The Scout looks at clubs who can combine effectively to help Fantasy Premier League managers make a strong start in 2020/21.
Villa, Palace and Newcastle
When looking for a defence to select only in home matches this season, Aston Villa are a prime example.
Dean Smith's men conceded in all 19 of their Premier League away fixtures in 2019/20.
Yet when playing at home, Villa matched Liverpool and Manchester United's total of seven clean sheets.
Newcastle United also claimed seven shutouts at their own stadium, while Crystal Palace registered six.
By selecting a player from each side in their initial squad, a Fantasy manager is guaranteed a home fixture in each of the first 15 Gameweeks.
How to rotate in Gameweeks 1-15
| GW | Home team | Opp. | GW | Home team | Opp. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CRY | SOU | 9 | AVL | BHA |
| 2 | NEW | BHA | 10 | CRY | NEW |
| 3 | CRY | EVE | 11 | AVL | NEW |
| 4 | NEW | BUR | 12 | NEW | WBA |
| 5 | CRY | BHA | 13 | AVL | BUR |
| 6 | AVL | LEE | 14 | NEW | FUL |
| 7 | NEW | EVE | 15 | AVL | CRY |
| 8 | CRY | LEE |
Managers can avoid all of last season's top nine sides by rotating Villa, Newcastle and Palace defenders over this period and picking the most favourable fixture.
For Villa, Kortney Hause (£4.5m) offers a cheaper alternative to Tyrone Mings (£5.0m) at the back.
Hause produced 20 shots inside the penalty area last term, more than any other defender for the West Midlands' side.
Palace also have cut-price options worth considering.
Value alternatives
Scott Dann (£4.5m) could prove a handy pick for opening squads and is likely to start the season due to a number of injuries to defensive regulars.
The Eagles' new arrival Nathan Ferguson (£4.0m) can also secure the right-back spot once he has recovered from a knee complaint.
Jamaal Lascelles (£4.5m) is the pick of Newcastle's cut-price defenders.
The Magpies’ captain is cheaper than fellow centre-backs Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez, who both cost £5.0m.
Switching between Villa, Palace and Newcastle defenders can help managers take advantage of a very strong run of home matches that extends almost to the halfway point of 2020/21.
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 3: Double up with Egan and Walker-Peters
Part 4: Dier and Vinagre can bring in early points
