With the way that OfficialFPL have been increasing the starting prices of last season’s best budget goalkeepers, you’d almost think they want the game to be remotely challenging. To be frank, it’s a little rude.

But I’m English, so rather than voice my grievances, I’m more content to write a passive-aggressive article about the best budget options.

This is the equivalent of the TripAdvisor reviewer who has had a bad experience at a pricey restaurant so proceeds to recommend the cheaper alternatives as part of their review. It’s a unique type of savagery; one that will doubtless hit the Fantasy Premier League where it hurts the most.

So here it is. An analysis of some of the 2019/20 bargains-between-the-posts. Because apparently we actually have to do a bit of research to save money these days.

The Best £4.5m FPL Goalkeepers For FPL 2019/20

The following list is sorted by clean sheet fixture difficulty for the opening six gameweeks.

Matt Ryan

You know times are hard when Matt Ryan tops your list of FPL recommendations. But bear with me a moment.

The Australian might be diminutive in stature, but what he lacks in height he more than compensates for in heart. The Brighton shot-stopper clocked more minutes last season than any other £4.5m goalkeeping option this season, notching a modest six clean sheets in the process.

Whilst the numbers are hardly awe-inspiring, Brighton were a little shambolic under Hughton last campaign. Need I mention the Double Gameweek? Precisely. But under new management and with a couple of exciting defensive acquisitions, Brighton and Matt Ryan could flourish once again.

Artur Boruc

Artur might sound like somebody who does art for a living, but the only sculpting this goalkeeper does is turning a frail Bournemouth defence into a relatively sturdy one.

After a string of underwhelming performances from Asmir Begovic, Artur Boruc was all too happy to fill in for the Cherries. The result was a notable improvement in their defensive performances, which included four clean sheets in the 12 matches that Boruc played in.

At 39 years old, Boruc is no spring chicken. With that said, a 33% clean sheet ratio and Bournemouth’s lack of reliable replacements might well see him pick up where he left off at the end of last season.

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Dean Henderson

The fact that Dean Henderson has secured another term at Sheffield United can only bode well for budget-hungry FPL managers.

Having finally been added to the game, he represents a great budget pick at £4.5m. Sheffield United’s defence are yet to be tested in the Premier League, but their rigidity last season is hard to ignore.

This is a defence who kept 21 clean sheets in the 18/19 campaign. They also conceded fewer shots in the box than any other Championship side. With a backline like that, Henderson’s heroics don’t need to be called upon too frequently. If they can transition successfully to the Premier League, Sheffield and, by extension, Henderson, could be the new, old Burnley.

Angus Gunn

Arm your backline with a brand new Gunn.

Angus – who has had to endure a career of fans mistaking him for the famous Scottish beef – established himself as a mainstay between the Southampton sticks in the latter half of the 18/19 season.

At a club that seems bejeweled by goalkeeping talent, the youngster was a commanding presence for Hassenhutl’s side. With three clean sheets in 12 games, Gunn isn’t going to be the next De Gea.

What he does appear to promise, however, is consistent minutes in an improving side; one that might well be targeting the top half of the Premier League once again.

The fact he saved 100% of the penalties faced last season too (alright, it was 1/1, but who’s counting) should bode well for managers who decide to load up with Gunn.

Nick Pope

With Heaton’s future uncertain, the papal shot-stopper looks likely to assume first choice between the sticks for Burnley.

Pope has a pretty impressive Premier League track record, too. In 35 appearances, he’s conceded just 35 goals, made 114 saves and kept 11 clean sheets in the process. When we consider that Spurs mustered 13 clean sheets from 38 games in the 2018/19 season, 11 in 35 isn’t half bad.

Add to that his 19 bonus points and 152 FPL points in total and suddenly it becomes hard to understand why Pope isn’t amongst the £5.0m options this season.

Without the annoyance of Europa League football next season, now could be a fantastic time to jump on a Burnley defence that is famed for its stubbornness. At £4.5m, Pope could be an assured starter with huge bonus and save point potential who won’t break the bank.

MORE FROM THIS SERIES:

The Best Budget Defenders For FPL 2019/20

The Best Budget Midfielders For FPL 2019/20