Fantasy Premier League: Top 5 Defenders for FPL Gameweek 21

Crafting an optimal Fantasy Premier League (FPL) defense poses both challenges and opportunities for managers in Gameweek 21. The positive news sees the return of FPL action after a brief pause for the FA Cup third-round ties. However, the downside manifests in the elongated nature of Gameweek 21, spanning 10 days due to the winter break, complicating strategic preparations.

Gone are the days when full-backs merely focused on defensive duties; the contemporary game demands their active involvement in supporting attacks and even venturing into the box. This evolution elevates the significance of selecting defenders who contribute not only defensively but also offensively to maximize FPL points.

As FPL enthusiasts navigate through the intricacies of Gameweek 21, identifying the top defenders becomes paramount. The extended duration of play intensifies the importance of defensive assets that offer both stability at the back and the potential for attacking returns. The dynamic landscape of modern football mandates a thoughtful approach to defender selection, with an eye on those who seamlessly blend defensive resilience with offensive prowess.

Malo Gusto (Chelsea)

Priced affordably at £4.2m, Malo Gusto emerges as a budget-friendly defensive option for Fantasy Premier League managers, presenting an opportunity for excellent short-term value. Chelsea’s fixture schedule aligns favourably with the FDR (Fixture Difficulty Rating), indicating that three of their next four matches score just two, notably featuring home matchups against Fulham and Wolves.

Gusto’s performances at Stamford Bridge showcase his potential for substantial point returns, particularly in the upcoming clash against Fulham. Notably, all three of his assists this season have been generated in the context of home encounters, highlighting his ability to contribute significantly when playing at home.

For FPL managers seeking a cost-effective defensive solution with promising fixtures, Malo Gusto’s budget-friendly price tag and encouraging home form make him a compelling option. As the fantasy landscape unfolds, Gusto’s potential for delivering substantial returns adds a layer of value to his candidacy for inclusion in FPL squads, especially for those looking for short-term defensive reinforcements.

Pervis Estupinan (Brighton)

Following a stellar end to the previous season, Pervis Estupinan of Brighton has rekindled Fantasy Premier League (FPL) interest after recovering from injury. The Ecuadorian defender, once a fan-favorite, has made an impactful return, netting twice in three games across various competitions, including a remarkable long-range goal against Spurs.

While names like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Pedro Porro dominate defensive discussions, the third defensive spot remains open for selection. With Kieran Trippier facing form struggles and Arsenal experiencing a dip, Estupinan emerges as a compelling choice. His proven FPL track record and Brighton’s promising upcoming schedule bolster his appeal.

Brighton’s next eight opponents, seven of which currently reside in the bottom half of the Premier League table, position Estupinan as a strong acquisition. The forthcoming fixtures, spanning Wolves, Luton, Crystal Palace, Spurs, Sheffield United, Everton, Fulham, and Nottingham Forest until mid-March, make Estupinan an attractive prospect for FPL managers seeking defensive reinforcements. 

Priced at £4.9m with 37 points accumulated, Estupinan’s potential impact is further emphasized in the upcoming Gameweek 21 fixture against Wolves at home. A prudent acquisition appears to be in order for FPL managers looking to capitalize on both his form and the favorable fixture schedule.

Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top 5 Midfielders for FPL Gameweek 21

Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Manchester City has deviated from their usual defensive dominance this season, yet underlying defensive metrics suggest a potential resurgence in clean sheets. Traditionally robust at the back, City kept an impressive 19 clean sheets in the 20/21 season and an outstanding 21 clean sheets in the 21/22 campaign. However, this season, they currently share the second spot for clean sheets with five.

Despite the slight dip in clean sheet numbers, Manchester City maintains exceptional defensive statistics. They lead in shots in the box conceded, total attempts conceded, and rank second in shots on target conceded and big chances conceded among all teams. These metrics indicate that while clean sheets have been elusive, City’s defensive structure remains formidable.

In this context, Kyle Walker (£5.4m) emerges as a standout defensive option. Having made more appearances and played more minutes than any of his teammates this season, Walker positions himself as a reliable choice for consistent gametime. As City aims to regain defensive solidity, Walker’s involvement and reliability make him a promising candidate for Fantasy Premier League managers looking to shore up their defense with a City asset.

Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur)

In the upcoming gameweeks, Tottenham faces a challenging lineup against formidable opponents such as Manchester United, Brentford, Everton, Brighton, Wolves, and Chelsea. Despite defensive challenges, Tottenham has showcased commendable resilience, currently ranking joint third for clean sheets kept this season. This defensive stability sets the stage for a compelling pick in Pedro Porro (£5.7m).

Porro, the Portuguese full-back, has been a standout performer throughout the season. In his last 10 matches, he has notched an impressive six returns, with five of those contributions being assists. Beyond his defensive contributions, Porro’s offensive prowess stands out, making him a dynamic asset for Fantasy Premier League managers. Notably, he leads all defenders in the game for total attempts on goal, underscoring his goal-scoring threat.

While Tottenham’s upcoming fixtures present defensive challenges, Porro’s consistent returns and attacking attributes position him as an enticing option for FPL managers. As a player who combines defensive solidity with notable goal involvement, Porro’s potential impact could be a differentiating factor in Fantasy Premier League squads.

William Saliba (Arsenal)

Arsenal have showcased defensive excellence in the ongoing season, currently sharing the top spot for clean sheets. In light of this, William Saliba (£5.6m) emerges as a promising Fantasy Premier League pick. The Arsenal defender, priced affordably at £5.6m, has been in solid form, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive stability. 

With a price tag that reflects value and a noteworthy Total Points accumulation of 75, Saliba has earned the trust of Fantasy Premier League managers, as indicated by his high ownership percentage of 36.6%. The young defender’s form and consistency are highlighted by his 3.8 Points per Match average and six bonus points. With Arsenal’s defensive prowess in mind, Saliba stands out as a potential asset for FPL managers seeking reliability and value in the defensive ranks.