Fantasy Premier League managers find themselves in a dilemma this weekend as they weigh the decision to go with Team Mo or Team Erling for the captain’s armband in Gameweek 14. Mo Salah and Erling Haaland emerge as the standout choices, making this decision particularly challenging. Both players are set to play on Sunday, with Salah facing Fulham at Anfield during lunchtime and Haaland taking on Tottenham later in the day, known for their solid full-back-heavy defense.
Beyond the captivating Salah vs Haaland duel, there are other noteworthy matchups to keep an eye on. Anticipate a goal-laden clash when Newcastle hosts Manchester United. Meanwhile, the Burnley vs. Sheffield United fixture epitomizes a relegation six-pointer, with the losing side, if there is one, likely facing a swift return to the Championship come May.
Meanwhile, shot-stoppers are necessary to have a look at as these are the ones that can win you matches without scoring. Let’s have a look at the top 5 defenders who could produce the most points in FPL Gameweek 14.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Considering Trent Alexander-Arnold for your Fantasy Premier League team might be a knee-jerk reaction following his goal against City, but it’s not without reason. Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures present a favorable run for the versatile defender, with matches against Fulham, Sheffield United, and Crystal Palace—teams all ranking in the bottom six for expected goals (xG) this season. This bodes well for Alexander-Arnold’s clean sheet potential, a crucial factor when investing £7.9m in a defender.
Moreover, the 25-year-old is showing improvement in his attacking contributions. In his last five appearances, he has doubled his number of shots to 10 and tripled his big chances created to three, compared to his first five games of the season.
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Forwards Picks for FPL Gameweek 14
Priced at £7.9m with 46 points, Alexander-Arnold’s Gameweek 14 fixture is against Fulham at home. Considering his defensive and attacking potential, he emerges as a compelling option for FPL managers looking for impactful performances in the upcoming games.
William Saliba (Arsenal)
Priced at £5.5 million, Arsenal’s center-back William Saliba has proven to be a dependable asset, making him a potential must-have for Fantasy Premier League managers, especially during the busy festive schedule.
Saliba has been a consistent presence on the pitch, playing every minute in the first 13 Gameweeks. Currently, he holds the second position in the defender standings with an impressive 61 points, featuring a goal, an assist, and contributing to six clean sheets.
The upcoming home match against Wolverhampton Wanderers initiates a favorable run of fixtures for Saliba and Arsenal. This sequence of opponents is anticipated to provide fruitful returns for FPL managers over several Gameweeks.
Examining the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), six of Arsenal’s next nine matches are rated only two, indicating a relatively favorable schedule that can potentially reward investors over the specified period.
Jamaal Lascelles/Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United)
If budget constraints prevent me from opting for Kieran Trippier at £7.0 million, Jamaal Lascelles at a more affordable £4.1 million emerges as a viable alternative. If finances allowed, Trippier would be the preferred choice, but considering the limitations, Lascelles becomes an attractive option, especially given his involvement in every Newcastle United set-piece. Additionally, Lascelles opened his scoring account for the season in Gameweek 13, further adding to his appeal as a cost-effective defensive option.
With a solid form rating of 3.7, Trippier maintains an impressive average of 5.4 points per match, securing the 2nd spot among 242 defenders in this category.
In the recent Gameweek 13 (GW13), Trippier accumulated 1 point, contributing to his total season points of 70. Notably, he has earned 15 bonus points and showcases a high Influence, Creativity, Threat (ICT) Index of 93.7, placing him 1st out of 242 defenders. Additionally, Trippier holds a substantial Team Selected By percentage (TSB%) of 49.7%, positioning him at the 1st spot out of 242 defenders. These statistics highlight Trippier’s exceptional performance and popularity in the Fantasy Premier League.
Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace)
Andersen, priced at £5.1 million for Crystal Palace, is a pivotal figure in their defensive lineup. The fixtures from Gameweek 11 to Gameweek 15 present significant clean-sheet potential for Crystal Palace, making Andersen an appealing option.
In addition to his defensive capabilities, Andersen provides a modest goal threat, averaging 2.33 attacking returns per season over the last three Premier League campaigns. Notably, he excels in earning bonus points, ranking second for bonuses after Trippier. These factors contribute to Andersen’s value as a Fantasy Premier League asset, particularly for managers seeking defensive stability and potential attacking contributions.
Displaying a solid form with a rating of 2.3, he maintains an average of 4.7 points per match, securing the 5th spot among 242 defenders in this category.
In the recent Gameweek 13 (GW13), Andersen accumulated 1 point, contributing to his total season points of 61. Earning 9 bonus points, he showcases an Influence, Creativity, Threat (ICT) Index of 69.6, placing him in the 3rd position out of 242. Andersen also holds a Team Selected By Percentage (TSB%) of 24.4%, positioning him at the 4th spot out of 242 defenders.
Matty Cash (Aston Villa)
It is recommended to retain Cash for another game week before considering a transfer. Cash boasts impressive underlying statistics, particularly excelling in expected Goal Involvement (xGI) among defenders. Aston Villa has demonstrated defensive solidity, ranking fourth lowest in expected goals conceded this season, further enhancing Cash’s value.
Aston Villa’s defender Matty Cash, priced at £5.1 million, currently holds the 17th position out of 242 defenders. With a form rating of 0.7, he maintains an average of 3.5 points per match, placing him at the 30th spot among 242 defenders in this category.
In the recent Gameweek 13 (GW13), Cash did not accrue any points, contributing to his total season points of 45. Earning 4 bonus points, he showcases an Influence, Creativity, Threat (ICT) Index of 60.6, securing the 6th position out of 242. Cash also holds a substantial Team Selected By percentage (TSB%) of 29.6%, positioning him at the 3rd spot out of 242 defenders. These statistics offer insights into Cash’s performance and popularity in the Fantasy Premier League.