The Scout looks at the best players for managers’ opening squads in Fantasy Premier League, according to price and position.
Budget defenders
An increase in the number of £4.0m defenders who are regular starters for their clubs can help managers free up funds for bigger spends in attack.
This is because defence is the only outfield position in Fantasy with a £4.0m price point, whereas the cheapest midfielders and forwards cost £4.5m.
All three promoted clubs offer options in this ultra-low bracket, with Burnley’s Jordan Beyer, Luton Town’s Amari’i Bell and Sheffield United’s George Baldock the most notable.
Beyer and Baldock have both scored in recent friendlies to highlight their potential, although the main point of owning £4.0m defenders is to sit them on your bench and call upon them only in emergencies.
In the £4.5m price range, there are a number of strong options with the potential for points at both ends of the pitch.
Tarkowski boasts big goal threat
James Tarkowski (£4.5m) could be the pick of the bunch in Everton’s first full campaign under Sean Dyche.
The Toffees produced 80 shots at set-pieces following Dyche’s arrival as manager in Gameweek 22 last season, the third-most in the league.
Tarkowski’s aerial threat was a huge factor in that run. Indeed, his 19 shots in the box and 15 headed shots both placed second among defenders.
A kind opening schedule, combined with his low ownership of 3.4 per cent, can make the centre-back an appealing differential.
According to the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), three of the Toffees’ first four matches score only two.
Botman deserves more attacking returns
Sven Botman (£4.5m) offers a huge saving over Kieran Trippier (£6.5m) as a route into Newcastle United’s strong defence.
Botman was the eighth top-scoring defender in Fantasy last term, combining two assists with 13 clean sheets.
Despite his minimal attacking returns, the Dutchman was among the standout players for goal threat at the back.
Botman’s 22 shots in the box were bettered by only six other defenders in 2022/23.
Value from Villa
Aston Villa have a number of £4.5m defenders who could be huge sources of value from the outset.
They kept nine clean sheets after Unai Emery was appointed head coach in Gameweek 15 last season, the third-best total in the league.
Tyrone Mings (£4.5m) was a big success during that period, averaging 4.2 points per start under the Spaniard.
The centre-back’s total of 98 points in that timeframe ranked seventh among defenders and was just one fewer than the tally achieved by Manchester United’s Luke Shaw (£5.5m).
If he retains a regular starting role, Mings has an extended run of favourable opponents to profit from.
According to the FDR, eight of Villa’s first 12 matches score only two.
Nonetheless, there is a lot of competition at centre-back for Emery’s side, with Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos and summer signing Pau Torres (all £4.5m) vying for starts.
Bees pair beaten by Flekken for value?
Brentford pair Ethan Pinnock and Rico Henry (both £4.5m) have a similarly encouraging early schedule, with five of their first seven matches scoring two in the FDR.
Centre-back Pinnock scored three goals in 2022/23, the same as his more expensive team-mate Ben Mee (£5.0m). Wing-back Henry has impressed in pre-season with two assists.
However, the Bees’ identically-priced goalkeeper Mark Flekken (£4.5m), who is expected to be their No 1 this term, can provide better value thanks to his many routes to returns, including save points.
See: Who are the best FPL goalkeepers for 2023/24?
Back Wolves at home
Finally, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ defensive record at Molineux can boost the prospects of Craig Dawson and Matt Doherty (both £4.5m).
Wolves kept 10 clean sheets in home matches last season, second only to the 11 of Man Utd.
Both are cheaper than 'keeper Jose Sa (£5.0m) and offer attacking potential.
Dawson is a big threat at set-pieces, while Doherty has been quick to make an impact upon his return to the club, earning the assist for their goal against Celtic last week.
See: FPL pre-season minutes tracker
Also in this series
Part 1: Who are the best FPL goalkeepers for 2023/24?
Part 3: Who are the best mid-priced and premium FPL defenders?
Part 4: Who are the best FPL budget midfielders for 2023/24?
Part 5: Who are the best mid-priced and premium FPL midfielders?
Part 6: Who are the best FPL forwards to pick alongside Haaland?
