The Scout takes a look at the 2020/21 Fantasy Premier League player list, assessing the best options according to position and price.
Stuart Armstrong (SOU) £5.5m
The Southampton midfielder established himself as a regular in the second half of 2019/20.
After starting only three of the first 17 Gameweeks, Armstrong was named in the starting XI in 16 of Saints’ final 21 matches.
His five goals from that point onwards were second only to the 13 of Danny Ings (£8.5m) for the club.
And his underlying numbers further highlight Armstrong’s prospects.
His 41 shots ranked ninth among all FPL midfielders, while his 17 shots on target placed joint-eighth, equal with Kevin De Bruyne (£11.5m) and Sadio Mane (£12.0m).
Armstrong's goals
Matheus Pereira (WBA) £6.0m
Involved in 24 goals in last season’s Championship, Pereira could emerge as the standout pick in the budget midfield bracket.
The West Bromwich Albion playmaker scored eight and provided a further 16 assists in a stellar 2019/20 campaign.
And his underlying statistics show why he will be vital in helping unlock opposition defences.
The Brazilian created 116 chances last season, more than any other player in the Championship.
Leandro Trossard (BHA) £6.0m
The Brighton & Hove Albion attacker was limited to only 22 starts last term due to injury.
Yet his totals of 42 shots and 41 chances created both ranked second for the Seagulls.
When selected, Trossard was involved in 44 per cent of his side’s goals, more than any team-mate.
Providing he is able to stay fit, he can be a big success in the sub-£6.5m bracket.
Allan Saint-Maximin (NEW) £5.5m
A strong end to 2019/20 bodes well for the prospects of the Newcastle United winger.
Saint-Maximin produced one goal, three assists and three double-figure FPL hauls from Gameweek 30+ onwards.
Furthermore, his 15 shots and seven shots on target were both team-leading totals in that period.
And his three big chances created were joint-top for the Magpies.
Tomas Soucek (WHU) £5.0m
At a cost of just £5.0m, the Czech Republic international has the potential to provide excellent value as a fourth or fifth midfielder.
Soucek was a vital figure in helping West Ham United avoid relegation last term, scoring in three of their final nine encounters.
He recorded 14 shots inside the penalty area during that time, a total bettered by only nine other FPL midfielders.
Also in this series
Part 1: Ryan No 1 among budget goalkeepers
Part 2: Save points boost appeal of Dubravka
Part 3: Vinagre standout option from budget defenders
Part 4: Wan-Bissaka an all-round prospect
Part 5: Alexander-Arnold still a bargain
Part 7: Greenwood can provide outstanding value in new role
Part 8: Salah goal threat gives edge over rivals
Part 9: Maupay can shine among budget forwards
Part 10: Ings has platform to hit ground running
