Top 5 Defenders to Pick in Fantasy EFL 2025/26
As part of our summer series preparing Fantasy EFL managers for the new campaign, we’re breaking down the best picks in each position ahead of the 2025/26 season. In this article, we focus on the top 5 defenders to pick in Fantasy EFL 2025/26, looking at clearance potential, clean sheet chances, and overall value.
Whether you’re building an early draft or planning transfers, these are the defenders to keep on your radar. To help us we brought in Fantasy EFL expert @AirAvangarda.
Oliver Casey – Blackpool
Casey was last season’s top-scoring EFL defender, ranking top three for clearances and blocks. Aerially dominant on set pieces and facing a favourable opening fixture at home to Stevenage, he offers both defensive stability and attacking threat – making him a standout early-season pick.
Sam Stubbs – Shrewsbury
As they push for an immediate return to League One. He ranked top eight last season for blocks and clearances, and with strong fixtures ahead, he’s set to impress. Stubbs has aerial threat from set pieces, scored twice last season, but his goal tally has clear potential to rise.
Mickey Demetriou – Crewe
Demetriou is a fantasy legend already. Ranked first for blocks and sixth for clearances last season. Two years ago, he delivered nine goals and 6 assists – displaying his attacking threat. A true talisman and set piece threat, he’s a fantasy beast and essential pick for most Gameweeks.
It isn’t just the Top 5 Defenders to Pick in Fantasy EFL 2025/26 available to you, you can also check out the top 5 goalkeepers!
Paudie O’Connor – Reading
Bindon’s successor. A strong fantasy pick with 339 clearances last season, he benefits from a better team and promotion push. Playing behind a solid midfield and a style that suits him, O’Connor is set to improve on his impressive Lincoln City performances.
Anthony O’Connor- Harrogate
Anthony O’Connor is an elite fantasy asset, EFL’s top defender for clearances 468 and third in blocks (52) last season. He produced 11 clean sheets last season for Harrogate, his outstanding defensive volume and occasional big scores make him a standout pick, particularly in tough, high-action matches.
