15 Budget options for the 2017-18 Fantasy premier league season

Defenders:

1) Ricardo Perreira

Ricardo Pereira in action for Portugal in World Cup 2019

Club: Leicester City F.C.

Price: £5.0m

A summer acquisition from FC Porto, Ricardo Pereira has long been one of the most sought-after fullbacks in Europe. The 24-year-old arrives from Portugal to provide competition to Danny Simpson at right back and can also play further forward on the right wing.

He is very good in attack and loves to go on overlapping runs, has electric pace and is also a strong tackler. He has also previously worked with current Leicester boss Claude Puel at Nice.

The Leicester defence has been reinforced with the signing of Johnny Evans from West Brom and it looks frighteningly strong when paired with Harry Maguire. Add the legs of Pereira and that Leicester defence could become very difficult to breach.

2) Ryan Bertrand

Ryan Bertrand will look to come back stronger after the World cup snub

Club: Southampton F.C

Price: £5.0m

A seasoned premier league player now, the Chelsea academy graduate is one of the best left backs in the league. As a defender, he is as complete as they come- sound defensively, more than capable offensively and has great versatility. Bertrand recorded 103 points last season in a Southampton side that were threatened with relegation as he ended up as their top fantasy league scorer.

Even though Southampton's prospects in the upcoming season don't look very good, Bertrand can again be expected to step up.

It is rather surprising that no big club has gone in for him. He certainly has the quality to play for a top-six club in England. Therefore, Ryan Bertrand if opted by Fantasy users, will get a steady return on their investment.