Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers looking to invest in defenders should take a close look at the options offered by Everton’s backline.
Us Fixture sticker says the Toffees have the second-best schedule for the next six gameweeks.
If key forwards are injured, on international assignment, or simply not shooting, their defenders are the top Fantasy targets for this run.
As you would expect from a David Moyes team, Everton’s backline has been performing well and have kept four clean sheets in their last seven outings.
The question is which defender is the better buy: Michael Keane (£4.7 million) or James Tarkowski (£5.5m)?
There are few differences between these two mainstays in terms of points, with Keane being the sixth-best FPL defender of the season. He has 81 points and Tarkowski is right behind with 77.
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It’s been quite a season for Keane, who almost certainly wouldn’t have been a starter had it not been for hamstring surgery that left him Jarrad Branthwaite (£5.3 million) completely absent.
Although he is on the road to recovery, Branthwaite won’t return to action for a few weeks, so Keane’s short-term availability appears secure. What also helps is that he plays so well.
“Jarrad is now getting closer to returning to the grass and we hope to have him there by the end of the month, but it could take longer.
“He won’t integrate back for another two to three weeks, maybe longer, so it’s not like I’m going to get him back anytime soon. I’m just saying it’s starting to look better than it was, and we’re getting closer to that point.” [returning to training].
But I think my biggest concern is that he missed a big chunk of the season. [it’s] to get back on track quickly. But we need him back.” – David Moyes on Jarrad Branthwaite’s return, speaking on Tuesday
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Keane has missed just one match this season as a calf injury kept him out of the Gameweek 14 win over Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, Tarkowski has been ever-present, meaning he’s leaving fitness reliability behind.
However, Keane has managed to avoid receiving yellow cards so far as Tarkowski continues to walk the tightrope with four bookings. There are still two games to play before he is clear.
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