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As 2016 comes to an end, Fantasy Premier League managers are either using their first wildcard before it expires or planning in anticipation of the second.
Below are three defenders who you should consider for their goal threat and also a look at why you should stick with Zlatan Ibrahimovic as captain.
But first, a shout out to these tactical geniuses who top our Sport360 fans league going into this week!
WHO TO PICK AS CAPTAIN
Zlatan Ibrahimovic [11.6m] was the pick for captain in Gameweek 18 and those who heeded that advice would’ve enjoyed a healthy return with the Swede’s 15 points doubling up to 30.
Once again, the Manchester United man was in the thick of the action and racked up double figures for the third game in a row.
He’s easily the most in-form player at the moment so leave him out at your own peril.
With Middlesbrough making the trip to Old Trafford, Ibrahimovic will be eager to add to his goal tally. The visitors have lost three of their last four games and are certainly there for the taking.
Diego Costa [10.7m] is also an option for the armband as Chelsea welcome Stoke City to Stamford Bridge but having just been battered by Liverpool, Mark Hughes may just set his team up rather cautiously to avoid another heavy defeat.
Zlatan #Ibrahimovic vs Sunderland : 1 goal (16 of the season) & 2 assists (for #Blind & #Mkhitaryan) #MUNSUN 👊👊👊 pic.twitter.com/cdPrd3oEDy
— PSGcompsHD (@PSGcompsHD) December 26, 2016
THREE EMERGING GOAL-SCORING DEFENDERS
First of all, let’s go through the obvious ones who you should be aware of already.
Patrick van Aanholt [5.0m] – Three goals and one assist so far this season and always looks to get forward. He doesn’t pick up many clean sheets but his goal threat is undeniable.
Gareth McAuley [4.9m] – If you’ve got Jonny Evans in your team, you’ve picked the wrong man. McAuley consistently chips in with a goal and has three so far.
Jose Holebas [4.8m] – This man is all the more attractive to FPL managers because he does take set-pieces as well. With two goals and three assists this season, he’s a handy defender to have.
Here are three more options to look into given their recent form.
VIRGIL VAN DIJK [SOUTHAMPTON – 5.8m]
The Dutchman’s lure so far this season has been his ability to rack up points for clean sheets. Southampton have seven clean sheets, second only to Chelsea, and Van Dijk has featured in every one of them.
However, his goal against Tottenham, albeit during a crushing defeat, warrants him being considered as a goal threat as well.
The Saints centre back has won more aerial duels [85] than any other defender in the league and is a real threat from set-pieces.
NATHAN AKE [BOURNEMOUTH – 4.4m]
The former Chelsea player has only become a regular this season over the last few weeks. Three goals in six starts is a quite remarkable return.
Bournemouth’s next six fixtures are favourable as well apart from a game at home to Arsenal on January 3.
AFC Bournemouth 4 - 3 FC Liverpool | @NathanAke winning goal 4-3 #bouliv #Bournemouth @afcbournemouth @UTCIAD pic.twitter.com/q3wNjrGDa7
— Fan Footage Goals (@FanFootageGoals) December 5, 2016
SCOTT DANN [CRYSTAL PALACE – 5.2m]
Out of these three options, Scott Dann is probably the one I’d rate most highly. He has two goals to his name so far but expect that to change with Sam Allardyce taking charge.
Set-pieces are going to be key to any sort of resurgence Palace hope to have and Dann is one of their chief aerial threats.
It’s worth noting that the centre-back has the biggest threat rating among defenders in the league at 272. He’s constantly getting on the end of things and with Allardyce’s routines coming into play, he’s bound to get more chances.
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