Best Defenders picks in FPL Gameweek 30
After a rather unusual Gameweek 29 with only four matches and its fair share of letdowns, Fantasy Premier League managers can breathe a sigh of relief as Gameweek 30 promises a return to regularity. With a full slate of fixtures marking the start of the final stretch, the importance of every point cannot be overstated, especially in the context of mini-leagues. This underscores the need to secure the best defenders in FPL across all positions, with defenders particularly deserving attention given the significant points they can fetch.
Malo Gusto (£4.2m)
A tough choice given the fact that he plays for Chelsea but Reece James’ injury has meant that Malo Gusto has been allowed the chance to thrive and the full-back has taken it with both hands. He has contributed to 5 goals this season, which makes him one of Chelsea’s better players. That includes two goal contributions in his last four games which does make him a key part of the squad.
Not only that, Gusto has played nearly every game for the club since GW18 which has coincided with a excellent run of form for the club as they’ve lost just twice in that period. However, Reece James (£5.3m) is returning to full fitness and chances are Mauricio Pochettino will prefer the club captain over Gusto in the long-term.
Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m)
Among all Premier League center-backs, only Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have accrued more Fantasy Premier League (FPL) points than Virgil van Dijk this season. With upcoming home matches against Brighton, Sheffield United, and Crystal Palace in his next four fixtures, adding the Liverpool captain to FPL squads could prove astute. The Reds play Brighton in GW 30 and while it is by no means an easy fixture, Van Dijk is arguably one of the most consistent options.
That is a valuable commodity in this Liverpool team especially given the injury issues they’ve had this season with Trent Alexander-Arnold and several key figures out for long periods. However, given his lack of goal-threat, captaining him may be a big big risk but picking him is a smart choice.
Destiny Udogie (£5.0m)
Pedro Porro and Cristian Romero might be better options but one costs a decent chunk of change, the other is always at risk for a card or two. That does leave only Micky van de Veen and Destiny Udogie, who might potentially be the best budget option into the Spurs defense. The Italian full-back has played every minute of the last three games and he is probably going to stay a first team star for now.
Things, however, haven’t gone quite well for Tottenham lately with a 3-0 defeat to Fulham before the break the biggest problem of the lot. But prior to that, Ange Postecoglou’s side had been in decent form even if clean sheets have been at a premium. It’s what makes Udogie a slightly risky option as a defender but given Spurs’ run of games until mid-April, he might be worth the risk.
Rayan Aït-Nouri (£4.5m)
Following an impressive 10-point performance in his recent outing, Rayan Aït Nouri is gaining attention from managers heading into GW30. Aït Nouri has been a consistent starter for six consecutive games, often venturing forward to the extent that he resembles a winger. His recent run of appearances marks a notable improvement from earlier in the season when he was in and out of the team.
Aït-Nouri boasts an impressive 0.18 expected goal involvement (xGI) per 90 minutes, particularly commendable for a defender at his price point. Furthermore, Wolves have the third easiest fixtures over the next five GWs, including a Double Gameweek in GW34, which enhances Aït-Nouri’s potential for both consistent returns and high point ceilings.
With four Big Chance involvements (two Big Chances and two Big Chances created) in the last five games, Aït Nouri’s appeal is further bolstered. Notably, only Doughty and Robertson have created more Big Chances among Defenders since GW24, adding to the buzz surrounding Aït Nouri
Conor Bradley (£4.1m)
Now given Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury, Conor Bradley was given a chance and he grabbed it with everything he had. So much so, that he had 29 FPL points after just two games with one goal and three assists in the same period. It was a magnificent start and while he hasn’t produced the same returns since, Bradley has featured consistently after another injury to Alexander-Arnold.
That combined with Liverpool’s DGW34 alongside an excellent run of games until the end of the season, makes the young star the cheapest way into Liverpool. However, those who do opt for Bradley, beware because Alexander-Arnold is on his way back from his injury. He could potentially feature before the end of the season which means Bradley’s time could be up soon.
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