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. Deadeye367
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Got 2 FT and £0.3m ITB but no idea what to do... Help please!

    Martinez
    Robbo / Chilwell / Saiss
    Salah / Son / JRod / Grealish
    Kane(c) / DCL / Maupay
    (4.0 / Bissouma / Mitchell / Dallas)

    Was looking to do Maupay to Antonio next week so I could take a one week punt on Mitro?

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

      I have Lamptey and Stephens instead of your Dallas and Bissouma, the rest is same. I have 2 FT also, and probably will just go Stephens to Bissouma if Hamez is fit. If I were you, I'd do Mitchell -> Kilman.

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

      Looks like Antonio will be out for a month. Consider Maupay to Bamford and roll the other FT

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

        or Adams

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

      Yeah wait on Antonio news.

      Really tough with that team! With reading the article above, any thoughts in dropping Roberton?

      Wolves fixtures aren't as good going forward and with Saiss a possible risk, could go for a WHU defender and be proactive?

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Already confirmed

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

    Believe Foden will be benched this GW? Considering him out for Zaha for a -4. Thoughts?

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

      Even if hes benched, that would still be a dumb move.

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

      dont do it, you will want foden back soon and zaha is such a hot/cold player and i do not fancy them to score to wolves away from home

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

      No just start Foden

    4. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah I think this is probably an Ill advised move - he scored off the bench last week and looks ok, unlike most of the other mids at 6-8 he’s got a haul in him as well

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

      Don't bring in Zaha for a hit against a good Wolves defence.

  3. Zlatan F.C
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Podence to Rodriguez or Pulisic or hold?

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

      Neither, I think I would rather bring in Foden or Zaha

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

      Either... I think Everton need Richarlison back.

      So Puli?

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

      Not Rodriguez with his injury concerns. One of the Chelsea options for free sounds good

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

    GTG for this GW? I think I will 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)

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

    This article makes me believe even more that no Liverpool defence is the future.

    Chilwell and 4 x cheapies for now.

    Even more tempted to do Trent to Chilwell now!!

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

      I have both TAA and Robbo and I am most likely going to do TAA to Chilwell and use the funds in Mid/Fwd

    2. veedub1989
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I moved TAA>Robbo and now Robbo>Chilwell. Don't see the value in LIV assets at the moment, more so with so many midfield and forward options scoring well.

      This will all come back to bite me when TAA gets a hatrick.

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

    Why there is allways this talk about Saiss rotation risk/Not nailed anymore? Like Killman or Marcal will just takes his spot? I think NES likes Saiss and he is first choice to LCB.

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

      I agree.

      Also best value defender in FF.

      People pick on themes on here.

    2. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      agree

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

      It's all speculation but understandable given Kilman's form

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

      Agree on this, hence why i wont be swapping Saiss out as i believe he keeps his place regardless. Even may take Dendoncker place in midfield if Marcal comes in at LWB and Kilman stays at LCB.

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

    Went in on antonio early, didn't pay off.
    Best replacement?
    A) Adams
    B) Bamford
    C) Wilson
    D) Watkins
    E) brewster (money in the bank, play bissouma)

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

      You'd have to say B.

      6 goals in 6 games and played 90 mins last 4 matches.

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

      I like Adams. He was getting lots of chances before he eventually scored and SOU have good fixtures coming up

    3. Supernintendo Chalmers
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Same situation.
      I'm thinking A as Adams looks good and has differential over Hatrick Bamford.

  8. The Greenback Boogie
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Maupay to

    A. Adams
    B. Bamford

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

      I went b so probably a.

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

      B for more than 1 game week.

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

      Adams

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

    Guaita
    Chilwell Saiss Mitchel
    Salah Son Mahrez Zaha
    KaneC DCL Wilson

    Forster Lamptey Anguissa Digne**

    G2G and save my FT?
    0,5 IDB

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

    Best defender 5.4 or under?

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

      Saïss

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

        He is the best value defender overall.

    2. FPL ElasticO
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ayling
      Coufal
      Cresswell
      Dallas

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

      Ayling, Coufal or Musuaka

  11. burnhilla
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Play two:

    A: Bellerin (mun)
    B: Justin (lee)
    C: KWP (avl)
    D: Mitchell(wol)

    1. FPL ElasticO
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B & D for me

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

        D even with the knock and rotation risk?

        I want to play him but probably going to go safe with Ayling instead

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

      BC for me.

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

      B+C

  12. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I'm looking to get Kane in my team this week..... Got 2 FTs. Can anyone suggest me?

    A. Jimenez & Pulisic >> Kane & Foden
    B. Jimenez & Maupay >> Kane & Brewster
    C. Maupay & Pulisic >> Kane & 4.6 mid

    1. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      They could all backfire. It's very difficult. C...just.

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

        Yep, c is better and keep Jimi.

    2. Villan
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Do you have a cheap attacker already?

      1. FPL ElasticO
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Currently I have

        DCL / Jim / Maupay

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

          Cheap mid?

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

            Sorry, meant in the whole front 8

            1. FPL ElasticO
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              This is my current front 8....

              Salah / Son / Grealish / Pulisic / 4.5
              DCL / Jim / Maupay

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

                A for me then.

                Two 4.5’s in midfield is no bueno, as you then will need to play 4-3-3 with no bench.

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

      That's a tough decision.

      I recommend A, but you would be moving 2 good point scorers out too.

    4. Esalman
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    5. Heisenberg W. W.
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Depends on the rest of your team but I would say B

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

      A

  13. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone thinking of going to 3-5-2 over the next few weeks? Feels hard to accommodate assets from Utd, city, pool and spurs in the 3/4/3 and some of the cheap striker options are drying up a bit

    1. FPL ElasticO
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah I'm also dropping Maupay to 4.5 & going 5 mids

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yep, thinking of

        Jimi, Semado and anguissa

        To

        Brewster, chillwell and Rashford

        Or something similar

    2. Villan
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I have as I see your point on attacking mids.

      If Antonio isn't injured it may change my thinking though

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Someone said he was confirmed to be out for 4 weeks

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

          Yeah I'm just waiting for official news

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Been my plan for a while. Combine that with Zophar's cheap defence strategy and you can have a midfield of Salah KDB Son Rashford Pulisic.

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

        This exactly

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

      Currently on 3-5-2, feels like the best formation to me.

  14. Abra Dubravka
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Really at a loss with what to do here. Reluctant to sell Trent or Jimenez to fund Kane for -4 as both could haul.
    £0.8m itb. Any ideas?

    Martinez
    Robbo, TAA, Saiss
    Salah, Son, Pulisic, J.Rod, Podence
    DCL, Jimenez
    (Bench: Taylor, Mitchell, Brewster)

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

      Upgrade Podence.

      Unless 3 point returns are okay?

      1. Abra Dubravka
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        That’s all I can see for free this week, but with £6.3m to spend, my options are limited

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

          Bowen?

          1. Abra Dubravka
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Yeah but maybe next week. Surely Podence at home to Palace is better than Bowen away to Liverpool?

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

              That's the exact question im tossing up - I have a FT to burn and Podence is my weakest link.

              I think I'll probably end up sticking. But a bit of me does keep thinking of the significantly weakened Liv defence

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

              OR maybe Soucek is a better call? Big man on headers whilst Liv miss VVD. Plus frees up £0.6 form Podence.

              Still undecided

              1. Abra Dubravka
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 5 months ago

                I only have 1 FT to happy to roll. Different in your shoes. I still like what I saw from Podence last few weeks. He’s been unlucky. Last chance saloon for him this week.

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

    Play 1
    A. Justin
    B. Mitchell
    C. Killman ( double with saiss)

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

      A

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

      A

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

      C

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

      C

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

      A

  16. tim
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Morning lads!

    Taa to Chilwell and Podence to Foden -4?

    Cheers!

    1. Heisenberg W. W.
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'd just do TAA to Chilwell for now

    2. Villan
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Wouldn't for a hit.

      I like the Trent to Chilwell move.

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

      Why not, if Foden reruns its paid off.

      Podence is plodding along with 3 points thanks to Wolves clean sheets.

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

        Cheers guys! Taa is gone, feels bit weird to have a team without him but has to be done!

    4. abhirup780
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      TAA to Chilwell makes sense

    5. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'd save this week if Podence>Foden isn't affordable without selling TAA. Then make 2 FTs next GW.

    6. D.Glynn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Same dilemma myself. I'm thinking Grealish was fodens next 2 after this GW aren't great

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

    Martinez
    Robertson Chilwell Saiss
    Salah Son James Grealish Sterling
    DCL Watkins

    Forster Dallas Brewster Ferguson

    2 FT, 0.0 itb

    Best use of 2FT:

    1. Sterling >> KDB (save 1FT)
    2. Sterling Watkins >> Foden Kane
    3. Other

    Thanks

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

      I like 2. Might be a little late on the Kane train but he has two great fixtures and could be a long term keep

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

      I’d burn it

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

    Always room for a cheaper defender in your XV. That being said I will be moving one on for GW8.

    With Antonio likely out I am considering an early move, maybe if I see a defender I highly rate about to spike, or if I see one of my bunch of misfits about to drop, but otherwise I really want 2 FTs next week, so that I can be more specific in my changes.

  19. Ritchies Magic Hat
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Drop Rashford or Sterling for Son?

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

      Difficult one

      Not sure

    2. abhirup780
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Get Son another way if you can.

      It I had to pick one to go it'd Sterling for now because United play WBA in GW9

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

      Yes

  20. Concrete
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Saiss to Chilwell before the possible rise tonight?

    Y

    N

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

      Before or after the deadline this evening?

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

        Good point

        Before

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

          Both could keep clean sheets.

          I thought price rises were around 1.30 am GMT

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

    Start Bale or Wilson?

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

      Wilson

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

      Wilson

  22. abhirup780
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Can anyone share any list of IDs for best FPL related content in Twitter. Injury updates, statistics etc?

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

      Team news = FFS!

    2. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ben Dinnery - Injury news

      Ben Crelin - DGW/BGW planning etc.

      FFS Page is also good for press conference times and round-ups

  23. fpork
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you do Pulisic, Semedo->Rashford, 4,5 defender?

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn't lose Pulisic. If you want Rashford find another way.

  24. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Gtg all? 1FT 0.2itb

    Martinez
    Robbo konsa Mitchell
    Salah(c) sterling son soucek
    Werner jimi dcl

    Forster lamptey Burke dunne

  25. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Really tempted to do Trossard, Lamptey and Jimenez ---> Chilwell, Pulisic and Bamford.

    Would cost -8 but that seems like some really good swaps going forward. Would have to do it before any price changes though.

  26. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    best move here? 2 FT and 2.4 ITB...

    Ryan Button
    Robbo Dallas Lamptey Saiss Ferguson
    Salah Son Grealish JRod soucek
    DCL Kane Brewster

    Was thinking of doing Saiss + Grealish to Chilwell + Rash?

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

      I would keep both for this GW at least.

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

        so what do you suggest?

  27. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Justin or Ayling? Can’t see Justin as a wing back with the defensive shortages Leicester have

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

    Trossard reminds me of Tadic when he was at Southampton. You think he should score more FPL points, but he never does.

  29. Killug
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    2ft and 3m
    Bissouma and Maupay -> Rashford and Brewster?

    McCarthy
    Saiss-chilwell-Mitchell
    Salah-Son-Rodriguez-Grealish
    Kane-DCL-Maupay

    Forster-Lamptey-Dallas-Bissouma

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

      I'm not convinced on Brewster yet

  30. D.Glynn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    1 ft and 2 issues, double pool defence and Podence.
    Should I do
    A) TAA to Chilwell
    B) upgrade Podence
    C) -4 and do both

    Rest of team
    McCarthy
    Robbo TAA** Justin Taylor Strujk
    Salah Son Zaha Podence 4.5
    Kane DCL Mitro

    1. Abra Dubravka
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Keep TAA for 1 more week if Antonio confirmed out