We are here with our Top 5 best FPL defenders picks this week for Gameweek 4. With FPL Gameweek 4 approaching, Fantasy Premier League managers will once again be looking for defenders who can combine clean-sheet potential with attacking returns. While premium defenders remain attractive, there are also some exciting budget options who could offer excellent value this week.
Fixtures are particularly important when selecting defenders, and several teams have favourable matchups in Gameweek 4. Here are our top five best defenders to buy in FPL Gameweek 4.
1. Reece James — £5.4m
Reece James looks like one of the most intriguing defensive options heading into Gameweek 4, particularly because he is currently playing in a midfield role for Xabi Alonso's Chelsea.
Chelsea face Hull City, a side expected to sit deep and defend for long periods. That could actually work in James' favour. Rather than spending most of the game defending, the Chelsea captain should have plenty of opportunities to influence the match in the final third.
His brilliant vision, passing ability and set-piece-taking skills give him multiple routes to FPL points. Chelsea are expected to dominate offensively, and James could benefit from creating chances, delivering dangerous set pieces and potentially getting into goalscoring positions himself.
At just £5.4m, his attacking role makes him particularly appealing.
2. Virgil van Dijk — £6.5m
Liverpool have a hugely favourable fixture on paper as they welcome Fulham to Anfield.
Fulham have been in horrible form and have looked particularly vulnerable defensively, which gives Liverpool's defenders an excellent opportunity for both clean-sheet and attacking returns.
Virgil van Dijk is arguably the standout option from the Liverpool defence. His defensive positioning and aerial prowess make him a major threat from set pieces, while Liverpool's expected dominance gives him a strong chance of picking up a clean sheet.
There is also the possibility of an attacking return. Van Dijk remains one of the most dangerous centre-backs in the Premier League from corners and free kicks, making him an appealing premium defensive option for Gameweek 4.
3. Maxim De Cuyper — £4.8m
Maxim De Cuyper is arguably the most exciting FPL defender to own this week.
In our opinion, he is close to an essential Gameweek 4 option given Brighton's fixture against Coventry. It is difficult to find many more attractive fixtures for a Premier League team, and Brighton should have plenty of opportunities to dominate the game.
However, the biggest reason to consider De Cuyper isn't simply the fixture.
He is listed as a defender in FPL but is currently playing in a much more advanced position. That makes him an FPL dream, particularly at just £4.8m.
If Brighton dominate Coventry as expected, De Cuyper should have plenty of opportunities to contribute in attacking areas. His unusual FPL classification essentially gives managers access to a midfielder while paying a defender's price.
For managers looking for both value and attacking potential, De Cuyper stands out.
4. Gabriel — £8.0m
Gabriel was simply outstanding against Chelsea, producing the kind of performance that reminds FPL managers why premium Arsenal defenders can be so valuable.
The Gunners now travel to face Sunderland, and this looks like another fixture in which Gabriel could make a significant impact.
Arsenal are expected to dominate offensively, while Sunderland haven't made the best start to their Premier League campaign. That combination should create opportunities at both ends of the pitch for Gabriel.
The obvious attraction is the clean-sheet potential, but his attacking threat makes him even more interesting. Gabriel is a constant danger from Arsenal's set pieces and could once again get into goalscoring positions.
At £8.0m, he is expensive, but his combination of defensive reliability and attacking potential makes him one of the safest premium defensive picks this week.
5. Lewis Hall — £5.1m
Lewis Hall has been outstanding for Newcastle over their last two games and is quickly becoming an interesting option for FPL managers.
The young defender has been getting forward frequently, giving him opportunities to contribute at the attacking end of the pitch. That attacking freedom was rewarded in Newcastle's most recent game against Bournemouth, when Hall registered an assist.
His next fixture against Leeds looks promising from an FPL perspective. Newcastle should have opportunities to attack throughout the game, while Hall's willingness to push forward gives him a route to points beyond simply keeping a clean sheet.
At £5.1m, Hall is also considerably cheaper than many premium defenders. His recent performances, attacking involvement and favourable fixture make him an attractive option for managers looking for a mid-priced defender with genuine upside.
Best FPL Defenders for Gameweek 4
These five defenders offer a combination of fixture appeal, attacking potential and clean-sheet prospects. De Cuyper is arguably the standout budget pick because of his advanced role, while James and Hall provide exciting attacking potential at reasonable prices.
For managers willing to spend more, Van Dijk and Gabriel offer the security of playing for two teams expected to dominate their Gameweek 4 fixtures.