A Dutch Double in Goal
Starting between the sticks, the standout picks, regardless of budget restrictions, are Robin Roefs and Bart Verbruggen.
Sunderland's return to the top flight has exceeded all expectations, largely due to the heroics of Robin Roefs. At just £4.7m, the Dutchman has been a revelation for a side initially tipped for the drop. Despite a recent dip in form, he remains a fantastic set-and-forget option if you need a consistent keeper without breaking the bank.
The alternative is hardly a shock: Bart Verbruggen. As the No. 1 for both Brighton and the Netherlands, he is arguably the most reliable shot-stopper in the league right now. Priced at a modest £4.4m, Verbruggen has been on a solid run, offering a cheap route into a competent defence.
Defending? No Problem
In the backline, two of the shrewdest acquisitions are Michael Keane and Omar Richards.
Few predicted a renaissance for Keane or Everton this term. At £4.6m, the centre-back is a surprisingly effective differential for managers hunting for points. He has had his shaky moments, yet Keane remains a genuine threat from set-pieces.
It is a similar story for Omar Richards, though frankly, any Crystal Palace defender fits the bill currently. Like Keane, he comes in at £4.6m, a bargain given Palace's defensive solidity so far. The key difference is consistency; Richards has been delivering steady returns week in, week out, making him the safer bet.
All You Need is in Liverpool
Moving into midfield, the two essential budget enablers both reside on Merseyside.
First is Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, a man who has rediscovered his elite touch after a wasted year on the fringes at Stamford Bridge. Even with Everton often entering matches as underdogs, 'KDH' has been posting premium numbers. At £5.1m, he is a standout pick for anyone needing a midfielder who contributes defensively but still offers significant attacking upside.
The other option is Ryan Gravenberch. While Liverpool have stuttered recently, looking particularly disjointed in their last few outings, Gravenberch has been the exception. He has maintained his high standards in the middle of the park. If you need a reliable asset who ticks over with consistent performance points, he is the way to go.
Unexpectedly Good
Finally, budget options up front are thin on the ground, especially with the likes of Thiago and Mateta now commanding fees in the 7.0m to 8.0m range. However, one budget striker is currently defying the odds and delivering consistent returns.
Leading the line is Dominic Calvert-Lewin. While few anticipated his move to Leeds would yield such immediate FPL value, he has hit a purple patch recently. He is averaging nearly 8 points across his last three outings, a feat made all the more impressive by the calibre of the opposition. Scoring in consecutive fixtures against Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City is no small task. Given that run of form against elite sides, Calvert-Lewin stands out as the only viable option in this price bracket.
Alternatives are scarce. Zian Flemming has been plagued by inconsistency, while Wilson Isidor has gone cold; after a blistering start to the campaign, he hasn't managed a return in his last six appearances.