Welcome back to Who Got The Points! Thanks for being a subscriber to your daily FPL fix. In today's edition, we're breaking down the defensive contribution stars from Gameweek 10 and revealing why midfielders like Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo might be the most underrated picks in FPL right now.
🚨 Injury News Bulletin
Jean-Philippe Mateta
Declan Rice
Moisés Caicedo Corozo
Before we dive into the analysis, here's what you need to know for Gameweek 11 team selection:
✅ Cole Palmer is fit and available after injury concerns were dismissed by Enzo Maresca
⚠️ Pedro Neto picked up a minor knock - monitor Chelsea's team news closely
👀 Iliman Ndiaye came off against Everton with no serious update yet - watch Regis Le Bris's pressers
😴 Justin Woltemade described as 'fatigued' - potential minutes risk ahead
📈 Granit Xhaka (£5.1m) at Sunderland continues to impress with strong underlying numbers
🛡️ Defensive Contribution Kings: The Midfielders Playing Like Defenders
Here's the secret that many FPL managers are missing: defensive midfielders can deliver the best of both worlds - clean sheets, bonus points from defensive stats, and goals and assists. Let's break down the top performers from Gameweek 10.
Declan Rice (Arsenal, £6.8m) - 13 Points
The Arsenal midfielder delivered a masterclass in Gameweek 10:
⚽ 1 goal vs Newcastle
🧤 Clean sheet secured
⏱️ Full 90 minutes played
🌟 3 bonus points for dominant display
📊 Season totals: 2 goals, 4 assists, 6 clean sheets
👥 Ownership: 17.1% (+300,000 transfers in)
💰 Total points: 63
Verdict: Essential for those who can afford him. Rice combines elite defensive contributions with genuine attacking output, making him a unique midfield asset. His ability to earn bonus points through tackles and interceptions while also scoring and assisting makes him one of the most well-rounded picks in FPL.
Moises Caicedo (Chelsea, £6.0m) - 10 Points
The Chelsea midfielder is becoming impossible to ignore:
🎯 1 assist
🧤 Clean sheet
⏱️ 90 minutes played
🌟 2 bonus points
📊 Season totals: 3 goals, 1 assist, 3 clean sheets
👥 Ownership: 20.5% (+260,000 transfers in)
💰 Total points: 58
Verdict: Excellent value at £6.0m. His defensive stats are elite, and Chelsea's improving defense under Enzo Maresca makes him an interesting option for those building Chelsea coverage. He offers a unique blend of defensive security and attacking potential at a very reasonable price point.
Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace, £5.0m) - 10 Points
The Palace defender continues his stellar season:
🧤 Clean sheet
⏱️ Full 90 minutes
🌟 2 bonus points
📊 Season totals: 1 goal, 3 assists, 4 clean sheets
👥 Ownership: 34.4% (+125,000 transfers in)
💰 Total points: 64
Verdict: Essential at this price point. Guéhi's attacking threat from set pieces combined with Palace's improving defense under Oliver Glasner makes him excellent value. His ownership has exploded for good reason - he's the complete defensive package.
📉 Top Transfers Out: Who to Avoid
Micky Van de Ven (Spurs, £4.8m) - 2 Points
⏱️ 90 minutes played but conceded vs Wolves
📊 Season: 4 clean sheets, 3 goals
👥 Ownership: 32.7% (+73,000 in, -45,000 out)
⚠️ Fixtures turn difficult
❌ Spurs' defensive inconsistency is concerning
Verdict: Hold if you have him, but don't buy now. There are better defensive options available with easier fixtures.
Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland, £4.2m) - 1 Point
⏱️ 90 minutes in draw with Everton
📊 Season: 3 clean sheets, 1 goal
👥 Ownership: 5.5% (+22,000 transfers in)
❓ Questions about nailed status long-term
💰 Works as enabler fodder if needed
Verdict: Hold if you need the cash elsewhere, but don't expect huge returns. Sunderland's defensive numbers aren't elite.
Tyler Walker (Burnley, £4.4m) - 1 Point
⏱️ 90 minutes but Burnley conceded again
📊 Season: Only 2 clean sheets, 19 goals conceded, 1 assist
👥 Ownership: 1.6% (more selling than buying)
❌ Burnley's defense is leaky
🚫 Tough fixtures ahead
Verdict: Sell if you own him. Plenty of better budget options exist at similar price points.
💎 Elite Differentials Under 10% Ownership
Want to gain ground in your mini-leagues? These low-owned gems could be the difference-makers:
Carlos Gomez (Brighton, £4.9m) - 16 POINTS! 🚀
⚽⚽ 2 goals
🧤 Clean sheet
⏱️ 80 minutes played
🌟 Maximum 3 bonus points
📊 Season: 2 goals, 0 assists
👥 Ownership: Only 0.2%! (Elite differential)
💰 Incredible value at £4.9m
The Analysis: Gomez is playing higher up the pitch recently under Fabian Hurzeler, and Brighton's fixtures are favorable. The risk is minutes, but at this price with this upside, he's worth the gamble for those chasing in mini-leagues. If he continues starting, he could be the steal of the season.
Matty O'Reilly (Man City, £4.9m) - 8 Points
⚽ 1 goal
⏱️ Full 90 minutes
📊 Season: 1 goal, 1 assist, 4 clean sheets
👥 Ownership: Only 1.1%
🛡️ City defensive coverage at budget price
📈 Starting to nail down his spot under Pep
The Analysis: Despite Pep Guardiola's rotation, O'Reilly is becoming more secure in his starting position. City's fixtures improve, and he offers both defensive security and attacking potential. At £4.9m with Man City's clean sheet potential, he's an intriguing differential for those seeking budget options.
👑 Captaincy Strategy for Gameweek 11
Safe Pick: Mohamed Salah vs Aston Villa (H). Liverpool at home, Salah in sensational form - it's the obvious choice and for good reason.
Differential Captain: Erling Haaland vs Wolves (H). Manchester City need to bounce back, and Wolves' defense has been vulnerable. If you're chasing in your mini-league and your rivals have Salah captained, Haaland offers a genuine differential with massive upside.
🔑 Key Takeaway: The Defensive Midfielder Strategy
Don't overlook midfielders with defensive contributions. Players like Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo are essentially defenders who play in midfield positions, delivering:
✅ Clean sheet points
✅ Bonus points from tackles and interceptions
✅ Goals and assists
✅ Consistent minutes
✅ Premium team defensive coverage
This dual threat makes them essential for building balanced squads. They give you the best of both worlds and can be the difference between a good rank and a great one.
⏰ Important Reminders
🕐 Gameweek 11 deadline: Saturday at 11:00 GMT
📰 Monitor team news throughout the week
👨✈️ Don't forget to set your captain
🔄 Consider your transfer strategy carefully
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That's all for today's edition! Make your moves wisely, and good luck in Gameweek 11. We'll be back tomorrow with more FPL insights.
Until next time, The Who Got The Points Team