Which goalkeepers are the best FPL picks for 2026/27?
Raya was the premium reference point in our August shortlist, with Kelleher and Kinsky offering cheaper structures. Four matches have changed some of that picture. Our early-season goalkeeper review adds Tzolakis, reassesses Kelleher and corrects Martínez's club.
A goalkeeper transfer has a real opportunity cost because the same move could solve a more urgent outfield problem. Choose a structure you are comfortable holding, then change it only when role, injury or a sustained shift in the comparison justifies the move.
Goalkeepers earn four points for an eligible clean sheet and one point for every three saves in a match. Penalty saves earn five points. Match bonus is awarded separately through the Bonus Points System, which gives extra BPS credit for big-chance saves in 2026/27.
Before locking a pairing, cross-check the best opening fixtures guide and the FPL defender rankings so goalkeeper spend matches the rest of your defensive structure.
Spend for certainty, value or flexibility
The best structure is the one you can leave alone while transfers solve bigger problems.
Clean-sheet security
Pay for the strongest defence and the lowest role uncertainty.
Saves plus fixtures
Look for steady shot volume without abandoning clean-sheet context.
Protect the pairing
Confirm starts and avoid creating an early goalkeeper transfer.
Premium tier (£6.0m)
David Raya (Arsenal, £6.0m) led goalkeeper scoring last season with 19 clean sheets and his third consecutive Golden Glove.
Arsenal's defensive record made Raya the premium reference point. He costs £1.0m to £1.5m more than the cheaper starters, so the question is whether Arsenal coverage is worth more than the outfield upgrade that money could fund.
“19 clean sheets and three straight Golden Gloves make Raya the safest clean-sheet source in FPL.”
Mid-price options (£5.0m to £5.5m)
Caoimhín Kelleher — Brentford, £5.0m
Kelleher remains a reasonable option, but our early-season review now compares him with Raya, Tzolakis and other alternatives before endorsing a new purchase.
Emiliano Martínez — Chelsea
Martínez moved to Chelsea after this guide was first published, so the old Villa-based recommendation has been withdrawn. Use Chelsea's current defensive record before considering him.
Senne Lammens — Manchester United, £5.0m
United's defensive signings strengthen their central spine. If their team shape holds, Lammens offers strong differential value.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Man City, £5.5m) offers access to City's defence under Enzo Maresca, though early managerial adjustments warrant monitoring. Jordan Pickford (Everton, £5.5m) has six favorable opening fixtures, offering early clean-sheet potential before a schedule turn in Gameweek 7.
Budget tier (£4.5m)
Antonin Kinsky (Tottenham, £4.5m) is the main £4.5m option. Spurs' defensive system concedes shots, generating save volume and BPS tallies for Kinsky at the minimum starting price.
Goalkeeper pairings
- Premium + Budget (£10.5m total): Raya (£6.0m) + Kinsky (£4.5m). Start Raya weekly, holding Kinsky as bench cover.
- Value + Budget: Kelleher and Kinsky formed our original cheaper route. If choosing now, compare Kelleher with Tzolakis and the other current starters first.
Goalkeeper pairing comparison
Raya (£6.0m) + Kinsky (£4.5m)
- • 19 Clean Sheets potential (Arsenal backline)
- • Designed to avoid an early goalkeeper transfer
Kelleher (£5.0m) + Kinsky (£4.5m)
- • Saves £1.0m over Raya for outfield upgrades
- • Compare with Tzolakis before a new purchase
“Choose a goalkeeper structure you can hold. Change it when the evidence changes, not after one blank.”
Current verdict
Raya remains the premium benchmark. Kelleher is a reasonable hold rather than an automatic value pick, while Tzolakis now belongs in the conversation. Read the four-match review before using this August shortlist for a new purchase.