Defenders have become more important than ever in Fantasy Premier League, with clean sheets, attacking returns and DEFCON points all offering different routes to a strong score. The best picks are no longer simply those playing for the league’s strongest defences; role, set-piece threat and underlying defensive involvement can make a major difference.
From premium back lines to out-of-position full-backs and DEFCON specialists, these five defenders each offer a compelling case ahead of Gameweek 1. Whether you want reliable clean-sheet potential, an attacking differential or a cheaper player with a dependable points floor, there is plenty to consider below.
Harry Maguire
Price: 5.0m
Ownership: 9.7%
Position: Defender
Fixtures: HUL (A), IPS (H), EVE (A)
Harry Maguire looks like a strong early-season defensive option, with Manchester United opening against promoted Hull City and Ipswich Town. Both sides impressed in the Championship, but their set-piece defending was an issue last season, conceding 16 and 12 non-penalty goals from dead-ball situations respectively. That could play directly into Maguire’s strengths.
With Casemiro no longer in the side, I expect Maguire to become United’s main aerial target from corners and free-kicks. He was already their leading defender for headed attempts from set-pieces and DEFCON last season, so he offers points potential at both ends
Dan Ballard
Price: 5.0m
Ownership: 4.4%
Position: Defender
Fixtures: IPS (A), FUL (H), BRE (A)
Dan Ballard is a DEFCON monster and one of the most reliable budget defenders for managers targeting a steady floor. He returned DEFCON points in 60 per cent of his starts last season, averaging 11.8 per 90, and also carries genuine threat from set-pieces.
Ballard registered two goals and two assists, while his strong aerial profile makes him a regular danger in the opposition box. Sunderland may struggle defensively at times, so clean sheets cannot be relied upon. But that is exactly why Ballard stands out: even when Sunderland concede, a DEFCON return can still turn his appearance into a useful four-point score.
Kristoffer Ajer
Price: 4.5m
Ownership: 1.8%
Position: Defender
Fixtures: TOT (H), LEE (A), SUN (H)
Kristoffer Ajer is another defender going under the radar ahead of Gameweek 1. Brentford have the fourth-best defensive fixture run across the opening five Gameweeks, and Ajer offers a useful DEFCON floor at 4.5m. He hit the threshold in 45 per cent of his appearances last season, but that figure rose to 67 per cent when he played at centre-back.
With Sepp van den Berg expected to miss the start of the campaign, Ajer should begin alongside Nathan Collins in the middle of Brentford’s defence. That makes him a strong low-owned route into their back line, with a greater chance of both clean sheets and DEFCON returns.
Trai Hume
Price: 4.5m
Ownership: 4.9%
Position: Defender
Fixtures: IPS (A), FUL (H), BRE (A)
I love DEFCON, but an out-of-position defender is even more appealing – and Trai Hume looks exactly that. Sunderland have used him as a right winger in their last three pre-season matches, with Hume getting two goals and consistently getting into advanced areas. He is still classified as a defender in FPL, so any attacking return comes with the added upside of clean-sheet points.
The opening fixtures are encouraging, too. Sunderland face Ipswich away before hosting Fulham, giving Hume an immediate chance to deliver. If the Black Cats keep a clean sheet and Hume adds a goal or assist, he has genuine double-digit potential
Riccardo Calafiori
Price: 5.5m
Ownership: 17.8%
Position: Defender
Fixtures: COV (H), AVL (A), CHE (H)
It would be rude not to include an Arsenal defender. Arsenal have been the Premier League’s strongest defensive sides over the last two seasons, but Gabriel’s 8.0m price means Riccardo Calafiori offers a much cheaper route into their back line. Calafiori also brings real attacking upside. He is aggressive in possession, regularly drives into the final third and has already added an assist in Arsenal’s 4-1 pre-season win over Girona and a goal in the Community Shield. His forward runs, shots and ability to create chances give him a higher ceiling than a typical budget defender. If Arsenal continue to deliver clean sheets at their usual rate, Calafiori could be excellent value.
