Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Defenders Picks for FPL Gameweek 20

Gameweek 19 of the 2023/24 Premier League season has concluded, leaving fans with a memorable display of matches. The standout moment was the thrilling encounter between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Old Trafford, where the Red Devils staged an impressive comeback, securing a 3-2 victory from a 2-0 deficit.

Other noteworthy fixtures included Liverpool’s comfortable win over Burnley, Manchester City’s resilience in overcoming Everton at Goodison Park, and Arsenal’s involvement in more VAR controversy in a home clash against West Ham. Tottenham Hotspur experienced a late comeback setback against Brighton.

In the relegation battle, Luton emerged victorious against Sheffield United, while Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Wolverhampton Wanderers secured important wins. Gameweek 19 provided football fans with a captivating mix of comebacks, controversies, and crucial victories, contributing to the unfolding narrative of the ongoing Premier League season.

Now, turning our attention to Gameweek 20, let’s explore the top five defender options available for selection.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

Priced at £8.4m, Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool emerges as a top contender for Gameweek 20. The right-back boasts substantial potential, contributing significantly at both ends of the pitch. With Liverpool set to play at home against Newcastle United, Alexander-Arnold’s recent performances make him a formidable Fantasy option.

In his last eight outings, he has notched two goals and three assists, along with four clean sheets and an impressive 15 bonus points, showcasing his consistent and impactful contributions to Fantasy returns. FPL managers may find Alexander-Arnold a reliable choice for Gameweek 20 given his recent form and potential for attacking and defensive returns.

Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Forwards Picks for FPL Gameweek 20

Nathan Ake (Manchester City)

Priced at £5.0m, Nathan Ake from Manchester City emerges as a notable option for Gameweek 20. The City defender is set to face Sheffield United at home, a team that has struggled on the road, scoring only five away goals this season. Ake has not only been a defensive stalwart but has also increased his attacking output in recent matches.

In his last five starts in Fantasy, he has contributed with a goal and two assists, showcasing a well-rounded Fantasy performance. Considering both the favorable fixture against Sheffield United and Ake’s recent attacking contributions, FPL managers may find him a valuable asset for Gameweek 20.

Alex Moreno (Aston Villa)

Priced at £5.0m, Alex Moreno of Aston Villa is poised to take advantage of Lucas Digne’s hamstring injury, providing him with an opportunity to reclaim a spot in Unai Emery’s starting lineup. Moreno, who made a strong start to his Villa Park career after joining from Real Betis, has faced a challenging second season in English football due to injuries. The extent of Digne’s absence is yet to be determined, but if he remains sidelined, Moreno becomes an appealing option.

In his 25 appearances this season, the 30-year-old left-back has created 24 chances, resulting in three assists, and found the back of the net in Gameweek 17 against Brentford. Despite playing only 40 minutes at Old Trafford on Boxing Day, Moreno displayed a high expected goal involvement of 0.33.

Villa’s upcoming opponents, Burnley, have struggled to find the back of the net, managing just eight goals in nine away matches. FPL managers could consider Moreno as a viable defensive option with the potential for attacking returns in Gameweek 20.

Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)

Priced at £5.0m, Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal has firmly established himself in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup, featuring in 14 of the last 15 Premier League matches and playing the full 90 minutes in each. With injuries to Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu limiting rotation options, Magalhaes’ place in the lineup seems secure.

Arsenal boasts one of the best defensive records in the league, conceding only 16 goals and keeping seven clean sheets, tying with Liverpool in both categories. Despite conceding more goals than expected based on chances, they remain a solid defensive side.

While William Saliba is a popular FPL choice among Arsenal defenders, Magalhaes offers a cost-effective alternative at £0.6m less. Additionally, the Brazilian center-back carries a significant goal threat, having scored 11 league goals since September 2020, more than any other defender in that period.

With a Gameweek 20 fixture against Fulham, Magalhaes presents FPL managers with a budget-friendly defensive option with both solid defensive capabilities and a potential goal threat.

Toti Gomes (Wolves)

Wolves’ Toti Gomes, priced at £4.4m, stands out as a budget-friendly defensive option for Fantasy Premier League managers. The 24-year-old has been in good form, consistently contributing points with an average of 3.6 points over the last five games. During this period, Wolves suffered only one loss.

In the upcoming fixture against Everton at home, Toti Gomes presents a favorable opportunity, considering Everton’s recent struggles with back-to-back losses, along with another in the cup. Wolves, on the other hand, are riding high on confidence after notable victories against Chelsea and West Ham.

Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Captains for FPL Gameweek 20

Compared to his defensive teammates Max Kilman and Craig Dawson, Toti not only holds a slight edge in total points but also maintains better recent points form. Additionally, he comes at a more budget-friendly price, being £0.1m cheaper than both Kilman and Dawson.