The 2026/27 Fantasy Premier League season is fast approaching, and it's time to start strategizing for the best possible squad. With a focus on maximizing returns, here's an in-depth look at the key players and strategies to consider for your team.
The Big Three: Haaland, Fernandes, and Gabriel
The most obvious choice for any Fantasy Premier League team is the trio of Erling Haaland, Bruno Fernandes, and Gabriel. Their combined price tag of £35.5 million is a significant investment, but the potential returns are immense. Haaland, Fernandes, and Gabriel are all top-tier players in their respective positions, and their inclusion in your squad is a no-brainer.
What makes this trio even more attractive is their favorable scheduling. Manchester United, Fernandes' club, has the best fixture list over the opening two Gameweeks, facing promoted Hull City and Ipswich Town. This provides an excellent opportunity to maximize points early in the season.
Attacking Midfielders: Mbeumo and Cunha
While Fernandes is a solid choice, considering alternatives like Bryan Mbeumo or Matheus Cunha can further enhance your attack. Mbeumo, priced at £8.0 million, has been in excellent form, scoring both goals in a friendly win over Atletico Madrid. His ownership has surpassed Cunha, indicating his potential as a better option.
However, it's important to monitor the line-ups of these players, as their availability and form can change. For instance, if Benjamin Sesko is unfit, Cunha might be the preferred choice, as he was handed the role when Sesko was sidelined last season.
Midfield Gems: Gross and Le Fee
In the midfield bracket, Pascal Gross and Enzo Le Fee stand out as budget gems. Gross, priced at £5.5 million, has improved his Fantasy potential with penalty duties and set-piece taking. His performance in a recent friendly, where he scored a penalty and provided an assist, showcases his value.
Le Fee, also priced at £6.0 million, offers a similar level of returns with five goals, six assists, 16 DC points, and 16 bonus points in the previous season. Both players have kind early fixtures, making them excellent choices for your starting XI.
Defenders: Gabriel and Saliba
Defenders are crucial for Fantasy Premier League, and Gabriel, priced at £8.0 million, is a top choice. However, if you're considering Gabriel, it's worth exploring the £5.0 million to £5.5 million range for defenders. An injury to William Saliba could provide an opportunity for one of Arsenal's £5.5 million defenders, such as Cristhian Mosquera, to partner Gabriel.
Harry Maguire, priced at £5.0 million, is another excellent option, with his matches against Hull and Ipswich offering potential returns. His set-piece threat and defensive contributions make him a valuable asset.
Budget Goalkeeper: Kinsky
Tottenham Hotspur's Antonin Kinsky, priced at £4.5 million, is a standout budget goalkeeper. With the addition of center-backs Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, Kinsky's role becomes even more crucial. His performance in the previous season, where Spurs conceded the league-low 10 big chances, makes him a strong choice.
Promoted Players: Egan and Thomas
All promoted defenders are priced at £4.0 million, 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 last season. Thomas, with his attacking threat, is also expected to improve in this area.
Conclusion
In summary, the 2026/27 Fantasy Premier League season promises an exciting challenge. By focusing on key players like Haaland, Fernandes, Gabriel, Mbeumo, Gross, Le Fee, and the promoted defenders, you can build a strong squad. Monitoring line-ups, form, and fixture lists will be crucial, but with the right strategy, you can maximize your returns and have a successful season.
