FPL Gameweek 6 Positional Review: Defenders

Defenders were a rich source of FPL points last season following the introduction of defensive contributions, and that trend has continued this year.

Four defenders have already scored more than 35 FPL points, compared with just two midfielders and one forward.

In this blog, we analyse the underlying numbers from the first five Gameweeks to identify the best defensive picks for the coming weeks, alongside some hidden gems flying under the radar.

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Expected FPL Points Review: Full-backs Shining

As the Stats Sandbox image below shows, Jayden Bogle leads all defenders for Expected FPL Points (xFPL) over the first five Gameweeks, with 32.88. The 26-year-old has taken five shots, landed three on target and registered 1.03 Expected Goals (xG).

James Tarkowski is the highest-scoring FPL defender with 43 points, but ranks just eighth for xFPL. This suggests his current rate of returns may be difficult to sustain, with just 0.15 xG and 0.30 Expected Assists (xA).

Maxim De Cuyper’s numbers stand out. The Belgian international trails both Tarkowski and Bogle for FPL points, with 38, but ranks second among defenders for xFPL (31.24) and seventh across all positions.

Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori ranks third for xFPL (29.22), but only eighth among defenders for FPL points (29). The Italian international has provided two assists from four chances created and taken six shots in the box. Only Bobby Thomas has attempted more, with eight.

All five leading defenders for xFPL are full-backs: Jayden Bogle, Maxim De Cuyper, Riccardo Calafiori, Joško Gvardiol and Leif Davis.

Which Defenders Offer the Most Goal Threat?

As the Stats Sandbox image below shows, Leif Davis leads all defenders for xG (1.55). The 26-year-old has also had more big chances than any other defender, with four.

Maxim De Cuyper ranks second for xG (1.23) and has taken five shots in the box. Although four defenders have attempted more, his high xG tally highlights the quality of his opportunities while playing on the left wing in Kaoru Mitoma’s absence.

By comparison, Bobby Thomas’ eight shots in the box have produced just 0.30 xG.

De Cuyper is also a popular transfer target for Gameweek 6. As the Transfer Analytics image below shows, nearly 300,000 FPL managers have brought him in at the time of writing.

FPL’s most expensive defender, Gabriel, ranks third for xG (1.03) and has been unfortunate not to score so far. The Brazilian international has taken three shots in the box, two of which Opta classified as big chances.

Jan Paul van Hecke’s numbers also catch the eye. The Dutch international has taken five shots in the box, including three big chances.

Which Defenders Offer the Most Assist Potential?

As the Stats Sandbox image below shows, no defender has registered more attempted assists than Maxim De Cuyper (11). However, Ryan Giles leads the way for xA (1.55).

Neco Williams is an intriguing option flying under the radar. The Welsh international is benefiting from a more advanced role under Oliver Glasner and ranks joint-second for attempted assists. He has also taken six shots, including four in the box.

Our Fixture Difficulty Ratings, shown above, highlight Fulham as a team worth targeting over the next five Gameweeks. Antonee Robinson could be an option, having registered seven attempted assists.

Which Defenders Lead the Way for Defensive Contributions?

As the Stats Sandbox image below shows, John Egan and Sven Botman lead all defenders for defensive contributions (DEFCON), with 59 each. Tarik Muharemović is close behind on 58.

António Silva is worth monitoring ahead of a significant improvement in Bournemouth’s fixtures after Gameweek 6. He is outperforming both James Hill (50) and Adrien Truffert (45) for DEFCON.

Bobby Thomas combines his goal threat with a strong DEFCON total of 52. Meanwhile, Jarrad Branthwaite (54) has registered more defensive contributions than his more expensive teammate James Tarkowski (51).

Which Defenders Should You Pick on a Wildcard?

Corey Baker (five top-10k finishes, currently 18,360 overall) has locked in Calafiori and Konsa, with De Cuyper, Gvardiol, Hall, Silva and Muharemović competing for the remaining spots.

Walter Randazzo (seven top-10k finishes, currently 23,360 overall) is weighing up triple Arsenal defence or two defensive picks alongside Saka. Silva is also on his radar ahead of Bournemouth’s improving fixtures.

👉 Check out their latest Wildcard teams on Elite XI: Team Reveal and enable notifications to follow every change before the deadline.

Budget Defenders Offer Great Value

The numbers suggest that defenders priced at £5.0m or below are holding their own against more expensive options.

At the time of writing, only four of the 10 highest-scoring defenders cost more than £5.5m: James Tarkowski, Joško Gvardiol, Marc Guéhi and Riccardo Calafiori.

Despite limited returns from defensive contribution points, attacking full-backs are proving excellent value. All three promoted teams also offer viable budget options.

Spending big at the back was a popular approach last season, but the number of promising picks at £5.0m or below could make a cheaper defence an appealing strategy this year.

Your next FPL move starts here.

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