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What is it that any Fantasy Premier League manager expects of a defender?
It's simple-- just keeping a clean sheet. A clean sheet that gives 6 valuable points.
We cannot have all defenders assisting and scoring goals every other day. If you are trying to do that, you'll realize that it is a serious waste of money. Instead, if you have economical defenders giving you those valuable 6 points, and you, in turn, invest the money you have saved on goalscoring midfielders and forwards, that will show real efficiency.
In this piece, we'll have a look at the top 5 cost-effective defenders who can deliver on those expectations.
#5 Victor Lindelof- United (£4.9)
With both Phil Jones and Eric Bailly injured, Mourinho has resorted to Lindelof to fill the defensive void. Lindelof has featured in the last 3 games for United and Mourinho is expected to stick with the same back three for the trip to Emirates unless Jones or Bailly recovers from their injuries.
In this season, Lindelof's Fantasy Premier League value has plummeted by a massive £0.6 as he has not been part of the first 11 for United. Now that he has started featuring again as a regular, his price is expected to rise.
Although United faces stern tests up next against Arsenal and City, we can count on their defence to produce the magic. After all, they are the only side to have 9 clean sheets in the Premier League.
So for all the people who believe in Mourinho's men's defensive stability, Victor Lindelof is the player for you.
#4 Joseph Gomez- Liverpool (£4.6)
Liverpool have conceded 18 goals, and this surely does look unattractive. But on the other hand, they have got 6 clean sheets and Gomez had featured in 5 of those. For his cheap price, he has got a decent FPL score of 42 pts.
He has received more bonus points than other defenders of Liverpool and has been included twice in the fantasy dream team of the week. His value has also increased by £0.1 and is expected to hike more as the upcoming fixtures seem trouble-free for Liverpool.
As per Whoscored.com, Joseph Gomez is rated among the top 4 defenders. This top-rated defender is, without doubt, a player you should keep an eye on.
#3 Shkodran Mustafi- Arsenal (£5.4)
Arsenal have got 3 consecutive clean sheets against Spurs, Burnley and Huddersfield. And Mustafi has contributed greatly in all these games.
His impressive performances have bagged him bonus points in 3 successive matches. He scored a goal in the North London Derby to help the home side win 2-0. And in the last 3 games, he has picked up an astonishing 28 FPL points.
He has got a noteworthy form of 7.0 and comes at a reasonable price of £5.4. Seeing that he has exceeded expectations on his recent performances, Wenger should now be giving him more game time.
Arsenal have a tough fixture up next with United coming over to Emirates. But considering the recent demolition of Huddersfield, their remarkable home record conceding just 4 goals and having beaten all the oppositions at Emirates so far, the odds are slightly in favour towards the Gunners.
As a result, Shkodran Mustafi comes under the radar. His value has increased by £0.1 in the previous gameweek and will likely increase further.
Shkodran Mustafi sure looks a promising addition to your FPL team.
#2 Andreas Christensen- Chelsea (£5.4)
Chelsea have kept 4 clean sheets in the last 5 games conceding only 1 against Liverpool at Anfield.
Conte has played Christensen in the last 4 fixtures where he has secured 21 FPL points averaging about 5.25 pts in a game. Chelsea is expected to continue playing with the same 3 man defence and Christensen's role as the centre-back will be crucial to their plans.
Chelsea has an unbeaten streak of 6 games now and as their upcoming fixtures look extremely attractive they will work hard on extending their dream run.
It may very well be the 'Month of Blues', and it would be highly unfortunate if we do not make space for a player with such a great price-earnings ratio as Christensen in our teams.
#1 Stephen Ward- Burnley (£5.1)
At the start of the season, Ward was valued at a meagre amount of £4.5. Now his price has shot up to £5.1 and it continues to rise almost every other day. He has scored the highest FPL points from Burnley (65 pts) and is selected in around 23% of the teams.
Burnley has surpassed everyone's expectations as they stand on 6th place with 25 pts. They have 6 clean sheets and have conceded only 11 goals. This balanced side will look to make the most of their next 4 games after which they will be navigating difficult waters.
The key player in their endeavour would be Ward, as Burnley's defence will be looking to keep their opposition at bay.
