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

    I gambled PVA on wildcard. It was a terrible choice and i've lost patience to get Chillwell in.

    When PVA scores and gets clean sheet tonight for 15 points, i honestly don't care.

    1. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I did the same but I'll definitely care.

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

        Same here, will definitely care. did a pva > coufal, when pva nailed his place i will get him back.

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

          So did I but PVA will play tomorrow

  2. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Ryan
    Robbo Chilwell Kilman
    Salah Son Grealis Hamez
    Kane DCL Maupay
    Dallas Anguissa JWard

    2FT 0ITB
    What to do with this lot? Help pls

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

      Do you have funds tied on James?

      1. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Bought for 7.9, Now He's 8.0

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

          So not much. Could be worth to swap him for Foden or Zaha

          1. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Was thinking of taking out Grealish for Zaha

      2. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Anyways I don't feel comfortable taking him out against Newcastle

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

    Would have done Maupay to Antonio this week had he been fit.

    As a result, I now can afford to take a one-week punt on a forward below 6.6m before the switch to Antonio.

    So, best forward for this week only up to 6.6m? Wilson?

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

      Save?

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

        means burning a ft

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

          How bout west broms striker? I know they're sh!t but they are facing Fulhams defence

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

      Antonio could be out longer

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

        Really? How long?

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

      Wouldn't be too sure it's just one week with Antonio though so prepare for a good fixture this week and at least decent the 2 after that

    4. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Even though you say Ings or nothing, I'd go Adams for a one week punt.

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

      Mitro

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

    6 hours to deadline and no scout picks?

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

      oh never really notice them

  5. JelliedSpark968
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What are thoughts on Son? I still don't have him, but I have Kane. Feel like I've missed his streak now

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

      Brighton and WBA next 2 are great fixtures.

      Then Man C (h) tough, but Son pace on counter actually makes it ok fixture. Chelsea (a) with defensive issues and arsenal (h) in north london derby.

      He could easily get 40 points+ in next 5 and is as close to essential as any player at the moment

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

        57.3% ownership. OUCH

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Get him.

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

    Save FT?

    Martinez
    TAA Robertson James
    Salah (C) Son Grealish Foden Trossard
    Kane DCL

    Button Brewster Lamptey Dunne, 1 FT, 0.1 ITB

    1. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Lose one of TAA & Robbo

  7. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Can’t decide what to do here!

    A) Maupay > Bamford (roll 1FT)
    B) Pulisic > Zaha (roll 1FT)
    D) Maupay, Puli > Bamford, Zaha (2FT)
    E) Maupay, Puli > Adams, Rashford (2FT)
    F) Stephens > Soucek (hold Maupay another week)

    I know Pulisic *could* come good and with Ziyech back... but he will be sharing any returns across a pool of Werner, Puli, Ziyech, Havertz so I wonder if it's better to shift to a player more likely to score/ haul - i.e. Rash or Zaha.

    2FT 0.5itb
    Martinez
    Robbo, Chilwell, Dallas
    Salah, Son, Pulisic*, Grealish
    Kane, DCL, Maupay*
    (Forster) (KWP, Stephens, Braithwaite)

    Frustrating that I’m 0.1 short of Rashford over Zaha in D because that’d prob be my preference.

    Thoughts?
    Cheers

    1. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      E

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Reckon Adams stays a decent pick ?

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

      E

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Def a potentially tasty differential. Just worried Adams will be a flop

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

      Hold Pulisic, he's excellent value.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Is he though? He’s shown no evidence that he’s come back particularly sharp

    4. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Can you not do E with Bamford instead of Adams?

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        0.1 short unfortunately

  8. King Kun Ta
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    It takes three to tango....

    A Saiss (CRY)
    B Mitchell (wol)
    C Robbo (WHM)
    D Ayling (LEI)
    E Justin (lee)

    Thanks for the advice lads!

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

      ACD

      1. King Kun Ta
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        C?

        1. King Kun Ta
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

      2. King Kun Ta
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Got those three dancing allready....so GTG!

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

    Best move(s) here? 2.4 ITB, 2FT

    McCarthy Steer
    TAA Robbo Justin Taylor Mitchell
    Salah Son Rodriguez Podence Bissouma
    Mitro Ings Jimi

    A) Podence -> Grealish: 0.6 ITB + 1 FT
    B) TAA, Podence -> Chilwell, Rashford: 0.0 ITB
    C) TAA, Mitro -> Coufal, Kane: 0.2 ITB

    1. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. Andy Mac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

  10. JelliedSpark968
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Son or Fernandes? I have Kane

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

      Sonny

    2. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Rashford and invest elsewhere

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

      Son

    4. JelliedSpark968
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      or Marcus

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

    Well I guess I'm wasting one of my 2FTs this week then...

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks for the update

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

        meant to be a reply

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

    Most difficult choice this season.

    Captain?

    A. Salah
    B. Son
    C. Kane

    1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not that difficult is it.

      2 on pens , one isn't
      Then for the 50 50...always go Salah. Simple

      1. Threat Level Midnight
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        This X1000

      2. Cok3y5murf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        This is underthinking at its finest

        1. Threat Level Midnight
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Can't wait to hear your explanation on how. It truly is this simple.

          1. Cok3y5murf
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Lol. Look at their scores from last week with the same "simple" logic.

          2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Yer me too

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

      Son

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

        Son is in top form, 24, 1 (hit the woodwork twice), 18, 13, 11 and has Kane behind him playing as KDB type creating chances for fun.

        West Ham have been defending well and will have to double down a bit more with Antonio out. Brighton, despite very good stats, appear a little naive and will most probably take the game to Spurs allowing them to counter on them. Son should get a lot of joy playing up against Lamptey and a Dunk-less defence.

    3. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’m seriously considering Son..

    4. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Salah and it truly is not close

      1. Rashleigh Runabouts
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        All 3 are good choices and should do well this week. But, surely you have to acknowledge it's close?

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

      got all 3. (C) Salah. when in doubt, just captain Salah

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

      Son for me. Considered a few different factors but Sons 11.5 points per game was a big one. Kane second for me As I do prefer spurs match up and their record against high lines like Brighton play but I like Sons extra point for goals and cs too. He’s outscorinv Kane so far despite reduced minutes and not taking the pens

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

      All three god candidates. I'm personally going for Son.

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

        The father, the Son and the Holy ghost 🙂

  13. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Afternoon guys!

    Quick question from me. Had a disappointing week last weekend (like most of us!)

    Do I bench Jrod and play Dallas (LEI)

    Or I can sell Jrod for Havertz or Zaha

    1. Nedvěd11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Play JRod - Dallas first sub.

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

    Martinez (Steer)
    Robertson, Chilwell, Saiss (KWP, Mitchell)
    Salah, Son, Rodriguez, Grealish (Stephens)
    Kane, DCL, Maupay

    2FT, 0.2 in bank

    Burn a FT this week? Was considering Maupay out, but Antonio is injured and Bamford facing Wolves' defence.

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

      exact same situation, looks like that's what I'll be doing

    2. La vida FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Pretty much same team... maybe you could upgrade stephens to bissouma? I would if I had the cash

    3. The Final Boss
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bamford already faced wolves defence.

    4. Nedvěd11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bamford is playing Leicester?

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

        Right you are! My mistake

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

      Go bamford
      Even in their tough fixtures he can score

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

        Aren't the tough fixtures easier for them since opponents will leave space? Leicester will park the bus most likely with so many injuries and it could very well be a low scoring affair like the wolves match

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

      Mitchell is an injury doubt and PVA back in contention too. Rather than burn a transfer could go for Kilman / Struijk if they are looking more likely to play. Or could get rid or Stephens who hasn’t been playing and being in Riedewald maybe.

  15. Nedvěd11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Start Podence or Pulisic in for -4?

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

      Probably Podence for me

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

      Podence

    3. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Get rid of Podence....but Pulisic?!

  16. La vida FPL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Have a transfer to burn... any of these make sense?

    A) Lamptey > Coufal
    B) Maupay > Wilson
    C) Maupay > Bamford
    D) Other??

    Martinez, 4m
    Robbo, Chilwell, Saiss, Lamptey, Mitchell
    Salah, Son, Grealish, Rodriguez, Stephens
    Kane, DCL, Maupay

    0.0 ITB, 2FTs

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

      A

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

      I ended up doing Lamptey to Ayling. It was very close between he and Coufal. Gut feel says Leeds defence
      Both A and C look good but understand if you want to wait for more Antonio news before getting bamford

  17. Alli
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    2 FT - Holding > Dallas/Coufal/Targett?

    McCarthy
    TAA - KWP - Justin
    Mané - Salah - Son - Zaha
    Wilson - DCL - Jimé

    Nyland* - Stephens - Mitchell* - Holding*

  18. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A or B please chaps?

    A) Kilman | Bruno | Lamptey (Soucek, Mitchell, Davis)

    B) Chilwell | Grealish | Bamford (Soucek, Lamptey, Mitchell)

    B is -4. Brackets is the bench

    Thanks

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

      B long term

    2. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B looks great.

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

    I've been hearing a lot of people say that Brighton is the type of game that would favour Son and West Brom would Kane but didn't hear any reasoning, anyone else who thinks so and if yes then any logic behind it?

    1. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      space in behind for Son, particularly on the counter with Brighton preferring to keep possession. WBA will defend deep.

    2. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I assume because people think there'll be space to run in behind vs Brighton and that West Brom will sit back.

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

        Perhaps Lamptey will be told not to bomb forward and has pace to keep up with Son?

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

      Other way around for me - Forwards haven't been scoring against West Brom (since gw3)

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

    Wrong page. 🙁

    Is Mendy nailed as Che GK?
    Thinking to sell Guaita (have Mitchel) and get Mendy(double with Chilwell).
    Opinions?

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

      yes

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

      Almost the same boat and exactly what I'm considering (Although I have James vs your Chilwell)

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

        Well it is a no-brainer that double CHE defs looking better than double Cry.
        I have also problem with Digne suspension, but think that he can help in the next few games.
        So it is either save FT or use it on Mendy. Not sure yet.
        Cry have great fixtures, but they simply can't keep their CS 🙁

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

          It really isnt that bad. (Apart from when Sakho was playing against Chelsea, worse display i have seen in a very long time).

          CS against Soton. and last two even though Brighton (more than deserved it was in injury time) and Fulham was too.

          We will see

  21. Captain_Shirokov
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Dallas to Kilman worth a FT?

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’d keep Dallas.

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

    Awful start to the season, current rank: 2.7m

    Current team:
    Guaita
    Justin KWP James
    Salah Son Bruno J.Rod
    Kane(c) DCL Bamford

    Forster | Soucek Mitchell Lamptey
    1FT 0.6ITB

    A) Save
    B) J.Rod to Pulisic
    C) J.Rod & Bruno to Pulisic & Rashford
    D) Other

    Any help greatly appreciated! Currently have lots of high owned players and a poor rank so feel some differentials are required!

  23. Chrisscfc
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Podence to puli?

    Have up to 8.3m

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

      Very much yes

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

      definitely

    3. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      decent punt.

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

      yes

  24. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Trossard to Bowen a sensible move?

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

      for his next upcoming fixtures yes

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

        Could work.

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

    Last attempt to get any kind of consensus on this!

    Who would you bench out of these?

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

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

      C

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

      C

    3. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Zaha but wouldn't be happy about it.

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

      None

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

    Thoughts on starting Cresswell v Liverpool? (Other options are Lamptey or Kilman)

    Obvious choice is Kilman, but i have a sneaky feeling palace will score. I'm sure Liverpool score as well, but may be weak from set pieces and with the chances Cresswell creates an attacking return could be on the cards.

    1. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Got to go Kilman surely. Cresswell first sub in case Kilman benched.

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

      Cresswell could pick up an assist but less likely with Antonio out. Play Kilman.

  27. Gizzachance
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    thoughts? play
    A dallas
    B kwp
    with robbo & chillwell
    cheers

  28. karljkadak
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Help needed! Feel like this team aren't producing enough, especially Wolves, and Sakho seems just like a waste of space atm.
    A. Traore to Ward-Prowse and free up additional 0,5? Set pieces and SOU have been solid.
    B. Traore to Maddison/other LEI midfielder?
    C. anything else..

    Martinez McCarthy
    Dallas Robertson Semedo Sakho KWP
    Salah Son Foden Barkley Traore
    Kane DCL Brewster
    1FT 0,8ITB

  29. fpl_tp95
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Brewster to Bamford, or hold?

  30. King Kun Ta
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Team ATM....

    Martinez (Martin)
    Robbo Ayling Saiss (Mitchell Justin)
    Salah Son Rashford Grealish (Bissouma)
    Kane DCL Bamford

    0 FT & 0.8 ITB

    Go Robbo -> Chilwell for -4 or GTG?

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

      Not worth a -4 this week. Wait for a free FT

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

      GTG - losing Robertson for a hit can't be supported

    3. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ta lads!

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

      Captain advice?

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

        Salah for me.

        1. King Kun Ta
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          It’s been a lot of Manepoints lately....that’s my worry

    5. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Hold imo! Team looks solid.

      1. King Kun Ta
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Ta!