thefootballfaithful.com

Fantasy Premier League: Players to target for defensive-contribution points in FPL

Finally, the Premier League starts! And for any Fantasy Premier League enthusiasts, the Gameweek 1 deadline is like a celebration for which every FPL manager eagerly waits.

This year, creating your initial team is more fun with the addition of the new scoring system that gives defenders and midfielders a maximum of two extra points in every match for their defensive contributions in a match.

Let’s dive in and understand what the new rule is and how it’s going to affect your team.

What is Defensive Contribution in FPL?

The official Fantasy Fantasy Premier League site states that “The addition of Defensive Contribution points in Fantasy helps reward outfield players who may not earn a goal or an assist but still make significant contributions during a match.

Any defender who reaches an accumulative total of 10 or more clearances, blocks, interceptions (CBI), and tackles in a single match will earn two points.

Any midfielder or forward who reaches an accumulative total of 12 or more clearances, blocks, interceptions (CBI), tackles, and recoveries will earn two points.

With the addition of this rule, FPL managers will be able to spread their budget on defensive midfielders and defenders, who were often ignored due to their lack of attacking returns.

Though each player can only earn a maximum of an additional two points per game, the extra points could make a huge difference during low-scoring gameweeks.

Last season’s leading Defensive-Contribution scorers

(Additional points in brackets had the rule been in place in 2024/25)

James Tarkowski – Defender, Everton (44)

Moises Caicedo – Midfielder, Chelsea (42)

Murillo – Defender, Nottingham Forest (38)

Elliot Anderson – Midfielder, Nottingham Forest (36)

Joao Gomes – Midfielder, Wolves (36)

Idrissa Gueye – Midfielder, Everton (36)

The pest players to target this year for Defensive Contributions

While it’s still important to build the best team, keeping in mind the plan for the chips, the addition of the defensive contribution rule means FPL managers can make gains from even the low-budget defenders and midfielders. Teams lower in the table could now add great value, given the greater chance of defensive contribution involvement.

Players who were not popular before because of low xG and xGI numbers could now be really good options for your team. Let’s take a look at the best five options to choose this season in terms of defensive contribution points:

Bruno Fernandes – Last year, Fernandes could have amassed 22 points from defensive contribution. With Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo arriving at Manchester United and Fernandes expected to play a deeper role, those numbers look likely to increase. Bruno is a player who will not only give you defco points, but he can score goals and is one of the best chance creators in the league.

Declan Rice – Due to the fact that Arsenal face Manchester United, Liverpool, and Newcastle in three of the first six gameweeks, it’s normal that FPL managers will be cautious about assets from the Gunners. Declan Rice gives you an option if you are really interested in getting an Arsenal asset in your team, with defensive contribution points and set-piece threat.

James Tarkowski – There’s no doubt that James Tarkowski was going to make it into this list of best options to buy in terms of the defensive contributions. He already would have got the highest points last season if the rule was there, and this season, Everton’s opening fixtures are appealing.

Neco Williams – Neco Williams would have had 18 defensive contribution points in 28 starts, better than any other fullback last season. Nottingham Forest also have one of the best fixtures for any team in the first six gameweeks this season. For anyone who is looking for a fullback who is highly rated for his attacking contributions as well as defensive capability, Neco Williams is a solid choice.

Moises Caicedo – The Chelsea midfielder was second in the list for last season’s top defensive contributors with 42 points. Caicedo is a no-brainer for anyone who is looking to get someone from Chelsea within a tight budget.