Player Selection: The Back Four

Your choice of defenders heavily impact what you can do with the rest of your team, so it may be an idea to work backwards and select the strikers and midfielders first. My advice would be that you aren't looking for any defenders above 6.5 million and if you choose 4 defenders rather than 3, you're looking for one defender for under 5 million. If you've plucked for 5 at the back then I have no words for you.

You should always practise what you preach so here is my current back 4 and coincidentally ones I would recommend taking a look at

Coleman EVE 5.6million

Seamus Coleman has looked promising ever since he arrived at Goodison Park from Sligo Rovers in 2009. A pacey full back who isn't afraid to get forward, Coleman is likely to pick up a few assists if he's regularly picked by Roberto Martinez. Since the retirement of Phil Neville and the recent injuries of Tony Hibbert, Coleman has emerged as the number one Right Back choice for Everton. With 5 assists last season, it's almost certain that he'll improve on that record for the coming season.

Shawcross STO 5.7million

While not as solid as they were last season, Stoke still brought in their fair share of clean sheets and to top that, Ryan Shawcross chipped in with the odd goal and assist to boost his total last season to 108; the 11th best defender. No longer under Pulis, I would hope that Mark Hughes doesn't try to alter Stoke's methodology (so to speak) as quickly as he would probably like to. I still see Stoke being a solid team who don't give too much away at the back.

Riether FUL 5.5million

Not the best full back in the Prem by a long stretch, but reasonable for the price. I'm relying on Fulham to be a little bit more solid at the back this season, but Riether has nailed down his place in the Fulham team and chipped in with 6 assists last season.

Clyne SOT 4.8million

Another player who is a consistent starter for their team. Clyne was the last defender I chose for my team so I was working with limited funds, but I feel that with a season of experience and decent opening fixtures for The Saints, Clyne could be a risky but worthy investment.




Other Reasonably Priced Defenders:

Gibbs ARS 6.2 million
Dawson TOT 6.1 million
Distin EVE 5.7 million
Riise FUL 5.5 million
Coloccini NEW 5.4 million