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Nicolas Atkin

Fantasy Premier League fever is in full swing and there are just three days until the deadline on Friday as the new season gets under way.
Manchester United host Leicester at Old Trafford and fantasy users must get all their squad choices in an hour before kick-off – which means 7pm BST.
You may want to hold your horses until 5pm BST on Thursday though – that’s the transfer window deadline for all the Premier League clubs. and we could be set for a flurry of signings.
The next in our series of fantasy tips focuses on defenders and goalkeepers, which you can check out below, or have a look at our selections for midfielders or our forwards picks if you fancy.
Premier League fantasy football 2018-19 tips: transfer deadline day signings to pick in your squad

DEFENDERS
England duo Kieran Tripper (£6 million, 26.7 per cent) and Harry Maguire (£5.5 million, 24.6 per cent) are still top of everyone’s fantasy football wish lists when it comes to defenders.
But it’s important to remember the Tottenham right back and Leicester centre-back are unlikely to be involved in the first game or two.
Premier League fantasy football 2018-19 tips: midfielders to pick for Gameweek 1, bargains
If your squad can manage without them for Gameweek 1 then by all means go for it. Trippier creates is an assist machine – he got seven for Spurs last season – and creates chances aplenty, which helped him pick up 18 bonus points in his 113 overall.
Maguire scored 117 for Leicester last season, with nine clean sheets, but chipped in with two goals and four assists – he’s a huge threat form set pieces, as he showed in Russia.

Plenty are putting their faith in Virgil van Dijk (£6 million, 16.5 per cent) after eight clean sheets since moving to Liverpool in January, and it looks like Jurgen Klopp may finally have solved his defensive issues.
You may prefer Andy Robertson (£6 million, 15.3 per cent) if you’re picking a Liverpool defender, though – the left-back is slightly cheaper and had five assists last season and 111 points, and was a revelation for Klopp.
Premier League fantasy football 2018-19 tips: forwards to pick for Gameweek 1, bargains
There is also a lot of support the man on the other flank at the back for Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5 million, 14.8 per cent).
The 19-year-old showed plenty of potential with a goal, two assists and 10 bonus points in his tally of 83 – you’d expect him to be start a lot more games this season too.
Dejan Lovren (£5 million, 11 per cent) fancies himself as one of the best defenders in the world too after reaching to Russia 2018 final, and it there’s a good amount of interest in Liverpool’s other centre back.

Chelsea pair Marcos Alonso (£16.5 million, 6.2 per cent) and Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.5 million, 16.1 per cent) are reliable for clean sheets, assists and goals from the back.
They were two of the highest scoring defenders last season, with 175 points and 165 points respectively, which makes the price worth it.
Premier League fantasy football 2018-19 tips, picks: midfielders, forwards, defenders, goalkeepers for Gameweek 1
Surprisingly, no Manchester City defenders feature in the top 10 most selected. Kyle Walker (£6. 5 million, 10.6 per cent) is highest at 13th, and offers clean sheets 915 last season) and assists (six).
Nicolas Otamendi (£6.5 million, 9.2 per cent) had 156 points last season but he’s less fancied this year, but scored four goals from the back and had a hefty 21 bonus points, largely from his threat, with a high ICT index.
John Stones (£5.5 million, 8.8 per cent) is a bit cheaper but it is uncertain whether he can nail down a place in Pep Guardiola’s back line, despite his performances with England in Russia.

Benjamin Mendy (££6 million, 6.8 per cent) seems to be flying under the radar a bit, likely because of his price tag and the fact he missed most of his debut season at City with a serious knee injury.
But the Frenchman looked decent getting forward against Chelsea at Wembley last Sunday and could quickly become a must-have pick – so why not get ahead of the curve?
Premier League fantasy football 2018-19 tips: who to captain for Gameweek 1
With Toby Alderweireld’s future uncertain, Jan Vertonghen (£6 million, 8.8 per cent) and Ben Davies (£6 million, 8.7 per cent) are good options if you want another Tottenham defender, who are reliable for clean sheets under Pochettino.
If you’re looking for budget buys, Charlie Daniels (£4.5 million, 17.2 per cent) is a popular bargain option – the Bournemouth man can be relied upon to chip in with a few goals and assists each season, but he only had 94 points in 2017-18.

Or you may like Jonny Evans (£5 million, 0.6 per cent) or his fellow Leicester new boy Ricardo Pereira (£5 million, 1.2 per cent).
There is uncertainty at Manchester United, and it’s never easy to predict Jose Mourinho’s defence because of injuries.
So perhaps it’s best to avoid any United defenders for now, especially with another centre back likely to be brought in on transfer deadline day.
Instead, maybe go for the man below …

GOALKEEPERS
David De Gea (£6 million, selected by 29.4 per cent of fantasy users) is the most popular goalkeeper choice, and why not?
He’s the best in the world and had 18 clean sheets and 115 saves for Manchester United last season, earning 172 points. Likely to start against Leicester after Spain’s early exit from the World Cup. A far more reliable bet than any of United’s revolving door of outfield defenders.
England hero Jordan Pickford (£5 million, 22.2 per cent) is the second-most selected goalkeeper, with plenty feeling he can carry on his heroics from Russia, though may be rested for the first game.
A reliable presence in an up-and-down Everton side last season with 10 clean sheets, 122 saves and subsequently 145 fantasy points. Still has plenty of room to improve at 24, and Marco Silva did a good job developing young players like Harry Maguire and Andy Robertson during his time at Hull.

Lukasz Fabianski (£4.5 million, 21.6 per cent) looks to be a relative bargain for West Ham as well as fantasy users.
He had 157 fantasy points with nine clean sheets and 137 saves in a Swansea side that suffered relegation. You can only imagine he’ll do better under Mauricio Pochettino.
Opting for Manchester City’s Ederson (£5.5 million, 17.3 per cent) would also be a no-brainer. He only made 58 saves last season but that’s a testament to City’s defence, and he had 16 clean sheets with 158 points.
Claudio Bravo started in the Community Shield win against Chelsea, but the Brazilian should be back between the sticks against Arsenal

Many are opting for Liverpool new boy Alisson (£5.5 million, 13.7 per cent) but while he looked the business for Brazil at the World Cup, his Premier League pedigree is still yet to be seen.
If you’re looking for a cheap backup option, why not try Rui Patricio (£4.6 million, 6.9 per cent) – Wolves have picked up a bargain with the veteran Portugal goalkeeper, and the club may be one of the surprise packages this season.


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Fantasy Premier League (FPL)

Premier League fantasy football 2018-19 tips: defenders, goalkeepers to pick for Gameweek 1, bargains

England’s Kieran Trippier celebrates after scoring again Croatia. Photo: AP

Manchester City's Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero (R) vies with Chelsea's Spanish defender Marcos Alonso during the English FA Community Shield football match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in north London on August 5, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Glyn KIRK / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - Leicester City v Valencia - King Power Stadium, Leicester, Britain - August 1, 2018 Leicester City's Ricardo Pereira in action Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough

Soccer Football - World Cup - Semi Final - Croatia v England - Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia - July 11, 2018 (L - R) England's Kieran Trippier, Harry Maguire, Ashley Young and Croatia's Luka Modric during the match REUTERS/Darren Staples

epa06926875 Everton's goalkeeper Jordan Pickford reacts before a friendly soccer match between Everton FC and Valencia CF at Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain, 04 August 2018. EPA-EFE/PETER POWELL

epa06929483 Manchester City's Benjamin Mendy celebrates with the trophy after winning their FA Community Shield match against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium in London, Britain, 05 August 2018. EPA-EFE/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

epa06910751 Leroy Sane (2-L) of Manchester City scores a goal as Ragnar Klavan (L), Virgil van Dijk (2-R) and Nathaniel Clyne (R) of Liverpool defend during the second half of the International Champions Cup soccer match between Manchester City and Liverpool at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, 25 July 2018. EPA-EFE/JUSTIN LANE

Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - Napoli v Liverpool - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland - August 4, 2018 Liverpool's Alisson during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - Bayern Munich v Manchester United - Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany - August 5, 2018 Manchester United's David De Gea REUTERS/Andreas Gebert

Premier League fantasy football 2018-19 tips: midfielders to pick for Gameweek 1, bargains

Mohamed Salah is the most selected Fantasy Premier League player. Photo: Reuters

Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Villarreal - Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Britain - August 4, 2018 Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ruben Neves Action Images via Reuters/John Clifton

Soccer Football - FA Community Shield - Manchester City v Chelsea - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - August 5, 2018 Manchester CityÕs Bernardo Silva in action with ChelseaÕs Cesar Azpilicueta REUTERS/Toby Melville

Jul 22, 2018; Charlotte, NC, USA; Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita (8) moves against Borussia Dortmund Amos Pieper (42) during the second half of an International Champions Cup soccer match at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

epa06927316 Everton's Richarlison removes his shirt during a friendly soccer match between Everton and Valencia at Goodison Park , Liverpool, Britain, 04 August 2018. EPA-EFE/PETER POWELL

Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - Ipswich Town v West Ham United - Portman Road, Ipswich, Britain - July 28, 2018 West Ham's Jack Wilshere in action with Ipswich Town's Tristan Nydam Action Images via Reuters/Adam Holt

Liverpool's Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah controls the ball during the pre-season friendly football match between Liverpool and Napoli at the Aviva Stadimum in Dublin on August 4, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Paul FAITH

Manchester United's Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez (L) scores a goal past AC Milan's goalkeeper from Italy Gianluigi Donnarumma during the International Champions Cup match between Manchester United and AC Milan at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, on July 25, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck

Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - Ipswich Town v West Ham United - Portman Road, Ipswich, Britain - July 28, 2018 West Ham's Felipe Anderson during the match Action Images via Reuters/Adam Holt

Premier League fantasy football 2018-19 tips, picks: midfielders, forwards, defenders, goalkeepers for Gameweek 1

Mohamed Salah was the Golden Boot winner last season, and ha splenty of fantasy users selecting him again. Photo: AFP

New Manchester City signing Riyad Mahrez attends a press conference at the City Football Academy, Manchester, England, Thursday, July 12, 2018. Manchester City has signed Riyad Mahrez for a club-record 60 million pounds ($80 million) as it further strengthens its team after winning the Premier League title. (Richard Sellers/PA via AP)

Soccer Football - FA Cup Third Round - Manchester United vs Derby County - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - January 5, 2018 Manchester United's Jesse Lingard celebrates scoring their first goal with Anthony Martial Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - Boreham Wood v Arsenal - Meadow Park, Borehamwood, Britain - July 14, 2018 Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores a goal Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

epa06856851 Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel of Denmark reacts during the penalty shootout of the FIFA World Cup 2018 round of 16 soccer match between Croatia and Denmark in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, 01 July 2018. (RESTRICTIONS APPLY: Editorial Use Only, not used in association with any commercial entity - Images must not be used in any form of alert service or push service of any kind including via mobile alert services, downloads to mobile devices or MMS messaging - Images must appear as still images and must not emulate match action video footage - No alteration is made to, and no text or image is superimposed over, any published image which: (a) intentionally obscures or removes a sponsor identification image; or (b) adds or overlays the commercial identification of any third party which is not officially associated with the FIFA World Cup) EPA-EFE/ETIENNE LAURENT EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Belgium's Eden Hazard runs in celebration after scoring his side's second goal during the third place match between England and Belgium at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the St. Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Saturday, July 14, 2018. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

England's defender Kieran Trippier (L) and England's defender Harry Maguire celebrate after winning the penalty shootout at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup round of 16 football match between Colombia and England at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow on July 3, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Alexander NEMENOV / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS

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epa06897066 Manchester United 's Luke Shaw is interviewed on the campus UCLA in Los Angeles, California, USA, 18 July 2018. Manchester United will play AC Milan at the Rose Bowl on 25 July 2018. EPA-EFE/MIKE NELSON

Soccer Football - Champions League Round of 16 First Leg - Sevilla vs Manchester United - Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Seville, Spain - February 21, 2018 Manchester United's David De Gea makes a save from Sevilla's Luis Muriel REUTERS/Jon Nazca TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

epa06193968 Manchester City's Leroy Sane (L) celebrates after scoring the 4-0 goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Liverpool FC at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, Britain, 09 September 2017. EPA-EFE/NIGEL RODDIS EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

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Get your Fantasy Premier League defence rock solid and firing on the front foot with our tips, featuring plenty of bargain options


Premier League fantasy football 2018-19 tips: defenders, goalkeepers to pick for Gameweek 1, bargains

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Get your Fantasy Premier League defence rock solid and firing on the front foot with our tips, featuring plenty of bargain options

Get your Fantasy Premier League defence rock solid and firing on the front foot with our tips, featuring plenty of bargain options