The card you will want in your first position will be your Tank. This is the card you will want to absorb much of the early battle damage.
Great Tank options- (May depend of monster's level)
Fire-Molten Ogre, Serpentine Soldier, Serpent of Flames, Living Lava
Water- Sea Monster, Frozen Soldier, Frost Giant, Krakken
Earth- Stonesplitter Orc, Flesh Golem, Nectar Queen, Unicorn Mustang
Life- Sacred Unicorn, Shield Bearer, Silvershield Paladin
Death- Skeletal Warrior, Haunted Spirit, Lord Of Darkness
Dragon- Dragon Spirit, Naga Brute
Neutral-Goblin Mech, Hydra, Chain Golem, Lord Arianthus
Referral Link-
https://splinterlands.com?ref=kennypowers55