Best Picks for Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 35 – Goalkeepers and Defenders

This is another one of those gameweeks in which some teams aren’t playing, so there are only six games. It’s always hugely important to manage your team effectively during these gameweeks, and luckily the Best Picks guide is here to help you do just that. Part one will focus on goalkeepers and defenders that can help you separate yourself from your rivals.

Goalkeepers 

Budget Option: Nick Pope (5.0m)

Of all the teams playing this weekend Burnley present probably the best budget option for a reliable clean sheet. The Clarets have 11 shutouts for the season and while they actually haven’t kept a clean sheet for four games now, a clash with Stoke should get them back on track. The Potters have scored just 31 times in their 34 league games, while Sean Dyche’s men have only conceded 31, so Pope is a decent option this week.

Premium Option: Ederson (5.6m)

Manchester City wrapped up the league title last weekend in slightly anticlimactic fashion, but they likely won’t relax as there are a few more records they can still break. They have been as solid as a rock defensively, with just 25 league goals conceded all season, and their match against low-scoring Swansea this time out won’t likely change that. The Swans have netted just 27 goals, making Ederson arguably the best elite option this week in the absence of David De Gea.

Defenders

Budget Option: Jamaal Lascelles (4.8m)

There are a few intriguing games this weekend and Everton vs Newcastle is one of those. The Magpies have been flying under the radar somewhat recently and look to have secured themselves safety for next season. Rafa Benitez’s side have also been quite impressive defensively, with two clean sheets in their last four, and I could see that tally increasing against the Toffees. Everton’s form has been erratic at best and they have netted just one goal in their last two games. As a cheap option it’s hard to look past reliable starter Lascelles this weekend.

Premium Option: Nacho Monreal (5.6m) 

As premium options go I am loath to suggest trusting Arsenal players with anything, especially as they lost to Newcastle last time out. They do get West Ham this week however and the Hammers are pretty awful too, so this could well result in a clean sheet for Arsene Wenger’s men, perhaps as a reward to the veteran coach for finally deciding to step down. Monreal has registered four goals and two assists this season and so is the best option from this game.

Premium Option: Andrew Robertson (5.1m) 

Liverpool’s defence has been vastly improved by the arrival of Virgil van Dijk in January and six out of their last 10 Premier League games have ended with clean sheets. While Salah and co have been grabbing all the headlines up top, Robertson has been arguably one of Jurgen Klopp’s most influential players, with four assists from his fullback position. The Reds get rock bottom West Brom this weekend – a side that managed to beat Manchester United time out, but also one that will likely collapse against Liverpool’s high-pressure style.

Bonus Tips 

With some teams not playing this week it is important that you stock up on the top names that are going to feature. Don’t go overboard however as there is no point losing points by forcing a whole host of transfers. Be smart and establish which players you think are most important.