FPL Bargain Picks: 4 options ahead of the top-flight’s return

While it was nice to witness England return to winning ways over the weekend with a convincing 3-1 win against Finland following Thursday’s disasterclass against Greece, I’m sure we are all in agreement that the Premier League’s return this weekend can’t come soon enough. I mean, is it even a proper weekend if you haven’t spent half of it absolutely petrified of your FPL team ending with a points-tally lingering in the twenties or thirties? 

With a whole week’s rest from the highs and lows of the managerial hot seat, we have had – and still do have – plenty of time to get our respective squads in shape for Gameweek 8. Here, Rezzil picks out four budget-friendly options you may want to consider ahead of the weekend’s action; one for each position. 

Goalkeeper – Nick Pope, Newcastle (£5m)

Playing – Brighton (H)

Our first selection is Newcastle shot-stopper Nick Pope. The England international has amassed an impressive 31 points this season and scooped six points in Gameweek 7 after keeping a clean sheet in his club’s 0-0 draw with Everton. 

This weekend Pope faces Brighton at home. The Seagulls are a free-scoring side at the minute, sticking three past Spurs last time out and two past Chelsea the week before, so it will not be an easy game for the Magpies keeper, however at the fortress of St James’ Park, there is a strong chance they will win this tie. 

Amazingly, Eddie Howe’s men have not lost at home since January, and we feel that run could be extended this weekend – especially if Pope is on top form. 

Defender – Joachim Andersen, Fulham (£4.4m)

Playing – Aston Villa (H)

Fulham captain Joachim Andersen represents some great value at just £4.4m. The Dane has been an integral part of the Cottagers early success this term. In his four appearances this season, Andersen has secured one clean sheet and defensive performances are likely to improve as the schedule becomes more favourable. Over the next five Gameweeks, Fulham face three of the league’s current bottom five teams.

Andersen has returned 11 points from his last three games and this weekend Fulham play Aston Villa who, despite their lofty position in the table and obvious qualities, failed to find the net against Manchester United before the international break and looked out of sorts throughout that encounter. 

As mentioned above, this pick could be good for the long-term, with Fulham facing off against Everton, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Wolves in the next month. None of those games will be easy – there is no such thing in the Premier League – however there is a good opportunity for Andersen to pick up some decent points within that run and he could therefore prove a shrewd bargain selection. 

Midfielder – Brennan Johnson, Tottenham (£6.6m)

Playing – West Ham (H)

Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson is enjoying the mother of all purple patches at the moment, scoring six goals in his last six games for Spurs in all competitions – as well as finding the net for Wales against Iceland on Friday.

The ex-Nottingham Forest wide man looks reinvigorated this term and will head into this weekend’s clash against West Ham full of confidence and ready to add to his haul. Johnson missed his country’s Nations League tie against Montenegro on Monday through suspension so will be refreshed and raring to go against the Hammers, who have not looked overly convincing from a defensive perspective so far.

Spurs play Crystal Palace after West Ham, too – two good opportunities for Johnson to add to his three league goals and overall FPL points-return of 36.

Attacker – Liam Delap, Ipswich (£5.6m)

Playing – Everton (H)

Ipswich summer signing Liam Delap has been on fire of late, netting three goals in his last two matches for the Tractor Boys, which included a well-taken brace against Aston Villa at the end of September. 

The former Manchester City frontman costs a modest £5.6m and could be a worthy partner alongside Erling Haaland in Gameweek 8, with Ipswich facing Everton on home soil. Delap is brimming with confidence and the Toffees have only kept one clean sheet in the league all season – it seems, on paper at least, like the perfect storm.