Goal.com

28/09/2012 9:56:00 AM

Fantasy Football expert Adrian Houghton explains why building from the back can be the difference when your key players further afield fail to fire

ANALYSIS By ADRIAN HOUGHTON

Follow him on Twitter

Week 5 of Goal.com's EPL Fantasy saw some mixed results across the board.

It poses the question of how Fantasy managers maximize scoring results if key playmakers do not make an impact?

The focus for this week's upcoming fixtures will be on trying to secure valuable defenders.

First and foremost, appearances and clean sheets are imperative for any defender, but finding potential scoring players is the real key.

It can give you a direct edge on the rest of the competition.

Here are some players who Fantasy managers might like to pay special attention to and possibly fit into their squads.

Leighton Baines – Everton (£8,930,000)

Arguably the league's best left-back, Baines poses a threat from set-pieces and when pushing forward.

Garry Cahill – Chelsea (£7,110,000)

Is becoming first-choice in the heart of defence. Has a lethal boot on him and can provide scoring power from set-pieces with his strong aerial ability.

It's not too late to get involved! Sign up and build your team here!

Ashley Cole – Chelsea (26 points)

Chelsea's ever reliable left-back continues his good form and a last-gasp winner against Stoke made him this week's top scorer – £9,520,000.

Rickie Lambert – Southampton (24 points)

Scored a fine brace in his side's first win of the campaign. At 29, has started impressively in his maiden top-flight campaign – £8,200,000.

Kevin Nolan – West Ham United (20 points)

The West Ham skipper has been nothing short of sensational this season. His third goal on the weekend has made him one of the best Fantasy performers thus far – £9,530,000.

The City captain is owned by almost 15% of Fantasy mangers and with a severe price decline of 2,720,000 is one of the biggest underachievers so far this season – £7,110,000.

Theo Walcott – Arsenal (4 points)

Limited to a substitute role, the England international is battling to work his way into the Arsene Wenger's thinking and is hurting anyone who selected the winger – £7,490,000. 

Fabio Borini – Liverpool (2 points)

Brendan Rodgers first signing as Reds boss has failed to produce the goods and without a goal has struggled to vindicate his first-team position – £4,940,000.

Goal Australia now has its own and account, so for all the latest news and features on Australian and world football follow us by clicking on the above links.

100% first deposit bonus up to $200