Goalkeepers to target in Fantasy Premier League

Picking the right goalkeeper in Fantasy Premier League can often feel like an afterthought compared to explosive attackers, but a smart choice between the sticks can be the backbone of a steady points haul, writes FPL expert Blake Hurst. Whether you prefer a nailed set and forget option or like to rotate between two goalkeepers based on fixtures, this guide breaks down the best goalkeeper picks and strategies to give your squad a solid foundation from gameweek 1 onwards

Caoimhin Kelleher (Brentford, 4.5m)

Since joining Brentford, Kelleher has an excellent chance to become one of the standout budget goalkeepers this season. Brentford’s organised, compact defensive approach forces opponents into taking more efforts from distance, which often leads to save points without sacrificing defensive stability. Kelleher showed composure and quality stepping in for Alisson at Liverpool last year and will be eager to cement himself as a Premier League regular after his move to Brentford. Early fixtures are reasonable, and as a 4.5m starter, he offers real flexibility, particularly for managers prioritising spending big in other positions. He’s also an ideal part of a rotating keeper pairing thanks to Brentford’s fixture run which we will touch on shortly.

Djordje Petrovic (Bournemouth, 4.5m)

Petrovic may fly under the radar, but he’s got decent appeal if you’re playing the rotation game. Bournemouth’s backline saw significant outgoings during the transfer window, but with Iraola at the helm and a pre-season to work on defensive organisation, there’s hope they’ll tighten up. While he’s unlikely to be your one-and-only keeper, his value comes from pairing up well with other budget goalies. For example, rotating him with Kelleher works well until Gameweek 8, while a partnership with West Ham’s new goalkeeper Mads Hermansen gives a strong run until Gameweek 13. Petrovic should also receive consistent save points in tougher fixtures, making him a great pick for managers who rely on fixture-based rotation between two keepers.

Robert Sanchez (Chelsea, 5.0m)

Often overlooked, Sanchez is worth serious consideration if you’re going down the 5.0m + 4.0m route. Playing for Chelsea provides access to a defence that, while not bulletproof, is statistically better than many realise. He’s capable of producing big saves and banking bonus points when Chelsea grind out narrow wins. His place as Chelsea’s starting goalkeeper should be secure after his recent performances, and Chelsea’s early fixtures are appealing for the set and forget approach. The downside? The injury to Levi Colwill weakens Chelsea’s defence, so the odd goal conceded is possible. Still, Sanchez is one of the safer, more consistent options in this price range if you want to avoid fixture juggling.

Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest, 5.0m)

Sels was one of last season’s most pleasant surprises. Solid, reliable, and consistent, he helped Nottingham Forest to a number of important clean sheets while also gathering a healthy number of save points. Forest’s defensive unit that proved to be so strong has remained intact this summer, meaning there’s continuity in front of him – something FPL managers love to see. The early run of fixtures is particularly attractive, featuring two newly-promoted sides in the first six Gameweeks. While he’s not a high-ceiling goalkeeper unless Forest go on a strong clean sheet run, he’s an excellent option for those wanting to set and forget without spending top dollar all while getting a piece of that solid Nottingham Forest defence.

Martin Dubravka (Burnley, 4.0m)

This season, FPL has gifted us a rare gem: a starting goalkeeper at just 4.0m. Dubravka might not play for a side expected to keep many clean sheets, but he could save you a chunk of budget to invest in your outfield players. Burnley’s defensive abilities mean you’ll likely bench him most of the time, but he’s still valuable as a playing backup. Dubravka does also play Sunderland at home in gameweek 2 which is a standout gameweek for managers to play their benchboost. His main appeal lies in being a budget friendly backup for those that want a set and forget goalkeeper.