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Naturally, many FPL managers are favouring premium defenders in their pre-season drafts. But what about the cheap defenders who could prove to be excellent differentials as the campaign unfolds?
With assets such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joao Cancelo and Reece James priced reasonably, there is plenty of value to take advantage of. However, that doesn’t mean that you can overlook the budget options.
Let’s take a look at five cheap FPL defenders who could break the template in 2022/23. It is worth noting that all the players on this list are priced between £4.0m and £4.5m.
• Takehiro Tomiyasu, Arsenal (£4.5m)
At the beginning of last season, Takehiro Tomiyasu enjoyed an eye-catching start to his Arsenal career. The Japanese right-back helped the Gunners achieved eight clean sheers in 14 games before suffering a lengthy injury.
Despite sitting on the sidelines for a large portion of the previous campaign, Tomiyasu looks set to be Arsenal’s first-choice right-back in 2022/23. Priced at just £4.5m, he is an intriguing option.
• Neco Williams, Nottingham Forest (£4.0m)
When the 2022/23 Fantasy Premier League prices were revealed, Neco Williams belonged to Liverpool. With Alexander-Arnold ahead of him in the Reds’ pecking order, the Welshman was not expected to get much game time.
However, Williams has signed for Nottingham Forest. The 21-year-old is likely to be one of the first names on Steve Cooper’s team sheet, meaning he could prove to be a steal at only £4.0m.
• Jannik Vestergaard, Leicester City (£4.0m)
Another £4.0m defender to consider for your FPL team is Jannik Vestergaard. Although he only featured in ten Premier League games last term, he could get a run in the Leicester side if things go his way.
The Foxes were ravaged by injury last season, with key defenders like Jonny Evans, Wesley Fofana and James Justin missing multiple games. If any of those injuries reoccur, Vestergaard will find himself in a lot of FPL teams.
• Tariq Lamptey, Brighton & Hove Albion (£4.5m)
Tariq Lamptey featured in 30 of Brighton’s 38 Premier League games in 2021/22. The Seagulls kept eight clean sheets when Lamptey was on the pitch – and the right-back also chipped in with a couple of assists.
At just 21, there is a sense that Lamptey can become one of the Premier League’s top full-backs. With that in mind, his FPL price of £4.5 is bound to attract plenty of attention.
• Jonny, Wolverhampton Wanderers (£4.5m)
After missing the opening 26 games through injury last term, Jonny returned to Wolves’ starting XI and enjoying enjoyed a strong end to the campaign – despite his team’s late-season slump.
The adventurous left-back scored in back-to-back games against Leeds United and Aston Villa, meaning he now has five goals and four assists to his name in the Premier League. Let’s hope he can pick up where he left off last term!
