Sky Sports

The best goalkeepers and defenders for Sky Sports Fantasy Football

With less than a week to go, the time is now to decide on which defenders will and will not make your Sky Sports Fantasy Football backline.

Goalkeepers and defenders are an integral part of any team, but they have become increasingly important in the art of Fantasy Football, and even more so in Sky Sports Fantasy Football.

Rewinding to the 2018/19 campaign, I reported that there were five defenders among the top 10 point-scorers in the game, but fast forward to last season, and there were four goalkeepers and defenders combined who achieved the same feat, those being Dean Henderson and the Liverpool trio of Andrew Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.

There are some potential bargains, and there are some which will come out of the woodwork, but two, or three of these five defensive players should be at the heart of your consideration when building your starting XI.

John Egan – £7.2m

Claiming an impressive 146 Fantasy Football points in his debut season in the Premier League, John Egan was value-for-money during Sheffield United’s successful campaign. Even with an increased price tag of £7.2m, he comes in as one of the cheapest assets in defence who started the majority of games last season.

This is reflected in his selection percentage, which currently stands at 11.75%. The price caters to accommodate those bigger players in defence, but at one of the value or budget picks, you will not go too far wrong with Egan, a solid defender who kept 13 clean sheets last term, scoring twice and picking up two man-of-the-match awards too.

Virgil van Dijk – £10.9m

Liverpool's FPL defenders struggle as Arteta hands out Arsenal goalkeeper clues

For the second season in succession, Virgil van Dijk recorded the most points out of any of the defenders, and of any player in Sky Sports Fantasy Football, despite racking up 31 points less (268) than he did in 2018/19 (299). This does still equate to 7.1 points per game, a fitting average for the most expensive defender, his price inflating to £10.9m for the new season.

It does not seem to have put many off, with van Dijk making it into 32.37 per cent of Fantasy Football teams. With 15 clean sheets, five goals, and hitting tier two passing bonus points (70+) on 21 occasions last season, it seems that even £10.9m is not beyond the extreme to have the Dutch skipper in your side.

With just four games to navigate before the Overhaul (unlimited transfers within the £100m budget for a set period of time), van Dijk looks a good route to get your season off and running emphatically, starting with new boys Leeds on Saturday, despite Chelsea and Arsenal following afterwards.

Nick Pope – £6.7m

The Burnley stopper registered a whopping 215 Fantasy points last season, just three behind Dean Henderson, who topped the charts. Nick Pope kept 15 clean sheets, just the one behind Ederson who claimed the Golden Glove. He has since earned an England call-up off the back of his solid performances between the sticks.

Burnley’s ever-resolute defence only let in 50 goals last campaign, and this level of consistency is expected to continue next year. After a tough trip to Leicester on the opening day, Burnley face Southampton and Newcastle before the international break.

Pope tallied tier one bonus points (three or more saves) on 15 occasions and tier two (five or more saves) six times, so even when clean sheets may be hard to come by, there will still be averages coming in from your number one.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – £10.6m

Trent Alexander-Arnold finished fourth in the Sky Sports Fantasy Football charts last campaign with 245 points. He made double figures with assists for the second consecutive season, ending on 13 from that department. Trent cruised his way to the Young Player of the Year award, and is set for another enjoyable term in the red of Liverpool.

Perhaps it is the fact that the English full back comes into the game £0.3m cheaper than his teammate Virgil van Dijk is the reason behind a higher selection percentage, which stands at 37.07 per cent. Will Alexander-Arnold make it into your starting XI for the opening day?

Kieran Tierney – £8.1m

We really started to see the best of Kieran Tierney towards the back end of last season, and the Scotsman played his part in Arsenal’s FA Cup final success. With a pre-season under his belt, he should be fit and raring to go ahead of the new campaign.

His statistics may not look the most promising, but his ability to get down the flanks and right to the byline before delivering inch-perfect crosses should account for an upturn in assists from defence. As well as this, Arsenal’s defence should (should) be a bit more solid and sturdy with William Saliba coming back from his loan spell and the introduction of Gabriel, so clean sheet points could be easier to come by.

Only a short period of time awaits until the first match of the season, with Fulham hosting Arsenal at Craven Cottage. 

Change and amend your team, and who knows, you could land yourself the £50,000 jackpot!

Best players by position:

2,968 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hi, any news on Soucek?

    1. The Big Fella
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Presser

  2. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    If Brewster gets a loan...

    Salah & Brewster
    or.
    Martial & Alli/Ziyech

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      anyone?

    2. JURGENAUT
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It should be B but just worried about Salah, he can go blitz

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        yeh agree.

  3. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I'm struggling with:
    1) ASM + Werner
    2) Origi (if he moves) + Son

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      1

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Because you prefer ASM more than Origi or Werner more than Son?

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          ASM more than Origi

        2. Bobby Digital
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Werner Son abit of a cointoss

    2. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      1

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Because you prefer ASM more than Origi or Werner more than Son??

    3. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      1

      1. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Because you prefer ASM more than Origi or Werner more than Son???

        1. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Werner

  4. FPL Bond @ Twitter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Greenwood isn't a viable option now with Sancho's imminent signing and uncertainty abt DVDB.
    I have done the following changes to my team.
    Willian,Mitro>Ings,Bissouma.
    Was planning Willian>Greenwood earlier.
    Now will do Ings>Martial in GW2.

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      What if Ings starts with a bang?

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Don't be trading Ings. Please.

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      There's nothing imminent about Sancho signing for United.

  5. FPL Bond @ Twitter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Man Utd's fixtures are too good to ignore.Martial a must have and is cheaper than Rashford and Bruno..

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bruno no.1 need for mine.
      then if you want to double up you Martial imo

      1. huwwilliams_
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        you a saints fan?

        1. Gabbiadini
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          possibly.

          1. huwwilliams_
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Do you think KWP is as nailed on as people on here believe? Valery still a decent option aint he. And do you think Salisu is nailed on?

            1. Gabbiadini
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              yes KWP is nailed... I personally don't rate Valery and I don't think Hassenhuttl has faith in him.
              JWP sometimes fills a role there but in saying that we don't have the midfield depth atm.
              Salisu I think will start on the bench initially but it won't be long until he is a starter.

      2. FPL Bond @ Twitter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Bruno's underlying stats not great. His points total was mainly due to penalties. Won't happen every season..

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bruno all day for me

    3. huwwilliams_
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Martial best value in the game if united sign sancho

    4. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      But they're not though. Palace and Brighton fixtures look good. After that they have Spurs, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton in their next 5.

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        yes I do worry doubling up on united attack

    5. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Are you looking at their project restart fixtures?

    6. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don't like them gwk 4-8

  6. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    So a drastically changed draft
    Would plan
    Auba Barnes and Adams
    To KDB Jimenez and 4.5 mid
    In GW3 for a 442 ( Greenwood benched)
    I like it but KDB the really only standout C option for now. Thoughts please?

    Mc Carthusian

    TAA Robertson Davies Saiss

    Auba Havertz Alli Barnes

    Werner Adams

    Nyland Michell Davis Greenwood

    Another problem with this team is GW2 2 Che attackers against 2 pool defenders and Alli against McCarthy, but from GW3 onwards it looks better.

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Didn’t hear the Sancho news better plan a non Greenwood draft 🙂

  7. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy, -----
    TAA, Justin, Vinagre, Dallas, Mitchell
    Auba, Salah, -----, ASM, Bissouma
    Wilson, -----, -----

    1) Ryan - Son - Werner - KDavis (2.5 left itb)
    2) Steer - KDB - Mitro - Ings (0 left itb)

  8. Patty
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Can I get an RMT please.

    McCarthy Nyland
    TAA KWP Ayling Justin Taylor
    Salah (c) Auba (vc) Alli Armstrong ASM
    Werner Martial Vassilev

    0 ITB

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      don't need 4 x 4.5s in a 3atb grab a 4.0
      What is your gw1 team with Martial?

      1. Patty
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        McCarthy
        TAA KWP Ayling Justin
        Salah (c) Auba Alli Armstrong ASM
        Werner

        Nyland Martial Taylor Vassilev

        1. Gabbiadini
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I'd prefer to trade Martial in.

  9. steven8991
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMT. Is it too heavy on defenders? Is it better to change T.Silva/Tierney to Egan and have 0.5m spend elsewhere?

    McCarthy (4.0m)
    TAA T.Silva Tierney Davies (4.0m)
    Mane Auba Son ASM (4.5m)
    Werner DCL (4.5m)
    0ITB

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Son to Alli
      gain 0.5 from def
      and DCL to 8.5 fwd is a no brainer for mine.

    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Silva and Tierny down until you can make DCL into Ings?

  10. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Suggestion for an article.

    Bring back anytime goalscorer odds and clean sheet odds every GW.

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      These are in the stickies

  11. Bibidh Subedi
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Press Conference schedule... anyone?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      For me is who cares. FPL blackbox is tomorrow juhuuuuuu 🙂

      P.S. watch Neale on YT he replace all the press conference, he is awesome

      1. Bibidh Subedi
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks.

  12. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which option?

    A) Davies Saiss Soucek
    B) Doherty Vinagre Bissouma

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        All depends if you play all 3 etc.

        1. davies
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          A would rotate between 352/442
          B would be 442 always

      2. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A

  13. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Az and Mark are recording tomorrow. Juhuuuuuu. Happy. Like the old days. This is going to be super competitive season

    Anyone else excited?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      o/

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Look forward to hearing from Mark , no a fan of Az's style and selections, especially after his team on the scout cast

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Not*

    3. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Great news, people with proper knowledge, have fun and possess personalities.

  14. JURGENAUT
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What’s the latest on Aurier? Is Doherty even guaranteed a start in GW1?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      We don't know. We think Doherty will start. Wait for the press

  15. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any better combo then Haverz and Mitro for 14.5m?

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mitro and Ings

  16. sumedh1809
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Please RMT:

    McCarthy (Nyland)

    TAA, Justin, KWP, Mitchell, Johnson

    Auba, ASM, Salah, Barnes, Bissouma

    Kane, Mitrovic, Werner

    Bank : 0

    Is there a better option for Barnes, any downgrade suggestions to free up for a better replacement for Barnes? Thanks

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Barnes is a great option early. I am using him as a placeholder, lock him in.
      Rest looks fairly solid.

  17. steven8991
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Richarlison good option? Saw everton last friendly match and he was so active in attack

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      what position was he playing, wing or ST?

      1. steven8991
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Wing, ST was DCL

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Waiting to see Hames impact

  18. blauriecon
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) McCarthy Antonio
    B) Allison Mitrovic

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A but not with Antonio, horrific fixtures.

    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A with Wilson?

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Michy at Crystal palace is a watch

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I'm waiting for that to get locked in to finally get off the Mitro train. Wilson and Batty as 2nd/3rd strikers fells much more comfortable.

  19. Andy_Social
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy is the best 4.5 keeper option. But there are plenty of fixtures where you'd sooner not use him.
    I've found 3 decent rotations that appear to be better than Ryan:
    Martinez IF he's at Villa, Meslier and Rodak.

    I think I'll start with McC and a 4m and monitor which of the 3 or 4 (inc Ryan) appear to be doing okay defensively.

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      McC is the best 4.5 option to start with imo

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yes, that's where I'm at. He'll be my only keeper for first 4GW, but there's a route to helping him out from GW5 if it seems wise.

    2. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Same for Pope last year and he did well in the "bad" games

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He did, but I don't see the Saints defence as resilient as Burnley and Sheff United.

    3. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Starting with Ryan & KWP. Instead.

      Couldn’t find value in another 4.5 defender. Was initially on McCarthy & Vinagre

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I'm just thinking about goalkeeper rotation. I think McCarthy is a better punt than Ryan. They do rotate okay though.

        Just been going through McCarthy's record last season - I'm underwhelmed, tbh. What I might do is instead of getting a 2nd 4.5 to rotate, I might switch to a better one - Meslier is in my thoughts. Will monitor for first 4 games.

  20. Joggers Nipple
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Morning, any thoughts on this really appreciated-

    Ramsdale
    TAA/ Davies/ /KWP/ Mitchell
    Salah/ Alli/ Auba/ ASM
    Ings/ Werner

    4.0 gk/ Taylor/ 4.5 mid/ 4.5 fwrd 1M ITB

    Thoughts are-
    - Ings to Martial with .5 of cash ITB (dont like planned transfers but unique now with no GW1 fixture)
    - Alli there until I choose between Pulisic and Havertz. Using other .5 ITB Could just go Havertz now?
    - Same plan as many for Auba to Man C later, can make a 4.5 def into a 5.0
    - Could trim Ramsdale ot a 4.5 if needed but like having him there and leaving it

    Any input really welcome

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I don't see the reason in trading Ings, could easily outscore Martial and .5 less.
      If you are unsure on that 3rd mid (Alli) you could make some adjustments to make that player Martial and therefore go with 3 starting FWDs.

      1. SpagBol
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Ings has Spurs and Burnley 2 and 3, where as United have Palace and Brighton 2 and 3... Martial easily outscores Ings here...

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Agreed. I'm definitely doing the Ings to Martial move in GW2 if I can get through GW1 without any injuries and suspensions.

      2. Joggers Nipple
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers for the thoughts.
        I just want a Manu attacker. Maybe not putting enough thought into it but just going with it.
        Coud down alli to 4.5 mid and have Ings, werner and Martial up top but lose my 'in' to CH mid.

        Thanks again, will have a think

        1. Make United Great Again
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Quite like this.

  21. steven8991
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMT.

    McCarthy (4.0m)
    TAA Davies KWP (4.0m 4.0m)
    Mane Auba Son ASM (4.5m)
    Werner Richarlison Mitrovic
    0ITB

    1. Apwilkin
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I would look at upgrading at least one of your 4.0 m defender. If any of your starting 11 are rested your bench wont be giving you any points.

  22. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ahhh can't decide between kane and vardy

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      If it helps, factor in their midweek schedules.

      1. FantasyHero
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Good point !

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I was set on Kane but he may take some time to get going if his recent performances for England are anything to go by. I'd start with Vardy.

  23. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hey guys, is C. Taylor nailed on for Burnley long term? Considering him for a 4.5 defender.

    Cheers

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      should be, yeh

    2. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      yes

  24. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Saliba or Holding likely to play?

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      For the first 2 GWs

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Is the million dollar question. And we won't get an early team news leak this time!

    3. Heskey Time
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Likely both in a back 3. Tierney holding saliba

      Luiz, mari, mustafi, chambers injured and sokratis off to Napoli. Holding was due to go on loan to Newcastle but Arteta wants him. Think he’s the best bet as Arteta won’t want to rush in saliba and Gabriel if he doesn’t have to.

    4. Live Lad
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Seems like Holding is being paired with Luiz after Mustafi's injury in the semis. He kept his spot in the final and in the Community Shield. Now they are Gabriel and Luiz is likely injured. Lots of unknowns but I guess Holding is likely to start matches.

      I'm going for Tierney myself as I think Arsenal can expect CSs in the first two games and he has attacking potential.

  25. SomeoneKnows
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on the following team...

    McCarthy (Button)
    TAA, Davies, Coady, Justin (Mitchell)
    Salah, Auba, Son, Bissouma (Foden)
    Werner, Mitrovic (Davis)

    (Button, Mitchell, Foden, Davis) + 1.5 ITB

    GW2: Son > Bruno
    GW3: Salah/Auba > KDB

  26. mgilbert86
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Salah and Antonio
    or
    B) Son and Vardy?

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B, don't like WHU fixtures.

  27. PepSala
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Im finally content..done tinkering

    Ramsdale
    TAA Robbo KWP
    Salah(c) Auba ASM JWP
    Werner Mitro Ings

  28. Roy Rovers
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Before it goes crazy on here!!….any help with this lot much appreciated.

    Keeping an eye on Soucek….anything else I should be bothered about?

    0.5 ITB for Ings > Martial

    Ryan Walton
    TAA KWP Taylor Dier Mitchell
    Salah Aubameyang Greenwood ASM Soucek
    Kane Ings Brewster

  29. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    If Brewster gets a loan this team feels like an absolute lock in about gw3/4... thoughts?

    McCarthy
    TAA | Taylor | Lewis
    Salah/Auba | KDB | Fernandes | Armstrong
    Werner | Ings

    Brewster | Justin/4.5 | Ferguson | 4.5 mid, rotating as the last onfield spot depending on fixtures.

    1. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Is that Salah and Auba?
      Think you have 10 on the pitch and a squad of 14?

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        no just one.
        Nyland is there too as a bench option.

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I really want Jimenez for 3-7
      Might try to have
      Werner Jimenez and Adams up front for these weeks as Sou still have good fixtures too.

  30. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Brewster owners going into GW1 with him and hoping he gets a loan move to a Prem team? Even if he stays at Liverpool, is there a better 4.5 forward? Can't see much game time for Davis now that Villa have signed Watkins.

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Brewster best 4.5 fwd regardless. Latest reports seem to be favouring a loan/transfer

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      But if you've got 2 premium Liverpool and Brewster, you can't get a 3rd premium without doing a 2FT at least.