With Trippier currently a doubt for Gameweek 22, some of the best defensive options are compared in this blog using the Fix Comparison Matrix.

As the above image from our Fix Algorithm shows, Alexander-Arnold (30.4) is significantly ahead of the competition for projected points over the next six Gameweeks and is the top target if FPL managers can afford him. The Algorithm continues to favour the Liverpool defence with Virgil (24.5) in second with Porro (23.3) and Estupiñan (21.9) rounding off the top five. Some of these options are compared using the Fix Comparison Matrix as shown in the image below. Averages are used to enable comparison over the entire season.

Pedro Porro (mun)

A consistent performer, Porro has been a mainstay in the Spurs lineup since Gameweek 2 and has averaged 4.1 FPL points per game over the season. He also tops the comparison for assists (0.4), shots (1.7), attempted assists (1.8) and 'big chances' (BC) created (0.5). Spurs have only kept five clean sheets this season so attacking returns are the primary source of points for Porro.

Virgil Van Dijk (bou)

Van Dijk has started every league game for Liverpool this season when available and has averaged a healthy 3.9 points per game, the second-highest in the comparison. The only centre-back in the comparison, he has only found the back of the net once this season and assisted twice. The goal threat numbers are healthy though, as the below image from our Stats Sandbox feature shows only Andersen (eight) and Cash (10) have landed more shots on target (SoT) amongst defenders than Virgil (seven).

Kyle Walker (new)

Walker has started every league game for Man. City this season but has racked up only 59 FPL points with 14 defenders scoring more. He has registered five clean sheets but has just one assist all season, he is the least creative fullback in the comparison with just 0.8 attempted assists and 0.2 BC created per game. However, as the below image from our Fix Algorithm shows, Man. City are projected to keep the second most clean sheets over the next six Gameweeks and with the centre-backs seeing rotation, Walker could be the only nailed route into the Man. City defence.

Pervis Estupiñán (WOL)

Back in the Brighton starting lineup after various injury issues, Estupiñán has registered consecutive FPL six-pointers in his last two appearances and posted excellent underlying numbers prior to his injury as well. The Ecuadorian international averages 1.1 attempted assists (second) and 0.3 assists (second) per game and has already found the back of the net twice. At just 10.4% ownership in Live Teams, he could be a great differential pick.

Ben White (CRY)

White (69) trails his team-mates Zinchenko (71) and Saliba (75) for FPL points but has offers mix of both goal threat and creativity. He averages 0.3 shots and 0.3 SoT per game with 0.8 attempted assists. He has an average BC involvement of 0.3 per game but he has been plagued by some injury issues recently which might crop up again. Saliba or Gabriel are probably better picks despite less attacking potential.

Which teams have the Best Fixtures?

As the above image from our Fixture Planner shows, Brighton have the best fixtures for 'Defence Difficulty' over the next six Gameweeks and with no European commitments for that period, Estupiñán is a great pick. Villa also have some options but they have rotated their fullbacks often with Konsa and Pau the only nailed picks. Man. City and Liverpool round off the top seven.