Pro Pundits - Mark

Why I’m refusing to waver on Klopp’s defensive double-up

Mark Sutherns explains why he’s sticking to his guns amid the Liverpool defensive firesale.


I remain defiant when it comes to Liverpool’s full-backs. An avalanche of goals is flushing funds from Fantasy Premier League defences and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) and Andy Robertson (£7.0m) are rapidly being classified as disposable. But I’m not having it.

I’m not denying the logic. Liverpool have kept just four clean sheets in 13 matches since the restart and the injury to Alisson (£6.0m), a crucial component in Jurgen Klopp’s defensive jigsaw, nudges a hapless Adrian (£4.5m) into the firing line.

That worrying scenario provides a sub-plot to a season that, so far, has seen 144 goals scored, a rate of 3.79 goals per game. That’s a ridiculous figure: the record for a Premier League season was set in 1992/93 when we witnessed a rate of 2.65 goals per game.

So FPL managers are reassessing their team structure and flooding to the major benefactors of the goal rush, notably Spurs’ Harry Kane (£10.6m) and Son Heung-min (£9.1m).

Expensive defenders are being sacrificed and, should Alexander-Arnold and Robertson fail to return in Saturday’s Merseyside derby, the evacuation will only gather pace.

But the recent explosion from the Spurs pair isn’t enough to convince me to give up on my two defensive investments. I may well move funds from Lucas Digne (£6.1m) and Reece James (£5.1m) and replace them with £4.5m options, but I’m remaining steadfast on the Liverpool full-backs.

At this stage, FPL managers normally start to seek out trends and patterns vital to drive our decisions – our transfers, our early-season Wildcards.

But we’ve never experienced a start to the season like this. We’re in the midst of something extreme that, to my mind, makes it impossible to find the comforting foothold of reliable data and form.

So with just this small and extraordinary sample of matches as my reference, I’m refusing to write off a player who, prior to Gameweek 1, was the first name on almost every FPL teamsheet.

At the time of writing, over almost 240,000 managers have sold Alexander-Arnold heading into Saturday’s deadline.

Admittedly, his performances have contributed to that trend. He has been short of his best by some margin and has been strangely peripheral to Liverpool’s play. However, Alexander-Arnold’s numbers remain impressive: only West Ham’s Ryan Fredericks (£4.4m) and Aaron Cresswell (£4.9m) have created more chances among players in his Fantasy position, and with seven efforts on goal, no defender has bettered his direct threat. If you are brave enough to use data given the bizarre four Gameweeks we’ve had, there’s little in the numbers to drive you to sell.

Alexander-Arnold is a player that has provided 28 assists and five goals in his previous two campaigns, with his points tally improving from 185 points to 210. Since the start of the 2019/20 campaign, only Kevin De Bruyne (£11.6m) and Jack Grealish (£7.1m) have created more chances and on Boxing Day last year, the right-back coupled that creativity with an eye for goal to haul of 24-points, a record for a defender in the history of FPL.

Is this really an asset we can reject on the basis of four bizarre Gameweeks?

On Liverpool’s opposite flank, Robertson appears to be reaching new levels as an attacking outlet. He’s overshadowed Alexander-Arnold since the restart, creating more chances (22 vs 20) and more big chances (six versus three), while he’s surely passed the eye test.

The Scot is pouring forward on the left flank, overlapping Mane time and time again. He already has a first goal to his name and there should be more to come.

Fabinho bolsters Liverpool defence as Werner shows promise ahead of West Brom

Liverpool will be backed to be second only to Manchester City for goals scored again this season and, collectively, their full-backs have provided 34% of the assists since the start of the 2018/19 season.

So while the chances of clean sheets in the short-term may be diminished by Adrian’s tenure, Klopp’s side will have to score more goals to win matches and that will surely benefit their primary source of creativity.

And I’m not giving up on defensive returns, either.

We have to expect Klopp to react to the Villa Park mauling. He will surely focus on shutting down the gaps that were exploited in that defeat. The return of Jordan Henderson (£5.4m) and Sadio Mane (£11.9m) – both vital to Liverpool’s pressing game that denies opponents the time to exploit a high line – must also be factored in.

That aforementioned record of four clean sheets from 13 outings includes eight matches when the title was almost in the bag. But Liverpool cannot show any complacency now. Pep Guardiola will demand that his City side match Liverpool’s own relentless consistency, so Klopp will know that he has to quickly find a solution to their defensive frailties.

The fixture list convinces me that I can give him time.

Liverpool face just a Gameweek 8 trip to the Etihad and a home clash with Spurs in Gameweek 13 as major tests before the deadline for the first Wildcard.

So for this FPL manager, Alexander-Arnold and Robertson remain at the status they held before the madness ensued: unique assets who can present outstanding value.

They are investments worthy of that extra five million, particularly when I can compensate for that spend by investigating mid-price assets in attacking areas. We’ve already seen that Grealish, James Rodriguez (£7.6m), Dominic Calvert Lewin (£7.6m) and Michail Antonio (£6.3m) are options that offer the potential of returns that keep pace or even better the top tier players.

It’s going to take a Jose Mourinho team to go on scoring five and six goals a game to convince me otherwise. At that point, the madness shifts to a whole new level.


Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

3,031 Comments Post a Comment
  1. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Your help is needed please

    Play one out of
    Lamptey
    Justin

    Any ideas would be welcomed

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

      Justin I think

    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Justin

  2. timawflowers
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who to play lamptey or James?

    1. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      James
      I doubt there will be a cameo so you should get 90 or 0

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

    Dier > Chilwell worth a -4?

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

      Don't think so, and I am a Chelsea fan and own Chilwell

  4. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I've Already taken a minus 4 to get to the team below. Should I bench KDB or swap him to someone up to 12mill for the minus 8?

    Martinez
    TAA Saiss James
    Son James Pulisic KDB
    Kane DCL Brewster

    Nyland Justin Podence Lamptey

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

      I'm on the same boat, to do or not to do -8. Your bench looks stronger than mine.

    2. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      It depends on how long you think he is out for I guess

  5. Baked baines
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Need some output on this question me and my mate have been having all our lives!

    Who’s the bigger club...

    Aston Villa or Spurs?

    1. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Spurs

  6. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Got the exact cash for kdb>sterling. Did Pep say he was ok?

    1. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Think so. I could go Sterling as well. Not really convinced though

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Who's your other candidates? I still don't own James or Graelish. Not a huge fan og James vs Liverpool though.

    2. Derek the Dog
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      he didn't say he wasn't ok...

    3. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      You don’t need cash for that do you?

  7. Atwood
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC?

    Martinez - Steer
    Robertson - Dallas - Justin - Saiss - KWP
    Salah - Grealish - Son - Rodriguez - Bissouma
    DCL - Kane - Wilson

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

      Grrat

    2. Derek the Dog
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      GTG

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nice

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

    Kdb & Jimi -> Pulisic & Kane (-4)

    ?

    1. Derek the Dog
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would

    2. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      That what I am contemplating. I may then move kane to Antonio and get KDB back in 3 or 4 weeks time

    3. schlupptheweek
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I think Jimenez and Wolves will step up in the next 3 after getting more used to life without Jota, Doc and Jonny. Kane is very good but I guess Jimenez is the only one you can remove.
      Go for it if you like you're team better and don't listen to what others say.

      1. Burger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Wise words, thanks.

  9. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anything worth a hit? 2.8itb

    McCarthy
    Egan TAA Doh
    Son Jamez Grealish Barnes
    Werner Ings DCL
    (Nyland, Mitchell, Podence, KWP)

    Tempted by Werner to Kane or defensive upgrade

  10. dshv
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Starting WC or keep kdb ?

  11. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hit out Kev or bench and play Brewster?

    Have son, mo and jack already so not sure where to go for the Kev replacement

    1. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Just play Brewster

    2. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      take the hit. live life a little.

    3. DontPiqueTooSoon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I am in same boat. Playing Brewster & benching KDB.

  12. ZTF
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    In draft:

    A) Wolves or Utd defence for this week only?
    B) If Utd, Bailly or Lindelof safer?

  13. John Nerdelbaum
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any advice here?

    Martinez
    TAA Saiss James
    Salah *KDB* Son Podence
    DCL Jimi Maupay

    Steer/Lamptey/Mitchell/Burke

    I was planning on KDB to Pulisic but cooling a bit as there still seems to be some doubt over his mins. Grealish is an option as are Mane and Sterling. If I had a better bench I'd be tempted to just hold Kev

    1. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      In the same dilemma. Mane is the better Kdb replacement. Can't afford him so I'm going Grealish and saving the extra for mitro to Aguero next week.

      1. John Nerdelbaum
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        The derby puts me off Mane but just from memory he has a decent record in it.
        I'd like the cash to move to Kane next week.

    2. A19
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I have the exact same team. Think i'm going KDB - > Grealish. Tempted to also do Podence - > Pulisic.
      Will probably do Jimi - > Aguero next week if the Kun plays against Arsenal

      1. John Nerdelbaum
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah, Grealish is tempting. It would be for a hit though
        Like the Kun plan

  14. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Captain?

    A: Salah
    B: Son

    1. DontPiqueTooSoon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Salah

    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Son for me

  15. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Already have Son, Ings and Jim. Mitchell and KWP are my current options if I save the FT and bench KDB.

    1) KDavis > Watkins
    2) KDB > Sterling
    3) KDB > Grealish
    4) KDB, KDavis > Trossard, Kane (-4)
    5) KDB, KDavis > Grealish, DCL (-4)

    1. DontPiqueTooSoon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Save FT

  16. noone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez

    TAA Saiss Chilwell Mitchell
    Son(VC) Salah(C) James
    Brewster Mitro Jiminez

    Steer; Lamptey, Burke, KDB

    Already did -4 before the price changes about 10 days ago. Is it worth it do another -4 to take KDB out or just go with this team?

    1. MarcusAurelius
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I did the same thing. Went KDB to Sterling tonight for another-4

    2. DontPiqueTooSoon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’m in same boat. Just bench KDB

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

        need someone to break the tie lol

  17. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Can you RMT?

    Ryan
    Chilwell, Semedo, Reguilon
    Salah, Pulisic, Son(c), James, Zaha
    DCL, Kane

    Button, Brewster, Justin, Mitchell

  18. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Same thing happened at the start of last season and then Liverpool went on a run and TAA was racking up double digit scores.

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      When Allison returned, yea

    2. Dino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Coincided with fabinho injury. The same thing happened the previous season, prior to fabinho the summer signing getting in the team Liverpool were rock solid at the back but once he got in the team the cs dried up massively

  19. ElliotJHP
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Was going to move Ings to Kane for a hit but thinking similar to Mark that the Liv boys will continue to represent value, fixtures look great too

    Rolling the 2.5 Allows 5 -> Robertson Foden/7 -> Pulisic or 8.5 > Kane with another week of data.

  20. Bad Klopp
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Present team with 1FT:

    Martinez

    Justin, Castagne, Saiss
    Podence, Rodriguez, Son (vc), Salah (c)
    Maupay, DCL, Kane

    (Steer,Costa, Lamptey, Mitchell)

    Okay to roll the transfer? It seems like a good idea, considering we will have more clarity on Pulisic, Ziyech, Aguero, Justin and Mitchell before the next GW.

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Very much good to roll

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

      Yeah good to go

      1. Bad Klopp
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers. Don't like have 4.1 ITB though.

  21. For Fuchs Sake
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Soucek to Son
    and
    Adams to Bamford
    -4
    Yes or no?

    1. MarcusAurelius
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

  22. el polako
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I dont have Salah, surely selling ginger Kev for egyptian prince is the most obvs move I can make right ?
    (still dont trust Jose & Spurs).

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yup. But you need Son/Kane as well.

    2. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Enough of a price difference now to consider Mane.

  23. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Not been logged on here for a couple of weeks. Suddenly everyone has Pulisic? Whats going on there?

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Just like Backstreet, he's back.

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cold end up like more like Aron Carter.

      2. Muchentuchel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        alright

  24. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    McCarthy, Steer
    TAA, Dier, Justin, Ayling, Vinagre
    Salah, KDB, Rodriguez, Podence, Soucek
    Werner, Jimenez, Brewster

    Leaning towards C or D.
    A) KDB to Son (free)
    B) KDB to Mane (free)
    C) KDB & Werner to Son and Kane (-4)
    D) KDB & Jimenez to Son and Kane (-4)
    E) KDB & Podence to Son & Pulisic (-4)

  25. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez Button
    Robertson Lamptey Saiss Ferguson XXXX
    Salah Son James Grealish XXXX
    DCL Maupay XXXX

    Best option on a Wildcard:

    1. Dallas Sterling Brewster
    2. Chilwell Pulisic Wilson
    3. Chilwell Fernandes Brewster

    Thanks

  26. Beavis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mccarthy
    TAA, Doherty*, Justin (Shaw*, Mitchell*)
    Salah, KDB*, Rodríguez, Foden (Bissouma)
    Werner, DCL, Adams

    2 FTs. Doing KDB > Son, what to do with the other:
    A: Doherty > Chilwell
    B: Werner > Kane
    C: Adams > Maupay
    D: 2 of the above for a hit?

  27. Muchentuchel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Vardy or Jimmy out for Kane?

    1. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Vardy

  28. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hi lads, bit of help here please

    I did--> Bavies,Podence,Werner->Chilwell, Son, Wilson (-8).

    Should I WC still? Kinda took a big hit.

    McCarthy,Nyland
    TAA,Chilwell,Justin,Mitchell,Buur
    Salah,Sterling,JRod,Son,Bissouma
    Wilsom,Jimenez,Mitro

  29. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Hold (4pt hit)
    B) KDB > Sterling (8pt hit)
    C) WC

    McCarthy
    TAA Dallas Justin Mitchell (kwp)
    Salah Son Rodriguez (KDB* Bissouma)
    Jiminez DCL Watkins

    1. FER FUSCH AKE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      WC

    2. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Hold.

    3. Totti
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

  30. Totti
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    what do u think guys?

    A) werner -> kane for -4
    B) play werner

    1) play reece james
    2) play mitchel ( as reece might not start and to avoid a cameo with 1 pt )