This article is part of our FPL Bargain Bin series.
Gameweek 30 of the Premier League returns with a full 10-match schedule. In addition to teams returning to Premier League play, some of the bigger names are regaining fitness for the end of the season push. Players like Aaron Ramsey and Michu are primed to return to the pitch and your fantasy lineup.
Fitting these high-priced players into your lineup will force you to look for low-cost options to compensate. In addition, we are in the middle of a European cycle with Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham all in between playing matches in the Champions or Europa League. Having bench options available for players on those teams who could get a break over the weekend is vital.
With the full slate of matches, there are plenty of options to fill your roster. Here are the Gameweek 30 Bargain Bin players to provide you with budget options that could produce at starter levels:
Goalkeeper
Artur Boruc and Southampton return to St. Mary's Stadium to host Norwich City. The Canaries have scored the third-fewest Premier League away goals so far this season, with just nine in 14 road matches. In addition, Norwich City have scored just two goals in their last four matches against Southampton. The Canaries offensive attack has been lacking away from home this season, and will give Boruc a great opportunity to keep a second consecutive clean sheet.
Defender
Luke Shaw has played a key role in Southampton keeping four clean sheets through 10 Premier League matches in 2014. The young defender has done his part in the back line by currently ranking third on the team in clearances. However, his increased participation in the Southampton attack has moved him up the player rankings this season. Since the start of 2014, Shaw is tied for the team-lead among defenders with five shots on target. In addition, his 10 assisted shots are most among the Southampton defense and have led to an assist. Norwich City have been just as dismal on defense as they have on the attack in away matches this season, and could provide Shaw with important chances that could lead to good fantasy value this weekend.
Phil Bardsley and Sunderland will host Crystal Palace on Saturday. No team has scored fewer away goals this season, and not much has changed with the Eagles' attack to cause concern for opposing defenses. But Bardsley can provide much more than just clean sheet points. Currently ranked ninth among defenders in shot attempts and goals, he can provide some bonus offensive value as well. He has played much more on the attacking half in home matches this season and will look to pressure the Eagles' net while keeping Crystal Palace from scoring on Sunderland's.
Midfielders
Adam Johnson was the flavor of the week just three weeks ago. But poor showings in the last two matches have made him an afterthought coming in to Gameweek 30. However, playing a man down two weeks ago and going against a top Arsenal defense in Sunderland's last Premier League match have played a role in his fantasy disappearance. He should be primed to bounce back this weekend against Crystal Palace. The Eagles have allowed six goals in their last four Premier League road matches and have only kept two away clean sheets this season. Johnson is a great option thanks to his chances of scoring and Sunderland's chances of keeping a clean sheet.
Lewis Holtby scored his first goal as a member of Fulham last weekend. His forward playing style makes him a threat to score each week. Since joining Fulham in January, he has attempted nine shots and assisted on another eight shot attempts, leading to a goal and an assist. Fighting to avoid relegation for next season, Fulham will certainly be looking to pick up three points and will need to score goals in order to do so.
Forwards
Kostas Mitroglou will combine with Holtby in that relegation fight. Mitroglou was brought to Fulham to boost a struggling attack, and was set to do so last weekend. Despite being unable to find the back of the net, he did attempt a league-high seven shots. Keeping that pace will certainly lead to a goal for the former Olympiakos striker. His nine Champions League goals show he has the ability to finish, and Fulham will certainly give him plenty of opportunities to score and keep the Cottagers in the Premier League.
Wilfried Bony appears in the Bargain Bin for what will most than likely be the last time, especially if he is able to produce as expected. His nine goals and one assist have kept his value on a steady incline all season. For at least one more week, he can be considered a bargain. Saturday, Swansea City will host West Bromwich Albion. In the previous two meetings between these two teams at Liberty Stadium, Swansea have scored a total of six goals. In fact, they have scored 11 goals in their last five matches against West Brom. The West Brom defense has been struggling lately, having allowed 12 goals in their last five Premier League away matches. Swansea City will have a good opportunity to score multiple goals this weekend and Bony is nearly certain to get in on the action.
