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The Premier League resumes in five days.
While Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers finalize their squads ahead of the 2024/25 season, finding value in budget defenders can be a game-changer.
With the Game week 1 deadline approaching on August 16, it's essential to identify defenders priced at £4.5m or under who offer the potential for significant returns.
Here’s a selection of the best budget defenders to consider this season based on their last season stats and this season's Fixture Difficulty Rating.
By checking the fixture difficulty rating, managers can make informed decisions on who to bench and who to start.
1. Tosin Adarabioyo (Chelsea) - £4.5m
Chelsea's new signing, Tosin Adarabioyo, is a standout choice for budget-conscious managers. Last season with Fulham, Tosin averaged 3.6 points per start, thanks to two goals and six clean sheets. His threat at set-pieces is notable, with 10 headed shots—just two shy of leading the team in this category. Despite a challenging opening fixture against Manchester City, Chelsea's subsequent fixtures offer a more favorable run, making Tosin a solid long-term investment.
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2. Timothy Castagne (Fulham) - £4.5m
Fulham’s Timothy Castagne delivers both defensive stability and attacking potential. Averaging 3.5 points per start last season, Castagne contributed one goal and three assists. His ability to score and assist from the full-back position is complemented by a high number of shots in the box, indicating a strong offensive threat. For those looking for a defender with potential attacking returns, Castagne is a valuable pick.
3. Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace) - £4.5m
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Crystal Palace’s Joachim Andersen was one of the top-performing budget defenders last season, with 121 points and an average of 3.2 points per start. His consistency and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively make him a reliable choice. Andersen’s strong performance last season and Crystal Palace's favorable fixtures make him a solid option for managers seeking stability in their defense.
4. Willy Boly (Nottingham Forest) - £4.5m
Willy Boly of Nottingham Forest offers both goal-scoring potential and defensive reliability. With two goals and a 3.1 points per start average last season, Boly is a threat from set-pieces and a dependable option for clean sheets. As Nottingham Forest’s fixtures ease up after Game Week 2, Boly’s value is set to increase, making him a smart addition to your squad.
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5. Leif Davis (Ipswich Town) - £4.5m
Ipswich Town’s Leif Davis is an exciting prospect for those looking beyond the top flight. Davis had a standout season in the Championship, scoring twice and providing 18 assists. With Ipswich’s fixtures improving from Game week 3, Davis's attacking contributions could offer excellent value for money, especially considering his impressive numbers from last season.
Honorable mentions:
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Vitalii Mykolenko (Everton) - £4.5m:
Everton’s left-back has been a solid defensive choice and could offer additional value from game week 3 onwards.
Dan Burn (Newcastle United) - £4.5m:
Burn’s contributions in defense and attack, including two goals and two assists, make him a strong candidate for your Fantasy squad.
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