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. Q
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Are Kilman or chilwell rising any time soon? Have exact funds from lamptey and saiss.

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

      Chilwell tonight I think

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

        Thanks

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

      Chilwell rising tonight

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

        Do you think the above is worth it for free

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

      Unlikely as the figures get a bit of a reset each gw

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

    Maupay ->

    1) Adams
    2) Wilson
    3) Bamford

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

      Patty Bam

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

      Hold for Antonio later, none of those options are good

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

        I have 2FT and other options are thin, maybe Mitchell -> Kiliman? (have Saiss)

    3. Fuddled FC
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      1

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

    Wow, hit with 2 injuries right before the deadline... worth using my FT to remove Castagne/Mitchell, or should I hold to do a double switch next GW?

    Martinez
    Robbo - Chilwell - Dallas
    Salah - Son - J. Rod - Grealish
    Kane - DCL - Bamford

    (Forster) - (Bissouma - *Mitchell* - *Castagne*)
    0.8 ITB - 1FT

    Cheers!

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

      You could get away with not playing either and bring in a West Ham defender next week.

  4. Mini Mahouse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Why are people on here saying Werner will get rested - Is it just because he played 90mins or did I miss something Lampard said?

    1. The Fantastic Mr Fox
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Just bcos he played and lamps has previously spoken about rotation. But Chelsea need points asap. I see him starting

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

      Because the likes of Burnley are too difficult for Werner.

      Even though these were the sort of games Abraham struggled in last season.

      It’s possible he gets rested but I would have thought that would have been against Rennes on Tuesday.

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

        What I meant was, a lot of people assume Werner won’t do well against a team who parks the bus.

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

      Abraham/Giroud might be better suited for the Burnley game

    4. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Amount of played minutes i guess. In other words just guesswork

  5. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Keep or sell Jimmy this week?

    Reckon Wolves will start scoring more goals at some point? Not sure if 8.5m for Jimmy is good value or not

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Would keep this unless you're selling for Kane

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

    Morning.....1m itb. Am I best to save the transfer?

    Martinez
    Taa james saiss (Mitchell lamptey)
    Salah son pulisic foden (burke)
    Kane dcl watkins

    Thanks

    1. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yep

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes save

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

        Thanks

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

    What to do?

    Thinking of sideways moves like Sterling to KdB or Burke to Bissouma. But all thoughts and ideas appreciated.

    Martinez (Forster)
    Saiss KWP Justin (Mitchell Lamptey)
    Salah Sterling Son Podence (Burke)
    Kane DCL Jimi

    0,1m in bank 2 FT

    Thanks.

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

    Looking at the underlying stats (Shots in Box conceded, xGA, Big Chances conceded), Sheffield United are a much worse defense than Brighton or West Ham. Sterling tempts... my faith in City offense, however, is low.

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

      I really wanna try Sterling again but Sheffield don't concede more than 2.

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

        They conceded 3 four times last season, thrice after the restart. No crowd, O'Connell and Henderson has hurt them.

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

          I meant this season, and I really need a differential cap to chase points. Might just go for Sterling again.

  9. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Does Jamal Lewis lose his place when Ritchie is back?

    Thanks

    1. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Hopefully not, Richie can play higher also, and with all their midfielders struggling he can also be deployed centrally.

  10. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    2ft 1m itb - No fires this week so...?

    A Forster/Martin in for Nyland GK
    B Podence to a £5-6m MID (who?)
    C Burke to Bissouma

  11. Ode
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Jrod & Maupay > Rashford & Bamford -4
    Worth a hit?

    1. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Probably. Both players are an upgrade I think.

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

    taa ➡ chilly for free?

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

      actually just seen castagne flagged - easy choice

  13. Jonny HOW SON?
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you keep Grealish and Maupay? Or sell one of them?

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

      Keep Grealish, unlucky not to score last gw

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

      I'd keep grealish. Would be possibly looking at moving maupay on for another budget striker possibly double up with Watkins for the fixtures or bamford or Antonio if he comes right

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

      Keep Grealish for the longhaul. I've never been convinced about Maupay and Brighton's attacking in general. He'd be the one I moved on.

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

      I've got both and looking to sell Maupay. I'm looking at Adams and Bamford. My problem with Adams is that Ings is the main man and I'm worried Adams will just be getting assists but Bamford is the main man for Leeds goals.

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

    So my team is in good shape except Antonio.

    Have 2 FT.

    Normally i’d hold a player if he’s only gonna miss one game but is it worth moving him to Bamford then getting him back later?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If he is out for a month, yes.

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

        "Michail has been great for us and has played really well. He came off against Spurs and he felt it against Man City too. We don't think it's too bad but it's enough to keep him out of tomorrow's game."

        Sounds like just one game out...

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

      Looks like he's out for the next 2 GWs. Sell for Bamford imo.

  15. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Save FT?

    Martinez

    Saiss Bellerin Justin

    Salah Sterling Son Foden

    Kane DCL Watkins

    Subs: Steer, Biss Mitchell Taylor

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes

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

      Yes, save.

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

      Roll that baby!

  16. Jack Burton
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Leeds done their presser yet any reason not to get Bamford in

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

    Those who own Castagne, would you get rid on a FT or just hold till he's back?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Gone for a while isn't he? Sell.

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

      The popular move will be to Chilwell, or maybe Creswell if you want to wait a week.

    3. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Sell - may not make it back for GW9. Chilwell an easy swap.

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

        Already had Chilwell, might look to hold for a double switch with Grealish-> Rashford

  18. Conroy
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Will Ziyech start against Burnley?

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

      Unlikely

  19. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I did Doherty to Chilwell last night, but still got TAA and Tierney.

    They both can go but probably better to do it on a WC.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I agree

    2. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Why would you do that now?

  20. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mendy
    TAA Justin Mitchell KWP
    Salah Sterling Son
    Kane DCL Watkins

    Steer Romeu Taylor Bissouma

    Team set but need some help with cpt:

    A) Mo
    B) Kane
    C) Sonny
    D) Sterling

    Cheers amigos.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Perma (A)

    2. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      So hard for you with those big 4. I'm leaning Son myself.
      Your bench is an issue with Mitchell out now or very soon though. I think a non playing bench will be an issue soon

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

      Captain Son

  21. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    2FT .... need to use one, have £0.4ITB
    Probably want a City long term, so possibly my mind leads to building a cash reserve to upgrade Rodriguez to KDB/Sterling

    Who would you deal with first *

    McCarthy, Martinez
    Chilwell, Lewis, Lamptey*, Saiss*, Aurier*
    Salah, Son, Grealish, Rodriguez*, Jorginho*
    Kane, DCL, Maupay*

    Thinking potentials are:
    Adams, Bamford (not keen on fixtures though)
    Bissouma, Foden
    Kilman (certainly in future if Saiss ditched), Masuaku, Coufal, Maybe the 4.0m Liverpool centre back

    I'm thinking Aurier or Maupay this week to deal with?

    1. Fuddled FC
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I think I would change Maupay of the 2 this week

      1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I'm leaning that way myself, Adams>Bamford as a starter over the medium term?

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

      I’d probably shift Aurier first.

      Maybe to a West Ham defender.

      1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thinking Aurier not playing means me having to rely on Kelly v Everton or Lamptey v Spurs (of which both teams I have two attackers) but WHam have Liverpool, surely not a clean sheet there either!

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Maybe Maupay to Bamf. Leeds looking fierce.

      1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Not keen on their fixtures though. Southamptons look better. Though Ings gobbles some, Bamford will get more of the share I suspect... Such a tough call and thinking Adams more differential....

  22. Fuddled FC
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What is the priority transfer here, I would really appreciate some opinions

    McCarthy
    TAA - KWP - Mitchell- Targett
    Salah - J Rod - Son - Havertz
    Kane DCL

    Taylor - Soucek - Brewster

    What is the priority here?

    a) Taylor > Chillwell and play instead of Mitchell
    b) Brewster > Adams (and play instead of Mitchell)
    c) Brewster > Bamford (play instead of Mitchell)

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

  23. Mufc202020
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Aguero and Telles to Chilwell and Werner for a hit?? Or any other suggestions!

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

      Might as well.

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

    Martinez
    Robbo Chilwell Lamptey
    Salah Son J Rod Grealish
    Kane DCL Wilson

    4.0 Dallas KWP Bissouma

    2ft 0.0itb any transfers needed?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Wilson out to a cheaper, better option - Bamf or Che

  25. wijohnson85
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Start Podence or Soucek? Have Jimenez.

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

      Soucek v that Liv defence.

  26. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Castagne replacement?

    A) Cresswell
    B) Coufal
    C) Cancelo
    D) Dallas/Ayling
    E) KWP

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

      A

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      a

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

    Who to captain? Leaning towards B myself, because Brighton will play their own attacking game and will give away a lot of space for a counter (where Son can benefit the most from).

    A. Kane
    B. Son

    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'm on Kane. But without a crystal ball, there's no way to know who will do best out of those two.

      Kane on pens swung it for me, but no doubt it'll be Son who gets the bigger haul cos that seems to be my luck these days

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'm going for Son over Kane due to the opposition, as you said. Both could easily score big though.

  28. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I’m really torn on what to do this week and could do with some opinions please!

    I have 2FTs, would you go Buur to Kilman and play:

    Kilman | Bruno | Lamptey (Mitchell bench)

    Or take a -4 and bring in Chilwell, Grealish and Bamford and play:

    Chilwell | Grealish | Bamford (Soucek bench)

    The latter means taking out Bruno.

    I’m really not sure, opinions appreciated.

    Thanks

  29. Gazpilicueta
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Emergency! I think im turning into a casual, Ahhh!
    I need your help...
    I have like 5 minutes..... what should I do with my team? I have 2 free transfers and 1.5 in the bank

    Martinez 4.0
    Robbo, Saiss, James, Lamptey, Justin
    Salah, Son, Sterling, Foden, Burke
    Jimenez, DCL, Brewster

    hit me up!

    1. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Brewster to Bamford. Big upgrade for your team and you can play 3-4-3.

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        This sounds good, the rest looks pretty solid.

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

    Feel like moving Taylor with one of two free transfers. Which option would you recommend for the long term?
    Have Robbo Saiss Lamptey Mitchell Taylor*
    Full team is linked

    Ayling
    Dallas
    Masuaka
    Coufal
    KWP
    Other...

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

      ITB?

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

        currently 0.4itb

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

          One of the Leeds players

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

      Coufal

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

      Why moving Taylor out of interest?

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

        Have 2FT and can't find any other moves
        Don't like Burnley long term fixtures and want a better rotating option alongside Lamptey
        Any other suggestions - don't want to burn a transfer

    4. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would feel like movibg away from your potential problems, Michelle who is far from nailed. And Lamptey who plays for a team not capable og cs and he is opp but i gave watched Brighton and he is not in positions to get points, all his points is from pens, which is not sustainable

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

        Cheers. Lamptey also prone to yellows.

        Narrowed to Ayling or Coufal (maybe Dallas)

    5. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Burnley one of the best defs, only behind Manchester clubs and one other for big chances conceded. And decent fixtures