2020/21 Fantasy Premier League: The Best Bargain Buys for Every Position
By Mitch Wilks
The wait is almost over.
With the 2020/21 Premier League season kicking off imminently, despite the coronavirus pandemic still keeping fans out of stadiums, it means that Fantasy Premier League is also back.
It's that time of the year where everyone spends time perfectly crafting their ultimate fantasy side, entering as many leagues as they can and convincing friends that this year is going to be the one. Except the reality is that half of us forget about it just a few weeks into the season, because we're already rooted to the bottom of the table.
But fear not, because this season can and will be different. Instead of being left in the dark when crafting your side, 90min has created a list of the biggest bargain signings that you can pick up and drop in without breaking the bank, securing some all-important points early on in the season.
Goalkeepers
1. Mathew Ryan - £4.5m
Ryan is a consistently safe pair of hands between the sticks for Brighton and managed nine clean sheets last season.
He scored 139 points in last season's FPL contest, thus is a bargain at just £4.5m, especially considering that he'll likely be a busy man.
2. Illan Meslier -£4.5m
Signing Mathew Ryan is like putting John Cena in the main event of a pay-per-view; it's safe and good value for money, but it's been done before. Opting for Leeds' Illan Meslier is like having Cena lose the belt to a performance centre trainee; high risk and unproven at this level, but could reap high rewards.
The young Frenchman impressed enough to edge Kiko Casilla out of the starting XI for Leeds last season and could prove to be a bargain at such a low price.
Defenders
3. Caglar Soyuncu - £5.5m
Caglar Soyuncu has stepped up massively since Harry Maguire left in an £80m move to Manchester United.
He totalled 120 points in FPL last season and is a shoo-in to replicate his form this season. It's a bit of a surprise that he's available so cheap once again.
4. James Justin - £4.5m
Staying at King Power Stadium, full back is a problem area for the Foxes. They've sold Ben Chilwell to Chelsea and right back Ricardo Pereira is still recovering from a long-term injury.
22-year-old James Justin is likely to see a lot of game time in the first half of the season at least, and could prove to be a steal at such a low price.
5. Tariq Lamptey - £4.5m
At just 19, Tariq Lamptey could have a bright future ahead of him.
His permanent move to Brighton for the second half of the 2019/20 campaign was marred by the coronavirus pandemic, but expect him to bounce back strong this season. He'll be a hidden gem in any team.
Midfielders
6. Oliver Norwood - £5m
Norwood was one of several standout players in Chris Wilder's impressive Sheffield United side last season. He finished top out of his teammates for chances created and was on corner duties, giving a good chance for assists and completed passes.
One assist last season doesn't tell the whole story, and he's a solid backup from the bench if nothing else.
7. Tomas Soucek - £5m
Soucek could look to be a steal at just £5m.
West Ham look like they could struggle and face a scrap to stay in the Premier League; Soucek will play a vital part in ensuring they keep their top flight status.
He's versatile and creative from deep, and is likely to kick on with a full pre-season with the Hammers under his belt.
8. Jonjo Shelvey - £5.5m
Shelvey went under the radar as perhaps one of the most underrated midfielders in the league last season. His importance to Newcastle is paramount and he provides creativity and energy from box to box.
With Premier League proven new signings ahead of him in attack this season, he could easily improve on the 105 points he scored in 2019/20.
9. Allan Saint-Maximin - £5.5m
The tricky Frenchman is only going from strength to strength, and will only get better with more confidence and experience under his belt.
He was the man the made things happen on Tyneside last season, but struggled without the support around him in attack. With the likes of Callum Wilson, Jeff Hendrick and Ryan Fraser all on board, as well as Shelvey and Joelinton still among the ranks at Newcastle, it could be the season where Saint-Maximin kicks it up another level.
£5.5m is dirt cheap for someone who looks a threat whenever he touches the ball.
10. Dwight McNeil - £6m
Burnley lost Jeff Hendrick to Newcastle on a free transfer and a largely disappointing window means they haven't strengthened all that much throughout their squad.
Academy star Dwight McNeil has quickly grown into their best player and is comfortably their strongest attacking outlet heading into next season. He finished with 123 points last season and might well be playing with one eye on a potential big money move, meaning he's going to be in red hot form.
Forwards
11. Oli McBurnie - £6m
McBurnie proved handy for Sheffield United last season, despite scoring just six goals, and will likely play a key role for the Blades again this season.
He finished with a respectable 86 points last season, which is a decent enough return for a striker on a budget.
12. Moise Kean - £6m
Another one for the risk takers, Moise Kean is certainly a left field option.
His maiden season in English football didn't exactly go as everyone hoped, but the 20-year-old found some form following the restart and deserves an actual chance to prove his worth.
If Carlo Ancelotti gives him time, he could fire them in at a cheap price.
13. Aleksandar Mitrovic - £6m
Perhaps the most proven out of the three strikers suggested, oddly enough, comes from newly promoted Fulham.
Mitrovic has been vital to their return to the top flight, bagging 26 goals in all competitions last season. He's also Premier League proven, having scored 17 and assisted 10 during his time at Newcastle.
The Serbian will be key next season and is available for a serious bargain price. The only issue is his discipline, or lack there of. He loves a red card.