Fantasy Premier League managers who want both Erling Haaland (£15.5m) and Bruno Fernandes (£12m) in their squads can turn to nine bargain pickups to free up funds. These budget enablers range from £4.0m defenders to £6.0m forwards, offering value without sacrificing points potential.
Defensive Bargains at £4.0m
Bobby Thomas of Coventry City provides a guaranteed starting spot as a £4.0m defender for the newly promoted Sky Blues. He carries set-piece attacking threat and is expected to accumulate heavy defensive contribution (DefCon) points.
Ipswich Town's Dara O'Shea is another £4.0m option expected to feature regularly in Gary O'Neil's backline. His aerial presence on set plays and strong defensive work rate make him an ideal bench enabler.
Leif Davis, also of Ipswich, comes in at the minimum £4.0m price despite offering creative output from set pieces and open play. His willingness to burst forward into advanced crossing positions gives him attacking upside for a bargain defender.
Midfield Value Picks
Pascal Gross of Brighton is available at £5.5m and remains a proven creative force capable of regular goal contributions. Managers should monitor his minutes as Brighton face a European qualifier either side of Gameweek 1.
Diego Gomez, also of Brighton, represents a huge saving at £5.0m and is set to start on the right wing with Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh sidelined. Fantasy managers will need to confirm his fitness after he picked up a minor knock over the weekend.
Brentford's new club-record signing Mamadou Sangare arrives at £5.5m after establishing himself as a defensive contribution machine in Ligue 1 last term. The engine room enforcer adds defensive stability while offering occasional late-arriving attacking returns.
Ethan Ampadu, the Leeds United captain, is priced at £5.5m and consistently delivers high defensive contribution scores in the engine room. His guaranteed starting place and aerial presence make him a dependable enabler.
Forward Options to Complete the Squad
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, priced at £6.0m, looks like a real bargain as he prepares to lead the line and take penalty duties for Leeds. He enjoyed a stellar first season in Yorkshire and provides reliable focal-point scoring.
Brian Brobbey of Brighton is another £6.0m forward offering fantastic early-season potential thanks to an attractive opening slate of league fixtures. His physical presence and clinical finishing inside the penalty area make him a top mid-priced option.
