Best FPL Budget Picks 2026/27: Value Players for Your Opening Squad
Best budget picks by position
GKP: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton, £4.6m)Expected points of 2.9 per game make Verbruggen the standout budget keeper. At just £4.6m, he offers excellent value (0.63 points per million) and frees up crucial funds elsewhere. Brighton's defensive improvement under their current system makes him a reliable set-and-forget option at this price point. DEF: Marc Guéhi (Man City, £5.1m)
Now at the Premier League champions, Guéhi represents exceptional value at £5.1m with 3.7 expected points. His 0.73 points per million ratio is outstanding for a defender in Pep Guardiola's system. Clean sheet potential combined with City's attacking threat makes him a must-have budget defender, already selected by 32.6% of managers. MID: Casemiro (Man Utd, £5.8m)
The Brazilian veteran offers remarkable value at £5.8m with 5.0 expected points—the highest points per million ratio in this budget selection at 0.86. Despite being unfashionable at just 3.8% ownership, Casemiro's experience and potential for attacking returns make him a differential worth considering for your midfield bench spot or rotation option. FWD: Nick Woltemade (Newcastle, £6.7m)
Newcastle's new striker represents an intriguing budget option at £6.7m with 4.8 expected points. While the points per million (0.72) is decent rather than spectacular, having a starting forward from a top-six side at this price offers flexibility. Perfect as your third striker or rotation option depending on fixtures.