There is plenty of Mo Salah or No Salah talk among those currently on their Wildcards. However, the FPL community seems to be reluctant to break down the defensive template of Benjamin Mendy, Marcos Alonso, and Andy Robertson. While I believe that the first two are essential, I would seriously consider going without Andy Robertson – especially for those who do not have him in the first place.
The argument for not owning
The case for not owning Robertson in the next 4 GWs:
1. Liverpool have horrible fixtures: tot, SOU, che, MCI. Apart from the Southampton game there is a low probability of clean sheet points. Strong opponents may also mean that Robertson will have more defensive duties, hampering his attacking potential.
2. Robertson may be rested. Liverpool also have Champions league fixtures against PSG and Napoli and a League Cup match against Chelsea during the same period.
3. Instead of chasing points, which Robertson got against weaker opponents, you can get in some nice differentials and save some money at the same time.
Other options
Harry Maguire, 5.5m – bou, HUD, new, EVE. Always a threat from set pieces. The goal against Southampton also showed that he is a threat from open play as well.
Hector Bellerin, 5.4m – new, EVE, WAT, ful. No clean sheets for Arsenal yet this season, however only Bournemouth and Liverpool conceded fewer big chances than Arsenal’s 4. Arsenal’s defense is also unluckiest – they should have conceded 2.6 goals fewer according expected goals conceded statistic.
Chris Smalling, 5.8m – wat, WOL, whu, NEW. Man United got their first clean sheet against Burnley and the increasing role of Marouane Fellaini may mean that United are at the beginning of a clean sheets run.
Patrick van Aanholt, 5.5m – hud, NEW, bou, WOL. The return of James Tomkins should boost the appeal of the Crystal Palace defence.
Nathan Ake, 5.0m – LEI, bur, CRY, wat. Bournemouth have only conceded 2 big chances in the first 4 GWs – joint best with Liverpool.
Conclusion
I selected 5 players who I consider as having a reasonable probability of outscoring Robertson in the next 4 GWs. All of them have both high clean sheet and attacking returns potential. Also, all should be secure of starts, except maybe for Chris Smalling; I do, however, think that he is the most secure in the Manchester United defence.
It will be interesting to see how this punt will turn out. I am currently not on a WC and I have Virgil van Dijk, who I will consider dropping after the Southampton game.
Did I miss any other good differentials?
