Welcome to our Fantasy Premier League Defensive Analysis article. This time NaturalFootyFan highlights the pros and cons of each DGW defence until the end of the season. In this article we will work through each club featuring in DGW37 and sum up our thoughts, before picking out the players with the best FPL Potential. Hopefully, pointing you in the right direction for defensive transfers, while also helping you to improve your overall rank and climb those mini-leagues in this conclusive stage of the season.

SUNDERLAND vs. CHE (H), EVE (H), wat (a)

Big Sam knows how to form a tight-nit defence. Prior to his appointment, Sunderland's backline was as leaky as they come, however, under his guidance the Black Cats have formed a rugged, yet steady unit. Although Allardyce has deployed sides in numerous formations throughout his long managerial career, he's a creature of habit - always resorting to his tried and tested flat back four, with a couple of holding midfielders. Recently, Sunderland have secured three clean sheets in their last five matches, which is a testament to this system. The majority of FPL players will see Sunderland's fixtures as a downside of backing them for the remainder of the season, which in our opinion, is a lazy trap to fall into. It's hard to predict an outcome, when a club scrapping for their life in the relegation zone is pitted up against teams who are in ‘feet up' mode already. First off Vito Mannone (4.3m, 1.0% Ownership) could be worth a look in. The Italian has benefited from Pantillimon's departure, and is now the favoured keeper. He will, almost certainly, start every one of Sunderland's last 3 matches, and with that ownership and price is an excellent differential option. Patrick Van Aanholt (4.8m, 4.6% Ownership) is also an FPL favourite, and with five goals and three assists this season, it's not difficult to see why. The inventive full-back is extremely adventurous going forward (1.4 shots per game), and has also shown an eye for set-pieces in the last few weeks. Like Mannone, the Dutchman is a nailed on starter for Sunderland's penultimate matches.

MAN UNITED vs. nor (a), whu (a), BOU (H)

Van Gaal's side are still in the chase for Champions League qualification as they trail their Manchester rivals by just four points, with a game in hand. They lead the pack in terms of fixture ease, and definitely have the potential plus the personnel to secure at least a couple of clean sheets. LVG has tinkered and re-shuffled his defence all season, but seems to have a balance in recent weeks. Chris Smalling (6.5m, 22.6% Ownership) and Daley Blind (*classified as a midfielder) have struck up an impressive CB partnership, with complimenting styles. They will remain the mainstay in United's backline. Elsewhere, Antonio Valencia (5.0m, 1.8% Ownership) could be a shrewd pick. He seems to have nailed down the right-back slot, despite some mature performances from 19-year-old Fosu-Mensah. Marcos Rojo (5.0m, 1.2% Ownership) is the favoured left-back at this time, and after struggling to finish the full 90 minutes on more than one occasion this season, is starting to get full matches under his belt.

EVERTON vs. lei (a), sun (a), NOR (H)

With Roberto Martinez promising to give Tim Howard his final farewell on the last day of the season, Joel Robles (4.3m, 1.8% Ownership) is an excellent differential for the double gameweek - but be sure to have a replacement or substitute keeper planned out for GW38. Leighton Baines (6.0m, 3.0% Ownership) is a risky alternative to the likes of Cresswell, but offers a similar output with better fixtures. With Lukaku's confidence dented with poor displays and his latest penalty miss in the cup, Baines also has a slim chance to regain spot-kick duty. The rest of Everton's regular defenders, barring John Stones (5.4m, 4.6% Ownership), are struggling with injuries and Funes-Mori continues his suspension. Keep an eye on Seamus Coleman's recovery for another attacking outlet.

WEST HAM vs. SWA (H), MUN (H), sto (a)

The Hammers haven't exactly been strong defensively as of late, with just a single clean sheet in their last five matches. Over this period they've shipped seven goals, with Michail Antonio filling in at right back. Our advice is to steer clear of their defensive players, as their aim of a fourth place finish and with it Champions League qualification, could have a detrimental effect on their stability.  Nevertheless, if you want to take the gamble, and trust Super Slav to come up with the goods, then there's only one player worth considering in FPL. Aaron Cresswell (5.7m, 14.8% Ownership) is the man in question. A consistently brilliant fullback in all areas, he creates (1.1 key passes per game), shoots (just look at his goal in GW34!), and is no stranger to bonus points, with 12 this season already. I'm sure it still amazes everyone that he doesn't feature for England.

LIVERPOOL vs. WAT (H), CHE (H), wha (a)

Confidence is flowing on Merseyside following Liverpool's progression to the Europa League final, however, this will cause selection headaches in FPL with rotation coming into play. Despite the final taking place three days subsequent of the season, Jurgen Klopp will not be afraid to rest the spine of the team, he has one it before (DGW34), and we expect him to continue in this manner, with European success firmly at the top of his list. With this in mind, you'll struggle to get your hands on a defender who will start all three remaining fixtures. Even goalkeepers Mignolet and Ward will share minutes. All in all, Liverpool's backline is a minefield for FPL - stay away!!

CHELSEA vs. sun (a), liv (a), LEI (H)

It's a season to forget for Chelsea, and as a result, they don't have anything to play for in the their last three fixtures. Nevertheless, the players will be desperate to prove their worth, as new manager Antonio Conte watches from afar. Guus Hiddink is known for fashioning consistency at the back, and during his first stint relied upon the experienced duo of John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho. Things have changed and the former, now entering his twilight years, cannot be trusted in FPL. Elsewhere, his counterparts are all hefty on the budget, but if you have the funds Cesar Azpilicueta (5.8m, 13.0% Ownership), Branislav Ivanovic (6.6m, 8.5% Ownership) and Gary Cahill (6.1m, 4.2% Ownership) are possible options with varying popularity. One thing to note down is that Chelsea's final two fixtures could be drawn out affairs, against opposition with other things on their mind - Liverpool on Europa League, and Leicester will likely be fatigued from celebrating!

WATFORD vs. liv (a), nor (a), SUN (H)

Watford are the final team with a double-gameweek at hand. They have struggled for goals during the second half of the season, but on the whole they've been strong defensively. Craig Cathcart (4.6m, 2.5% Ownership) is the reliable option, while Sebastian Prodl (4.2m, 0.3% Ownership) is more of a goal-threat. The risk involved in favouring the Austrian, is the fact he's not nailed on, with competition provided by Britos. The lucky managers who banked 19pts from Heurelho Gomes (5.1m, 12.1% Ownership) in DGW34, will have their fingers crossed for more of the same in crunch matches versus Norwich (a) and Sunderland (H).