MID & DEF TRANSFER TIPS GAMEWEEK 21 (Salah and Son replacements)

Hello fellow managers.

The Gameweek 21 transfer deadline has been moved forward to Friday 12 January at 6.15 PM.

So, without further ado, let’s get into it.

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• Defensive options for Gameweek 21

• Midfielder options for Gameweek 21

Trent Alexander-Arnold replacements

TAA has reached more FPL points than any other defender this season, so his absence will be a blow for some managers. 

According to Liverpool's assistant manager, “Trent hyperextended his knee, so he has a little tear in the lateral ligament of his knee.” 

Ooof.

So, that means the in-form Englishman will be out for the Reds’ Gameweek 21 trip to Bournemouth… 

… and there’s a big chance that he will miss the Gameweek 22 fixture against Chelsea. 

For those of you looking for replacements, let’s look at the options… 

P.S Colwill has not been included in the analysis because many active FPL managers already have him but he is a great option if he does start this weekend. He was criticised for his performance midweek hence the rumours about him not starting but Chelsea’s underlying defensive stats are decent. 

Defensive options

Kieran Trippier (£6.7m) is the first option to consider. 

He had a strong start to the season. Despite only achieving three points from the last five gameweeks, the Newcastle skipper is second for total points amongst defenders.

This is not surprising considering his seven assists and six clean sheets.

It’s not news that when Trippier plays well, he can rack up many points for his FPL backers. 

While the next couple of gameweeks will be tough with Manchester City (H) and Aston Villa (A), Newcastle’s fixture run does get a lot better.

The problem? Given the longer gaps between each gameweek, there’s a chance TAA will be back in action by then.

A risk… but one that could pay off in troves. 

Then there’s Pervis Estupinan (£5m), an FPL favourite before his injury. 

In eight appearances this season, he had five goal involvements (two goals, three assists) and was arguably the best value-for-money defensive pick. 

With Brighton keeping just one clean sheet this season, he’s not an option that will secure a lot of defensive returns. 

There will be a question mark around the number of minutes he will get as Roberto De Zerbi will likely ease the Ecuadorian back into the team. 

If his minutes are secure, he’s a great long-term option considering Brighton’s next six fixtures. 

They’re sixth for goals scored (38) this season, and there’s no doubt that Estupinan will play a role in them going forward.

Lastly, there’s William Saliba (£5.6m).

Some managers have been keen to offload Arsenal’s defensive assets - understandably. 

But if you do have Saliba in your current squad, it might be worth keeping him considering Arsenal’s decent fixture run. 

The Gunners are also first in the league for expected goals conceded (16.8) and first for expected clean sheets (9.4). 

FPL managers will be hoping that Arsenal return to form after the break. 

Midfielder options

Mohamed Salah and Heung-min Son are out for one to four gameweeks which gives FPL managers two dilemmas.

1. Should you replace them?

2. Who should you replace them with?

The current consensus is that Son is a sell and Salah is a keep (if you can afford to keep him). 

Why? Well, Son could blank in GW 26 and GW 29 due to cup runs and he will be out of GW 21 and GW 22. 

South Korea are third favourites to win the entire Asia Cup so most likely be out until GW 24. 

In short… Son could miss a minimum of four of the next nine GWs. 

There’s less of a rush to get rid of Salah. He could have a double fixture in GW25 plus there will be more information on Liverpool’s fixture schedule by the GW 22 deadline which is over two weeks away. 

Apart from the template picks - Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon - who are the next best alternative midfielder assets? 

Let’s start with Phil Foden (£7.9m) who is in red-hot form. He has four attacking returns in three games is great for any FPL asset. 

Foden has looked immune from rotation in recent weeks given his excellent form and has been rewarded with four consecutive 90 minutes in the league.

With Erling Haaland (£13.9m) expected to appear on the bench this week and Kevin De Bruyne (£10.3m) back from injury, Foden’s minutes will be less secure. 

If Foden continues to start, City has a decent fixture run which could make him a great bet. 

If you’re looking for good form and fixtures for under £6.5m, Pascal Gross (£6.4m) might be your man.

He has four attacking returns in six games, plus the next six fixtures provide attacking return potential.

Gross has played more minutes than other Brighton player this season. 

But, as he’s played six different positions this season, it’s difficult to predict where he’ll be on the pitch. This can be frustrating for FPL managers.

Despite this, his underlying stats have been consistent. 

He has a higher expected goal involvement (xGI) than Raheem Sterling (£7.1m), James Ward-Prowse (£6.0), Douglas Luiz (£5.6m), Richarlison (£6.9m) and Marcus Rashford (£8.4m).

Talking of Richarlison (£6.9m) he has the seventh-highest expected goals (xG) in the league this season and the fourth-highest if you exclude the players who are unavailable for GW 21.

The Spurs attacker has been in great form with five goals in five games, and his upcoming fixtures will be tempting for some FPL managers. 

Despite the strong form and decent fixtures, he has a couple of potential negatives to consider:

1. It’s unclear how Timo Werner’s loan signing will impact Richarlison's place in the team (if at all). Given the German can play out wide and upfront, I expect Richarlison to keep his place upfront. 

2. Spurs could blank in GW 26 and 29 depending on cup runs.