The short answer
Hull are no longer just a funny early-season upset.
They have opened the Premier League season with:
- Hull 2-0 Manchester United
- Coventry 0-1 Hull
Two matches. Two wins. Two clean sheets.
For FPL, that makes Hull's cheap defensive assets a serious squad-building option.
OneFPL ranking
| Rank | Player | Price profile | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tzolakis | £4.5m GK | 10 points in both league games |
| 2 | John Egan | £4.0m DEF | Elite repeated DefCon |
| 3 | Nobel Mendy | £4.0m DEF | GW1 goal + cheap starter |
| 4 | Semi Ajayi | £4.0m DEF | Set-piece threat + secure role |
1. Tzolakis — the safest route
Tzolakis has delivered 10 FPL points in each of Hull's first two league matches.
Against Coventry he combined:
- clean sheet
- three saves
- maximum bonus
The attraction of a £4.5m goalkeeper is simple: he does not need Hull to dominate possession.
Saves can protect his score when clean sheets disappear.
Verdict: best Hull defensive pick.
2. Egan — the DefCon monster
Egan's first two league matches have produced:
- 21 defensive contributions vs Man Utd
- 13 vs Coventry
He therefore crossed the defender DefCon threshold in both games.
At the minimum defender price, that gives him a route to points even when Hull concede.
Verdict: best £4.0m Hull defender for floor.
3. Mendy — ceiling at minimum price
Mendy scored in GW1 and produced a huge opening haul.
He did not hit the DefCon threshold against Coventry, but still benefited from the clean sheet.
A £4.0m defender does not need weekly goals.
If he starts consistently, he can simply sit on the bench until fixtures or injuries make him useful.
Verdict: excellent enabler.
4. Ajayi — set-piece route
Ajayi also scored against Manchester United and added another six points against Coventry.
His route is:
- clean sheets
- headers from set pieces
- DefCon in busier matches
Verdict: strong alternative if ownership/price movement makes others less attractive.
GW3: Aston Villa at home
Villa have started badly and their squad is changing quickly after Watkins' departure.
Hull therefore have another fixture where a clean sheet is plausible.
The run will not stay easy forever, so buying Hull defenders should still be about value rather than assuming they suddenly own an elite defence.
Best strategy
Need a starting goalkeeper?
Tzolakis
Need a £4.0m bench defender?
Egan or Mendy
Want attacking/set-piece upside?
Ajayi or Mendy
Before doubling up, test the savings in the OneFPL Transfer Planner. A £4.0m defender can unlock upgrades to Haaland, Palmer or premium Arsenal assets.
OneFPL verdict
Hull's defensive assets have moved from preseason enablers to real FPL options.
Tzolakis is the safest. Egan has the best DefCon floor. Mendy and Ajayi offer more explosive upside.
Sources
OneFPL analysis. OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
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