Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Defenders Picks for FPL Gameweek 16
Following a captivating midweek round of Premier League matches, the anticipation continues with a promising weekend featuring a full slate of games in Gameweek 16.
A standout fixture awaits in the Midlands as Aston Villa, aiming for a top-four position, hosts title contenders Arsenal. Unai Emery’s Villa has established a formidable 14-game winning streak at home, creating a formidable challenge for Arsenal. If Arsenal can bring an end to this streak, discussions about their potential to secure their first league title since 2004 will undoubtedly gain momentum.
Despite recent struggles, Manchester City faced a 1-0 defeat at Villa Park on Wednesday, extending their winless streak in the league to four matches. Despite this form, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are likely to be intrigued by City’s upcoming visit to Kenilworth Road, especially considering Luton Town’s close attempt to secure a point against Arsenal on Tuesday.
Currently topping the bottom of the Fixture Difficulty Chart in FPL for the next five matches, City is set to face Crystal Palace (home), Everton (away), and Sheffield United (home) around the Christmas period after the clash with Luton. With a six-point gap between them and Arsenal, City is eager to swiftly return to the winning column. The upcoming fixtures provide a crucial opportunity for City to bridge that gap and regain momentum in the title race.
As Gameweek 16 approaches, let’s delve into the top 5 defenders available for FPL managers in the upcoming matches.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been in exceptional form in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) over the last six Gameweeks, accumulating an impressive 47 points. During this period, he has notched two goals and two assists, leading the league in chances created with 18, ‘big chances’ (BC) created with six, and ‘Expected Assists’ (xA) with 2.65, all of which are remarkable stats for a defender. Additionally, he tops the charts for shots among defenders, with a total of 11.
Liverpool’s defensive record has been solid, conceding only five goals in the last six Gameweeks (the fewest) and keeping three clean sheets. The team ranks seventh for shots conceded (64) and ninth for Expected Goals Conceded (xGC) at 8.06.
Their upcoming opponents, Crystal Palace, have struggled to find the back of the net, scoring just seven goals in the last six Gameweeks. Only Forest, Everton (six each), and Sheffield United (four) have fared worse in this regard. Palace ranks 10th for shots in the box (SiB) with 47 and 11th for Expected Goals (xG) at 8.35.
These statistics position him as a strong FPL option, combining defensive stability with an impressive attacking contribution from the right-back position.
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Captains for FPL Gameweek 16
Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Manchester City’s defense has faced an unusual dip in form recently, conceding 11 goals in their last four games across all competitions. This includes a notable four goals against Chelsea and three against Spurs. To make up ground on Arsenal, City needs to quickly address their defensive vulnerabilities.
Fortunately, City’s upcoming four fixtures appear promising from a defensive perspective, as their next opponents are among the lowest scorers in the Premier League. If City struggles to keep clean sheets against teams fighting at the bottom, it may raise questions about their title aspirations.
When considering which City defender to prioritize, Ruben Dias stands out as a potential option. With Luton’s demonstrated threat from set-pieces, as witnessed in their match against Arsenal, Dias could play a crucial role. The Portuguese defender is known for his dominance in City’s defense and will be a key asset against a team that has scored half of their overall total (eight goals) from dead-ball situations.
Priced at £5.5m, Dias has accumulated 32 points so far, and in Gameweek 16, he is set to face Luton in an away fixture. Bringing in Dias could be a strategic move for Fantasy Premier League managers looking to shore up their defense and capitalize on City’s potentially favourable upcoming fixtures.
Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur)
Pedro Porro, priced at £5.3m for Tottenham, concluded the previous season on a high note, contributing with 3 goals and 3 assists in 15 matches. In the current season, he stands out as the 3rd-highest contributor in terms of Expected Goal Involvement (xGI) among defenders, emphasizing his involvement in both attacking and defensive aspects of the game.
Porro not only provides clean sheet potential but also presents a significant attacking threat. This season, he has already registered 4 assists, surpassing expectations with an Expected Goal Involvement (xGI) of 3.4. The Spanish defender’s ability to contribute offensively adds an extra dimension to his Fantasy Premier League appeal, making him a well-rounded option for FPL managers looking for defensive assets with attacking potential.
William Saliba (Arsenal)
Defender William Saliba from Arsenal is currently priced at £5.5m in Fantasy Premier League, ranking 8th out of 245 players in terms of price. With a recent form rating of 4.2, he has maintained a consistent performance level, earning an average of 4.2 points per match, placing him 11th out of 245 in this category.
In Gameweek 15, Saliba secured 1 point, contributing to his total of 63 points for the season. He has accumulated 5 bonus points, showcasing his impact on the pitch. Saliba has an ICT (Influence, Creativity, Threat) Index of 38.7, positioning him 41st out of 245 players.
With a Total Selection Percentage (TSB%) of 35.7%, Saliba is selected by a considerable portion of FPL managers, making him the 2nd most-selected player out of 245 in this regard. These statistics highlight Saliba’s consistent performances and popularity among FPL managers, establishing him as a notable defensive option in the game.
Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United)
Kieran Trippier, priced at £7m for Newcastle, receives a resounding endorsement as a must-buy defender in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) this season. As the top performer for bonus points and Expected Goal Involvement (xGI) among defenders, Trippier has demonstrated his exceptional value on the pitch.
Notably, Trippier was the highest-scoring defender in the previous season, and his impressive form has continued into the current season, where he leads the defensive ranks thanks to 7 assists. Beyond his attacking contributions, he has proven to be a consistent magnet for bonus points.
Newcastle’s defensive solidity, despite not keeping many clean sheets in the latter part of the previous season, further enhances Trippier’s appeal. The English defender boasts outstanding underlying stats, topping the charts for Expected Assists (xA) among defenders in the previous season and ranking second overall after Kevin De Bruyne.
Trippier’s involvement in set-pieces, including free kicks and corners, adds another layer to his fantasy potential. With his well-rounded skill set and stellar performances, Trippier emerges as one of the top defenders to consider in FPL, solidifying his status as a key asset for fantasy managers this season.