Pre-Season

The Best Premium Defenders to Buy in FPL 2018/19

Having assessed the worth of various budget defenders that caught the eye upon the launch of the 2018/19 Fantasy Premier League game last week, we now turn our attention to the stoppers higher up the price list.

As well as analysing the premium defenders who have a starting price of £6.0m+, we will also run the rule over the numerous mid-priced options (£5.0m/£5.5m) available at the back.

The £6.0m/£6.5m Premium Options

Five defenders will set you back £6.5m at the start of the 2018/19 season: Cesar Azplicueta, Marcos Alonso, Nicolas Otamendi, Kyle Walker and Antonio Valencia.

Azpilicueta and Alonso were the two highest-scoring defenders in FPL last season with a combined 340 points between them. Chelsea’s clean sheet total of 16 was, despite being admirable, only the fourth-best tally in the league and their two Spanish assets only topped the defensive rankings through contributions elsewhere on the pitch.

Alonso scored more goals (seven) and had more shots than any other Premier League defender last year, while no stopper bettered Azpilicueta’s haul of 25 bonus points. Azpilicueta also chipped in with six assists, his joint-best effort in a single season, despite featuring almost exclusively at centre-back.

Uncertainty over Antonio Conte’s future as Chelsea manager, though, means Fantasy managers would be understandably reticent about splashing the cash on either of these two premium assets at this early stage. The same would apply to Victor Moses and Antonio Rudiger (both £6.0m).

READ MORE: The best Chelsea players to sign in FPL 2018/19

Otamendi’s four goals and underlying passing statistics contributed to his 21 bonus points and third-highest score overall, though whether the Argentinean centre-back will get as many as the 33 starts he managed last season is open to debate. A Manchester City defender (or goalkeeper) looks near-essential for Gameweeks 2-7, with home fixtures against Huddersfield Town, Newcastle United, Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion punctuated by trips to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cardiff City.

Walker is another City option in the £6.5m bracket for those hugely appealing matches. Although the former Tottenham Hotspur full-back has scored only two league goals in six years, he has recorded six assists in each of the last two seasons: no defender has created more goals in that time.

There may be better value elsewhere in the City backline, though. Pre-season might give us an indication as to which of the £5.5m-rated centre-back options – John Stones, Vincent Kompany and Aymeric Laporte – is favoured by Pep Guardiola, while Benjamin Mendy (£6.0m) has returned to fitness after a serious knee injury curtailed his debut Premier League season last September. The French full-back supplied five assists for Monaco in 2016/17 and could be a huge threat this year from the wing-back position if Guardiola reverts to the 3-5-2 formation he started with last season.

No defender registered more clean sheets last season than Antonio Valencia, who also found the back of the net on three occasions. The long-serving right-back has for several years now been a relatively rotation risk-free route into the Manchester United backline: Valencia missed only seven matches last season, four of which enforced through a hamstring injury.

Chris Smalling and Ashley Young (and indeed goalkeeper David de Gea) are ways into the United defence at £6.0m. Smalling started all but four of United’s matches last season from Gameweek 7 onwards, missing three fixtures over Christmas and being rested for the final-day match with Watford with the FA Cup final in mind. No defender scored more on the Bonus Points System than Smalling during his unbroken run of matches in the United team between Gameweeks 23 and 37.

Phil Jones, Eric Bailly, Diogo Dalot (all £5.5m), Marcos Rojo and Victor Lindelof (both £5.0m) would, perhaps, best be avoided until Jose Mourinho’s first-choice central defensive partnership becomes known.

Of the 14 defenders who have a starting price of £6.0m, half of them play for Spurs. Jan Vertonghen will likely be the safest route into the Tottenham backline, with the Belgian centre-half having started more matches (36) and kept more clean sheets (16) than any of his fellow Spurs defenders. Rotation in the full-back department is a constant worry with Mauricio Pochettino, so Kieran Trippier and Ben Davies (both of whom racked up seven assists last season) look expensive gambles at £6.0m given that they can’t be assured of starts.

Spurs’ start next season looks like one of the trickiest: the Lilywhites play five of their first seven fixtures on the road, with one of their “home” matches (against Fulham) contested at Wembley. Liverpool and Manchester United also await Pochettino’s side in Gameweeks 3 and 5.

Anfield was a fortress for Liverpool last season: the Reds were unbeaten on home soil and 12 of their 17 clean sheets came on their own patch. With West Ham, Brighton and Southampton visiting Merseyside in the first six Gameweeks, there will be interest in Andrew Robertson and Virgil van Dijk (both £6.0m).

Van Dijk carries a considerable goal threat but enjoyed a luckless spell in front of goal last season: Shane Duffy was the only defender who had more attempts on goal last season without scoring.

Robertson, meanwhile, was a staple of the Liverpool defence from Gameweek 15 onwards and only Hector Bellerin had more touches in the final third from this point till the end of the season.

The Mid-Price Alternatives

Bellerin is one of five Arsenal defenders available at £5.5m although his underlying attacking statistics mightn’t be as impressive this season if new boss Unai Emery decides to ditch the wing-back system in favour of a back four.

READ MORE: The best Arsenal players to sign in FPL 2018/19

Nacho Monreal and new boy Sokratis Papastathopoulos are among the other defensive options for Arsenal at this price and would be worthy of consideration from Gameweek 3 onwards in particular (the Gunners run of matches from this point reads: WHU, cdf, new, EVE, WAT, ful, LEI, cry).

READ MORE: Scout Report on Sokratis

Gary Cahill and Andreas Christensen (both £5.5m) could be more cost-effective, albeit slightly duller, routes into the Chelsea defence than Alonso and Azpilicueta, although the risk of rotation will see plenty Fantasy managers dodging both (neither is currently owned by more than 2.5% of FPL bosses).

There are a few gung-ho full-backs available at the £5.5m mark elsewhere. Fantasy managers will be keen to see if Everton pair Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines are revitalised under new manager Marco Silva, particularly given the Toffees’ kind start to the season: Everton play just one of last season’s top seven clubs in the first nine Gameweeks, a start that also features home matches against Southampton, Huddersfield, West Ham, Fulham and Crystal Palace.

Patrick van Aanholt (£5.5m) had a phenomenal end to 2017/18, meanwhile. All five of his league goals (and one assist) came in the last ten Gameweeks of the season and even a price hike to £5.5m may not deter investors given Palace’s favourable start: the Eagles face only one of the “big six” clubs in their first nine matches.

Mamadou Sakho (£5.0m) is a slightly cheaper route into the Palace defence. Although the former Liverpool centre-back does not carry the same goal threat as the Dutch left-back, Sakho’s returns on the Bonus Points System are noteworthy. Incredibly, only three defenders registered more bonus points than Sakho (18) last season despite the French centre-half making only 18 starts.

READ MORE: The best Crystal Palace players to sign in FPL 2018/19

Harry Maguire (£5.5m) was the only defender to have more penalty box touches and efforts on goal than van Aanholt from Gameweek 29 onwards and the Leicester City centre-half is another defender whose goal threat is the chief reason for his elevated price.

The Foxes new defensive recruits, Ricardo Pereira and Jonny Evans, are available for £0.5m cheaper.

READ MORE: Scout Report on Ricardo Pereira

READ MORE: Moving Target – Jonny Evans

West Ham’s tough start (the Hammers play five of the “big six” in the first nine Gameweeks) would suggest that Aaron Creswell (£5.5m) is one to avoid initially, although his assist count of seven was not beaten by any other defender in 2017/18.

The drop in Charlie Daniels’ starting price (£4.5m) means that Nathan Ake (£5.0m) is unlikely to be the most popular defensive option for Bournemouth, despite the latter’s goal threat.

Burnley’s overall impressive defensive statistics from last season has led to a price hike for Matthew Lowton, Stephen Ward, Ben Mee and James Tarkowski (all £5.0m). That the Clarets only recorded two clean sheets in 2018, however, might stick in the throat of potential investors, despite Sean Dyche’s side having a favourable-looking first eight Gameweeks of the season.

Sean Morrison and Barry Douglas both delivered excellent attacking returns (Morrison scored on seven occasions; Douglas delivered a league-high 14 assists) for their respective clubs in the Championship last season but are a risk at £5.0m given that Cardiff and Wolves are making the step up this season. Ryan Fredericks, who starred for Fulham last season but has since moved to West Ham, is also priced up at £5.0m.

READ MORE: Our team analysis of Wolves

READ MORE: Our team analysis of Cardiff

READ MORE: Our team analysis of Fulham

Jamaal Lascelles (£5.0m) is one to avoid with Newcastle facing Spurs, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal in their first five matches.

Southampton’s first five fixtures (BUR, eve, LEI, cry, BRI) are enticing, although Ryan Bertrand‘s (£5.0m) case for inclusion in our Fantasy squads is somewhat lessened by Cedric Soares being available for £0.5m cheaper.

Perhaps the most attractive proposition available at the £5.0m mark is Trent Alexander-Arnold, one of five Liverpool defenders who starts at this price. Alexander-Arnold is available for a whole million less than Andrew Robertson and Virgil van Dijk and, although Nathaniel Clyne (£5.0m) has now returned to fitness, would seem likely to begin the season as Jurgen Klopp’s first-choice right-back: “TAA” started ten of Liverpool’s last 13 league matches, despite Champions League-influenced rotation being a worry.

Alexander-Arnold is the most-owned defender in FPL at this early stage.

 

1,224 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Dacra
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Are there any mids or forwards worth considering for starting 11 at 5.5?

    1. Fire Chief Moe
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Ryan Fraser, Jiminez.

    2. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Gray, Deulofeu, Caviliero and others

  2. Jonesfromthere
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone else going for Wilshere as a cheap mid? Think Pelli is going to play him as a number 10 based on Jack's comments.

    1. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      The best is deulofeu i think...

      1. Jonesfromthere
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I've got both haha

      2. Jebiga
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        i think i will have them both 🙂

    2. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Temper and injury risk makes me stay away for now

    3. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Problem is he gets injured eating his weetabix in the mornings.

    4. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Even when he doesn't get injured he's not exactly prolific. I'm staying away.

  3. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Izquierdo seems much better valu than Gross

    1. Bambi
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      shhhhh. don't let them find out.

    2. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      He'd be straight in my team if it wernt for those fixtures

      1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, come gw8 though. Mmmm

  4. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    The best 4.5 defenders in PL so far ?

    1. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Daniels, Cedric, Tomkins, Jagielka/Williams

    2. Michael Gary Scott
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Cedric and Tomkins. If we are lucky: Chambers.

  5. super zlatan
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on my defence?

    Fab. 4.0
    Robertson. Coleman. Alonso. Cedric. 4.0

    1. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good. What about mids and forwards..

  6. DantheManinaPan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    I didn't realise how nailed Smalling was in this Utd defence. Looks like I might have to fork out the extra 0.5 over Bailly for guaranteed nailedness

    1. MyBall MyRules
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      If you've got 6 to spend on man u defence I'd be looking at DDG or Young.

      1. DantheManinaPan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Young over Smalling? Any particular reason? Man Utd full backs aren't exactly renowned for incredible attacking returns, and he's still at the world cup

        1. MyBall MyRules
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Youngs delivery sets him apart. Plus get a share of set pieces. I expect Sanchez to be back to his old self this season which will equate to plenty more assists for young on the left side.

  7. RUUD!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Hi guys. Thoughts on my first crack of a team.

    Ederson 4.0
    Robertson Coleman Cedric (Jags/the playing 4.5 def at Everton / 4.0)
    Sane Eriksen Mane Delefeu (Ayite)
    Aguero Firmino Tosun

    1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      How much are you paying for Ayite? Cairney at 5.0 is a much better option if you can stretch to him.

  8. KingOllie
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Coleman 4.4% owned

    Coleman on FFS 100% owned !

    1. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I was never around on here in his glory days.

      Can't tell if everyone else is looking through nostalgia specs or if I'm genuinely missing something

      1. Snevitz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        He was the best defender in FPL just before he had his leg broken for him. He was getting assists, goals, cleansheets and bonus points. Although they did have Lukaku back then so they found scoring easier.

      2. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        He ticks a lot of boxes for an fpl manager.

        Nailed
        Attacking potential
        Decent fixtures

        1. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Bargain price also.

          1. DantheManinaPan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            This is the bit I don't agree with. I can appreciate he has been very good in the past. But he's playing for an OK but not outstanding Everton team where there will be a 4.5 defender available, and there are other options playing for bigger clubs at the same price.

            I can understand people wanting him, but he's not a bargain

            1. Ógie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 8 months ago

              Time will tell but if he ever comes anywhere close to his old form he has been way under priced.

              Seamus is a fantastic pro and i fully expect him to get back to his best.

    2. JamTart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I'm the exact same!

      New to the site after using allthingsFPL previously (RIP) but I don't see the bargain in him. We need to see how he comes back from the injury and if he has the legs.

      I do like the fixtures but I'm looking to pre season to try pick the 4.5 that gets a cb starting spot for the CS's.

  9. Zilla
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Why a lot of people going premium but not getting Alonso or even Azpi?

    1. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      See above.
      Alonso in my team.

      1. Zilla
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Like you defence, solid and still allows good money.

        1. super zlatan
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Cheers pal

    2. lugs
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      likely because of the uncertainty with a new manage on the way

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        This, Since he's been confirmed today and he does look an excellent manager, I expect Chelsea ownership to surge.

    3. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Likely manager change for Chelsea - other incredible options available, such as Otamendi, Van Dijk, Robertson, Smalling...

      Not saying they're bad picks, just that it's understandable that people are going without

      1. Zilla
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        That's true. Are you getting a Chelsea defender?

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          I am now! I was waiting, now I'm convinced.

          1. Zilla
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Alonso it is?

        2. DantheManinaPan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Not at the moment, but not ruling out. Depends on whether I decide to stick with Robbo +VVD

    4. SW6
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Azpi remains as good a pick as he was last season.

      Alonso could suffer from a shift to a back 4. And also our view of him is clouded by FPL, he's not actually a very good player. I would not be surprised if he's replaced by a proper LB in a back 4

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        On the contrary. I just read a link to Serri's tactics at Napoli and he uses extremely attacking full-backs. I think Alonso will be ideal.

      2. Parm
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Emerson is already there and probably more suited to Sarri's style of full-back too.

        1. HALFSPACE
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          This, it'' be Emerson

          1. Fire Chief Moe
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            /Reckon he could be a bargain at 5.5?

    5. Eden Wizard
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      VERY expensive and limited attacking threat in a back 4

  10. Dacra
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    For 11th spot and sub:

    Deulufeu / Kamara
    Or
    Masuaku / Jiminez

  11. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Gabbiadini goal

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Get iinnnn!!!

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Dammit they've equalized, Hoedt and, Stephens caught conceding too much space. No way are both of them starting together.

        1. Chandler Bing
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Good news for Bednarek I guess but the manager seems to be playing 4 at the back instead of his usual 3. If this is how he chooses to lineup in the league, I'm afraid Bednarek has no chance. Hoedt and Vestergaard would be first choice probably.

    2. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Nailed in my team. 😎

  12. flippetyflop
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Bring Kane in as captain or settle with Griezmann's points?

    1. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Kane

    2. Hazardouss
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      IMO would be silly to switch, let’s say kane scores one you only get 1 more point. If you think he’ll score more/assist by all means

  13. MyBall MyRules
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    How do you rate Pedro as a well priced midfield option?
    Not seen him featured in the RMTs so far...

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Not nailed I think

      1. MyBall MyRules
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Think you're right. Just as an early option whilst Willian and hazard recover from WC

    2. lugs
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      wow i just noticed he's only 6.5 , if the new manager plays him he'll be straight in my team at that price

      1. MyBall MyRules
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        My thoughts exactly. Short term bargain?!

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Need to see how much game time he's likely to get. Same with Willian.

      1. MyBall MyRules
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Willian is a great player. If he isn't sold he'd be well above Pedro in the pecking order I reckon

  14. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    West Ham's week so far:

    Wilshere - Free, medical complete, personal terms being agreed

    Yarmolenko - £17m bid accepted, personal terms agreed, medical this week

    Bruno Fernandes - £26m bid being considered by Sporting

    Felipe Anderson - £40m bid accepted, talks ongoing

    25 m bid for Lascelles rejected

    Diop, Fabianski, Frederics already in the club.

    This team under Pellegrini could be a top 8 candidate, easily.

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Or get relegated and be in huge financial trouble

      1. CloudSky
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Think there is only a slim possibility off that with the likes of Cardiff, Huddersfield, Brighton, Fulham, Watford in the league.

        1. Hazardouss
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Very harsh on Brighton Chris Hughton an excellent manager can see them in the prem for awhile yet

          1. CloudSky
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Could well be. Cardiff, Hudd and Watford are my three relegation candidates.

    2. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      My thoughts exactly, and those early fixtures are great test to see if they belong with the big boys. Could go on to have an excelletn season.

      1. CloudSky
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Shame about those fixtures.

    3. SW6
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      We'll see. I do not think they have spent money well at all so far.

      1. CloudSky
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        7 mil for Fab, Wilshere for free and Yarmolenko for 17 were great deals. Jury out on Diop. Reckon they have overpaid Anderson.

  15. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Something abit different 433

    DDG
    Coleman Robertson Mendy Alonso
    Sane Pogba Mkhi
    Zaha Firmino Aguero

    Speroni Hughes Cedric Gunnarson

    How is it?

    1. Top 210 Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Strong, like the Myki and pogs but may get a rest after wc

  16. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    I reckon that, by the first WC time, Barkley or Willian will prove themselves to be a bargain.

    Can see Barkley sitting in front of Jorginho and Kante

    1. Parm
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Or Chelsea will buy Golovin and that will be the end of that.

      1. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Very true, it's good to see a manager who doesn't play wing backs and likes number 10s though, since there's plenty of defender options in FPL but less explosive mids

    2. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I think Willian will do well out of it.

    3. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Are Chelsea front runners for Jorginho?
      If so, why?

  17. Top 210 Club
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Hey bros, any thoughts on this bunch?

    Ederson
    VVD Azpi Mendy Tomkins
    Salah Delafeuo Sanchez Jota
    Aguero Zaha.

    Button Jiminez Puncheon Cairny

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      It is different I like it , maybe downgrade Sanchez and upgrade Dela

      1. Top 210 Club
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Ta, just went Alexis as may start up top if kaku gets a holiday

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Yeh did have a look at him to be fair for that reason

    2. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Really like the look of this team. Sanchez is a great pick for the start of the season considering he may well start up top for United in Lukaku’s absence.

    3. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      pretty decent if double city defence is the way you want to go

    4. Top 210 Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Thx chaps, ye just double city at back and bench bit weak but only until gw3/4 then wc to get in arsenal etc

  18. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    532 draft

    Ederson 4m
    Smalling Azpi/Alonso Robbo Pva Coleman
    Mo Dilva Siggy 5m 4.5m
    Aguero Zaha 4.5m

    Feel like I've got all the main price points covered in midfield and up front and can easily downgrade whichever defender doesn't live up to expectations to fund moves for Kane etc.

    What are peopels thought on this?

    1. MyBall MyRules
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      A big defence worked well last season. Just seems you're missing out on some great value 4.5 and 5.0 options

      1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I just don't know if they are great value as the likes of Southampton and Bournemouth aren't known for keeping a bunch of clean sheets!

    2. Steevo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Decent team. Personally I’d want one more captaincy option since I guess you’ll just have it on Salah or Aguero each week.

      1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah I can't really fit in another premium attacker with 5 at the back, I'm happy with those 2 as captain options to start with and will then probably make a move for kane or Auba as their fixtures clear up

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      It looks great to me. I'm going big at the back too cos there's value to be had there.

      I think your captain options are well covered. I don't agree with the consensus view that 4.5 defenders are good value. It defenders from the top 6 that will get you sufficient clean sheets, the rest are punts.

      1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah I'm fed up of jumping from one punt to another at the back as I've done in previous systems will just start with the guys I will want long term and move from there 🙂

    4. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      That's actually really good, was all set with my team but you've made me think about 5 at the back now, damn you haha

      1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        4 or 5 at the back has been a mainstay of most of my drafts as the likes of Alonso and Robbo compared to punting on Jota or Walcott in midfield just seems a no brainer! Sorry to have made you doubt yourself!

  19. Lucackadoodledoo
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Sane really worth getting in for 9.5 considering the arrival of Mahrez? Lot of rotation amongst City mids you'd think.

    1. Steevo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I think Aguero + Ederson/Mendy is the way to start until situation is a bit clearer & WC players are back in action.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I'm confident enough Sane will play GW1. I'm poised to switch to KdB after a couple of GWs.

        Ederson and Mendy are in my squad.

      2. Lucackadoodledoo
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Yea. Think you're right. Im startin to think Hazard could be a nice differential considerin Chelsea's fixtures and he's nailed.

    2. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      They dont play on the same side.

      1. MyBall MyRules
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        They do now

        1. CloudSky
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Read again.

      2. Lucackadoodledoo
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Mahrez signed for city yesterday.

        1. CloudSky
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Read again.

        2. Pierce34
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Side of the pitch guys, not football side! 😆

        3. Lucackadoodledoo
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Understood. I'm just goin on the amount of quality mids City have. Hard to know if any of them will start apart from DeBruyne.

      3. Eden Wizard
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Players only have 1 position now? Must have missed that memo...

      4. Eden Wizard
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Completely disagree, they do play the same position, inside forward. Sane played there to provide missing Mendy width

    3. Top 210 Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling prob gets a little holiday for first two weeks. One to monitor as he nice and fresh after Germany snub

      1. Eden Wizard
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Extended holiday....say til he learns how to play football? He wouldn't get near my side if i was picking from Jesus, Bernie, Leroy, Mahrez...

  20. Steevo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Why no love for Austin? I’ve opted for Austin + Robertson over Zaha + TAA.

    DDG | Boruc
    Robertson | Cedric | Daniels | Holebas | Wan-Bissaka
    Salah | Sanchez | Mkhi | Cairney | Masuaku
    Aguero | Firmino | Austin

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Gabbi just scored in preseason. Competition could be big for that CF spot.

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Saint's couldn't find the ol' onion bag last season. Or the season before.

  21. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Ah hell, Saints trail 2-1, more shocking defending there.

    Its still preseason,.its still preseason. . . .

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Cant clear a set piece, how typical. Arghh

  22. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    I have no idea why everyone likes Zaha. Crystal Palace were pretty poor last season and needed a late surge against relegated teams to survive. He's been reclassified as a striker too.

    Tosun meanwhile is the same price, scored 5 goals in a half season for Everton and has great fixtures to start the season. How is the consensus on Zaha?!

    1. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I agree 100%, but most people will disagree I suspect, judging from earlier debates I had on this.

    2. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Because he got moved to striker and scored goals when he did

      1. DantheManinaPan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        In fact I think it was 5 goals in the last 6 games of the season

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Look at those fixtures though. Like 3 of those games were against the bottom 3..

    3. Parm
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Zaha is always great to watch but will never be the FPL pick we want him to be. Would rather have someone like Austin, Carroll, Jiminez, Wilson.

  23. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    a) Dilva, Siggy and Zaha
    b) Sanchez, Deulofeu/Cairney, Tosun

    1. H-SF
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      b

    2. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      A for me

    3. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      A.

  24. F4L
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Best sub 6 mil mid picks? Currently on Izqueirdo, Cairney and Costa

    1. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Those + Stanislas, Pereyra, Deulofeu, Gray.

      1. SW6
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        If Stanislas stays fit and nails a place down, he is THE best budget midfielder imo.

        1. Parm
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Can you stop agreeing with me please. CAR, whu, EVE first three games. Not heard anything about his injury though.

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            He's still red flagged by FPL.

            1. Parm
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 8 months ago

              Yeah i've tried looking for any update on his recovery but nothing online.

      2. F4L
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        cheers

      3. Parm
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Stanislas puts up top numbers when fit.

    2. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Ain’t Nobody Like Tom Cairney. Bargain at £5.0m!

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        😀 If you know, you know. Can't turn him down at 5

        1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Genuinely a bit unsure how he’s been priced so low. If you look at his 16/17 goals and assist return alongside his stats from last season when he wasn’t crippled by a knee injury... he returned better than Johansen who is 5.5 and prone to a cynical yellow card or two!

      2. Eden Wizard
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        2 points on tap

  25. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Redmond scores to equalize! Get in! 2-2.
    5.5m, playing with a lot of swagger. If he keeps this up, definitely in starting 11 the season. Thats 2 goals in 2 games so far.

    1. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Deja poo.

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Hey, it could be the season for forgiveness haha.

    2. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      He does this every season.

      1. Chandler Bing
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        BTW, I feel he won't start because he plays in the same flank as Elyounoussey and he's definitely starting.

        1. Differential C (Mark)
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Thats actually true. Although Elyounoussi is capable of playing inside. If Redmond keeps this up, hard for Hughes to not start him.

    3. Pierce34
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Have you never owned Redmond in FPL before? 😀

      1. Differential C (Mark)
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Im a saints fan, what can i do xD

    4. F4L
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      not sure id want to go there again!

    5. Eden Wizard
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Not playing according to my sky sports app!

    6. Eden Wizard
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Redmond is like a rubbish version of Sterling 😆

      1. Chandler Bing
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Sterling is a rubbish version of Sterling.

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Parm? 😉

      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Hey 😛

    2. SW6
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Nope nope nope. No way.
      Redmond in a Mark Hughes team, is there anything more unreliable

    3. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Nooooooooo now I have to put him in my team 🙁

    4. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      LOL. Biggest pre-season troll since Teemu Tainio.

    5. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      its a TRAP

  26. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Is there any harm in setting up with a 4.0, 4.0, 4.5, 4.5 bench if you’re planning on wild carding for the first international break?

    Rest of my team has no players who went further than the R16 in the World Cup aside from Ederson.

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Going no further than R16 doesn't guarantee nailedness, so it depends on the team. I think it's a valid tactic, but it's not for me.

  27. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    These are my current targets in defence at each price point. Any obvious ones I've missed? You can try and convince me there are other good value prospects out there, but I'm warning you, it might be difficult! 😆

    Azpi
    Mendy, Robertson
    PVA, Coleman
    Douglas, Clyne
    Schlupp, Cedric
    Wan-Bissaka

    1. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Doherty and Daniels at 4.5

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Good shout with Doherty 🙂

        😛

      2. Eden Wizard
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        No free kicks, no party!

    2. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Purely out of interest, why don’t you value Otamendi? Saw nothing last season that suggested to me he’d not be nailed over Kompany/Laporte/Stones.

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I remember selling him last season at around 6.0(?). I don't see how he could be worth 6.5 tbh 🙂 If nailed-nailed, then perhaps just about worth it. But he's not an obvious value pick for me 🙂

    3. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Valencia and possibly the two Southampton full backs but other than that it looks like a solid group.

      1. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Oh sorry my bad you do have Cedric there.

      2. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        One of them already in the list 🙂 I've doubled on Bertie and Cedric in both the previous seasons. I guess I'll keep bertie in mind, but I can't bring myself to 'target' him 😀

    4. MyBall MyRules
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      TAA over Clyne

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Probably going to go for neither or both. If I go for one, it will depend on the nailedness of the rest of the team. If I don't think I can afford the future transfer, then TAA could be the better option. But I might be more inclined to go with a GW1 starter. I can always switch to TAA or another defender later 🙂

    5. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      What position would Schlupp play in?

      1. Eden Wizard
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Left midfield

    6. F4L
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Davies , as Rose is due another injury anytime now 😛

    7. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Burnley lads from the 5.0 bracket.

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Seems a lot to pay almost entirely for CSs imo. And they may see a reduction in CSs this season 🙂

        1. Oven Glover
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Ward did pretty well with the assists early on. Lowton not bad either. Sure, EL could hurt them but it might also mean that they’re ahead in terms of form. You never know. Dyche won’t let them get sloppy in defence imo.

          1. Oven Glover
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Memory seems to have failed me with the Ward assists...

          2. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            I understand, but when I have unlimited transfers, I really don't like buying players who don't look really special for their price. I don't want to build a team that has a 4.5 defender playing every week, for example, unless that defender is OOP or a goal scorer (wait an see with Schlupp and everyone atm). So an extra 0.5 on a Burnley defender feels like a luxury spend which buys me a comfy feeling, but not enough points. I wouldn't necessarily buy them at 4.5 unless the season had already started, and they were the best available replacements for injured players 🙂

    8. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Only Smalling to add I think.
      I didn't realise he was so nailed until I read the article that this is posted on.

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Hmmmmmm not convinced, but food for thought. Not ruling him out, thanks 🙂

    9. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      my 4 ATB is Robertson / PVA / Coleman / Douglas

      I feel reassured

  28. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    I've managed to squeeze Sanchez, Salah and Aguero into the same team at the expense of big budget defenders (Coleman most expensive) - might need an early WC...

    1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I’ve done the same, but with big budget defenders. Gone for a 4-5-1 with two cheapy strikers.

  29. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Hi, who is better?
    A. Alonso, DSilva, Demarai Gray
    B. Robertson, Sane, Cairney/Neves