🔥 Trending Fantasy Premier League 2026-27: Top Picks and Players to Avoid

The 2026/27 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season is generating significant buzz, with managers already strategizing to build their winning squads. Identifying the best picks involves considering a combination of proven performers, potential breakouts, fixture analysis, and budget management. Here's a breakdown of top player recommendations and strategic insights for the upcoming season.

Key Player Picks for 2026/27 FPL Season

To assemble a competitive FPL squad, it's crucial to balance premium assets with value enablers across all positions.

Forwards

• Erling Haaland (£15.5m): Haaland is widely considered a "must-have" for the 2026/27 season ¹⁴. With favorable home fixtures against newly promoted teams like Coventry City and Ipswich Town in the first seven Gameweeks, he is expected to be a popular choice for managers using their Triple Captain chip early on ⁴. His consistent goal-scoring threat makes him a cornerstone of many FPL teams.
• Ollie Watkins: Despite the emergence of young talents, Watkins remains a reliable forward option, having returned 160+ points in five of his six Fantasy seasons ⁵. His proven track record makes him a safer pick for consistent returns.
• Brian Madjo (£5.5m): This teenage striker is highlighted as a potential breakout forward for the 2026/27 season ⁵. While a riskier pick, his low price could offer significant value if he performs well.

Midfielders

• Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m): Fernandes was the top-scoring player in Fantasy after head coach Michael Carrick took charge, indicating strong form and potential for the new season ⁴. His attacking returns, including goals and assists, make him a valuable asset.
• Dominik Szoboszlai (£7.0m): His role under Iraola during pre-season will be worth monitoring ⁶. If he secures a consistent attacking role, his price point could make him an excellent value pick.

Defenders

• Gabriel (£8.0m): As part of a strong defensive unit, Gabriel offers both clean sheet potential and occasional attacking returns ¹.
• Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m): Van Dijk remains a top defensive pick due to his all-round output, contributing to clean sheets and set-piece threats ⁶.

Goalkeepers

While specific goalkeeper recommendations are less frequent in early analyses, managers should look for goalkeepers from teams with strong defensive records and favorable early fixtures.

Budget Considerations and Squad Structure

The FPL budget for the 2026/27 season is £100.0m ¹. Managers need to carefully allocate this budget to ensure a balanced squad.

• Premium Player Combinations: Owning all three of Erling Haaland (£15.5m), Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m), and Gabriel (£8.0m) would cost a combined £35.5m, leaving £64.5m for the remaining 12 players ¹. This highlights the importance of finding value picks to support these high-priced assets.
• AI-Picked Squads: Some analyses suggest AI-picked "best FPL teams" for the 2026/27 season, focusing on a balanced £100m structure, three must-own premium players, and value enablers across positions ⁸.

Chip Strategy

Fantasy managers will have four chips to use in the first half of the season: Wildcard, Triple Captain, Free Hit, and Bench Boost ². Strategic use of these chips can significantly boost your score.

• Triple Captain: Erling Haaland's favorable early fixtures make him a strong candidate for an early Triple Captain chip ⁴.
• Bench Boost: Managers often consider using the Bench Boost chip in Gameweek 1 or 2, depending on fixture difficulty and squad depth ².

Pre-Season Preparation

Successful FPL management relies heavily on pre-season analysis:

• Fixture Analysis: Understanding which teams have the best and worst early fixtures is crucial for Gameweek 1 planning ⁶⁷.
• Team Reveals and Predicted XIs: Keeping an eye on pre-season friendlies and team news helps predict starting lineups and player roles ³.
• Expert Tips and Guides: Utilizing resources from FPL experts and scouts can provide valuable insights into player selections and strategies ²³.
• Player Rankings: Consulting updated FPL rankings for the 2026/27 season, which include top 400 players, value picks, and Gameweek 1 planning, can guide your selections ⁷⁹¹⁰.

By combining these insights and staying updated with pre-season developments, FPL managers can build a strong squad for the 2026/27 season.