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. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    grealish or sterling?

    1. Scout15
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If money not an issue Sterling...

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

      Obviously Sterling but hard to tell without knowing how it affects the rest of your team

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

    Have now settled on this WC team..

    Meslier
    PVA - Robbo - Chilwell
    Puli - Salah - Son - Trossard
    Kane (c) - Watkins - DCL
    Forster / Soucek - Dallas - KWP

    0.01itb. Pretty happy with the depth. Don't like any defenders at 4.4 or less. Yeah?

    1. NUFCAndrew
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Lewis is okay for 4.4

      1. Wheyyyy
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks, is he nailed on though? Would allow me to move KWP to 4.4 and Meslier to Martinez

        1. NUFCAndrew
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah. All our other left backs are awful

          1. Wheyyyy
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Good to know thanks!

    2. luk46
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      not sure about pva, rest looks good

      1. Wheyyyy
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks, have a good feeling about PVA. Was considering Zaha for their fixtures but felt PVA was better as he gives me Palace defensive cover as I think they'll sort themselves out now.

    3. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Don't know if Puli will start this week

      1. Wheyyyy
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah not sure either tbh. Even if he comes on for a cameo there's a good chance of a goal. Moving forward I think he will be one to target so getting him early. If he doesn't start I'm very happy to have Soucek off the bench for him.

        1. Bruce Lee
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          As long as you're prepared for sousek

          1. Wheyyyy
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Yeah 100%, he is passing the eye test big time and will be by 1st sub moving forward

            1. Bruce Lee
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              Keep in mind a Puli 1 pter... sorry don't mean to be so negative lol

              1. Wheyyyy
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 5 months ago

                Haha yeah I know but i guess I'll be happy with 30 minutes on the field with a chance of a goal. Risk I'm willing to take!

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

    RMWCT

    Martinez/4.0

    Robbo/Saiss/Lamp/Ayling/Ferguson

    Salah/Son/Pulisic/Grealish/Bissouma

    Kane/DCL/Maupay

    1. Bruce Lee
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Doubt puli will start this week

      1. NUFCAndrew
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Hmmm. James safer pick?

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

          Don't think either will get a full 90. Might be wrong on Hamez

        2. Bruce Lee
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I would for now... I like Ziyech and want him... but need to see him start first

    2. Goons
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Noice - got a route planned back to City if they show up?

  4. luk46
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    what would you pick on wc?

    A - Kane + James (no city, double up on spurs, eve)
    B - Wilson + Sterling

    1. Wheyyyy
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. Goons
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Probably A - with a plan back to City if needed. Spurs next four fixtures look real tempting.

    3. luk46
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks lads, Kane + James + Trossard seems better than Wilson + Maupay + Sterling!

  5. Scout15
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    So, I've got KDB, R.James, Shaw, Mitchell, Vardy, Podence, and 1FT...
    Some of them are out, some are doubts. Should I go with last-minute WC?

    1. Wheyyyy
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yeesh unlucky mate. Who are your subs currently?

      1. Scout15
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Justin(Mitchell), Keane, Anguissa...
        Would be nice if James or Shaw starts 😀

        1. Wheyyyy
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah if you can get a full team out I'd save at this point and get more information then hit the button early to catch rises. Just my opinion tho, I guess a WC could pay off too so big decision to make!

          1. Scout15
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            That is the option for sure... I might get rid of KDB this week and keep the rest.
            Cheers either way!

    2. Goons
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Definitely in WC territory. What's your bench looking like?

      1. Scout15
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I've just written it above 🙂

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

          sorry needed a refresh. I would be tempted to do Kdb to Son(C) and then consider an early WC next week

          1. Scout15
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Thanks! Probably will go with that or something similar...

    3. GREEN JUMPERS
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would save it at this point if you can get 11 players out

      1. Scout15
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        That was my thought at first, so I haven't hit the WC button during the break, but for example, I thought Chilwell and Shaw might start...
        Option is just KDB to Sterling and to wait for next week...

  6. Ray In Bruges.
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    McCarthy (Nyland**)
    TAA Mitchell Justin (Kilman, KWP)
    Fernandes JRod Grealish ASM (KDB**)
    Jimenez Ings DCL

    Already took a hit last week to get here, should I just WC or roll the dice with this lot and reassess next week?

    KDB > Son would be the likely move next week.

    1. Wheyyyy
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'd say you can get through this week but feels like a WC isn't far away. Could be a chance KDB is back next week so could you do KDB to Son this week?

      1. Ray In Bruges.
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I'd be beside myself if I take another hit to get Son in, he blanks, and KDB is back next week while ASM scores against lowly United. Tough one.

        1. Wheyyyy
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          In that case definitely save and hope for the best. Not worth worrying about in my opinion!

  7. Manani
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    start Brewster or Podence?

    Was all set on Brewster till I saw scout picks

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

      Brewster. Think he starts and fixture too good to ignore

  8. jimbo90
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    martinez
    taa saiss lamptey
    salah hamez podence foden
    dcl kane (c) brewster
    subs: steer kdb Taylor Mitchell

    already took a -4 to get in Kane and Hamez before KDB news. Do you think its worth another -4 to do KDB > Son?

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

    Martinez
    Semedo Chilwell Robbo
    Salah Rodriguez Grealish Son
    DCL Kane(C) Maupay

    Bench: Lamptey

    Rate my wildcard

    1. Wheyyyy
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      8.275/10

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

        Thanks. Wanna mention the issues?

        1. Wheyyyy
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I guess you have a very strong team and to be fair it's hard to fault but personally I'm not fully sold on Grealish or Semedo and Rodriguez maaaay be out or at least on limited minutes. Just my opinion tho and all could do very well!

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

            Thanks a lot lot lot!!

  10. JakeTheRed
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bottomed.

    Best defenders for 4.6m or less?

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

      Leeds looking decent - Ayling or Dallas. Think Dallas edges it there. Masuaku and KWP also in the mix

  11. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    KdB to Sterling worth -4?

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

      Ofc...if you have Son

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

    Is Reguillon even nailed?

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I think so.

  13. PepSala
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Kdb to Son(c) for a hit worth it?

    1. NUFCAndrew
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

  14. Dangerous Rhubarb
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Played my WC as its been a terrible start to the season.....

    Here is my effort, thoughts?

    Martínez
    Saïss Digne Chilwell
    Rodríguez Salah Pulisic Grealish Son (vc)
    Calvert-Lewin Kane (c)

    Subs
    Forster Brewster Mitchell Dunne

    1. PepSala
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Solid

      1. Dangerous Rhubarb
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thank you

    2. Goons
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not sure about the Eve triple up with Digne on a WC now. Would probably downgrade him and run with two 4.5s defs instead. Not a fan of two 4.0s on the bench.

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

    Any thoughts on my WC?

    McCarthy /Steer
    Robbo / Chilwell / Saiss / Justin / Dunne
    Salah / Son / Pulisic / Podence / JamesR
    Kane / DCL / Brewster

    Thanks!

    1. PepSala
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Top notch

      1. PepSala
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Would maybe wait on Pulisic, he will be eased back. Maybe take a one week punt on Grealish.

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

      Why do so many people seem to punt on Pulisic?

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Because he’s a points magnet when fit. He and Werner will explode.2

    3. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not sure about Podence otherwise looks good.

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

      Cheers for the feedback guys!

  16. jia you
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Youch that KdB news hurts as Salah's rise yesterday leaves me 0.1 short for that swap!
    Have Son and Sterling, would you chance Mane(-4)?

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Against Everton? No.

    2. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      thats what im doing

  17. PepSala
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Start Brewster over any of these players?

    A) Lamptey
    B) Mitchell
    C) Podence

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

      I'd start Brewster over Mitchell

  18. Salah(c)
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    pickford

    saiss vvd justin

    sterling salah foden podence jrod

    kane(c) jimi

    macey ayling mitchell brewster

    a) would you use ft on this lot

    b) would you bench boost?

  19. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Okay, so it all comes down to this on my WC. Pick one please:

    Martinez - Forster
    Chilwell - Saïss - _____ - _____ - _____
    Salah - Son - J. Rod - Grealish - Bissouma
    Kane - DCL - Maupay

    A) Robbo + Ayling + KWP
    B) TAA + Lamptey + Mitchell

    Cheers!

    1. Ray In Bruges.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Since it's unlikely you'd play all 5 this season I reckon you should go with B

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

        Yeah, I'd go B but not because of the actual players necessarily but because. it's a better allocation of funds to have a 4.0 bench fodder

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

          Fair enough, good points lads!

      2. Ibralicious
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Great, that's the reasoning I was leaning towards. Cheers!

  20. DeadStarComing
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    About an hour for price changes?

  21. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Funniest first date stories?

    Drop em below

    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I went on a 1st date with a lass once and told her that she was a fine bit of stuff..That didn't go down too well..In my defence I had Saiss Justin James Mitchell Dunne

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

    Anyone keeping KDB? May only miss one week.

    1. Ray In Bruges.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Unless someone convinces me otherwise above I'm holding out to reassess next week.

    2. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Theres kind of no point to hold if its for another heavy hitter because the heavy hitter could haul and if not then you can get KDB back in easily

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

        Maybe the sensible thing but reluctant to take a hit.

        1. Qaiss
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah but all you lose is 2 points.

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

            Saves me playing Soucek too

          2. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Not if he has a playing bench.

  23. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    On WC Kane or Sterling instead of KDB? Have Son

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

      kane, and then shift him possibly to aguero next week!

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

        thinking that, or back to KDB in 2 moves...

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

    Will Sterling stert??

    1. PepSala
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Surely mate..city have lots of injuries and sterling is fit.

  25. JakeTheRed
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best 4.5m defenders?

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

      KWP, Dallas, Lamptey

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Lamps 4.7 ; Lewis at 4.4 is a steal.

  26. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    If you had to choose between Havertz or Pulisic from this GW- who would you choose?

    1. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Pulisic

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

      Pulisic until Havertz finds his form

      1. Digital-Real
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        two assists in last two games, he is returning attacking points.

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

      Pulisic has blow out potential

  27. FPL_DON
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    kdb > mane to double up with Salah? Worked incredibly well for me last season but feels a bit maverick

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      wont work tomorrow but after that it'll do well

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

        my thinking, thanks mate

    2. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Could work.

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

        Fingers crossed, ha!

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

    Pulisic (C)?

    1. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Sure, if you're feeling it.

  29. Alli
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    KDB out for Sterling or Mané for a hit?

    McCarthy
    TAA - Justin - Mitchell
    KDB - Salah - Son - Zaha
    Wilson - DCL - Jimé

    Nyland - Stephens - KWP - Holding

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

      im doing mane

  30. Sarriball Time
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Will Reece James start for Chelsea...?