Fantasy Premier League managers will have a very busy week as the English Premier League’s fixtures 16 and 17 are sandwiched together ahead of the holiday season.
This week’s defenders list takes a look at the best for both Fantasy Premier League gameweeks 16 and 17. Who should you select and who should you drop for the upcoming holiday season?
Cesar Azpilicueta – Chelsea
Games: 15; Clean sheets: 8; Total FPL points: 69
Durable, dependable and the new leader in total points for all defenders, Cesar Azpilicueta is a must for your Fantasy Premier League side.
We at FantasySports.co.uk have been singing his praises for some time now. The Spaniard did not disappoint last weekend with a nine point haul as he returned to his previous heights after two down fixtures.
Chelsea’s next four matches look great on paper and four clean sheets are not out of the realm of possibility.
Charlie Daniels – Bournemouth
Games: 13; Clean sheets: 4; Total FPL points: 57
Charlie Daniels’ makes our top five defenders for Fantasy Premier League this week thanks to his 10 point performance last weekend against Burnley.
The defender was helped by scoring a goal in the game to improve his tally to two this season.
Daniels has popped up with some very solid FPL performances this term and priced at just £5.0 million, he is a great alternative to those that have lost out on John Stones and company.
With fixtures against Leicester and Southampton next, Daniels is worthy of consideration to your Fantasy Premier League team.
Virgil van Dijk – Southampton
Games: 15; Clean sheets: 6; Total FPL points: 55
Virgil van Dijk may have flown under plenty of fantasy managers’ radar. Yet, the Saints’ stopper has been solid for much of the season.
Averaging six points per fantasy gameweek, Van Dijk is a worthy addition to any back three or four. Priced at £5.6m, Van Dijk offers a solid point return for a small fee.
Nine of Southampton’s next 10 fixtures come against beatable sides. Van Dijk is a great choice for those next 10 matches.
Gary Cahill – Chelsea
Games: 15; Clean sheets: 8; Total FPL points: 67
It would be easy to just select all of Chelsea’s defenders for our selections this week. Tied for the Premier League’s best defence, Chelsea have kept eight clean sheets this term.
Gary Cahill has been a part of all eight shutouts and this week’s fixture against Sunderland should make it nine.
The Blues’ upcoming run of fixtures is generous and Cahill is back in-form.
Jose Holebas – Watford
Games: 14; Clean sheets: 3; Total FPL points: 49
Jose Holebas has been solid, nothing spectacular, but solid this Fantasy Premier League season.
Some will wonder why we’ve selected him this week. Sure, he had a good gameweek 15 with a seven point return, but it is also his price that makes him attractive.
Priced a £4.8m, Holebas offers managers a cheap option, especially if he is on your bench much of the time.
Watford may have Manchester City up next, but don’t sleep on the Hornets; especially after Manchester City’s performance against Leicester last weekend.
Bonus Goalkeeper:
David De Gea – Manchester United
Games: 15; Clean sheets: 5; Total FPL points: 52
David De Gea picked up his fifth clean sheet last weekend. The Manchester United goalkeeper is now third in total points for all shot-stoppers.
On paper, the Red Devils are beginning a five match stretch that should see them take maximum points. However, nothing is ever that simple in reality.
Regardless, De Gea should gain a clean sheet or two over the next few games. Priced at a mere £5.4m, De Gea is worth inclusion in your side for a cheeky point or two.
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