We are here with our Top 5 best FPL defenders picks this week for Gameweek 9. Choosing the right defenders is crucial for building a successful Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team. With Gameweek 9 approaching, managers must consider clean-sheet potential, attacking contributions, fixture difficulty and budget-friendly differentials when making their transfers.
From Tottenham Hotspur's improving defence to Arsenal's reliable defensive assets, several defenders stand out as potential buys this week. Here are the top five best defenders to buy in FPL 2026-27 Gameweek 9.
1. Jan Paul van Hecke (Spurs) – £4.9m
Tottenham Hotspur are finally starting to click under Roberto De Zerbi, making Jan Paul van Hecke an appealing defensive option at just £4.9 million. With Spurs showing signs of improvement, the defender could offer excellent value for FPL managers looking to strengthen their backline.
Besides his clean-sheet potential, Van Hecke also possesses a decent aerial threat from set-pieces, giving him opportunities to contribute attacking returns. Spurs face a struggling Crystal Palace side in Gameweek 9, making this an attractive fixture on paper.
Considering his affordable price and potential for returns at both ends of the pitch, Van Hecke is our top defensive pick this week.
2. Pau Torres (Aston Villa) – £4.4m
Pau Torres is an excellent budget differential for FPL Gameweek 9, particularly for managers looking to save funds while targeting defensive returns. Priced at just £4.4 million, the Aston Villa defender offers an affordable route into a team that has been in impressive form.
Villa face Fulham this week, and the fixture presents an opportunity to build on their recent performances. A potential clean sheet would make Torres a valuable addition, especially given his relatively low ownership.
While his attacking threat might not match that of some premium defenders, his price and differential potential make him worth considering.
3. Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) – £7.9m
Arsenal face Liverpool in one of Gameweek 9's toughest fixtures, but Gabriel Magalhães remains a tempting option despite the challenging matchup.
The Brazilian defender has established himself as a threat from attacking set-pieces and is capable of delivering valuable FPL points through goals as well as clean sheets. He also has a reputation for stepping up in high-profile matches, making him an intriguing pick against Liverpool.
Gabriel has previously scored against the Reds in the Premier League, highlighting his potential to produce attacking returns even when Arsenal face difficult opposition.
Although his £7.9 million price tag requires a significant investment, Gabriel is a high-upside option for managers willing to back Arsenal's defensive quality.
4. Tarik Muharemović (Leeds United) – £5.1m
Tarik Muharemović is gradually establishing himself as a popular name among FPL managers. The Leeds United defender has already registered two assists, demonstrating his potential to deliver attacking returns alongside defensive points.
Leeds have also been in decent form, and their Gameweek 9 opponents, Bournemouth, present an opportunity to target further returns. While a clean sheet is never guaranteed, Muharemović's attacking contributions make him an interesting option at £5.1 million.
For managers seeking a defender who offers more than just clean-sheet potential, he could be a useful addition to their FPL squads.
5. Lewis Hall (Newcastle United) – £5.3m
Lewis Hall rounds off our list of the best defenders to buy for FPL Gameweek 9. Newcastle United face a potentially difficult fixture against a defensively organised Everton side, meaning a clean sheet may not be easy to secure.
However, Hall's attacking ability makes him an interesting differential. If Newcastle enjoy sustained possession, the full-back could have opportunities to push forward, create chances and deliver attacking returns.
At £5.3 million, Hall is a riskier pick this week, but his attacking potential could reward managers willing to look beyond the fixture difficulty.
Final Verdict
Van Hecke is our preferred defensive purchase for Gameweek 9, thanks to his price, aerial threat and favourable fixture. Torres offers a budget differential, while Gabriel provides premium attacking potential. Muharemović and Hall are worth considering for managers seeking defenders capable of delivering returns beyond clean sheets.
Also Read | Premier League 2026-27 GW9 Predictions