As the Premier League season looms closer, Fantasy football managers are ramping up their analysis of the best 15 players to carry them to eternal bragging rights in their respective leagues. To help those in need, here are five of the best budget defenders on FPL for the 2022/23 season.
This summer’s transfer window has opened up a variety of exciting potential point-getters for the upcoming season. Obviously, marquee attackers such as Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez offer clear points potential. However, fresh starts for the likes of Gabriel Jesus at Arsenal may enable a high goal-scoring season too.
In defence, the premium options still rule all. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joao Cancelo, Andrew Robertson, and others are vital to Fantasy Premier League success. But you cannot afford them all in your £100m budget. Therefore, look no further than these five FPL defenders for 2022/23 – they could even become your best budget option.
Diogo Dalot
Despite United’s horrible defensive record last year, Dalot could be a solid option for the upcoming season. With a price tag of just £4.5m, the Portuguese full-back could prove good value if Erik ten Hag can sort out the Red Devils’ defensive issues.
Dalot only scored 54 FPL points in 2021/22 but featured more regularly under Ralf Rangnick. He has also impressed in this pre-season, winning the battle for the starting right-back spot. Dalot’s potential for assists in an attack-minded team may open up the chance for additional returns too.
If you are happy to back Man United’s defence, Dalot is a budget-friendly option.
Kyle Walker
Typically, FPL players would not expect to see Kyle Walker in the budget-oriented category. But at just £5.0m, Walker could be worth a look. He is one of the cheapest Manchester City defensive options, which makes him very appealing. City had the joint-most clean sheets last season, with 21.
Walker is also a player who may be able to avoid the dreaded Pep rotation more than usual. As one of just two first-team full-backs, the Englishman may find himself playing a lot of the time. Unfortunately, he scored *only* 85 points last season. Despite this, Walker is still one of the five best budget defenders available for FPL in 2022/23.
Tyrone Mings
One of the highest point-scorers in the £4.5m range from last season’s FPL campaign, Tyrone Mings finished with 118 points. He also has a number of other factors going for him. For example, as club captain, he is a near-nailed-on starter for Aston Villa.
The Villan’s fixtures also swing in Mings’ favour. They play Bournemouth, Everton, and Crystal Palace in their first three games – all given a green rank on the fixture difficulty scale. If managers want a guy who is available every gameweek, Tyrone Mings could be for you.
Sven Botman
Finally, we have got a new signing on this list. Sven Botman is Newcastle’s new centre-back, costing the Magpies £35 million. For FPL managers, you only need £4.5m – a good deal in our books.
Now, as a newcomer to the league, Botman is a slight risk. But Newcastle have looked a different team under Eddie Howe, and the Dutchman could provide extra reinforcement to their defence. He also is an aerial threat; Botman scored three goals for Lille in Ligue 1 last season. With Kieran Trippier whipping in corners, Botman could bag you some extra attacking returns, too.
James Justin
A cruciate ligament injury decimated James Justin’s 2021/22, but the Leicester man is still a tempting option at £4.5m. He was not the only Foxes player on the treatment table either as Leicester had an underwhelming season on the whole.
As a result, a lot of the Leicester defence is cheap. Justin stands out as a full-back though, meaning he will be at liberty to join attacks. The 24-year-old’s 29 points came in just 13 league appearances last term in a makeshift defence. In his last season where he avoided long-term injury, though, Justin got 101 points (2020/21).
Hopefully, the Foxes will improve with a fully fit squad, and Justin will collect plenty of points.
Finally, an honourable mention goes to Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu. He would have made this list but is coming back from injury and may miss the start of the season.
There are plenty of options available in the player pool for FPL managers. Undoubtedly, selection headaches beckon for those trying their hardest to get off to a great start.