In the last of our player selection articles we focus on the 10 best defensive teams taking into account last seasons stats, changes in personnel adjusted for the strength of the initial 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. In addition to that we give you our view of the 3 best goalkeeping options.
telegraph fantasy football tips 16/17 – 10 defenders for your team
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
Shaw £4.2m
Clean sheets 15/16: 18 Times conceded 1+ : 11 player points per game 15/16: 5.2
Man Utd with Arsenal definitely had the best defensive record last season. Whether the demise of LVG changes that remains to be seen. Shaw although more expensive than the potential RB Valencia at £3.8m has less competition for his place.
Stones £3.8m
Clean sheets 15/16: 16 Times conceded 1+ : 11 player points per game 15/16: 2.5
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.
Rose £4.1m
Clean sheets 15/16: 13 Times conceded 1+ : 7 player points per game 15/16: 4.0
Spurs should improve defensively this season after a definite upturn at the end of last season. Rose is marginally 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 domestic cups but that’s unfortunately an issue for all the Spurs players
Bellerin £4.4m
Clean sheets 15/16: 18 Times conceded 1+ : 11 player points per game 15/16: 4.9
The Arsenal RB’s attacking ability is worth paying a little more than 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.
Ivanovic £4.3m
Clean sheets 15/16: 9 Times conceded 1+ : 17 player points per game 15/16: 3.2
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 £4.0m but it’s hard to see him playing in the FA Cup in the long term.
Simpson £3.2m
Clean sheets 15/16: 15 Times conceded 1+ : 10 player points per game 15/16: 4.0
The Leicester RB may not be the most glamorous pick but he’s slightly cheaper than captain Morgan. 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.
Lovren £3.9m
Clean sheets 15/16: 11 Times conceded 1+ : 15 player points per game 15/16: 3.2
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. GK Mignolet is also a good option at £3.5m.
Baines £3.5m
Clean sheets 15/16: 10 Times conceded 1+ : 16 player points per game 15/16: 3.4
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. Gk Stekelenburg at £2.5m is also a good option.
Dawson £3.0m
Clean sheets 15/16: 11 Times conceded 1+ : 15 player points per game 15/16: 3.3
The WBA RB is one of the better cheap options. He’s 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. WBA have excellent fixtures to start with
Van Dijk £3.6m
Clean sheets 15/16: 12 Times conceded 1+ : 12 player points per game 15/16: 3.6
The Southampton CB is another good attacking option with 3 goals scored last season. The question is how much will be lost defensively with Koeman gone. GK Forster is a good option at £3.2m
Goalkeepers
Here’s are 3 goalkeeping options which offer value and returns compared to the defenders which we’ve also highlighted in the narrative on the same teams defender. These are:
Stekelenburg £2.5m Everton: Points per game: 3.2
Mignolet £3.5m Liverpool: Points per game 3.3
Forster £3.2m Southampton: Points per game 3.4
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