Welcome to our Gameweek 35 preview, where we spotlight the best FPL defenders to consider this week for the upcoming round of Premier League action. With fixtures taking shape, we’ve carefully assessed which defenders are best positioned to deliver meaningful returns this week.
Our selections are built on key indicators such as current form, fixture difficulty, clean sheet potential, and attacking involvement—helping you pinpoint reliable options at the back for Gameweek 35.
From premium assets to budget-friendly picks, this shortlist offers a range of choices to suit different squad structures and strategies. Let’s take a closer look at the defensive options that could give your team the edge this week.
Best Fantasy Premier League Defenders This Week- Gameweek 35
Marc Cucurella (Chelsea, £6.1m)
Calum McFarlane will take over as interim coach for Chelsea after Rosenior's sacking. This means we can expect a new-manager bounce in their next game against Forrest. Thus we have gone with Marc Cucurella as one of our best FPL defenders for this week. He's had 4 direct goal involvements this season as well, and could add a 5th in Gameweek 35.
Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City, £5.1)
This has been a breakthrough season for Nico O'Reilly at Manchester City, as he has gone from City youth prodigy to a star player who has bailed out Pep Guardiola numerous times this season. City will face a struggling Everton side this week, which makes O'Reilly one of the most attractive defenders you have in your Fantasy Premier League team in Gameweek 35.
Gabriel (Arsenal, £7.1m)
It does look like Arsenal will have to win all their remaining Premier League games in dominating fashion if they wish to win the league from Manchester City. Fulham away is a decent fixture for them in Gameweek 35, and the fact that it's at home also helps Arsenal and makes Gabriel an even more attractive pick for the week. He's directly contributed to 7 goals already this season, and is the best Arsenal player to pick in FPL right now.
Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth, £5.2m)
Bournemouth are currently in an unbelievable 14-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League. Marcos Senesi has been one of their star players during this golden run, and also throughout their entire season. The Cherries will face Crystal Palace this week in the league, who have been shockingly poor this season. Thus, Senesi looks like a top pick for Gameweek 35.
Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland, £4.5m)
Nordi Mukiele is the best cheap defender you can pick in FPL this week. Sunderland might've lost 0-5 against Forest last week, but they'll face Wolves next, who are the worst team in the entire Premier League. Mukiele has also scored 2 and provided another 3 this season. He'll not get a better chance than Wolves in the Premier League to add to those already impressive numbers.
In summary, the right defensive picks can make a decisive difference in boosting your returns in Gameweek 35 of Fantasy Premier League. Prioritising defenders with favourable fixtures, consistent performances, and attacking threat can significantly elevate your point potential.
As you finalise your squad, choose wisely and aim for a balanced backline, one that combines strong clean sheet prospects with the added upside of attacking contributions and bonus points in Gameweek 35.
More on Gameweek 35: Premier League Predictions Gameweek 35 (GW35)
