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. sthelenslad92
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Wilson or Watkins as 3rd striker?

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

      Watkins. Fixtures and cheaper.

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

      Ollie

  2. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Already on a -4 and still have KDB.

    Wait a week and evaluate best option?

    Would like Bale + Son double up but may be a week too soon.

    Martinez
    Semedo, Saiss, Dallas, Mitchell
    Sterling, Son, Hamez
    Jimenez, Ings, DCL

    Steer, KDB*, Lamptey, Stephens

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Would be tempted by Mane/Salah if you can, otherwise wait a week yeah.

      Help below?

      1. The Yorkshire Pirlo
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Can’t afford Salah without doing another -8 on top.

        Looking at Sterling and KDB to Salah and Bale/Puli/Grealish next week?

        Thanks mate

        1. Top Lad Dakes.
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Fair enough, and yea that sounds good then!

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

    Does anyone have zaha and is worried he won’t play because of his groin injury?

    1. Mile Plankton
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I do.
      But I have KDB also and he is a bigger concern.
      I am selling one of them for a hit.

  4. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hiya all. 0FT 0.3 ITB and a bit stuck!!
    A) Bench KDB, play Saiss, reassess options after GW
    B) KDB —> Pulisic (-4) - prem proven but returning from long layoff
    C) KDB —> Havertz (-4) - good IB form, maybe more nailed?
    D) KDB Davis —> Grealish Brewster (-8) annoying extra hit but gives better bench at least
    E) any other, including Rashford

    Martinez (Steer)
    Robbo Lamptey Taylor (Saiss Mitchell)
    Salah KDB* Son(c) JRodriguez Podence
    Jimenez DCL (Davis)

    Thanks a load in advance!

    1. The Yorkshire Pirlo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Think I’d go A and reassess next week. I think Puli is the better option over Havertz but may be a week too soon

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Hmm cheers, yea that’s my worry.

    2. Mile Plankton
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I am selling KDB for a hit (probably for Son). It's annoying, but I don't want 11.5 on the bench and I was pondering on selling before injury anyway.

      I like C.
      I might even consider Havertz too.

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

      if you want KdB longterm go A.

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I mean I think I do but maybe it’s time to be aggressive... you’ve sold KDB haven’t you?

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

          yeah, I'd already done a -4 to get Son so took another hit to punt on Pulisic! I'll be watching that game so was an excuse to have an asset in it... simple as that haha

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

      If you like KDB back then A ofc
      If you don't care and want to take punt for next week then it's a coin toss between B C

  5. micsway
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone benching KDB?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Had considered it but I have a few doubts in my team already so will likely transfer him out.

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

    Locked and Loaded...best of luck for the GW all and enjoy what's likely to be yet another crazy weekend of football!

    Martinez
    Robertson Saiss Coady
    S(C)n Sterling Hames Pulisic
    DCL Jimenez Watkins
    (Forster Lamptey Burke Dunne)
    -8
    3.7itb

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Looking good my friend and well set up with money ITB. Hope son captain comes good for us!

      Help above? Convince me on Pulisic if anything?

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Also interested as to your faith in wolves defenders, as I’m currently benching Saiss for Lamptey and Taylor

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

        got them in for their GW3-7 run so sticking to that plan for now... worked last GW at least

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

    Who is Best 5th Midfielder with 5M or less ?

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

      Ceballos

  8. adstomko
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    If I make 1 transfer despite having 2 free transfers available, will I have 2 free transfers next week too?

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

      Yessir

    2. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

  9. De Gea is GOAT
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Play Taylor or Mitchell?

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

      Taylor

  10. MARSHALL24
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Wildcarded this game week. Need advise guys:

    GK:
    Martinez
    Button

    DEFENCE:

    -Undecided-
    Chilwell
    Castagne
    Dallas
    Mitchell

    MIDFIELD:

    Salah
    Son
    Grealish
    Rodríguez
    Bissouma

    FORWARDS:

    Kane
    DCL
    Maupay

    7.1 in the bank. Can’t decide between Mings, Semedo, Konsa, Robertson, Sais, Aurier, Justin, & Telles for the final defensive spot.

    Any advice much appreciated!

    1. Villa Velour
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Leicester have injuries and poor fixtures, avoid Castagne imo.

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

      Robbo for me

    3. Mile Plankton
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Got to be Robbo since you can afford.
      I would also consider Semedo and Aurier out of those, but is my Robertson first choice.

      1. Mile Plankton
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        *but Robertson is my first choice.

        1. MARSHALL24
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Thanks guys

  11. Francescoli
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Keep James or move him on for another defender? If so who? Against the tide and go for a Liverpool defensive double up or get in a Spurs defender who have 4 nice fixtures?

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

    Which option?

    A) Mahrez > Pulisic
    B) Mahrez/Jimmy > Son(c)/Watkins (-4)
    C) Save ft
    D) Other

    Martinez
    TAA Robertson Lamptey
    Salah Sterling Mahrez Barnes
    Jimenez DCL Brewster

    Forster Soucek Mitchell Dunne

    Cheers.

    1. Villa Velour
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Mahrez to Son maybe? Otherwise, I'd just hold.

  13. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Kdb davis -4 to which duo? Itb 18.4

    A) Ings antonio kun vardy
    B) Puli grealish jrod barnes foden sterling.

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

    Havertz or Pulisic for the long term?

    1. Mile Plankton
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Havertz for me

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

    Chances of TAA falling in price? Fplstatistics has him going down 100.5 :/

  16. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who is everyone replacing KDB with?

    or you holding?

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

      Did KDB to Son with one of my FTs

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

        This

    2. Mile Plankton
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I guess for Son.

      I'd hold if he was on good from, but I am selling now since I also have Zaha and Lamptey doubtfull and James who lost his spot at Chelsea.

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

      yep iv already done a minus 4 to get Son in last week but now thinking - 8 but who to get for KDB?

    4. MASTER ROSHI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Deciding between a -4 for Pulisic or Mane (already have son and salah) or no move and play Taylor

  17. 2OLEgend
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hi again. Just did KDB to Salah - got one FT left.

    Should I do Vardy to Kane with the other one? Or hope Vardy starts? Have Son.

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

      I'd do Vardy>Kane for free

    2. Mile Plankton
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Do you have 11 to field if Vardy doesn't play?
      I wouldn't do Vardy->Kane even it's free.

      1. 2OLEgend
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yes. Bench is: Bissouma, Ayling, Mitchell

  18. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A. Bench KDB play James (CHE)
    B. Bench KDB play Brewster
    B. KDB to Sterling for -4

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

    Mitchell or Lamperty?
    got James playing atm, but one will sub in for him if he doesn't play

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

      Lamperty better attacking threat and Mitchell could be out of team if van aanholt is back

  20. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Have Leeds been vulnerable at set pieces?

    Trying to justify playing Saiss(lee) over Taylor(wba) here lol, mostly with attacking threat

  21. The Joker
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone got news on Vardys availability.
    Cheers

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

    I want Robertson soon and I also want Antonio from GW 8
    Four moves over 3 weeks before 6,7 and 8 for one hit. Do these moves sound ok?

    KWP, Taylor, Barnes and Davis
    To
    Robertson, Ferguson, 4.5 mid and Antonio

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

      lol mate... this is not the season for planning 3 GWs ahead 🙂

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

        Always gotta be planning 🙂
        Did the transfers early for GW5 so itching to make a move soon !!

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

      Would give this in GW8

      Ryan

      Taa Robertson Castagne Lamptey

      Salah Sterling Son Rodriguez

      DCL Antonio

      Steer Brewster 4.5 mid Ferguson

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

        if Antonio and WHU keep their recent form up... he looks a must have at the price for their good run

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

          For sure. Thanks for replies mate.

  23. Francescoli
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    KDB, James, Podence -> Son, Aurier, Grealish (-4)?

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

      Is Aurier nailed on?

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

        He has been playing a lot hasn’t he? You think Bavies and Doherty are their first choice wingbacks? I haven’t watched much Spurs so no idea.

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

          He has only played the one game. Is that because Foherty was injured or was Doherty dropped?

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

            Think Doherty was dropped but not sure who mourinho prefers yet. If Aurier plays I think he’s a great choice but only if he plays regularly obviously.

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

      Thinking about Aurier too. Can you tell me why do you consider going with him?

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

        Good price, attacking and Spurs have a nice run of fixtures. Just not sure he is going to play all the games?

  24. cfreel
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Have 2 free transfers but can’t think of what to do. Thinking about getting jiminez and trossard For Werner and podence. Thoughts?

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

      Probably would not bring Jimi in now. Would downgrade werner to the 6-6.5M area and upgrade podence to Grealish maybe

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

        I do really want maupay too. And I’ve considered Grealish

    2. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'd hold Werner for a final week. Southampton playing a high line and could well be exploited by Timo pace in behind.

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

        Yeah that’s the struggle I’m having. Any must haves this week in your opinion?
        (I already have Salah son and Kane)

        1. Simon69
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I like Foden, Mahrez, Trossard and Fernandes. Not sure if any of those are must haves but definitely good picks.

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

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

    Button, Brewster, Justin, Mitchell

    What do you think?

  26. Garlana
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What time are the price rises?

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

      45 mins

  27. Simon69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Maupay, Rodriguez, Grealish, TAA

    or

    B) Brewster, Bale, Pulisic, Robbo

  28. De Gea is GOAT
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    My priority from now on is to get returns from my captain picks. 3 blanks in 4 is just not good enough. Any help would be much appreciated.

    A) Son
    B) Puli
    C) Salah

    1. Mile Plankton
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Son out of those three for me.

      I don't like Salah in big games.
      How nailed on is Pulisic anyway?

      1. De Gea is GOAT
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks mate. Puli is definitely starting imo. Son would be the safe pick

  29. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone taking Havertz over Pulisic?

    Good IB form

  30. Villa Velour
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    KdB -> Kane (c) & Trossard (-4)

    Really don't want to take any more than 3 hits all season, think this is a suitable time.