With Fantasy Premier League (FPL) live for 2025/26, we’re welcoming back our team of guest writers for the new campaign.
Here, Udit Verma – who followed up a top 10k finish in 2023/24 by finishing 33rd in the world last season and ending up as the Indian number one – shares his initial draft.
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Last season, I finished #33 in the world and #1 in India.
Let’s be clear: I’m still a casual at heart. But now I’m a casual with expectations, haunted by green arrows and screenshots of my team going viral. So, while I’m still figuring out the new rules (‘DefCon’?), I’ve built a first draft rooted in four essential FPL commandments:
- Stick to players I trust.
- Don’t overthink—yet.
- Avoid anyone who gave me red arrows and ulcers.
- Keep it fun. Always.
What’s the Plan?
Honestly, there is no masterplan. Yet. I’m easing into FPL 25/26 just like last time – observing, adapting, laughing at my own decisions, and making late-night transfers I’ll regret. If I get anywhere close to what I did last season, I’ll be thrilled. If not? Well, I’ll still have memes, mini-league drama, and a ridiculous amount of Mohamed Salah (£14.5m) captaincies.
The Real Goal? Enjoy It Again
Topping India and finishing OR 33 globally was surreal. But FPL was never just about rank. It was about other things. The late-night banter. Wildcard madness. Despairing when my bench outscores my XI. Celebrating those 15-point hauls from nowhere
So this season, I’m chasing not just green arrows but also the fun that came with them. Here’s to another ride. May your hits land, your captain not blank, and your goalkeeper actually save a pen.
