FPL 2023/24 is only a matter of weeks away, and draft upon redraft of teams will be made over the coming days as managers seek to nail down their best XI ahead of the opening game of the Premier League season on August 11.
There are, naturally, some must-haves - we've covered Erling Haaland and a few other essentials in this piece here - but to accommodate the likes of Haaland or Mo Salah, you're going to need to free up some funds elsewhere.
One of the areas in which that might be possible is in defence, and we've nailed down the best budget FPL defenders valued at £4.5m or less to help you with you team selections.
READ HERE: The Best Fantasy Football Names For Your FPL Team In The 2023-24 Season
FPL 2023-24: The best budget defenders
Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa) - £4.5m
Tyrone Mings of Aston Villa (Photo: Shutterstock)
Tyrone Mings may be like marmite on the pitch, but he is a magnet for FPL points at a low price.
Only six defenders scored more points in Fantasy than Mings last year and, with Aston Villa on a continued upward trajectory, he is remarkable value at £4.5m.
Sven Botman (Newcastle) - £4.5m
Sven Botman was one of the most successful signings of last season. The Dutchman was a revelation at the heart of Newcastle's defence, as they qualified for the Champions League for the first time since 2003.
One of the highest scoring defenders of last season, Botman accumulated 129 FPL points, as he kept 14 clean sheets during the Magpies' run to Europe.
With Newcastle looking likely to go from strength to strength, Botman is an essential bargain defender.
READ HERE: 'Because Of This World Cup, People Have Changed Their Perception Of Women's Football'
Joel Veltman (Brighton) - £4.5m
Joel Veltman of Brighton on international duty with the Netherlands (Photo: Shutterstock)
Brighton were a sensation in the Premier League last year, as Roberto de Zerbi's side pushed for European football, ultimately securing a Europa League spot.
Joel Veltman was a pivotal player at the heart of defence, and is valued nicely at just £4.5m.
The only asterisk beside him is the fact that you may want to fit in more than one Brighton midfielder or attacker, meaning you may not want another Brighton player in the rearguard.
James Tarkowski (Everton) - £4.5m
Though Everton's form has been poor for the past few years, hopes will be high that Sean Dyche can turn their fortunes around.
Dyche's conservative set-up will hopefully help Everton to more clean sheets, and James Tarkowski will be crucial if they are to do so.
Even with Everton's poor form last season, Tarkowski still managed 106 FPL points last year. If they can kick on this year, he will likely add to that haul.
Rico Henry (Brentford) - £4.5m
Similarly to Brighton, Brentford have punched above their weight in recent years in the Premier League.
The players that have gotten the headlines have been the attacking stars, but their defence has also been consistently impressive under Thomas Frank.
If you're looking for a slightly left-field option for a defensive bargain, we'd plump for Rico Henry. 112 points last year is not to be sniffed at, and managers will hope Brentford can continue their impressive form of recent years.
SEE ALSO: Everything You Need To Know Before Your Fantasy Football Draft
