    3. northernmuppet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B or how about a leeds midfielder for Podence - say Klich?

      Open Controls
  25. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I have not owned DCL all season, is he still worth the extra over someone like Bamford in your opinion?

    Open Controls
    1. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not at this point, fixtures turn pretty bad soon so you could get away as non-owner

      Open Controls
    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nope - me neither, Bamford better value right now

      Open Controls
    3. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes imo. The fixtures are quite good too. Better than Bamford's at least over the next 6.

      Open Controls
    4. mikess
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No imo

      Open Controls
    5. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

      Open Controls
    6. northernmuppet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bit concerned on Everton form.. I'd wait and see if last week was a blip or if this is more of a slump. Wouldn't transfer in for this GW

      Open Controls
    7. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He's in the don't buy don't sell list now.

      Open Controls
  26. northernmuppet
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    McCarthy (Fodder)
    TAA / Robbo / Saiss (Targett) (Mitchell)
    Son / Bruno / Grealish / JRod (Bissouma)
    Kane / DCL / Maupay

    Wait for Everton Presser and if JRod is fit then Maupay to Bamford

    if JRod is not would you:
    A) JRod - Zaha
    B) JRod - Foden

    I like the city coverage from Foden but the fixtures for Zaha...

    Thinking of doing the above AND the Maupay move for -4 as Bamford looks very dangerous right now..

    Will likely move one of the Liverpool defenders out next week for Salah / Sterling / KDB upgrade if they concede again..

    Open Controls
    1. ball c
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Good team, I would hold. Maupay could shine aganist a leaky Spurs defence. Leicester more solid.

      Open Controls
  27. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best MID for £6.5m or under... ?

    Open Controls
    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bowen

      Open Controls
    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bowen if you can't stretch to Foden at 6.6

      Open Controls
      1. Ibralicious
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Foden is a huge upgrade IMO

        Open Controls
        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Worth a -4 to find the 0.1

          Open Controls
          1. Ibralicious
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Ofc not

            Open Controls
    3. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bowen

      Open Controls
    4. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bowen though Foden is worth the extra .1

      Open Controls
    5. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Everyone would have said Barkley last week. Funny how things change lol.

      I still think it’s Barkley

      Open Controls
    6. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Soucek

      Open Controls
    7. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bowen to target pool's defence

      Open Controls
  28. Krupinho
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    WC team (*denotes new players)

    McCarthy/ Martinez*
    Chilwell * Robbo* Mitchell Kilman* Coufal*
    Foden* Salah Son Soucek Zaha*
    Kane* Bamford* DCL

    0.7 ITB - worry is if Kilmun going to keep his place (got rid of Coady for him 2 free up funds)

    Thoughts?

    TIA

    Open Controls
  29. CFC1990
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you take out Ings or Jiminez for Kane for a FT this week?

    If so which one? Thinking maybe Jiminez

    Open Controls
  30. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez
    Robbo - Chilwell - Dallas
    Salah - Son - J. Rod - Grealish
    Kane - DCL - Bamford

    (Forster) - (Bissouma - *Mitchell* - *Castagne*)
    0.8 ITB - 1FT

    A) Save and Castagne + J. Rod -> Coufal + Rashford (next GW)
    B) Castagne -> Creswell for the 1FT

    Cheers!

    Open Controls
    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

      Open Controls
    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B next week

      Open Controls
    3. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      C) Castagne -> Dias?

      Otherwise, I like B. Not sure I'd remove Rodriguez with Fulham soon but Carlo's press conference could change things.

      Open Controls
    4. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Actually, might as well save if you're not gonna use Creswell this week. so A

      Open Controls
    5. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Save, 2FT is a nice luxury to have

      Open Controls

You need to be logged in to post a comment.