In the world of FPL, finding hidden gems among budget defenders can be the key to unlocking success. These unsung heroes may not make headlines, but they offer the potential for valuable points while allowing managers to free up funds for star-studded lineups. Among these hidden gems, one category stands out: the £4.0m defenders.
At this price point, managers are often faced with limited options, with the main objective being to find a bench-fodder player who can occasionally provide a clean sheet and earn an occasional point or two. However, every season brings surprises and unexpected breakthroughs, as unheralded defenders emerge to defy expectations and become must-have assets for FPL managers.
In this blog post, we embark on a quest to unearth the best £4.0m defenders for your FPL team draft. We will delve into the current pool of players in this price range, analysing their potential for consistent game time, clean sheets, and even attacking returns. Whether you’re aiming to bolster your bench or seeking a cost-effective rotation option, we’ve got you covered.
Jordan Beyer – £4.0 Million (Burnley)
This is my personal big, having watched Beyer play for Burnley in the Championship. I really like the progressive nature of Beyer as a centre-back. He’s not afraid to take the ball forward in order to gain position further up the pitch. Which could prove vital in the bonus points system and maybe even acquiring some assists. During his time in Burnley’s title winning campaign, he played 30 games, keeping a whopping 15 clean sheets in those games of which he participated. Which is staggering and shows a real defensive security in Vincent Kompany’s side. Barring injuries when he was kept out of the side for a couple of weeks, he was a guaranteed starter for Burnley week in, week out and barring transfers that should remain the same when they make the step up in 2023/24.
Currently picked by 8.4% of managers, I think he’s a really shrewd and smart pick as Burnley are tipped to surprise a few on their return to the big time.
Amari’i Bell – £4.0 Million (Luton)
There’s a lot of talk within the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) space about Amari’i Bell that’s lead to him being picked by 22.2% (as of 11th July) of managers. Which is a mile ahead of the next most popular pick at this price point Jordan Beyer, who we’ve mentioned is currently picked by 8.7% of players. Having looked over Bell’s fixtures, he has the following start to life in the Premier League:
Brighton & Hove Albion (A), Burnley (H), Chelsea (A), West Ham United (H), Fulham (A)
The reason for the hype around him it seems on socials is as things stand he’s pretty much guaranteed to start games for them once the campaign gets underway. A privilege that we shouldn’t always take for granted. The starts do back up the justification for choosing bell after registering the most starts for an outfield player, the most tackles and only conceding 21 goals in 23 home games.
Jarrad Branthwaite – £4.0 Million (Everton)
I’m the least confident in Branthwaite’s minutes as we head into the season. But after a successful loan spell at PSV Eindhoven, there is a question to be asked if he’s ready to start making an impression at Everton. With Seamus Coleman now 34 years old and signing a 12 month extension with Everton, I’d be very surprised to see Coleman making 38 starts in the league this season. With Nathan Patterson unable to seemingly hold down a position in the side too as the side battled bravely against relegation last season. It might be worth keeping an eye on the movings of Jarrad Branthwaite to see if he’s still there as a cheap defensive option for your Fantasy Premier League team.
George Baldock – £4.0 Million (Sheffield United)
George Baldock is an interesting pick at £4.0m as a defender and it will highly depend on if you think Sheffield United are the strongest promoted team. One advantage is that according to Transfermarkt Baldock spent most 30 of his 33 appearances in the Championship last season at right midfield, notching a goal and 3 assists as he played an important role in their promotion campaign back to the Premier League under Paul Heckingbottom. Currently by 6.3% of FPL managers, it will be worth seeing if Sheffield United use their promotion money to re-invest and purchase a new right back/right midfielder to replace Baldock but if not, it could be worth keeping an eye on their pre-season fixtures to evaluate if he will get a decent run of games in 2023/24.
As we reach the end of our exploration into the world of budget defenders for your FPL team draft, we hope you’ve gained valuable insights and discovered potential gems to enhance your squad. Remember, in the world of fantasy football, every point matters, and smart budget management can often be the key to success.
While premium assets may grab the headlines, it’s crucial not to overlook the hidden treasures lurking in the depths of the player pool. The £4.0m defenders we’ve discussed may not be the marquee names or have eye-catching price tags, but their potential for consistent game time, clean sheets, and even the occasional attacking return can provide that much-needed edge in your FPL journey.
Keep a close eye on the latest preseason fixtures, transfer news, and injury updates, as the landscape of FPL is ever-evolving. The players we’ve highlighted today might experience changes in form, roles, or even transfer destinations, so adaptability and staying informed will be key to maximising their potential.
Ultimately, the FPL landscape is a dynamic and challenging one. It requires astute decision-making, strategic planning, and a touch of luck. By combining your budgetary expertise with our recommendations for the best £4.0m defenders, you’ll be well on your way to building a balanced and competitive FPL squad.
We wish you the best of luck in your FPL season ahead, filled with green arrows, unexpected hauls, and triumphs over your mini-league rivals. Stay tuned for more FPL insights and strategies as we continue to navigate the exciting world of fantasy football together.
Happy drafting and may your budget defenders bring you clean sheets and unexpected glory!
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