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The best FPL defenders and goalkeepers to buy or include on a BGW29 Free Hit

Defenders and goalkeepers come under the spotlight as we assess the best players to bring in for Blank Gameweek 29.

With only four fixtures and a tricky set of match-ups to navigate, we have picked out the top options for all Fantasy Premier League budgets, highlighting options for Free Hit inclusion or free-transfer targets.

Can Brighton’s defence finally deliver on its expected goals conceded (xGC) rating? Is Emiliano Martinez (£5.4m) still the best goalkeeper in FPL? We assess all options in the article below…

As this uses extensive data from the Fantasy Football Scout Premium Members Area, only those with a valid subscription can access it in full.

THE FORM

428 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Aztec Kamara
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Would you keep Cancelo or Stones?
    I think Cancelo is marginally more likely to play, but Stones is cheaper and keeps appearing in cameos up front.

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      It's a toss up. No one is safe when pep spins the wheel.

    2. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      The wisdom on here appears to be that for the run-in Stones is the better pick as we expect more rotation and he is less likely to be subbed on for a 1-pointer than Cancelo. You can also make good use of the money saved by getting a decent defender on the bench to cover him (there are so many good options at the back for the remaining games).

  2. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Chances of Grealish making an appearance this week?

    1. Aztec Kamara
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I would say slim and I’m not considering anyway - or do you already have him?

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I still have him. Didn't need to get rid as I had good enough cover.

        1. Aztec Kamara
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Fair enough. Assuming you’re not over subscribed for players so just a bonus if he plays.

          1. DA Minnion (Former great)
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Exactly. Along with Son and Bamford.

            1. Aztec Kamara
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Yeah will be some interesting team sheets this week for sure. There are the unclear injuries, but also Auba left out, Bale subbed early etc. though I guess those 2 will probably play.

  3. JBG
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed last time without any help.

    Salah + Cancelo + Lowton + DCL to Bale + Creswell + Dunk + Antonio for -8 to give me this GW29 team :

    Areola-(Martinez)

    Dunk-Burn-Cresswell

    Bale-Lingard

    Bamford-Kane-Antonio Worth it?

    1. Aztec Kamara
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn’t take the hits. Ok it’s only effectively a -2, but if a defender keeps a CS for 6pts then that’s only +2pts over a zero hence very risky to see a good return. If you want them longer term then not so bad though.

      1. JBG
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cresswell is probably the only player I will keep long term.

    2. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bale, Cresswell ,Dunk, yes. From what I've seen of Antonio lately I'm not sure he's worth it, but if you're holding him for the run-in, then he may be.

  4. Mreidfelt
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I just sold Cancelo and kept Stones...future will tell if right or wrong...

    1. Aztec Kamara
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I think I’ll join you, but later in the week as a drop won’t affect my sale price.

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Future says wrong

      1. Aztec Kamara
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks Mystic Meg. Any reason for your view or just being funny?

  5. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Cresswell or Reguilon? Already have Coufal btw

    1. Aztec Kamara
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Tough. This week I’d get Regulion as I fancy TOT for a CS more than WHU (or at least enough not to double up on WHU). Longer term Cresswell though so depends on what else you’ll be doing as to which is more important. I prefer Cresswell though obvs.

  6. AF90
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    On a FH, is triple Brighton defence too much?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      What's the alternative? Double + someone vs the 3rd?

      1. AF90
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Not sure tbh! Struggling to use all my money/pick midfielders! May play 4-4-2 with Sanchez, Veltman, Dunk, Cresswell & Dallas..

    2. Aztec Kamara
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn’t personally. Best chance of a cleanie but wouldn’t want all my eggs in that basket.

      1. AF90
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Would you pick Martinez in goal to cover the ownership? Could go a Fulham defender but have Raphinha so cancels each other out really

        1. Aztec Kamara
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Yes but you’re also hedging your bets so can view that either way. No I wouldn’t pick Martinez on a FH - think I would go Sanchez (or poss Areola) + Veltman or Dunk and then pick from Cresswell, Tierney, Regulion, Dallas.

          1. AF90
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers

  7. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone know if Kimmich and Lewa are likely to start for Bayern vs Lazio tomorrow?
    Thanks!

  8. Mreidfelt
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    How many players would you aim to have minimum this gw?

    I have 2 free subs (1 used)

    Will replace Calvert-Lewin later this week against Antonio or Bamford (If able to play)...

    That puts me on 9 players total this gw...

    1. Aztec Kamara
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      9 is fine, I’m going with 8 I think.

      1. Mreidfelt
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        That makes my team:

        Martinez

        Dallas, Dunk, Cresswell,

        Raphinha, Bale,

        Kane, Watkins, Antonio/Bamford tbd

  9. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any gws that stand out as options for playing the BB chip?

    1. JOELIO8701
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If you’ve still got your BB chip then 100% use it gw29. Incredible differential potential

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Possibly the worst advice I've ever seen :D. Apart from being a terrible idea, how is he supposed to get 15 players for those four games?

        1. Mreidfelt
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          LOL I thought the same thing to myself when I saw it

      2. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Lol best advice ever. Not!

    2. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm actually looking at 30. Decent fixtures for Leeds, West Ham, Everton, Villa..

  10. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    To Transfer IN:
    A) Dunk (already have Sanchez)
    B) Cresswell

    In my team Dunk is bench-able for a few post-29, as full squad. Good GW33 fixture to boot.
    Not like it would be impossible for Cresswell to match though...

  11. HollywoodXI
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Team for GW29 GTG? Appreciate Son unlikely to play but I don’t want to take a hit (and want to keep him past 29).

    Areola
    Dunk Dallas Cresswell Dawson Konsa
    Son Raphina
    Kane Antonio Watkins

    Martinez Salah KDB Gundogan

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No hits? Nailed it

      1. HollywoodXI
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        No hits

  12. Salah’s Sonnet
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Hey guys, not gave this too much planning tbh but looking to have maybe 8 players int the BGW, sound like enough?

    As it stands i have this & 2 FT'S (Only TC Chip left):

    Martinez
    Dallas
    Son*
    Antonio - Kane
    ______________________________________________________
    Fabri: Dias: Shaw: Digne: Stones: Bruno: Gundo: Salah: Barnes: Davis

    For a hit, and to make it 8 BGW'ers, does this seem reasonable?

    Digne + Barnes + Salah >> Coufal/Veltman + Bale + Auba

    Cheers gents.

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Or could even have Dunk as the defender? Forgot about him.

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bear in mind this would give you 6 from Spurs and Man City who have no game in gw33.

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Indeed, it's kind of tough. Maybe Raph instead of Bale? Or even Trossard?

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          You would have time to get rid of a few using FT's, problem is, it never works out like that and other fires need putting out

          1. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Haha very true, hmm it is a tricky one, either way, max i can put out is 8, shall leave it and ponder a little more then and wait for more news this week, will probs only make some moves night before, can afford any price changes which is good. Cheers WR

  13. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Dallas Dunk Coufal
    Raphinia Son Grealish Lingard
    Bamford Antonio Kane

    How many will play?

    1. Mreidfelt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      8 or 9 depending on tomorrow's presser with Bielsa on Bamford...

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I'm holding out a bit of hope on Grealish too.

        1. kysersosa
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Can’t see it. I think Smith has been reluctant to give info as he’s somewhat off playing.

          1. Bushwhacker
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Rushinhlg him back would be daft ; take the break

  14. FPL_WILDCARD
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Trossard or Gross for a 1 week punt?

    1. DOCLES
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Lallana

      1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Trossard

  15. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Auba or Bale a better option?

    1. AppleDunk
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Would like to know this too. I'm thinking Auba for more guaranteed minutes, assuming his disciplinary issues are resolved.

  16. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Current team

    Sanchez
    Veltman Dallas
    Son Raphinha
    Kane Antonio

    Martinez Cancelo Digne Ricardo KDB Gundo Bruno Diagne

    2FT*s

    Players Im keen to sell Diagne Ricardo maybe even Gundo if Son is out

    Perhaps get Watkins Aina Odegaard punt?

  17. barton fc
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bale or aubba?

  18. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    There doesn’t seem to be any ‘essential’ players for this game week?

    Kane and Bale I don’t think will haul and will likely be in FH teams due to lack of options and covering overall ownership.

    1. Ruinenlust
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Martinez

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Better keepers this week

  19. Ragabolly
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Risers: Kane (11.5) Targett (5.1) Aina (4.6) Areola (4.6) Veltman (4.4)

    Fallers: Cancelo (6.1) Callum Robinson (5.2) Bednarek (4.8) Tavares (4.4) Langley (3.9)

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      2-0

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers Ragabolly.

    3. Husseller
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Ah I was just pulling the trigger on Salah+Ings to Auba+Kane and I thought I had another half hour 🙁

      Can’t afford it now, guess it’s Bale instead of Auba

      Spurs away haven’t been great so not sure on the double up

      Sad I’ve been without Kane for all these rises, had him for the first half of the season

    4. CroatianHammer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      3-1! BOOM!

    5. Esalman
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      3-0 nice

    6. Mreidfelt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      2-0

    7. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Risked it on the Cancelo to Veltman move tonight, glad I pulled the trigger!

      1. Mreidfelt
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Moved Cancelo as well but to Cresswell...

    8. MissouriMarten
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      With Spurs and Arsenal still to play in the Europa League, transferring their players in beforehand is playing with fire.

  20. The Knights Template
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    For some strange reason I thought Man City had a gw29 fixture.

  21. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Spurs defender or Fulham defender?

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Fulham or Reggie

  22. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anything standing out here?
    2 ft. 0.7m ITB. No chips remaining.
    Doing Cancelo-> Cresswell/Tierney.

    GW 29 team, 8 atm but 3 injuries to worry about!
    Martinez (Steer).
    *Burn, Dallas, (Cancelo, Shaw, Stones).
    Raphinha, *Son, (Salah, Gundo, Bruno).
    Kane, Watkins,*Bamford.

    Cancelo-> Cresswell probably with 1 ft and then something like-
    Son -> Odegaard (fancy him to do well) or Lingard.
    Bamford-> Antonio.
    Burn -> Veltman. (May even be worth a hit if Burn is out) Will play in 29/33.

  23. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    DUH. Forgot to tend to my CL team today
    Left Stones on the bench

  24. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    would you go for targett or dallas as FT this week?
    both have good fixtures next 2 as I plan to wildcard in 31
    annoying that targett rose today
    could do both but prefer to have 2FT in 30 post IB

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dallas, can't really see Targett getting anything in 29.

      1. Mreidfelt
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Dallas for sure considering potential returns both defensively and offensively...

        I might have to eat my own words but I think Spurs scores at least 2...

  25. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    With Brighton clean sheet odds at 48% I make a hit for a blank to a Brighton defender a marginally negative expected value (EV) move. Is my logic right? (Assuming 6 points total for a clean sheet and 2 points total if clean sheet is lost. Obviously doesn't consider the possibility of additional attacking returns or negative points for goals conceded and cards / own goals)

    No transfer = EV of 0 points
    Transfer = -4 + (4 × 48%) + 2 = EV of -0.08 points

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, should have a decent chance of baps though. I hate when people say that a certain defender has a ceiling of 6 points as if baps aren't a possibility.

      1. fish&chips
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        True, may be worth a punt given its basically a 50 / 50 if you'll be up or down

    2. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      if you have wc left and are using it soon then i wouldn't take a hit for BHA defender, look at their schedule post 29 - unless of course it's veltman and you'll bench most weeks

  26. Trovsmash
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    2.6itb (* players with fixtures in 29)

    Martinez* Meslier*
    Veltman* Cancelo Dallas* AWB Periera
    Salah Gundogan KDB Lingard* Son*
    Watkins* Bamford* DCL

    A. Salah > Bale (c)
    B. Salah and DCL to Bale and Kane (c) -4
    C. any other suggestions

    1. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I think B is well worth the hit

    2. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        only because I'm captaining Bale for bants this GW 😉

  27. Dirty Harry
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Got the exact funds to do the following transfers for a -4... worth the gamble(disgusting 300k rank)?

    Salah + Gundo + Cancelo > Bale + Auba + Veltman

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, i'd defo do all of those for a -4.

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      why not, even if they all blank you still cover the hit and getting rid of an expensive underperforming asset and a couple of rotation risks in the process... 300k, I'd love that rank lol

  28. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Getting in a few early WC31 questions here and there before the deluge of RMT posts.

    A) Ederson & Rudiger
    B) Mendy & Dias

    1. Triple Chelsea defence
    2. Two + Mount

    Y) Salah
    Z) Jota

    K) Neto
    L) Saka

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      interesting
      B
      3. just chelsea defence (double is fine) but not scoring freely - would go 2 over 1
      Z
      K

      1. Phil's Stamps
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. Yeah, I think maybe the triple up is too much, but also I'm not keen on the attack due to rotation and those fixtures scream clean sheets but not goals.

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B
      Neither
      Z
      K

      1. Phil's Stamps
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks, so just two defenders for you then?

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          that or one + Mount is more than enough Chelsea I feel

          1. Phil's Stamps
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            ta

  29. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Son + pereira + Gundo > Bale + lingaard + Dallas (-4)? Worth it ?
    Or,any other in their place ?

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Assuming son and pereira are both out for 29 then the hit pays back instantly

  30. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    any obvious moves here as I essentially plan for the next 2GW with WC in 31

    looking at Stones out for Dallas as they have SHU in 30. AWB has BHA in 30
    have 2FT but would also like 2 next week to deal with any issues post IB
    could do Salah to Auba but unsure what to make of their clash in 30

    Martinez Areola
    Dias Stones AWB Coufal Mitchell
    Salah Son Bruno Gundo Raph
    Kane Antonio Bamford

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I think without a full 11 and 2FT I'd be tempted to use them both. I think Stones to Dallas or Cresswell (I think despite you having Coufal I still prefer the latter) and Gundo or Salah to your punt of choice, funds permitting. Personally I think Auba has not been right all season and think he is a trap this GW, despite his benching I don't completely trust him to start in 29; if you do use that second transfer, only use it on a 100% nailed player.

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Based on next 2 gw I think Dallas has the best fixtures. Could blank in both of course but prefer not to use a transfer on a defender in 30
        Salah move, I’m not sure. If I don’t lose him now then I’ll likely keep for next gameweek too
        Bale could be a shout with Newcastle in 30 but let’s see what happens in Europa league

        1. Phil's Stamps
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah, I have both Cresswell and Dallas but not so confident about Leeds' clean sheets despite the fixtures. Could easily go the other way though and Dallas always seems so attacking, even when he's back in his usual position. Probably sensible to hedge your bets and go with the Leeds man.