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This season, most of the Fantasy Premier League managers have chosen to go with 3 big strikers up front and that means they'll have to save money in the defence and midfield departments.
With the big-money players scoring goals regularly, here's our pick for top 5 budget defenders for game week 8:
#5 Jamaal Lascelles (Newcastle United- £4.7)
He's one of the more nailed on defensive options in a Newcastle team that are flying high after an impressive performance against Liverpool.
He has looked a threat from corners in all the games so far and with some winnable fixtures coming up, he may pop up with a goal while keeping a few clean sheets.
He may no longer be a differential option with 11.1% players opting to have him in the side but he'll still give you a good return given his price.
#4 Arthur Masuaku (West Ham- £4.4)
He might not have started a single game for West Ham this season but we don't think Slaven Bilic can ignore him anymore.
Arthur Masuaku has managed two assists in two games and it's likely he'll be given the nod after his impressive performances off the bench.
The thing that makes Masuaku a risk worth taking is that he might start the next few games as the left winger for a West Ham team consisting of some great headers of the ball. And he's owned by just 0.2% players which makes him a great differential option.
#3 Maya Yoshida (Southampton- £5)
Southampton is a tough team to score a goal against which they proved in their game against Manchester United. The defence line was in such a good form that a free-scoring United team failed to create that many clearcut chances.
With the added protection of one of the most in-form goalkeepers in the league, Southampton will surely be a tough side to crack in the upcoming fixtures (their next 4 fixtures have an FDR rating of only 2).
Yoshida is expected to start in all the games and with van Dijk now back, expect better defensive performances from the Saint.
#2 Lewis Dunk (Brighton- £4.4)
Only one of Brighton's next 5 fixtures has an FDR rating of more than 2 and that is Game week 8's fixture against an Everton side who have looked toothless so far.
Dunk is a permanent fixture in the lineup and is expected to start for them in every match with Brighton expected to get a few clean sheets by the time game week 12 concludes.
At £4.4, Dunk is one of the cheapest options and will enable you to strengthen other departments while giving you constant returns for the next 5 game weeks.
#1 Danny Simpson (Leicester- £4.5)
Leicester have had a tough start to the season but they must be looking to take advantage of some easy fixtures in the next 4 gameweeks.
Leicester have a good structure at the back and should be able to get at least 2 clean sheets in the coming weeks.
Danny Simpson is the cheapest way into Leicester's defence and he might get an assist or two while putting those dangerous crosses from the right flank.
