FPL
Best FPL Defenders for Gameweek 1 – Stats, Fixtures, and Expert Picks
Top FPL defender picks for GW1 with stats, fixtures & expert insights.
Gameweek 1 is always a tricky balancing act. We don’t have fresh data yet, but we do have last season’s numbers, pre-season performances, and some juicy fixtures to target.
For this season opener, the early signs point to defensive value in Liverpool, Spurs, and Manchester City – with Chelsea and Nottingham Forest also offering under-the-radar potential.
Let’s get into it.
Why Target These Teams in GW1?
Early analytics point to the following clean sheet favourites for Gameweek 1:
- Liverpool (40%) Home to Bournemouth, who have sold most of their starting defence.
- Spurs (46%) Host promoted Burnley, lacking their standout goalkeeper from last season.
- Manchester City (40%) Away to Wolves, who’ve lost their two best players and will likely be penned in all game.
- Chelsea (38%) Strong home fixture against Palace.
- Nottingham Forest Brentford could be without both Mbeumo and Wissa.
Attacking threat from defenders is a big part of the calculation, but we start with clean sheet probability, then build up from there.
The Top Defensive Picks for Gameweek 1
Pedro Porro (£5.5m) – Spurs

- Fixture: Burnley (H)
- Last season: 2 goals, 6 assists
- Set-piece duties: Yes (likely on majority with Maddison out)
Porro has one of the most favourable opening fixtures. Burnley’s attack was modest in the Championship, and Spurs under Thomas Frank will be far more disciplined than under Ange.
Add in Porro’s overlapping/underlapping runs and set-piece delivery, and you have multiple routes to points. Spurs are the top clean sheet favourites in GW1, making Porro a high-ceiling pick.
Virgil van Dijk (£6.0m) – Liverpool

- Fixture: Bournemouth (H)
- Career record: 25 Premier League goals
- DEFCON threat: Achieved defensive contributions bonus 11 times last season
Liverpool’s defensive numbers last year were elite: 41 goals conceded (2nd fewest) and an xGC of 37.5. Van Dijk is nailed for 90 minutes every week, and his aerial presence means he can score at either end.
Bournemouth’s attack can be dangerous, but their defensive reshuffle means Liverpool will dominate possession. Van Dijk is a safe, premium way to start the season at the back.
Rayan Ait-Nouri (£6.0m) – Manchester City

- Fixture: Wolves (A)
- Last season: 4 goals, 7 assists
- Style: Essentially a winger in build-up play
Signed to be a first-team regular, Ait-Nouri gives City another overlapping threat. Wolves away isn’t quite as scary as it sounds – they’ve lost their most dangerous attackers, and City should control the game from start to finish.
Ait-Nouri is expensive for a defender, but his attacking numbers justify the price. The clean sheet odds sweeten the deal.
Marc Cucurella (£6.0m) – Chelsea

- Fixture: Crystal Palace (H)
- Predicted points: 5.1 (3rd highest)
- Last season: 5 goals, 2 assists
Under Enzo Maresca, Cucurella has become an attacking outlet from the left. Chelsea’s defensive record last season (43 goals conceded, 3rd best) suggests stability, and Palace at home is a good starting point.
His crossing and link-up play make him dangerous in the final third, and he’s locked in as a starter.
Murillo (£5.5m) – Nottingham Forest

- Fixture: Brentford (H)
- Ownership: 5%
- Bonus magnet: 19 games last season (38 extra points with DEFCON)
Murillo doesn’t offer the same attacking flair as others on this list, but his bonus point potential is massive when Forest keep a clean sheet. With Brentford possibly missing both Mbeumo and Wissa, this could be one of those low-scoring, bonus-heavy wins for Forest.
At £5.5m, he’s a shrewd pick for managers looking beyond the obvious names.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
If you’re looking to free up cash, a couple of cheaper options stand out from expert reveals:
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£4.5m) Now at West Ham, with early fixtures against Sunderland and Palace. Brings attacking threat alongside clean sheet potential.
- Micky van de Ven (£4.5m) Set-piece danger and likely to benefit from Spurs’ improved defensive structure under Frank.
These can be used to balance out a premium-heavy defence.
Expert Manager Insights
Elite FPL managers are placing strong emphasis on Defensive Contributions (DEFCON) this season.
This explains why names like Murillo and Tarkowski are getting locked into drafts despite not being headline scorers last season, they clean up on bonus points in the right games.
GW1 Defensive Summary
Taking into account fixtures, clean sheet odds, attacking threat, and value:
- Pedro Porro (£5.5m) Best balance of fixture and multiple routes to points.
- Virgil van Dijk (£6.0m) Rock-solid premium option with goal threat.
- Marc Cucurella (£6.0m) Strong attacking numbers and fixture.
- Rayan Ait-Nouri (£6.0m) High upside, but slightly riskier.
- Murillo (£5.5m) Bonus point magnet with a great GW1 matchup.
Budget watchlist: Wan-Bissaka (£4.5m), Micky van de Ven (£4.5m).
Final Thoughts
Gameweek 1 is a perfect time to combine safe clean sheet bets with one or two high-upside defenders. Liverpool, Spurs, and City look like the most reliable foundations, while Chelsea and Forest offer differentials.
If you’re going premium in defence, make sure you’re also getting attacking potential. If you’re going budget, target DEFCON specialists who can rack up bonus points.
With so many managers focusing on midfield and forward fireworks, a smart defensive setup could quietly put you ahead right from the start.
Download the “We Play FPL” app to plan your transfers, compare players, and check points predictions so you can optimise your squad for both the short and long term.
May your arrows be green. Happy managing!
FPL
FPL Gameweek 28: Essential transfers, budget enablers and attacking picks
Gameweek 28 FPL guide: top transfers, budget enablers and midfield options for the coming fixtures .
Gameweek 28 carries weight for managers chasing mini-league positions and avoiding forfeits. With the season entering its final third, every transfer can matter.
Goalkeepers present clear options. Caoimhín Kelleher (£4.7m) is the suggested move for those switching stoppers: “Despite disappointing last weekend, the Brentford man faces Burnley (A) this time around” and then has Bournemouth (A), Wolverhampton Wanderers (H), Leeds United (A) and Everton (H). Alisson (£5.4m) offers a set-and-forget route given Liverpool’s fixture swing, beginning with West Ham United (H) and followed by Wolves (A), Tottenham Hotspur (H) and Brighton & Hove Albion (A). Đorđe Petrović (£4.5m) is a budget alternative after Bournemouth have kept two clean sheets in their last four and face Sunderland (H), Brentford (A) and Burnley (H).
At the back, Virgil van Dijk (£6.0m) stands out after 28 points across his last two and the combination of clean sheet potential, defensive contribution and goalscoring threat. Gabriel (£7.1m) remains an essential asset despite Arsenal’s recent defensive blunders; Chelsea (H), Brighton (A) and Everton (H) precede a blank in Gameweek 31. Budget enablers include Fulham’s Joachim Andersen and Bournemouth’s James Hill (£4.1m), with Andersen facing Tottenham (H), West Ham (H), Nottingham Forest (A) and Burnley (H), while Hill has supplied six points or more in his last five matches.
Midfield decisions will hinge on fitness and form. Bruno Fernandes (£9.9m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£8.7m) are both primed for Crystal Palace (H) and are described as largely fixture-proof; choosing between them is highlighted as difficult. Depending on his fitness after missing last weekend’s clash with Nottingham Forest, Florian Wirtz (£8.4m) appears the best Liverpool midfield option. Dominik Szoboszlai (£6.8m) is a strong alternative but is noted for less consistent attacking returns if used at right back.
Up front, Erling Haaland (£14.8m) has produced just one double-digit haul since Gameweek 17 but remains capable of quick returns, with Leeds (A) next. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) has encouraging fixtures and should be involved against West Ham. Igor Thiago (£7.1m) is on penalties and is recommended for GW28 starting with Burnley at Turf Moor.
FPL
FPL Gameweek 27: Best Transfers and Picks for the Weekend
GW27 FPL guide: goalkeeper and outfield transfer targets to consider ahead of weekend fixtures this.
With the season’s first double gameweek behind us, Gameweek 27 returns managers to a single-match rhythm. This weekend offers several appealing Fantasy Premier League options across positions, with the title race providing high-stakes fixtures over three days.
Goalkeepers are limited by tricky Arsenal and Manchester City schedules. Chelsea’s Robert Sánchez (£4.9m) presents a sensible short-term option against goal-shy Burnley (H). Sunderland’s Robin Roefs (£4.9m) regains appeal after facing Arsenal and Liverpool, with Fulham (H) next and subsequent matches at Bournemouth (A), Leeds United (A) and Brighton & Hove Albion (H). At a lower price, Brentford’s Caoimhín Kelleher (£4.6m) stands out; a noted penalty saver and shot stopper, he meets Brighton (H) and enjoys a run without any fixture rated higher than three until Gameweek 34.
Defensive transfers are similarly situation-dependent. Trevoh Chalobah (£5.8m) looks capable of a substantial haul in GW27 despite Chelsea’s difficult upcoming swing. Wesley Fofana (£4.4m) is an economical route into the Burnley match while Reece James (£5.6m) is a riskier option given uncertain minutes. Virgil van Dijk (£5.9m) is attractive after a 17-point return against Sunderland last week; Liverpool face Nottingham Forest (A), West Ham United (H) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) next. For Sunderland, Nordi Mukiele (£4.6m) and Omar Alderete (£4.1m) serve as cheap enablers.
Midfield and attack decisions centre on form and fixture fits. Nico O’Reilly (£4.9m) returns to midfield for Man City and scored against Fulham last week while securing a clean sheet for 13 points. Bruno Fernandes (£9.8m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£8.6m) remain strong picks despite Manchester United’s trip to Everton (A). Florian Wirtz (£8.4m) has produced four double-digit hauls since Christmas and is worth attention. Morgan Rogers (£7.6m) is a consistent Aston Villa starter against Leeds (H). Cole Palmer (£10.6m) has 32 points across two matches, noting three of his four goals have been penalties.
João Pedro (£7.7m) has 48 points in five matches and faces Burnley. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) showed his explosive ceiling with 13 points in Gameweek 24. Erling Haaland (£14.9m) remains an essential long-term asset after two goals and an assist in his last two outings, despite an injury doubt. Igor Thiago (£7.0m) could help in Brentford’s meeting with Brighton. Newcastle’s Wednesday trip to Azerbaijan may create opportunity for Antoine Semenyo (£8.0m).
Arsenal
FPL Gameweek 25: Key Picks and Fixtures to Consider for the 2025/26 Double Gameweek
GW25 FPL tips: key goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward selections before the double GW.
As managers approach the first double gameweek of the 2025/26 season, gameplanning and transfer choices are especially important. With a full slate of fixtures from Friday to Sunday there are significant point opportunities ahead before the double in Gameweek 26.
Goalkeepers offer mixed appeal for GW25. David Raya (£5.9m) is a dependable option as Arsenal host Sunderland and chase a 13th Premier League shutout this campaign. Budget alternatives include Burnley’s Martin Dúbravka (£4.0m), who faces West Ham (H), and Chelsea’s Robert Sánchez (£4.9m), who travels to Wolves (A) before meeting Leeds (H) and Burnley (H) in his next two league games.
Defenders with appealing short-term fixtures stand out. Trevoh Chalobah (£5.7m) is the second-highest scoring defender in FPL with 117 points and looks a regular starter under Liam Rosenior. Arsenal’s double makes at least one of their defensive assets essential: Gabriel (£7.0m) is recommended despite his rising price, while Jurriën Timber (£6.3m) and William Saliba (£6.0m) complement him, Timber offering more attacking potential. Fulham’s Joachim Andersen (£4.6m) has attractive fixtures beginning with Everton (H) and a favourable run after that. Harry Maguire (£4.3m) gives value for Manchester United managers, offering defensive contribution points and set-piece threat against Tottenham Hotspur (H).
In midfield, Bruno Fernandes (£9.6m) is the standout pick as United’s forward line performs, having supplied two assists last weekend and leading the Premier League for chances created. Budget and mid-price options include Bryan Mbeumo (£8.5m) and Enzo Fernández (£6.8m), while Cole Palmer (£10.4m) remains potent for Chelsea. Declan Rice (£7.5m) is the primary Arsenal attacking midfield option following Bukayo Saka’s injury. Florian Wirtz (£8.3m) has delivered 37 points in his last five games and remains in form.
Forward choices are led by Erling Haaland (£15.0m), still capable of large hauls despite a quieter spell. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) recorded 13 points with a brace last weekend and could follow up. João Pedro (£7.5m) is central to Chelsea under Rosenior, while Jarrod Bowen (£7.6m) offers consistent returns for West Ham against Burnley (A).
