The Scout looks at clubs that can be paired together effectively to help Fantasy Premier League managers make a strong start in 2020/21.
Sheff Utd and Southampton
Sheffield United had one of the Premier League's sturdiest defences on their return to the top flight last season.
The Blades' 13 clean sheets ranked joint-fourth alongside Manchester United, Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Chris Wilder's rearguard were particularly reliable at Bramall Lane.
They claimed eight shutouts at home, a total bettered only by the 10 of Manchester City.
By selecting a player from each side in their initial squad, and benching the one who is playing away from home throughout the campaign, a Fantasy manager is guaranteed a home fixture in every Gameweek.
Southampton will alternate home fixtures with Sheff Utd throughout 2020/21.
How to rotate in GWs 1-12
| GW | Home team | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SHU | WOL |
| 2 | SOU | TOT |
| 3 | SHU | LEE |
| 4 | SOU | WBA |
| 5 | SHU | FUL |
| 6 | SOU | EVE |
| 7 | SHU | MCI |
| 8 | SOU | NEW |
| 9 | SHU | WHU |
| 10 | SOU | MUN |
| 11 | SHU | LEI |
| 12 | SOU | SHU |
By rotating Sheff Utd and Saints defenders over Gameweeks 1-12, managers would have a home match against just four of last season’s top six sides.
And on each of those occasions, the team playing away offer a more favourable fixture.
In Gameweeks 2 and 10 respectively, Southampton host Tottenham Hotspur and Man Utd, while Sheff Utd visit Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion.
The Blades host Man City in Gameweek 7 and Leicester in Gameweek 11. Across those respective Gameweeks, Southampton travel to Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Viable pairings
Sheff Utd wing-backs Enda Stevens and George Baldock (both £5.5m) are too expensive to be rotated with a Southampton player, but there are options elsewhere for the Blades.
Summer signing Aaron Ramsdale (£5.0m) could be partnered with Saints' Alex McCarthy (£4.5m) in goal. Both should be guaranteed save points as well as clean sheets.
But it is John Egan (£5.0m) and Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.5m) who appear to offer the strongest double-up option.
Attacking potential
Egan was one of the standout defenders for goal threat last term. He scored twice and his total of 27 shots inside the penalty area was the fourth-highest at the back.
Walker-Peters impressed during his loan spell at Southampton after the season resumed in June, and he has since secured a permanent transfer to the club.
He started in six of the final seven Gameweeks, producing at least six points on three of those occasions.
Walker-Peters' best moments for Saints
Prior to last season, the right-back supplied five FPL assists in just nine appearances for Spurs over 2017/18 and 2018/19.
By partnering Egan with Walker-Peters, managers can earn points in attack and defence from the outset for a combined cost of just £9.5m.
Gameweek 1 is only two weeks away! Register your team now at fantasy.premierleague.com.
Also in this series
Part 1: Pair up for home points
Part 2: Justin and Taylor offer outstanding value
Part 4: Dier and Vinagre can bring in early points
Part 5: How to alternate three defenders
