The Scout looks at clubs who can be paired together effectively to help Fantasy Premier League managers make a strong start in 2022/23.
Brighton and Leicester
Brighton & Hove Albion were among the best defences in Fantasy last season keeping 11 clean sheets, a total that was only bettered by six other sides.
The Seagulls conceded just 44 goals in 2021/22, placing them sixth overall; only last season's top four and Wolverhampton Wanderers let in fewer.
Leicester City, meanwhile, were far more reliable for defensive returns at King Power Stadium.
The Foxes claimed six of their seven clean sheets at home. That total was surpassed by only six other sides, level with Brighton and Chelsea.
Brighton and Leicester combine to provide managers with a very favourable run of opponents from the start of the season.
How to rotate from the start
| GW | Team | Opp |
| 1 | LEI | BRE (H) |
| 2 | BHA | NEW (H) |
| 3 | LEI | SOU (H) |
| 4 | BHA | LEE (H) |
| 5 | BHA | FUL (A) |
| 6 | BHA | LEI (H) |
| 7 | LEI | AVL (H) |
| 8 | BHA | CRY (H) |
| 9 | LEI | NFO (H) |
| 10 | LEI | BOU (A) |
| 11 | LEI | CRY (H) |
| 12 | BHA | NFO (H) |
By selecting the side with the best fixture, they would face only one of last term’s top 10 in the first 12 Gameweeks. This occurs in Gameweek 6, when the two clubs meet at Amex Stadium.
Crucially, this pairing offers 10 home matches over that period.
Indeed, on the two occasions when managers would have to pick a player with an away match, both those fixtures are against promoted sides.
Those occur in Gameweek 5, when Brighton visit Fulham, and in Gameweek 10, when Leicester travel to AFC Bournemouth.
Pairing up Robert Sanchez and Kasper Schmeichel could appeal to managers who prefer to rotate their goalkeepers.
Best of Sanchez 2021/22
Loads and loads of Sanchez saves. 😍🧤 pic.twitter.com/AGuHR47l7r
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) June 21, 2022
Both Brighton and Leicester also boast defenders with strong all-round potential.
Seagulls wing-back Marc Cucurella combined a goal and an assist with 11 clean sheets and 21 bonus points over his 35 appearances last term.
Having returned from a long-term injury, Leicester full-back James Justin could also reward investors.
He averaged 4.4 points per match in 2020/21, thanks to two goals, two assists, nine clean sheets and 13 bonus.
Also in this series
Part 1: How to guarantee home matches for your picks
Part 2: Pair up Leeds and Brentford for great early fixtures
Part 4: Mings and Zemura a value pairing
Part 5: Guehi and Jonny can reward early investment
Part 6: Team up White and Burn for clean sheets
