We are here with our Top 5 best FPL defenders picks this week for Gameweek. With FPL Gameweek 3 approaching, managers are already looking for defenders who can provide more than just clean-sheet points. In the modern FPL game, attacking involvement, bonus points and defensive contributions can make a major difference, particularly when selecting budget-friendly options.
Gameweek 3 offers several interesting defensive picks, from Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori to Brighton's £4.7m Maxim De Cuyper. Here are our top five defenders to buy this week.
1. Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal) — £5.6m
Riccardo Calafiori has been excellent for Arsenal so far this season, particularly when getting forward and becoming involved in their attacks. His attacking intent makes him one of the most interesting premium defensive options heading into Gameweek 3.
Arsenal face Chelsea this week, meaning Calafiori's clean-sheet prospects are arguably less appealing than they would be against a weaker attacking side. Chelsea possess enough quality to potentially score, which could make Arsenal's defensive points difficult to rely on.
However, that does not necessarily make Calafiori a poor option.
Chelsea's defensive vulnerability could actually work in the Italian's favour. His willingness to push forward gives him a strong chance of registering an attacking return, whether through an assist, goal or involvement in Arsenal's attacking sequences.
For managers willing to sacrifice some clean-sheet security for attacking upside, Calafiori is an exciting Gameweek 3 pick.
Verdict: High attacking potential despite a difficult clean-sheet fixture.
2. Marc Guéhi (Manchester City) — £6.0m
Marc Guéhi is an intriguing FPL option as he was once again used as defensive midfielder in Manchester City's previous match against Crystal Palace.
Whether Enzo Maresca continues using him in that role against Coventry City remains to be seen, but if Guéhi retains his advanced position, his FPL potential could increase significantly.
Even without the midfield role, however, Guéhi has an excellent fixture ahead of him. Manchester City face Coventry, and the huge difference in quality between the two sides makes City one of the strongest teams to target for defensive points this week.
A clean sheet looks highly appealing, while Guéhi's potential involvement further up the pitch could give him additional routes to points.
At £6.0m, he is not the cheapest defender available, but the combination of Manchester City's defensive strength, an outstanding fixture and his potential positional versatility makes him a very attractive Gameweek 3 option.
Verdict: Excellent fixture with enormous clean-sheet potential.
3. Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton) — £4.7m
Maxim De Cuyper looks like one of the biggest no-brainer picks among budget defenders right now.
Priced at just £4.7m, De Cuyper offers a unique combination FPL managers would dream of: a cheap defender who's being played as an attacking player for the club.
Brighton have looked excellent going forward, and their attacking approach makes their defenders particularly interesting in FPL. De Cuyper's usage as a forward player in the Brighton lineup means huge opportunities for assists and goals in addition to clean-sheet points.
Brighton face Leeds United in Gameweek 3, a fixture that could provide another opportunity for the Seagulls to dominate possession and create chances.
For managers looking to free up funds elsewhere in their squads, De Cuyper could be one of the best budget defenders to own.
Verdict: One of the best cheap defenders in FPL right now.
4. Lewis Hall (Newcastle United) — £5.1m
Lewis Hall was absolutely outstanding against Tottenham last week, producing an impressive 11-point FPL haul.
The Newcastle defender was heavily involved throughout the match and demonstrated exactly why he can be an attractive FPL option. His ability to contribute going forward gives him a route to points beyond clean sheets, while his defensive contributions provide another source of potential bonus.
Newcastle now return home to face Bournemouth, giving Hall another favourable opportunity to produce points.
At £5.1m, he sits in an appealing price bracket for managers looking for a defender who can offer both defensive stability and attacking upside.
His Gameweek 2 performance will also increase his popularity, but Hall's underlying potential makes him more than simply a player worth buying because of one big haul.
Verdict: Strong attacking potential and an appealing home fixture.
5. Michael Kayode (Brentford) — £4.6m
Michael Kayode could be one of the best differential defenders to consider in Gameweek 3.
At just £4.6m, he provides plenty of value while offering genuine attacking potential. Brentford have also made a strong start to the season, making their defenders more appealing as FPL assets.
The fixture is another major positive. Brentford face Sunderland at home, with the visitors having looked somewhat unconvincing so far.
Kayode therefore has multiple routes to a good FPL score. A Brentford clean sheet would provide a useful foundation, while his attacking involvement gives him the possibility of additional points.
For managers looking for a cheaper defender who could outperform his ownership, Kayode is certainly worth considering.
Verdict: A promising differential with strong value at £4.6m.
FPL Gameweek 3: Best Defenders to Buy
The five defenders offer different routes to FPL points. De Cuyper and Kayode stand out for managers prioritising value, while Calafiori and Hall offer significant attacking upside. Guéhi, meanwhile, could benefit enormously if his advanced role continues.
With Gameweek 3 featuring several attractive defensive fixtures, these five defenders should be firmly on the radar of FPL managers looking to strengthen their squads.
