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. Arfaish
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who is the better keeper pick on wildcard:

    A) Martinez
    B) Guaita

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    3. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    4. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Would you not be tempted to pay the extra 0.3m for a better defence in Palace?

  2. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Pulisic James Rod or Havertz

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

      James

    2. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Rodriguez

    3. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Pulisic this week, James long term

  3. tarantino2005
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    kdb to pulisic or grelish?

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

      Pulisic, live a little

    2. MY DJ NAME IS PIMP CURRY
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Grealish

    3. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Pulli

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

      Grealish

  4. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    KdB to

    1) Bruno (c)
    2) Mahrez
    3) Zaha
    4) Pulisic

    Would cap Son otherwise

    1. MY DJ NAME IS PIMP CURRY
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Getting in Bruno is a terrible decision. United are a dumpster fire

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        So which then

        1. OptimusBlack
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          4

        2. MY DJ NAME IS PIMP CURRY
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          From those 4, I'd go for Pulisic

      2. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Averages nearly 7 points per game

    2. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      5 - Sterling

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I have Foden, does that put u off sterling?

        1. Krafty Werks
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          No, would still be my preferred pick tbh.

      2. Szarleej
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thats what I did

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

      Pulisic

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

    Would you WC?

    McCarthy
    Trent Chilwell Saiss
    Salah KDB* Son Podence
    Jimenez DCL Adams

    Bench: Justin & cheapies

    Or would you just do KDB & Adams -> Grealish & Kane (-8)?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Don't WC

      Do that

    2. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No wildcard, KDB to Sterling and leave

  6. MY DJ NAME IS PIMP CURRY
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Why does the search feature here only search articles, and not comments?

    I'm sure it's been asked before but can't find a discussion:

    Would you keep Mitchell on a wildcard? Or downgrade to 3.9 to save that 0.1?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Wouldn't keep

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

    Martinez

    TAA, James, Saiss, Lamptey (Dunne)

    Salah, Foden, Podence, (KDB)

    Werner, DCL, Jimenez

    2 free 0.3 itb what to do....

    Thinking KDB + Foden/Podence to Son + Grealish, next week Werner to Aguero?

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

      Looks great but with Podence, Foden should be nailed

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

      Same team apart i have Robo for Trent 🙂 I am contemplating KDB + Podence to Son + Grealish this week.

  8. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Az looks absolutely defeated

  9. Pickle juice
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you do below for -4

    Kdb and Jiménez

    To

    Pulisic and Kane

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Considering the same

  10. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Need a 4.0 keeper to go with Martinez.

    a. Steer
    b. Forster
    c. Someone else

    ???

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

      No stand out option so just pick one you think won’t drop in price

    2. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B) You may want triple Villa

  11. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Whats everyone's thoughts on Sterling?
    On Wildcard with him currently in my squad but with KDB out and no strikers fit im having second thoughts. I just can't decide on who to replace him with, already have Salah, Son, Pulisic. Dont currently have a Liverpool defender so may downgrade to fund it.

    1. Seanigula
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’d just avoid City for now...they are the EPL’s Humpty Dumpty

    2. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would downgrade and distribute the funds elsewhere. With such a midfield line you probably can strengthen other formations significantly.

  12. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Sterling over Salah for the next 2 gws because I want to captain Fax Vs West Ham away?

    1. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Raz* xd

    2. Seanigula
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bad idea

    3. Seanigula
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      You might end up as Shart Team 🙂

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Can't stop giggling.

        1. Seanigula
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah, I’m pretty happy with that one

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

    My Sky overhaul team, thoughts please?

    Martinez
    Dallas Saiss Castagne
    Pulisic Antonio Mahrez Fernandes Rodriguez
    Kane Salah

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

      looks good, i think you're covered for captaincy options for the next few weeks too

  14. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I love Antonio but just thinking whether Bowen isn't better pick actually especially combined with the bench options (Bowen + Brewster vs Antonio + Stephens). Their stats are similar, maybe Antonio's are better but on the other hand Bowen gets +1 point for goals and a point for clean sheet.

    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      both great picks

      1. Sgt Frank Drebin
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah I know, but we have so many options in midfield I have to make choices. If going for Antonio I have 2 places left, and Grealish, Bowen, Rodriguez, Trossard and Barnes to choose from.

  15. Runaway
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Robbo + 4x4.5

    B) Chilwell + Semedo +3x4.5

    1. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I think you can safely get a 4.0 or 3.9m defender as the 3rd sub and it won't have that bad consequences. The probability of him coming in is so low you'll be better of saving the 0.5m.

  16. noquarternt
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Why is Lamptey still flagged? Is he going to play?

    1. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Should start, flag won't come off until he does.

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

    What to do with 2FT this week? 0.7 itb

    Martinez
    Robo James Saiss
    Salah KDB Foden Podence
    Werner (C) DCL Jimi

    Forster, Lamptey, Burke, Dunne

    The obvious 1 ft is KDB to Son! Any suggestions guys?

  18. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    One to own for next few weeks

    A) pulisic
    B) fernandes

    1. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Prefer A as of now.

  19. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anything better than this?

    KDB & Davis -> Trossard & Kane

    McCarthy
    Trent, Virgil, Mitchell
    Salah, Son, KDB, Foden
    Jimenez, Antonio, Davis

    Steer, Bellerin, Bissouma, Holding
    Bank 0.9m, 2FT

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

    Zaha flaged?

  21. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Why all ppl selling Jiménez ?

    1. Seanigula
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He hasn’t been scoring despite good fixtures

      1. Seanigula
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        and people want Kane

    2. MY DJ NAME IS PIMP CURRY
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Very low ceiling for an 8.5m tbh. I got him in last week but a few podcasts convinced me it was a poor move. Taking him out now on WC

    3. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'm giving him another week at least.

  22. Greyling
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hi guys,

    With 2 FTs, which essential player/s to bring in team below?

    Pickford
    TAA, Mitchell, Justin
    Salah, Rodriguez, Barnes, Fernandes, Foden
    Werner, Wilson

    Brewster, Digne, Walker-Pieters

    1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Barnes+Werner -> Grealish+Kane? Enough funds?

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

    Sorry to ask again, but should I worry about butland as I'm picking Guaita on WC??

  24. Patron
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is there a chance Clyne starts for CP?

    Thanks!

  25. Doctor Evil
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    KDB to start just like Son?

    1. Ozzy smith
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No chance.

    2. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Highly doubt it.

    3. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Highly unlikely.

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

    1) Davis > Watkins and switch to 343
    2) KDB > Sterling
    3) Save FT and bench KDB

    McCarthy
    Trent, Saiss, Justin, Mitchell
    Salah(c), Son, Soucek, Podence
    Ings, Jimenez
    (Nyland; KWP, Davis, KDB)

  27. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Pulisic or Sterling?

    Have Foden

  28. Sepp Blattered
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    How's this WC? Pretty template I think..

    Guaita - 4.0
    Robbo - Coady - Lampey - Dallas - Ayling
    Salah - Son - Rodriguez - Grealish - 4.4
    Kane - DCL - Maupay

  29. MY DJ NAME IS PIMP CURRY
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mane or Sterling?

    1. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      It's 50/50 but if you have Salah then surely Sterling imo

  30. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Meslier or Martinez as GK

    1. Seanigula
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      The CS odds heavily favor Leeds

    2. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Martinez