We are here with our top five best FPL defenders to buy this week for Gameweek 1, ranging from premium options to exciting value picks.
The new Fantasy Premier League season is finally here, and with Gameweek 1 just around the corner, managers are making those crucial final decisions before the deadline. With clean-sheet potential, attacking returns and the new defensive contribution points all playing a role, choosing the right defenders could make a major difference to your opening FPL Gameweek.
1. Gabriel – Arsenal (£8.0m)
If you can afford him, Gabriel is arguably the best defender in the whole game.
The Arsenal centre-back enjoyed a phenomenal 2025/26 campaign, finishing as the highest-scoring defender with 209 FPL points, including 18 clean sheets, three goals and five assists. He also delivered 22 defensive contribution points, demonstrating just how many routes he has to FPL returns.
His price has jumped significantly from last season, but Gabriel is a player capable of justifying the £8.0m investment.
Arsenal also have an excellent opening fixture against newly promoted Coventry City at home, making Gabriel an extremely attractive Gameweek 1 option.
2. Riccardo Calafiori – Arsenal (£5.5m)
If spending £8.0m on Gabriel is too expensive, Riccardo Calafiori could be the next-best Arsenal defensive option.
The Italian impressed during the Community Shield against Manchester City, regularly making forward runs and combining well with Arsenal's attacking players. That attacking involvement makes him particularly interesting in FPL, especially when combined with Arsenal's strong defensive potential.
There is naturally more rotation risk with Calafiori than there is with Gabriel, so managers should keep that in mind. However, at £5.5m, he offers an appealing route into one of the Premier League's strongest defences.
With Arsenal facing Coventry in Gameweek 1, Calafiori has the fixture needed to potentially deliver an immediate return.
3. Nico O'Reilly – Manchester City (£6.5m)
Manchester City were disappointing in their Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, but it would be premature to write them off based on one match. With Enzo Maresca now in charge, City should improve as the season progresses.
That makes Nico O'Reilly one of the most interesting attacking defenders available at £6.5m.
O'Reilly was already among the most-tackled defenders in the Premier League last season, while his attacking positioning gives him significant upside. The new FPL scoring system could also benefit him, with the official Fantasy Scout specifically highlighting him as the standout big-hitting defender for Manchester City.
City face Bournemouth at home in Gameweek 1, giving O'Reilly an excellent opportunity to start the campaign strongly.
4. Maxence Lacroix – Chelsea (£6.0m)
Maxence Lacroix is another exciting option for Gameweek 1 following his move from Crystal Palace to Chelsea.
The French international has joined Chelsea on a long-term contract and arrives with a reputation as a commanding, fast and strong aerial centre-back.
At £6.0m, he is Chelsea's most expensive FPL defender, but his potential role makes the investment interesting. Lacroix could immediately become an important leader in Xabi Alonso's new-look defence.
Chelsea face Fulham away in Gameweek 1, and while a London derby is never straightforward, the Blues will enter the match as favourites.
5. Luke Shaw – Manchester United (£4.5m)
For managers searching for a cheap defender, Luke Shaw could be one of the best £4.5m defender options available this week in FPL.
As things stand, Shaw remains Manchester United's undisputed first-choice left-back under Michael Carrick. Unless United sign another left-back before the transfer window closes, he could potentially start almost every Premier League match when fit.
That combination of regular minutes, attacking potential and a budget price makes Shaw particularly appealing.
United also have an excellent-looking opening fixture against newly promoted Hull City, giving Shaw a realistic chance of starting the season with a clean sheet.
Final Verdict
Gabriel is the standout premium pick, while Calafiori offers a cheaper route into Arsenal's defence. O'Reilly provides attacking upside from Manchester City, Lacroix could become a defensive leader for Chelsea, and Shaw looks particularly attractive for managers prioritising value.
With the FPL 26/27 Gameweek 1 deadline approaching, these five defenders should be firmly on your shortlist.
Also Read | Premier League 2026-27 Gameweek 1 Predictions
