Should You Target Everton's Defence for FPL Double Gameweek 24?

As Fantasy Premier League managers strategise for Double Gameweek 24, Everton's defensive assets have caught the attention of the FPL community.

With home fixtures against both Liverpool in the Merseyside derby and Leicester, the burning question is whether investing in the Toffees' backline could be the differential move that sets your team apart.

This analysis will deep dive into the statistics, fixtures, and potential returns to help you make an informed decision.

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The Double Gameweek Fixtures Under the Microscope

Everton's Double Gameweek 24 offers a fascinating mix of challenges. The first match is the Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Goodison Park—a fixture often charged with emotion.

While Liverpool’s attack has been impressive this season, the historically tight nature of the derby, combined with Everton’s home advantage, could make this clash closer than current form might suggest. According to the Match Centre tool, our Algorithm predicts a narrow 1-0 win for Liverpool.

In the second fixture, Everton host Leicester City, who currently sit one place below them in 17th and have managed just 25 goals in 23 games.

The Match Centre Algorithm forecasts another closely fought contest, with Everton edging out a 1-0 victory this time.

Both matches being at home boosts the appeal of Everton’s defensive assets, making them a consideration for managers seeking clean sheets in DGW24.

Defensive Resilience Under New Management

David Moyes has seamlessly continued the defensive organisation instilled by Sean Dyche, keeping Everton solid at the back since taking charge in Gameweek 21.

In the three gameweeks under Moyes' leadership, the Toffees secured a clean sheet away at Brighton, conceded just one goal to Champions League contenders Aston Villa, but allowed two goals against Spurs.

As highlighted in the Opta Stats Sandbox, Everton’s defensive performance has been impressive despite their league position.

They’ve kept eight clean sheets this season—only Liverpool and Nottingham Forest have managed more, with nine each. Additionally, Everton have conceded just 28 goals, the sixth-fewest in the league.

Jordan Pickford: The England Number One's Appeal

England's first-choice goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford (£5.0m), has been instrumental in Everton's defensive success this season. The 29-year-old has recorded eight clean sheets and made 67 saves so far.

With 95 points, Pickford is currently the second-highest-scoring goalkeeper, just four points behind Nottingham Forest's Sels. According to the Opta Heatmaps tool, he is averaging 4.3 points per game, a figure bettered only by the injured Dwight McNeil among Everton players.

Much of his success stems from his 10 bonus points—the most among goalkeepers in the league. Elite XI: Team Reveal manager Matt Corbidge, who boasts an incredible five top-5k finishes, moved early to transfer in Pickford on Sunday night.

Pickford’s projected points for the Double Gameweek are an impressive 8.0, the highest of any Everton player, making him a standout option at his price point.

Defensive Goal Threats

Since David Moyes took charge, five defenders have started games for Everton: Tarkowski (£4.8m), Branthwaite (£4.8m), Mykolenko (£4.4m), Young (£4.6m), and O'Brien (£4.5m). Young featured at right-back in the first game against Aston Villa, while O'Brien has started the last two matches in that position.

Using the Opta Stats Sandbox tool, we see that these defenders have collectively scored just one goal, courtesy of Young.

Mykolenko has attempted the most shots (11), though none have been on target. Tarkowski leads in expected goals (0.88), but the stats suggest it is highly unlikely any Everton defender will deliver goals for FPL managers in the double gameweek.

Defensive Creativity

The creative stats and assist potential paint a slightly more encouraging picture in the Opta Stats Sandbox.

Young has registered three FPL assists from an expected assists (xA) total of 1.62 and has created two big chances. However, as noted earlier, he hasn’t started the last two games.

Tarkowski, on the other hand, can consider himself unlucky not to have recorded an assist, with his xA also standing at 1.62 and two big chances created.

Everton Defensive FPL Assets Verdict

For the double gameweek, Jordan Pickford stands out as the best option from Everton's defence. His mix of save points, clean sheet potential, and bonus point capability makes him an appealing FPL asset.

While Everton’s defenders provide decent value, their lack of attacking threat means they’re better suited as merely budget enablers. Mykolenko (£4.4m) appears to be the most logical choice—he’s the cheapest and seems to have a secure starting spot under Moyes. The higher price tags of the other defenders don’t justify their minimal attacking potential.

When planning your transfers, don’t forget to consider Everton’s fixtures beyond the double gameweek. Long-term value is essential for sustained FPL success.

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