Welcome to Gameweek 20 edition of best FPL defenders this week, which is also the first one of 2026. We are officially about to start the 2nd half of the 25/26 Premier League season, and it's guaranteed to be a thrilling roller coaster ride. Coming back to Fantasy Premier League, GW20 is a unique one with some fantastic fixtures for certain defenders to score big. Enough with all the waiting then, scroll down to find out our pick of the best defenders to pick this week in FPL.
Best Fantasy Premier League Defenders this week - Gameweek 20 (GW20)
Gabriel (Arsenal, £6.3m)
Gabriel made his long-awaited return for Arsenal in their crucial Gameweek 19 fixture against Unai Emery's Aston at the Emirates. He went on to make a huge impact game in the game, just as he was doing frequently before his injury. The Brazilian is undoubtedly Arsenal's best FPL defender when fit, and he is an excellent pick for this week as the Gunners will face a Bournemouth side who have been quite poor recently.
Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton, £4.5m)
Jan Paul van Hecke has been involved in 4 goals so far this season despite being a defender, and there's a huge chance he could add another contribution to that list in GW20. Brighton, who are known for their attacking style of playing, will be facing a weak Burnley side at home this week. This makes Van Hecke one of the best FPL Defenders for this week with a huge scope for big returns.
Matty Cash (Aston Villa, £4.9m)
Matty Cash has been one of the Standout performers for Aston Villa this season, and he was sorely missed in their Gameweek 19 fixture against Arsenal. In fact, it was Cash who scored the opener in Villa's 2-1 over Arsenal in early December. Now that his suspension is over for accumulating 5 yellow cards, he is a really attractive defender pick for this week as Villa face an average Forest side at home. Moreover, he carries a decent attacking threat as well.
Patrick Dorgu (Manchester United, £4.2m)
Patrick Dorgu has been playing both as a wing back and forward winger recently for Ruben Amorim's Manchester United side. No matter what role he plays, there's no denying that he is a bargain player you can have in your Fantasy Premier League team for a price of just £4.2m. he is undoubtedly one of the best cheap FPL defender picks for the week as United will be facing Leeds, who are especially weak in defense.
Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool, £5.9m)
After a terrible run of results, Arne Slot has managed to stabilize the Liverpool crisis with positive results and their defence has become way better as well in comparison to the beginning of the Premier League season. Thus, Van Dijk is an excellent pick for Gameweek 20, as Liverpool face Fulham away who have been way below expectations this EPL campaign.
These are our selection of best FPL defenders for Gameweek 20. Make sure to pick the player after carefully considering your long-term team strategy.
That's it from our side, see you soon as we'll be back with our best Fantasy Premier League defenders list for Gameweek 21.
