Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers who went big at the back were frustrated in gameweek three as the premium defence of R. James, Cancelo, Robertson and Alexander-Arnold failed to deliver. In this blog their numbers are compared, and Perišić makes up the quintet using the Fix Comparison Matrix.

Reece James

R. James is the only defender in the comparison to have found the back of the net this season and the right-back is also top for both shots (five) and shots on target (SoT) (two). He has also created a 'big chance' which highlights his multiple routes to points. As the below image shows, Chelsea are ranked top of the Fixture Planner in the short-term, so R. James remains an excellent option and managers should keep faith.

João Cancelo

Cancelo tops the comparison for FPL points (18) but the underlying numbers paint a different picture. Although the Portuguese international has taken two shots, none of them have tested the opposition goalkeeper while neither of his two attempted assists registered as a 'big chance' created. However, as the below image from our Stats Sandbox feature shows, Man. City have conceded the fewest shots in the box (SiB) in the league, so a potential clean sheet for Cancelo is very high despite the poor underlying numbers.

Andrew Robertson

Robertson's underlying numbers are the worst in the comparison with the Scottish international bottom for both shots (one) and chances created (two). As the below image from our Stats Sandbox shows, Liverpool are ranked 15th for 'Expected Clean sheets' (xCS) (0.73) and 13th for 'Expected Goals Conceded' (xGC) (4.67) which is worrying for managers who have doubled up on their defence.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Alexander-Arnold's underlying numbers are very strong and managers should keep faith despite the lack of returns so far. The right-back is top of the comparison for shots (five), attempted assists (eight) and 'big chances' created (two). He clearly looks the more superior defensive option compared to his team-mate Robertson.

Ivan Perišić

Despite playing significantly fewer minutes (111) than the other players in the comparison, Perišić still manages to compete. He has just one FPL point (17) fewer than Cancelo (18) and tops the comparison for both assists (two) and 'big chances' created (two). He is also joint-second for attempted assists (five).