We’ve reached the opening Gameweek of the Fantasy EFL Play-Offs. For the next ten glorious days, we’re treated to daily EFL action. By the end of this stretch, Gameweeks 1 and 2 will have played out, revealing the three finalists. But first, let the initial excitement unfold over the next four days!
Here, we go through our Fantasy EFL Gameweek 1 Scout Picks.
It kicks off at 20:00 BST in the Championship, as sixth-placed Bristol City welcome Sheffield United to Ashton Gate Stadium.
If you’ve missed anything on the play-offs, give our overview article a read here.
Keep an eye on our updated fixture ticker [free Members access] for the latest news so you never miss out.
Stay tuned on our website for plenty more latest news and updates regarding the play-offs.
FANTASY EFL PLAY-OFFS: GAMEWEEK 1 SCOUT PICKS
Goalkeeper
Chesterfield’s Ryan Boot (G) looks a solid pick against a struggling Walsall attack (H), who have scored only 29 of their 75 goals on the road and just one in their last three, contrasting with Boot’s three shutouts (+15) in five.
Defenders
Averaging a remarkable 7.8 Fantasy points per game with 18 double-digit scores in 44 appearances, the FEFL’s top-scorer Macauley Gillesphey (D) is a standout. His consistent defensive contributions for Charlton Athletic make him a strong choice against Wycombe Wanderers (A), who have lost their last three consecutive matches.
Moreover, in just 15 starts, Ashley Palmer (D) has been sensational, contributing to four goals and six clean sheets, averaging 6.7 Fantasy points per game. Remarkably, he’s only selected by 4.7% of managers despite his recent stellar form of 52 points in the last five games for Chesterfield.
Finally, back from a short absence, Coventry City’s Bobby Thomas (D) is attracting attention after an 11-point haul in Gameweek 39, his 10th clean sheet of the season. Facing a struggling Sunderland (H) side that has lost their last five games and have performed poorly away, Thomas’s defensive prowess and goal-scoring threat makes him an exciting pick.
Midfielders
The experienced 34-year-old Oliver Norwood (M) is a firm favorite this gameweek, bringing consistent returns through three goals (+18), five assists, and a remarkable 40 interceptions (+80) for Stockport County. His recent scoring form further boosts his potential in the upcoming fixture against Leyton Orient (A), and is on all set-pieces.
The highest-owned this player with 67%, Coventry City’s Jack Rudoni (M) is a staple in our VII. His impressive season stats of 22 goal contributions and 24 interceptions make the 23-year-old a compelling option against the Black Cats.
Forward
Leading League One with 21 goals (+105) and nine assists, Leyton Orient’s Charlie Kelman (F) is a standout attacking option this gameweek, selected by 57.7% of managers. Facing Stockport County (H), a strong defensive unit, Kelman’s firepower is crucial as The O’s aim to extend their six-game winning streak.
Club Picks
With Sunderland (H) in poor form, Coventry City are strong favorites for first-leg victory this gameweek. Their potent attack, spearheaded by Frank Lampard’s tactical approach, is expected to exploit Sunderland’s weaknesses. Their convincing 3-0 win in their previous encounter in March further supports this prediction in front of their home faithful.
Chesterfield rounds out our club selections, offering exceptional security due to their impressive run of only one defeat in their last 13 fixtures. They face a struggling Walsall team that has only tasted victory once in their last 14 outings.
A maximum of 18 points is up for grabs if both sides haul.
