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. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    There goes my Antonio vs Fulham plan. OUT for 4-6 weeks.

    Haller is awful so just avoid for now I guess!!

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

    TAA + Trossard —> chilwell + foden for a hit?

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

      not for a hit no

  3. LFC Bootroom
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hi guys, need your opinions on Aguero + Podence replacements:

    A) Son + Ings (with 0.5m left itb)
    B) Son + Callum Wilson (2.5m left itb)
    C) Mane + Callum Wilson (no money itb)

    I already have Salah and Kane from LIV and TOT (+ Foden from MCI)

    My rationale to not go with Ings (obviously better than Wilson) is that I'd like to jump onto Sterling/KDB for Son/Mane from GW 9 onwards

    Thanks in advance!

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

      A still imo

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

        Or Maybe consider Adams

        1. LFC Bootroom
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Ings is definitely a better option but is he worth that extra 2m over Wilson?

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ings or Wilson 50/50. If you want cash then go for Wilson

      1. LFC Bootroom
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks mate, I need that cash later to upgrade my midfield to a Sterling or KDB when City fixtures turn

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

      A
      it's not even close....

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

      I prefer Watkins to Wilson for fixtures although he has Arsenal next week.

      1. LFC Bootroom
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I like Watkins but I already have 3x Villa assets lol

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

          I'm on the same boot as my fodder is saints so I have triple saints lol.

          1. LFC Bootroom
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Good luck with that mate, it's 3 vs 3 this week for us

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

              I 2 vs 1 myself too as I'm starting KWP and own Grealish.

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

      B) That cash will help you get a ManU / ManC midfielder when fixtures get better

      1. LFC Bootroom
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks mate, exactly my plan once City fixtures turn and they are back to their goalscoring best.. United too if Foden is enough cover for City

    6. Chris_H
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ings & Wilson both have 41pts. Wilson is 2m cheaper...

      1. LFC Bootroom
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Precisely that, the precious 2m could help me make Son to KDB in GW 9

  4. Yankee Toffee
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on Regullion? Will he start? Should I sell?

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

      I picked up in draft. Hes clearly better than Davies.

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        He played 90 in EL yesterday...

        Worried if he’ll start

        1. Van der Faart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Davies played 90 as well. Reggie will play.

    2. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      In my team too. If you have a decent option to come off the bench I think it's worth hanging on for this GW and then selling if he doesn't play again.

      I was reasonably confident he'd play, until I saw he was starting yesterday. Now I've no idea.

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I’ve got Digne and Mitchell as well so my def is in tatters...

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

      Bavies caused them to concede, might get dropped

      1. Yankee Toffee
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I really hope so. Cheers!

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

    Gut says Salah, brain says Kane. Battle rages on, stay tuned!

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

      What does the fox say?

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

        Vardy

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

      Gut Says Kane, Brain says Salah.. think it's flip a coin time

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

      i just fancy spurs to score more goals than pool this week, so kane.

      but could still switch.

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

      My gut says Karlan Grant

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

    Start Ayling or Kilman?

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

      Kilman easily

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

    Who scores more over the next few GWs
    A) Rashford Pulisic
    B) Bruno Grealish

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

      Chelsea attack is har to predict so my guess is B.

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

        hard*

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Tough call that. No idea, could go either way.

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

      a united kit and chelsea kit look nicer on the app than a united and villa.

      that's how scrambled my brain is right now.

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

    Mccarthy
    Robbo, Saiss, KWP
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Podence, Pereira
    DCL, Werner

    4.0, Mitchell, Davis, Ferguson,

    2FT 2.4ITB, any suggestions?

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

      KWP > Chilwell
      Pereira > Grealish/Zaha

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

        Grealish and zaha are a must over the next 4 games.

  9. thetommy14
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Stick with Reguilon or transfer to Semedo? Any other alternatives? I already have Chilwell

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Same decision here

      1. thetommy14
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I want to keep but worried about rotation now

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If you have a bench then stick is the consensus. Ppl think Bavies will be dropped. Scroll up

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

      I’ve just sold Semedo, didn’t pass eye test or stat test for premium defender.

  10. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    2 free transfer, 0 ITB. Dont really know what to do and also dont want to waste a transfer, any ideas?:

    Martinez, 4.0
    Chilwell, Saiss, KWP, Lamptey, Mitchell
    Salah, Pullisic, Son, Grealish, Soucek
    Kane, Jimenez, Maupay

    a) Maupay -> Bamford
    b) Maupay -> Wilson
    c) Maupay -> Mtirovic (short term)
    d) Other?

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

      I wouldnt want mitro

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

        He has reasonably good stats, on pens, Fulhams main scorer....fixtures pretty good next 3 too (WBA, whu, EVE)
        Could do a Bamford!!

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

    Hi guys. Any improvements recommended?

    I used my FT to get Chilwell in. I have 0.7 ITB...

    McCarthy/steer
    Dallas Robbo Chilwell Kilman Ferguson
    Salah Son Grealish JRod Bissouma
    Kane DCL Watkins

    Thanks

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

      Looks good!

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

        Thanks. It’s probably GTG then. Picking the starting xi though is a headache.

    2. MarcusAurelius
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nice team

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

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

    Don't think City's stats are great and don't want Sterling long term (prefer KDB and Foden).

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

      I have to lose Mitrovic next week and was planning Bamford, but I see Watkins fixtures are way better. I don't think his stats are as good, and it bothers me that he scored all 3 of his goals in one game, and only has 1/4 of Villa's 12 goals. Bamford has half of Leeds 12 goals. So... form says Bamford, fixtures by far says Watkins. Have you considered Watkins, what do you think?

      Sorry though, to answer your question, I wouldn't do Sterling to Mane for -4. I think Sterling versus SheffieldUtd is about equal to Mane versus WH, so I wouldn't take the hit, and I'd lose him next week if you want to get rid.

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

    Maupay out for:

    A) Wilson
    B) Adams

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

      A

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

      Really tough. Probably A

    3. Don Corleone
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Why not keep for next 2 games?

      Antonio says hello just in time.

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

        Antonio could be out for 6 weeks

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

          "David Moyes confirms that Michail Antonio will miss the match against Liverpool with a hamstring injury but does add that the Hammers don't think the problem is "too bad"."

          So if you keep Maupay for 2 more games, gameweek 9 is Sat 21st Nov. He should be ready by then?

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

            Could still move maupay to Wilson and then Wilson to Antonio when fit?

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

      Maupay out is the type of decision I’ve been punished by earlier in the season.

      His numbers are fine and spurs leaky in defence so I’m going to stick with him for next 2

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

        Im sticking for only this match and then im getting Che Adams for Newcastle

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

          I might do the same.

          Though ideally want 2 free transfers for international break to react to anything / move across to a city asset

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

    Meslier
    TAA Coady Konsa
    Salah Fernandes Jorginho Mahrez
    DCL Maupay Kane

    Forster Lamptey Stephens Douglas

    1 FT, 0.7 itb

    Jorginho >>

    1. Costa
    2. Podence
    3. Save FT

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

      3

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

      Decent team. No need to burn FT, save.

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

    Thoughts for 2FT?

    Jimenez and Trossard to Rashford and Bamford

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

      Wouldn’t sell Jimenez this week

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

      No way

  16. FPL Froggies
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    H all,

    FPL Froggies is a new created weekly French-speaking Podcast (link in profile) which will contain in every episode a specific section dedicated to a French speaking player or a player/coach who has played in la Ligue 1.

    We will translate this section into English every week and share it on the FF Scout forum so as our insight can be understood by you all.

    This week, we have focused on Edison Cavani, his records in la Ligue 1 and the prospects in terms of FPL.

    Cavani has scored a total of 200 goal with PSG in all competitions along with 43 assists.
    152 of those goals and 36 of his assists were scored as he was playing as a Center Forward (0.76 goals per match, 0.18 assist per match).
    54 of those goals were scored when he was playing on the left (0.48 goals per match, 0.13 assist per match).
    26 goals and 5 assists came in games where he was playing  on the right (0.5 goals per match, 0.15 assist per match)

    15% of his goals came from headers, only 3 goals cames from free kicks (he wasn’t on set pieces at PSG).

    Cavani had to handle both Ibrahimovic then Neymar’s ego at PSG and is said to be a very professional player but great behavior on and off the pitch. He also has this very south american grinta and is a fighter on the field tracking back and putting a lot of efforts in defending and moving. This also means that he clearly isn’t a clinical finisher. Although an heft 200 goals scored, he is also known to miss a lot of great chances. Remember that PSG is way above the competition in la Ligue 1 and whoever is PSG’s number 9 will get plenty of chances to score. For instance: Eric Choupo- Moting: 0,0022 goals per minute at stoke and 0,0051 goals per minute at PSG.

    We have two feelings about Cavani singing at United:

    - first, we believe it is as much of a lock room move as a pitch move. Cavani has experience and can bring the leadership that Pogba has failed to bring both on and off the pitch. For instance, cameras have spotted him briefing Tuanzebe on PSG attack force during the warm-up of the UCL game against PSG. That’s the kind of added value Cavani could bring to United.

    But this isn’t really relevant with our FPL concerns.

    - second, we think that he can probably help OGS to build another version of United that might be helpful against certain competition. Remember United is one of the top bottom 3 teams last year when it comes to crosses. Cavani can bring the aerial threat United is missing and the adding of Telles in the last minutes of the transfer window lead us to think that OGS wants to have that cross/header weapon in his attack this year probably against bus parking teams or very physical defenses. Or, maybe, to put some pressure in the opponent box for the last few minutes of a game that needs to be won or drawn.

    That’s why unless injury and cover strike bad at United art some point of the year, we don’t really think Cavani is an option right now in terms of FPL unless Rashford plays on the right (which is increasingly happening lately) and Martial on the left, leaving the CF spot  available for Cavani.

    We believe both Martial and Cavani could soon be risky picks as they could share upfront duties. Rashford (let alone his hot form) is less of a risky pick as he can play upfront, on the left but also on the right.

    To be monitored..

    What are your thoughts on United attacking assets?

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

      Bruno & rashford against WBA & sou then trade one of them > sterling / KDB is my plan, lets see if that works or not !!!

    2. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Cavani is a great addition to United

      Glad we signed him

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

    Any more press conferences

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

    Who to captain:

    1. Salah
    2. Kane

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

      Kane because of form.

  19. arkom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bench one:

    1. Justin (LEE a)
    2. Walker-Peters (AVL a)
    3. Podence (CRY h)

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

      A

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

      1 sorry

  20. Mr_Barbs
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Make one move this week

    A) vinagre > chilwell
    B) Podence > Foden
    C) Davis > Bamford

    Ramsdale
    Taa, Robbo, KWP
    Salah, Son, Grealish, Podence, Soucek
    Kane, DCL

    Steer, Mitchell, Davis, Vinagre

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

      id take a chance on B

  21. afsr
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Did Digne -> Chilwell at the start of the week which gave me the team below
    G2G or get someone for a hit?

    Martinez
    Сhilwell, Lamptey, Saiss
    Salah (C), Son, Bruno, Podence
    Kane, DCL, Jimenez

    Forster, Burke, Mitchell, Dunne
    0FT, 0.4 ITB

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

      Nothing worth a hit I'd say.

  22. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What to do with 2ft 0m itb, burn ft?

    McCarthy
    Chilwell, Saiss, Lampty, Ayling, Mithcell
    Salah, Son, Rodriguez, Pulisic, Grealish
    Dcl, Kane, Brewster

    1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Really nice team mate, Lamptey to Coufal ready for West Ham’s tasty fixtures next week rather than burn one?

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

      nice team. Id rather have Zaha over pulisic. Zaha a mid playing as a striker and on pens

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

    Dallas vs Ayling
    Any standout stats that jump out to choose one over the other?

  24. james 101
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who would you bench out of these?

    A. Grealish.
    B. Rodriguez.
    C. Zaha.
    D. Bamford.

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Other attacking players are:

      Son Sterling Kane DCL

      1. daveoafc77
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        A

        1. james 101
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Cheers

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

      C

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

      D

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

      D

  25. daveoafc77
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Never ask for help but slightly baffled here

    Martinez (steer)
    James, Saiss, Arnold (Mitchell, Lamptey)
    Zaha, KDB, Salah, Son (Bissouma)
    Jimenez, Bamford, DCL

    2 free transfers. No idea what to do?
    Any thoughts?

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Jimmy to Kane?

      1. daveoafc77
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        0.2 in the bank

    2. MarcusAurelius
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Why are you baffled that’s a great team

      1. daveoafc77
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        2 free transfers. Don't think I've ever burned one before

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

          That means your team is looking good

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

      Maybe just James to Chilwell

      1. daveoafc77
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Only 0.2 in the bank

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

          Downgrade Saiss to Kilman or Trent to Robbo to fund?

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

            saiss to Kilman are you joking

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

              Saiss position under threat by Marcal and Kilman doing well in LCB. Only reason Saiss lucky to get clean sheet points last game after being hooked for Marcal. That won’t happen every week

    4. Morph - Unbelievable Geoff
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Mitchell > Kilman to cover any Saiss benching.

    5. Chris_H
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      As Saiss is playing Zaha you could transfer him out for someone? Wolves fixtures turn soon

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

      Great team - Lamptey to Coufal/Masuaku maybe?
      Really like Lamptey as a player but not sure about Fantasy potential with Brighton seemingly unable to keep clean sheets

  26. thetommy14
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Maupay will go... Bamford or Wilson?

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

    Have 2 FT and dont know what to do. Going to save one FT.

    Whos have to go?
    Saiss, James or Podence? Have 0.3 ITB and cant find good Podence replacements. James and Saiss doesnt seems nailed.

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

    Now this is impressive.... in a bad way.

    Captain points: 7, 5, 5, 9, 11, 2
    Vice captain points: 20, 21, 5, 13, 16, 5

    My VC's have comfortable outscored my captain every gameweek.

    I know you guys are gonna ask so I'll say it.. Salah (C) Kane (VC) this week 🙂

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

      TC Kane it is

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

    Got 2 FT and some cash

    A) Wilson+Trent > (K)ane+Konsa
    B) Mitchell/Lewis > Chilwell (+save & capt. Son)

    Still not sure about A with my current strikers doing well

    Lloris
    Trent Robbo Digne*
    Mane Son Grealish Foden
    DCL Adams Wilson
    (Mitchell* Bissouma Lewis)

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

    Soucek or Zaha in GW8?

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

      zaha

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

      Zaha 100% a mid playing as striker and on pens

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

      Zaha