On Wednesday, we started our short series on the FPL assets to watch this season (not including premium options) with the goalkeepers. Well, today, we move to the defenders who we believe give you some value for money in FPL for the coming season. Here are our defenders to watch in FPL this season:
Neco Williams (Liverpool, £4m)
This may seem a strange decision with all the Liverpool assets to choose from this season. However, at the time of writing, the Premier League new boys Nottingham Forest were negotiating to sign the Wales international. The 21-year-old would likely be first-choice on the right-side of defence as a full-back or even wing-back.
A £4m who is a regular starter is gold dust, especially when he plays for a team that had a very impressive defensive record last season, albeit in the second tier. If, as expected, he makes a move, Williams will likely become a very popular player for any FPL boss not deciding to field a five-man defence in gameweek one.
Ben White (Arsenal (£4.5m)
The guys at FPL towers have been generous with the Arsenal centre-backs price. Although he offers very little attacking threat, he picked up 13 clean sheets last season and got nine bonus points. For a centre-back, he also received a relatively low number of just three yellow cards. That can significantly affect bonus points.
Arsenal have a relatively kind early-season run, which all five of their opening league matches rating 3 or under in the FDR, four of which are rated as 2. All these facts, combined with the fact that Arsenal are pretty solid, suggest that White could be a very handy early-season asset for FPL bosses.
Matty Cash (Aston Villa, £5m)
The Aston Villa full-back excelled last season in an inconsistent Villans team. The former Forest star was a consistent attacking threat, scoring four goals and producing three assists last season. He also picked up 13 clean sheets, which in a team like Villa’s is more than respectable.
Cash will undoubtedly give you that in both an attacking and defensive sense if you want some value in defence. He is a very handy alternative to have if you are looking to save cash for premium players in other areas of the pitch. The Villan’s first three league matches all rate a three on the Fixture Difficulty Ranking too.
Marc Cucurella (£5m, Brighton)
In many senses, Cucurella’s attacking numbers of one goal and one assist don’t portray his actual attacking ability. He impressed immensely for the Seagulls. In fact, his performances were so impressive that reportedly reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are set to sign the Spaniard this summer.
If the transfer goes through, he could become an absolute bargain. A cheaper alternative to the ever-popular Joao Cancelo, who is many of people’s main defensive pick for Guardiola’s team. Reports suggest that Cancelo would switch back to the right side of the defence. That means Cucurella could well become City’s first-choice left-back.
Are you looking to place a bet on any of the above player’s fortunes next season and need a bookmaker for your bet? Well, be sure to visit our betting page for the bookmakers we recommend for your bet.
Will any of our defensive picks be in your gameweek one FPL team?
