We’ve given our best XI for the new season, but now we turn our attention to the best FPL bargains. The criteria to make this is the players must be in the bottom two price categories. Finding the bargains looks a challenge this season, with fewer premium midfielders and attackers than before, so making space for FPL budget picks looks essential for squads looking to make moves in the early part of the campaign.
FPL Bargain Goalkeepers
Antonin Kinsky (4.5m) – Tottenham’s number one goalkeeper is in the main squad for the season, and with Tottenham looking set for an improved campaign, the Czech stopper could be one of the best bargains for managers looking to create value in their squad with a 4.5m/4.0m goalkeeper combination.
Bart Verbruggen (4.5m) – Vergbruggen had a strong World Cup with the Netherlands and now looks nailed down as Brighton’s first choice. He’s currently the second most-owned 4.5m keeper behind Kinsky, and Brighton have a home game against Aston Villa to start the season, with Leeds, Coventry, Sunderland and Crystal Palace all in the first seven gameweeks.
FPL Bargain Defenders
Bobby Thomas (4.0m) – Coventry had the best defence in the Championship last season and Thomas could be a solid bench/defensive contribution option in the budget defender tier for the first part of the season, particularly with those looking to play an early bench boost. The Sky Blues have five FDR 2 fixtures in the first nine weeks of the campaign, so there are multiple options to pick a kind fixture.
Luke Shaw (4.5m) – Manchester United were highlighted as one of our teams to follow in the early part of the campaign and Luke Shaw comes in at an interesting price point after a productive campaign last term. He’s the most popular pick amongst the 4.5m defenders, and starts the season with Hull and Ipswich, making him an understandable selection.
Ian Maatsen (4.5m) – Maatsen is a bit of a wildcard but with Lucas Digne heading to PSG, the Dutchman could get early season minutes in the Aston Villa defence. Villa don’t have the kindest early season fixtures, but Maatsen likes to get forward so there may be opportunity for attacking returns.
FPL Bargain Midfielders
Shea Lacey (5.0m) – Lacey looks a supreme talent and has looked at home in United’s midfield so far this pre-season. With Michael Carrick at the helm, expect plenty of the Red Devils’ young talent to feature this season, and the young Englishman looks the best prospect of the lot.
Diego Gomez (5.0m) – Gomez was a solid differential in the second half of last campaign, and featured in 32 of the Seagulls’ matches, scoring five goals. The Paraguayan started in Brighton’s opening pre-season win over Strasbourg, and with attacking threat and defensive contribution potential, he looks the best of the bunch in the 5.0m midfielder bracket.
Amine Adli (5.0m) – Adli is another talent who we’re surprised to see at this price point. Signed from Bayer Leverkusen for £25m a year ago, the Moroccan international scored three goals in 31 appearances in a promising opening campaign for the Cherries. He looks set to kick on this season and could be one of the Premier League’s breakout stars in a side that have a good habit of unearthing talent.
FPL Bargain Forwards
Kaye Furo (4.5m) – The striker position looks tough to find any value in the 5.0m and 4.5m bracket, but Kaye Furo could be one to watch. The Belgian played in the Champions League for Club Brugge last season before signing for Brentford in January. He made just two appearances since joining but could be ready for more action after an adjustment period to life in England, and is still just 19 years of age.
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