The Fantasy EFL season is here, and with it comes significant changes to the scoring system. Managers may not have to opt for a 1-3-2-1 formation every week.
The new contributions system will see some adjustments, moving away from a previous format that heavily favoured defenders, with midfielders and forwards having stronger routes to points.
Interceptions will still earn you a solid +2 points, but a major change is coming to how shots on target are scored. Instead of getting a point for every two shots on target, every single shot on target is now worth one point. This change could make attacking players, particularly midfielders, far more valuable.
Here, we will go through our top five midfielders to consider and why, helping you make the right decisions so you can start your season off with a bang.
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Luke Molyneux (M) – Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Rovers’ star man is the most popular player in Fantasy EFL this Gameweek, with a staggering 51.8% ownership. His immense popularity is a direct result of his spectacular performance last season, where he tallied 16 goals and 14 assists, leading to a haul of 286 Fantasy points.
This total was the second-highest among all eligible midfielders. Furthermore, with the new Fantasy rules, his 39 shots on target from last season would have made him the top-scoring midfielder.
Coming off their League Two title victory, Donny will face Exeter City at home in their return to League One. Exeter finished 16th in the division last season, conceding 65 goals in 49 games, which presents an intriguing matchup for the newly-promoted side.
Davis Keillor-Dunn (M) – Barnsley
Following a career-best League One campaign, the number 40 is a top pick for Gameweek 1. Classified as a midfielder despite playing striker, he earns more points for goals and can also score with interceptions.
Last season, he was a standout with 18 goals, eight assists, and 13 interceptions, totalling 270 points.
His opening match is against Plymouth Argyle (A), a team relegated from the Championship after conceding a league-worst 88 goals. If the Tykes are to pick up a result, ‘DKD’ will undoubtedly be involved.
George Saville (M) – Luton Town
One of Millwall’s best players from the 24/25 campaign, Luton’s new signing is another excellent midfield option this Gameweek. Saville’s 58 interceptions (+116) were central to the Lions’ strong defensive record. The Hatters could certainly use this defensive prowess following their relegation from last season.
Saville’s playmaking abilities were also on display as he notched an impressive 53 key passes, a figure that will surely convert into many assists this season if he repeats this feat. He managed just six last season (+18), but with Alfie Doughty (M) ironically joining Millwall, there’s a strong chance Saville will be involved in set-pieces.
His Gameweek 1 opponents, AFC Wimbledon (H), are newly promoted and are considered a highly favourable matchup for Luton, given their lack of firepower up front.
Jack Payne (M) – Colchester United
The 30-year-old demonstrated elite versatility last season, scoring eight goals (+48) and notching a division-high 15 assists (+45) whilst also managing 12 interceptions (+24). His consistent contributions on both sides of the ball have earnt him a solid 16.3% ownership.
He has an ideal Gameweek 1 matchup as he plays Tranmere Rovers (H), a side who conceded 43 goals in 23 away fixtures in the 24/25 campaign.
However, his availability is in doubt after sustaining a soft tissue injury. Managers you should monitor the line-up prior to kick-off. However, if the number 10 starts, he’s one to consider.
Will Collar (M) – MK Dons
The 28-year-old scored eight goals (+48) and registered 15 interceptions (+30) last season in League One, as a central figure in Stockport’s attack. Now in a lower division, he should one of the focal points in a previously struggling Dons offence.
While his teammates Aaron Collins (F) and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (F) are popular choices in Fantasy EFL, Collar remains a hidden gem, currently selected by under 4% of managers.
Oldham Athletic (H) provide the perfect opportunity for Collar to showcase his versatility and ability as they play their first League Two game since the 21/22 season.
