Gameweek 10 of the Premier League results were mostly no surprise for many fantasy managers but six shutouts flummoxed the ones who had ignored their defences. Conversely, the managers who invested well in their backline got a push in their rankings and we'll advise you on how to be prepared and take advantage of such clean sheets along with our analysis of defenders who could easily be amongst points in the upcoming Gameweek.
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Starting with team performances, Arsenal has started to look sturdy at the back and their defenders are much in demand due to them scoring points on both ends of the pitch. Their London-rivals Tottenham Hotspurs led by defence-friendly Mauricio Pochettino has ensured that they maintain consistency in their indomitable shape fetching points despite the lack of goals up front.
Chelsea has kept four clean sheets in a row and fantasy managers are wondering whether it is too late to include their defensive options. But the Blues’ prices had fallen since the start of the season and with Chelsea beginning to be in its prime, so has the price rise of their players in form. Furthermore, Antonio Conte’s affinity for an unbreachable defence seems to be turning into a reality having finally organised the desired centre-back combination.
Other than the big teams, Watford, Bournemouth and Stoke City seem to be on a rise with impressive defensive performances that demand our attention and we've assessed which players from these teams could provide a cheap alternative to your woes at the back.
Stay tuned as we bring to you a list of the five best defenders for Gameweek 11.
#1 Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)
The centre-back has hit top form for Arsenal this season and reminds us that he cannot be overlooked despite his team-mate Hector Bellerin stealing most of the spotlight. In the last five Premier League matches, Laurent Koscielny has helped Arsenal keep three clean sheets and barely does a Gunner think of Per Mertesacker’s injury status due to his solidity.
Besides his tackling and man-marking prowess, Koscielny also adds to the Bonus Points System with blocks and clearances. Add that to his presence in corner situations, and you certainly do not have a safer option for a defender who can score goals and thus, points on both ends of the pitch.
So far Koscielny has already scored two goals and with more threat, more fantasy managers are choosing to select him over an expensive Bellerin. With the rising number of teams selecting him, his price has already shot up by 0.4m over the recent course of games. The defender is in such demand that his price has risen more than any other defender.
Despite Arsenal facing an interesting round of fixtures, we’d still back Koscielny to score points due to Spurs’ lack of ability to cope with Harry Kane's absence and a woeful attacking form of the Red Devils.
Upcoming fixtures: Tottenham Hotspur (H), Manchester United (A), Bournemouth (H)
#2 Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)
Tottenham Hotspur has the most number of clean sheets so far and Kyle Walker is one of the biggest reasons for such success. His aggression often disturbs the opponent’s attacking rhythm and the same has also helped him prove useful in advanced roles, winning two assists until now.
Although the Spurs face a mixed difficulty of opponents in their upcoming fixtures, them shutting out the unstoppable Manchester City is proof that managers should persist with continuing to keep faith in their defenders. For managers who prefer not to keep faith and like to base their decisions on logical premises, Tottenham conceding the least number of goals is worth a reason to include Kyle Walker whose demand keeps soaring.
Tottenham Hotspurs face their London rivals in all of their upcoming three games. And we expect them to be typically rock-solid at the back just like their manager Mauricio Pochettino would.
Upcoming fixtures: Arsenal (A), West Ham United (H), Chelsea (A)
#3 Gary Cahill (Chelsea)
Chelsea has bounced back from an unsettling start to the season and seems to have also figured out their defensive madness. Chelsea has maintained a clean defensive record for the past four games and Conte’s men are expected to continue their order against mid-table teams. They travel to Middlesbrough who is struggling with their attack after hosting Everton at Stamford Bridge.
After much criticism in the early season, Gary Cahill appears to have hit it off in establishing a robust centre-back combination with David Luiz. Furthermore, John Terry’s return from injury will be another news that adds to believing in Conte’s affinity for strong defences. Terry might be left out, but a strong bench will only motivate the three defenders settled in the new formation to explore their understanding beyond present form.
Priced at £5.9m and one of the defenders offering potential goal scoring threat, Gary Cahill is an option that could also be considered by managers seeking a replacement for injured defenders like Toby Alderweireld or Eric Bailly.
Upcoming fixtures: Everton (H), Middlesbrough (A), Tottenham Hotspur (H)
#4 Charlie Daniels (Bournemouth)
Amongst cheap defensive options, the first defender to cross our minds and make a permanent impression is Charlie Daniels. Quite frankly, it was a hard decision to ignore other Bournemouth defenders like Adam Smith or Steve Cook who are even cheaper but they can only be almost as impressive despite a series of strong performances.
Overall, Bournemouth's backline looks tactically sound while they also add on in providing for their forward men. Such an asset is a mastermind of a manager looking for potential defender options and Charlie Daniels fits the bill with his high influence and creativity.
Having conceded only once in last four games at home and facing a succession of relatively easy fixtures, Daniels priced at £5.0m comes highly recommended. Bournemouth host Sunderland in the next game who are experiencing their worst ever start to a season and have only two points from 10 games. Then a trip away to Stoke City at the Brittania still seems to be a bright prospect for points as the Potters are showing glimpses but no promises of form.
Upcoming fixtures: Sunderland (H), Stoke City (A), Arsenal (A)
#5 Jose Holebas (Watford)
Jose Holebas has been one of the most lucrative candidates catching the eye with exceptional returns in the last four games. The player is in fine form scoring 33 points via a goal, an assist and couple of clean sheets in less than a handful of games. Watford faces Liverpool up next but otherwise, a team with a hat-trick of clean sheets and a proven defensive record cannot be ignored for being amongst points against Leicester City or Stoke City.
With a series of difficult fixtures ahead of West Brom, managers are considering a replacement for the highly selected Gareth McAuley. Holebas can not only fit within budget but also contests selection by offering high influence on Watford’s game, based on which he is placed fourth out of all defenders in terms of ICT Index.
Upcoming fixtures: Liverpool (A), Leicester City (H), Stoke City (H)
