With the Premier League currently in pause and soon to return after the international break, Fantasy Premier League managers have another opportunity to reshape their squads ahead of Gameweek 6. For those considering a different approach, this special FPL wildcard team focuses heavily on defence, using a back five in the hope of maximising points through clean sheets, attacking returns and bonus points from defenders.
A defensive approach could make plenty of sense this week if you are unsure whether the usual attacking picks can deliver. One major concern is Manchester City's trip to Anfield, where they face Liverpool. That makes things particularly interesting for FPL favourite Erling Haaland, who has an extremely difficult fixture by his standards.
With that in mind, here is an early look at a wildcard team built around a strong five-man defence.
FPL Gameweek 6 Defensive Wildcard Team
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford gets the nod in goal for this defensive wildcard. Everton face Hull, a fixture that could potentially produce a low-scoring encounter.
Pickford therefore offers the possibility of a clean sheet, while his save potential could provide an additional route to FPL points if Hull manage to test him.
Defence: Gabriel, Lewis Hall, Calafiori, Tarkowski and Bassey
The main attraction of this wildcard team is undoubtedly the defence.
We have gone with double Arsenal defence, selecting Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori. Arsenal have an attractive Gameweek 6 fixture against Leeds, making their defenders appealing options for managers looking to target clean-sheet points.
Gabriel is particularly interesting because of his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch. His aerial threat from set pieces means he always has the potential to add attacking returns on top of a clean sheet.
Calafiori provides another route into the Arsenal defence and completes the double-up.
Everton's James Tarkowski is another key selection. The defender has enjoyed an excellent individual start to the season and gets a favourable-looking fixture against Hull. Everton could be involved in a relatively defensive contest, which increases the appeal of a centre-back like Tarkowski.
Lewis Hall then completes the premium part of this five-man defence. The Newcastle defender has arguably been his team's best defensive performer so far this season and now has what looks like a dream fixture on paper against Coventry.
Finally, we have opted for a differential in Calvin Bassey. Fulham's recent victory over Manchester United has provided some encouragement, while their Gameweek 6 fixture against struggling Ipswich gives Bassey an opportunity to deliver at a relatively low ownership.
The five-man defence is therefore designed to combine reliable clean-sheet potential with defenders who can contribute attacking returns.
Midfield: Saka, Barnes and Rogers
Bukayo Saka is the standout midfield selection and will also wear the captain's armband in this wildcard team.
Arsenal's meeting with Leeds provides Saka with significant attacking potential. He remains one of the most reliable routes into Arsenal's attack, and the favourable fixture makes him an obvious captaincy candidate.
Harvey Barnes joins him in midfield following an impressive start to the season for Newcastle. With the Magpies facing Coventry, Barnes has an excellent opportunity to continue his strong form and provide attacking returns.
Morgan Rogers completes the midfield. Chelsea face Bournemouth at home, giving Rogers a decent fixture from an FPL perspective. The home advantage also makes him an appealing third midfield option in a team that is deliberately allocating more money and players towards defence.
Forwards: Wissa and Haaland
Yoane Wissa is the first forward selected and could be one of the more exciting picks in this Gameweek 6 wildcard.
Newcastle's fixture against Coventry gives Wissa a great opportunity for attacking returns, particularly if he can continue to find dangerous positions in the final third.
Then comes Haaland.
While the entire concept of this wildcard is built around a more defensive strategy, completely removing Haaland would still be an enormous risk. Manchester City's trip to Liverpool is one of the toughest fixtures imaginable, but Haaland remains capable of scoring against any opponent.
Keeping him in the squad therefore provides some protection against another huge FPL haul while still allowing the team to take a more defensive approach.
Bench Options Could Change the XI
The bench also provides some flexibility. This draft has Barry and King as potential options who could be promoted into the starting XI depending on your preference.
If you believe one of the defensive picks has a weaker attacking ceiling, taking a calculated risk by starting Barry or King could provide an alternative route to points.
Ultimately, this FPL wildcard is designed for managers who want to go against the conventional attacking-heavy approach in Gameweek 6. With difficult fixtures for some major forwards and a number of defenders offering attractive matchups, a back-five strategy could potentially be a clever differential when the Premier League returns.