The 2026/27 Fantasy Premier League season is upon us, and it's time to strategize and build the ultimate squad. As an expert analyst, I've scoured the data and identified key trends and insights to help you make informed decisions. Let's dive into the top picks and strategies for this season's Fantasy game.
The Big Three: Haaland, Fernandes, and Gabriel
One of the most intriguing aspects of this season is the continued rise in value of top players. The 'big three' of Erling Haaland, Bruno Fernandes, and Gabriel are once again at the forefront. Haaland, with his incredible goal-scoring prowess, is a must-have. Fernandes, a creative maestro, offers a unique blend of goals and assists. And Gabriel, a solid defender, provides a reliable foundation for your defense.
However, the combined price tag of these three players is a staggering £35.5m, which is a significant investment. This raises the question: is it worth it? Personally, I think it's a calculated risk. While it may limit your budget elsewhere, the potential returns from these players could be immense. The key is to balance your squad and seek value in other areas.
Manchester United's Double Attack
Manchester United has the best schedule over the opening two Gameweeks, facing promoted Hull City and Ipswich Town. This presents an opportunity to double up on their attack. Fernandes, with his creative abilities, is a must-have. However, I believe Bryan Mbeumo or Matheus Cunha could be better options. Mbeumo, in particular, has the form and fitness to indicate he could be a superior choice. His price point of £8.0m allows for flexibility in transfers, which is crucial in the dynamic nature of Fantasy football.
Defender Shopping in the £5.0m-5.5m Range
If you're going with Gabriel, shopping in the £5.0m-5.5m defender bracket can help balance the budget. An injury to William Saliba could secure a regular role for one of Arsenal's current crop of £5.5m defenders. Cristhian Mosquera, in particular, has impressed in pre-season friendlies and could be a strong partner for Gabriel. Keeping an eye on Arsenal's remaining pre-season matches is vital, as other options like Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie, and Ben White are also in the mix.
Harry Maguire, a £5.0m defender, offers strong value with his matches against Hull and Ipswich providing many routes to returns. His set-piece threat and defensive contributions make him a solid choice.
Igor Jesus: The Form Budget Forward
In the £6.0m forward bracket, Nottingham Forest's Igor Jesus stands out. The Brazilian has impressed under new head coach Oliver Glasner, scoring four goals in as many pre-season matches. Forest's kind home fixtures across the first five Gameweeks, including matches against Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur, and promoted Coventry City, make Jesus a compelling choice.
Penalty Duties Boost Gross' Appeal
By delving into the sub-£6.5m bracket, managers can find budget midfield gems. Pascal Gross, priced at £5.5m, has improved his Fantasy potential with the transfer of Danny Welbeck to Chelsea. Taking over penalty duties and being the Seagulls' main taker of corners and free-kicks, Gross offers a unique blend of goal-scoring and assists. His recent performance against Strasbourg further cements his value.
Enzo Le Fee: A Midfield Gem
Sunderland's Enzo Le Fee, priced at £6.0m, offers a wealth of opportunities. With five goals, six assists, 16 DC points, and 16 bonus points in 2025/26 Fantasy, Le Fee is a mid-priced midfielder with a proven track record. Sunderland's kind early fixtures, including visits to Ipswich and a home game against Fulham, make Le Fee a strong consideration.
Antonin Kinsky: The Standout Budget Goalkeeper
Tottenham Hotspur's Antonin Kinsky, priced at £4.5m, could be the standout budget goalkeeper in Fantasy. The signing of Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke could ultimately make Kinsky the best option. Spurs' improved defensive record under Roberto De Zerbi last season, with a league-low 10 big chances conceded, further enhances Kinsky's appeal.
Promoted Players: Ideal for Your Bench
All promoted defenders are priced at £4.0m for 2026/27 Fantasy, making them ideal for your bench. Hull's John Egan and Coventry's Bobby Thomas are among the best options, with Egan averaging 10.1 CBIT per 90 minutes in the EFL Championship last season. Thomas, with his attacking threat and CBIT average of 8.6 per 90 minutes, is also a strong consideration. Regan Slater, priced at £4.5m, is included as a midfielder at the lowest price point available.
In conclusion, building a Fantasy Premier League squad for 2026/27 requires a strategic approach. The big three players offer a unique blend of value and potential, while Manchester United's schedule provides an opportunity to double up on their attack. Defender shopping in the £5.0m-5.5m range and forward choices like Igor Jesus and Pascal Gross offer strong value. Midfield gems like Enzo Le Fee and budget goalkeepers like Antonin Kinsky provide further opportunities. Finally, promoted players like John Egan and Bobby Thomas can be valuable additions to your bench. With these insights, you're now equipped to build a squad that can compete for the top spots in Fantasy Premier League.
