Fantasy Premier League cheat code: The budget squad

Luke Shaw

The importance of recognizing your “budget players” in a Fantasy Premier League team is as important as choosing your premium/marquee players.

The budget player(s) not only allows you to slot in your prime point scoring talent within the budget of 120, but also come in handy at tough times when the game-week matchups are not always favourable. They save that precious three points that you may otherwise may have to spend in extra transfers.

The Sporstskeeda FPL game gives you even more incentive to seek out that vital bargain. With no set captain and the introduction of the salary system which enables you to increase the potential of scoring by adjusting the salary multiplier of the superstars in your team.

With enough bargains in your team, you can increase the multiplier of those “premium players” as because the bargain picks don’t nibble much into your precious salary budget of $2million.

Without much further beating about the bush, let’s get into recognizing the big “bargains” in the game.

Goalkeepers

It’s hard to shed much in terms of fantasy cash when it comes to goalkeepers, while wanting them to be effective. Yet, we may have the biggest bargain in the competition present in the goalkeeping section. Artur Boruc, Southampton’s first choice keeper has been priced at a generous four. The Saints were certainly not the worst side defensively in the Premier League and with a generous run-in to begin with, Boruc might be the diamond in the rough you are looking for.

The only other option available at beneath 6 worthy of a selection is Asmir Begovic who was one of the standouts of last year’s FPL battle. At 5.5 he is as generously priced as they come.

Defenders

The first name that catches the eye amongst the defenders that could be had a at a cut-price is the new Villa signing Antonio Luna. The Spanish left-back is priced the cheapest amongst the options available from the Villa backline at a generous 5. For a Paul Lambert team, Luna should get ample opportunity to get forward to cause damage.

Southampton’ pair of wing backs in the form of Luke Shaw and Nathaniel Clyne should catch your eye even though they cost a tad more at 6 each.

Another one that can pack a punch would be West Ham’ new recruit Razvan Rat who is the favourite to take over Guy Demel’s duty at right-back. He should thrive after being one of mainstays in Shahtar Donetsk’s defense for a number of years.

Sunderland have been the most prolific spenders in the transfers market in terms of numbers so far. The most appealing new recruit for the Black Cats for FPL lovers is Valetin Roberge. Priced at a cheeky 5.5, he is certainly an option worth keeping putting into your team.

Last but not the least, the pickup of the season in terms of bargain can well be Danny Rose at Tottenham. Rose used last year’s loan year at Sunderland as his coming-out party, impressing all and sundry. Rose will only knock you back by 6 but gives you a real option who can not only be part of an improving Spurs defence but also one to provide you points with his forays into the opposing halves.

Aaron Ramsey

Midfielders

The first name that pops up in the midfielders section is again another Villa man. Aleksandar Tonev, priced at 6 gives a great option for cheap midfielders. The Bulgarian will supposedly slot in at the hole behind the prolific Christian Benteke in Paul Lambert’s team. Tonev is an excellent option for a player slotted in the bronze level salary.

At 6.5, Aaron Ramsey seems to be a coup when it comes to selecting a player that gives you steady points throughout the season without eating much into the transfer fund.

If Moussa Sissoko can relive the form that saw him score 3 and assist on further 4 occasions in the 18 games he had played for Newcastle last season, he would to be a steal at only 7.

Leroy Fer (priced at 7) has been one of the most under-rated transfer this summer but it shouldn’t escape your eyes. He is a play-maker with a keen eye or goal. 13 goals in 22 games last season pays testament to his goal getting abilities.

Matt Jarvis is the final name on the list of potential sleepers in this year’s FPL. The West Ham winger may have disappointed a lot of fantasy owners last season after a commendable 2011/12 season but he has the necessary attributes to excel this season. With 29 first team appearances, he is a constant points ticker. If he gets his act together, and with the presence of the towering Andy Carroll in the centre, he should win a lot of owner’s back this season. At 7, he is certainly worth the punt.

Strikers

If you go looking for a cheap striker, the first name that you should stumble upon is a former EPL Golden Boot winner. Yes, Nicolas Anelka is back and his pre-season form suggests he still doesn’t miss a beat. Priced at 7.5, he should be the first choice when you go “bargain striker hunting”.

Andreas Cornelius (priced at 6.5) is the second name to pop up on the list and the first Cardiff player to do so. The broad-built Danish striker comes into his first season in England on the back of a 18-goal season for FC Copenhagen. He certainly will see a lot of time on the pitch for Cardiff but whether that translates to goals remains to be seen.

Andreas Weimann is the third Villan to pop-up on the list and all thanks to their generous pricing. You can net the Austrian for a paltry 7.5. Weimann ended up with seven goals and four assists in his first season at Villa Park. A better understanding of the dynamics of Paul Lambert’s offence this time around should result in an even more fruitful season for the Austrian.

Is this the best budget squad?

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