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

    McCarthy Steer
    TAA Lamptey Justin Taylor Mitchell
    Salah Son JRod Soucek Bissouma
    Kane Werner DCL

    1FT 0.2ITB

    Any thoughts?
    Thanks guys.

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

      I’d save

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

    A) Barnes

    B) Rashford (-4)

    C) Bruno(-4)

    D) Zaha (-4)

    Keep in mind the prices please as the extra cash could come in handy later on

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

      Tempted to stick with barnes this week and make the mid switch next week

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not sure worth a hit.

    3. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'd want to get Bruno alright for the -4 but A is probably the safe move

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

      I would stick with Barnes, he has the easiest defence to attack out of the others this GW.

  3. CFC1990
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you take out Ings or Jiminez for Kane for a FT this week?

    If so which one? Thinking maybe Jiminez.

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

      Jim

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

      Jim

    3. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I agree.. Ings has a higher ceiling. Wolves more likely to grind out wins

  4. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mitchell to Kilman, or is it just swapping one risk for another?

    1. CFC1990
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No i wouldnt

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

      Hold

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

      If you have 2 FTs and nothing else to do it's a decent move.

    4. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Save

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

    Triple Wolves tonight, fully expecting a miserable start to the weekend

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      0 wolves - expecting them to score big.

      One of us will be pleasantly surprised.

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

      2 Wolves 2 Palace for me, expecting the same

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

      Double Wolves for me I'll be happy with 12 points.

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

    TAA, James & Jimenez ➡️ Kane, Chilwell & Kilman

    Thoughts on these transfers for -4?

    I know the players I'm selling this week could get points but I have 2 FTs and think Chilwell & Kane are the standout options in defence & attack. The hit should pay off over the next 2-3 gameweeks imo specially as I'm likely to cap Kane next week if not this week.

    Just selling James for Kilman/4.5 def or TAA for Chilwell doesn't make sense to me.

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

      Keep James this week. I think there's a very high chance he starts.

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

        I was left disappointed after he was benched for the last CL game didn't start on the weekend.

        But I could just do TAA & Jimenez to Kane & 5m def.

        1. Better Call Raul
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Wouldn't do that either personally, especially if you have Son.

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

      For my own team, I have money for James to Chilwell, but I’m holding off and starting James this week. This is solely due to the fact that as he was ‘rested’ in the midweek.

      Judging how my season is going, as a reference, you should do something opposite of me

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

        He might start this week but I still feel he's a sell whenever you have the chance to.

    3. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      TAA/Jimenez to Kane/Kilman.. General consensus is that James will start this week. Then Chilwell next week for free.

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

        Yes that's definitely an option. But I'll have exact cash for James to Chilwell next week and I don't want to make the move early in the week. Also James didn't start in the PL last time he was benched midweek.

  7. as33
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    G2G?
    Martinez
    Chilwell, Robbo, KWP
    Salah, Zaha, Son, Pulisic
    Kane(c), DCL, Watkins
    Kilman or KWP to start and why?

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

    Best max 6.1 mil striker?

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

      Watkins or Bamford

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

      Bamford/Adams

    3. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bamford

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

    Werner > Kane

    TAA > Chilwell

    2FT?

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

      Yes imo

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

      Tempting

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

        Thanks both.

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

    Bowen's stats are so good considering the difficult fixture run. Shame about the loss of Antonio, let's see what happens against Liverpool.

  11. cheese XL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts please. Trying to keep 2 transfers for next gw
    2ft and 1.7 itb

    Martinez
    Robertson Saiss Ayling
    Salah Son Grealish Pulisic Trossard
    Kane DCL

    Button KWP Mitchell Brewster

    A) Mitchell > Chilwell (442)
    B) Trossard > Zaha
    C) Trossard > Foden
    D) Other

    Thanks in advance

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

      B

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

    When Ole started managing at Molde, they had never won the league in their entire history. He won the title with them in his first season, and retained it in his second season! Impressive defiance of heritage.

    Now he's beat the hipster's favourite managers, Nagelsmann & Tuchel, and beat Pep 3/4 times last season, is he earning your respect as a manager at all?

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

      To be fair winning with Molde with the squad he had at his disposal coupled with some bad years from RBK, that was expected and demanded. Problem with United is their trouble with derp lying defence. But that is the thing which usually takes longest time to fix, because it is the hardest thing to crack. That is due both to Solskjaer but also due to the personell he gas to work with.
      Liverpool under Klopp also struggled in the first years to crack open leser and smaller teans, that was also because his players then were more suited to counter attack and high pressing games. He found the solution in creative full backs, a solid midfield with a cb that allows them to have high lines when not in possesion.

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

      Cardiff stint wasn't too clever.

  13. THEKID_88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is Grealish the best midfielder to get with a 7.5m budget?

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

      Based on fixtures yes

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

      Yes he is

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

      Yeah him or Zaha

  14. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Start 1;

    A) Lewis - home to Everton

    B) Justin - away to Leeds

    Thanks.

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

      A

  15. Ady87
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Own Hamez, Mitchell, Saiss and my bench is Podence, Taylor (CHE) and Lamptey (tot)

    1 FT isn’t enough and thinking about just rolling it and accepting defence this week is a car crash for me?

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

      Same here...i'm saving

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

    Mitchell and jiminez to Chilwell and bamford?

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

    Any Wolves fans out there that can shed some light on the nailedness of Kilman?

    I must confess I haven't watched much Wolves this year outside of the Leeds game where he looked excellent.

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

    Which one to bench??

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

  19. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Apologies for the repost. What would you do here with 2ft?

    Martinez
    Robbo Chilwell Dallas (KWP Mitchell)
    Salah Son Pulisic Rodriguez McGinn
    Kane DCL (Brewster)

    Tempted by selling Pulisic and upgrading Brewster, but still think Puli will come good with a haul at some stage.

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

      How much is in the bank?

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        0.5

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

    Those captaining Son or Kane you slightly worried about Brightons Sib conceded been pretty good? (as mentioned above)

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Spurs v defensive teams in general is a concern.

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

    Score predictions for these games?
    Liverpool vs West Ham
    Tottenham vs Brighton
    Aston Villa vs Southampton
    Leeds vs Leicester

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

      3-1
      1-4
      1-2
      2-1

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        You'd get good odds on the spurs result.

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

      3-0
      3-1
      2-2
      1-1

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

      2-0
      1-1
      1-3
      0-1

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

      3-1
      2-0
      1-1
      4-0

  22. Wayne Enterprises
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Really wanna get Rashford in this week but not sure how.. any help?

    Martinez Steer

    Saiss Robertson Castagne James Lamptey

    Podence Son Salah Grealish Rodríguez

    Brewster Kane DCL

    I’ve got 2 FT and 0.3 itb

    1. subhojit123
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Upgrade Rodriguez and downgrade if possible one of castagne or james

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Castagne injured. Hamez dodgy ball.

        Go cheap in defence and there you go.

    2. Wayne Enterprises
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Got the exact money for Rodríguez > Rashford & Castagne > Mitchell

      Does everyone think Rodríguez output gonna drop? He’s been quite reliable so far!

  23. subhojit123
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hi Guys...should I do
    Jiminez, Sterling -> Kane, Grealish

    1. Yes
    2. No

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

      For free ?

      1. subhojit123
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yes

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

          I would do it

          1. subhojit123
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Thanks buddy

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

    Mmh Fofana got 2 assists for Leicester last night. He looks nailed doesn't he ? Thanks

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

      Yeah but wouldn't go near Leicester defence with Pereira,Catagne,Soy and Evans all injured atm

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

        True. Thanks

  25. Killitzer
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I brought in Bamford this week after giving up on Mitro. Anything else necessary- it would be for a hit.

    McCarthy Steer
    TTA Justin Mitchell KWP Vinagre
    Son Salah Barkley Rodriguez Bissouma
    Kane Ings Bamford

    Cheers

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

      So Mitro will haul now 🙂

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

        Yep. Had that with the Son ‘injury’. Sold him and of course he not only played he killed it.

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

    Morning all. Anything worth a -4 hit here? A lame 0.5m ITB. Cheers.

    McCarthy
    TAA - Kilman - Justin
    Salah - Pdence - Hamez - Son
    Kane - Ings - DCL

    Konsa - Lewis - Stephens

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

      No need for a hit, G2G
      I would be tempted to play Konsa over Justin maybe

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

        Yea im deciding on that at the mo - actually tempted with Lewis over Justin - think SOU will score against Villa

  27. nicholasporteous
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Trying to tidy up my budget players: thoughts on the following for -4?

    Ryan + Egan ->> Mendy + Kilman

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

      Never take hits for a GK
      Probably do Egan to Kilman and do Ryan to Mendy for free next week

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

        Good shout - thanks for clearing my mind!

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

    If I do Antonio to Bamford, I have money for Sterling - Mane (-4)
    A) Do it
    B) Hold off

    1. Tricky FC
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Hold off for one more week i think
      I fancy sterling vs Sheffield.

    2. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Hold

  29. Tricky FC
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Foden to pulisic for -4
    Or sterling to salah -4
    Or do absolutely nothing more?

    1. Dexters Laboratory
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If you had Salah would you Captain him?

  30. gunner79
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Salah Injured?

    1. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      nope, trained