Defenders are all the rage in Fantasy Premier League at the moment, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger and Reece James starring ahead of another gameweek.
New Options
Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg looms as an interesting option, having netted last gameweek to score 10 points. He’s a regular for Spurs, so you’re basically guaranteed a start and he is chipping in with goals at a low price. Brentford’s Sergi Canos is another who always plays and provided two assists last gameweek at a low price.
Chelsea defenders are doing well with clean sheets and Antonio Rudiger may be worth consideration, with his goal combined with the clean sheet producing 14 points. He’s also played the full 90 in their past four games.
Crystal Palace forward Christian Benteke netted a double last gameweek, taking his season tally to four goals. He may just be a tad too high priced but it’s worth monitoring his form.
Previous week lessons
Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is essential now. The defender has provided four assists in the past four games, adding up to 38 points and a four-game average of 9.5.
Cheap Watford forward Emmanuel Dennis was in a lot of teams early this season but often as bench cover. Dennis’ brace against Manchester United means those coaches may want to field him. The Nigerian has two goals and four assists in his past three games.
On the flipside, expensive Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has only scored once in his past seven league games, meaning he’s not worth the price.
Who to captain?
As always we’re reverting to Mohamed Salah in this category, with Liverpool at home to Southampton, but Alexander-Arnold needs to come into consideration given his form. Salah has actually dropped off slightly lately, with a three-game average of 6.0 points.
If you wanted to try something different, Chelsea defender Reece James in FPL’s form player after scores of 12, 7, 21 and 13 over the past four games. The Blues host Manchester United, which is mildly unpredictable given the visitors’ change of manager.
Injuries
Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell has injured his ACL ruling him out, which may open the door for Marcos Alonso to return. Kai Havertz will face a fitness test with a hamstring concern.
Everton’s Demirai Gray will also have a test on a groin worry but seems unlikely to start. Luke Shaw is a doubt for United after taking a head knock.
Manchester City will be without Kevin De Bruyne again due to COVID-19, while Jack Grealish and Phil Foden are closing in on returns.
