Welcome to your data-driven guide for Gameweek 7, where we use the powerful tools at FPL Stats Lab to identify the best defensive assets for your squad. After a dramatic Gameweek 6 that saw big hauls from unexpected heroes like Omar Alderete, it's time to solidify our backlines for the upcoming fixtures. This analysis is built for FPL fans, by FPL fans, leveraging our platform's data to give you the edge.

Key Takeaways for GW7 Defence

• Top Goalkeeper: David Raya (£5.6m) is the prime choice, backed by Arsenal's outstanding fixtures and elite defensive numbers.
• Top Defender: Gabriel (£6.2m) offers a secure route into the Arsenal backline, combining clean sheet potential with a genuine goal threat.
• Best Value Pick: Marcos Senesi (£4.9m) provides excellent value with both defensive solidity and attacking returns, facing a favourable home fixture.
• Top Differential: Omar Alderete (£4.1m), owned by just 4.6%, is the standout budget differential, looking to build on his excellent form from GW6.
• Team to Target: Arsenal have the best run of fixtures over the next six gameweeks, making investment in their defence a top priority.

Which Goalkeepers Should You Target for GW7?

Our analysis, powered by the FPL Stats Lab Player Watchlist and Fixture Planner, has identified three goalkeepers who stand out for Gameweek 7 and beyond, catering to different budgets and strategies.

The Premium Pick: David Raya (Arsenal, £5.6m)

For managers with the budget, David Raya is the standout premium goalkeeper. Our Fixture Planner shows that Arsenal have the easiest run of fixtures over the next six gameweeks, starting with West Ham at home in GW7.

Raya's underlying data is elite: he has already secured 3 clean sheets and is overperforming his Expected Goals Conceded (xGC) of 3.91, having let in only 3 goals. His xGC per 90 minutes is a very low 0.65, highlighting the quality of the defence in front of him. At 26.0% ownership, he is a popular but highly effective choice.

GW7 Fixture: West Ham (H)
Clean Sheets: 3
Goals Conceded / 90: 0.5
Verdict: The best goalkeeping option in the game right now.

The Budget Safe Bet: Đorđe Petrović (Bournemouth, £4.5m)

Petrović is our safe bet goalkeeping pick for Gameweek 7, offering a fantastic combination of price, form, and an excellent fixture. Bournemouth face Fulham at home, a great opportunity for a clean sheet.

He has already kept 3 clean sheets in six starts and has made 16 saves. With an ownership of just 5.6%, he offers a strong differential alternative to the more popular budget keepers.

GW7 Fixture: Fulham (H)
Clean Sheets: 3
Selected By %: 5.6%
Verdict: A solid and reliable choice for GW7.

The Long-Term Value Pick: Robin Roefs (Sunderland, £4.5m)

If you're looking for a budget keeper who offers more than just clean sheets, Robin Roefs is an exceptional long-term option. Although Sunderland face a tricky trip to Man Utd in GW7, his stats are simply too good to ignore.

He is the highest-scoring goalkeeper on our Watchlist with 39 points, thanks to 3 clean sheets, 20 saves, and a crucial penalty save. His current form of 7.3 is phenomenal, and at just 3.6% ownership, he could be a season-defining differential.

Total Points: 39
Saves: 20 (including 1 penalty save)
Form: 7.3
Verdict: A fantastic long-term hold with a high ceiling.

Who Are the Best Defenders for Gameweek 7?

Finding defenders who can deliver points at both ends of the pitch is key to FPL success. Using our algorithm, which analyses fixture difficulty, clean sheet probability, and attacking threat, we've identified the top defender picks for your GW7 squad.

The Set-and-Forget Premium: Gabriel (Arsenal, £6.2m)

Gabriel is the best premium defensive asset to own right now. He is a dominant force in both boxes, as proven by his 1 goal and 3 clean sheets so far. His underlying defensive numbers are superb, with a massive 54 defensive contributions (clearances, blocks, interceptions, and tackles) and a goals conceded rate of just 0.5 per 90 minutes. He is the cornerstone of the league's most promising defence for the upcoming period.

GW7 Fixture: West Ham (H)
Total Points: 38
Defensive Contribution / 90: 9.0
Verdict: The essential premium defender to own.

The DefCon Monster: Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth, £4.9m)

For managers looking for a defender with explosive attacking potential, Marcos Senesi is an outstanding choice. He has already delivered 2 assists and 3 clean sheets, amassing an impressive 44 total points. Bournemouth's home fixture against Fulham provides a great platform for points at both ends. Senesi's 81 total defensive contributions show he is heavily involved, making him a prime candidate for bonus points.

GW7 Fixture: Fulham (H)
Total Points: 44
Assists: 2
Verdict: An excellent pick with a high ceiling for attacking returns.

The In-Form Differential: Omar Alderete (Sunderland, £4.1m)

Following his monster haul in GW6, Omar Alderete remains a fantastic budget-enabling differential. Priced at just £4.1m and owned by only 4.6% of managers, he frees up significant funds to invest elsewhere. Despite a tough fixture against Man Utd, his form is electric, and his Expected Goal Involvement (xGI) per 90 of 0.17 is very high for a defender at his price, suggesting his attacking returns are no fluke.

Price: £4.1m
Selected By %: 4.6%
Form: 10.0
Verdict: A superb budget enabler for managers looking to take a calculated risk.

FPL GW7 Defence FAQ:

Which team has the best defensive fixtures from GW7?

According to our FPL Fixture Difficulty Planner, Arsenal has the best schedule over the next six gameweeks (GW7-12). Their run includes four home games and favourable away trips, making their assets a priority.

Is it worth taking a points hit for a defender in GW7?

Generally, taking a points hit (-4) for a defender is only advisable if the incoming player has a high probability of returning at least 6 points and has excellent long-term potential. Targeting an Arsenal defender like Gabriel for their fixture swing could justify a hit.

Who is the best Crystal Palace defender to own?

Crystal Palace have a solid fixture in GW7 away to Everton. Both Marc Guéhi (£4.8m) and Tyrick Mitchell (£5.0m) are strong options. Guéhi has more goal involvements (1 goal, 2 assists), while Mitchell offers a great differential route with only 2.3% ownership.