The Scout looks at clubs who can be paired together effectively to help Fantasy Premier League managers make a strong start in 2021/22.
Burnley and Watford
Burnley have been among the most reliable defences for clean sheets in recent seasons.
Their total of 26 shutouts in the last two campaigns was identical to Manchester United and bettered by just three other sides.
Watford, meanwhile, boasted the best backline in last term's Championship.
Their 23 clean sheets and 30 goals conceded were both the best records in the division.
In particular, the appointment of Xisco Munoz as head coach midway through 2020/21 helped transform their prospects.
They conceded only three goals in 13 home matches under the Spaniard, claiming 11 clean sheets.
How to rotate from the start
| GW | Team | Opponent | FDR* |
| 1 | BUR | BHA (H) | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | WAT | BHA (A) | 3 |
| 3 | BUR | LEE (H) | 3 |
| 4 | WAT | WOL (H) | 2 |
| 5 | WAT | NOR (A) | 2 |
| 6 | WAT | NEW (H) | 2 |
| 7 | BUR | NOR (H) | 2 |
By selecting the side with the weaker opponent, managers would face only one of last season's top 11 sides in the first seven Gameweeks.
This occurs in Gameweek 3, when Burnley are at home to Leeds United.
At a cost of £5.5m, Clarets goalkeeper Nick Pope is too pricey to be regarded as a rotation option.
Target Burnley defenders
However, their back four are all less expensive, with full-backs Charlie Taylor and Matt Lowton the cheapest at £4.5m apiece.
Taylor's delivery down the left is a major weapon for Sean Dyche's side, his 105 crosses ranking third for Burnley last term.
Burnley centre-backs James Tarkowski and Ben Mee offer more goal threat, albeit at a more costly £5.0m each.
Their 21 and 20 shots inside the box respectively both ranked among the top 11 defenders in 2020/21.
Sierralta has all-round appeal
For Watford, right-back Kiko Femenia (£4.5m) was the best defender in terms of attacking returns, supplying four assists.
However, Francisco Sierralta (£4.5m) was a key figure at both ends of the pitch following the appointment of Munoz midway through last season.
Although he only scored once, the centre-back's 18 shots and 14 shots in the box ranked top among Watford’s backline in 2020/21.
His 169 clearances, blocks and interceptions was a team-leading total, suggesting Sierralta could earn bonus points whenever the Hornets keep a clean sheet.
By combining him with Taylor, managers can invest in the favourable Burnley and Watford combination for only £9.0m in their opening squads.
Also in the FPL rotation series
Part 1: Pair up to secure run of home matches
Part 2: Avoid top-half sides with Lamptey and Ayling
Part 3: Test promoted sides with Targett and Coady
Part 5: Get Coufal and Fofana to team up
Part 6: Pair Tierney with Pinnock for fast start
