They say defence wins titles, and as we enter the final stretch of the season, picking the right defenders can make all the difference in Fantasy Premier League.
After our look at a forwards comparison, in this positional review, we analyse the top-performing defenders so far and highlight the best picks for the crucial run-in.
Get expert insights, key stats, and strategic tips to help you maximise points and stay ahead in FPL!
Get 30 days of Premium Plus – completely free! Pay absolutely nothing to unlock the tools that can turn your season around. 🤯
👉Click here now to claim your exclusive 30-day free Premium offer!
As shown in our Opta Stats Sandbox image below, Alexander-Arnold is top for xFPL (147.08) amongst defenders this season. Only Davis (53) has attempted more assists than the right-back (51), while he is top for both 'big chances' created (13) and shots (38).
However, the England international is expected to miss significant gametime due to the injury he had sustained prior to the international break.
Saliba comes in second at 133.07, marginally ahead of his teammate Gabriel (130.68) in fourth. The Frenchman edges it despite higher 'Expected Goals' (xG) (3.63) and 'Expected Assists' (xA) (1.21) for the Brazilian international.
The underlying numbers of some of the other top performers are analysed more closely using the Fix Comparison Matrix as shown below.
After a slow start to the campaign, Muñoz has been one of the star performers for Glasner's side with one goal and three assists in his last six appearances.
The Colombian international is top of the comparison for both shots on target (14) and 'big chances' (nine), while only Gvardiol (28) has attempted more shots in the box than his 27. He is also second for attempted assists (33), making him one of the few defensive assets to display both goal and assist potential.
As the above image from our Fixture Difficulty Ratings shows, Palace are fourth for 'Defence Difficulty' for the run in and the Colombian international is the fourth most transferred in player ahead of Gameweek 30.
Milenković reminded FPL managers of his attacking potential with a goal and assist in Gameweek 29. The Serbian international is top of the comparison for FPL points (120) and third for shots in the box (23).
He has landed only seven of his 23 attempts on target, but it is encouraging that he has been afforded seven 'big chances'.
As shown in our Opta Stats Sandbox image below, Forest are ranked fourth for 'Expected Goals Conceded' (xGC) (38.88) and are a defence worth investing in.
The ninth-highest scoring defender in FPL with 105 points. Kerkez has seen his price rise to £5.2m from a starting price of £4.5m with some excellent performances for the Cherries this season.
The left-back has racked up two goals and six assists, with only Hall (seven) and Robinson (10) faring better for creativity amongst defenders.
The Hungarian international is only third for chances created (26) but is top for 'big chances' created (six), which explains why he is so popular.
The fourth highest owned defender in FPL with 23.3% ownership, Robinson (10) trails only Salah (17) for FPL assists this season.
The American international is top of the comparison for attempted assists (36) which shows that his returns have been no fluke.
However, as the above image from our Fixture Difficulty Ratings shows, Fulham are rated 17th for 'Defence Difficulty' over the remainder of the season. This indicates that it might be time to part ways with the left-back.
Gvardiol (106) has racked up nearly the double the FPL points of the next highest scoring Man. City defender, Lewis (56), and has been the only consistent selection across their backline.
The Croatian international is top of the comparison for goals (five), shots inside the box (28) and 'big chances' (nine) which exhibits his significant goal threat.
He has also attempted 24 assists so like Muñoz, he is one of the few defensive picks with both goal and assist potential.
As the below image from our Predicted Points & Stats tool shows, Gvardiol (33.8) is projected to be the top scoring defender for the remainder of the season.
The top five are all bunched together closely with the Arsenal trio of Saliba (33.2), Gabriel (32.6) and J. Timber (31.7) all projected similarly.
Muñoz (33.1) is the cheapest pick in the top six which again underlines his excellent value.
Kerkez (27.4) is some way behind in 14th, while Aina (29.7) is ahead of Milenković (28.0).
Get 30 days of Premium Plus – completely free! Pay absolutely nothing to unlock the tools that can turn your season around. 🤯
👉Click here now to claim your exclusive 30-day free Premium offer!
Join 89% of our members who won their main mini-league last season.
TRY IT NOWAlready a Premium user? Login here
© fantasyfootballfix 2024 | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
