Post by Admin on Jan 22, 2014 21:37:54 GMT 5.5
BUDGET PLAYERS PART 2: (DEFENDERS)
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ddriuELBUjI/mqdefault.jpg)
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ddriuELBUjI/mqdefault.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. We previously discussed Budget Midfielders, which can be read HERE .
![](http://www.premiergames.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Fantasy-Premier-League.png)
![](http://www.premiergames.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Fantasy-Premier-League.png)
Lets look at some cheap options in defense(4mn-5mn),
BUDGET DEFENDERS:
BUDGET DEFENDERS:
1.Mike Williamson (Value: 4.4mn Ownership:1.4%)
The Newcastle centre back is among the first names on the team sheet, having started each of their last 15 games. With a trip to Norwich and a visit by Sunderland coming up before a showdown with Chelsea, there is decent potential for clean sheets. Despite the lack of any reasonable goal potential, Williamson should be a good buy for a paltry 4.4mn.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/Mike_Williamson_v_Ipswich.jpg/271px-Mike_Williamson_v_Ipswich.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/Mike_Williamson_v_Ipswich.jpg/271px-Mike_Williamson_v_Ipswich.jpg)
2. Luke Shaw(Value:4.8mn Ownership:17%)
One of the most exciting young prospects in the league, Luke Shaw is already a lock in Southampton's starting XI, and offers reasonable attacking threat towering down the left flank. With a few decent fixtures coming up after trolling home clash vs Arsenal next weekend, Shaw should make your watchlist.
Here's the catch though, the clean sheet potential is significantly reduced with Soton's best defender Dejan Lovren facing upto a month on the sidelines with an injury. Jos Hoovield(4.1mn) should be his replacement, and might be a viable choice too.
![](http://e1.365dm.com/13/09/800x600/luke-shaw-southampton_3005451.jpg?20131028083927)
![](http://e1.365dm.com/13/09/800x600/luke-shaw-southampton_3005451.jpg?20131028083927)
3.Phil Barsdley(Value:4.5mn Ownership:2%)
Having played out of position for almost half of the season, Phil Barsdley has finally been given his natural role at right back following Sunderland's acquisition of left back Marcos Alonso. Barsdley is a great attacking threat, both from set pieces and from open play, where he puts in dangerous crosses making countless overlapping runs. With home games against Stoke and Hull coming up, there is potential for clean sheets too. You could do a lot worse for 4.5mn.
![](http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2013/8/20/1377002254748/Sunderlands-Phil-Bardsley-008.jpg)
![](http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2013/8/20/1377002254748/Sunderlands-Phil-Bardsley-008.jpg)
4.Joel Ward(Value:4.2mn Ownership:4%)
The Crystal Palace defender is a good choice if you are looking at a replacement for James Chester, who unfortunately faces two months out with a hamstring injury. Palace welcome visits from Hull and West Brom in the next three weeks, and there is clear clean sheet potential in those games. Ward makes a serious case to be your fifth choice defender.
![](http://e1.365dm.com/13/11/800x600/Joel-Ward-Crystal-Palace-Premier-League_3032397.jpg?20131216163527)
![](http://e1.365dm.com/13/11/800x600/Joel-Ward-Crystal-Palace-Premier-League_3032397.jpg?20131216163527)
5.Marc Wilson(Value:4.3mn Ownership:1.1%)
Stoke have conceded a lot more goals this season than expected, but are still a reasonable option when it comes to clean sheets and should tighten up things at the back, especially with the end of the season approaching. With just over 1.1% ownership and a reasonable run of fixtures coming up, full back Wilson is a cheapie at 4.3mn, and one you should really consider. Makes the shortlist for me.
![](http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/Comp_Matches/01/65/67/10/1656710_w2.jpg)
6. Ben Davies(Value: 4.9mn Ownership:1.8% )
The Swansea full back loves to bomb down the left flank and is a genuine goal threat, often cutting in and finding himself in attacking positions. With a great set of fixtures coming up for the swans, clean sheets shouldn't be a problem, and a goal here and there could be vital. This budget priced defender should be a great buy, and potentially a good differential.
![](http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/65398000/jpg/_65398706_pa-15219722.jpg)
![](http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/Comp_Matches/01/65/67/10/1656710_w2.jpg)
6. Ben Davies(Value: 4.9mn Ownership:1.8% )
The Swansea full back loves to bomb down the left flank and is a genuine goal threat, often cutting in and finding himself in attacking positions. With a great set of fixtures coming up for the swans, clean sheets shouldn't be a problem, and a goal here and there could be vital. This budget priced defender should be a great buy, and potentially a good differential.
![](http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/65398000/jpg/_65398706_pa-15219722.jpg)
THE BIG GAMBLE:
Jonny Evans(Value:5.0mn Ownership:1.6%)
A ManUtd defender? Well, Cardiff City and Fulham at home and a trip to Stoke doesn't sound bad does it? United will be looking to make up some ground as they chase the fourth spot, and nothing less than 3 points will be expected in these games. Clean sheets have been an area of concern, but that's the gamble you have to take, with the rewards high.
With Vidic suspended for the next three games,Evans will lead the defense alongside Jones/Smalling and should prove great value at 5.0mn, with job security not an issue, and an occasional set piece threat.
![](http://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/750x100019.jpg?w=650&h=866&crop=1#038;h=1000)
![](http://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/750x100019.jpg?w=650&h=866&crop=1#038;h=1000)
So, these were the budget defenders, will be back with the last installment of this series, analysing the strikers soon. Do let us know if I missed anyone, by either commenting below, or tweeting us your thoughts at "@_Footystuff"
Cheers!
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This article was written by Sagar, Follow him on twitter here
Also , Check out our New Article - MANCHESTER CITY - A DOMINANT FORCE
here
Don't forget to check out our live twitter feeds
click here
(footystuff.boards.net/page/twitter)
To Check out Live Scores/ Fixtures/ Standings of the Top 4 European Leagues
click here
(footystuff.boards.net/page/score)
This article was written by Sagar, Follow him on twitter here