The 2022/23 Fantasy Premier League has begun, with players now able to start carefully selecting their team as they try to build the perfect squad for next season.
On Tuesday, July 5, 2022, the FPL website went live, meaning players could start digging into their £100m budget and construct their perfect 15-man squad ahead of the upcoming Premier League season, which starts on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Last season's big point-hitters such as Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tottenham's Heung-Min Son and Manchester City 's Kevin De Bruyne are all as expensive as expected.
Premier League newcomer Erling Haaland will cost you a pretty penny to fit in your squad, and with so many expensive options, players will be looking for the best budget options to fit into their side. So, who are some of the best budget options for your FPL teams next season? Let's take a look.
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Best bargain players in FPL 2022/23
Defender: Ivan Perisic (Tottenham) - £5.5 million
Set to be a starter for Antonio Conte in the left wing-back position this season, Ivan Perisic could benefit from being listed as a defender and earn you some serious points in FPL this season. Signed on a free transfer from Inter Milan this summer and back working with former boss Conte, the attacking full-back is bound to be involved with plenty of Spurs attacks this season.
A winger converted to wing-back, being listed as a defender on FPL means despite playing high up the pitch for Spurs, he will still benefit from any clean sheets that the north London side pick up. For just £5.5m, he could prove a very valuable player.
Defender: James Justin (Leicester City) - £4.5 million
After a 2021/22 season riddled with injuries, James Justin ended the season on a high with Leicester, even earning himself his first call-up to the England squad. Due to not playing lots last season, Justin has been priced at a ridiculously cheap price of £4.5m.
A versatile defender who can play as either full-back in a four-at-the-back formation or either wing-back in a three, Justin could pick up a lot of points next season if he was to stay fit. In the 2020/21 season, the England international picked up a lot of bonus points as he proved himself as one of the best budget defenders then.
Midfielder: Luis Diaz (Liverpool) - £8.0 million
With Sadio Mane out the door at Liverpool this season, Luis Diaz is now the only recognised left-winger in the Reds side. The exciting Colombian hit the ground running after his January move to Liverpool, and with no competition on the left and a pre-season under his belt, Diaz could prove deadly this season.
Priced at just £8.0m, Diaz looks like one of the best options around that price range. The 25-year-old grabbed seven goal contributions in 13 league appearances last season, and that could definitely increase going forward.
Midfielder: Pedro Neto (Wolves) - £5.5 million
Another player who struggled with injuries last season, Neto impressed on his return to the Wolves squad at the end of the season and has set himself up for a strong 2022/23 season. The quick, agile forward is set to start the majority of Wolves games, and if he can find consistency, Neto could prove himself to be the bargain of the year.
At just £5.5m, Neto is one of the cheapest midfielders in the game. Another bonus for FPL players is his position, with the FPL midfielder set to play most of his games in a front two or three.
Forward: Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest) - £6.0 million
The former Liverpool striker has moved back to the Premier League just one season after departing the Reds for Union Berlin, and with low ownership and priced at just £6.0m, Taiwo Awoniyi could prove a cheap differential in FPL. Awoniyi grabbed 15 goals in the Bundesliga last season as he helped Union Berlin claim a European spot, and despite interest from RB Leipzig, the Nigerian striker opted for a move to newly-promoted Nottingham Forest.
The 24-year-old found his feet in Germany, with his play style likened to the likes of Haaland. A strong forward with a clinical strike, Awoniyi's decisiveness in front of goal and ability to bully defenders could make him a hit in the Premier League next season.
Who will you be picking in your FPL team this season? Let us know in the comments below!
