Should we sell our Newcastle defenders?

As we approach a double Gameweek in 29 we try to answer a question on many FPL managers minds, should we sell our Newcastle defenders? Using the fixture ticker and underlying defensive stats from Fantasy Football Scout we come to a conclusion.

Double Gameweek 29 is one of the most significant parts of the season and can also have a detrimental affect on rank and mini-league position. As we approach the new round a lot of questions will be looming over managers. So, should we sell our Newcastle defenders?

Fixtures

As you can see, Newcastle rank sixth on the fixture ticker from now until the end of the season. This shows that Newcastle have the sixth best fixtures. They also face a double Gameweek against Manchester United and West Ham in Gameweek 29.

The fixture ticker is also correct in that Newcastle have a fixture in Gameweek 32 (almost certain that some teams will have a blank Gameweek). What the fixture ticker does not show is that there are potential double Gameweeks coming up in Gameweek 34 and 37. However, Newcastle are unlikely to double in any of those.

Newcastle’s defensive stats this season

This season amongst all teams in the league Newcastle rank the best for goals conceded (19), joint best for clean sheets kept (12), third best for shots in the box conceded (163), third best for shots on target conceded (84) and second best for big chances conceded (36).

As we can see Newcastle have been one of the strongest teams in the league defensively this season, which is why many managers invested heavily in their defence.

Newcastle’s defensive stats in the last six Gameweeks

Amongst all teams in the last six Gameweeks Newcastle rank joint worst for clean sheets kept (zero), second best for shots in the box conceded (27) and around mid-table for other key defensive data points. This suggests that there has been a significant drop off from the Newcastle defence.

Kieran Trippier

Kieran Trippier (£6.1m) is a separate factor in himself. He sits as the highest owned defender in the game (66%). The full-back offers a lot more than just clean sheets like his teammates Sven Botman (£4.5m) and Fabian Schar (£5m).

Trippier dominates underlying distribution stats amongst all defenders this season. He tops key data points like crosses, successful crosses, chances created and big chances created. As well as taking set pieces and being a free kick specialist Trippier has become one of the most reliable assets in the game this season.

Other options in the game

Chelsea’s increasing defensive form means assets like Ben Chilwell (£6m), Reece James (£5.8m) and Wesley Fofana (£4.3m) are becoming more and more appealing. Brighton are also maintaining some great defensive stats and also offer up options like Pervis Estupinan (£4.8m).

Manchester United sit top of the fixture ticker so their defensive assets like Luke Shaw (£5.2m) and Aaron Wan Bissaka (£4.3m) could become better options.

Should we sell our Newcastle defenders?

For those with just Kieran Trippier then he could be an easy hold. His elite distribution stats give him much more potential than his defensive counter parts. For managers with the likes of Sven Botman and Fabian Schar, they could decide to sell. They may have a double Gameweek ahead but they also face some of the best scoring teams over the next period which limits their points ceiling. Some managers may want to persist with the Botman and Schar but with other defensive options becoming increasingly appealing and with more offensive threat, they could easily be sold.