The Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season is underway, with players starting to create their own teams. Prices have been increased this season for some of the best players, so in order to get the right balance it's important to add some bargain differentials.
In this year's game, points for defensive contributions (DEFCON) have been added meaning that centre-backs and defensive midfielders are likely to get far more points than they would have last season. This will offer great opportunities to perhaps select a differential defensive player as they could get more points than an attacking midfielder or winger.
Any defender who reaches a combined total of 10 clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles (CBIT) in a match will score two FPL points. For midfielders, they will need 12 defensive contributions in order to get an extra two points, however, "ball recoveries" will also count towards their total. Ball recoveries include being first to a loose ball and notably what they do with the ball after securing it. This includes being rewarded for starting a counter-attack or securing possession and making the first controlled pass after the two teams have fought for the ball.
Here are five of the best £5.5 million midfielders to have in your team:
Elliott Anderson - Nottingham Forest
At only 2.6% ownership, Elliott Anderson is being overlooked by many FPL managers. Anderson made 33 starts last season in a Forest team scoring 107 points, with two goals and six assists. Forest will be a top team for defensive contributions if they continue to play the way they did last season and under the new rules Anderson's points tally for last season would have been 143 points. As a nailed on starter and highly likely to accumulate DEFCON points, Anderson seems to be a no brainer.
When discussing the top young midfielders in the league, I never see enough mentions of Elliot Anderson.
— Ben Mattinson (@Ben_Mattinson_) December 22, 2024
-Powerful runner, carrier + dueller
-Quick feet + skill dribbler
-Uses his body well to ride challenges
-DLP passer + half-space crosser
-Solid 1v1 defender
-Aerial threat pic.twitter.com/QgpPRM3kct
Carlos Alcaraz - Everton
Everton have a great set of opening fixtures, where they face Leeds, Brighton and Wolves in their first three games. Last season in the seven starts Alcaraz made for Everton, he scored two goals and registered three assists. Following the departure of Abdoulaye Doucoure, Alcaraz is likely to start regularly in the No 10 spot and offers a cheaper alternative to Iliman Ndiaye, who is valued at £6.5 million. If the minutes are right, then Alcaraz could be a smart addition, potentially providing lots of attacking returns.
Donyell Malen - Aston Villa
With Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio no longer at Aston Villa and Leon Bailey surplus to requirements, Malen is likely to start a lot of games for Villa this season. Villa have a great first seven fixtures with opportunities for Malen to provide many attacking returns with Ollie Watkins likely lead the line. In Malen's only pre-season game so far, he assisted two goals, one of which was Watkins. His directness towards goal and fantastic speed makes him a great differential pick for your midfield at an ownership rate currently at 0.9%.
Tijjani Reijnders - Manchester City
Reijnders is quietly going under the radar at his fantastic price, mainly because of the worry over his minutes. Whilst Pep Guardiola's midfield is hard to predict, Reijnders' partnership with Rodri at the Club World Cup certainly strengthens his chances of being a starter. Last season he scored ten goals and four assists in the Serie A and he is certainly capable of playing further forward. Whether Reijnders plays alongside Rodri or plays further forward, he is likely to accumulate both attacking returns and DEFCON points. This makes him a fantastic option for your team.
Tijjani Reijnders does it all 🪄#UECL pic.twitter.com/ZgmJ97BjWP
— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) July 29, 2025
Moises Caicedo - Chelsea
Last season, under the new rules Caicedo would have recorded the most points for defensive contributions at 42, taking his total points tally to 140 for the season. Chelsea have a good run of fixtures to start the season, taking on Crystal Palace, West Ham and Fulham in their first three games. Although not likely to make many attacking returns, Caicedo is a mainstay in the Chelsea starting XI and now with DEFCON points being added he is likely to collect quite a few of them. If you're looking for a reliable player who guarantees you minutes and likely defensive points, then Caicedo is your man.
There are other good options to consider if you're looking for a budget midfielder, such as Sandro Tonali and Jhon Arias, but these five are certainly the main options to pick from.
