The Gameweek 4 is on the horizon and the FPL Managers are getting ready with their teams for yet another exciting gameweek. International Break, closure of transfer window, injury concerns has forced many managers into an early wildcard. Generally, in FPL, we do not see managers investing high on defenders but there are some defenders’ worth investing in.
Let’s have a look at the top 5 defender picks for Gameweek 4:
1. Kieran Tierney (£4.9m), Arsenal vs Norwich
Arsenal have been disappointing in the season so far, having lost all the 3 fixtures till date. Kieran Tierney, however, was one of the bright sparks in the dull team. The fixtures take a turn for good for Arteta’s men and the ceiling of Tierney’s expected points has just got higher.
A home game against Norwich provides a great fixture for Arsenal to turn things around and start winning. Kieran Tierney is expected to play a key role in the Arsenal defence and attack going forward.
2. Luke Shaw (£5.5m), Manchester United vs Newcastle
Luke Shaw, one of the star performers of last season is yet to justify himself this season. After getting a lucky clean sheet last time around against Wolves, better performance will be expected from the United defence. Once Shaw gets going, there will be attacking returns aplenty.
A game against Newcastle at home might just be the fixture where he provides his first attacking returns. The addition of Ronaldo has just boosted the chances of crosses which can turn into a potential goal.
3. Aaron Creswell (£5.5m), Southampton vs West Ham
West Ham have been one of the most impressive teams in the start of the season. Aaron Creswell’s attacking abilities were seen last year as well and the left-back already has a goal this season. A value for money player, Creswell can be a long-term pick in the FPL.
A match against Southampton, one of the inconsistent sides in the early stage of the campaign, boosts the clean sheet chances for Creswell. The full-back is on set-pieces too, and with the form Antonio is in, there maybe a one-off assist for him as well.
4. Shane Duffy (£4.2m), Brentford vs Brighton
One of the bargain defenders of the season, Shane Duffy has proven to be of great value. There is a different sense of attraction towards bargain defenders in FPL, and when they do well, there is a sense of belonging. Duffy has rewarded his owners with a 14-point haul in Gameweek 3 and has the potential to do so in the season ahead.
You do not expect big returns from a 4.2m priced defender, however Duffy and Brighton have the fixture to get the clean sheet. A game against newly promoted Brentford provides a great chance for Duffy to get points.
5. Marcos Alonso (£5.7m), Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Marcos Alonso has become one of the mainstays of the Chelsea defence under Thomas Tuchel. The attacking returns are there to be seen as well having already scored a goal in the first game. The Spaniard is good at crossing and making late runs into the box, which boost his pick.
A home game against Aston Villa is a good chance for clean sheet and attacking returns from set-pieces. He is currently owned by 13.5% of managers but that could quickly rise due to Chelsea’s favourable run of fixtures going ahead.
