Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are continuing to refine their squads ahead of the 2026/27 season – and members of the Fantasy Football Scout video team have been doing the same.
Bringing together a wealth of FPL experience, our panel includes multiple top 1k finishers and proven veterans of the game.
Below, you can watch each of their latest team reveals before comparing the recurring picks appearing across their drafts.
Our featured managers include:
- Sam (FPL Family) – 5x top 50k
- @FFScout_Tom – 4x top 50k
- Az – 4x top 10k
- Josh – 2x top 5k
- Joe – 8x top 10k
- FPL Focal – Best rank 3.4k
- FPL Chai – 2x top 5k
- FPL General – 3x top 500
- Tom Freeman – 5x top 1k
- Simon March – Former FPL Winner
GET YOUR OWN TEAM RATED WITH OUR FREE RATE MY TEAM TOOL
SAM (FPL FAMILY)
@FFSCOUT_TOM
AZ
JOSH
JOE
FPL FOCAL
FPL CHAI
FPL GENERAL
TOM FREEMAN
SIMON MARCH
WHERE IS THERE CONSENSUS – AND WHERE DO OUR TEAM DIFFER?
Several clear themes emerge across our panel’s latest drafts. While there are differences in structure and a few individual punts, many of the same players crop up repeatedly.
Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) is perhaps the biggest constant. Almost every discussion centres around the Manchester United midfielder, with managers highlighting his favourable opening fixtures, security of starts and captaincy potential. Several also point to his price point, believing it offers flexibility if a premium midfielder such as Cole Palmer (£9.5m) or Bukayo Saka (£9.5m) becomes essential later in the campaign.
Unsurprisingly, Erling Haaland (£15.5m) also features heavily. Although the £15.5m price tag has forced sacrifices elsewhere, the general feeling is that Manchester City’s early schedule and Haaland’s captaincy appeal make him difficult to overlook. Even where alternative structures are discussed, most managers ultimately return to the Norwegian.
Liverpool also receive plenty of attention. Dominik Szoboszlai appears to be one of the standout midfield picks thanks to his combination of set-piece duties, defensive contribution potential and attractive £7.0m price tag. Several managers also view him as an easier route into Liverpool’s attack than spending more on other premium options.
Chelsea assets remain firmly on the radar, particularly João Pedro (£7.5m). The Brazilian is repeatedly described as one of the best value forwards in the game, with managers expecting him to benefit from Chelsea’s favourable fixtures and a season without European football. Morgan Rogers (£7.5m) and Cole Palmer are also regularly discussed, although there is less agreement over whether either start in Gameweek 1.
Defence appears far less settled. Antonín Kinský (£4.5m) is a popular goalkeeper selection. Budget defenders also feature heavily, with many managers looking to free up funds for premium attackers. Manchester United’s defence attracts plenty of interest too. Both Luke Shaw (£4.5m) and Harry Maguire (£5.0m) receive backing, largely because of the Red Devils’ favourable opening fixtures.
Overall, the panel’s drafts point towards a similar strategy. Proven captaincy options, strong opening fixtures and value for money remain the priority. Plenty could change before the deadline. However, an early template is already beginning to emerge.
Chip strategy also proved a major talking point across the panel. For example, several managers discussed the merits of an early Bench Boost, with both Gameweek 1 and Gameweek 2 under consideration. Meanwhile, others preferred to build the strongest possible squad before committing to a chip.
Wildcard plans also varied. However, many favoured using it relatively early if the opening weeks don’t go to plan. Ultimately, much will depend on how teams shape up during the remainder of pre-season.
