Fantasy football is reaching the mid-point of the season as the 2018-19 Premier League season heats up heading into the festive period.
Old rivalries have been rekindled across the globe as fantasy managers preside over their squads, while new players will inevitably be introduced to the challenge.
Gathering as many points as possible is the aim of the game and choosing the right players is essential.
With the season under way, Goal takes a look at some of the best fantasy football defenders to choose for your team.
Best Fantasy Football Defenders
Naturally, when mulling over your options for defence in fantasy football, the first thing you need to consider is that likelihood that a defender will keep a clean sheet.
Generally speaking, that will mean looking at the top teams, but every now and then a mid-table team - such as Burnley last term - will be very hard to break down.
While keeping goals out is highly important, the best scoring fantasy football defenders tend to be those who find the net at the other end, so attacking full-backs, dead-ball specialists or centre-backs who pose an aerial threat are the best options.
Below are some of the best defenders to choose in fantasy football for 2018-19.
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Marcos Alonso | Chelsea | £7.1m
Wing-back Marcos Alonso was the most prolific defender in the Premier League in 2017-18, scoring seven goals from the left flank. That capacity for finding the net meant that he was among the top defenders in fantasy football for the second season in succession. Alonso has made the left side of defence his own at Stamford Bridge in the past two years and - surprise, surprise - is up there once more this season.
Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool | £6.1m
Liverpool's defence has improved significantly this season and that is partly down to the presence of Dutch colossus Virgil van Dijk. The towering centre-back has played his part as the Reds look set to end the season with one of the meanest goals against columns.
Aymeric Laporte | Man City | £6.1m
France international Aymeric Laporte has grown into his role at Manchester City this season and has catapulted himself up the score charts in fantasy football thanks to resolute defending. The 24-year-old has repaid the faith shown in him by Pep Guardiola and has become a solid choice for fantasy football managers.
Kyle Walker | Man City | £6.5m
As one of the most consistent performers in the division, Kyle Walker is among the most expensive defenders in fantasy football. The full-back, who can also play as part of a back three, likes to get forward to join in with attacks, something that is reflected in his stats for assists. Walker laid on six goals for City in his debut campaign at the club and will be expected to continue that habit in 2018-19.
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Andrew Robertson | Liverpool | £6.5m
It took Andrew Robertson a while to cement his place in the Liverpool starting XI, but once he did the Scotland international went from strength to strength. The 24-year-old contributed five assists and scored once in his first season at Anfield and, as the Reds attempt to push for the Premier League title, he will be expected to build on that.
Kieran Trippier | Tottenham | £6.1m
The 2017-18 season was Kieran Trippier's best in a Tottenham jersey as he finally stepped out from the shadow of Kyle Walker and he will be hoping to improve even more this season. The full-back likes to get forward and was one of the most creative defenders in the Premier League last term with seven assists. Trippier's accuracy from dead-ball situations is also an asset and he may have more opportunities for goals.
Antonio Rudiger | Chelsea | £6m
Germany international Antonio Rudiger has been given a more central role for Chelsea since the arrival of Maurizio Sarri and his performances have yielded plenty of fantasy football points already. The Blues have tightened up their defence and will be up there with Man City and Liverpool when it comes to keeping goals out of their net.
Best Fantasy Football Bargain Defenders
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Trent Alexander-Arnold | Liverpool | £5.3m
Right full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold's star is on the rise in 2018-19 and the Liverpool man looks to be emerging as a first-choice for both club and country. His pace and energy means he has the ability to get up and down the flank with ease and, what's more, he boasts tremendous set-piece ability.
Ricardo Pereira | Leicester City | £5.1m
Portugal international Ricardo Pereira has hit the ground running at Leicester City since arriving from Porto during the transfer window and he is a cheap alternative in fantasy football. An attacking full-back, Pereira will be chipping in with assists and goals throughout the season.
Matt Doherty | Wolves | £5m
Wolves wing-back Matt Doherty has been thriving in the Premier League and his marauding runs down the right flank have resulted in goals for Nuno Espirito Santo's men. The Republic of Ireland international's current form has him on course to finish the season as one of the top 10 defenders in fantasy football.
Shane Duffy | Brighton | £4.7m
A huge part of Brighton's survival in the Premier League in 2017-18 was their defence, in which twin pillars, Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk, figured prominently. Both players scored admirably in fantasy football, but Duffy's stats put him marginally ahead. No player in the Premier League made more blocks or clearances than the Republic of Ireland international last term and he has added more goals to his arsenal this season.