FPL Tips: Goalkeepers and Defenders to choose for Gameweek 9

Burnley v West Ham United - Premier League
Joe Hart

After a thrilling Champions League midweek, the Premier League will return tomorrow and like last weekend, there are some good games to watch out for.

Though Manchester United's game against Liverpool ended in a drab draw, this weekend's big clash -- Tottenham Hotspur's home tie against Liverpool -- could have a few goals.

The FPL will again be tricky this weekend as there are some games which are tough to call. We're here to help you with some of your defensive picks...


Goalkeepers

#1 Joe Hart (West Ham United, £4.4)

The on-loan Man City player became the first keeper to record offensive points when he recorded an assist for Michail Antonio's opener against Burnley.

Hart has been in solid form lately with 3 clean sheets in his last 5 games, this week he faces a Huddersfield side which is averaging 0.75 goals per match with just 28% shooting accuracy.

West Ham's 3 out of next 4 games score 2 in FDR and Hart can be a good cheap option for the coming game-weeks.

#2 Ederson (Manchester City, £5.5)

Manchester City v SSC Napoli - UEFA Champions League
Ederson

Manchester City have been on fire season with 29 goals in just games and this been possible because of new keeper Ederson's saving and passing ability.

Ederson has kept 5 clean sheets in 8 games and looks like getting more of them in the coming game-weeks where 5 of Man City's next 7 opponents score 2 in FDR.

This weekend, he faces a Burnley side at the Etihad currently averaging 0.96 goals per match with 31% shooting accuracy. Though Sean Dyche's side have played admirably away from home, managing to pick up points against Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool, their approach against Man City is going to be very defensive.

Unsurprisingly so, as City have scored 17 goals in their last three home games and attacking them would be unwise as they'll get more space to hurt you.

Defenders

#5 Phil Jones (Manchester United, £5.3)

Manchester United v Leicester City - Premier League
Phil Jones

Manchester United have been in great form since the start of the season and are currently sitting in 2nd place in the Premier League table. All thanks to their defence which has let in just 2 goals in 8 games this season.

Phil Jones has been a consistent feature in this United squad, playing 90 minutes in all games this season. He is also the cheapest way into the Man United defensive unit costing just £5.3 in FPL.

This weekend, the Red Devils face a relegation-threatened Huddersfield side averaging 0.62 goals per match with 32% shooting accuracy. Expect a comfortable weekend for the England international at the John Smith's stadium.

#4 John Stones (Manchester City, £5.6)

Manchester City v SSC Napoli - UEFA Champions League
John Stones

This season, Stones looks every bit the £50million that City spent to acquire his services. Calm, composed and stellar are some of the words that can be used to describe his season up till now, that too without the ever inspiring presence of Vincent Kompany.

Stones' commanding performances in the middle have led to Man City allowing just 4 goals in 8 games so far this season. His ball playing abilities have also been put on display with a passing accuracy of over 90% in all the matches so far.

This week, he will be up against a Burnley attack which has been impressive against the big guns this year but still lack the edge and firepower to match Man City's form at the moment. Another commanding performance is on the cards for Stones.

#3 Jose Fonte (West Ham United, £4.9)

West Bromwich Albion v West Ham United - Premier League
Jose Fonte

The Portuguese centre-back has been a vital cog in the revival of Hammers' of form in the Premier League after their horror start to the campaign.

After losing all 3 of their opening matches and conceding 10 in the process, Fonte has led the defence to 3 clean sheets in the last 5 matches.

This week, he faces promoted new boys Brighton & Hove Albion, who are currently having a topsy-turvy time in English top flight league.

Fonte might face some attacks from the opposing offence but considering the Seagulls' poor attacking record -- especially away from home -- expect Fonte and the rest of the Hammers defence to come away with a clean-sheet.

#2 Nacho Monreal (Arsenal, £5.5)

Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League
Nacho Monreal

The Arsenal left-back has been the engine for his team this season with 4 clean sheets in their last 5 games while even managing to find the back of the net one time.

He has been a constant source of bonus points this year, accumulating 8 bonus points in 8 games so far and looks to carry on with his form for the remainder of the season.

This week he is up against a struggling Everton side, currently sitting just one spot above the relegation zone. The Toffees' confidence won't exactly be high as they were beaten by t Lyon midweek.

With Arsenal coming back to their usual self with an away win last night, expect Monreal and co. at the back to put in another sturdy display at the Goodison.

#1 Kyle Walker (Manchester City, £6.6m)

Manchester City v SSC Napoli - UEFA Champions League
Kyle Walker

Looks like Kyle Walker has made it a mission to prove Mauricio Pochettino wrong about him being past his best.

Walker is currently joint-second for assists by defenders with 3 in 8 games and, with Manchester City running on full steam offensively, he has a good chance to add more to his name. To complement his attacking numbers he has also amassed 5 clean sheets in 8 games so far this season.

This week he faces a Burnley side at the Etihad, who have become a nightmare of sorts away from home this season. But they are expected to sit back at the Etihad as City cannot be given any space at the back. 5 out of Walker's next 7 opponents score 2 on the FDR, so he is a safe bet going long term.

With Man City in full flow right now expect Walker to be on the pedal all game long.

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Edited by Amit Mishra