Fantasy Premier League

FPL Lessons: Chelsea defence still worth backing?

By The Scout 18 May 2018
Marcos Alonso, Chelsea

Blues provided two top-scoring defenders but The Scout says managers must reconsider their 2018/19 potential

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With 2017/18 Fantasy Premier League ended, The Scout reviews each position to highlight which players managers should consider for 2018/19.

Defenders

Chelsea supplied the two top-scoring defenders for the second successive season.

Cesar Azpilicueta led team-mate Marcos Alonso by 10 points, producing 175 and 165 points respectively.

Despite playing in a back three, Azpilicueta was involved in a career-high eight goals, scoring two and providing six assists.

His link-up play with Alvaro Morata proved profitable for managers.

The summer signing was the scorer of all six of Azpilicueta's assists.

Azpilicueta catch

However, Morata struggled with form and injury in the second half of the season, as Azpilicueta suffered a drop-off in attacking points.

He failed to produce a single assist after Gameweek 20.

Morata is now competing with Olivier Giroud for a place in the starting XI, so assists may not be such a big factor for Azpilicueta next season.

Bonus boost

His ability to pick up bonus points remains a big draw, though.

The top-scoring player in the Bonus Points System (BPS) with a score of 913, Azpilicueta's 25 bonus points were more than any defender.

Wing-backs impress

Both Alonso and Victor Moses profited from their roles as wing-backs in Conte’s 3-4-3 formation.

Alonso again ranked second for points among defenders, having finished runner-up to team-mate Gary Cahill in 2016/17.

His seven goals scored this season were more than any other defender and he also provided a pair of assists.

Alonso's goal threat was unrivalled.

His 65 shots, 40 shots in the opposition penalty area and 22 shots on target were the most of any FPL defender.

Moses also caught the eye, claiming ninth place in the defender standings in his first season classified in that position.

The Nigerian produced a goal, three assists and two clean sheets over his final six Gameweek starts.

Summer assessment

Chelsea's defence was also again one of the most resolute on offer in FPL. 

They have recorded 16 clean sheets in each of the last two seasons and will remain a main source of defensive talent for 2018/19.

But changes in personnel, along with tweaks to tactics and formation over the summer, could yet force FPL managers to reassess their potential come August.

Also in this series

Part 1: FPL Lessons: De Gea's season a game-changer
Part 2: FPL Lessons: Burnley battle is key for managers
Part 3: FPL Lessons: Promoted 'keepers can save seasons
Part 5: FPL Lessons: Liverpool full-backs set to fly
Part 6: FPL Lessons: Cresswell proves a rare bargain
Part 7: FPL Lessons: Position and price crucial for Salah appeal
Part 8: FPL Lessons: Watch out for 'forward' midfielders
Part 9: FPL Lessons: Set-pieces key for midfield bargains
Part 10: FPL Lessons: Kane still the go-to Fantasy forward
Part 11: FPL Lessons: Firmino soars as a forward
Part 12: FPL Lessons: Can Perez save the 3-4-3?

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