The next gameweek features the highly awaited fixture between Chelsea and Manchester United, both led by coaches who are well known for creating solid defensive sides. It’ll be interesting to see how the game pans out and to see which of the two managers outsmarts the other.
The gameweek should be a high scoring one as well, since several top teams play against mid-table and lower ranked teams, which could result in a goal fest for football fans.
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Fixtures like these make the art of selecting defenders in Fantasy Premier League a tricky one, however, it isn't one you should ignore. The right blend of players who can keep clean sheets, provide assists and give an odd goal is the perfect strategy to selecting defenders in FPL.
Ideally, the backline of an FPL should consist of full-backs, since they've the highest possibility of getting goals and assists. Apart from that, full-backs often go forward and create goalscoring chances which makes them big contenders for bonus points.
Strong and physical defenders who are good in the air, are another good choice as they can win headers and get their team an important goal. Here is a list of 5 defenders you could pick for the upcoming Gameweek 9.
#5 Jose Holebas - 4.6m
The Watford defender scored a screamer last week, as his team defeated Middlesbrough 1-0. He has started every match for Watford so far and has already scored two important goals for them. At 4.5m, he is a bargain buy and gives managers the option to accommodate other players who are available at a premium price.
Watford play their next game at Vicarage Road against Swansea City, who have not been great going forward. There is a high possibility that Watford can keep a clean sheet and if Holebas finds his scoring boots, he could again chip in with a goal.
They should also have a great outing against Hull City as the Tigers have been really poor after a solid start to the season. However, the fixture against Liverpool will require Walter Mazzarri’s men to be at their best, considering the Reds’ hot attacking form at the moment.
Next three fixtures: Swansea (A), Hull City (H), Liverpool (A)
#4 Cesar Azpilicueta - 6.0m
Chelsea have kept two clean sheets in their last two matches and seem to be slowly getting back their momentum. Azpilicueta is one of the finest defensive full-backs in the league and can also come up with an assist at times.
Jose Mourinho will be back at Stamford Bridge this week, except this time he’ll be a part of the Red side instead of the Blue, as Manchester United play away to Chelsea. United did not show a lot of offensive intent in their last match against Liverpool and there is a probability that the former Chelsea manager will again go for a safe game. United’s attack has also not clicked properly as Zlatan Ibrahimovic has failed to score in his last 4 games in the Premier League.
Chelsea will then face Southampton, who are always tough opposition at home and are slowly regaining form after inspired performances by forward Charlie Austin. The Blues will have to be at their best if they want to contain Southampton and get all three points away from home.
The Blues next face Everton at Stamford Bridge, a tough fixture, but haven’t lost to Everton in Chelsea in the Premier League since 1994.
Next three fixtures: Manchester Utd (H), Southampton (A), Everton (H)
#3 Seamus Coleman - 5.5m
Seamus Coleman, the Irish full-back, is the best bet if managers are looking at buying a defender from Everton, who’ve been very impressive under new manager Ronald Koeman. Coleman often makes forward runs, puts in crosses and scores the occasional goal.
Though he has scored only one goal for Everton this season, he has impressed with his threat while going forward and has been effective for his team.
Coleman is also a front runner for bonus points under the new FPL index which rewards points for creativity, influence and threat. Everton have their next fixture against Burnley who have only won once in their last 5 matches.
The Merseyside team will then face West Ham United who have had a torrid time in the league till now. West Ham’s defence has been extremely vulnerable and Coleman’s forward dashes could hurt them.
Next three fixtures: Burnley (A), West Ham United (H), Chelsea (A)
#2 Kyle Walker - 6.0m
The Englishman’s stock has risen from 5.5m to 6.0m and is currently selected in over 35% of all teams. The right back has been the highest point getter in the Spurs defence and will continue to do so if he maintains his form.
Walker’s bombarding runs down the right side are a key part of his game, and his ability to attack at will has really helped Tottenham. At 6.0m, he is not the cheapest defender around, however his premium price guarantees premium returns as well.
The Tottenham man has assisted twice in the league and is often a contender for the bonus points. This week, Spurs play a Bournemouth side who thumped Hull City 6-1 last week. Spurs’ next game after that will be against defending champions, Leicester City, who have been nowhere close to their form from last season.
Leicester haven’t scored in the last two games and a solid defensive unit like Spurs should do well against them.
After that, they play the North London derby, which could end up being a cagey affair or one full of action and goals. Matches like these are generally low scoring and could give managers more than decent returns from your defenders.
Next three fixtures: Bournemouth (A), Leicester City (H), Arsenal (A)
#1 Hector Bellerin - 6.5m
Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin was a superb choice last season but his FPL form hasn’t continued to the current season. However, Arsenal are slowly finding their feet and have become a very solid defensive unit, boasting a solid centre-back pairing and backed up by Petr Cech in goal.
The Spaniard has provided two assists in the last three games, not surprisingly, thanks to his numerous runs into the box in each game. Arsenal, who are on a roll, will be up against newly promoted Middlesbrough who started well but have not continued their form.
The North London club will travel to the Stadium of Light after that where they face table strugglers Sunderland, who’ve been woeful this season. Arsenal’s defence has been solid this season and there is little chance that they’ll concede.
Next three fixtures: Middlesbrough (H), Sunderland (A), Tottenham Hotspur (H)
