Defenders are more important than ever in Fantasy Premier League thanks to the introduction of defensive contributions.

Players earn points for finishing a game with more than 10 combined tackles, blocks, interceptions and clearances, which has shaken things up where picking a backline is concerned.

Of course, clean sheets, goals and assists remain key but finding value and building the right defence is both a science and an art.

Radio Times brings you our Fantasy Premier League tips, including the bargains you should sign for your FPL team in 2026/27.

Budget FPL defender – Ola Aina (NFO) £4.5m

Finding cut-price defenders is so important to any FPL team but you don't just want players that are going to ride your bench.

Ola Aina sits top of the bargain bin. Oliver Glasner's back three should allow him more freedom to fly forward and get involved in the final third this season while he has proven capable of tallying up defensive contributions as well.

Mid-price FPL defender – Riccardo Calafiori (ARS) £5.5m

Arsenal's defence was a cut above last season and that is expected to continue in 2026/27.

Riccardo Calafiori looks to have the left-back spot nailed down and offers a well-priced way in.

The Italian loves to get forward, as we saw in the Community Shield, so he has plenty of earning potential.

Premium FPL defender – Gabriel (ARS) £8m

Top of the charts last season. If you're willing to splash the cash on a defender then Gabriel is the obvious option – and for good reason.

A commanding defender that puts the work in defensively and is a real threat from set pieces as well.

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