How to put together a well working defense (Thread)

Preparing your team for an upcoming season is one of the most fun parts during the #FPL-season, but also one of the most important.

In this thread I’ll focus on keys to set up a successful defence.

Centre-backs vs Full-backs

It’s easy to say that five full-backs is the best option since they carry a more attacking threat. But it's not that simple.

Out of the 20 defenders with most points in the 19/20 season, 11 were full-backs, 8 were centre-backs and 1 was Sir Lundstram

And when it comes to most bonus points during the season, there were 12 full-backs in top 20.

So yes, there is a slight advantage to full-backs. But keep an open mind because there will be plenty of high scoring centre-backs in the game, potentially to a lower price tag.

I thought it would be interesting to see how the managers of the 2019/20 season set up their defence for Gameweek 1:

– 8 out of 10 had Trent Alexander Arnold
– Positionwise the teams had an average of 3,1 full-backs and 1,9 centre-backs in there defensive set-up

– The price range for the defensive line-up varied between 25.0 and 30.0m (the average cost was 27.55m)
– 6 out of 10 managers had at least two defenders that cost 4.5m or less

But when those managers came to Gameweek 10, things changed in defence...

- In Gameweek 10 the average cost of the defence in the same ten teams was 25.98m
- Of course a lot of players had risen in price by then. But if those managers would have started the season with the same defenders they had in GW10, the average cost would only have been 24.85m

Why is that?

Well, in the beginning of the season you want to be sure and pick players that will start every game. But as the season moves on and you know who plays, you can transfer in players like Lundstram and Rico (19/20 season) that were available for a cheap price.

Important reminder:

– There is no such thing as a guaranteed clean sheet.
All it takes is a simple mistake, a penalty or a bit of bad luck and the clean sheet can be gone.
– Therefore it might be good to avoid any defensive double-up at the start of the season.

For example a lot of managers went for the Liverpool double-up at the start of the season, but in the first 15 GWs they only managed two clean sheets. After that they got 10 CS in 11 games

Spread out the risk and wait until a team finds that run of form if you want the double-up

Budget

– It all depends on how you want to set up your team. But I think somewhere around 27.5m on defenders is reasonable
– With that budget you can get a well-balanced back-line and always have options to transfer in and out defenders no matter what price range they are in

Examples:
7.0 - 6.0 - 5.5 - 5.0 - 4.0 (27.5m)
7.0 - 6.5 - 5.5 - 4.5 - 4.0 (27.5m)

Of course you could easily spend 29-30m on defence, but that means less fundings for the midfielders and attackers. And to be fair, that’s where you usually find the big hitters.

Summary

- Don’t necessarily go all-in on full-backs. There are plenty of centre-backs that will grab loads of points

- Go for safe options in GW1 (players that you know will start). After that it’s easier to transfer in cheaper options that are playing well

- Think twice before you go for a double-up. It's always gonna be a big risk

- A budget around 27.5m give you good opportunities for a well-balanced defence

- TAA is kind of a must have. Even if he will cost 8.0m

And I almost forgot, don't be afraid to pick a defender from promoted teams. They usually come to a cheap price and could show great value, like Sheffield United did this season.

Usually perfect to bring in as a fifth defender to the team.

That makes it a wrap for this thread! Hope some of you guys find these tips useful for when it's time to put together your team for the 20/21 season.

I'll be back soon with a new tips and tricks. Howdy!

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