With just one week remaining until Fantasy EFL officially kicks off for the 2025/26 season, managers are finalising their squads.

The season begins with a League One showdown on August 1, featuring Luton Town against AFC Wimbledon.

While injuries and transfers can always cause last-minute shifts, clear frontrunners are emerging across positions in terms of player ownership.

Let’s delve into the highest-owned assets as the deadline approaches.

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FANTASY EFL OWNERSHIP: GOALKEEPERS

Sam Tickle (G) is the leading keeper pick for Gameweek 1, boasting 18 shutouts and 129 saves last season. He’s the overwhelming favourite, chosen by 45% of managers, and faces a Northampton team that struggled to score away from home last season.

Notably, Owen Goodman (G), the top-scoring goalkeeper in both divisions last season, has joined Huddersfield Town on loan after securing promotion with AFC Wimbledon.

Despite his impressive 24 shutouts in 49 games, he faces a challenging League One debut against Leyton Orient, who were a formidable attacking force on the road last season.

Next up is Matt Macey (G), the third-highest scorer with 225 at Colchester United, kept 21 shutouts in 46, making 112 saves. Tranmere scored just 21 goals away, which looks promising for a shutout.

Luton Town’s new signing Josh Keeley (G) from Spurs is backed by just shy of 4%, who kept 16 shutouts in 36 for the O’s last season. Now at Luton, he looks like a good pick ahead of the Dons.

Despite his high selection rate, Jak Alnwick’s (G) past performance of just five shutouts in 25 games is concerning. Although Peterborough (H) have lost key personnel, the numbers aren’t thrilling. That said, the Bluebirds are expected to perform well in their new division.

FANTASY EFL OWNERSHIP: DEFENDERS

Unsurprisingly, centre-backs dominate this list with their clearance ability and so forth.

Blackpool’s Oliver Casey (D) leads by some distance, scoring 306 points – the most of anyone in League One and League Two. 381 clearances and other contributions in 43, he’s a top pick.

Equally, Luton’s Mark McGuinness (D) is a solid choice, who bagged 250 points despite suffering relegation, providing returns at both ends. With Hakeem Odoffin’s (D) ongoing absence, his ownership makes sense – everyone loves to own a opening-night asset.

An FEFL icon, Crewe Alexandra’s Mickey Demetriou (D) needs little introduction. His ownership of just 15% feels remarkably low for a player who averaged an outstanding 8.1 points per week, more than any other active weekly player. We’ll never forget his monster hauls, and the upcoming match against Salford City (A) should provide ample opportunity for more of the same.

Closely behind, Wigan’s James Kerr (D) was the highest-scorer for the Latics with 285, mainly earning his points from defensive returns and the strong shutout record they possessed

Wycombe Wanderers’ new signing, Taylor Allen (D), has moved to a defensive role. Previously Walsall’s Player of the Year, he contributed an impressive 19 goals and 36 assists, helping them to the play-off final. His set-piece involvement could be the key to him becoming a standout player again this season.

FANTASY EFL OWNERSHIP: MIDFIELDERS

Currently the highest-owned player, Luke Molyneux (M) is in over half of all managers’ teams, and for good reason. The winger was instrumental in Doncaster’s League Two title win last season, providing an impressive 30 goal contributions.

With a favourable opening home fixture against Exeter, the winger is understandably considered the standout midfield option on paper for Gameweek 1.

Reading’s Lewis Wing (M), the EFL’s top midfielder last season with 297 points, was an all-around force. Despite 19 goal contributions and eye-catching stats, his away opener at a resilient Lincoln City – who conceded just 24 home goals – dampens confidence.

With a significant gap, Colchester United’s Jack Payne (M) is the spark in their attack, providing 23 goal contributions in 42, alongside other impressive stats. Tranmere Rovers (H) also looks good for the number 10, if available. At present, he has an injury, and is one to monitor ahead of Gameweek 1.

Luton’s new number 23, George Saville (M), is an interception machine, boasting 58 last season along with seven goal contributions. However, we’re not convinced their opening fixture will allow him to showcase these strengths.

Finally, Davis Keillor-Dunn (M) from Barnsley is a strong pick, playing out-of-position up-front with 26 returns in 45 games. His away opener against Plymouth Argyle is tough, but he’s a popular choice among 12% of managers.

FORWARDS

This is where it feels rather “templatey”.

Aaron Collins (F) is the top pick, backed by 32% of managers. He’s had an impressive start to life at MK Dons, lighting up pre-season after dropping down a division. The talisman bagged 17 goal contributions in 45 appearances for Bolton last season, and now faces a newly promoted side in the opener.

Richard Kone (F), whose remarkable story saw him almost fire Wycombe to promotion last season, remains with the Chairboys after bagging 21 goal contributions in 43 appearances. However, their opening match against Bradford may prove a tough challenge.

League Two Player of the Year Michael Cheek (F) had a sensational debut EFL campaign with Bromley. The Golden Boot winner with 25 goals and six assists, he’s maintained his impressive form by already opening his account in pre-season. The Salop (A) await for 19%.

However, one player from the list we definitely can’t recommend is Notts County’s Alassana Jatta (F). While he’s a great option when available, an 11% manager pick rate indicates many haven’t realised he received a straight red card in the 24/25 play-offs. Picking him now would be a wasted slot.

Paul Mullin’s (F) move to Wigan is promising, and an opener against Northampton (H) is also tempting. However, his significant injury history last season, which limited his game time, gives us pause. We’ll need to see more consistent minutes before we’re fully convinced. 10% are playing the “go big or go home” card for Gameweek 1.