Fantasy Premier League: Three budget players to consider for Gameweek 17

As the Premier League heads into December, 16 Gameweeks have been completed and we're heading into the busy stage of the competition. As for Fantasy Premier League, it means more rotations, lost points and some frustration.

Hence it is essential to have all 15 players in your squad as you never know which of your starters will be rested. But finding 15 first-team players who can score points can be challenging. And that's why budget players become even more crucial at this stage.

The biggest winners have been those who bought Sheffield United's John Lundstram early in the season. Classified as a defender but playing in Sheffield's midfield, Lundstram has managed to generate a lot of points and his price has increased from £4.0M to £5.1M. But he's not the only option. Here's a look at three budget players for the upcoming gameweek.

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#3 George Baldock (DEF: £4.7M)

George Baldock

Another Sheffield United player, and another midfielder--playing higher up in a five-man midfield--marked as a defender. For those who don't have Lundstram and want to get on the budget train, Baldock is the man for you. Managers who already have Lundstram but are willing to double up on Sheffield defence, again Baldock is the choice.

Baldock has earned a massive 71 points this season. He has second-highest points for Sheffield United, behind Lundstram with 78 points. Baldock has scored two goals and has three assists, and has also been a part of five clean-sheets. He has even racked up six bonus points so far.

With only 4.8% ownership, Baldock is an FPL gem. Sheffield United face Aston Villa in Gameweek 17 and then go on to face Brighton and Watford. Three relatively easy fixtures that make Baldock a great pick now.

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#2 Daniel James (MID: £6.1M)

Daniel James

At £6.1M, Daniel James doesn't seem quite cheap. But he's one of the most consistent players at that price. James joined Manchester United this summer and has become one of their main players and a constant in the team.

Given United's recent performances and James' role in their victories, it seems a good choice to invest in the Welsh player. James has raked in 59 points so far and is owned by 10.7% of players. He has scored three goals and has provided four assists this season.

James has started every single league game for Manchester United since Gameweek 2. His low price makes him one of the cheapest ways to get into a 'big 6' team's attack. Given Manchester United's counter-attacking play and James' role, he could be an asset.

Manchester United face Everton in Gameweek 17, followed by matches against Watford, Newcastle and Burnley. Given the comfortable set of fixtures for United, James is an outstanding prospect for the busy period.

#1 Neal Maupay (FWD: £5.7M)

Neal Maupay

Maupay has now become Brighton's main forward this season. After substitute appearances in the first few matches, he has asserted himself as the first-choice striker.

He has 64 points this season, the second-highest among Brighton players. Keeper Mathew Ryan is the only player to have more points than Maupay, with 65. Maupay has scored six goals so far and has earned a massive 12 points as bonus.

Maupay is owned by only 1.2% of managers, making him an even better prospect. He has enjoyed being Brighton's main man forward, and that is visible from his performances. Brighton face Crystal Palace in Gameweek 17 and then go on to face Sheffield United, Tottenham and Bournemouth. Not the easiest fixtures, but there's still the possibility of getting a few easy points.