With Gameweeks coming quick and fast, FPL managers have very little time to think especially when it comes to picking a strong and points guaranteed backline. Options like that have been far and few for many managers this term although there are a few exceptions to that rule. But with a double gameweek coming somewhere around the corner, it only makes picking the right person that much harder. Yet, with options like the ones below, it should make things slightly easier, if only for GW 32.
Vitaliy Mykolenko (£4.6m)
Vitalii Mykolenko is gaining traction once again in the eyes of fantasy managers. In the past six matches, the full-back has demonstrated a significant attacking threat down the left flank, ranking third among Everton players for passes received (64) in the final third, trailing only McNeil and Abdoulaye Doucoure (£5.5m). Moreover, he has contributed six key passes, with only McNeil delivering more successful crosses.
Priced at a modest £4.6m in FPL, Mykolenko has a promising home fixture against Burnley scheduled for Saturday. Notably, Burnley has conceded a high number of key passes down that side (74), second only to Luton Town among away clubs. With McNeil stretching the width on the left and Mykolenko frequently making inward runs toward the box, Everton’s attacking approach could pose significant challenges for the visiting team on Saturday.
Rayan Ait-Nouri (£4.7m)
Ait-Nouri’s recent performance on the wing against Burnley showcased his attacking prowess, though he was unlucky to secure only one goal. Among defenders in the last six Gameweeks, the Algerian international leads in shots on target (five) and big chances (four), with only Burke having a higher expected goals (xG) than his 1.27.
Wolves have conceded seven goals in their last six matches but managed just one clean sheet. In terms of shots in the box conceded, they rank 10th (48) and 12th for expected goals conceded (xGC) with 8.72. West Ham has scored 24 away goals (seventh) but ranks 15th for shots on target (59) on the road.
Additionally, Ait-Nouri has contributed either a goal or an assist in three of his last five games, with two of those matches yielding over 10 points. Even in games without returns like against Aston Villa, his expected goal involvement (xGI) was notable at 0.69. With an average of 2.31 touches in the box per 90 minutes, he remains a strong fantasy option.
Benjamin White (£5.8m)
Bringing in an Arsenal defender now might be perfect for FPL managers although many already own several Arsenal defenders and that should come as no shock. But at the time of writing, only 11.6% of FPL teams have Benjamin White in their squads and that is a shock. The Englishman has thrived for the Gunners since arriving at the club and has often been a key threat this season.
That includes his last few games with White contributing to three goals in his five appearances, in a run that also saw the defender clock in three clean sheet points. It makes him an interesting asset to have especially since the Gunners face Brighton, Aston villa, Wolves, Chelsea and Tottenham in their next few games. A tough run, no doubt but given Arsenal’s form, there is a chance that White may shine.
Kristoffer Ajer (£4.4m)
A very impressive defender, Kristoffer Ajer has struggled for fitness and consistency this season but over the last few games Ajer has done well. He has scored twice in three games, which is rather impressive, but more importantly, he has clocked in 22 points in the same period. That makes him an interesting option to have especially since he has played nearly every minute since starting games from Gameweek 25.
The only red mark against Brentford and Ajer is the fact that they’ve kept only 5 clean sheets, which puts goalkeeper Mark Flekken tenth on the list for most clean sheets. Yet, the clean sheet in the goalless draw against Brighton was their first since a win over Wolves in GW 24. That is the concern alongside the fact that the Bees face Aston Villa next, which is arguably their toughest fixture from now until the end of the season.
Pedro Porro (£5.9m)
The Spurs full-back boasts the highest expected goal involvement (xGI) among defenders at 7.6, despite not registering an attacking return since Gameweek 21. This goal drought coincided with James Maddison’s return, yet Porro has maintained his role in set-piece duties, including corners and free kicks. Despite recent lack of returns, Porro remains at the top of the list for expected goal involvements (xGI) among defenders this season.
While he presents an intriguing option to monitor, Tottenham faces one of the toughest fixture lists for the remainder of the season. Matches against Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, a blank Gameweek in 34, Arsenal, and Liverpool, followed by clashes against Chelsea and Manchester City yet to be scheduled, await them. It’s not the most favorable run of fixtures for a defender, but given Tottenham’s recent form under Ange Postecoglou, Porro could still deliver significant returns.