The Scout looks at the Fantasy Premier League prospects of the three promoted sides in defence and attack.
Burnley defence
Vincent Kompany’s preference for attack-minded full-backs was a major factor in Burnley’s Championship-winning campaign.
Connor Roberts (pictured top) and Ian Maatsen each scored four goals and supplied six assists from 39 and 38 starts respectively.
Put into perspective, they both matched the exact output of set-piece taker Johann Berg Gudmundsson for the Clarets last season.
At present, right-back Roberts is their standout pick in defence in Fantasy because Maatsen has returned to his parent club Chelsea following his loan spell.
The underlying numbers also show Burnley will boast a strong threat down both flanks from defence in their 4-2-3-1 set-up.
Burnley's full-backs in 2022/23
| Statistic | Roberts | Maatsen |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 4 | 4 |
| Assists | 6 | 6 |
| Shots | 29 | 36 |
| Shots in box | 15 | 12 |
| Chances created | 41 | 40 |
Roberts and Maatsen were among their top five creators in 2022/23, supplying 41 and 40 key passes respectively.
Roberts also had a slight edge when it came to shots in the box, by 15 to 12.
Those similarities suggest managers should monitor Burnley’s transfer business over the summer, where the left-back role will be a priority for Kompany.
Strong at the back
The Clarets’ defensive record also boosts the appeal of their full-backs in 2023/24 Fantasy.
They recorded a league-high 21 clean sheets in the Championship, claiming 12 of those in home matches.
Burnley also had the best defensive record in the division, conceding 35 goals across their 46 fixtures.
The Welsh wizard 🪄 pic.twitter.com/ZtK6UfnzdE
— Burnley FC 🏆 (@BurnleyOfficial) June 7, 2023
They were also consistent across the campaign, allowing their opponents more than one goal on only six occasions.
A cost of £4.5m looks likely for all the starters across Kompany’s back four, along with goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.
Burnley’s tactics give both Roberts, and whoever will be left-back, the platform to provide big value in Fantasy next season.
Also in this series
Part 2: Burnley's Brownhill can be budget gem
Part 3: Sheff Utd defenders offer set-piece threat
Part 4: Sheff Utd's Ndiaye an all-round prospect
Part 5: Wing-backs' delivery vital for Luton
Part 6: Morris a huge influence for Luton
