The Hard Tackle lists four candidates to join your FPL teams to replace Dan Burn, Cristian Romero, and Destiny Udogie heading into Gameweek 12.
The 2023/24 Premier League season continues this weekend with Gameweek 12. While fans will be eager to see their clubs picking up maximum points, FPL managers are getting their teams in order ahead of Saturday morning’s deadline.
injuries and suspension to popular defenders are the subject of attention this week. So, a raft of changes might be on the cards for FPL managers heading to Saturday. That is because while Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie are out for the next few games, Dan Burn has picked up an injury.
In addition, another Tottenham Hotspur mainstay, Micky van de Ven, has sustained an injury, with Matty Cash doubtful after picking up a knock last weekend. So, a crisis is gradually engulfing the defensive units in most teams this week.
So, FPL managers have to resort to the drawing board to identify the best strategy to replace the unavailable trio and more. With that in mind, The Hard Tackle presents a list of four centre-backs to have on your radar before finalising their transfers for Gameweek 12.
Kostas Tsimikas (£4.6)
Our list begins with a player who has featured in a few of our recent FPL columns. He has a free reign in the Liverpool lineup, even if he finds himself on the bench a few times. We are talking about Kostas Tsimikas.
The Greek international has a new lease of life at Anfield after Andrew Robertson picked up a long-term shoulder injury. With the Scottish international unlikely to return until next year, Tsimikas has a golden opportunity to take Jurgen Klopp by storm.
He also has a mean cross that can leave opposition defenders sweating when he has the ball around the box. More importantly, his price tag of £4.6 means FPL managers will save considerable money once they overcome their last injury and suspension crisis.
Jamaal Lascelles (£4.0)
A budget route into Newcastle's defence 🏁
Jamaal Lascelles is a recent #FPL price riser 📈 pic.twitter.com/4pEQjY4WEI
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) October 26, 2023
From one cost-effective option to another, this time, we are moving from Liverpool to Newcastle United. And what better way to replace the injured Dan Burn than by picking one of his teammates? We are talking about Jamaal Lascelles.
The 29-year-old has often been a dependable performer whenever Newcastle United have taken to the pitch. Yet, Lascelles found himself out of the team once Sven Botman arrived at St. James’ Park. But then the experienced defender bode his time, waiting for an opportunity to present itself. That came when Botman picked up an injury.
Now, with Dan Burn also on the sidelines, investing in another Newcastle United defender is sensible. But Kieran Trippier is too expensive at £7.0. That brings Jamaal Lascelles into the picture. With Botman’s fitness update unclear, the Englishman, at £4.0, is the ideal alternative for you to persist with the best defensive unit at Newcastle United.
William Saliba (£5.2)
One of the best young defensive talents out there 💪
William Saliba is something else 😮💨#UCL pic.twitter.com/BtEThFwnP9
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 8, 2023
Budget options have been the running theme thus far on this list, considering the price tags of the players who have become unavailable. But if you have the legroom to spend a little more, going ahead with William Saliba might be the right choice.
The Frenchman has been a rock at the back for Arsenal, excelling match after match despite having various partners this term. That has enabled him to become the FPL player with the fifth-highest points tally thus far this season.
The Gunners have allowed the fewest shots on target (22). Meanwhile, they are second in the GA list (9). So, Saliba, who also poses a goal threat, is the ideal defender to invest in to replace the unavailable group of players.
Tyrick Mitchell (£4.6)
Eddie Nketiah and Tyrick Mitchell are on the up 📈
Have you made a move for either of them in #FPL recently? 🤝 pic.twitter.com/aFH9NxBNqw
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) November 7, 2023
Our list ends with another budget option to replace Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, and Ben Godfrey. Coming into the picture with a price tag of a mere £4.6, this player can be a wildcard into your teams. We are talking about Tyrick Mitchell.
Amid Joachim Andersen’s exploits this season, Mitchell has gone under the radar thus far this term. Interestingly, Mitchell ranks fourth in the list of most points among defenders, with only Kieran Trippier, Andersen, and Ben White ahead of him.
The 24-year-old is part of the team with the joint-most clean sheets this season. In addition, Crystal Palace’s upcoming fixtures are appealing, making the club’s defenders attractive targets. So, at £4.6, Mitchell can be a cost-effective option to add to your FPL teams.
