The Headline Pick: Virgil Van Dijk (6.5) – Liverpool
It’s no surprise to see Virgil Van Dijk currently leading the ownership stakes across all defenders: his headline selection needs no introduction. The Reds kept a mammoth 20 clean sheets last season and to add to that, Virgil contributed four goals, four assists and 22 bonus points. They’re remarkable attacking returns for a centre-back.
He’s always the target man in the box during set plays, drilling headers in from those pin point crosses provided by full-backs Andrew Robertson and Trent-Alexander Arnold. His £0.5million discount on Liverpool’s full backs further strengthen his appeal. With games against Norwich and his former employers Southampton to kick start the season, there are plenty of FPL points to tap into from their key man.
Liverpool are now available to back at 8/13 to keep a clean sheet against Norwich in their opening game.
The Budget Pick: Martin Kelly (4.0) – Crystal Palace
Defenders priced at just £4.0 million are part of FPL folklore: last season we were blessed with two regular starters in the shape of Ryan Bennett and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. It’s the latter, with a big money move to Manchester United, who has paved the way for another potential bargain.
If Crystal Palace fail to sign a new right-back in the transfer window, it’s Martin Kelly who could have that responsibility. He played 13 games last season, contributing to three of Palace’s 12 clean sheets. Admittedly, he’s not the most enticing pick in fantasy terms, but for those FPL managers opting for a formation that doesn’t involve five at the back, he’s an excellent backup option to sit on your bench each week. He faces Sheffield United and Aston Villa in the first four games.
The VAR Pick: Matt Ritchie (5.5) – Newcastle United
One of the big changes to this year’s fantasy game is that Matt Ritchie has had his position reclassified from midfielder to defender, after playing much of last season in the wing-back position.
Not only could he play out of position in a more advanced role this season under the Magpies new manager, but he’s also Newcastle’s designated penalty taker. There’s rarely a more exciting prospect in FPL than a defender on spot kick duty, especially in the new era of VAR: it’s a scenario fantasy fans haven’t experienced since Leighton Baines was in his prime at Everton. The Scotland international has consistently produced over 10 attacking returns (goals and assists combined) in his three Premier League seasons. With increased points for goals as a defender, plus the potential for clean sheets too, he could compete with the very best fantasy defenders.
You can back VAR and bet on a penalty to be awarded in Newcastle’s opening fixture against Arsenal at odds of 8/5.
The Sleeper Pick: Trent Alexander-Arnold (7.0) – Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold currently lies as the fifth most popular Liverpool player in those Gameweek 1 FPL drafts; behind Van Dijk, Mo Salah, Robertson and Alisson. It could be the steep £2 million increase in his starting price that’s putting off fantasy managers from signing him. The £7.0 million about him is a price rarely paid for a defender, but I’m tipping him to challenge Salah as Liverpool’s highest scoring FPL asset this season.
In points per game terms, he was second only behind Salah for Liverpool last season. Providing he can stay injury free, he will play significantly more minutes this season: Klopp has great faith and trust in the youngster now, further bolstered by his impressive Champions League performances. Trent returned one goal and 13 assists last season, plus he’s on corners and some free kicks. Hopefully he can kick-off this season in the same fine form he ended the last, with six assists in his final four Premier League games.
The Wildcard Pick: Lucas Digne (6.0) – Everton
Lucas Digne is the final selection from the defenders category. He had a great introduction to the Premier League last season; amassing four goals, five assists, 13 clean sheets and 22 bonus points.
With an excellent opening run of fixtures, facing just Manchester City and Tottenham from the top six in his opening 14 games, he’s a great option for those Gameweek 1 teams. His dead ball delivery is notorious, contributing to the Toffees free kicks and corners with his wicked left foot. He generally wipes the floor for bonus points when he’s among the attacking returns. Everton show great promise for clean sheets this campaign, after ending last season in fantastic form.
Back Everton to beat Crystal Palace at 13/8 on Premier League opening weekend.
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Source: Betfair Premier League
