The Scout assesses the best replacements for Reece James (£5.8m) in Fantasy Premier League after the Chelsea defender limped off early in the second half against AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday evening.
The right-back is ruled out for a month, the club has confirmed, and has already been sold by over 100,000 in the last 24 hours since his injury as Fantasy managers look to bring in a suitable alternative.
Luke Shaw (MUN) £4.8m
The Manchester United full-back has blanked only once in his last seven matches.
Shaw has totalled 37 points over that run, combining two assists with four clean sheets and four bonus points.
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The Red Devils have a very favourable upcoming schedule, with four of their next six matches scoring just two in the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR).
Man Utd's next six fixtures
| GW | Opp. | FDR |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | WOL (A) | 2 |
| 19 | BOU (H) | 2 |
| 20 | MCI (H) | 5 |
| 21 | ARS (A) | 4 |
| 22 | CRY (H) | 2 |
| 23 | LEE (A) | 2 |
Diogo Dalot (£4.8m) provides another strong option on the right of Man Utd's back-four if he recovers from injury quickly.
Andrew Robertson (LIV) £6.8m
The Liverpool left-back has looked back to his very best in recent matches.
Robertson has supplied four of his five assists this season in his last four outings, collecting 26 points in that period.
The pass from @TrentAA 😍@andrewrobertso5's record-breaking assist 🅰
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 26, 2022
A calm @MoSalah finish 👌
Wonderfully worked to open the scoring in #AVLLIV ⚽ pic.twitter.com/VieMmBbSUa
Jurgen Klopp’s side have an extended run of kind fixtures, facing only two of the current top six in their next 11 matches.
Kieran Trippier (NEW) £5.9m
Newcastle United’s right-back sits third in the overall player standings on 108 points, at least 32 points ahead of any other defender in Fantasy.
Despite his output and low cost, Trippier is still not owned by a third of managers ahead of Gameweek 18.
His upcoming schedule suggests now is the time for them to make the move. According to the FDR, four of Newcastle’s next six matches score only two.
Marc Cucurella (CHE) £5.1m
An injury to his fellow full-back Ben Chilwell (£5.8m) lessens the chances of the Spaniard being rotated over the winter period.
At a cost of only £5.1m, Cucurella can offer a bargain route into the Chelsea defence for their kind short-term run of opponents.
The Blues are among only two sides to have a Double Gameweek 19 and will visit Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 18.
Gabriel (ARS) £5.2m
Arsenal’s Brazilian places third in the defender standings thanks to his impact at both ends of the pitch.
Gabriel has amassed 74 points, thanks to two goals, seven assists and nine bonus points.
His total of five goals last season was joint-top with Chelsea’s James among defenders in Fantasy.
Joao Cancelo (MCI) £7.4m
Manchester City’s upcoming schedule looks very encouraging for the Portuguese’s prospects.
Pep Guardiola’s side have a Double Gameweek 23 and could also have a Double Gameweek 20, depending on FA Cup results.
Cancelo has already delivered three double-figure returns this term thanks to his output at both ends of the pitch.
Kyle Walker (£4.8m) provides a far cheaper route into their defence, albeit with far less attacking potential than his fellow full-back.