Key Takeaways

• Priority Transfer Target: Arsenal defenders are the standout buy. Their exceptional upcoming fixtures (Burnley (A), Sunderland (A)) are backed by elite defensive data (Gabriel 0.33 GC/90, 6 CS).
• Explosive Upside: J.Timber offers immense attacking threat, having already registered 2 goals and 2 assists. His Expected Goal Involvements (xGI) of 2.49 proves this is sustainable.
• Time to Sell: We recommend selling Liverpool defenders. Virgil's poor metrics (2 CS, 1.56 GC/90) combined with dreadful upcoming fixtures (Aston Villa (H), Man City (A)) make him a poor hold.

Which defenders offer the best value for Gameweek 10?

Our analysis points directly to the Arsenal defence as the standout investment for Gameweek 10, whilst Crystal Palace offers intriguing differential value. Conversely, our data shows it is time to move on from Liverpool defenders.

We are not just guessing; we are using the fplstatslab.com Fixture Analyser. This tool clearly shows Arsenal have two of the best upcoming fixtures: Burnley (A) and Sunderland (A). This is the 'fixture swing' we look for. But good fixtures must be backed by good data. Using our Player Comparison Tool, we can see Arsenal's defensive metrics are exceptional. Gabriel, for example, has conceded only 0.33 goals per 90 minutes and has already racked up 6 clean sheets. His teammate J.Timber is not far behind, with 5 clean sheets and a 0.39 GC/90. This combination of form, data, and fixtures is a green light. You can use the Fixture Analyser yourself to spot the next big fixture swing for your team.

Who is the best attacking defender to target?

Based on both underlying data (xGI) and actual output (goals/assists), Arsenal's J.Timber and Crystal Palace's Muñoz are the clear priorities for managers seeking attacking returns from their defence.

Let's use the fplstatslab.com Player Comparison Tool to compare the attacking threat of our top targets. The data is compelling:

• J.Timber (Arsenal): He has been incredibly explosive, registering 2 goals and 2 assists from just 8 starts. His underlying numbers back this up, with an impressive Expected Goal Involvements (xGI) of 2.49, showing this output is no fluke.
• Muñoz (Crystal Palace): He is a fantastic differential, selected by only 14.0%. He has already delivered 3 assists and 1 goal, and his Expected Assists (xA) per 90 of 0.2 is in the elite tier for defenders, suggesting more returns are coming.
• Guéhi (Crystal Palace): Interestingly, Guéhi matches his teammate's output with 1 goal and 3 assists, but his underlying xGI of 1.87 is lower than Muñoz's 2.64, suggesting Muñoz may be the more sustainable attacking pick.

Both Timber and Muñoz combine this attacking threat with good clean sheet potential in their upcoming home fixtures.

Is it time to sell Virgil and Liverpool defenders?

Yes, our data provides a clear signal to sell Liverpool defenders. Their poor defensive numbers and extremely difficult upcoming fixtures make them a 'rank killer' to own right now.

This is a classic case of data and fixtures aligning. First, let's look at the fplstatslab.com Fixture Analyser. Liverpool face Aston Villa (H) followed by Man City (A). These are two of the most difficult fixtures in the league, making clean sheets highly unlikely. Second, the performance data is just not there.Virgil has secured only 2 clean sheets in 9 matches and is conceding 1.56 goals per 90 minutes. His attacking threat is also non-existent, with 0 goals, 0 assists, and a tiny 0.58 xGI. Despite his high ownership (25.3%), holding him now is ignoring the data. This is a prime opportunity to move to an Arsenal defender.

Your GW10 Defender Questions Answered

We've looked through the most common questions on Reddit and Google this week. Here are the data-driven answers.

Is Gabriel (36.3% owned) or Timber (23.3% owned) the better Arsenal pick?

This depends on your strategy. Our data shows Gabriel is the more reliable 'clean sheet' magnet, with 6 CS and a slightly lower xGC/90 of 0.59. However, Timber offers far more explosive upside with 4 goal involvements (2G, 2A) and a much higher xGI of 2.49. If you need to make up rank, Timber is the high-upside differential. If you want a reliable, 'nailed on' source of points, Gabriel is your man.

I own both Muñoz and Guéhi. Should I sell one?

A 'double up' on the Crystal Palace defence is a viable strategy given their next two home games. Both have identical clean sheet (3) and goals conceded (9) numbers. They also have identical attacking output (1G, 3A each). However, our data shows Muñoz has the higher underlying attacking attacking threat (xGI 2.64 vs Guéhi's 1.87). If you had to sell one to fund another move, Guéhi's lower attacking data and higher ownership (32.5% vs 14.0%) might make him the one to part with.

Want to dive deeper into the numbers? Visit FPL Stats Lab to access our comprehensive suite of analytical tools and make data-driven decisions for your team.