Top 5 defenders you must have in FPL before GW1
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) fever is gripping the world once more. The game’s popularity has skyrocketed, with millions battling it out for virtual supremacy. Offices and social circles have become intense arenas of competition as managers strive to outsmart their rivals.
A robust defense is the bedrock of FPL success. Defenders are the unsung heroes who deliver crucial clean sheets and valuable points. Crafting a defensive unit capable of thwarting opponents is paramount for those aiming to conquer the league. With shrewd selections and a touch of fortune, your defensive line can be the fortress that shields your FPL campaign from disaster.
As the Premier League season commences, several factors must be carefully considered when selecting defenders. Pre-season performances, tactical roles, defensive solidity, and the impact of new signings all influence the decision-making process. Additionally, analyzing the fixture list is essential to optimize your defensive picks. SportsDunia is here to assist you in identifying the standout defenders to bolster your squad from the outset.
#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander – Arnold is the highest priced defender in the game and even at £7.0m looks a fine option this season. He wasn’t at his absolute best last season, as he only managed three goals and five assists in 25 starts culminating in a total 122 points. However his FPL stats have been great for years, and faith in him is justified. In his career, Alexander-Arnold has 23 goals and 85 assists, which makes him one of the defenders with the most FPL returns ever. Liverpool probably have the best fixture of the gameweek for both attack and defence. They come up against promoted Ipswich who are expected to struggle and Alexander-Arnold could profit here at both ends of the pitch. Their fixtures at the beginning of the season are a lot kinder than most teams.
#2 Pedro Porro
Pedro Porro had a fine season with Spurs last time out as he finished as the fourth highest scoring defender in FPL. He scored three goals, provided the second most assists among all defenders, and became a mainstay in a lot of sides. The 24-year-old is nailed to start with Emerson having left. Throughout his career, the Spaniard has 23 goals and 34 assists in 207 games, a healthy ratio for a defender. Spurs are not great defensively, even though Ange Postecoglou will expect them to be better at that this season. However Porro is so good going forward that he is expected to be worth the £5.5 price tag. They also have a great fixture for defensive and offensive returns, playing Leicester City in their Premier League return.
#3 Gabriel
Gabriel looks like one of the best defenders for FPL Gameweek 1, despite Arsenal’s run of fixtures to begin the season not being the easiest. The Brazilian scored three goals and created one assist last season. Given Arsenal’s strength at set pieces, one would expect him to match that number. Arsenal also have the best defence in the league by far. They kept the most clean sheets (18, which was five more than second placed City and Everton) They also conceded the least goals.
Gabriel has huge goal threat, and it looks like he is still first choice despite the signing of Riccardo Calafiori, at least to start the season. What ekes Gabriel out as an FPL option over teammates William Saliba or Ben White is this ability to score.
#4 Lewis Hall
Lewis Hall is currently looking like the best Newcastle defender, priced at £4.5m. He looks to be their first choice left-back judging by pre season lineups. Hall has played plenty of minutes there, and has interestingly also contributed in attack with a goal and two assists. Tino Livramento has been playing at right-back and Kieran Trippier has missed most of pre season among rumours of this, so that spot is uncertain at the moment especially with reports of Trippier moving away. Sven Botman and Jamal Lascelles are out until late December and therefore Dan Burn will partner Fabian Schar in the centre of defence.
The Magpies weren’t the best at the back last season, conceding 62 goals but expect Hall’s attacking returns to make up for it.
#5 Josko Gvardiol
Josko Gvardiol has rapidly emerged as a coveted asset for FPL managers. The Croatian defender’s seamless transition into Pep Guardiola’s tactical setup has been nothing short of impressive. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively is evident, as highlighted by his impressive return of four goals and two assists in the final seven matches of the previous season. With Guardiola’s unwavering trust and Manchester City’s defensive solidity, Gvardiol is primed for consistent points. Priced at a reasonable £6.0 million, he offers exceptional value considering his potential for clean sheets and attacking returns. His popularity among FPL managers is undeniable, with a staggering 32.9% of teams currently featuring the Croatian defender.
