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Fantasy Football Tips: Defensive Picks for the Upcoming Matches

The upcoming fixtures in the Premier League present opportunities for savvy fantasy football managers to strengthen their teams with reliable defenders. Here’s a look at some players who stand out for potential points this week.

Nick Pope – Newcastle (£5m) vs. Leicester City

Despite Newcastle leaking seven goals in their last two outings, goalkeeper Nick Pope remains an appealing option. He has amassed 54 saves this season, averaging over three saves per match, which all but ensures save points for fantasy managers.

Newcastle is expected to dominate possession against Leicester City, suggesting a strong chance of a home victory with a clean sheet for the Magpies.

Jurrien Timber – Arsenal (£5.7m) vs. Everton

This week, Arsenal appears to be in a prime position to secure a clean sheet. However, the decision on which defensive player to select is complicated by Mikel Arteta’s current injury challenges. While Gabriel is a popular choice, his participation is uncertain.

William Saliba is another option, but his recent performances raise concerns, particularly given his zero expected goals (xG) over a lengthy stretch prior to his recent two-goal haul.

Instead, Timber could be the wiser choice, as he’s more involved in attacking plays and offers a threat during set pieces, adding value to his selection.

Pervis Estupinan – Brighton (£5.1m) vs. Crystal Palace

Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan is gaining momentum, having recorded his first assist of the season last week. The left-back has shown promising statistics, with three shots and two key passes, indicative of his offensive capabilities.

With Brighton looking to bolster their defense, Estupinan’s attacking potential could be beneficial, especially if they manage to secure a clean sheet against their rivals.

Milos Kerkez – Bournemouth (£4.6m) vs. West Ham

Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez presents a compelling case for inclusion based on both statistics and performance. He has been a constant presence down the left flank, contributing to numerous attacking opportunities.

Leading Bournemouth defenders in critical metrics—key passes, big chances created, and assists—he has been instrumental in the team’s attacking play. His remarkable expected assists (xA) total over the last five weeks places him among the top performers in the league, second only to Ipswich’s Leif Davis.

As managers prepare for this weekend’s matches, these defenders offer not only the potential for clean sheets but also opportunities to contribute offensively, making them valuable assets for your fantasy teams.

Source
www.bbc.com