Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Defenders Picks for FPL Gameweek 15
With Christmas just around the corner, the Premier League is delivering an exciting season filled with multiple teams competing for the title, European spots, and the battle to avoid relegation. In the latest weekend fixtures, Arsenal continued their winning streak, while Manchester City secured a controversial draw against Tottenham.
Liverpool secured a narrow victory over Fulham, Newcastle surpassed with a win against Manchester United, and Burnley dominated Sheffield United with a convincing 5-0 triumph, lifting them off the bottom of the table. As we dive into December, the matches are coming thick and fast, with the next Fantasy Premier League Gameweek kicking off on Tuesday.
As managers strategize their moves, contemplating when to use transfers and whether it’s the right time to activate the wildcard (if still available), here are five defenders to watch out for in Gameweek 15.
Kenny Tete (Fulham)
Kenny Tete, available at a budget-friendly price of £4.4 million, presents an intriguing but somewhat risky option for fantasy football managers. Having been sidelined for eight weeks due to injury, his value has dropped significantly, making him an affordable choice and potentially a useful option coming off the bench.
Tete recently returned to action, starting against Liverpool and making an impact by scoring a crucial goal just before half-time. This showcased not only his defensive capabilities but also his ability to contribute offensively by getting down the wing.
Expected to start against Nottingham Forest, Tete’s attacking qualities could be a source of valuable fantasy points. It’s worth noting, however, that relying on him for bonus points from clean sheets might not be the best strategy, given Fulham’s recent defensive record. The team has conceded in each of their last 10 games across all competitions.
While Tete comes with some risk, his affordability and potential attacking returns make him an intriguing option, especially for fantasy managers looking for budget-friendly differentials with the ability to contribute offensively.
Pedro Porro (Tottenham)
Pedro Porro, operating in a more creative role for Spurs in the absence of Maddison, has been an influential figure over the last six Gameweeks. The Spanish international has accumulated two assists and created eight chances during this period. Notably, he leads all defenders in “Big Chances” created with four, and his Expected Assists (xA) of 1.48 is only surpassed by R. James, Alexander-Arnold, and Trippier.
Porro has also showcased an attacking threat by taking seven shots, a commendable feat among defenders. Although Spurs’ defensive record has been somewhat porous, conceding 12 goals in the last six Gameweeks with only one clean sheet, Porro’s focus has been more on the offensive end.
Spurs’ defensive statistics reveal they are ranked 16th for shots conceded (90) and 17th for Expected Goals Conceded (xGC) at 10.84. Looking at West Ham, their upcoming opponents, they have scored 11 goals in the last six Gameweeks, placing them ninth in the league. West Ham has landed 20 Shots on Target (SoT), more than only Luton and Sheffield United.
Fantasy managers should be cautious about relying on Spurs’ defensive stability when considering Porro for their teams.
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Goalkeepers for FPL Gameweek 15
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Trent Alexander-Arnold is the in-form man for Liverpool following an impressive run of attacking contributions in his last two games, where he scored two goals and provided one assist. This marks a notable improvement compared to his initial 12 fixtures of the season, during which he managed only one assist. Among defenders, Alexander-Arnold now leads the way for shots on goal with five.
In recent weeks, Alexander-Arnold has taken on an increased role in set pieces, including corners and free kicks, enhancing his potential for fantasy points, particularly during this hectic schedule. The upcoming opponents, Sheffield United, have struggled to find the back of the net this season, scoring just 11 goals, the lowest in the league. This sets the stage for a higher likelihood of clean sheet opportunities for Alexander-Arnold and the Liverpool defense compared to usual circumstances.
While Trent Alexander-Arnold comes at a significant price, his consistent ability to contribute points both defensively and offensively makes him a valuable asset. In the past six rounds, Alexander-Arnold has amassed an impressive total of 41 points, averaging 6.8 points per game. Remarkably, he has only failed to provide either a defensive or attacking return on one occasion, which was in Gameweek 11 against Luton.
This consistent point-scoring record underscores Alexander-Arnold’s impact on the fantasy football front, making him a reliable and high-performing option despite his premium cost. Managers investing in him can expect a steady stream of points, making his inclusion worthwhile in their squads.
William Saliba (Arsenal)
Defender William Saliba, priced at £5.5 million for Arsenal, has been performing well recently with a form score of 5.3. On a per-match basis, he is delivering 4.4 points, ranking 8th out of 244 defenders. In the latest Gameweek 14, Saliba secured 1 point. So far, he has accumulated a total of 62 points, earning 5 bonus points.
Analyzing his contribution in the ICT (Influence, Creativity, Threat) Index, Saliba stands at 37.0, placing him 41st among defenders. In terms of team ownership, he boasts a high 35.9% Total Selection Percentage (TSB%), making him the 2nd most selected defender out of 244 options.
Saliba’s consistent performances and strong ownership suggest he is a popular and reliable choice among fantasy football managers. His recent form and reasonable price make him an appealing option for those looking to strengthen their defensive lineup.
Kieran Trippier (Newcastle)
Defender Kieran Trippier, currently playing for Newcastle, is priced at £7.0 million. He has been in outstanding form, boasting a form score of 4.7. On a per-match basis, Trippier is delivering an impressive 5.9 points, securing the 2nd position out of 244 defenders.
In the recent Gameweek 14, Trippier had a stellar performance, accumulating 12 points. Overall, he has amassed a total of 82 points, an impressive feat that has earned him 18 bonus points.
Trippier dominates the ICT (Influence, Creativity, Threat) Index among defenders, standing at an exceptional 106.1, placing him at the very top (1st) among all defenders. Additionally, he commands a substantial Total Selection Percentage (TSB%) of 50.2%, making him the most selected defender out of 244 options.
Trippier’s exceptional form, high points per match, and significant ownership make him a standout choice for fantasy football managers seeking a premium and in-form defender for their squads.