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. C0YS
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Mitro in a 343
    B) ASM in a 442

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Morning
      A

    2. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  2. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    7.5 available in the mid for one player. How do I spend them? I'm currently on gw1 Bowen and then move to James greenwood but I can also get James from the start

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Would avoid west ham for start of season, better just getting a guaranteed starter with good fixtures. Save yourself 2.5m and get Dououré!

  3. Alexanderjg23
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    In draft, would you rather go Laporte, JAmes Rog or Bowen?

    1. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Long term James

  4. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A. DCL and Davies/Dier
    or
    B. Adams and Doherty

    This would be my only spurs player

  5. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who’s your gw1 pick

    Havertz or Pulisic?

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Moving forward, not just for gw1

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

        Puli.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pulisic

    3. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pulisic is set for an incredible season, looked world class after the restart and has a considerable upgrade in his supporting cast. Ziyech's crosses from the left wing are also targeted to the far post and Puli will make use of that. Definitely him.

      However, Havertz is also a brilliant player and playing as a #10 should be excellent value for money. I believe the answer will soon be both, but for now Puli.

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

        Completely agree. I don't think they'll be firing on all cylinders by Monday. I'll observe 2 matches and get one - probably Pully in GW3.

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

          Yeah, I doubt they'll set the world alight the first two but I'm on Havertz and Ziyech right now and won't be surprised if Puli joins them for that GW3+ run.

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

            Kai and Werner*

    4. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pulisic sounds a bit like pubic now you come to mention it.

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I’m starting with Alli and 1 or the other, potential move to both from gw 3

        Just unsure who’s going to get the most minutes gw 1 and 2

        If puli is on his way back then he might be ever so slightly off the pace for the first 2 gw

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

          I'm on Alli for the first 2 as well. Auba/Alli > City/Chelsea. Specific personnel to be determined at the time.

    5. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Havertz

    6. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thinking about both and dropping Salah.

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Could get both if I found 0.5 from somewhere - to be honest I can’t see Alli outscoring either

        Could do Werner to ings then have both and have 0.5 itb

        1. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Doing Salah > Pulisic enables me to upgrade Wilson or Adams >> Werner and triple up .

          Then Werner > Martial in gw 2.

          1. Steve The Spud
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I’m not sure I fancy the triple up but the last thing I want Is to get rid of Werner then they just feed him assists

            Who scores more

            Havertz,puli,ings,ramsdale

            Or

            Werner,Alli,Havertz,Ryan

            This is to much for 6.45AM

            1. The 12th Man
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              I like A if Pulisic is ready.

        2. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Sounds good.
          If Pulisic is fit I’m considering a triple up then moving one to a United player in gw2

          1. Steve The Spud
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            See if we get any more information before Saturday

  6. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best option under 8m to complete the mids? Currently on Alli.

    salah auba XXXX asm bissouma
    werner ings mitro

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      It’s probably Alli.

    2. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      My current front 7 with Alli too but Adams instead of Ings!

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Gone big in defence?

        1. Balls of Steel
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          No, TAA, Justin, Vinagre, Saliba, Mitchell

          1. SpaceCadet
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            So wheres the 2.5m spent? Saving for united players?

            1. Balls of Steel
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Might decide to upgrade in defence or midfield

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Daily mail :/

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Is a good source. Trust me. Daily star, express and ... Are sht but mail is ok.

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

      Interesting. The second report I've seen suggesting Holding AND Saliba get the green light. Could be a fruitful and inexpensive first 2 games if you get both.

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thought Holding was going to Newcastle? Deal cancelled?

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

          Yeh - Arteta want him in the first team squad. I think he impressed in the Commie Shield.

  7. danlynch13
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any help with this?

    A) Davies + Alli + Ings
    B) Doherty + Son + Adams

    B) allows me to have 0.5 in the bank so I can do son > rashford

    Thanks

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Both options are good.
      Personal choice.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Both can do well, probably B at start.

    3. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think the 1mil between Alli and son is more worth to be spent than the 1m between Davies and Doh. So I'm going for A cause Ings is a proven goalscorer while Adams may be a trap

      1. danlynch13
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

  8. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Martínez
    TAA, van Dijk, Egan, Doherty
    Son, Salah, Aubameyang, ASM
    Ings, Wilson

    Bench = Pile of poo

    Thoughts?

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

      I like the defence.

      1. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I'm not sold on van Dijk yet, but he does have that goal threat.

    2. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd have poo ahead of pile

  9. Bruno Commando
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Current draft but not sure about Mitro.

    A) Mitro + Armstrong + 1.5 for Son to Bruno
    B) Ings + Bissouma

    McCarthy // Nyland
    TAA BDavies Egan // Mitchell CTaylor
    Salah Auba Son ASM Armstrong
    Werner Mitro // Davis
    1.5 ITB

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don't think I would be comfortable with Bissouma playing regularly, so A

  10. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Saliba or Justin?

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I have both so...!

  11. KujaliaFC
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    When can we expect Areola to be added to the game?

    The deadline is marching ever closer.

    1. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      today most likely

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

      Can't be any other than 4.5
      Question is, will he go straight into first team? Presumably he was given assurances.

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

        I didn't think of that. I assumed that he'd be ahead of Rodak.

        I currently have Rodak in my squad, so I'd need him to be 4.5 if I want to do a straight swap.

  12. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Price of Salah + Armstrong = Pulisic + Son !!! 😮

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

      Woah, that's exactly what I've done. I like it.

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yeh I’ve just switched Wilson and Salah >> Pulisic and Werner.

    3. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah, Salah's price is joke considering the chelsea midfield prices

  13. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Tierney and Werner

    or

    van Dijk and Ings?

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

      What about Tierney and Ings? And save the cash for better use elsewhere. Tierney is attacking with CS potential. Ings is Ings.

  14. The Hunt
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMT broke again. No matter what people's opinions of him are, Saka cannot be rated the 41st best option for midfielders priced 5.5m or less over the first 6 gameweeks. In terms of value he's rated even lower than that. Someone put a new battery in it please.

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Haha, every time I watch arsenal he looks so good

      Be very surprised if he didn’t start at leash the first 2-3 games

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

    Blades fans around? Will Ampadu start and who for in that case? Ampadu is a CB by trait right?

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

      He won’t, he’s a centre back and not an upgrade on their current 3

  16. goneill79
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Set & leave the back 5.Chop & change elsewhere depending on form/fixtures.

    Any thoughts? I don’t mind scathing criticism

    McCarthy

    TAA Robbo Doherty Egan Basham

    Auba Havertz Son

    Wilson Werner

    Nyland Bissouma Lemina Brewster

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

      Egan and Basham? Prefer Davies/Dier, Saiss//Coady, and Keane over them. Looks very nice otherwise!

      1. goneill79
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Never considered the Spurs double up.Thxs.Reckon Sheff utd will be solid at the back again

  17. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best 4.0 gk fodder?

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

      I'm on Steer

  18. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    5th midfielder spot.
    Doucoure + 2m
    Or
    James Rodriguez

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

      James

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

      Rodriguez 100%. Extremely confident he'll be excellent value for 7.5.

    3. beastie
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Doucoure. Proven in the prem.

    4. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I like Doucoure. Position wise, James will obviously be more advanced.

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I really should say where that 2m would be going.
        Would either upgrade a 4.5m defender to VVD
        Wilson to Ings
        Or kept in the bank for United /City transfers.

        I do like James better but think Doucoure could be great value at 5.5m

    5. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Really like Doucouré at 5.5m especially in an upgraded team..

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

    Pulisic to start or bench?

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

      Start.

    2. Botman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Always tricky with hamstrings. Performance staff will no doubt want to limit his high speed running.

  20. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ffs team news have laca up front in predicted line up
    But isn't nketiah more likely to start???

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not updated

  21. RomeluStormzy
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Fernandes and Adams

    B) Ings (Martial gw2) and James Rod.

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

    Spurs will struggle to keep CS in the first two games? Everton will score I think. So will S'ton.

    1. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      They are a unpredictable imo. Saints should score but Everton may not...

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

      Wouldn't be surprised to see Spurs keep a CS in both, Everton have had very little time to gel and Southampton are being overrated, they aren't a City or Liverpool in attacking threat.

    3. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I still think everton are overrated

  23. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Seems like lots of people going for Pulisic now

  24. Amey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Everyone stay away from Pulisc !!
    He's my punt 😀

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don’t break him!

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        😀

  25. CoKane & Zohores
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    First RMT for the season. Any obvious issues?

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Robertson, BDavies, Saiss, (Ferguson)
    Salah, Auba, ASM, Armstrong, (Bissouma)
    Werner, Ings, (Davis)

    0.5 in the bank for Ings to Martial in GW2.

  26. vicsta
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Mccarthy/Nyland
    TAA KWP Doherty Justin (Mitchell)
    Aubameyang Son Saka (Bissouma Doucoure)
    Ings Vardy Werner
    0.5 ITB

    What's everyone's thoughts?
    Struggling to find best way to use the 0.5itb!

  27. Alexanderjg23
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    James Rod or Bowen...money no object?

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      For GW1 Bowen.

      2,3,4 James

  28. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which one for first 3?

    A) Saliba: ful WHU liv
    B) Justin: wba BUR mci

  29. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is this DCL and Rodriguez double up too much too start the season?
    Other option is DCL + wait and see if James settles in or go for Grnwd