Watchlist

The Watchlist Updated – Defenders

After checking in on the latest movements among the goalkeeper standings in our previous Watchlist review, we now turn our attention to the defenders.

Our Watchlist rankings can be found in your sidebar on desktop, or via your slide-in menu on mobile or tablet.

They give an indication of our thinking on player selection for each position, listing the factors that are contributing to the given rank.

Having emerged from a difficult run of matches with two clean sheets and four bonus points, Manchester United’s Phil Jones (5.5) retains his spot at the top of our current rankings.

With the short-term schedule (NEW BHA wat) now obliging, he is expected to add to the eight clean sheets and eight bonus points accrued so far.

Newcastle United are without a goal in their last two matches, and should provide the ideal opposition for Jose Mourinho’s side to get back on track following the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

One of only four outfield players to start every league match for United, Jones continues to be rested for their midweek cup matches. He is the second most bought since Saturday’s deadline, attracting over 93,000 new owners.

Having conceded fewer goals (five) than any other side, backing the Man United defence should continue to prove profitable. Indeed, there’s even an argument for doubling up with goalkeeper David De Gea, who is now only 0.2 more expensive than Jones.

With rotation at wing-back now a major factor for Spurs, Jan Vertonghen (6.0) is on the rise ahead of a kind run of fixtures.

The Belgian, who’s been an ever-present for Mauricio Pochettino’s men, took maximum bonus points in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.

He registered 11 clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI), five successful aerial duels and four tackles won in a dominant individual display.

Given that Toby Alderweireld (6.0) is struggling with a hamstring problem, Vertonghen’s security of pitch-time looks key over a hectic winter period.

Sitting fifth among FPL defenders in the Bonus Points System (BPS), he is always likely to be in the mix for bonus should Spurs continue to grind out low scoring wins at their temporary home.

That was Spurs’ third clean sheet in their last four at Wembley, and bodes well given how favourable their upcoming home schedule (WBA STK BHA SOT WHU EVE) is.

Trips to Leicester City and Watford also look reasonable as Spurs look to add to the six clean sheets picked up over the opening 11 Gameweeks.

Cesar Azpilicueta (6.7) enjoys a hike up our rankings after climbing to the top of the FPL defender standings.

Confidence has been restored in the Chelsea backline following the return to fitness of key midfielder N’Golo Kante – they’ve registered shut-outs in four of the last six matches he has started.

Indeed, the champions conceded 2.0 big chances per match when Kante was out injured, compared to just 0.7 when he was in the side during their opening seven matches.

The fixture list is very kind for the Blues from Gameweek 14 onwards (SWA NEW whu hud SOT eve BHA STK) in particular, while Azpilicueta also boasts strong attacking potential, with his five assists more than any other FPL defender.

However, we’re wary of dismissing team-mate and long-time Watchlist favourite Marcos Alonso, who continues to lead the way for goal attempts and is just 0.2 more expensive. Further indication of his increased threat and confidence could see him oust his compatriot on our next update.

Favourable short-term fixtures (HUD swa BUR SOT cry) are a major factor behind the rise of Charlie Daniels (4.8), who highlighted his attacking potential by producing three shots and two key passes in the 1-0 win over Newcastle.

That may have only been Bournemouth’s second clean sheet of the season, but having conceded just three goals in their last five, they enter this promising run in good shape.

Following a fourth shut-out from their last six matches, Burnley’s Stephen Ward (4.9) continues to garner plenty of Fantasy interest.

The Republic of Ireland international remains the top among FPL defender for points per million value, and has the schedule (SWA ARS bou lei WAT STK bha) to retain top spot.

He’s already matched last season’s one goal and assist and has accrued more than double the bonus points (seven versus three) from 2016/17 already.

Ward is just edging out centre-back Ben Mee (4.5) in our thinking, although this could change very soon. Ward did have the edge for BPS over the opening Gameweeks, but a recent decline in his key passes has allowed Mee to gain the advantage. We continue to monitor the numbers and may well revise our selection following Gameweek 12.

There’s also a strong case to consider goalkeeper Nick Pope (4.5), who is averaging a staggering 5.6 points per match, compared to 5.1 for Ward, thanks in part to his save point potential.

While he’s still yet to open his account for the season, the goal threat of Crystal Palace’s Scott Dann (4.7) could soon profit from a fantastic run of fixtures (EVE STK bha wba BOU WAT lei swa).

He now leads all FPL defenders for penalty area shots, with 12, and priced very kindly, could prove to be a fantastic differential option given his mere 0.5% ownership.

But the extent of his appeal could be hit by the fact that Julian Speroni (4.0) has started the last four matches, and now looks to be a viable option alongside Newcastle United’s Rob Elliot (4.2) as a budget pairing between the sticks.

Heading in the opposite direction is Manchester City’s Nicolas Otamendi (5.9), who will miss the Gameweek 12 trip to Leicester City due to suspension, after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the 3-1 win over Arsenal.

But with a visit to Huddersfield Town and home clashes against Southampton and West Ham United to follow, the Argentine’s 18% ownership may be inclined to hold.

Value is central to the appeal of Liverpool’s Alberto Moreno (4.5).

The Reds have only conceded once in five home matches, and see Southampton, Everton, West Bromwich Albion, Swansea and Leicester all visit Anfield before the turn of the year.

The Spaniard also benefits from Jurgen Klopp’s apparent lack of faith in Andrew Robertson, with the Scot having failed to feature in the league since Gameweek 5.

Further down the ladder, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Shane Duffy (4.5) remains a solid option, with the Seagulls full of confidence having gone four matches without tasting defeat.

Impressively, no team have given up fewer big chances over the last four Gameweeks than Chris Hughton’s side (three).

The centre-back also offers strong attacking potential, firing nine efforts inside the box so far. And Duffy is the number one defender for clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI), which boosts his potential for additional returns via the BPS.

Harry Maguire (5.1) provided another reminder of his attacking prowess with an assist in Leicester’s 2-2 draw with Stoke.

The Foxes have made a promising start under new boss Claude Puel, and fixtures against West Ham, Burnley, Newcastle, Southampton and Palace in the next seven suggest that can continue.

A consistent source of points, Maguire has produced either attacking or defensive returns in six of his 11 Gameweek starts, and shouldn’t be discounted despite his slightly loftier price tag.

2,190 Comments Post a Comment
  1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    planned transfers over this and next GW for a hit - thoughts

    davies + stones + ward + vardy ---> azpi + moreno + mee + morata

    only thing to consider is what order to do it
    who do you think is a better option this GW:

    A Moreno (SOU)
    B stones (LEI)

    I'm leaning towards A

    1. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah A first

    2. Goalosaurus
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I'd say A too.

      Wouldn't be unhappy with Stones in my team though

    3. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Keep Stones and Ward, get rid of Davies first

    4. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      ye thanks for replies guys, would keep ward and stones as stand alones but need to downgrade for azpi and morata. I picked up ward at 4.5 so can cash in and think mee will give me similar returns and I'm worried stones is going to be at risk for rotation soon

  2. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Who would you captain from this lot?

    Morata (wba)
    Aguero (lei)
    Kane (ars)
    Salah (SOT)
    Richarlison (WHU)

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Kane then Sally

    2. Salarrivederci
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      It's so tough next GW! 🙂

      Due to Salahs 15-pointer alot will (C) him fo' sure.

      On the other hand it is only a matter of time before Kane explode, but will he be able to score 2 against Arsenal?

      Not (C) any city player. Keeping Agüero, but he might be benched or get 63' minutes.

      I got Hazard instead of Morata and he is the differential (C) next if i feel like gambling 😉

      Not gonna pick Richarlison.

      Personally I think i will (C) Hazard - otherwise Kane

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Anyone can score two against Arsenal. Especially Kane 🙂

    3. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Kane

    4. Goalosaurus
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I'd captain Kane. Probably Morata next over Agurero as no guarantees he will start.

    5. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Aguero

    6. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Kun (c) Salah (vc)

    7. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I'd never captain Aguero because he might get ten minutes off the bench and not do anything. And because I can't captain him, I can't have him in my team (too expensive).

    8. We Will Klopp you
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      kane

    9. Wardinator
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Kane

      1. Winners900
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Salah

  3. Salarrivederci
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    I've have already made a total of -32 in hits so far, and I've decided to stop it now!

    Help me use my 1 FT please.

    OP: 604
    FT: 1
    ITB: 0,8

    Speroni (Elliot)
    Jones, Aké, ****** (Monreal, Lascelles, Mbemba)
    Salah, Hazard, Silva, Richarlison (Carroll)
    Kane, Aguero, DCL

    one of Monreal/Lascelles/Mbemba -> Mee?

    1. lugs
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Mbemba to Mee or someone else , or save your FT

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Mbemba

    3. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      hm, i´m on -40 so we´re in the same boat i guess

      Some of them i think was not to avoid but in hindsight i should have been very patient,well, over to your team.

      For me your midfield and attack is good, no need to do anything there. Your own suggestion is onto something, and your decision depends on your plans for the future. You could make Mbemba to Mee, but then if you plan to move funds into midfield next week that .5 could turn out to be decisive (Silva to Sané or Coutinho to give you an example). As i often do i ask myself; do i need those funds next week, do i see someone that i potentially wants and can i afford them within a trade of a player already in my team? Lascelles is a doubt, and for now we don´t know the extent of his injury. No matter what you do, wait for information on this one, nd if he is out for a longer period you prob want him out. If so, he could be Mee, Daniels or even Moreno and then you wil keep your funds itb to use elsewhere. Monreal is also an option to transfer out ofc, with a mixed bag of fixtures but Arsenals fixtures shift again soon but in that case you will remain with only three playing defenders if Lascelles out and potentialy having another problem to solve next week. Depending on lascelles news i would be inclined to think either him if more than two weeks or mbemba if less.

      1. Salarrivederci
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        ye thanks 😉 I will w8 on Lascelles news. If Lascelles is out Mbemba might play and therefore Lascelles -> Mee could be great!

        I would love to hold on to Monreal - think he is doing great, and when/if Arsenal wins 1-0 he will be in the BAPS again.

        I like my defenders to be the BPS guys and not attacking threats. Monreal, Jones, Mee, Ake, Lascelles all doing alright there.

        1. bench boost for every gamew…
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          a viable strategy that, to pick bps point grabbers. The slight problem with Ake is that Bournemouth doesnt get cs-)

  4. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Which one will win ??

    A) bailly vs NEW(h)
    Bailly vs BHA(h)
    Bailly vs wat(a)
    With a -4

    B) alder vs ars(A)
    Walker vs hud(a)
    Walker vs SOT(H)

    1. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I don't understand the question 🙁

    2. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      with alderiwereld injured i think the premise is not set right but i guess yuo have him, and Bailly will almost without doubt have a cs vs newc and if toby not playing you will be -2, but for me Walker will most prob have at least one cs and have a decent chance of at least one assist/goal. Bailly will prob keep cs vs brighton but for me Watford will cause United problems. So with a minus 4 as a premise (that if you don´t have a player to fil in forToby?) i´m leaning towards b, but not much in it i guess.

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks man. I don't own neither bailly nor toby. Want tobuy a cheaper defender instead of alonso to fund morata to replace rooney.
        I don't know whether buy bailly for 3 weeks only or not. I already have jones. The only issue about buying toby is he may concede vs arsenal at emirates

  5. Mr. Jenkins
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Start Surman or RLC?

    1. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Surman.

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Palace Everton should be a cracker. RLC.

    3. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Surman by a mile for me. He actually has form for a start.

  6. The Left Duke #3
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    1 FT 0.3m ITB

    Elliot Speroni
    Otamendi* Mee Kiko Dunk Gomez
    Salah Silva Richarlison Gross Carroll
    Kane Aguero Morata

    A) Otamendi -->>Jones
    B) Kiko -->> Daniels
    C) Carroll -->> RLC
    D) Aguero -->> Lukaku
    E) Save FT

    1. suddenorgan
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      would save, may as well bench Otamendi, your defenders have good fixtures

      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Ya thats what i'm thinking, the other 4 DF's have plum home fixtures so can afford to bench Ota. Cheers!

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      B)

    3. Goalosaurus
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      E. Save FT

      Team looks good as is. If Pogba makes a return against newcastle could reconsider Lukaku maybe.

      1. The Left Duke #3
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Love Kaku's fixtures, hate his form. Prob best to wait and see for one GW at least. 2 FT may be helpful then if something was to happen Morata

  7. Moose™
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Get Daniels or Mee for next GW?

    1. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I have Mee but I think Daniels for the next 4 definitely

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      The Burnley wall.

  8. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    I think I've done it. WC draft.

    - Couple of differentials that can score well (Alonso, Mahrez).
    - Full playing team of 15.
    - Strong captain choices

    Speroni / Elliot
    Alonso / Jones / Daniels / Mee / Moreno
    Salah / Sane / Mahrez / Richarlison / Loftus-Cheek
    Kane / Lukaku / Niasse

    . 1 itb

    Thoughts?

    1. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I think it’s great, a really good team tbh with no obvious issues. I like it.

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks

    2. Salarrivederci
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I like it.

      If it turns out, that DCL starts ahead of Niasse, and if Everton starts to look a better option the 0.1 helps a straight swap.

    3. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Very good team. Me personally like Morata as the 3rd striker but each to their own. I would downgrade Alonso and Mahrez to Duffy and Zaha to do Niasse to Morata 🙂

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        That's what I'm currently on. I have Kane / Kun / Morata but I feel the funds aren't even.

        1. The Left Duke #3
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          Ya I know what your saying. I just don't like any Everton player at the mo and Chelsea's fixtures look unreal

          1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 4 months ago

            Lukaku to Morata GW14.

            1. The Left Duke #3
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 4 months ago

              Yup and have extra cash for upgrades. Nice plan mate

    4. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      9/10

    5. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      I like it. 4-4-2 I assume? A few differences to mine but can see why 🙂

    6. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      there´s nothing much to NOT like in this team, very well balanced and and good mix of everything. My only issue with it is when you have that good a squad i would prob want Kun instead of Lukaku,as you can afford due to your good bench.

    7. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Don't think that Speroni will get alot of points

    8. Wardinator
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Not that different from my WC team, 10 the same

      You have...
      Elliot, Moreno, Mahrez, Richarlison, Lukaku

      I have...
      De Gea, Dann, Mane, Surman, Morata

    9. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      good team....
      dont like speroni pick...
      also unless u always play 4 at back (which is possible with that back 5) dont like to play one of RLC or Niasse regulary..
      personally i wudnt have kaku either with mous tactics...

  9. Smurf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Was there a scoutcast last night? I’ve got a YouTube notification but when I try to watch it’s twlling me the video is unavailable.

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Mark accidentally put up a live stream for a few seconds I think.

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Oof, hope it was SFW

      2. Smurf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Ah ok. Thanks Berb.

    2. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      its next week

  10. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    FFS should after all these years really consider putting up a section recording the price movement of players.

    Or is that TM's new job that everyone is raving about?

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Milkman.

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        Makes sense.

        TM=The Milkman

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          🙂

    2. John t penguin
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      hope he isn't getting paid per word then

  11. fplking14
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    azpi or sane?

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      pass

      1. fplking14
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        what do you mean by that?

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 4 months ago

          I don't know.

          1. Dreams
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 4 months ago

            😆

  12. ROSSI_7
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    On WC, which formation is best and why?

  13. acidicleo
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Chelsea fans / guys who watched their recent matches...
    Whats the verdict on Alonso?
    I have kept him for long as he had been a great player for most of us last season.
    I have considered Alonso to Azpi several times but am staying away only as I feel its sideways.

    But as Azpi and Morata seems to combine well I am really tempted for that seemingly sideways move : Alonso > Azpi...
    Whats your thoughts?

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      Think Bcoz of haz Alonso is not attacking and putting dreadfull crosses. So freekicks his only source of attack points. Plus azpi gets gets full bonus in 1-0 wins which I think would occur a lot in next 15 games. But wait for next 2 games to swap. If u want to get one now its azpi for sure. Plus he has playef all the 90 minutes for the last 60 pl gamess

      1. acidicleo
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 4 months ago

        from chelsea i have alonso and morata...
        i have used my FT already on ota to jones...
        so as u said may wait another week or 2 and hope alonso can have a sent off with a goal..

  14. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    Think Everton palace could be like last years CPL vs swansea thriller. So playing Rlc instead of abraaa. Mustwin for both teams. Thoughts on Kane captain too

    1. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      but abraham is better i think...
      i have a good feel about kane captain too...

  15. bench boost for every gamew…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    The curious case of Uniteds prospect (next three gws) in light of some obsevations from previous games they faired well in and hopefylly shed some light on the case that is Lukaku

    The common trait of Uniteds hammerings this season is;

    -every each of them was against teams in unbalanced order, (1) West Ham (dire form and hapless defense with a manager on the brink of breakdown)(2) Swansea (utterly crap team and defense is close to beeing a championship level) (3) Everton, same as West Ham, in complete shables both formatin wise and managerial wise and Crystal Palace as in a transitional period between boer chaos and woys structuring
    -the goals scored in those matches followed a curious trend, an early goal (or at least one in the first half) before a late goalfest arrived from 70minutes and onwards. One could argue that was due to United beeing superior in terms of better trained and stamina to keep the tempo up, but i think the above mentioned trait looks more likely to be the reason
    - Pogba´s injury could ofc have had an impact in this case but as one will see, he played only in half of those matches, so the pattern in those matches seems to be loosely connected to this occurrence
    - Luka´s goals have almost exclusively been scored in those minutes when the teams have been put into bed which could ofc be an coincidence and also even a pointless statement as a goal matters as much regardless of when it is scored, but my point is that is those kind of goals sustainable over time?

    Looking forward to Uniteds next fixtures, Newcastle, Brightona and Watford i would not be soconfident that this pattern repeats itself and my reasoning is based on the listed things above.

    1. acidicleo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 4 months ago

      i completely agree with ur points...
      and mou has now gone back to the defensive mode where he almost get angry with his players for attacking if they already lead 1-0..

  16. ChickPeaGeorge
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 4 months ago

    A) Charlie Daniels

    Or

    B) Scott Dann?