Fantasy Premier League Week 17: Bargain Stars to Snap Up This Weekend

The next round of Fantasy Premier League is upon us.

At a time where everyone seems to be snapping up Luis Suarez, it's worthwhile to consider a range of bargain players to offset his rapidly increasing price.

Using statistics gathered from the official Barclays Fantasy Football game, let's jump straight into discussing the cheap stars you would do well to put in this week. There's only one ground rule: each player must cost £5.0 or less.

Got it? Let's go!

Bargain Stars to Snap up This Weekend

John Ruddy, Norwich, £4.9

Appearances	Points	Average Points per Game	Points in Last 3 apps.	Week 17 Fixture
16	59	3.69	2, 10, 2	Sunderland (A)

Those who played fantasy football last year should have taken John Ruddy into serious consideration.

The English stopper was a fantastic investment before he succumbed to injury, and is the type of low-budget keeper who makes plenty of saves—which is perfect for those who are looking to spend most of their funds on more exciting individuals.

Norwich's recent 2-0 win over West Brom is a fantastic example of Ruddy excelling himself. He made 10 stops during the game and kept a clean sheet, helping the Canaries to improve their form by taking on the role of leader at the back.

The following 1-1 draw at Swansea is also testament of improvement in Chris Hughton's side, who will be extremely confident of beating Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. You can bet Gus Poyet's team will work Ruddy, but on current form, he has the tools to pluck away the most difficult of saves.

Geoff Cameron, Stoke, £5.0

Appearances	Points	Average Points per Game	Points in Last 3 apps.	Week 17 Fixture
15	52	3.47	8, 1, 6	Aston Villa (H)

Geoff Cameron is the type of player who needs confidence to establish his best displays. The versatile defender is primarily used as right-back in Mark Hughes' side and is showing signs of building up momentum as we head toward Christmas.

Collective clean sheets against Cardiff and Hull have helped Cameron to significant points in recent weeks, but it was his performance during the Capital One Cup defeat to Manchester United that should have players taking notice.

Cameron was undoubtedly the Potters' best player on a difficult night, his willingness to run and assertiveness coming to the fore.

He was never phased against Patrice Evra and managed to trouble United with a stunning cross at the end of the first half, something you can expect to see when Aston Villa visit the Britannia Stadium in the coming round.

Considering Villa haven't score in their last two matches, Cameron is also a good bet for racking up a clean sheet.

Adnan Januzaj, Manchester United, £4.9

Appearances	Points	Average Points per Game	Week 17 Fixture
10	37	3.70	West Ham (H)

Although Adnan Januzaj isn't starting every game for the Premier League champions, his low price and potential for points is well worth investing in.

The 18-year-old's stunning brace against Sunderland undoubtedly remains the highlight of his career, but his maturity in difficult situations also deserves credit.

Even though David Moyes' men have struggled to consistently rack up wins this year, Januzaj's composure and willingness to work hard for the team has shone through. He is linking well with United's forwards and should get an opportunity to strut his stuff soon.

Januzaj wasn't involved during the Capital One Cup win over Stoke, suggesting West Ham could face his tremendous talents at Old Trafford when they visit on Dec. 21.

Marouane Chamakh, Crystal Palace, £4.8

Appearances	Points	Average Points per Game	Points in Last 3 apps.	Week 17 Fixture
16	50	3.13	9, 9, 5	Newcastle (H)

Marouane Chamakh on a list of players you should include? What has happened to this planet?

Despite his reputation for being an Arsenal mega-flop, the Moroccan forward has strung together consistent performances for Crystal Palace, and has even notched himself four goals in the Premier League, three in the Eagles' last three matches.

The 29-year-old is an excellent choice for players who don't wish to blow all of their money on three forwards.

If you're looking to cram the midfield with major point scorers, or want to tighten things at the back, Chamakh's recent form suggests his £4.8 is a complete steal.

Which bargain players are you looking to pick up this week? Let us know in the comments section below.

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