Best XI for Fantasy Premier League GW8: Are there a couple of surprises this week?
Defenders:
Trent Alexander-Arnold (7.5m, Liverpool) vs Watford
Averaging 7 points per game, the fit-again Liverpool right-back is the first name in my defence. Trent is currently averaging a game-breaking 2.2 shots on goal and 4.2 chances created per appearance, topping it off with 3 clean sheets and 8 bonus points in 5 games.
Add to this opponents Watford having the lowest xG total of all teams this season, Alexander-Arnold should be expected to prosper in Saturday’s early kick-off.
Joao Cancelo (6.2, Manchester City) vs Burnley
Cancelo may never be entirely rotation proof as an FPL option but his attacking upside and the outstanding defensive numbers from Manchester City mean he’s my pick from their defence for this fixture.
Cancelo has a quite remarkable 0.28 xG+xA per game, 2 FPL assists and has scored maximum bonus points in 2 of his last 4 appearances. I’m backing the versatile Portuguese defender to score points at both ends of the pitch, this Gameweek.
Shane Duffy (4.3, Brighton) vs Norwich City
The big Irishman scored again in his most recent International appearance and completes our 3 man defence with an eye on his budget-friendly tag.
Brighton’s strong chance of a clean sheet has already been highlighted in picking Sanchez in goal and I’m doubling down on them with Duffy who’s also produced 5 shots and a key pass in his last 4 appearances, up against a team sixth bottom for xGC from set plays.
The potential of a 15-pointer at a price tag this kind is an opportunity we can’t pass up!