As the Fantasy Premier League season approaches its midpoint, there’s ample opportunity for managers to strategize and choose players who can contribute significantly to their points tally. In Gameweek 17, decision-making becomes crucial for managers as they contemplate the use of transfers and whether to deploy any remaining wildcards.
Here are five defenders we believe could make a positive impact in the upcoming game week, providing managers with valuable insights for optimizing their squads in the second half of the season.
Pedro Porro (Spurs)
Pedro Porro, now with Spurs, has garnered significant attention from Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers despite Tottenham’s recent defensive struggles. Spurs have not kept a clean sheet in their last eight games, but Porro has become the third-most purchased player, with ownership nearing the 20% mark ahead of Gameweek 17.
In the previous match, although Spurs conceded a late goal, Porro showcased his attacking prowess, contributing to Richarlison’s goal with an impressive assist reminiscent of Trent Alexander-Arnold. This marked Porro’s sixth assist of the season, a feat surpassed only by Kieran Trippier among defenders.
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Goalkeepers Picks for FPL Gameweek 17
Looking at the data, Porro’s attacking potential remains high. He ranks third among defenders in creating big chances (eight) and leads in the number of shots taken (26). Priced at £5.4 million and accumulating 60 points so far, Porro presents an intriguing option for FPL managers heading into Gameweek 17, where Spurs face Nottingham Forest away.
Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth)
Marcos Senesi, priced at £4.3 million for Bournemouth, has become a noteworthy Fantasy Premier League (FPL) option. In the last two game weeks, the center-back has amassed an impressive 29 points, notably finding the back of the net against Crystal Palace and Manchester United. While consistent goal-scoring may not be guaranteed, Senesi has demonstrated proficiency in set pieces, adding an extra dimension to his FPL appeal.
Crucially, Bournemouth has been in exceptional form, going unbeaten in their last five matches and securing three clean sheets during this period. With upcoming fixtures against Luton, Nottingham Forest, and Fulham, all of which are potential shutouts if the Cherries maintain their solid defensive performances, Senesi emerges as a strong candidate for FPL managers seeking a reliable and budget-friendly defensive option.
James Tarkowski (Everton)
James Tarkowski, valued at £4.4 million for Everton, has emerged as a notable Fantasy Premier League (FPL) option. Similar to Bournemouth, Everton is on an upward trajectory, making their players worth considering for FPL managers. The team offers several budget-friendly choices with results to substantiate their selection.
Tarkowski, in particular, has accumulated an impressive 20 points over the last three fixtures. Despite potentially challenging matchups against Newcastle and Chelsea, Everton secured victories in both, keeping clean sheets. The team appears to be adopting the characteristics of a standard Sean Dyche side—tough to score against.
In the upcoming fixture against Tarkowski’s former club Burnley, there’s a strong motivation for the defender to secure another clean sheet. Everton, under this defensive transformation, is well-positioned to deliver on that front, making Tarkowski an appealing defensive option for FPL managers in Gameweek 17.
Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
Thiago Emiliano da Silva, the defender for Chelsea, is priced at £5.0 million in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL). With a form rating of 0.8, he averages 2.7 points per match and has accumulated a total of 40 points. In Gameweek 16, he secured zero points, contributing to his season total. Thiago has earned 3 bonus points so far and boasts an ICT Index of 50.2, indicating a considerable influence, creativity, and threat on the pitch. Currently selected by 3.7% of FPL managers, he ranks 39th in terms of teams selected by percentage.
However, the upcoming fixture is against the lowest-ranked team in the PL table. Thus, a clean is expected from the Blues and the former PSG defender is good with headers against such teams who are struggling defensively.
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Forwards Picks for FPL Gameweek 17
William Saliba (Arsenal)
William Saliba, the defender for Arsenal in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL), is priced at £5.5 million. With a current form rating of 2.5, he averages 4.1 points per match and accumulated a total of 65 points. In Gameweek 16, he secured 2 points, contributing to his overall performance.
Saliba has earned 5 bonus points so far, and his ICT Index stands at 41.5, reflecting his influence, creativity, and threat on the pitch. Impressively, he is selected by 35.4% of FPL managers, ranking 2nd in terms of teams selected by percentage.