Having reviewed the best Goalkeeper options yesterday, today I'm going to look at Defenders for the forthcoming 6 Gameweeks. A I write this, I'm expecting confirmation that Man Utd v. Leeds will be added to Gameweek 22 with the caveat that neither team requires a replay in the FA Cup 5th Round. This confirmation hasn't happened yet so I'll proceed without including this fixture in my analysis but this would certainly increase the appeal of Luke Shaw in particular.
Similar to yesterday's Ederson selection, John Stones tops the Defenders ratings with 13.21. This is slightly higher than Ederson due to the addition of a bit of attacking threat but it's worth noting that this attacking threat is minimal with 0.06 xG and 0.12 xA per 90 minutes equating to 2 assists so far this season.
Fixtures look good with games against Wolves (h), Nott'm Forest (a) and Bournemouth (a) as well as a Double Gameweek in the next 5. An away trip to Spurs (with us getting a taster on Thursday night) and home game against Newcastle perhaps the most difficult in the next 6.
Stones has done well to establish himself within the team, aided by the injury to Ruben Dias and many have stated that he (stones) is playing the best football of his career so is deserving of his place in the team. But... whilst he looks like a good option, the current injury will be of concern (although he's reported to be back in training) and for the same money, you can pick up a guaranteed starter in Ederson.
| Gameweek: | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixture(s): |
With Ramsdale ranked 2nd in my Keepers list, it's probably little surprise that Gabriel Magalhães sits 2nd in my Defenders ratings (with 12.67), narrowly behind John Stones.
Arsenal have a favourable run of fixtures with their most difficult games (against both Manchester clubs) being at the Emirates where they've only failed to win 1 Premier League match this season (their goalless draw against Newcastle).
He hasn't missed a single minute in the league and has notched up 2 goals from an xG of 2.73 so has a bit of goal threat about him too (he scored 5 last season). With the exception of William Saliba, Gabriel is the most expensive route into Arsenal's defence but this is justified as eluded to, he does pose their most attacking threat.
The only downside with this selection is the 4 Yellow Cards that he currently sits on and he needs to get through their forthcoming match against Man Utd without picking up a 5th if he is to avoid a 1 match ban. Even if he does get banned, he'll be back before their Double Gameweek in 23.
| Gameweek: | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixture(s): |
Whilst Akanji (MCI, 5.0m - rating of 11.55), Ake (MCI, 5.0m - rating of 11.52) and Saliba (ARS, 5.3m - rating of 10.02) rate higher than Ben White (my preference from those 3 would be Akanji), there are better options at each club in Stones and Gabriel to go into detail on them so the next prospect is the cheaper option.
The fixtures are obviously the same as Gabriel and attacking threat is more on the assists side with a total xA of 1.88 (0.11 per 90) leading to 2 FPL Assists. This gives him a "BlockchainFPL Rating" of 9.47.
One thing I didn't mention when discussing Gabriel is whether you want to fill one of your Arsenal spots with a Defender. In Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Eddie Nketiah there are 4 attacking options at good prices so a triple-up in Midfield / Forward is certainly viable and the route that I'm seriously considering (although I am consider a defensive transfer this Gameweek).
| Gameweek: | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixture(s): |
If you're already filled up on Man City and Arsenal, then the next options are Trent Alexander-Arnold (whose xA is only bettered by Kieran Trippier since the World Cup), Ivan Perisic and then Trippier (who everybody already owns). The next viable budget option is Tottenham's Matt Doherty at 4.6m (and a rating of 6.69).
As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts on these options or anybody else that you're considering.
As with Goalkeepers, it's worth considering rotation if you're playing with 3-at-the-back and I'd be happy to investigate rotation options to fit with your situation.
#mancity #arsenal #stones #johnstones #gabriel #gabrielmagalhaes #white #benwhite
