Best Picks for FPL Gameweek 9: Goalkeepers and Defenders

Fantasy Premier League returns this week and there are a few fixtures that can be abused for fantasy gain. Both Manchester clubs face juicy matchups while there are some possible clean sheets out there for cheap defenders. Friday Night Football is a thing again this week so don’t forget to set your line-ups early. Part one of this ‘Best Picks’ article will focus on goalkeepers and defenders, which should help you sort your claret and blue Jose Fonte’s from your Stephen Wards.

Goalkeepers

Budget Option: Lukasz Fabianski (4.5m)

The Swansea shot stopper has made a league-high 31 saves so far this season and is the third highest-scoring fantasy goalkeeper. The Swans have kept four clean sheets, including a 0-0 draw at Wembley against a strong Tottenham side, and this week they face a struggling Leicester side at the Liberty Stadium. The potential is there for Fabianski to register both a clean sheet and another high save total.

Budget Option: Rob Elliot (4.1m)

One of the favourite backup goalkeeper options this year, Elliot has started every game for Newcastle this season and has managed two clean sheets. While that may not seem like a hugely impressive return it is the matchup that gives the Magpies keeper value this week. Before last gameweek’s shock win over Chelsea, Crystal Palace had failed to score in any of their seven Premier League games. Whether or not they have turned the corner under Roy Hodgson remains to be seen but it’s worth taking a punt on Elliot this week in case last week was just a fluke for the Eagles.

Premium Option: David de Gea (5.6m)

The best keeper in fantasy football right now, David de Gea has kept a remarkable seven clean sheets in eight Premier League games and this week heads into a match against Huddersfield. The newly promoted side haven’t scored in their last four games in all competitions and that run should extend to this game given Manchester United’s defensive solidity.

Premium Option: Fraser Forster (5.0m)

Southampton have had their difficulties this season but defending hasn’t really been one of them. The Saints have kept three clean sheets and have only lost one game by more than a single goal. Forster has made the fourth most saves in the Premier League during this campaign and this week the England international faces a West Brom side that is scoring less than one goal per game. The Saints could pick up another clean sheet here and with both sides struggling in front of goal there could be a bonus point opportunity for Forster too.

Defenders

Budget Option: Jose Fonte (4.9m)

While West Ham aren’t necessarily everybody’s go-to defence for fantasy football they have been quietly impressive at home. Two clean sheets in three games at the London Stadium is promising, especially when you consider the fact that the game in which they did concede was against London rivals Tottenham. Friday night’s opponents Brighton should provide an easier test and Jose Fonte should be able to pick up the clean sheet points. Curiously the centre half has also registered two assists on the season which is always a bonus.

Budget Option: Ahmed El-Sayed Hegazi (4.8m)

Still planning to watch Southampton v West Brom? This game looks destined to be 0-0 and although that is always a risky scoreline to predict for fantasy football it really is worth picking up defensive pieces from both sides. Hegazi represents the best value West Brom defender and should be good for a clean sheet against a Southampton side that has only scored seven times this season. West Brom have always been a side that offers a lot of clean sheets and another one here would mark their fourth of the season. If I were a betting man I’d be looking at Under 2.5 Goals for this one.

Premium Option: Kyle Walker (6.6m)

The Manchester City wingback really does stretch the budget at £6.6m but the England international plays in a team that has steamrolled all before them this season. The Citizens have scored an astonishing 29 goals in eight Premier League games and it is no surprise that Walker has picked up three assists in the process. Given how high up the pitch he plays the former Tottenham man provides assist and goal possibilities every game. Add to that the fact that Pep Guardiola’s side have picked up five clean sheets and Walker really starts to justify his price tag. Look for him to help dismantle a Burnley side that must be quaking in their expensive boots right now.

Premium Option to AVOID: Cesar Azpilicueta (6.6m)

‘Dave’ is coming off a -1 point game against Crystal Palace last week in which the defender’s own goal handed the Eagles their first win of the season. This week the Blues face a Watford side that have just beaten Arsenal and currently sit fourth in the Premier League table. How long their form can continue remains to be seen but with Chelsea letting a 2-0 lead slip against Roma in midweek and N’Golo Kante set to miss out due to injury this could turn into another opportunity for Marco Silva’s men to cause an upset.