> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # FPL Gameweek 10 Guide 2026/27: Best DEFCON Defenders, Transfer Targets And Captaincy Picks - URL: https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/fpl-gameweek-10-guide-2026-27-best-defcon-defenders-transfer-targets-and-captaincy-picks/ - Published: 2026-11-05T10:32:12.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-05T10:32:12.000Z - Description: Our FPL Gameweek 10 guide asks whether DEFCON has made four- and five-defender systems viable, while ranking the best defenders, assessing midfield transfers, mapping festive fixtures and comparing Haaland with Gabriel for captaincy. - Author: Theo John Stergianos - Tags: Fantasy Premier League, FPL 2026/2027, Premier League, Jan Paul van Hecke, FPL GW10, Best FPL Players, FPL 2026/2027 Strategy, FPL 2026/2027 Tips, FPL Advice, FPL Budget Players, FPL Captain Pick, FPL Help, EPL Fantasy We are nine gameweeks into the [Fantasy Premier League 2026/27](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/fantasy-premier-league-2026-27/) season. [Maxim De Cuyper](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/maxim-de-cuyper/) (£5.4m) has 69 points. [Erling Haaland](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/erling-haaland/) (£15.8m) has 68 points. When a fullback costing a third of the price outscores the game's best forward, are we building our teams the right way? That's the question doing the rounds this week. Defensive contribution (DEFCON) points have turned centre-backs into weekly two-point banks, and the best attacking defenders now return like mid-priced midfielders. With the international break straight after GW10, it's a good moment to rethink the shape of your squad. ## **FPL DEFCON Strategy: Should You Play Four Or Five Defenders?** The case for 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 formations relied on your mid-priced midfielders and forwards outscoring defenders, and that gap has closed. [Gabriel Magalhães](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/gabriel-magalhaes/) (£8.0m) has 58 points. [Morgan Gibbs-White](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/morgan-gibbs-white/) (£7.8m) has 34 points. The reason is the floor DEFCON gives you. A defender who reaches 10 clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles (CBIT) earns two DEFCON points, regardless of the outcome. A £5.0m defender with that floor and some set-piece threat now matches a £6.5m midfielder. DEFCON alone isn't enough, though. [Chris Richards](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/chris-richards/) (£4.9m) leads all defenders with 14 DEFCON points but has only 26 points overall, because [Crystal Palace](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/crystal-palace/) keep conceding. The ones to own combine DEFCON, clean sheets and attacking threat. ![](https://cdn.mymidnight.blog/77f959f119f4fb2321e9ce801e2f5163/2026/11/image-2.png) Defensive points (clean sheets and DEFCON only) per appearance against price (Source: [TFA FPL Maps & Tools](https://fplplayerstats.com/?ref=tacticalfootballanalysis.com)) ## **Here Are My DEFCON Defender Rankings:** ### **1) Jan Paul van Hecke (£5.0m)** [Jan Paul van Hecke](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/jan-paul-van-hecke/) leads all defenders with five big chances and has nine shots in the box for [Tottenham Hotspur](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tottenham-everton-premier-league-2026-2027-tactical-analysis-tactics/), on top of 53 points and 6 DEFCON points. Spurs have the lowest expected goals conceded (xGC) in the league over the last six gameweeks (4.56). Their next six are [Leeds United](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/leeds-united-news/) (A), [Ipswich Town](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/ipswich-town/) (H), [Sunderland](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/sunderland/) (A), [Fulham](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/fulham-fc/) (H), [Arsenal](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/liverpool-arsenal-premier-league-2026-2027-tactical-analysis-tactics/) (A) and [Hull City](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/hull-city/) (H). Clean sheets, DEFCON and attacking threat for £5.0m. ### **2) Luka Vušković (£5.2m)** [Luka Vušković](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/luka-vuskovic-scout-report-brighton-2026-2027-analysis-tactics/) has 85 CBIT, 8 DEFCON points, six clean sheets, 11 shots in the box and four big chances for [Brighton](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/liverpool-brighton-premier-league-2026-2027-tactical-analysis-tactics/). He tops the TFA defensive map at 3.56 defensive points per appearance and is only 7.3% owned. ### **3) Tarik Muharemović (£5.1m)** [Tarik Muharemović](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tarik-muharemovic-scout-report-leeds-united-2026-2027-analysis/) has 98 CBIT and 12 DEFCON points from nine starts. [Leeds](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/leeds-united-newcastle-premier-league-2026-2027-tactical-analysis-tactics/) have conceded only eight goals with him on the pitch. ### **4) James Tarkowski (£6.2m)** [James Tarkowski](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/james-tarkowski/) has 94 CBIT for [Everton](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/everton-manchester-united-premier-league-2026-2027-tactical-analysis-tactics/), 10 DEFCON points and 54 points, with [Coventry City](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/arsenal-coventry-premier-league-2026-2027-tactical-analysis-tactics/) (H) in GW10. ### **5) Gabriel Magalhães (£8.0m)** [Gabriel Magalhães](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/gabriel-magalhaes/) is the premium choice, with 58 points, six clean sheets, 8 DEFCON points and four big chances. ### **6) António Silva (£5.1m)** [António Silva](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/antonio-silva-scout-report-bournemouth-2026-2027-tactics-analysis/) has 93 CBIT for [Bournemouth](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/real-sociedad-bournemouth-europa-league-2026-2027-tactical-analysis-tactics/), 12 DEFCON points, three big chances and a good run of fixtures until GW14. ### **7) Bobby Thomas (£4.0m)** [Bobby Thomas](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/bobby-thomas/) is the enabler: 88 CBIT, 10 DEFCON points and 12 shots in the box. ## **Arsenal FPL Defence: William Saliba's Return And Rotation Risks** [William Saliba](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/william-saliba/) is closing in on his first appearance of the season. He hasn't played since the back injury he picked up at the [2026 FIFA World Cup](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/2026-fifa-world-cup/), but reports point to a November return. GW11 at [Newcastle United](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/newcastle-united/), straight after the international break, is a realistic target. That matters because [Mikel Arteta](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/mikel-arteta-arsenal-fc/)'s defence is still the best in the league. The question is who loses minutes when Saliba is back. [Ezri Konsa](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/ezri-konsa/) (£4.8m) is the most exposed. He was signed to cover for Saliba and has been excellent, with 49 points in 641 minutes, 7 bonus points and 6 DEFCON points. Gabriel is the one Arsenal defender safe to own, but at a premium price. Konsa is a hold for the Hull City fixture. [Riccardo Calafiori](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/riccardo-calafiori/) (£5.9m) was rested midweek, which improves his chances of starting the GW10 fixture. He is, however, a wait-and-watch, as his minutes will be a concern, especially as we enter the festive period, and transferring him out could fund a move to get a minutes-secure DEFCON defender instead. ![](https://cdn.mymidnight.blog/77f959f119f4fb2321e9ce801e2f5163/2026/11/image-3.png) Top projected defences, GW10 to GW21 (Source: [Rob T](https://x.com/robtFPL?ref=tacticalfootballanalysis.com)) ## **FPL Gameweek 10 Midfielders: Best Buys And Who To Sell** With a back four or five formation, your remaining midfielders have to earn their place. Here's the TFA goal and assist map for midfielders up to £7.5m. ![](https://cdn.mymidnight.blog/77f959f119f4fb2321e9ce801e2f5163/2026/11/image-4.png) xG against xA for midfielders up to £7.5m (Source: [TFA FPL Maps & Tools](https://fplplayerstats.com/?ref=tacticalfootballanalysis.com)) ### [**Marcus Tavernier**](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/marcus-tavernier/) **(£6.6m): Bournemouth's Goal Threat And Fixtures** Out on his own, with 3.71 expected goals (xG) and 1.36 expected assists (xA) for 55 points. Ipswich Town (A), Nottingham Forest (H) and Fulham (A) are next. He is worth transferring in if you don't own him. ### [**Pascal Groß**](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/pascal-gros/) **(£6.2m): Brighton & Hove Albion's Form And Fixtures** He has 60 points, more than Tavernier, helped by 9 bonus points. Brighton's GW10 to GW14 run is Brentford (H), Hull City (A), Newcastle United (H), Bournemouth (A) and Nottingham Forest (A). A must-have, if you still don't own him. ### [**Johan Manzambi**](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/johan-manzambi/) **(£6.1m): Aston Villa's Minutes Risk** 38 points from only 384 minutes is an excellent rate, but he's still a minutes risk. See whether he starts at Old Trafford before buying. ## **Should You Sell Morgan Gibbs-White (£7.8m) Before Gameweek 10?** Yes. He has 34 points from 720 minutes, and Nottingham Forest host [Manchester City](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/manchester-city/) in GW10. [Morgan Gibbs-White](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/morgan-gibbs-white/) to any of the above-listed midfielders will free up some cash. Gibbs-White to [Bryan Mbeumo](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/bryan-mbeumo/) costs just £0.1m and sets you up for [Manchester United](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/manchester-united-roma-champions-league-2026-2027-tactical-analysis/)'s good run from GW12. ## **FPL Fixture Planning: Teams To Target Through The Festive Period** After the international break, there are 10 gameweeks between 21 November and 6 January. ![](https://cdn.mymidnight.blog/77f959f119f4fb2321e9ce801e2f5163/2026/11/image-5.png) Fixture ticker, GW9 to GW20 (Source: [Legomané\_FPL](https://x.com/Legomane%5FFPL?ref=tacticalfootballanalysis.com)) Three things stand out: ### **Manchester United FPL Attack: Watch Form Before Targeting GW12** Brentford (H), Newcastle (A) and Coventry City (H) in GW12 to GW14, then Nottingham Forest (H), Sunderland (H) and Newcastle (H) over Christmas. [Bruno Fernandes](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/bruno-fernandes/) is the top projected captain in GW12 (6.1) and GW14 (7.3). After Aston Villa (H) and [Liverpool](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/liverpool-fc/) (A), GW12 is the week to have them in. Mbeumo (£7.9m, 44 points, 4.24 xG) is the value route. Fernandes (£11.7m) is the captaincy route. ### **Tottenham Hotspur FPL Defence: Clean Sheets And Fixture Value** Lowest xGC over the last six (4.56), with Bournemouth (H) and Brighton (H) over Christmas. Buy Van Hecke now. [Pedro Porro](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/pedro-porro/) or [Micky van de Ven](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/micky-van-de-ven/) can be on your radar. ### **Chelsea FPL Fixtures: Palmer And Rogers Offer Captaincy Potential** [Chelsea](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/xabi-alonso-tactics-chelsea-2026-2027-data-analysis/) face Leeds (H) in GW11 and Crystal Palace (H) in GW13, then Coventry City (A) and Ipswich Town (A) in GW17 and GW18, which are all among [Solio](https://solioanalytics.com/?ref=tacticalfootballanalysis.com)'s strongest attacking and clean sheet fixtures. [Cole Palmer](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/cole-palmer/) (£9.8m) shares the top captaincy projection in GW13 (6.5), and [Morgan Rogers](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/morgan-rogers/) (£8.2m) is close behind. ![](https://cdn.mymidnight.blog/77f959f119f4fb2321e9ce801e2f5163/2026/11/image-6.png) Top projected attacks, GW10 to GW21 (Source: [Rob T](https://x.com/robtFPL?ref=tacticalfootballanalysis.com)) ## **FPL Gameweek 10 Captaincy: Erling Haaland Vs Gabriel Magalhães** The Solio matrix has Gabriel top for GW10 at 6.1 projected points, with [Kai Havertz](https://tacticalfootballanalysis.com/tag/kai-havertz/), Haaland and Bruno Fernandes all within 0.1. A defender topping the projections fits this week's theme. ![](https://cdn.mymidnight.blog/77f959f119f4fb2321e9ce801e2f5163/2026/11/image-7.png) Top projected captain for each gameweek, GW10 to GW15 (Source: [Rob T](https://x.com/robtFPL?ref=tacticalfootballanalysis.com)) ### **Erling Haaland (Manchester City, £15.8m) Vs Nottingham Forest (A)** The safest choice: 68 points, nine goals and 33 shots in the box. ### **Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal, £8.0m) Vs Hull City (H)** The bold pick. Arsenal are the week's best clean sheet bet, and a clean sheet, DEFCON (unlikely) and bonus would give him 10 or more points before he even gets a header. ### **Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, £11.7m) Vs Aston Villa (H)** Villa are no pushovers. Save his armband for GW12 and GW14, when he tops the matrix. My pick: Haaland as captain and Gabriel as vice-captain. If you're chasing rank and want to back this week's theme, swap them round.