Defenders are probably the hardest position to assess using data, and this really shows it. People tend to favour proactive defenders, even when they're often the ones putting themselves in situations where they have to defend more. That said, ratings and especially Ballon d'Or rankings stopped triggering me a long time ago. It's a glossy instagram award.

#FPL Set-Piece monsters. A few things about this graph: Gabriel is still worth his price, especially in a season where every premium apart from Haaland seems washed. Murillo is the ultimate what-if FPL asset. The guy has the most ridiculous collection of goals that almost went in, good DEFCON potential and a threat from both open play and set play. The defenders who get rewarded for being proactive through DEFCON are largely the same ones who get rewarded for their attacking threat. Proactive defenders tend to be proactive in all phases of the game. I still think the new scoring mechanics won't necessarily make players pool bigger, but they will make the meta clearer. Muharemovic's chances are meh, but with the way Leeds' routines are working, being their top receiver is still a good sign. Gabriel doesn't offer a huge direct threat, but Arsenal's set-piece phases are among the longest and most creative ones, so that's worth taking into consideration. Haaland is still proof that quality over volume works.

Comparison of Joao Pedro replacements: Evanilson, DCL, Jackson & Isak. I'd say Evanilson has more routes to points, but I'd agree that his minutes aren't ideal for the upcoming GWs. #FPL

DEFCON defenders compared: Vuskovic, Muharemovic, Murillo & Silva. Subjectively, these are the most balanced options, and I don't think any of them stands out significantly from the rest. If you're not playing stubborn, I'd consider bringing them in gradually. #FPL

GW9 thinking process🗣️ Not only did I lose 7 points on this last-minute Malick Thiaw sub, but he's also playing Everton, who concede the most xG from corners, the second-most xG to centre-backs, and the most xG from rebound shots. The midweek fixture would probably be a good indicator of whether he starts against Everton, but my fear is he'll be dropped anyway because this Schar & Burn "Grandpa Duo" look miles better. Thiaw to a Bournemouth defender for -4 is an option. Truffert is always close to a DEFCON hit, but not quite there yet. Silva continues to rack up DEFCONs, which is good. But the way he plays, apart from being a direct reason for getting DEFCONs, is also a direct reason why he could be dropped at any time. So Hill is probably the way to go for me. Yes, he's £0.5m more expensive, but I can afford Mbappe, so why not? Happy to play Sangare and Anderson for 8 points combined. They were bought exactly for those reasons. Just hope Sangare doesn't get dropped again, at least next week. Jackson is 99% in for Pedryk, and also 99% my captain for GW9. Results might be better for Fulham, but they face the same problems that only weaker opponents are unable to capitalise on. The plan was to sell Belloumi after Ipswich, but he's so extremely selfish. I feel like I'm watching Enciso, but with DC potential and better overall qualities. Expecting a lot from him. He'll never see more space than Leif Davis is going to give him. Happy with everything else. The Leeds fixture is a perfect opportunity not to rush into a Bournemouth midfielder, and having two matches is also a nice opportunity to get a better idea of who to go with. Slowly climbing the ranks, overanalysing decisions and staying proactive. Might finally be the year I secure my goal of a 623k finish 🤞

Can't believe this. We've been working together for 5+ years, and we were always so hyped about each other's future projects. He was genuinely one of the greatest and kindest people I've never met... Please support the fundraiser in his name. His postive impact on this community was immense.

Just to be clear, I checked and they were simply slow with adding DEFCONs. No anomalies in Muharemovic's DEFCONs, just 1 incorrect one and 1 of a subjective nature. He gave away a lot of possession in the second half and that's exactly why he's good.

Another rollercoaster ride

He's playing too well. Let's hope he starts giving the ball away and making more unnecessary clearances.

Mbeumo blank, owners in the mud

Feels like a haul in today's economy

Positive things I can say about Malick Thiaw this season:

They might have to put their elite status under review

The only two premiums in the game won't even be in the league next season. They'd have to make Muharemovic £10.0m😭

Had to delete yesterday's post to avoid getting anyone into trouble. But yeah, Mbeumo was supposed to have a late fitness test today, at least according to yesterday's info. Not necessarily bad news for owners. The last two times he had a late fitness test, he scored in back-to-back games. His minutes were just a bit reduced.

The best feeling is surviving all the high EO threats and having zero pressure on your differentials. Super excited for Sangare and Belloumi tomorrow and we're not even family related