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GW1Published: 17 August 2026

Best FPL Budget Picks GW1: Value Players Under £6m

Key Players

1
Keane
Everton · DEF
£5.0m
Price
2
Anderson
Man City · MID
£6.5m
Price
3
Igor Jesus
Nott'm Forest · FWD
£6.0m
Price

Best FPL Budget Picks GW1: Value Players Under £6m

Best budget picks by position

GKP: Matz Sels (£5.0m, 3.8 xP)
Nottingham Forest's number one offers excellent value at just £5.0m with a home fixture against Leeds (FDR 2). Selected by only 1.6% of managers, Sels represents a solid set-and-forget option for those looking to save funds in goal. His 0.76 points per million is respectable for a starter at this price point. DEF: Michael Keane (£5.0m, 5.8 xP)
The Everton centre-back stands out as the premium budget defender for GW1. His impressive 5.8 expected points leads all budget options, supported by a 60% clean sheet probability against Crystal Palace at Goodison Park. At 1.16 points per million, Keane offers exceptional value despite the moderate FDR of 3. MID: Elliot Anderson (£6.5m, 5.1 xP)
Now at Manchester City, Anderson brings a 10% ownership that reflects growing confidence in his minutes. Facing Bournemouth at home, the midfielder benefits from a 78% defensive clean sheet probability that could yield attacking returns. His City connection at £6.5m makes him an intriguing differential with upside. FWD: Igor Jesus (£6.0m, 4.4 xP)
Forest's striker faces Leeds at the City Ground in a favourable FDR 2 fixture. At £6.0m with 4.4 expected points, Igor Jesus provides a budget route into Forest's attack. His 5.4% ownership suggests he's flying under the radar, offering potential differential appeal for managers willing to take a punt on the opener.

Best budget enabler

Michael Keane at £5.0m is the standout enabler. His 5.8 expected points dwarf the competition, and Everton's home fixture provides genuine clean sheet potential. The low 1.7% ownership means he's being overlooked despite offering the best points-per-million ratio (1.16) among budget defenders.

Where the savings go

These budget picks free up crucial funds to stack premium assets like Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, or multiple Manchester City attackers who historically dominate opening gameweek returns.

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