Dec 14

Home & Away: Who has the best defence?

Share post on:

Who has the best home defence in the Premier League?

screen-shot-2016-12-02-at-10-35-06 It's very straightforward, Chelsea are head and shoulders above the rest in terms of defensive home form, ranking first for goals conceded, big chances conceded, and most importantly clean sheets secured. Antonio Conte quickly recognised that changes were needed, and despite the difficult bedding in period and the automatic scrutiny that comes with it taking hold, he has successfully rebuilt his side's defence this season. With the individual player's working together, and working comfortably in their new system containing three centre-halves, Chelsea have banked six clean sheets in their last seven Premier League matches. In our opinion they are now fixture proof, and a Gameweek 14 fixture versus current title favourites Man City is the perfect opportunity to show this once again - as well as being a chance for you to field their defender's/goalkeeper without second thought. Yes Aguero will always be a danger in the upcoming gameweek, however, you don't ever turn your back on a side playing with Chelsea's confidence and unwavering demeanour. Our advice is to stick with them for every fixture. They are currently one of the most efficient sides in world football, so it's not surprising that they are number one rank in pretty much every area across our analysis. Another positive of backing The Blues is the fact they've named an unchanged lineup for six matches in a row and have made fewer changes to their starting XI (7) than any Premier League side this season. Compare this to their oppositions 40 changes overall and it tells you something about their consistency as a unit.

Which Chelsea defender has the best FPL potential?

#1 Marcos Alonso (6.2m) He's basically playing left-wing for the most in-form team in the league… Is that not enough? The Spaniard is constantly involved in Chelsea's attacking moves. Just needs to work on his finishing and he could be the highest scoring defender in FPL by the end of the season. #2 César Azpilicueta (6.2m) The right-back has adapted to his new role as the right sided CB of a back three tremendously well. We thought this might limit his bonus-point capabilities, however, he's already received bonus-points in six of Chelsea's 13 matches this season. #3 David Luiz (6.1m) The crazy Brazilian is like Azpilicueta without the bonus-points. Luiz is included in our top three purely because of his potential to score from a set-piece, either taking it or getting on the other end. He scored eight club goals from 2014-16.

Who has the best away defence in the Premier League?

screen-shot-2016-12-02-at-10-38-08 In contrast to Chelsea, it's Arsenal who are the frontrunners in defensive from when on their travels with an almost perfect ranking sum of four in our table above. They have conceded just four times away from home this season, which is two less than their closest rivals and 10+ less than the majority of top flight clubs in England. The only team to keep more clean sheets away from home comforts this season is Chelsea, however, Arsenal have conceded less big chances than the league leaders this campaign to pip them to top spot. Away from the Emirates this season, Arsenal have allowed their opposition the least amount of shots on goal from inside the box (26). That's 20 less than Tottenham - the leaders of this statistic, at this stage last season. A big talking point in recent weeks is how much Hector Bellerin's absence will negatively impact his side's chances of a clean sheet, and thus beginning a downward spiral leading into the Christmas period. There's no point in arguing the matter because it's obvious that Arsenal are looking more shaky without the Spaniard, but nevertheless, it's not been as catastrophic as many imagined � conceding once against United and Bournemouth. Talking about the Christmas period, Arsenal have one of the most favourable schedules between GW14 and GW23 which includes fixtures versus WHM, STO, WBA, CRY, BOU, SWA, BUR and WAT. If you are after a mainstay for your FPL team, then Laurent Koscielny (6.6m) is the guy to get. His goal-scoring threat, alongside a knack of picking up bonus-points is well worth the expensive price tag across a FULL-SEASON.

Which Arsenal defender has the best FPL potential?

#1 Hector Bellerin (6.4m) Provides a similar output to Koscielny with bonus points, but relies on assists rather than goals � a more sustainable way in our opinion. Combine this with his cheaper price tag and he tops the pile… let's just hope he returns as expected next week. #2 Petr Cech (5.5m) He is the most suitable long-term option for Arsenal ‘coverage'… god I hate using that word, but the legendary shot-stopper is definitely a ‘set-and-forget' option… sorry for delving into the FPL vocabulary once again! #3 Laurent Koscielny (6.6m) We capitalised ‘full-season' for Koscielny because with an already risen value, Marcos Alonso provides much more for the money spent in the premium price bracket.