19 Sep, 2024

Game Week 5: Nottingham Forest – FPL’s Best Cheap Defenders

Why Nottingham Forest’s defence is legitimate, and which pieces you want to own.

Game Week 5: Nottingham Forest – FPL’s Best Cheap Defenders

 

Nottingham Forest are not a team you would traditionally associate with a stellar defensive record. However, their recent form is definitely not to be scoffed at. Over the course of their first 3 games they had only conceded 2 goals, however their opposition during this time was struggling Southampton, struggling Wolves and mid-table Bournemouth. As a result, many FPL managers were not considering Forest defenders as, until last week, they were yet to face any of the leagues top attacks. Until they paid Anfield a visit…

Liverpool don’t just have one of the best attacks in the premier league, they have one of the best attacks on the planet. Fresh off scoring 7 goals in their last 3 games, including a 3-0 drubbing of Man United, the home team entered the game as heavy favourites. Their previous XG from those games being 3.93, 2.72 and 2.10 respectively. Forest shocked the league by not only holding Liverpool to 0 goals but also to 1.17 XG. In fact, in 2024 they have conceded an average XG of only 1.18, with only City, Arsenal and Liverpool holding better records. Far from fluking a win under a barrage, as one could infer from the scoreline, Forest had success in limiting Liverpool’s opportunities.

Liverpool followed up this defeat by putting 3 past AC Milan in midweek at the San Siro, and looked every bit the dominant side we saw through the first 3 games of the season. Providing further testament to the magnitude of their achievement against Liverpool.

This Forest defense is legit and its here to stay, and with a comfortable run of fixtures in their next 5, including Fulham, Palace and Leicester, now is the time to stock up on Forest defenders.  Our favourite being Ola Aina (£4.4m), whose extra discount at £4.4m means he can provide great cover for other players who have experienced a price drop, and whose 5 bonus points also put him highest of any Forest defenders. Murillo (£4.5m) and Milenkovic (£4.5m) also provide solid options at CB, but we would steer clear of both Moreno (£4.4m) and Williams (£4.5m) until a regular starter emerges. Check out our Transfer Wizard to keep track on who the experts prefer.

 

Last Updated: 19/09