Post by Admin on Jan 20, 2014 20:05:48 GMT 5.5
BUDGET PLAYERS PART 1: (MIDFIELDERS)
![](http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/kuWN0_oXoWc/maxresdefault.jpg)
![](http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/kuWN0_oXoWc/maxresdefault.jpg)
As the season heats up and the January wildcard still available, many FPL managers should be looking at the top players, some who are fit and firing(Suarez, Hazard), others who are back from injuries and firing(Aguero, Sturridge,Baines) and some who are due to fire upon returning(Rooney, Van Persie). But with a limited budget, there's only so much you can buy, and there arises the needs to compose the team carefully to maintain the balance between the budget and the top player's. I will be posting a series of articles to help you analyse the budget players, players who should help you make space for the big guns, as well as maintain your scoring rate. Lets begin this series from the middle of the park.
![](http://www.premiergames.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Fantasy-Premier-League.png)
BUDGET MIDFIELDERS:
![](http://www.premiergames.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Fantasy-Premier-League.png)
BUDGET MIDFIELDERS:
BRACKET 1:
Value: 4mn - 5.5mn
Value: 4mn - 5.5mn
1. Adnan Januzaj(Value: 5.2mn Ownership-14.2%)
Januzaj has been a revelation for ManUtd this season and has knocked down a guarenteed starting spot under Moyes. The belgian(Not sure about that) is great value for money, with his tally of 3 goals,4 assists set to increase, especially with him on occasional set piece duties and with ManUtd expected to score a lot more with the return of Rooney and Van Persie.
With a decent run of fixtures coming up and lack of other consistent options, Januzaj is a great value for money choice.
![](http://e0.365dm.com/13/09/800x600/adnan-januzaj-manchester-united-wigan-athletic-community-shield_3004788.jpg?20131008091311)
![](http://e0.365dm.com/13/09/800x600/adnan-januzaj-manchester-united-wigan-athletic-community-shield_3004788.jpg?20131008091311)
2. Raheem Sterling(Value: 5.3mn Ownership: 8.2%)
The speedy winger has had a great run of games after warming the benches for a long time at the start of the season. A constant threat on the right flank, Sterling has created a lot of genuine scoring opportunities for Liverpool, troubling defenders with his lightning pace and quick feet. While the fallout of Salah's January move and Moses inability to perform consistently have helped him, Daniel Sturridge's return is set to make him a rotation risk, especially if Rodgers decides to go back to 3-5-2. Also, Arsenal and Everton at home and a trip to West Brom aren't the sweetest of fixtures, so be careful if you are thinking of buying him.
![](http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02496/Raheem_Sterling_2496745b.jpg)
![](http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02496/Raheem_Sterling_2496745b.jpg)
3. Jonjo Shelvey(Value:5.4mn Ownership: 6.7%)
The Liverpool import has had a reasonable start to his Swansea career, and is a lock in the centre of their midfield. Shelvey has created goalscoring opportunities in nearly every game and perhaps deserves more points than what he has accumulated so far. With two great home fixtures coming up in the next three weeks, Shelvey is worth the punt, especially with his involvement visible in nearly every Swansea attack.
![](http://images.football365.com/13/08/4-3/20/Shelvey_2981747.jpg)
![](http://images.football365.com/13/08/4-3/20/Shelvey_2981747.jpg)
4. Ki Sung-Yueng(Value-4.9mn
Ownership:2%)
Ownership:2%)
Ki has been in great form recently, and could potentially be a great differential in the coming weeks if Sunderland keep up their current goalscoring form, which doesn't look unlikely with a great set of home fixtures coming up. A reasonable choice for the price tag, Ki should make your shortlist.
![](http://e1.365dm.com/13/09/800x600/ki-sung-yueng-sunderland_3006129.jpg?20130919151503)
![](http://e1.365dm.com/13/09/800x600/ki-sung-yueng-sunderland_3006129.jpg?20130919151503)
THE GAMBLE :
Craig Noone(Value: 4.3mn Ownership: 0.2%)
The winger is Cardiff's biggest threat, with ability bomb down the right flank and put in great crosses, coupled with great dribbling and cool finishing(See his goal against ManCity). Having scored twice in last three games in all competitions, Noone will be looking to maintain his goalscoring form and help Cardiff survive this season. A great replacement for Pete Whittingham, who has been given a deeper role by Solksjaer.
![](http://news.images.itv.com/image/file/115412/article_d4e8cc170698e1ab_1352202762_9j-4aaqsk.jpeg)
![](http://news.images.itv.com/image/file/115412/article_d4e8cc170698e1ab_1352202762_9j-4aaqsk.jpeg)
BRACKET 2:
Value: 5.6mn - 8mn
Value: 5.6mn - 8mn
1. Adam Lallana(Value:7.6mn Ownership:28%)
One of the major reasons for Southampton's stunning form this season, Adam Lallana has gone from strength to strength. Usually employed on the right side with freedom to float around behind the striker, Lallana has been involved in every second goal Southampton have scored in the last few weeks. With him looking likely to carry this kind form into the coming weeks, its hard to leave him out of any FPL side, especially with his price skyrocketing in the last couple of weeks. A great budget choice to replace someone like Coutinho or the injured Walcott.
![](http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/70397000/jpg/_70397749_adam.jpg)
![](http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/70397000/jpg/_70397749_adam.jpg)
2. Willian(Value:7.5mn Ownership:0.2%)
The Brazilian has become a regular in the Chelsea side and is the right side of the daunting trio which includes Hazard and Oscar. A reasonable price tag, unbelievably low ownership and a real attacking threat for a top side, Willian is a great buy for 7.5mn. With teams employing 2-3 defenders to man mark Hazard and Oscar, Willian is the one who ends up with the space and should eventually start banging in the goals.
Not too many drawbacks to worry about, certainly a great punt for the ones playing their wildcard.
![](http://www.sambafoot.com/datas/pictures/informations/2014-01/big/info_1389798801.jpg)
3. Jordan Henderson(Value: 6.4mn Ownership: 6.6%)
The midfielder has enjoyed a breakthrough season so far, with a string of quality performances in various roles for Liverpool. With 6 assists this season, he's been great value for his FPL owners, and should continue to provide them with Suarez and Sturridge in great form. Not a must have, but a decent option none the less.
![](http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/match-centre/article791859.ece/ALTERNATES/gallery-large/jordan-henderson-liverpool-cropped)
4. Adam Johnson(Value: 6.5mn(Might be 6.8 soon)
Ownership:3.5% (Set to double up))
With 4 goals,2 assists in his last 2 games, Johnson has taken the FPL world by storm, with those stats more than a legit reason to get him in right away. Blistering on the right side, great finishing, great run for fixtures coming up, nearly everything seems to be working for Adam Johnson currently. With his value increasing everyday, get him in right now if you want him. Personally, he's not worth taking a hit for, especially if you have Lallana or Cabaye, so I will stay off the bandwagon for now. Another 15 point performance next week? Be ready to jump the ship.
![](http://i2.chroniclelive.co.uk/incoming/article1358300.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/sunderland-s-adam-johnson-celebrates-scoring-against-everton-874659315-1358300.jpg)
![;)](http://storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/wink.png)
![](http://i2.chroniclelive.co.uk/incoming/article1358300.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/sunderland-s-adam-johnson-celebrates-scoring-against-everton-874659315-1358300.jpg)
THE GAMBLE:
Kevin Mirallas(Value:7.2mn Ownership:5%)
The Belgian has established himself back into the starting XI, having lost his place to the Barcelona wonderkid for a couple of weeks. Having hit the bar 3-4 times with thunderous long range efforts, Mirallas certainly is due for some good luck. Another winger with great long range and set piece ability, Mirallas has great potential to be a huge differential for his 5% owners. If you are getting him in, be ready to give him a decent run in the side, as he will have goal droughts, but the rewards are high.
![](http://i3.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article1548734.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Southampton%20v%20Everton%20-%20Premier%20League-1548734)
So, these were the budget midfielders, will be back with the defenders soon. Do let us know if this helped you, by either commenting below, or tweeting us your thoughts at "@_Footystuff"