We all know the 2020/21 Premier League has been anything but expected. Big teams are losing, many goals have been scored and … Everton are on top!
Among other things, one thing has stood out in FPL – Expensive defenders have been really struggling.
A few defenders in the top range are out for the long term through injuries:
- van Djik (LIV)
- Pereira (LEI)
- Mendy (MCI)
- Digne’s (EVE) red card also means that he would suspended for GW07.
Some other defenders who have been playing have yet to live up to their high expectations.
- Alexander-Arnold (LIV) has disappointed so far with just 1 assist and 1 clean sheet.
- City have kept only 1 clean sheet to date as well so Walker (MCI), Ake (MCI) and Dias (MCI) have not scored well. Laporte (MCI) has only played one game.
- Doherty (TOT) has been an FPL darling over the last two seasons but so far had only started half of Spurs’ games without any goal contributions.
With this comes a huge opportunity for FPL managers to overhaul their defence and pack them with relatively cheaper options. This will free up cash for the top guns in midfield.
We have 5 top choices.
Saiss (WOL)
Saiss is currently FPL’s top scoring defender. He has started every game for Wolves and was lucky enough to be substituted out on GW06 to earn a clean sheet before his team eventually conceded. He also has 7 BP to date.
Saiss has shown versatility this season, playing at center back and also as an attacking left wing back, a position he deputises for the injured Marcal.
In the next 5 GWs, Wolves have two good home games but also travel to Leicester, Arsenal and Liverpool.
All in all, he remains a quality pick.
Coufal (WHU)
West Ham’s new signing has not blanked since his debut on GW04.
He is an attacking right back who loves to join in the attack and has already assisted twice.
West Ham visits Anfield on GW07 but faces Fulham, Sheff United and Aston Villa after that. It is a good set of fixtures and the Hammers can look forward to goals and clean sheets.
Chilwell (CHE)
Chilwell missed the start of the season because of injuries but has since firmly established himself as Chelsea’s left back.
He has already scored and assisted in a Chelsea shirt and will continue to cement his spot in the team.
Chelsea are a top and should fancy beating any other team. They play struggling Burnley and Sheff Utd next. If you want a Chelsea defender in your team Chilwell is the player to have.
Vestergaard (SOU)
Southampton have started wobbly with 2 losses but has since turned their fortunes around.
The Saints have the join most number of clean sheets to date (3) and it was no surprise that when they let in 5 against Spurs earlier in the season, Vestergaard was not playing.
Southampton play Villa, Newcastle and Brighton among others in their next 5 games and we can look forward to a couple of clean sheets. Vestergaard is not renowned for his goal scoring but has already found the net once so far.
Konsa (AVL)
Villa started the season with a bang but lost heavily to Leeds on GW06.
Konsa has formed a good partnership with Mings to date and he is an attacking threat at set-pieces
Villa have 3 winnable home games in their next five – Southampton, Brighton and Newcastle.
Wildcard
If you are playing a wildcard for GW07, these are the 5 defenders you can set and forget, at least for a few more GWs to come.
Football@Homeground 