Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Defenders Picks for FPL Gameweek 18
As Manchester City is currently away participating in the Club World Cup, their scheduled match against Brentford has been postponed. However, football enthusiasts can still anticipate a thrilling table-top clash between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield.
A friendly reminder to all Fantasy Premier League managers: Gameweek 18 is set to kick off on Thursday, a unique scheduling slot for the beginning of a game week, signaling the onset of the festive season.
FPL managers are advised to stay alert for Gameweek 18, commencing earlier than usual due to the Thursday night matchup between Crystal Palace and Brighton. Therefore, the deadline for transfers and team adjustments is scheduled for before 6:30 pm BST on that evening. To facilitate this process, we have identified the top five defenders worth considering, considering their current form and upcoming fixture lists.
Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)
Ezri Konsa, the defender for Aston Villa, emerges as a solid Fantasy Premier League option, particularly with Villa boasting an impressive defensive record at home this season. Only Newcastle surpasses Aston Villa’s defensive performance in home matches, and even then, the Magpies have played one additional game on their home turf. Unai Emery’s side has conceded just five goals and secured three clean sheets in eight matches at Villa Park.
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In recent game weeks, Aston Villa’s defense has notably shut out formidable opponents like Manchester City and Arsenal, showcasing their defensive prowess. With such a commendable track record against top-tier teams, there’s confidence that Villa can replicate this defensive strength against Sheffield United. The latter has struggled with the worst away attacking record in the league, scoring only four times in eight matches.
While Pau Torres appears to be the preferred Villa defender in the FPL transfer market, the caution arises from his current yellow flag status. Consequently, opting for the reliable Ezri Konsa seems prudent. The 26-year-old has been a consistent presence, starting all 17 of Villa’s league matches as a center-back or right-back.
Priced at £4.5 million with a total of 49 points, Konsa’s upcoming Gameweek 18 fixture against Sheffield United at home positions him as an appealing defensive choice for Fantasy Premier League managers.
Pedro Porro (Tottenham)
Pedro Porro, priced at £5.5 million, is our recommended choice for a new defender from Tottenham. The right-back has been showcasing excellent form recently, with two assists in his last three matches and four assists in his last six outings. His consistent point accumulation is evident, having secured 5, 5, 0, 5, 5, and 8 points in his most recent games, with the zero-point performance being the exception against champions Manchester City.
Porro’s proficiency extends beyond defensive duties, making him a valuable asset in the attacking third. In the recent fixture against Nottingham Forest, he contributed to a clean sheet, further adding to his impressive points tally. The upcoming fixture against Everton provides an opportunity for another clean sheet, given Everton’s recent improvement but still-existing vulnerabilities in attack. Looking ahead matches against Brighton and Bournemouth, two more open teams, present scenarios where Porro could make an impact in the final third.
With his current form and upcoming favorable fixtures, Pedro Porro emerges as a promising defensive option for Fantasy Premier League managers seeking a reliable and attacking-minded defender.
Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham)
Tosin Adarabioyo, priced at £4.30, emerges as a notable defensive option for Fulham in their upcoming fixture against Burnley. Burnley’s vulnerability in defending against high balls was evident in their previous game against Everton, where they conceded in two such instances. In light of this weakness, an in-form Fulham playing at home sees an opportunity to secure a clean sheet against Burnley.
Adarabioyo, known for his defensive prowess, may also become a threat in front of goal from set pieces, taking advantage of Burnley’s struggles in dealing with high balls. The optimism surrounding Fulham’s defensive capabilities, coupled with Adarabioyo’s potential to contribute offensively, positions him as a promising Fantasy Premier League option for managers seeking a budget-friendly and well-rounded defender.
Dan Burn (Newcastle)
Dan Burn, priced at £4.40, has made a triumphant return for Newcastle after being absent for five games. His immediate impact was highlighted by scoring a goal and accumulating an impressive 14 points in the Fantasy Premier League during the last gameweek. This successful return not only showcases Burn’s goal-scoring ability but also his potential as a valuable asset for FPL managers.
In addition to his form, the upcoming favorable fixture against Luton Town provides another compelling reason for considering Burn in FPL squads. With his recent performance and a promising match ahead, Dan Burn emerges as a noteworthy and budget-friendly option for Fantasy Premier League managers seeking an impactful and in-form defender.
Kieran Trippier (Newcastle)
Kieran Trippier, the full-back for Newcastle, is set to return to action after serving a one-match suspension in Gameweek 17. Newcastle has showcased commendable defensive performance this season, and with an upcoming fixture against Luton, they have a favorable opportunity to secure a clean sheet.
Trippier can add both defensive solidity and an attacking threat from the full-back position. With Newcastle’s strong defensive data and the anticipation of a clean sheet against Luton, Trippier becomes an appealing option for Fantasy Premier League managers seeking a reliable defender with the potential for offensive contributions.
Priced at £6.9 million, Kieran currently ranks second among 248 players in his position, Trippier maintains a form rating of 2.6, contributing to an impressive average of 5.1 points per match, placing him fifth overall. Although he secured 0 points in Gameweek 17, his overall season performance is notable, accumulating a total of 82 points with 18 bonus points.
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Trippier excels not only in defensive contributions but also showcases his attacking prowess, reflected in an ICT (Influence, Creativity, Threat) Index of 117.9, ranking him first among all defenders. His popularity is evident with a Team Selected By percentage of 42.7%, positioning him as the most-selected defender in the league.