With less than three weeks until the beginning of the Premier League season, Draft Fantasy Football managers around the country are starting to mock up their new teams to tackle the next nine months. It is a time of much deliberation and tinkering and seems to get no easier, regardless of managerial experience.
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The top defensive teams of the 16/17 season were Tottenham and Manchester United, who conceded just 26 and 29 goals, respectively. Eventual champions Chelsea were a few further back with 33 goals conceded. A seemingly safe bet, therefore, would be to pick your early round defenders from one or more of these title chasing teams.
Tottenham’s goal difference of +60 is the highest in Premier League history for a non-title winning side and the basis of this came from their solid defence. All this, despite an injury disrupted season in which personnel and formation changes were a regular occurrence.
This year expect Spurs to register a similar record, with Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen continuing their strong partnership at the heart of the defence.
Of the pair it was the former who proved the greater goal threat, while he also performed more clean tackles and less fouls per game. Consequently, his one yellow card was four fewer than his Belgian counterpart. This gives Alderweireld the edge when selecting between the two, but both promise another solid season.
The player with the biggest potential for points, however, looks to be Keiren Trippier. Preferred to Kyle Walker at the end of last campaign he looks set to cement his place in the starting 11 after Walker’s recent departure to Manchester City.
Trippier chalked up more assists last term, despite playing far fewer minutes and his ability to cross the ball marks him out compared to most full-backs in the Premier League. It is very hard to look beyond the Englishman when selecting your squad.
An alternative to Trippier and for those looking for a slightly safer bet will likely come in the form of one of Chelsea’s flying wing backs. Both Alonso and Moses were high scoring options last year – with 166 and 99 points, respectively.
In Conte’s system Alonso quickly became the go to guy in Chelsea’s rearguard thanks to his goal threat, free kick ability and accumulation of assists.
Moses, re-classified as a defender this season, will likely prove a popular pick also. With three goals and two assists in the 16/17 season the Nigerian will look for more in the upcoming campaign as he grows ever more accustomed to his role.
Gary Cahill is always good for points but the pick of Chelsea’s three centre halves would be David Luiz. The Brazilian was instrumental last season and could be a strong option. Many are likely to jump on his bandwagon in the early rounds of the draft.
An alternative from full-back comes from the third club on our list; Manchester United. Converted right-back Antonio Valencia was arguably United’s most consistent performer last year and should be an early round pick in defence this time out. With three assists and only 20 goals conceded in his 28 appearance, he is a very viable option in the premium defender bracket.
If new boy Victor Lindelof can cement a spot in the first team he will also be one to watch. As a newcomer to the league the big Swede will be a gamble, but that will likely see him drafted in the latter rounds – giving you a decent option to pick-up late. The Sweden international could prove a good way to break into a United defence that faces favourable early match ups.
Outside of the aforementioned clubs there are a few further premium defenders who could end up toward to the top of the point scoring table.
The first of these would have to be James Milner. Last season the Englishman established himself as the first choice left-back and picked up 10 clean sheets and seven goals. As a reliable penalty taker, the 31-year-old could be set for a big points total this season.
The arrival of former Hull player Andrew Robertson has cast some doubt over Milner’s playing time, but expect the seasoned international to start the league campaign ahead of the Scot. The rest of the Reds’ defence is still something of an uncertainty, although Joel Matip showed last season he can help shore up Klopp’s defence.
Elswhere, Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin is likely to bounce back and have a good season for the North London outfit. His pace and ability to get forward have shown him to be the best way into the Gunners defence in recent times.
New signing Sead Kolašinac faces a wrestle to get into the starting 11, but if he does he could also be a strong alternative. Captain Laurent Koscienly faces an early season ban which will deter his potential suitors.
A big gamble would be investing in Manchester City’s defence early doors. Pep Guardiola’s side conceded a lot of goals throughout last season and despite a huge summer of defensive recruitment, the way the Spaniard set-up his team last term left his defenders vulnerable at times.
New signing Benjamin Mendy is an exciting option and if Vincent Kompany can stay fit opinions will likely change. His late season form showed how influential he can be, something to look out for again this term.
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