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            <p>Who are the best FPL defenders for Gameweek 1?</p>
<p>Four-time top 1k and six-time top 5k finisher <a href="https://twitter.com/FPL_Salah">Abdul Rehman</a> uses the Hub's <a href="http://fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/opta/">Opta</a>, <a href="http://fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/predictions/">Prediction</a>, <a href="http://fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/fpl-player-comparision-tool/">Comparison</a> and <a href="http://fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/fixture-ticker/">Fixture</a> tools to identify the best Fantasy Premier League defenders for Gameweek 1.</p>
<p>Don’t forget to check out our <a href="https://www.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/fantasy-premier-league-ultimate-guide-fpl-tips">Ultimate FPL Gameweek 1 Guide</a>, which has everything you need to make the best decisions ahead of the deadline.</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Other articles in this series...<br />
<strong>Best FPL players for Gameweek 1:</strong> Goalkeepers (coming soon) | <a href="https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/best-fpl-players-for-gameweek-1-top-5-best-midfielders/">Midfielders</a> | <a href="https://www.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/best-fpl-players-for-gameweek-1-top-5-best-forwards">Forwards</a></p>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">Best FPL Defenders for Gameweek 1</h2>
<h3><strong><br />
Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) – Liverpool</strong></h3>
<p><strong>Fixture: Fulham (a)</strong></p>
<p>The England international finished last season as the highest-scoring defender in the game.</p>
<p>He managed two goals and 12 assists, with an expected goals (xG) of 2.94 and an expected assists of 10.89 (first among defenders).</p>
<p>His underlying stats have been elite for the past three seasons, and it helps that he plays in such a good side both defensively and offensively.</p>
<p>He is one of the few players who is absolutely locked in my Gameweek 1 team, and is one of the almost essential picks. I am very confident no other option at £7.5m and below will outscore him.</p>
<p><strong>Alexander-Arnold</strong> is so good going forward that he is just as likely to pick up attacking returns as defensive.</p>
<p>Liverpool also have an elite defence. They conceded only 26 goals (first) last term with an xGC of 37 (second).</p>
<p>They also have a plum <a href="https://www.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/fixture-ticker">fixture</a> in Gameweek 1 from both an attacking and defensive viewpoint.</p>
<p>The Reds play Fulham in their opening game, and Alexander-Arnold will have ample opportunity here for returns at both ends of the pitch.</p>
<p>He is also the highest-predicted scoring defender for Gameweek 1 according to our <strong><a href="https://www.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/predictions">Points Prediction Tool.</a></strong></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-47890 size-full" src="https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Trent-Alexander-Arnold-Stats.jpg" alt="Trent Alexander-Arnold Stats, best defenders gameweek 1" width="799" height="646" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Kieren Trippier (£5.0m) – Newcastle United</strong></h3>
<p><strong>Nottingham Forest (H)</strong></p>
<p><strong>Kieran Trippier</strong> got off to a flying start to his Newcastle United career, scoring two goals in his first four games.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, he then suffered a metatarsal fracture, which kept him out for most of the season.</p>
<p>In his career, Trippier has 12 goals and 77 assists, so clearly has a lot of attacking potential.</p>
<p>He is going to be the first choice right back for the Toon who are improving both offensively and defensively. This of course benefits him on two fronts when it comes to FPL points.</p>
<p>We have to recalibrate our thinking when it comes to Newcastle. They are very much a top half of the table side now, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them make a push for the top eight.</p>
<p>They conceded 62 goals (15th) with an xGC of 63.3 (14th) but you can bet their defensive stats will be much better for the new season.</p>
<p>Additionally, from Gameweek 23 onwards, they actually kept seven clean sheets (third). This was around the time that Eddie Howe made some new signings in the January transfer window.</p>
<p>They seem to have especially strengthened at the back with the acquisitions of <strong>Sven</strong> <strong>Botman (£4.5m)</strong> and <strong>Nick</strong> <strong>Pope (£5.0m)</strong>.</p>
<p>Also, Newcastle have one of the best fixtures in Gameweek 1 as they welcome newly promoted Nottingham Forest to St. James Park.</p>
<p>According to the bookmakers, they are the third favourites to keep a clean sheet at 44%.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-47891 size-full" src="https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Kirean-Trippier-Stats.jpg" alt="Keiran Trippier Stats Stats. best gameweek 1 defenders" width="802" height="646" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Joao Cancelo (£7.0m) – Manchester City</strong></h3>
<p><strong>Fixture: West Ham United (a)</strong></p>
<p><strong>Joao Cancelo</strong> had one goal and 11 assists last season, with an xG of 5.74 (first among defenders) and an xA of 6.55 (second among defenders).</p>
<p>He has been priced very kindly at only £7.0m. Considering that he was the second highest scoring defender in the game last season, and his underlying numbers among defenders were only bettered by <strong>Alexander-Arnold.</strong></p>
<p>I think he has the potential to score even more points this season. He underperformed when it came to his goals last season, and I can really see him scoring a fair few this term.</p>
<p>The Portugal man also plays for the best defence in the league, not to mention they are one of the best attacking teams.</p>
<p>Manchester City kept 21 clean sheets (first), conceding 26 goals (first) with an xGC of 29.5 (first).</p>
<p>He is another FPL juggernaut who can score both offensive and defensive points. Their opening fixture against West Ham isn’t the easiest, but City will still be strong favourites. Given their elite defensive stats you can never count them out.</p>
<p>The bookmakers agree, as they rank them as the second favourites to keep a clean sheet (46%) for Gameweek 1.</p>
<p>Cancelo is also the fifth highest predicted scoring defender according to our <strong><a href="https://www.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/predictions">Points Prediction Tool.</a></strong></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-47892 size-full" src="https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Joao-Cancelo-Stats.jpg" alt="Joao Cancelo Stats. fpl tips gameweek 1" width="801" height="648" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Diogo Dalot (£4.5m) – Manchester United</strong></h3>
<p><strong>Fixture: Brighton (H)</strong></p>
<p>Manchester United conceded 57 goals (13th) with an xGC of 59.2 (12th). They had a disastrous season, and will hope the appointment of Erik Ten Hag will turn their fortunes around.</p>
<p><strong>Diogo Dalot</strong> has been playing very well in United’s pre-season and more importantly getting plenty of minutes. He seems to be the right-back of choice for the new manager.</p>
<p>He has played 308 minutes, whereas <strong>Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£4.5m)</strong> has only managed 97.</p>
<p>He has recorded one assist thus far, and also hit the woodwork, looking a lot more attacking in this new set-up.</p>
<p>The Portugal full-back has been linking up with<strong> Jadon Sancho (£7.5m)</strong> and it seems that Erik Ten Hag really likes his full-backs to attack.</p>
<p>I can only see United improving this, and it looks like last seasons poor display has led to their players suffering price drops. A £4.5m defender for the Red Devils could end up being great value.</p>
<p>The signing of highly rated <strong>Lisandro</strong> <strong>Martinez (£4.5m)</strong> is also sure to improve their backline.</p>
<p>Judging by his pre-season minutes and performances it does seem that right-back slot is his to lose. Manchester United also have a decent fixture from a defensive perspective against Brighton.</p>
<p>The Seagulls only scored 42 goals (seventeenth) last season with an xGC of 51.17 (twelfth).</p>
<p>Man United are also the joint second favourite to keep a clean sheet (46%) according to the bookmakers.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-47893 size-full" src="https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Diogo-Dalot-Stats.jpg" alt="Diogo Dalot Stats. best budget defenders gameweek 1" width="801" height="647" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Reece James (£6.0m) – Chelsea</strong></h3>
<p><strong>Fixture: Everton (a)</strong></p>
<p><strong>Reece James</strong> spent a fair bit of time on the treatment table last season, but did provide some huge scores for his owners when he played.</p>
<p>In 22 starts he scored five goals (first among defenders), nine assists (third) with an xG of 2.99 and an xA of 5.92.</p>
<p>Despite his limited game time, he still ranks among the top end for defenders.</p>
<p>If James can keep fit for the whole season he will be an absolute must-have. His attacking stats when he plays are phenomenal.</p>
<p>I feel he has been nicely priced at £6.0m also, as Chelsea are a solid defensive team.</p>
<p>Although they lost Antonio Rudiger, they have bought <strong>Kalidou</strong> <strong>Koulibaly (£5.5m)</strong> to replace him, so I think they will be fine defensively.</p>
<p>The Blues kept 16 clean sheets (third) last season, conceding only 33 goals (third) with an xGC of 39.4 (3rd).</p>
<p>James’ attacking threat coupled with Chelsea's resolute defence makes him one of the best defenders in the game.</p>
<p>Thomas Tuchel’s men also have a decent opening fixture against Everton. The Toffees scored 43 goals (sixteenth) with an xG of 45.17 (fifteenth).</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-47894 size-full" src="https://cms.fantasyfootballhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Reece-James-Stats.jpg" alt="Reece James Stats. fpl gameweek 1 defenders" width="803" height="647" /></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Hub Power Rankings</strong></h2>
<p>To conclude, I will rank these Gameweek 1 defenders in accordance with our Power Rankings for Hub members.</p>
<h3>Best FPL defenders for Gameweek 1</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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Best FPL players for Gameweek 1: Top 5 best defenders

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