Best Picks for FPL Gameweek 10: Goalkeepers and Defenders

There were some shock results last weekend, which had interesting ramifications for Fantasy Premier League. One of the most frustrating of these was West Ham’s capitulation at home to Brighton, especially if you listened to my advice and played Jose Fonte, so this week we’re going all out in favour of Crystal Palace attackers in the hopes that they hammer the Hammers. However part one of this ‘Best Picks’ article will focus on goalkeepers and defenders to help you win your fantasy leagues. (Spoilers: don’t start West Brom players.)

Goalkeepers

Budget Option: Rob Elliot (4.2m)

The Newcastle keeper is a fantastic spot start this week as he heads into a positive defensive matchup against Burnley in the Monday night game. The Magpies are conceding less than a goal per game on average and their opponents have scored just eight times in nine Premier League games. Last week brought a clean sheet against Crystal Palace and another four points could certainly be in store for Elliot again this time around.

Budget Option: Matthew Ryan (4.5m)

He may have choked the Super Bowl but…

Brighton’s goalkeeper, unlike his namesake at the Atlanta Falcons, has a good chance of keeping a clean sheet against Southampton this weekend. Ryan, just like Rob Elliot, has three clean sheets on the season, the latest of which came last week against West Ham. His opponents have struggled for goals all season long and Brighton can be a tough outfit to break down, especially at home, and Ryan also brings the possibility of multiple saves and bonus points.

Premium Option: Petr Cech (5.5m)

Arsenal have historically been a good side for fantasy points when it comes to defenders and goalkeepers, but this season they have been plagued by inconsistency. Cech strung together a streak of four clean sheets in a row starting in gameweek four but has conceded in his last two games. However a home game against Swansea this weekend provides the perfect chance to begin another streak, especially when you consider the fact that the Swans have only scored six goals this season. The veteran shot stopper has also made a good number of saves for extra points.

Premium Option to AVOID: David de Gea (5.6m)

It may seem strange to advise avoiding the highest scoring goalkeeper in fantasy football, but De Gea is in for a tough matchup against Tottenham on Saturday. Spurs have been in scintillating form of late and have scored at least once in every game they’ve played in October. Last weekend the North London club dispatched Liverpool 4-1 and even if Jose Mourinho decides to park the bus in this game I think Tottenham have the talent to get on the score sheet against Manchester United.

Defenders

Budget Option: Stephen Ward (4.7m)

It’s always risky taking defensive players from both sides of a game as you end up praying for a 0-0, but Burnley vs Newcastle is certainly a game that could go that way. Both sides aren’t particularly free scoring but instead rely on their defences to grind out results, and that could well result in a stalemate on Monday night. Burnley have kept three clean sheets so far this season and Ward has added a goal and an assist, making him a consistent threat for big scoring weeks.

Budget Option: Scott Dann (4.7m)

I’m fully aware of the fact that Crystal Palace are rock bottom of the Premier League table with a goal difference -17, but it looks as if they are getting back on track under new manager Roy Hodgson. In the former England manager’s first game in charge the Eagles pulled off an unlikely win over Chelsea, though they stumbled last weekend against Newcastle. After another week in charge however Hodgson’s influence should become more and more evident, and on Saturday they will line up against struggling West Ham who failed to score against Brighton last weekend. Dann is a consistent goal threat in fantasy football and this week could be the time to get off the mark in this campaign.

Premium Option: Cesar Azpilicueta (6.6m)

Last week I advised avoiding the Chelsea defence altogether, which for the most part was sound advice (apart from the fact that Azpilicueta bagged himself a goal). However their game against Bournemouth on Saturday provides the perfect opportunity for the Blues to turn it around defensively. The Cherries have scored just six league goals this season and are really struggling. Despite Chelsea’s relative inconsistency in defence it’s important to remember that this team breezed to the Premier League title this season, conceding less than a goal per game on average.

Premium Option to AVOID: Dejan Lovren (4.5m)

I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you not to start Dejan Lovren, but with what looks like an easy matchup on paper against Huddersfield this weekend you could be tempted. Lovren has been diabolically bad this season and his form is becoming almost embarrassing. The main concern for the defender however is not the fact that Huddersfield are perfectly capable of scoring against Liverpool, but rather the fact that he could soon find himself benched by Jurgen Klopp. Avoid Lovren at all costs, and transfer him out if you are in the unfortunate position of still owning him.