FPL

The best mid-price and premium FPL defenders for 2021/22

Our position-by-position analysis of the Fantasy Premier League options for 2021/22 continues as we scrutinise the premium and mid-price FPL defenders on offer.

THE BIG-SIX FPL DEFENDERS RUNDOWN

Comparing Alexander-Arnold and Robertson's FPL points potential for 2021/22

When an FPL manager thinks ‘premium defender’, Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) is usually the player that comes to mind.

After ending the season at £7.8m, Alexander-Arnold returns to the same price tag with which he started the 2020/21 season.

From Gameweek 28, no defender had more touches in the final third than ‘TAA’. He also topped the charts for passes received in the final third among FPL defenders.

We’ve got every position covered, so take your pick!

That led to Alexander-Arnold (33) creating 11 more chances, over that period, than nearest challenger Luke Shaw (22).

In terms of big chances created from Gameweek 28, Lucas Digne (4) came closest to Alexander-Arnold’s 7.

While Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) is either second or third on the list for all but one of the above statistics, the Scotland international created just two big chances from Gameweek 28.

The leap of faith with these two premium Liverpool defenders is the hope that Jurgen Klopp’s team will return to the stingy 2019/20 version, rather than remain the porous 2020/21 incarnation.

One caveat with Alexander-Arnold is that a thigh injury ruled him out of EURO 2020, so a keen eye will need to be kept on Liverpool’s pre-season preparations to make sure the right-back is fit for action.

The return of Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) will be a big factor in Liverpool’s potential defensive sturdiness, though with match fitness in question the Dutchman seems an easy avoid in FPL.

Best Premium FPL defenders - Virgil van Dijk

New centre-half Ibrahima Konaté comes in at £5.5m, where he will battle with Joe Gomez (£5.0m) and Joel Matip (£5.0m). Konaté’s viability as an option could come down to the fitness of those three other centre-backs.

The Reds do have the fixture list to promote heavy investment, however, with a home clash against Chelsea the only blemish on an otherwise encouraging opening six gameweeks.

The same cannot be said for the Blues, who take on Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs and Man City in the first six rounds of the season.

From Gameweek 28, only Manchester City (7.44) had a lower ‘expected goals conceded’ (xGC) total than Thomas Tuchel’s team (7.90)

But with Chelsea sitting fifth from bottom of Fantasy Football Scout’s Season Ticker when sorted by defence, it is difficult to promote investment in players such as Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.0m) and Ben Chilwell (£6.0m).

Gameweek 7 may be the time to find space for Chelsea assets as the fixtures turn significantly for the better. Reece James is available at £5.5m, the same price as Antonio Rudiger. A cut-price option in the Blues backline could be Andreas Christensen (£5.0m), who featured regularly for Tuchel after the German took charge in January.

Both Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo have been priced at £6.0m, with the former’s minutes far more guaranteed than the latter’s. In fact, Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.5m) is in pole position to start the season at left-back for Manchester City after displacing Cancelo during the final third of the season. Dias started 32 league games in 2020/21.

Manchester CIty's defender jumping

The rest of probable Man City starters in defence also come in at £5.5m. John Stones is the pick of that bunch, having also cemented himself in Pep Guardiola first XI – though as FPL managers are very aware, that does not add up to starting every league game. Stones managed 22 starts last season, having come into favour in Gameweek 10.

Across Manchester, £5.5m is also the price tag for Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw. Only Alexander-Arnold created more chances than Shaw (72) last season, though the Man Utd left-back did only managed half (7) of the Liverpool man’s ‘big chances created’ total.

Wan-Bissaka racked up four assists last season from an ‘expected assists’ (xA) total of 2.15. Maguire was third among defenders for goal attempts (36) and first for shots inside the box (33), though did not register a single big chance over the campaign. Victor Lindelof (£5.0m) could offer a way to save £0.5m on the Man Utd defence, having made 29 league appearances in 2020/21.

Kieran Tierney (£5.0m) is the pick of the Arsenal FPL defenders in this price bracket and the safest overall, given the uncertainty over which £4.5m option in Mikel Arteta’s squad will start the season.

The Scotland international created a chance every 74 minutes over the previous campaign, though did only clock 2,302 minutes overall due to differing injuries.

Staying in London, £5.0m is also the most you’ll have to shell out for a Spurs defender this season. But while the club are without a new manager, picking a guaranteed starter would be a lottery.

TOP-HALF FPL DEFENDER OPTIONS

Blank Gameweek 36 Scout Picks features double-ups from four clubs

Lucas Digne (£5.5m) has fallen £0.5m from his £6.0m starting price last season. All of Everton’s other options in defence, apart from Mason Holgate (£4.5m), come in at £5.0m.

Digne (11) was joint-third with Robertson for big chances created last season, behind only Aaron Cresswell (£5.5m) and Alexander-Arnold.

Cresswell (8) topped the assist charts for defenders in 2020/21. The West Ham left-back has had a £0.5m price hike, though begins the season at £0.2m less than his Gameweek 38 fee of £5.7m.

Team-mates Angelo Ogbonna, Craig Dawson and Vladimir Coufal are all available at £5.0m. The latter was level with Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Shaw and Digne for assists (7). Both Coufal and Cresswell significantly outperformed their xA over the campaign, which was also the case with Digne.

Leicester defenders in this bracket may struggle for attention due to the £4.5m pricing of Wesley Fofana.

With Stuart Dallas (£5.5m) reclassified as a midfielder, Leeds currently have no FPL defenders above £4.5m.

BEST OF THE REST

best FPL defenders - free kick

Lewis Dunk is another £5.0m option that could be hampered by his £4.5m team-mates in Tariq Lamptey and Ben White. However, the former must first prove his fitness while the latter is being heavily linked with a move away from Brighton.

Adam Webster and Joel Veltman are also available at £4.5m, though the pair lack Dunk’s goal threat. Only Ezri Konsa (£5.0m), with seven, got on the end of more big chances than Dunk (5) last season among defenders.

Tyrone Mings, Matt Targett and Matty Cash are all now priced at the same tag as Konsa. The latter’s goal threat makes him the most appealing option in a Villa outfit that open with three favourable fixtures before the schedule takes a turn for the worse.

Ashley Young (£5.0m) is also listed as a defender. The former Man Utd man could become an interesting option if he earns a spot further up the field in Dean Smith’s starting line-up.

Burnley duo James Tarkowski and Ben Mee both come in at £5.0m, though their full-back fellows Matt Lowton and Charlie Taylor are priced at £4.5m.

Having made his way back into Steve Bruce’s XI late in the season, Matt Ritchie (£5.0m) notched two assists in nine games from a left wing-back role.

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161 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Vlekz
      3 years, 5 months ago

      people going with or without bruno?

      1. Holmes
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        As of now, with Bruno

      2. EmreCan Hustle
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        With. That Soton fixture. Soton have a big loss a couple of teams each season 😛

      3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Without for now. Had him from GW1 last season until a few games before the end but he's been in poor form for a while, even being dropped from the Portuguese first XI. To be fair he's hardly had a chance to stop for over a year since he joined MU so the break might do him good. I need to see an improvement though

      4. Emiliano Sala
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        with

      5. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Very tempted to go without.

        Might switch to KdB if he's fit and raring to go.

      6. Bobby Digital
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        With Bruno and Salah

    • Ronnies
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Do we think J. Alba has lost his place or was it just a one off being dropped last game?

      Cheers.

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I don't think that LB spot is safe anymore. We did expect some rotation and I think it'll keep happening. Players are getting tired and cramps, to keep Alba fresh Gaya might start.
        I think Alba is still first choice.

      2. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Well you get the Spain lineup before kickoff.

    • Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I am a little unsure on sticking with Iheanacho with Daka coming in, but with the form he ended the season in I can't see Rodgers dropping him. Daka is surely there as a Vardy replacement, he's 34 now and had a few injury fitness issues last season which is bound to happen with the intensity of his game. I don't think Vardy will just be dropped by any means but he's at a point now where he can't play every week and if either he or Iheanacho aren't available then Leicester have no other CF so it makes sense. Daka played alongside another forward at Salzburg so he'll fit into their current formation fine, the bigger question I think is what Rodgers is going to do when Harvey Barnes is back fit. Does he still play 5-3-2 and try mould Barnes into the wingback role, or does he revert to the 4-2-3-1 he utilised for most of the season with a lone striker? Of course he could try something else like 4-1-3-2 especially with the ground that someone like Ndidi can cover but I think Rodgers at Leicester has always preferred having that extra bit of cover defensively.

      1. Holmes
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah, he is a long term replacement for Vardy. Will probably get start in Europa league and sub appearance for Vardy in all PL games.

        4-1-3-2 makes sense for easy games, can use 5-3-2 in tough games.

    • EmreCan Hustle
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      WC active.

      Lukaku Kane Braithwaite
      F.Torres Sarabia Zuber
      Bonucci Spinazzola Laporte Maehle
      Simon
      Pickford Sterling Grealish Stones

      Nothing in the bank.

      5x ENG
      4x ESP

      Thoughts?

      Thanks.

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        No Morata?

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          The mids have scored at a similar rate as he has. They also get an extra point. If he was more explosive I would have gone for him.

      2. Karan14
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Ferran, Sarabia & Grealish might be too much of a rotation risk. They also get subbed quite often.

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Is Sarabia not safe? Ferran and Grealish are risks I admit.

          1. Karan14
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            I wouldn't say anyone is nailed except Morata.

            Although we will have the Spain line up before deadline for QFs, SFs and Final as long as they keep winning.

            1. EmreCan Hustle
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              Who would you consider as a midfielder enabler to upgrade Braithwaite to Morata?

              6m or under?

              Hojbjerg, Locatelli?

              I could go Holes @ 4.5m. Don't expect much from him but I could just bench him if Czechs go out.

              1. Karan14
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 5 months ago

                You cant afford Damsgaard? He would be best option.
                Otherwise Hojberg is a decent shout as he's on pens.
                Holes could also do a job as you will need the funds later on.

                1. EmreCan Hustle
                  • 12 Years
                  3 years, 5 months ago

                  Cheers. 0.1m off Damsgaard.

                  1. RogDog_jimmy
                    • 4 Years
                    3 years, 5 months ago

                    Could change Stones to
                    Maguire - will save you 0.2.
                    Think Maguire is more of a threat going forward too - carries the ball and can distribute better plus is up for all set pieces like Stones.

    • The Mighty Whites
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If I make my transfers on Euro Fantasy I will have 10 players.

      Only have WC left - would you use or just use transfers?

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I would use it. Using the WC late won't help us move up the ranks.
        Unless of course you're doing really well already. In that case my opinion should probably be ignored 😀

      2. Pep Roulette
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        This is the time to use it if you still have it

      3. Gomolon
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Use the WC now

    • Worsle90
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bottomed.

      FLP advice sought:

      Schmeichel
      Shaw, James, Lamptey
      Salah, KDB, Fernandes, Saka, Sarr
      Pukki, Watkins

      Foster, Coady, B Williams, Obafemi

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Don't think that bench will do much.
        Some of your players will play deep into the Euros, so may get an extended rest.
        Overall I like the midfield.

        1. Worsle90
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Thanks mate. Yes KDB and Shaw strike me as the two most likely to need resting. Schmeichel, Saka and James should be fresh enough. Brandon Williams on the bench to cover for any early Shaw absence is the thinking.

          1. EmreCan Hustle
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            What about Telles?

          2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Williams might be on his way to Southampton going by the rumour mill so just keep that in mind

            1. Worsle90
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              Ah, I thought it was perhaps more likely that Telles was on way out. Will keep an eye on it. Thanks both

    • Pep Roulette
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Will Do Lorenzo start?

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Di**

      2. Karan14
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        He should if Florenzi is not fit.

    • Karan14
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Immobile
      KDB* Damsgaard Berardi
      Spinazzola Maehle
      Donna

      This is what I'm left with after the carnage!
      Which set of players should I add to this?

      A) Kane, Morata, Grealish/Ferran/Sarabia & Stones -4
      B) Kane, Morata, Ferran & Grealish -4
      C) All players of B + Shaw -8
      D) Kane, Morata, Sarabia, Sterling & Maguire -8
      E) Morata, Sterling, Ferran & Maguire -4

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I like A or E.

        1. Karan14
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah I think I have to make the tough decision of choosing between either Kane or Sterling for this round.

          1. EmreCan Hustle
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            I think an England defender is a must.

            1. Karan14
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              Agreed. Probably two. But I'll add more for Semis now.

    • JONALDINHO
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Are Morata, Sarabia and Ferran Torres all nailed?

      1. Karan14
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Morata is nailed.
        The other two aren't. But we will have the Spain line up before deadline for QFs, SFs and Final as long as they keep winning.

    • Joey Tribbiani
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Only made 2 changes to this since week ago, more than month to go still, but any early thoughts? BBGW1 btw
      Avoiding certain players like Digne atm. because of injury and Euro players who are still playing and getting minutes like Saka, Mount and Shaw.

      Fabianski
      TAA - Fofana - Targett - James
      Salah - Pepe - ESR - Havertz
      DCL - Watkins
      Sanchez - Lamptey - Raphinha - Antonio

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Chelsea fixtures are a bit iffy...

        1. Joey Tribbiani
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          GW1 only

          1. Bobby Digital
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            In that case it's fine

      2. R.C.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        WC2?

        1. Joey Tribbiani
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Yea probably, would like some Man City for GW2 against Norwich

    • Bobby Digital
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A. Dias and Holgate
      Or
      B. Digne and Manquillo + 1m itb

      Rest of defense: TAA Shaw Fofana

    • Atimis
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      On WC here. Any suggestions? Will Chiesa start over Berardi?

      Pickford/Donna
      Shaw/Azpi/Spin/Mahle/Meunier
      Sterling/Sarabia/Chiesa/Damsgard/FTorres
      Kane/Morata/Lukaku

      1. Vlad Tepes
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        looking good

    • Bobby Digital
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Any Evertonians around? Is Holgate nailed?

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        New manager, very hard to say.
        If Coleman is unavailable for some reason he could play RB.
        If Digne is out then Holgate could play at CB while Godfrey plays LB.

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Ok, cheers.

    • HNI
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Is Sancho really so overrated that I expected him.to start for England? I mean I know there is fight for places but I seriously thought of him ahead of Sako. Are manutd making a mistake over paying for him so much?

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Sancho is very talented. But I feel Southgate likes the defensive stability that Saka offers. Saka has played in defensive positions for Arsenal.
        Other than that there definitely exists some bias towards players already in the PL.
        I don't however believe the theory that Southgate has been asked to bench him to lower his transfer price. I have read online.

      2. Herman Toothrot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Southgate seems to prefer the PL players.

        1. Herman Toothrot
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Cancel that. Trippier.

          Although that may just be because he expects him to score every free kick.

    • Bobby Digital
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Lamptey/Fofana rotation looks nice. Any other rotations you like?

    • Bobby Digital
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      How do I enter the FFS H2H league?

    • CoracAld2831
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Thoughts on this -8/-12? (I already have Immobile)

      Seferovic/Immobile - Lukaku
      Sterling - Sarabia - F. Torres - Insigne
      Spinazzola - Maehle - Stones - P. Torres
      Donnarumma

      (Stekelenburg)-Kane-(Roberts)-(Forsberg)

      I kind of want to have a Swiss player on my team, just in case.

      F. Torres is KDB replacement.

      1. CoracAld2831
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        It's a hit team.

    • Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Who is the best Spanish mid to pick?

      I need the pick for FanTeam where the deadline is 90 mins prior so I won't have team sheets.

      Olmo, Ferran or Sarabia...

      1. PORTUGA
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Ferran.

      2. St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        None nailed, Ferran highest ceiling

    • Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Hmm some combos to consider...

      A) Morata, Sarabia, Trippier
      B) Morata, Torres, Maehle
      C) Kane, Soucek, Maehle

    • iberiaballer
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Do you like Simon (vs Switzerland) or Donnarumma (vs Belgium) more for the Quarterfinals?