Members

How to cover Liverpool defence after price hikes

Hefty price hikes for Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.0m) will force Fantasy Premier League managers into some tough decisions ahead of 2019/20.

The fact that they will cost the same for the new campaign makes choosing between the two full-backs harder than we expected – and the fact they are £7.0m means that owning both is even less of a realistic prospect.

Had Alexander-Arnold come in at £6.5m, it might have skewed the ownership figures in his favour at the expense of Robertson, so we have further proof that the game-makers at FPL enjoy seeing us squirm.

With Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) the initial undercut asset and Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren priced at £5.5m, it means that there is actually still a range of choices for Fantasy managers to choose from when picking their Liverpool defender(s).

In this Members article, we assess both the defensive and offensive statistics for the key Liverpool stoppers ahead of the new season.

As this analysis uses Opta data, only those who have signed up to Fantasy Football Scout Membership for 2019/20 read on.

Is Liverpool’s defence worth the investment?

882 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Heaton
    TAA VVD Digne Holebas
    Sterling Mane KDB Groß
    Arnie King

    Ryan Dendoncker Aarons 4.5

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Looks good.

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers

    2. Evans
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Consider Coleman over Digne ?

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        I've considered but think Digne is easily worth 0.5 more.

    3. Tomerick
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Gros is massively overpriced

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Gros is a great pick now Hughton has gone. You could argue that Zaha & Fanderson are significantly better picks for a small price of £0.5 more though.

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Agree i'd prefer those options at 7.0

      2. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        I'd agree with that statement.

      3. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Wasn't he injured most of last season? Think he could bounce back. Could be any 6.5 mid though

        1. Tomerick
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Personally for that money I would want to see it happening rather than just hoping it could.

  2. Football Heaven
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Is going triple pool defence a viable option? As in is going without Salah and mane too risky?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      It's definitely a viable option. Of course you know what Salah and Mane can do though. No such thing as too risky but it comes with risk yeah.

    2. Evans
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Actually also considering this

      My only thing is Salah

    3. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Definitely considering it. My last pool slot is either vvd or salah.

    4. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      It's viable but i wouldn't leave out both Mane and Salah as they are so good captaincy options.

    5. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I like Salah for the captaincy option, but I guess it's viable.

    6. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      It is but only if you are strong and dont change your mind after Salah or Mane get their first hat tricks in a 6-1 win

    7. POLSKA GOLA
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Are you captain Pool defender or Salah/Mané?

  3. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Who takes pens for Sheffield? Is McGold a sure starter?

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        R u saying I get a sure starter and pen taker with those fixtures for only 5.5m?

        I'm in!

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          They're looking at Charlie Austin to be fair. Maybe he'd become first choice pen taker anyway.

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      McGoldrick, Sharp, Norwood

      I believe McGoldrick shared time with loanee Madine by the end of the season. So I doubt he's nailed.

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        What I figured... Ings a better shot for a cheap pen taker if he stays fit. Fixtures a bit crap tho.

  4. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Who would you rather have from the start?

    A) Zaha

    B) King

    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      A

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Zaha won't be at palace so I probably wouldn't start with him if/when he leaves

      1. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Zaha at Arsenal for 7m?
        Yes please.

        1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Where would he play ? They already struggle to fit laca and Auba together.

        2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Don't forget he's already flopped at a big side ( or ex big side 😆 )

          1. Gnu
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Too many questions Pumpy.
            Me just likey. 🙂

            1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              Haha fair play mate. Well I'm not a fan of him personally. Think he's massively overrated and ball greedy. Don't think they will tolerate him losing possession and getting mardy everytime someone kicks him at a bigger team where he's not the big fish... just hope he goes to Arsenal and not us.

  5. Marmalade Forest
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    First gut pick.

    Heaton/Krul
    TAA/Robbo/Laporte/Digne/Ritchie
    Salah/Sig/Noble/Jorg/Mili
    Giroud/Vardy/Kodjia

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

      Do you want to bench that much cash?

      1. Marmalade Forest
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        I tweaked it so I had

        G)8.5 on keepers
        D)TAA+Digne+Ritchie -> VVD+Kelly+4.5
        M)Sig+Nobel/Jorg -> Sterling+4.5

        Didn’t like the lack of depth or flexibility

  6. ceerus
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    thoughts?
    Ryan 4.0
    VVD Digne Bednarek ElMohamady Rico
    Mane KDB Zaha Fraser Dendocker
    Aguero Jimenez King

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Back lines a bit too weak. Keep either aguero or KDB not both

    2. Jambot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      No salah, Sterling, Robbo or Trent and still with dendonker and bednarek! Too risky for me if aguero fails it’s not strong enough

  7. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Heaton Ryan
    TAA VVD Coleman Walker Kelly
    Sterling Salah siggy Maddison dendonker
    Arnie King wickham

    Keeping an eye on andone and Zinchenko pre-season, if look nailed they come in nicely for walker and wickham

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I think city start Mendy over zinchenko. Andone blows very hot and cold so I would avoid

      1. dbeck
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Last 11 games to clinch the prem, Zinchenko started 10.
        Pep may have lost faith in Mendy.
        One to monitor

  8. The Pesci challenge
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Fabs
    VVD, TAA, Digne
    Salah, siggy, zaha, bilva
    Vardy, jimi, king

    Any good?

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

      Solid eleven. Any subs start?

  9. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Is Arnie staying at West Ham?

    Think he’s being overlooked a bit if he is

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Think city on the first day puts people off

    2. Ci Siamo
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I can understand that but the West Ham fixtures after thaf

    3. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Not a bad option

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

      Hasn’t left my team in all my drafts

    5. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I hope so..big Arnie fan. I'd look to get him if I can afford just because he's one of them players I like watching play. He's pretty fixture proof when on form

  10. circusmonkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    This women's game has been a decent standard. Impressed.

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

    Is there any analysis or stats to prove the consensus that there will be more penalties awarded with the introduction of VAR?

    1. Bielsa's Bucket
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      They (Sky maybe) did a comparison with Italian and German leagues somewhere - if I remember, one league had a slight increase of goals (German), the other had a reduction (Italian).

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

            Thanks 🙂

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

              We would more need to know not necessarily the up or down turn in goals, but specifically any change in the amount of penalties awarded to establish just how important penalty takes will be.

  12. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Wow, I can't believe there's seriously an article on here with this title 😆

  13. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    It's coming home.

  14. gunner79
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Right guys 4 must players

    1. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      TAA/Robbo, Salah, Sterling, Laporte.

  15. DantheManinaPan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Surprised more people aren't going for the 5.5 Pool defender.

    I'm expecting we'll know who is first choice by the season start and that value can't be ignored!

    1. SweepaKeepa
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Spoiler: it’s Gomez. Am I right?

      1. DantheManinaPan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        I hope so

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Attacking threat and baps expected from him?!? Not sniffing any.

  16. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    What price did King start at last season?

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      6.5

  17. Snooze ya lose
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Pick 2
    Siggy
    Fraser
    Zaha

    1. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Siggy, Zaha

    2. Marmalade Forest
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Sig and Fraser cost more for a reason

  18. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Just having a look at the prices for the first time and my initial thought is... it’s all pretty expensive.

    Hard to see where last season’s bargains will come from? Pre-season will be interesting...

    Initially thinking of investing in premium defenders and midfielders with a cheap-ish front line but early days yet... What do you all think?

    1. SweepaKeepa
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I think there will be value up front. A lot of potential at the 6 to 7 range.

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah, that’s a good call. Initially only thinking of stretching to 9ish for one (eg Vardy) and then maybe two 6-7 options, making room for midfield big hitters.

    2. Marmalade Forest
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I wouldn’t be surprised if at least one of Rashford, Lukaku or Sanchez kick on, become 60% picked by GW10 and everyone is saying “Why were they so cheap”

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Absolutely. Lukaku and Sanchez in particular. Intrigued by how FPL are essentially dangling a bit of bait with those two and, to a lesser extent, Kane. Could prove to be proper bargains - but I suppose there’s still a chance they flop again.

  19. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Is anyone starting with Kane at 11m?

    I’m struggling to look away at that price

  20. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Tosun or DCL? Neither?

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      DCL is the number one, Silva said

      1. Garth Marenghi
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        When did Silva say that though?

  21. POLSKA GOLA
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    It’s been 12 hours since 1st draft and I hate my team already, the beauty of FPL

  22. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    KDB over Sterling makes everything else look so much better 😐

    1. POLSKA GOLA
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Salah permacaptain?

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Yep 🙂 Its the way to go. Salah perma captain

    3. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      If KDB can stay fit.

    4. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I struggle to see any situation where Sterling isn't the first player I put in. Unless he's unavailable for any reason of course. Top scoring player this year imo 😉

  23. Pilgrim62
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Is anybody going to create cash league?

    1. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah, me...

      1. Pilgrim62
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Give me your instructions
        My email zayatsm@yahoo.com

  24. DavidMunday815
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Let us know which of the Members articles we've written tonight you'd like next. We've got a vote going on here: https://twitter.com/FFScout/status/1144352896588427265

    1. Dybala10
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      First time poster?

  25. FPL Pillars
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Hey, so nice to be back. Got a nice team set up, pre season will no doubt change things though.

    Anyone know Elite finish leagues available to enter yet?

  26. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Since you’ve been drawing up your first drafts are you aiming for balance or big hitters and spreaded funds?

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Aiming for 2 premium captain options, and filling the rest of the team with as much value as possible. Salah and Sterling are my two poor-value but high-scoring picks atm.

  27. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Ryan Fraser is in his last year of contract, and will almost certainly be off this summer, after refusing to sign a contract that has been on the table for "some time" ( https://www.afcb.co.uk/news/first-team/club-statement-on-ryan-fraser )

    What impact do you think his departure will have on Wilson and King's output, given his insane chance creation numbers last season?

    1. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Might well ditch King if Fraser goes. Wouldn't pick up Fraser at a new club.

    2. POLSKA GOLA
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Fraser is great for Wilson, no Fraser benefits King and Brooks

  28. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Is Jonny Evans a starter now for Leicester?

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Yes. Him and Maguire have a solid partnership.

      Wes Morgan is past his prime.

  29. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    What’s all this then?

    Did I miss something?

  30. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Too unbalanced? 0.5 itb

    Ryan Button

    TAA Robbo Digne Coleman Kelly

    Salah Sterling Siggy Zaha Dendoncker

    Jota King Nketiah

    1. POLSKA GOLA
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Two Everton defenders is too much, switch one to City defender