There’s nothing worse than falling 0.1m short of buying a player you want while there’s something very unsettling about having too much in reserve when it could be invested in your squad and translate into points.
All over the pitch, there is value for money available. For every premium asset, there is a more than useful budget option.
Here, we pick the best premium and budget assets for Gameweek 23.
GOALKEEPERS
Premium – David De Gea
After a stunning show against Tottenham, David De Gea is naturally part of our thoughts. United playing freely and scoring goals was one thing but the fact that they’re even keeping clean sheets under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer now makes the Spaniard an appealing option between the sticks with Brighton to face at home.
Budget – Ben Foster
Despite being in good form, Ben Foster hasn’t picked up a clean sheet in four GWs. Nevertheless, he faces Burnley at home next who failed to register a shot on target in their previous fixture against Fulham – although two own goals still steered them to victory. Watford should be confident of keeping them at bay.
DEFENDERS
Premium – Aymeric Laporte
Another team that’s surprisingly struggled for clean sheets of late is Manchester City. How the reigning champions have kept just one clean sheet in nine GWs is perplexing but after doing so against Wolves last week, they should be looking at another when they travel to Huddersfield. Aymeric Laporte is bound to be part of that as he’s missed just one league game all season.
Budget – Jan Bednarek
Everton have struggled in front of goal lately with the likes of Richarlison firing blanks and Southampton should be confident of denying them at St Mary’s. The Saints have been a far more compact unit since the arrival of Ralph Hassenhuttl and Jan Bednarek is a cheap way into their back-line.
MIDFIELDERS
Premium – Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah just can’t help himself at the moment. He’s rediscovered his scoring touch from last season and has bagged an incredible five double-figure hauls over the last seven GWs. With Palace to face at Anfield next, who would bet against him delivering again?
Budget – Samir Nasri
Marko Arnautovic is reportedly omitted from West Ham’s squad for the trip to Bournemouth amid links to the Chinese Super League. Others will have to step up in his absence and new signing Samir Nasri is poised to do just that, playing in behind the front man. The attacking midfielder was heavily involved in the Hammers’ 1-0 win over Arsenal – picking up an assist – and is great value at just 5.5m.
FORWARDS
Premium- Roberto Firmino
Roberto Firmino enjoys playing at home and will certainly get chances when Liverpool welcome Palace to Anfield. The Brazilian has scored four goals in the last three GWs including a hat-trick against Arsenal.
Budget – Marcus Rashford
If there’s one striker in red-hot form at the moment, it’s Marcus Rashford. The United man has scored in five of the last seven GWs and has bagged four assists in that time as well. He seems to be nailed on under Solskjaer and would back himself to score against at home to Brighton.
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