With Fantasy EFL Gameweek 1 now just 48 hours away, featuring all League One and League Two sides, we’re excited to bring back the highly anticipated Gameweek 1 Scout Squad for the 2025/26 season!

League One kicks off on Friday 20:00, as Luton Town host AFC Wimbledon. League Two gets underway on Saturday at 15:00, with all 24 sides kicking off at 15:00.

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Our Gameweek 1 guide is a great starting point, whether you played last season or not.

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JOIN OUR MINI-LEAGUE

We’ve launched our FFS mini-league starting from Gameweek 1, worth hundreds of pounds worth of prizes:

• EFL League 1st – £150 cash
  EFL League 2nd – £100 cash
  EFL League 3rd – £50 cash
  EFL League 4th – Annual Membership
  EFL League 5th – Annual Membership
  EFL League 6th – Annual Membership
  EFL League 7th – Annual Membership
  EFL League 8th – Annual Membership
  EFL League 9th – Annual Membership
  EFL League 10th – Annual Membership

In order to qualify, you need to be a free member of FFS and sign up to the league via the code [or click on this link]:

• PIN CODE: 0D9I8JH3
• LEAGUE INVITE: https://fantasy.efl.com/leagues/join/0D9I8JH3

THE FANTASY EFL SCOUT SQUAD

Our newly updated and enthusiastically recruited EFL experts – Lewis, Louis (FPLReactions), Danny G, Dan Dave and Merlins – are here to unveil their top picks. They’ve nominated a 12-man longlist of players and a four-team longlist for the upcoming Gameweek.

Our panel of experts share their Fantasy EFL Gameweek 1 Scout Squad. With no player prices or budgets to worry about, they’ve each selected:

• Three goalkeepers (GKs)
• Three defenders (DEFs)
• Three midfielders (MIDs)
• Three forwards (FWDs)
• Four winning teams

LEWIS SAID…

I’m heavily weighting home fixtures for the start of the new Fantasy EFL season, and while there were so many tempting options based on pre-season, it was a tough job to pick my Gameweek 1 Scout Squad. It’s great to finally have a squad to choose from, even if I know changes are inevitable!

Goalkeepers

For the opening night, I’m backing Josh Keeley (G) to keep a clean sheet for Luton. He’s a strong pick for his new club. Another great option is Matt Macey (G), who had an impressive season last year with Colchester. While Owen Goodman (G) was excellent for AFC Wimbledon, he’s now one to keep an eye on in League One with Huddersfield.

Defenders

As an out-of-position asset, Albert Adomah (D) will be in my weekly picks if he starts for Mat Sadler’s side. With potential on the right-wing, the 37-year-old has huge upside. It’d be a mistake not to include Mickey Demetriou (D) in my picks. The Fantasy EFL legend averaged an impressive 8.1 points last season, even with a tough fixture against Salford (A).
Another EFL veteran I like is Michael Morrison (D). I’m keen on his prospects for Cambridge in their home game against Cheltenham, especially since the 37-year-old is a real clearance machine.

Midfielders

Following the trend of established EFL performers, Doncaster’s Luke Molyneux (M) is the highest-owned player, and for good reason. His remarkable 30 goal contributions speak for themselves, and a home opener against Exeter looks like an excellent fixture for him to start strong.
I want into MK Dons’ opener, and Will Collar (M) offers routes to points at both ends for his new side, bagging 181 for Stockport last season.
I love a punt too, and Stockport’s Oliver Norwood (M) could be my dark horse for Gameweek 1. Backed by under 5% and on all set-pieces, he could be a top pick with a home match in Gameweek 1.

Forwards

Up top, Yousef Salech (F) is a clear standout. He was excellent for Cardiff during their relegation campaign, and he opens the season at home against Peterborough, who had the worst League One defense last season. Based on pre-season form, Josh March (F) is the clear talisman for Crewe, with an impressive eight goals in six games, even with a difficult fixture against Salford (A). Finally, while minutes are a slight concern, Alfie May (F) looks tempting for Gameweek 1. He’s at home with his new side, Huddersfield, against Leyton Orient. We know his quality – the question is minutes, not ability.

Gameweek 1 Scout Squad: Club picks

Ironically, I expect both Cardiff and Luton to secure winning starts in their new divisions in the EFL’s opening two matches. Cambridge should also get off to a good start in their opener against the Robins. While aiming for 15 points in an away tie might be optimistic, Gillingham’s trip to Accrington could prove to be a differential option.

FPLREACTIONS SAID…

Goalkeepers

Luton are standouts this week for me in terms of clean sheet potential. Wimbledon may have been promoted but they have failed to convince during the transfer window, which could mean clean sheet potential for Josh Keeley (G). Wigan are another side I think could keep a clean sheet this week. They were solid defensively last campaign, and that’s why I think Sam Tickle (G) could be a brilliant option. Cardiff face a depleted Peterborough side and they have some of the highest clean sheet odds. With that in mind, I’m also backing Ethan Horvath (G).

Defenders

My defender picks are reflective of my goalkeepers. Because of that, it won’t be a surprise to see Mads Andersen (D) there. The same could be said for Wigan’s Jason Kerr (D), who proved to be a valuable Fantasy EFL asset last time out. Completing my defender picks is Cardiff centre-back Calum Chambers (D), one of the Bluebirds’ most reliable assets for game time.

Midfielders

Doncaster’s Luke Molyneux (M) was absolutely fantastic last season, and the additional points for midfielders make him a shoo-in during single Gameweeks when he is facing lesser opposition. Another player I would deem essential this week is Salford’s Ossama Ashley (M). Ashley was a relentless producer of interceptions last time out and I can’t see that changing. He’s also capable of picking up goals and assists. Luton look like firm favourites for their match against Wimbledon, and one of their standouts in midfield currently is Jordan Clark (M), who bagged a goal and three assists in his final six matches of the previous campaign.

Forwards

I expect Cardiff to dismantle Posh after their woeful defensive displays last season. Leading the Welsh side’s attack is Yousef Salech (F), who has netted three goals in pre-season thus far. MK Dons should beat newly promoted Oldham and beat them well. For that reason, I think Aaron Collins (F) could do well this week. Collins has produced a huge five goals in just his previous three friendlies, so he heads into the match in fine form. Chesterfield are another side I think will win this week as they face Barrow. Spearheading that attack should be Will Grigg (F) after firing three goals in his five pre-season matches.

Gameweek 1 Scout Squad: Club picks

Cardiff are one of the few heavy favourites heading into the first round and one I expect them to score plenty of goals against a depleted Posh. I also expect Luton to breeze past AFC Wimbledon after a poor transfer window for the London Club. In addition, Chesterfield and Wigan should also claim wins this week.

DANNY G SAID…

Goalkeepers

Josh Keeley (G) will be making his home league debut for Luton who have great clean sheet potential against a Wimbledon side who could struggle this season. Ryan Boot (G) also has a nice home fixture, I can see him being a strong option this week. Lastly, Sam Tickle (G) kept 18 clean sheets last season and proved to be a rock at home for Wigan, so he could be a decent pick this week.

Defenders

Jason Kerr (D) looks a strong selection as Wigan don’t concede many at home. Mads Anderson (D) should start in the centre of a back-three and therefore could have more bonus potential, along with a clean sheet. Sam Stubbs (D) produced over 400 clearances last season and is a monster when it comes to defensive scores. He also has under 3% ownership.

Midfielders

Luke Molyneux (M) always creates and gets chances as we saw last season so he should be considered this week. Jordan Clark (M) should be in the 10 role, meaning he’ll be higher up the pitch, creating and getting more chances and potentially being on set pieces now Doughty has left. Ossama Ashley (M) I like for his interceptions this week, and if he can continue where he left off last season, he will be a great asset.

Forwards

Yousef Salech (F) has been in the goals in pre-season and ended last season strongly. Aaron Collins (F) has moved down divisions to the Dons and has five goals already in pre-season. Lastly, Harry Smith (F) of Swindon I like. He scored 15 goals last season and provides a real threat in and around the box.

Gameweek 1 Scout Squad: Club picks

I expect Cardiff to win this week and set the pace for promotion. Luton play a Wimbledon side who haven’t strengthened and look poor on paper, so they should be considered. I will always add an away team pick. Notts County have a great chance against a Newport side which don’t look very convincing this season. Finally, Wigan have strengthened in attack this season and look promising this week.

DAN SAID…

Right, so we are finally here, looking ahead to Gameweek 1! It is pretty tricky to pick for the first week, but for myself, there are some nice home fixtures for some of the favourites in League One and Two. This week, I’ve primarily focused on those teams for my top picks

Goalkeepers

First up, I have gone for Luton Town’s Josh Keeley (G). Keeley was impressive in the league for Orient last season and I just feel Wimbledon will struggle offensively this season. Wigan were one of the better defensive sides last season, and Sam Tickle (G) kept 18 clean sheets. Northampton aren’t a side I expect much from in terms of attack, so I feel it’s fair to back the Wigan defence this first Gameweek. Finally, I have gone for Luke Southwood (G) from Bristol Rovers. With Harrogate ranking 22nd out of 24 in League Two for goals last season, I like our chances of a clean sheet

Defenders

Wigan’s defensive record was impressive and I like the match-up this week. James Kerr (D) was a clearance machine and is a top pick for me. Next up, I have Chey Dunkley (D) from Chesterfield. They have a nice home fixture against Tranmere and at the moment Dunkley is 0.6% owned. He is a threat from set-pieces and the clean sheet chance is one of the best this week for me. Finally, I have chosen Mads Andersen (D) due to the fixture.

Midfielders

Jordan Clark (M) has been getting returns in pre-season and looks like he could well be on set-pieces and in an advanced role. These two factors, plus playing a newly promoted side at home, point to a potentially great asset to pick. The next midfielder on the list is Luke Molyneux (M). I know he will be stepping up into a higher division, but 16 goals and 14 assists was remarkable last season. Doncaster’s home advantage against a non-promotion contender, coupled with his consistent shots on target (nearly one per match), makes his ceiling huge. Ossama Ashley (M) is a strong midfield pick, consistently racking up interceptions while also proving he can chip in with goals and assists. He’s a real all-rounder.

Forwards

Yousef Salech (F) is the standout pick, as Peterborough have lost quite a few key players over the summer so far. They were also ranked 23rd in League One for goals conceded with 1.8 goals conceded per game. Next, I expect Aaron Collins (F) to be a standout player in League Two and will be a consistent source of goals for a promotion-contending side. Finally, my last forward pick is Alfie May (F). He’s a proven League One goalscorer, and with Huddersfield’s strong recruitment, I fully expect him to get plenty of chances and, crucially, convert them into goals.

Gameweek 1 Scout Squad: Club picks

My club picks this week are Luton and Cardiff, both benefiting from favourable home fixtures.
I’m also backing Wigan for a win-to-nil, as I’m confident in their strong home defence. Lastly, Chesterfield impressed me at the end of last season, and I expect them to secure a comfortable home win against Barrow to kick off their campaign.

MERLINS SAID…

The transfer window is still open, and most teams haven’t finalised their squads. I’m mainly targeting unsettled teams, especially when they’re up against stronger, better-prepared opponents.

Goalkeepers

Josh Keeley (G) will make his debut for Luton against newly promoted AFC Wimbledon, who have yet to replace some key players. There is a significant class difference here. Another strong option is Bristol Rovers’ keeper Luke Southwood (G) against Harrogate, a team that typically struggles away. Wigan’s Sam Tickle (G), one of last season’s most productive goalkeepers and a reliable shot-stopper, has a favourable opening fixture against Northampton.

Defenders

Mads Andersen (D) will play centrally in Luton’s back three against AFC Wimbledon, an ideal matchup this round from a defensive perspective. There’s a strong chance for a clean sheet and potentially double-digit clearances. Jason Kerr (D) recorded an impressive 331 clearances last season and remains a reliable Wigan centre-back with a favourable defensive fixture against Northampton. Will Wright (D) from Swindon registered 246 clearances, seven goals, and 11 clean sheets last season. This round, he faces Walsall, who have lost nine starters from their play-off final lineup at Wembley.

Midfielders

Not much needs to be said about Luke Molyneux (M) — the most-owned player in the game — who will face Exeter in his first home match after promotion to League One. He ranked second last season among all midfielders in League One and League Two across four key categories: total points, shots on target, assists, and goals. Oliver Norwood (M) is Stockport’s experienced and reliable penalty-taker. He’s in charge of all set pieces and is known for his key passes. Ossama Ashley (M) will lead Salford’s ambitious project and is one of the best players in the game when it comes to interceptions.

Forwards

Yousef Salech (F) is one of the most valuable players in League One. A clinical finisher and the team’s penalty taker, he will face Peterborough, a side that has lost several key players and remains unsettled. Aaron Collins (F) is a major signing for MK Dons, having been one of Bolton’s key players last season. He had an impressive pre-season and I’m confident they win their opener. John Marquis (F) is another striker with League One experience from last season. He’ll look to help his Shrewsbury teammates bounce back, facing a Bromley side known for open, high-scoring matches.

Gameweek 1 Scout Squad: Club picks

I’ve selected four teams that were relegated last season and are determined to bounce back immediately. All will play at home and are strong favorites against opponents who are either unsettled or dealing with issues in both defensive and attacking setups. Cardiff have retained nearly all of their key players from last season, maintaining a solid foundation. Luton have made some valuable signings to strengthen their squad. Cambridge United will face Cheltenham, a team that has lost several key players, while Bristol Rovers host Harrogate, a side that typically sits deep in away matches and struggles to score.