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31 July 2026 14 comments
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It’s time to spotlight the goalkeepers priced at £5.0m and above, as we continue to dissect the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) 2026/27 price list.


£5.5M-£6.0M GOALKEEPERS

FPL notes: Isak + Saliba injury latest, Raya v Sels 3

After helping Arsenal record 19 clean sheets last season, David Raya (£6.0m) starts 2026/27 as the most expensive goalkeeper in FPL.

The Gunners didn’t just lead the way for clean sheets. They also posted the league’s strongest underlying defensive numbers, making their backline one of the most reliable sources of FPL points.

With William Saliba (£6.0m) injured, Gabriel Magalhães (£8.0m) carrying a hefty price tag and question marks over the full-back spots, last season’s highest-scoring FPL goalkeeper could prove the best early route into Arsenal’s defence.

Raya also appeals to managers looking to double up on the Gunners’ defensive assets without worrying about potential rotation in the wider backline.

Next, the three goalkeeper options priced at £5.5m.

goalkeepers for FPL 2026/27

Everton top our Fixture Ticker over the opening six Gameweeks, giving Jordan Pickford (£5.5m) an excellent platform to start the season strongly. The Toffees face two of the three promoted clubs during that spell, alongside fixtures against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.

Many FPL managers won’t usually spend £5.5m on a goalkeeper. However, the £6.0m price tag for James Tarkowski, the uncertainty over Everton’s full-back positions, along with Jarrad Branthwaite (£5.5m) building his fitness steadily, arguably makes Pickford a more appealing route into their defence.

Elsewhere, Alisson Becker (£5.5m) and Gianluigi Donnarumma (£5.5m) offer secure access to the Liverpool and Manchester City backlines. However, neither delivered enough last season to fully justify their price, and several cheaper goalkeepers surely offer better value, with greater potential for save and bonus points.

£5.0M GOALKEEPERS

There are 14 goalkeepers priced at £5.0m this season, but not all of them deserve a place on your Watchlist. Before highlighting the standout options, it’s worth running through the goalkeepers we’re happy to avoid.

ClubPlayerReason to avoid
ArsenalKepa ArrizabalagaRumoured to be leaving/Backup
ArsenalIllan MeslierBackup
ChelseaFilip JörgensenVery likely to leave
Everton Mark TraversBackup
LiverpoolGiorgi MamardashviliBackup

James Trafford is the only other £5.0m goalkeeper with uncertainty over his future. He currently sits behind Donnarumma in the Manchester City pecking order, but a move to Leeds United looks increasingly likely.

If that transfer goes through, Trafford should become the Whites’ first-choice goalkeeper and immediately enter the FPL conversation.

THE STANDOUTS

SENNE LAMMENS

goalkeepers for FPL 2026/27

There are plenty of appealing goalkeepers in this price bracket, with Senne Lammens among the standout options. He’s the only £5.0m goalkeeper to rank inside the top five for projected points in our Rate My Team (RMT) projections.

Manchester United improved significantly under Michael Carrick last season and head into 2026/27 with one of the best opening fixture runs, as highlighted by our Fixture Ticker.

The main drawback is Luke Shaw (£4.5m). He offers a cheaper route into the United defence, which may persuade some FPL managers to save the extra £0.5m.

ROBERT SANCHEZ

goalkeepers for FPL 2026/27

Robert Sánchez also stands out as an intriguing option. A new manager, no European football and defensive additions all strengthen the case for investing in Chelsea’s backline this season.

What makes Sánchez even more appealing is the pricing of his defensive teammates. Maxence Lacroix is £6.0m, Reece James and Marco Palestra both cost £5.5m, making the Spaniard the cheapest secure route into the defence.

Levi Colwill (£5.0m) offers another way to buy into Chelsea’s backline. However, after a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury, Chelsea could ease him back into action and manage his minutes during the opening weeks.

If Xavi Alonso proves to be a success, then Sanchez should pick up his fair share of clean sheets. 

CAOIMHÍN KELLEHER

FPL pre-season: Kelleher + Schade injury updates, Henry starts

Another side who could benefit from a season without European football is Brentford. The Bees narrowly missed out on continental qualification last year, finishing behind the final European place on goal difference. That disappointment should only add to their motivation heading into 2026/27.

Brentford managed just 10 clean sheets in 2025/26, but that number looks capable of improving.

Even so, Caoimhín Kelleher still finished as the second-highest scoring goalkeeper in FPL (see image below). Only Martin Dúbravka (£4.0m) made more saves, highlighting Kelleher’s ability to rack up points even when Brentford failed to keep opponents out.

The only concern is Brentford’s wealth of £4.5m defenders, with seven available in the game. However, Kelleher is undoubtedly an attractive way to cover their defence.

NICK POPE

FPL notes: Man City rotation + another Pope error 1

Newcastle fans had to endure a rough 2025/26 campaign, as they finished 12th in the Premier League and struggled to balance both domestic and Champions League football.

This summer has also been marked by significant disruptions, including several notable departures, and it appears that Eddie Howe will be among them.

But the Magpies have a fairly decent early schedule, ranking third in the opening six matches on our Fixture Ticker.

Outside of a home clash with Liverpool, Newcastle United have an encouraging opening run. They face two of the three promoted sides, as well as favourable fixtures against Leeds United and Bournemouth.

As for Pope, he made a few high-profile errors last season. However, with the right new manager in charge, he could emerge as a viable Fantasy option.

THE REST

Big Numbers: 22 stand-out stats for FPL Gameweek 12

Emiliano Martínez deserves a mention. Aston Villa have established themselves as one of the Premier League’s strongest sides, although clashes with Brighton and Hove Albion and Arsenal to start the season aren’t ideal. Several of Villa’s starting defenders cost just £4.5m, too.

Crystal Palace finished joint-third for clean sheets last season, and Dean Henderson offers a reliable route into that backline. However, Daniel Muñoz (£5.5m) remains one of the most attacking defensive picks in the game, while Tyrick Mitchell (£4.5m) could emerge as a budget alternative. That makes it harder to commit to Henderson in goal.

Managers planning an early Wildcard could also consider Robin Roefs.

Sunderland exceeded expectations by securing European qualification last season and finished with the fourth-best defensive record in the league (48 goals conceded). But early fixtures against Arsenal and Manchester City make their opening schedule difficult, which is likely to deter anyone hoping to save their first chip for later in the campaign.

Nottingham Forest will be up against Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa in the first four Gameweeks, so it’s very much a wait-and-see for Matz Sels (£5.0m). However, there is potential for him to do well under Oliver Glasner from Gameweek 5, when the fixture outlook improves.


Fantasy Premier League (FPL) 2026/27 is live! 3
14 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. TafOnTour1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    31 mins ago

    Does anybody have the lowdown on the Leeds United vs Sunderland pre-season fixture this morning?! Any standouts at all, I saw that Muharemovic starting as well, any insights?!

      1. TafOnTour1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 min ago

        Thanks for this, woweee Muharemovic could be an unbelievable pick this season. This might very well be the thing that gets him a place in my team!

  2. thetommy14
    • 5 Years
    15 mins ago

    Thoughts on Robbo? He could be starting now at LB

  3. LangerznMash
    • 10 Years
    15 mins ago

    Leeds 1-0 Sunderland - talking points.

    Leeds lined up 3-4-2-1 and the wingbacks were very attacking at times. Bogle had a goal scoring chance and Gudmundsson created a chance. New centre back Muharemović impressed on his debut and the Leeds keeper didn't have to make any saves thanks to good defensive work.
    Sunderland lined up 4-1-4-1 with Trai Hume OOP playing right wing. Brobbey went off in the first half with an ankle injury.
    Dan James should have made it 2-0 but fired a great chance straight at the keeper.

    1. Dutchy FPL
      • 3 Years
      7 mins ago

      Not convinced at all by Sunderland for this season. Think they might struggle

      1. _Toni_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        5 mins ago

        Ipswich away for them opening day feels a bit like West Ham going to Sunderland last year. I think Sunderland are better than West Ham, but they may come unstuck in a similar way.

        1. Dutchy FPL
          • 3 Years
          1 min ago

          Yeah, on paper still a decent fixture though. But after the Fulham home game... Brentford away, Arsenal and Man City. Don't see myself investing in someone like a Brobbey or Le Fée, even with being this cheap.

  4. Dutchy FPL
    • 3 Years
    15 mins ago

    Played around a bit with a Haaland, Gabriel and Bruno draft. Actually quite like it. Any thoughts:

    Kinsky (Dub)
    Gabriel - Mosquera - N. Williams (Thomas, Diop)
    B. Fernandes - Szoboszlai - Dewsbury Hall - GroB (Slater)
    Haaland - Pedro - Mateta

    1. _Toni_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      4 mins ago

      Don’t hate it. Is Gross defo a starter?

    2. Not bad! I think a 4-4-2 with those 3 looks even better

      Kinsky (4)
      Gabriel Maguire Ballard Vuskovic (Thomas)
      Bruno Foden Szobo LeFee (Gomez)
      Haaland Pedro (4.5)

  5. Marmalade Forest
    • 9 Years
    11 mins ago

    Good interesting article

    1. Marmalade Forest
      • 9 Years
      5 mins ago

      Worth a read before just banging an RMT in the comments

  6. Dutchy FPL
    • 3 Years
    4 mins ago

    On topic; any of you seriously considering a 5.0M GK? For now, I'm switching drafts between Kinsky and Raya. Lammens might be a serious alternative