We are here with our Top 5 best FPL defenders picks this week for Gameweek 10. Choosing the right defenders is crucial for building a successful Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team, especially with Gameweek 10 approaching. While clean sheet potential remains an important factor, attacking contributions, defensive contributions and favourable fixtures can also make certain defenders excellent investments.
With several attractive defensive options available, here are the top five best defenders to buy for FPL 26-27 Gameweek 10.
1. James Tarkowski (Everton) – £6.2m
James Tarkowski looks like an excellent defensive option ahead of Everton's home fixture against Frank Lampard's Coventry City. On paper, this appears to be a favourable matchup for the Toffees, giving them a good opportunity to secure a clean sheet.
Tarkowski's defensive reliability and ability to accumulate defensive contributions make him particularly attractive for FPL managers. Furthermore, his aerial presence during set pieces provides an additional route to attacking returns.
A clean sheet combined with defensive contributions could deliver an excellent points haul, while an attacking contribution would be an added bonus.
2. Jan Paul van Hecke (Spurs) – £5.0m
Jan Paul van Hecke is another defender worth considering following his impressive performance in Tottenham's 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, where he scored a goal and helped secure a clean sheet.
Spurs now face Leeds United, a fixture that offers another opportunity for defensive returns. Although a clean sheet is far from guaranteed, Van Hecke's attacking threat makes him an interesting differential.
His aerial ability from corners and potential to collect defensive contributions further strengthen his appeal. At £5.0m, he could offer excellent value if he maintains his recent form.
3. Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) – £8.0m
Gabriel Magalhães remains one of the most appealing premium defensive options for Gameweek 10. Arsenal face Hull City, a fixture that looks particularly favourable given the difference in squad quality between the two sides.
Similar to their encounters against Nottingham Forest and Everton, Arsenal could dominate proceedings against a defensively organised opponent. Their superior quality should give them a significant advantage.
For FPL managers, this makes Gabriel an attractive investment. Besides his strong clean sheet potential, the Brazilian international is also a considerable aerial threat from set pieces.
At £8.0m, he is an expensive option, but his potential for multiple routes to points makes him worth considering.
4. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) – £6.4m
Liverpool's upcoming fixture against a struggling Crystal Palace makes Virgil van Dijk an attractive defensive pick for Gameweek 10.
The Reds will fancy their chances of keeping a clean sheet, particularly against an opponent experiencing difficulties this season. Van Dijk's defensive reliability makes him a strong candidate for returns at the back.
Additionally, the Liverpool captain offers significant attacking potential through his aerial ability during corners and other set-piece situations.
Priced at £6.4m, Van Dijk provides a combination of clean sheet potential, defensive contributions and attacking threat that could make him a valuable addition to FPL squads.
5. Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton) – £5.4m
Maxim De Cuyper completes this list after establishing himself as an exciting attacking defensive option this season. With five goal contributions already to his name, the Brighton defender has demonstrated his ability to deliver points beyond clean sheets.
He also provided an assist in Brighton's most recent game against Manchester City, further highlighting his attacking involvement.
Brighton face Brentford at home in Gameweek 10, a fixture that could produce plenty of goals at both ends. While this makes a clean sheet less certain, De Cuyper's attacking potential could compensate.
At £5.4m, he offers an appealing combination of affordability and attacking returns, making him an interesting option for managers looking to add an offensive dimension to their defence.
Final Thoughts
These five defenders offer different advantages heading into FPL 26-27 Gameweek 10. While Gabriel Magalhães and James Tarkowski stand out for their clean sheet potential, Van Hecke and De Cuyper offer interesting attacking upside. Meanwhile, Van Dijk provides a balanced option for Liverpool's favourable fixture.
Ultimately, your choice should depend on your budget, existing defensive options and appetite for risk.
Also Read | Premier League 2026-27 GW10 Predictions