So, we're back. Let me know who you picked in goal in the comments section below. Tell me if you think I'm wrong and you chose Joe Hart AND David De Gea because F me, right?
Defence
Like goalkeepers, defenders are mainly scored on how many goals their team concedes, but are given healthy top ups for goals and assists. Due to this, picking attacking full backs makes far more sense than an old fashioned centre half. Looking at last seasons final standings it's clear to see, with the top 'true' centre back in 6th (Per Mertesacker) while Leighton Baines, Patrice Evra and Glen Johnson (I know, right?) were all ahead of him. Branislav Ivanovic placed between Evra and Johnson but played as a fullback at times and also chipped in with 5 goals which you cannot guarantee from a centre back season-by-season.
While attacking full backs can get you points at the top end of the field, you need to hope that their centre back team mates who you don't pick are doing their job.
Leighton Baines' huge point tally last season, while helped by his healthy goals and assists, also benefited from keeping 11 clean sheets and not conceding many goals. However, while Baines is good at tracking back and tackling, the majority of those clean sheets were mostly down to the partnership of Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka. While both earned over 100 points last season, Baines led the way, sharing their points and picking up extra with goals and assists.
This is the point, you need to think about the players you aren't picking, as much as those you are.
Here are my picks for this season.
Neil Taylor - Swansea - 4.5 million
Due to an horrific injury last season, Taylor missed the majority of the year and was covered by the impressive Ben Davies. However, Taylor is a supremely talented player who is just as happy to get forward as he is to defend and I fully expect him to wrestle his position back this season. The competent duo of Ashley Williams and Chico Flores will ensure Swansea don't ship in the goals.
Sascha Riether - Fulham - 5 million
Fulham were so impressed with their loanee Riether last season they have signed him permanently from FC Koln. I anticipate with another season in the Premier League he will enjoy even more attacking football in 2013/14. With Hangeland, Aaron Hughes and Senderos all jostling for the centre back position, you would hope they will also work hard to keep their place and defend their goal. With someone like Berbatov waiting for service, assists surely aren't hard to come by.
Darcy Blake - Crystal Palace - 4 million
A tricky pick, sort of influenced by price. However, if played at right back, has the ability to get forward and potentially send in assists for Kevin Phillips who has an excellent scoring record. Yes, Palace may concede like a sieve this season despite the Premier League experience of Ramage and Gabbidon but this guy is a punt from me. Also, if I know Palace are playing Man City and Swansea are playing Norwich, I'd make sure Blake is on the bench.
Younes Kaboul - Tottenham - 5 million
LIAR - You said no centre backs! I know, I know, but a season on the sidelines has seen Kaboul's stock slip down to a fairly cheap price. With Caulker off to Cardiff and Gallas released, expect a strong partnership between Kaboul and Dawson this season, with Lloris keeping the goals out.
Leighton Baines - Everton - 7.5 million
My splurge. It's easier to try and save your money for your strikers but Baines was up with the top points scorers last season. As I've mentioned, he benefits from a solid Everton defence and Roberto Martinez favours a different tactic to David Moyes. Last season at Wigan, Martinez employed Ryan Taylor and Jean Beausejour as advanced wing backs with three centre backs, almost a 3-5-2. I expect him to continue this attacking formation, with Alcaraz slotting between Distin and Jagielka. Playing further up the pitch, almost in midfield, will add to Baines' attacking game and help with goals, assists and ultimately points.
Smart picks
Jose Enrique - similar to Baines, often plays as an advanced defender
Cesar Azpilicueta - very attacking full back, I expect a very strong season
David Luiz - Has played in midfield numerous times, has great scoring technique (if he stays).
Avoid
John Terry - ARF!!!
Phil Jones - too heavily rotated
Aleksandar Kolarov - similar and expensive
Have a punt
Javier Garrido - if Norwich can keep out the goals, he'll get you points
Steven Caulker - Smart buy from Cardiff, let's see what he can do
John Stones - pre season or not, scoring in a shootout against Juventus like that is unreal.
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