FPL
8 August 2025 463 comments
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Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd take centre stage in our latest 2025/26 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team preview.

Top FPL picks, a Gameweek 1 line-up prediction, fixture assessment, defensive contribution (DC) magnets and more – it’s all covered here.


Fantasy EFL: when should you use your

The data and graphics in this article come from either our Members Area or Statsbomb, with whom we are again partnering in 2025/26.

Fantasy managers can get access to the wealth of Statsbomb numbers, as well as the usual Opta stats, new defensive contribution (DC) points, recalculated points from last season, exclusive articles, transfer planner, tools and app, with a 47% discounted Chief Scout membership today!


MAN UTD: REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL

INCREASED FIREPOWER

FPL new signings: Does Mbeumo have less appeal at Man Utd? 4

Man Utd’s disastrous 2024/25 season ended with a 15th-placed domestic finish and defeat in the UEFA Europa League final.

In an attempt to improve matters, particularly the goals scored column, Bryan Mbeumo (£8.0m) and Matheus Cunha (£8.0m) were both signed earlier this summer, and now the club have agreed a deal with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

Mbeumo and Cunha combined for 35 goals and 16 assists (Opta and Fantasy) in the Premier League last season.

They were admittedly two of the top expected goals (xG) overperformers, but they will certainly add something to United’s attack.

Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m), one of the Premier League’s top chance creators, is staying too.

NO EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

Ruben Amorim – Scout Report 1

United’s lack of European football in 2025/26 should help them in the Premier League.

Indeed, Ruben Amorim has already outlined the benefits of not playing in Europe by saying it will allow him to properly prepare his team each week.

It should hopefully lead to a more settled XI, as United look to bounce back.

“I have to say that for us not to be in the Champions League, could be an advantage to perform well, to perform better, to prepare better the games, to build that core we need for the future. So, I think it’s a good thing for us to take advantage.” – Ruben Amorim


MAN UTD: REASONS TO BE FEARFUL

2024-25 STRUGGLES / OLD TRAFFORD WOES

Man Utd v Brighton team news:

Last season was a total disaster for United.

They were beaten in 18 of their 38 Premier League matches, registered a negative goal difference (-10) and collected just 42 points, as they failed to adapt to Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation.

They were particularly poor at Old Trafford, with nine defeats in total.

Only the three relegated teams netted fewer home goals, too:

Above: The Premier League home table in 2024/25, via FootyStats

CENTRAL MIDFIELD CONCERN

463 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. TafOnTour1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Milenkovic and Bowen or Gabriel and Joao Pedro?!

    1. agueroo
      • 3 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Milenkovic and Bowen definitely. Gabriel has tough fixtures and Joao Pedro is more uncertain than Bowen.

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Do you have VVD?

      1. TafOnTour1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        11 months, 13 days ago

        Nahh my premium defender choice is Aït-Nouri!

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 12 Years
          11 months, 13 days ago

          VVD and Pedro then

          1. TafOnTour1
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 2 Years
            11 months, 13 days ago

            Done! Landed on this team, what we thinking?!

            Sels (Dubravka)

            VVD, VDV, Aït-Nouri, Konsa (Gudmundsson)

            Salah, Palmer, Mbeumo, Gakpo (Ramsey)

            Gyökeres, João Pedro (Guiu).

  2. agueroo
    • 3 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    A) Haaland and Anderson (Forest)
    B) Bowen and Palmer + 1m

    I think this is actually close…

    1. The bean
      • 7 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Close indeed.
      I think B shades it.
      A maybe if you don't have salah

    2. benbrowning81
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      11 months, 13 days ago

      I feel like the tide is starting to turn towards Haaland a bit in the drafts now.

      Makes the game seem a lot easier.

      1. agueroo
        • 3 Years
        11 months, 13 days ago

        Thanks both. I do indeed also have Salah. I think captaincy plays into it too, as GW2+3 when salah has tougher fixtures id prefer to cap Haaland than palmer. I’m still unsure though!!!

  3. The bean
    • 7 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    What's the opinions on Mykolenko? Don't see his name on many drafts?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Everton signed a new LB

      1. The bean
        • 7 Years
        11 months, 13 days ago

        Missed that. Thanks

  4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 9 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Pedro!

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Locked in him 100%

    2. benbrowning81
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      11 months, 13 days ago

      I wasn’t sure.

      He was ok at Birghton but not crazy. Lots of pens. Drifted in and out of games.

      But on form and in that team he might be becoming the pick of that bracket.

      It’s a tough bracket to weigh up too. Is ownership too high though.

  5. TheBiffas
    • 5 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Okay Pedro I see you....

  6. benbrowning81
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 1 Year
    11 months, 13 days ago

    A. Cunha + Isaak

    Or

    B. Bruno + Watkins (+.5)

    1. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      GW 1 - B
      To many Isaak ?s

  7. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Why are CHE hunting for more forwards
    Estêvão Almeida de Oliveira Gonçalves should be nailed along with Neto

    1. Qaiss
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      I can’t believe we gave them £52 million for Madueke

  8. Qaiss
    • 10 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    I see people are still choosing their team because of pre-season goals and assists, hehe

    1. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Mate someone just said Murphy is a better player than Isak, I think head’s are well and truly gone

      1. Qaiss
        • 10 Years
        11 months, 13 days ago

        Hopefully Salah misses 10 open goals tomorrow

        1. x.jim.x
          • 11 Years
          11 months, 13 days ago

          He skied that pen the other day, he’s finished (that was shameful tbf)

  9. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    lol, forgot I had paused game and was playing catch up. Wondered what all the Pedro comments were about 😆

  10. hnmfm
    • 13 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Surely we must own Joao Pedro in our team since he's so highly owned even if we're not convinced of his minutes or capabilities.

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Prefer Neto myself

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      No

    3. Qaiss
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      That’s why you will never win FPL sir

    4. Dynamic Duos
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      No, however locked in my team 100%

    5. Benedict_Alexander_Arnold
      • 1 Year
      11 months, 13 days ago

      We?

    6. PartyTime
      • 5 Years
      11 months, 4 days ago

      Underrated post. You deserve a medal for the heads up.

    7. PartyTime
      • 5 Years
      8 months, 19 days ago

      Underrated post

  11. TheBiffas
    • 5 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Carvalho and Damsgaard with goals for Brentford against Gladbach

    1. Flynny
      • 11 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      And thiago subbed off after failing to impress

      1. TheBiffas
        • 5 Years
        11 months, 13 days ago

        He's in my team, but I would have liked to see a goal from him tonight

        1. Flynny
          • 11 Years
          11 months, 13 days ago

          I'm keen. The problem is I have never seen him play and know nothing about him. And the reviews I have seen pre season are not great.....on this basis, I am struggling!

          1. TheBiffas
            • 5 Years
            11 months, 13 days ago

            I'm sure he's scored at least a couple of goals preseason?

            1. Flynny
              • 11 Years
              11 months, 13 days ago

              Perhaps.....I don't think so tho

              There is also fullkrug at that price point. A player i known and am familiar with

              He has defo scored a few pre season and is playing tomorrow

              1. TheBiffas
                • 5 Years
                11 months, 13 days ago

                I'm not opposed to Fullkrug at all, I've got Diouf and not sure about the double up but he's a quality striker

              2. TheBiffas
                • 5 Years
                11 months, 13 days ago

                On Thiago, I just checked Brentford have played 3 preseason games and Thiago has scored in 1 of them

                1. Mother Farke
                  • 2 Years
                  11 months, 13 days ago

                  Apparently, Thiago is struggling to trap a ball. We might see Ouattara at CF.

                2. Flynny
                  • 11 Years
                  11 months, 13 days ago

                  My mistake - but still in think the reviews aren't great.

  12. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • 8 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Out of curiosity…..

    Are you starting with Wirtz….

    A- Yes
    Or
    B- No

    Cheers everyone!!

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      No

    2. FISSH
      • 13 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      a

    3. Qaiss
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      I’ve taken him out of my team these last few days, B

    4. Dynamic Duos
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Yes

    5. TheBiffas
      • 5 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Yes

    6. Benedict_Alexander_Arnold
      • 1 Year
      11 months, 13 days ago

      B, mate

    7. agueroo
      • 3 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      No Gakpo here

  13. FISSH
    • 13 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Someone help me understand why there are so many people with Forest players?

    Towards the end of the season they fell off a cliff, pre season they havent exactly looked good...

    Konsa for 4.5 is a far better option than a 5.0m defender from forest?

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      4 cs out of 6?

    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      They been getting loads of CS’s pre season. Konsa is really dull and looks far less likely to get DC points.

      1. FISSH
        • 13 Years
        11 months, 13 days ago

        hmmm havent done much research into the dc points.. thanks

        1. Benedict_Alexander_Arnold
          • 1 Year
          11 months, 13 days ago

          More of a Marvel points guy myself

    3. Qaiss
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      He’s not. Forest are a defence first team

    4. Filthylutra
      • 1 Year
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Forest supporter here. Our defence is still looking strong and we've added to that. I'd include one Forest defender. Can't score for love nor money at the moment, so more cautious on mids and forwards.

      1. Filthylutra
        • 1 Year
        11 months, 13 days ago

        Milenkovic will get a decent number of goals for a Def. Williams gets fewer assists than his style suggests, plus he loves a booking.

  14. Dynamic Duos
    • 12 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Anderson a boring pick but really can't see anyone decent at 5.5m

    1. Salarrivederci
      • 10 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      O'Riley has been in my BB GW1 team for a couple of days now.
      Should be on all SP's if Welbeck is not on the pitch.

      1. Salarrivederci
        • 10 Years
        11 months, 13 days ago

        Also think Malen is fine and Edwards (5.0) if BB in GW2

      2. Dynamic Duos
        • 12 Years
        11 months, 13 days ago

        O'Riley rumoured to leave. Malen not nailed?

      3. 420king
        • 12 Years
        11 months, 13 days ago

        O'Riley is good but he might leave. Italian clubs & OM interested.

    2. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Baleba

      1. WVA
        • 9 Years
        11 months, 13 days ago

        Off to United

  15. SomeoneKnows
    • 10 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Which do you prefer?

    A) Wirtz, Anderson, Bowen (Guiu)
    B) Rogers, Wood, Welbeck (Le Fee)

    Kelleher
    Virgil, Murillo, VDV
    Salah, Palmer, Kudus, XXX, XXX
    Watkins, XXX, XXX

    (Dubravka, Konsa, Esteve)

    1. BerryMaze
      • 8 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      A

  16. Dacra
    • 11 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    How does this look?

    Kelleher / Dubravka
    Frimpong / Alt Nouri / Konsa - Guehi - Rondon
    Mbuema / Palmer / Wirtz / Saka (Ramsey)
    Ekitike / Pedro / Gyokeres

    Faith in new players!

  17. Filthylutra
    • 1 Year
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Sels not a bad shout for keeper either

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      This, although I've opted for Sanchez to cover the Chelsea defence

  18. mcsteely
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    RMT please

    Sels, Dubravka
    VVD, Porro, AWB, Konsa, Esteve
    Salah, Palmer, Kudus, Rogers, Anderson
    Wood, Mateta, Strand Larsen

    1. Chris_l25
      • 8 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Looks strong

  19. Dacra
    • 11 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Had a draft with Isak and Guehi, when both seemed liverpool bound gave 5 Liverpool.

  20. Mother Farke
    • 2 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Thoughts, ladies/gents?

    Sels
    Cucurella Neco Porro
    Saka Palmer Wirtz Gakpo PMSarr
    Watkins Wissa

    Dubravka JSL Munoz Esteve

    Wissa is a placeholder atm in the event of him joining Newcastle. Could be Evanilson, Joao Pedro, Solanke, etc.

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Needs Salah. Sels

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 12 Years
        11 months, 13 days ago

        Sels to Sanchez, Cucu to VVD, Porro to Tark/Murillo/Munoz

        1. Mother Farke
          • 2 Years
          11 months, 13 days ago

          Why would you advocate Sanchez but not Cucurella? Did you see the number of good positions Cucu got into tonight? He's essentially a midfielder. I also see CS potential on top of that. On the contrary, I only see a CS for VVD v Burnley away in the first 6. Especially with the lack of defensive discipline between Salah and Frimpong down the right. Semenyo, for example, will be great on the counter GW1. That's how I read the room anyway.

          I already have Munoz.

  21. 420king
    • 12 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Carvalho is an interesting, albeit very risk pick. Any chance he nails down a first team spot?

  22. The Night Trunker.
    • 2 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Seen Bowen in many teams now.
    Just wanted to remind you all he plays for West Ham.....that's WEST HAM yes!

    1. Studs Up
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Ok

    2. WVA
      • 9 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      And he still manages to get 200 points a season, class player

      1. The Night Trunker.
        • 2 Years
        11 months, 13 days ago

        Take away his m/f points this season, plus he won't benefit from the new defensive bonuses.
        I see regression and it's Spam.
        Nah!

        1. WVA
          • 9 Years
          11 months, 13 days ago

          What midfield points would he have got? Not like they keep many clean sheets. More bonus points now

          1. The Night Trunker.
            • 2 Years
            11 months, 13 days ago

            Being reclassified is definitely worse for him.
            Would possibly be tempted if he played for a proper team though.

        2. Studs Up
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          11 months, 13 days ago

          You may want to look up Scout article posted 25th July... he would be - 5 points worse off as a FWD.

          1. The Night Trunker.
            • 2 Years
            11 months, 13 days ago

            OK, not too significant then granted, but it's still regressive moving forward with no defensive baps.

            1. Studs Up
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              11 months, 13 days ago

              What no defensive baps?

              1. The Night Trunker.
                • 2 Years
                11 months, 13 days ago

                Yes, no defensive baps.

                1. Studs Up
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 6 Years
                  11 months, 13 days ago

                  Really?

                  1. The Night Trunker.
                    • 2 Years
                    11 months, 13 days ago

                    Yes, this new points system this season rewarding the forgotten men in the defensive engine room could be quite rewarding this season.
                    I mean there's even some nutters bringing in Declan bloody Rice, that should tell you something!

    3. Lallana_
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      He also plays Sunderland first!

      1. The Night Trunker.
        • 2 Years
        11 months, 13 days ago

        Can see Sunderland in carnival mode at home in their first game back.
        2-1.

        1. Mother Farke
          • 2 Years
          11 months, 13 days ago

          Could also end up like Jozy Altidore standard first game back. There was hype around his signing, too.

          Di Canio was the manager of Sunderland - a West Ham connection. Omen?

          1. The Night Trunker.
            • 2 Years
            11 months, 13 days ago

            Di Canioooooo, he was a character 🙂

          2. Bring back Rafa
            • 6 Years
            11 months, 13 days ago

            Please don’t remind this. I have images of him sliding on his knees in a suit which I’m trying to erase

    4. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Talisman.

      1. The Night Trunker.
        • 2 Years
        11 months, 13 days ago

        ish.

  23. Lallana_
    • 12 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    My latest draft, went more attack heavy. Malen will be Anderson if Roger's injury is not too serious.

    Sels | Dubravka
    Van de Ven | Konsa | Diouf | Richards | Esteve
    Salah | Palmer | Wirtz | Fernandes | Malen
    J. Pedro | Watkins | Marc Guiu

  24. martynteresa
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Posted this on another thread before he scored.

    The more pre-season and the transfer window progresses the more convinced I am that I have this seasons Rogers in my squad.

    Carvahlo 5m Brentford.

    Bonus players; Malen 5.5 Villa, Reijnders 5.5m City

  25. Chris_l25
    • 8 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Anyone know if Pape Sarr is any good for Defcons? Trying to choose a 5.0 option....

    1. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Everton’s new signing from Chelsea

  26. Snoopydog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 1 Year
    11 months, 13 days ago

    A or B?

    A. Rogers (if fit) and Bowen
    B. Eze and Pedro

    (Already have Palmer and Watkins)

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      A

      1. Snoopydog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 1 Year
        11 months, 13 days ago

        Thanks - where I am currently.

  27. Zoostation
    • 11 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Any feedback on this lot…

    Sels (Dubravka)

    Ait-Nouri AWB De Cuyper (Konsa Esteve)

    Salah Palmer Wirtz Ndiaye Anderson

    Watkins Bowen (Guiu)

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Solid. I’m not having Ndiaye pick at all though.

    2. Snoopydog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Nice. Share several of those.

      Can see a Ndiaye appeal and have had him in several drafts but have cooled with Everton's underwhelming pre-season.

      Ait-Nouri could be excellent but at that price point still lean towards VVD - if RAN is nailed, then may well switch from GW6.

  28. Moneymar
    • 4 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Konsa or Dorgu?

    1. Snoopydog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 1 Year
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Konsa

  29. teddy.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Straw poll. Please rank these 6.5/7.0 mids:

    A. Mitoma
    B. Semenyo
    C. Rogers
    D. Schade
    E. Elanga
    F. Rice
    G. Ndiaye

    1. Mother Farke
      • 2 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Rogers (if fit)
      Semenyo
      Rice/Ndiaye
      Mitoma
      Elanga
      Schade

      Not ranking their true life ability. Elanga is low for me cause of minutes risk.

      1. teddy.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 months, 13 days ago

        Yeah, impossible to predict how players will gel with a new team. If the stars align Elanga could step up from last season. But that's a pretty big "if".

  30. MrCloppity
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    11 months, 13 days ago

    Still unsure on Malen.

    Any thoughts on a 5.5 mil mid?

    I almost feel you have to have one with Salah and Palmer in your team to create balance across the team

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 12 Years
      11 months, 13 days ago

      Im on Anderson, if Malen was assured mins it would be him