De Cuyper vs Vuskovic: Which Brighton Defender for FPL GW7?

If we were buying a Brighton defender for GW7, De Cuyper would be the more tempting pick. His advanced role gives him the attacking upside, while Vuskovic offers defensive-contribution points and has played more minutes so far. Both cost £5.1m, so the choice comes down to what you need from the slot.

There is also a good case for buying neither. Palace at home is followed by trips to Liverpool and Manchester City, with cup matches filling the gaps. For a team without an urgent defensive problem, this is an easy transfer to postpone.

De Cuyper gives you a winger in a defender slot

De Cuyper started on the left wing in Brighton’s first five league games despite being classified as a defender in FPL. That is the main reason to buy him: you get attacking involvement much further up the pitch than his FPL position suggests. Premier League analysis.

His goal at Sunderland showed the appeal. He ran on to Pascal Gross’s pass to score and also threatened directly from a corner. Before GW6, he had taken 12 of Brighton’s 27 corners, with Gross taking the other 15. His runs from open play and share of set pieces are an appealing combination at this price. Brighton’s match report, The Scout’s GW1–5 analysis.

He has 53 FPL points to Vuskovic’s 40, with both having started all six league games. The concern is his minutes: De Cuyper came off around the 70-minute mark at Sunderland as Brighton protected their lead after Pascal Struijk’s red card. That game gave owners a goal, but also a reminder to allow for early withdrawals. Official FPL data, match report.

Vuskovic can earn points without an attacking return

Vuskovic played the full Sunderland match and scored eight FPL points, including two for defensive contributions. He has reached that threshold in three of the first six Gameweeks. It is a useful extra source of points, particularly when clean sheets are harder to come by. Vuskovic’s match history.

For defenders, 10 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles earn two points, capped at two per match. The same threshold applies to De Cuyper because FPL classifies him as a defender. Official scoring rules.

The Scout preferred Vuskovic as a longer-term pick in its 1 October comparison, citing defensive contributions, set-piece threat and less risk of having his minutes managed. We lean the same way for managers who want to leave this position alone for several weeks. De Cuyper is more exciting; Vuskovic’s appeal is less dependent on an attacking return. The Scout’s comparison.

Returning players could change the choice

In Brighton’s 9 October fitness update, Fabian Hurzeler said Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh were getting closer to a return but were not yet ready. Their progress matters to De Cuyper owners: competition out wide could reduce his minutes or push him into a deeper role. Brighton team news.

Vuskovic has competition too. Lewis Dunk made his return off the bench at Sunderland, so we would not describe either defender as nailed. Vuskovic has played more minutes so far. That counts in his favour, but we would still watch Brighton’s next few line-ups closely. Sunderland report, FPL data.

Hürzeler confirmed on 14 October that he will rotate against Kauno Žalgiris on Thursday, with Hinshelwood expected to return. Struijk will miss that match while his fitness is managed, and Brighton hope he can return against Palace. Thursday team news. His suspension has been overturned, so his availability for Sunday now depends on his fitness. Struijk suspension overturned.

The fixtures make a case for waiting

Brighton host Palace on 18 October, then visit Liverpool on 25 October and City on 31 October. Conference League games on 15 and 22 October, plus a League Cup trip to City on 28 October, make it a busy fortnight. Brighton’s fixtures.

The Sunderland clean sheet was encouraging, but Sky Sports’ Richard Morgan also noted the hosts were missing Brian Brobbey. We would be cautious about expecting clean sheets in the tougher away games at Liverpool and City. Morgan’s report.

Already own one? Keep him unless the team news gives you a reason to change. A sideways move uses up a transfer without improving the fixtures.

If you are buying, pick De Cuyper if you want the attacking upside and have cover on the bench. Vuskovic is the better fit if you value defensive contributions and plan to keep him for several weeks. If you need this player to start every week, wait for the 15 October European game and the Palace team news before buying either.