In the last of our player selection articles we focus on the 11 best defensive teams taking into account last seasons stats, changes in personnel adjusted for the strength of the their domestic and European fixtures. We then give you the best defensive pick of that team. We try and balance value, gametime and attacking ability in making that recommendation as defenders traditionally in Sun Dream Team haven’t been the greatest returners. In addition to that we give you our view of the best goalkeeping options.
Sun Dream Team tips – 11 defensive options
With no substitutions and negative points for goals conceded focusing on defenders with ambitions for the upper echelons of the table is where it’s best to look. While fixtures can be a good factor in making a selection the limited number of transfers means, to some extent, you want to just pick and leave them.
DEFENDERS
STONES £3.0M
PL Clean sheets 15/16: 16 PL Times conceded 1+ : 11 player points per game 15/16: 1.61 Also Champions League
The worlds 2nd most expensive defender after David Luiz is a great example of where a real life transfer can create value in fantasy football. Stones is a bargain for a Man City defender. Again ignore the PPG. That was the result of Martinez’s defensive shambles of last season. Guardiola and the addition of Gundogan when fit, should improve City’s defensive record even without Kompany. Stones should be safe due to his passing ability at least until Kompany returns. Large squad may seem him rotated for extra competitions
SHAW £2.5m
PL Clean sheets 15/16: 18 PL Times conceded 1+ : 11 player points per game 15/16: 2.75 Also in Europa League
Man Utd with Arsenal definitely had the best defensive record last season. Whether the demise of LVG changes that remains to be seen. Shaw is outstanding value for a Man Utd defender and has good growth potential. Injury record may see him rotated for all cup games though
MASUAKU £2.0M/REID £3.5M
Clean sheets 15/16: 11 Times conceded 1+ : 17 player points per game 15/16: na/1.72 Also in the Europa League qualifiers
Depending on your view of risk Mausaku could be great value. It’s just whether he gets the nod or Byram for the LB spot
ROSE £4.0M
PL Clean sheets 15/16: 13 PL Times conceded 1+ : 7 player points per game 15/16: 2.94 Also in Champions League
Spurs should improve defensively this season after a definite upturn at the end of last season. Rose is cheaper than his full back partner Walker and both have similar attacking abilities. Wanyama as a CDM offers another layer of defensive protection. Will be rotated in the cups but that’s unfortunately an issue for all the Spurs players
BELLERIN £4.5M
PL Clean sheets 15/16: 18 Times conceded 1+ : 11 player points per game 15/16: 3.67 Also in Champions League
The Arsenal RB’s attacking ability gives him the nod over the same priced Monreal. Arsenal have a tough start plus have a number of injuries which will blunt their defensive resolve. However, ignore the doubters, over the long term Arsenal will be up there with the best for clean sheets.
SIMPSON £3.5M
PL Clean sheets 15/16: 15 Times conceded 1+ : 10 player points per game 15/16: 2.97 Also in Champions League
The Leicester RB may not be the most glamorous pick but he’s slightly cheaper than Morgan without too much sacrifice in points ability. As Kante will improve Chelsea it will be a big loss defensively for Leicester. There’s also how they adjust to being Champions League which is a big unknown.
FONTE £3.0M
Clean sheets 15/16: 12 Times conceded 1+ : 12 player points per game 15/16: 2.27 Also in the Europa League
Great value for a Southampton defender even if he may not make the first game. Not sure why his PPG is so low but hopefully the points changes will improve the returns
BAINES £3.5M
Clean sheets 15/16: 10 Times conceded 1+ : 16 player points per game 15/16: 3.17
The Everton LB was once the most fearsome attacking full back with assists, penalties and free kicks in his locker. Enter Roberto Martinez and suddenly even his place in the team became uncertain. Now with Koeman manager the defence should remarkably improve. If Baines can get some part of his attacking responsibilities back with that he will become a very valuable asset. Good fixtures to start too.
TERRY £3.0M
PL Clean sheets 15/16: 9 Times conceded 1+ : 17 player points per game 15/16: 1.69
A defensive disaster last season for Chelsea but with a new defensive manager and CDM Kante joining to protect the back 4 things should vastly improve. A good opening schedule helps matters as well. Terry is very cheap comparatively but potentially isn’t a permanent solution when Zouma is back and will be rotated in all the cups .
LOVREN £3.5M
Clean sheets 15/16: 11 Times conceded 1+ : 15 player points per game 15/16: 2.80
The Liverpool CB should benefit from better defensive performances as Klopp continues to get across his ideas and improve the team. Difficult fixtures to start though. Klavan at £2m could be a fantastic option but isn’t as certain gametime wise but if I had to bet I think he would start
DAWSON £3.0M
Clean sheets 15/16: 11 Times conceded 1+ : 15 player points per game 15/16: 3.02
The WBA RB is in a team with a strong defensive mindset which comes from their manager Tony Pulis. He also is a strong attacking asset with 4 goals last season in the premier league. WBA have excellent fixtures to start with
GOALKEEPERS
Here’s are 3 goalkeeping options which offer value and returns compared to the defenders. These are:
Stekelenburg £2.5m Everton: Points per game: 1.7 (for Southampton)
Mignolet £3.5m Liverpool: Points per game 2.67
Foster £2.5m: Points per game 2.58
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