Scouting the Doubles – Gameweek 37 – The Defence

Next up, the first of a two-part series looks at the options at our disposal among the 12 teams set to play twice in Double Gameweek 37.

Starting off with the defences, we assess those players who are likely to offer the best chances of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) points at both ends of the pitch.

For many managers who played the Wildcard to load up on players with two fixtures in both Gameweek 34 and 37, investment in defence at this point is unlikely to be a priority as they could be prepared and stocked up.

However, with a number of teams rapidly losing form and focus over the last few matches, there is no question that the optimum backline targets have shifted.

Meanwhile, there are many managers activating their Bench Boost chip ahead of Friday’s deadline in a bid to take advantage of a Gameweek where five of the top six teams offer two fixtures.

Back-to-back home matches against Huddersfield and Brighton has us look to Manchester City as a first source of talent.

While the inclination will be to load up on Pep Guardiola’s attack, the defensive numbers highlight that they have been unfortunate to claim a modest seven clean sheets at the Etihad Stadium.

At home, City have allowed fewer shots (92), efforts in the box (54) and attempts on target (34) than any other side.

Rotation is always the primary concern when considering the Man city backline, though the injury situation could be a factor in reducing that risk.

If Vincent Kompany and John Stones remain sidelined, Nicolas Otamendi seems a secure starter at centre-half. Danilo – at 5.0 to Otamendi’s 6.4 – may also come into the equation if Kyle Walker fails to recover from the groin problem that forced him off at West Ham.

Meanwhile, Ederson arguably provides the most secure route to potential clean sheets, though it’s questionable whether managers will be willing to use transfers for a change in goal at this time.

Chelsea (LIV HUD) and Leicester (WHU ARS) are the only other teams to play in front of their own fans in two fixtures.

Neither have impressed at the back of late, though, with just two clean sheets apiece in their last 11 league matches.

For the Blues, Marcos Alonso’s (7.1) goal threat remains peerless, and the Spaniard will at least be fresh for the visits of Liverpool and Huddersfield to Stamford Bridge having served a three-match suspension.

Leicester’s 5-0 loss at Crystal Palace suggests that Claude Puel’s men are already on the beach, and with custodian Kasper Schmeichel still an injury doubt, steering clear is perhaps the best option. At 4.4, Ben Chilwell has two assists in the last six Gameweeks, while Harry Maguire (5.6) remains the chief goal threat among the Foxes’ rearguard. He may even be pushed into a midfield role – as he was in Saturday’s defeat – given the absentees in that area.

Elsewhere, Manchester United have been far from resilient ahead of trips to Brighton and West Ham, with just two clean sheets in their last nine league matches.

Nonetheless, David De Gea’s (5.9) 44% ownership means he will be the most popular player with a pair of fixtures.
Chris Smalling (5.7) is also difficult to ignore given that has now played 13 successive fixtures and scored three goals in his last seven outings.

Indeed, Smalling’s appeal is strengthened by Mourinho’s recent decision to rest Antonio Valencia for the second match of Double Gameweek, suggesting that his minutes could be managed with one eye on the FA Cup final later this month.

A trip to West Brom and midweek visit from Newcastle boosts Spurs’ potential for defensive returns.

Mauricio Pochettino have managed just one clean sheet in seven away matches, compared with five shutouts in six at Wembley, underlining a lack of resilience on the road.

With Danny Rose still struggling through injury, Ben Davies (5.8) looks a secure option at left-back and has already plundered two goals and seven assists this season.

Jan Vertonghen (6.0) also seems nailed-on at centre-half, though a single assist all season underlines Davies’ advantage.

Elsewhere in north London, Arsenal’s progress in the Europa League will surely dictate Arsene Wenger’s teamsheets from this point onwards.

Should they go out at the hands of Atletico Madrid on Thursday, the Gunners’ manager is expected to do away with his recent penchant for rotation ahead of a home clash with Burnley and trip to Leicester.

In such a scenario, Nacho Monreal (5.6, five goals, two assists) and Shkodran Mustafi (5.5, three goals, one assist) look the likeliest source of attacking returns.

However, two clean sheets in 17 attempts is far from persuasive, given the premium outlay.

Elsewhere, investment looks a little risky in the budget bracket.

Similar to Chelsea and Leicester, Swansea (bou SOT) have just two clean sheets in their last 11. Although Lukasz Fabianski’s (4.7) save-point potential has helped him to a 33-point lead over his nearest rival among the Swans’ defence, it is again more difficult to justify swapping goalkeepers at this point of the campaign. Instead, Alfie Mawson’s (5.1) threat in the opposition box is worth consideration.

Southampton (eve swa) have mustered just two clean sheets in 14 and, with survival still on the line, need to go on the attack. Defensive points seem unlikely, though Cedric Soares’ (4.7) raids down the right have already profited under new manager Mark Hughes.

Similarly, Aaron’s Cresswell’s (4.9) converted free-kick at home to Spurs highlighted his potential in the final third ahead of West Ham’s pair of fixtures (lei MUN).

Meanwhile, trips to Man City and Chelsea surely make Huddersfield a no-go area, while the same can be said for both the Newcastle (wat tot) and Brighton (MUN mci) rearguards.

Top Targets

Chris Smalling – the most secure option among Jose Mourinho’s back-four over the last few months, Smalling’s run of 13 league starts has served up three goals, five clean sheets and 66 FPL points – David De Gea has 49 points by comparison. As a result, he is the most bought defender in FPL by some margin – a total of 48,000+ transfers in is more than double any rival.

Ben Davies – profiting from Danny Rose’s ongoing injury concerns, the Welshman has started 13 of the last 15 league matches for Mauricio Pochettino’s side. The number one defender for key passes (45), Davies has played a part in nine goals this season (two goals, seven assists), which is more than any other FPL defender. Second only to Smalling for new owners, earning over 20,000 ahead of Friday’s deadline.

Alfie Mawson – always a threat in the opposition box, the centre-half has netted six league goals since the start of last season. Mawson’s aerial abilities could again profit – since Carlos Carvalhal took charge in Gameweek 21, only West Brom (eight to six) have netted more often from corner kick scenarios.

The Differentials

Harry Maguire – four goals and seven assists from 2016/17 onwards is indicative of the Leicester centre-half’s ability in the final third. Although he’s failed to produce attacking returns since Gameweek 19, it’s not been for lack of trying – Maguire’s total of 14 efforts in the box from Gameweek 20 is ranked second for defenders.

Aaron Cresswell – now up to a goal and seven assists for the season, only Spurs’ Davies has played a part in more goals than the West Ham defender. With dead-ball duties also in hand, he could prove a powerful differential with just 2% backing.

Cedric Soares – unleashed by Mark Hughes’ wing-back formation, the Portuguese international has produced two assists and created two big chances since the change of manager in Gameweek 32 – no defender has managed more.

Shkodran Mustafi – a dominant figure in the air, Arsenal’s centre-half has won more headers than any defensive team-mate on his way to scoring three times. Given that the Gunners have scored more goals from set-plays (16) than any other side, Mustafi could be in line to profit once again.

Marcos Alonso – despite returning just one assist in his last nine Gameweek appearances, Chelsea’s wing-back remains second to none for a number of attacking statistics. Alonso’s total of 58 efforts on goal is double all but two other defenders, while he also leads the way for shots in the box (35), attempts on target (19) and goals (six).

Danilo – the Brazilian’s prospects will depend on the fitness of Kyle Walker for Man City’s two home fixtures. Nonetheless, two goals, a pair of assists and eight clean sheets from just 11 starts highlights his capabilities as a possible budget-friendly route into the champions’ defence.