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Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Season 2024/25 – Gameweek 1

Defenders might not always grab the headlines in the Fantasy Premier League, but they can be the backbone of a successful squad. As we kick off the 2024-2025 season, selecting the right defenders from the start can give your team the edge.

In this post, we’ll break down the best defensive options across different price points, helping you craft a backline that balances both reliability and potential for those crucial early gameweeks.

Premium Picks

Investing in premium defenders can pay off, especially if they offer both defensive stability and attacking potential.

1. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool, £7.0m)

Trent is a game-changer. With his involvement in set-pieces and attacking plays, he’s always a threat.

Yes, he’s pricey at 7.0 million, but his potential to deliver big points early in the season is hard to ignore. However, keep in mind that he might not be a season-long hold due to his cost.

2. Joško Gvardiol (Man City, £6.0m)

Gvardiol is another top option. He’s got a tough first game against Chelsea, but don’t let that scare you. His attacking ability is great.

After the opener, City has three solid fixtures, making Gvardiol a smart choice for those looking to balance attack and defense.

3. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, £6.0m)

Van Dijk is your safe bet among the premium defenders. He’s not as flashy as Trent, but he’s consistent.

Liverpool’s fixtures are favorable, and Virgil has a knack for popping up with the occasional header. At 6.0 million, he offers a steady stream of points with less risk attached.

Mid-Priced Options

Mid-priced defenders can be the sweet spot for your FPL team. They offer good value without breaking the bank. These players bring a mix of defensive stability and attacking potential.

1. Pedro Porro (Spurs, £5.5m)

Porro is a bit of a wild card. His attacking stats last season were impressive. He loves to get forward and has a knack for creating chances.

But here’s the catch—Spurs aren’t the best defensively. With the new bonus point system, conceding goals will hurt him more. If you’re willing to take a risk for some potential high rewards, Porro could be your guy.

2. Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace, £5.0m)

Munoz is a slightly safer bet. At 5.0 million, he’s got a lot going for him. Playing as an advanced wing-back for Crystal Palace, he offers similar attacking threat as Porro but with a stronger defense behind him.

Palace looked solid in the second half of last season, and Munoz was a key part of that. If you’re looking to save 0.5 million and still get a defender with an attacking upside, Munoz is a smart choice.

Budget-Friendly Options

Budget-friendly defenders are crucial for rounding out your FPL squad without compromising on quality. These players are perfect for rotating based on fixtures, offering solid returns without a hefty price tag.

1. Vitalii Mykolenko (Everton, £4.5m)

Mykolenko is a great pick if you’re looking for value. Everton’s defense was surprisingly strong last season, and at 4.5 million, Mykolenko is a steal.

He’s nailed on to start, and while Everton has some mixed fixtures, they also have plenty of good ones. The key here is rotation. Be ready to bench him when Everton faces tougher opponents, but otherwise, he’s a reliable option.

2. Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace, £4.5m)

Andersen is another solid pick in this price range. Crystal Palace has been defensively sound, especially in the second half of last season.

Pairing Andersen with Mykolenko can be a smart strategy. They rotate nicely. When one has a tough fixture, the other often has an easier one. This rotation can maximize your points without needing to spend big.

3. Antonee Robinson (Fulham, £4.5m)

Robinson brings assist potential to the table. Fulham’s fixtures are favorable, making Robinson a solid choice for those looking to capitalize on good matchups.

Fulham’s defense isn’t the strongest, but Robinson’s ability to contribute going forward makes him a valuable pick.

4. Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa, £4.5m)

Konsa is a bit more of a defensive option. Aston Villa’s fixtures are decent, but their defense was pretty average last season.

Konsa doesn’t offer much attacking threat, so you’re mostly banking on clean sheets. He’s a solid pick for rotation but don’t expect too much beyond clean sheets.

Budget Enablers

Budget enablers are those cheap defenders who mostly warm your bench but can step in when needed. They don’t cost much, but they can offer valuable points.

1. Barco (Brighton, £4.0m)

Barco is an intriguing option. At just 4.0 million, he’s a bench-friendly pick with potential.

With Estupiñán injured, Barco might get some early starts for Brighton. If he does, you could get some decent points, especially with Brighton’s favorable fixtures. Even if he doesn’t play much, he’s not taking up much of your budget. It’s a low-risk, high-reward situation.

2. Wout Faes (Leicester, £4.0m)

Faes is another solid budget enabler. He’s a regular starter for Leicester, which is what you want from a 4.0 million defender.

Remember, Faes is not here to score big points, but he’s reliable for when you need a cheap player to fill in. He’s not flashy, but he does the job.

Conclusion

Building a strong defense in FPL is all about balance. By mixing premium picks with mid-priced and budget-friendly options, you can create a backline that’s both reliable and versatile. Remember, rotation is key, especially with those budget defenders. Don’t be afraid to bench players with tough fixtures in favor of those with better matchups.

To help you make the best decisions week in and week out, The We Play FPL app is your ultimate companion with features like transfer planning, player comparison, team ratings, and points predictions. Download the app today and take your FPL management to the next level.

May your arrows be green, and your captaincy choices be spot on. Until next time, happy managing!