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. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Morning all, what would you do here?

    Mccarthy
    TAA Chilwell Justin
    Son Salah Podence Rodriguez
    Werner Mitro Jimi

    4.0 Bissouma Ayling Ferguson, 1FT 2.5ITB

    A) Podence to Grealish
    B) Podence to Zaha
    C) Hold
    D) Something else

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

      A

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

      A

    3. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Mitro > Bamford work?

      1. Alisson WondHaaland
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Want to hold Mitro for WBA

    4. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Jimmy to Kane?

      1. Alisson WondHaaland
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Is Kane really worth it for just 2 weeks? Not too keen on a Spurs double from GW 9 given the fixtures

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          If you see Kane as the outstanding captain option for next week, then it probably is worth a potential -4 in a couple of weeks. If you don't, then it's probably not worth it.

  2. Pomp and Circumstance
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    for Aston Villa--is it better to have Martinez or one of the defenders? currently have McCarthy as GK

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

      Martínez and a Mid

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

    Anyone less than 20% ownership is a differential or not?

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

      I think the answers Yes, but the question is to difficult.

  4. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    2FT but depending on news that comes out today might just be a dullard and go Saiss > Kilman.
    TAA has one more week...

    Dallas, TAA, Kilman
    Salah, Son(C), Hamez, Grealish, Harrison
    Kane (VC), DCL

    Macey, KWP, Brewster, Mitchell

    2.8 itb

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

    What are the chances of ?

    A. Podence starting tonight
    B. Saiss starting tonight

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      85%
      80%

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

      High, the question is who scores more and that has been Saiss.

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

    Never taken a -8 before but this tempts me. Would you?

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

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

      - 8 makes the game week fun, gives it an edge.

      Sometimes pays off instantly!

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

      That's an interesting -8.

      Do you have to do Lamptey out? Because the other two would be good enough I think. Taking a -4 for a defender is never a good thing.

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

      I did my first -8 last GW. Paid off and now I save my FT this GW and have 2 next

    4. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Jimi ticking along nicely though

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

      Took a -20 2 weeks back. Scored 108. Admittedly I was melting down over the state of 2020 Fpl at the time. Overjoyed with the result. Would’ve scored circa 50 points less so instant payback and sorted my team out.

    6. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn't get rid of Jimi to be honest, even with Leicester, Arsenal and Liverpool coming up in the next 5 matches. Just one goal and he's in the BPs

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

    Wildcard
    After much deliberation!

    McCarthy
    Chilwell - coufal - justin - kill
    Son - zaha - pulisic - salah - bissouma
    Kane - vardy - bamford

    Gtg?

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

      Looks good but I'm not convinced Vardy is worth the 10 million but I could be wrong.

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

      Zaha to Rashford and DCL instead of Vardy for me.

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

      issue with that wildcard is there is no easy way in to united or city due to the team structure.

    4. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Don’t like it at all sorry mate. Lose Vardy to beef up your 4th mid and defence. You also need to be wary of City and United assets in GW9-10 when their fixtures turn very favourably

  8. ShaunGoater123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    If Rodriguez I’m out how are these for a -8?

    Taa> chilwell
    Rodriguez > son
    Brewster > Watkins

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

      For a minus 4?

      He'll play wont he?

      1. ShaunGoater123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        no would be a -8 which isn't ideal.

        just feels like all 3 moves have their merit.

        not sure if he'll play, lots of reports saying struggling but hopefully carlo sheds some light

  9. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you save the FT this week to offload double wolves next week? Or anything more pressing, I like the look of Bowen for upcoming fixtures.

    Martinez (Steer)
    Trent - Saiss - Taylor (Lamptey & Dallas)
    Salah - Son - Zaha - Podence (Burke)
    DCL - Kane - Jimmy

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

      You're playing Taylor vs Chelsea over Dallas?

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

    Trossard and Davies to Bruno and Coufal (-4)?

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

      Do it for free next week?

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

      Wait a week

    3. The Albatross
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Next week for free

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

      Davies has to be TAA..

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

    2 FT, 0.0 itb, no clue what to do, any ideas?

    Martinez
    TAA Saiss KWP
    Salah Mane Son Foden
    Maupay Jiminez DCL

    Bench: Mitchel, Lamptey, Bissouma

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

      Switch your sub keeper for the heck of it?

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

      Or switch out Maupay?

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

      TAA and Jimenez to Kane and someone? Cresswell, Zouma?

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

    Mirror reporting that Fabinho could be back after the International Break (2 GWs)

    https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-receive-fabinho-boost-hamstring-22921329

  13. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mane or Salah captain? Leaning towards Mane but it's a flip of a coin really

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

      Salah with 24 penalty box touches in his last 2 games is insane

      1. Over Midwicket
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        How many points?

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

          Its an indicator of points to come

      2. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        If only he could stay onside!

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

      Both good options, I'd suggest reading this weeks captaincy article to help inform your decision too, both Mo and Mane are considered.

    3. Dirtymeercat666
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Salah

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

      Mane - WHU concede about double the chances down their right hand side

  14. Apollo Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A. Barnes to Grealish
    B. Justin/Mitchell to Chilwell

  15. Lev Yashin
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    This team has got points written all over it! (mainly 1,2, 2, 3, 2 etc.)

    Martinez
    Robbo, Chilwell, Kilman
    Salah, Son, Pulisic, Grealish
    Kane, DCL, Bamford

    Steer, Dallas, Bissouma, Lamptey

  16. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What are my most pressing moves here? Who do I need to move out & bring in soonest.

    Martinez (Steer)
    Trent - Saiss - Taylor (Lamptey & Dallas)
    Salah - Son - Zaha - Podence (Burke)
    DCL - Kane - Jimmy

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

      Podence.

  17. SOTHPAW
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    G2G?

    Martinez
    TAA, Chilwell, Saiss
    Salah (c), Son, Zaha, Foden
    Kane (v), DCL, Bamford

    Forster Klich, Lamptey, Mitchell

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

      For sure

  18. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts? Team looks solid for this week so maybe improve it for future?
    2FTs and 1.9 ITB

    A) Maupay -> Antonio
    B) Pulisic -> Zaha
    C) Jrod -> Zaha
    D) Robbo + Maupay -> Kilman/Masuaku + Kane

    Martinez
    Robbo, PvA, Chilwell
    Salah, Son, Pulisic, Grealish, Jrod
    DCL, Maupay

    4.0, Dallas, Lamptey, Brewster

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

      D

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

        Kilman or Masuaku or some else below 4.5?

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

      D

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

      isnt antonio injured?

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

        Might be

  19. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    1 FT, 1.6 itb, no clue what to do, any ideas?

    McCarthy
    TAA Justin Konsa
    Bruno JRodriguez Son Podence
    Kane Ings DCL

    Bench: Nyland, Bissouma, Taylor, Tierney

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

      Easy, upgrade Podence.

      What's the point of a 3 point midfielder?

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

        What if he scores today?
        Who to buy?

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

          Bowen or Foden or Soucek. Bowdenek.

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

            This. Foden.

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

              Agreed.

  20. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Rank these combos best to worst pls

    A) Rashford Soucek
    B) Jrod Bamford
    C) Puli Bamford
    D) Werner Lookman/Soucek(rotation)

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

      A, C, B, D on current form & fixtures

      (taking a guess Chelsea going to have a good few weeks and Everton will pick up again when Richarlison and Digne back)

  21. makaveli123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Morning all!
    Would you give Sterling one more GW or get Son in now?

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

      Sterling vs SHU is a great game for him and I think city win 3/4-0 IMO.

      Son however if starts has very likely chance of returns.

      I would stick it out this week if you have do so already for so long!

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

      Keep for sure.

  22. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Simple Transfer for me is R.James to Chilwell, but something in my brain telling me James is gonna start and get Cleanie, assist and 2 baps.

    James = 11 points
    Chilwell = 5 (cleanie and a yellow)

    Really not sure why but I am going to make the transfer and bookmark this haha

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

      Keep James for another GW then

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

        ye that that doesnt work into my future plans and transfers.... that is my biggest issue ATM

  23. YEAH PITCH!
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Werner > Kane

    TAA > Chilwell

    2FT

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

      Nice, all big players but 2 in form!

  24. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I'm working with the logic that I captain Salah because I have both Son and Kane.

    Stupid logic, right?

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

      Yes.

  25. Fantasyfootballryan
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any suggestions? - Defence may need some work... 1FT 0.00 ITB

    McCarthy
    Justin, Doherty, Mitchell, Chilwell
    Son, Sterling, Salah
    Watkins, Kane (C), DCL

    Subs: Nyland, Bissouma, Soucek, Taylor

  26. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Team for GW7 is:

    Martinez
    Robbo - Chilwell - Saiss
    Salah - Son - Hamez - Grealish
    Kane - DCL - Maupay

    Soucek - Mitchell - Dallas

    2 FTs
    0.1 itb

    As I am keeping Maupay (he will become Antonio in 1 or 2 weeks) and not to burn a transfer, what should I do here?

    A) Mitchell ➡ Kilman
    B) Dallas ➡ Coufal
    C) Dallas ➡ Masuaku
    D) sth else?

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

      Antonio out for up to 4 weeks, source through TalkSPORT

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

    Team gtg? Bench order correct? Made 2 ft

    Mccarty
    Taa Robertson chilwell
    Salah Son Grealish Foden
    Kane Dcl watkins

    Forster ayling soucek douglas

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

      Shame to bench Ayling but yeah looks good

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

        Yeah but see leicester nicking a goal

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

    My captaincy dilemma was supposed to be Mane vs Kane but perhaps Sterling should get the armband...

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

      Good option

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

      Captain Mane. It's a nice differential. The underlying stats are there.

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

        Did it last GW, not sure about this one. Kane is my current choice as I expect Mourinho to destroy Potter.

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

      Mane and Sterling I think are the two best options this GW

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

        What's your reasoning on Raz?

    4. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'm going Sonny boii!

  29. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who should I get rid of? (in order)

    A. Podence
    B. Barnes
    C. Mitrovic
    D. Werner

  30. AnfieldLad
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bench 1)
    A) Shaw
    B) Soucek
    C) Podence
    D) Kilman

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

      B

    2. Lev Yashin
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

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

      B