Pro Pundits

The case for a cheap FPL defence as premium assets continue to disappoint

Fantasy Premier League managers could find value in spending as little money on defenders as possible in the coming weeks.

With Liverpool conceding for the fourth consecutive match in Gameweek 7, and the injury to Fabinho (£5.5m) exacerbating the loss of Virgil van Dijk (£6.4m), Trent Alexander Arnold (£7.4m) and Andrew Robertson’s (£7.1m) certainly offer less Fantasy value than before.

It’s not just Liverpool who are letting the premium defenders union down though. Last season’s top six have kept just seven clean sheets combined over the first six Gameweeks (Liverpool 1, Manchester City 1, Manchester United 1, Chelsea 2, Spurs 1, Arsenal 1) so justifying ownership of their expensive defenders is proving harder and harder each week.

Using some underlying statistics in the Fantasy Football Scout Premium Members Area, I want to analyse if teams with defenders at the more budget end of the spectrum (say, up to £5.0m) can possibly provide similar returns to their more expensive counterparts at the bigger clubs. 

For the purpose of this analysis, I have used data from the last four Gameweeks:

1,790 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Digne to
    A cresswell
    B reguilon

    Thanks and gl

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

      A

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Got Chilwell?

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yes

    3. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I have Cresswell in my plans but for Saiss after this week. Probably will keep Digne for now. It is just one match ban.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Oh saiss to cresswell is a nice moce

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

    And here I am with Taa robertson and chilwell

  3. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who’s your C?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Salah

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

      Salah

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

      Kane

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

      Kane

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

      Kane

    6. MESSINHO
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Salah. I don't think he'll blank 2 games in a row, but I thought the same think about KdB on GW3 and GW4 lol.

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

      Son

    8. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Son

    9. jb1985
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Salah

      1. SmasherLagru
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Kane

  4. Firmino
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Lamptey & Maupay -> Chilwell & Adams
    B) Lamptey -> Zouma

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A for free ?

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

        Yes

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Nice move imo

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

    I have 2 ft but I really don't know what to do. Would you burn it ?

    Martinez
    Taa Robbo Zouma
    Salah Son Pulisic Trossard
    Watkins Kane DCL

    Button Lamptey Stephens Branthwaite

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

      Trossard>foden

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

        I have 0@ itb

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Want to keep Frossard ?

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

      You have 2 non-playing players on your bench. If you have .1 itb, go Stephens to Bissouma instead of burning a FT.

      1. SmasherLagru
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Lamptey to Coufal

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

    Have 0 itb

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

      Virtually or in real life?

  7. Michelle Davin
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Robertson & Podence

    To

    Zaha & Saiss

    Good move?

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

      Saiss not nailed anymore

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

        Lol how is that?

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

    Any ideas greatly appreciated. 2FT 0.5 ITB

    Martinez
    Robertson, Semedo, KWP
    Salah, Son, Rodriguez, Grealish
    Kane, DCL, Maupay
    4.0 | Bissouma, Lamptey, Mitchell

    A) Maupay -> Bamford
    B) Semedo -> Chilwell/ Saiss/ downgrade
    C) Bissouma -> Soucek ( given West Ham fixture swing)
    D) Burn a transfer

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

      B

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

        Chilwell

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

          this

    2. MESSINHO
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B with Chilwell.

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

      C, but medium term reguilon has to go given rotation.

    4. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B Chilwell

  9. El Magico5
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Give barnes 1 more week of transfer to zaha?

    Martinez
    Taa, James, Saiss
    Salah, Son, Foden, Grealish, Barnes
    Kane, dcl

    Steer, lamptey, taylor, brewster

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      One more week imo

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

      Do it now.

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

    Very nice article, quite informative.

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Mind to summarize ?

      Only joking 😉

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

      Appreciated mate

  11. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    We need more of this Pépé!

    https://streamable.com/nyk2kc

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Leave him in the second team. Shame as he has potential, but not living up to it enough.

      Leno
      Bellerin Luiz Gabriel Tierney
      Partey Ceballos Xhaka
      Willian Lacazette Aubameyang

      Runarsson
      Cedric Holding Mari AMN
      Elneny Saka Willock
      Pepe Nketiah Martinelli

      Backups: Macey, Saliba, Smith-Rowe, Nelson
      Sell: Mustafi, Sokratis, Kolasinac, Chambers, Ozil, Torreira, Guendouzi

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

    Play
    A. Justin
    B. Killman (double with saiss)

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

      normally b, but since you have saiss i would go justin

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

    bringing in graelish this week, who to take out:
    a) barnes
    b) podence

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

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

      A. Pod out next week.

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

      if i take out podence i will have to stick with barnes for 2 more weeks before his good run starting gw10, if i take out barnes then i am keeping podence till gw10 and then switching him to foden.
      considering this i think barnes will depart this week, thanks all for your thoughts

  14. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hey guys, I'm having an absolute nightmare this season. I'm about 100 points adrift at the bottom of my mini league, and this is after I've wasted my wildcard.

    Every week that goes by, I'm more and more tempted to rip it up and start again with a huge points hit to improve my midfield

    Here's my current team.

    Martinez Steer
    TAA Robbo Saiss Konsa Mitchell
    Mane Son Podence Hames Bissouma
    Kane DCL Maupay

    What would you do?

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

      Nothing. Roll FT

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

      Roll. Podence/ maupay/ taa/ robbo could be part of a -4 or -8 next week. All could do well this week

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        This.

        I'd downgrade TAA and upgrade Podence.

    3. NO SALAH
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Team is not bad.. Maybe you could downgrade one of Liv defender boys and upgrade Podence to Rashford or KDB..

    4. MESSINHO
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      There's nothing wrong with your MF, and as a whole, with your squad. How many FTs do you have? If 0 or 1, hold. If 2, you can downgrade TAA/Robbo and upgrade Podence, but even these moves can wait a week considering the fixtures.

    5. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If it’s just 1FT I’d just roll it or switch Maupay to Bamford if you fancy

    6. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Similar team and situation as you.
      I would remove funds from defence and upgrade Podence.
      Monitor Antonio, he could be a decent replacement for Maupay.
      Rest of the team looks fine.

  15. stu92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Pick two to start. Already starting Martinez and Saiss.

    A) Kilman
    B) Targett
    C) Barkley

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

      A C

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A, C

  16. NO SALAH
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any advice for GW7? Captaincy on Salah atm.. 1 FT 0.2 ITB..

    Martinez
    Chilwell Reguilon Targett Kilman
    Sterling Salah(c) Grealish Son
    DCL Kane (vc)

    Bench: Lamptey Bissouma Brewster

    Have a nice day to all!

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good to hold.

      GL

    2. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would roll the transfer and put Brewster as first sub in case Kilman is dropped. Lamptey is unlikely to get more than 2 points this week, Brewster has higher ceiling.

  17. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Morning all. Down to these options I think. Can’t decide!

    A) Maupay > Bamford (roll 1FT)
    B) Pulisic > Zaha (roll 1FT)
    D) Maupay, Puli > Bamford, Zaha (2FT)
    E) Maupay, Puli > Adams, Rashford (2FT)

    I know Pulisic *could* come good and with Ziyech back... but he will be sharing any returns across a pool of Werner, Puli, Ziyech, Havertz so I wonder if it's better to shift to a player more likely to score/ haul - i.e. Rash or Zaha.

    2FT 0.5itb
    Martinez
    Robbo, Chilwell, Dallas
    Salah, Son, Pulisic*, Grealish
    Kane, DCL, Maupay*
    (Forster) (KWP, Stephens, Braithwaite)

    Frustrating that I’m 0.1 short of Rashford over Zaha in D because that’d prob be my preference.

    Thoughts?
    Cheers

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

      A or E

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Those are my 2 favourites ... E could be a tasty differential or equally a flop!

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

      You didn't buy Pulisic because you thought he'd have all the hauls to himself only. Why is that now a reason to sell?

      Stephens to a starting sub and roll

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I agree re Pulisic in a way but at the same time he hasn’t come back looking dangerous and exciting at all. Don’t want to just sit on him waiting for nothing to happen

    3. NO SALAH
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Give Pulisic one more week maybe. Maupay to Bamford is no brainer.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I think whatever happens I’m inclined to ditch Maupay - just hasn't done the business I thought he might!

    4. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'd be more inclined to get Rashford in or hold Pulisic.

      I know Zaha is doing well and is playing in a more prominent attacking position, but his career goal average is less than 1 in every 5 games.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I know what you mean re Zaha and you could be right ..... hmmm

    5. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Can’t help but feel Bamford is just having a purple patch and will fizzle out soon - although that’s why I always miss the bandwagons!

      Rash & Adams looks interesting. Good numbers behind them and potential differentials also.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        They could either be a huge win or a massive flop!

    6. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks all. All different answers!

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

      I wouldn't (and won't) sell Maupay yet. Yes he blanked 2 in a row, and I think he's a bad finisher, but keeps getting good chances regularly. Moving budget forwards feels just wrong, get 1 and keep him for like 5-6 weeks is the way to go imo.

      1. Puyol Pants Up
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Agreed with this

      2. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Really unsure. It feels like holding onto a player waiting for something that the eye test and stats aren’t happening just because I haven’t held him for long enough.

        Of course you could be right and his haul could come...

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

          The thing is that budget forwards don't haul regularly, and I feel if I move them after 2 blanks I will miss all the points. Bamford just hauled last week, and yes he's probably a better value than Maupay in the long run, but I'm not sure if he'll outscore Maupay in coming weeks.

          I don't know, maybe I'm overthinking lol.

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            No I hear the point.

            This is why I’m thinking if I drop Maupay then maybe the differential option of Adams and Rashford could be worth it. Adams playing well and for a better team.

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

              Yeah if I decide to move Maupay this week, it will be for Adams, not Bamford.

  18. MikeLowrey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Semedo to Chilly
    B) Lamptey to Masuaku
    C) Mitchell to Kilman
    D) Lamptey & Trossard to Masuaku & Foden

    B & C are both bench options only

    1. Rocky FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I like A tbh. Lamptey is a keep imo.

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Problem with Lamptey even with assists no clean sheet returns.

        Form = 1!

  19. Rocky FPL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) TAA, Jimenez to Kane, Cresswell
    B) TAA, Saiss, Jimi to Chillwell, Kilman, Kane (-4)

  20. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    This is the perfect GW to roll one FT

    Fixture swings coming in GWs 8, 9, 10 and 12

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Right now I feel like I’m digging for gold with a sledgehammer and so the hits continue

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

        It's just GW2 that really hurt you. You'll be back over time

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

      Agreed, rolling mine. Wish I kept my WC

  21. Jullepuu
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    No idea what to do here. 1ft 3.8m in the bank

    Martinez Steer
    TAA Castagne Saiss Taylor Ferguson
    Mahrez Salah Son Podence Anguissa
    DCL Jimenez Watkins

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Get rid of Podence and spend your 3.8m.

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

        Not sure if that is my biggest issue right no when Wolves have good fixtures coming up

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

      Castagne>Chilwell looks obvious. Sounds like the latter out for a while

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

        True but then once again the 3.8m stays in the bank. Not sure if there is anything worth a hit though

  22. Johnny too hotty
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I have 2 FT which feels like I should use 1 rather than waste ? Any ideas ....

    Martinez
    Trent semedo lamptey
    Salah son zaha havertz
    Kane dcl Watkins

    Steer. Dallas. Ferguson. Bissouma

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Spin out TAA and Watkins and upgrades in attack.

      Or move Lamptey on? His form is 1.

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

    Who will I bench? Other two will play..

    a) Podance
    b) ASM
    c) Barkley

    1. Werner Bremen
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      ASM

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

    I simply couldn't think of who to swap Castagne for as I already have Chillwell, went all kamikaze and doubled up with CHE and brought Zouma in hoping Burnley and Sheff U blank.

  25. Sterling Archer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    still sitting here with Mitro, planned the switch to Antonio but now that's out! may aswel leave him in for this home game, team looks in OK shape, 180k overall... FT rolled, Kane captain!

  26. Puyol Pants Up
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Which one to bench?

    A) Dallas (LEI)
    B) KWP (avl)
    C) Targett (SOU)

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

      It's between B and C imo, I'd probably bench KWP.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A because Monday night at Ellend Road could be a goal fest.

      3.2 Leeds United.

      1. Puyol Pants Up
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Wasn't the last monday night Ellend road game last week where Wolves won 1-0 from a jammy deflected Jimenez goal?

  27. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    moupay to who up to 7.0?

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bamford - you’ll need the cash itb for the fixture swing

  28. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Kane salah captain decision will be a good indicator of casuals vs pros

    If u watch football u pick salah...if u dont and pick captains based on who scored more points last few weeks u go kane simple as that. Very interesting gw coming up

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      People could also not watch games and pick players based on stats.

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      So Kane is a causal pick as captain for how many seasons, with not many blips!?

    3. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Brighton could play right into spurs hands - I’m thinking it’ll be a high scoring game. That said with no Antonio, the West Ham game will also be interesting- tough decision regardless of last weeks points

    4. Werner Bremen
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Wow teach me master. I'm not worthy

    5. Fernando Torres
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Loool clueless

  29. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    GTG for this GW? I'm thinking to roll the FT to give flexibility for GW8 and to get away from the template.

    0.4itb 1ft
    Martinez
    Robbo Ayling TAA Justin
    Grealish Salah(C) Son Rodriguez
    DCL Kane
    (Peacock Taylor Bissouma Vassilev)

  30. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mccarthy
    TAA KWP Saiss
    Salah Bruno Son Rodriguez Grealish
    Jiminez Bamford

    Nyland Taylor Mitchell Davis

    Panicked early Mitrovic to Bamford transfer to beat price rises that didn't happen ewt worth a - 4/-8 even debating wildcard

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      GTG for this GW