Fantasy EFL is back for 2026/27! Gameweek 1 starts this Friday, giving managers their first chance to attack the new season.
Ahead of the opening round, four of our experts have selected their favourite goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, forwards and club picks from across the EFL.
We’ve combined their selections below to reveal the most popular Scout Picks for Gameweek 1, highlighting the players and teams our panel are backing to make a fast start.
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FANTASY EFL GAMEWEEK 1 SCOUT PICKS
GOALKEEPER
The only reason Radek Vitek misses out is that our experts prioritised Middlesbrough’s attacking assets instead.
With that in mind, we’ve settled on Bradford City’s Jon McCracken. Only Stevenage conceded fewer goals at home than Bradford last season, so McCracken looks a solid option against Peterborough United.
DEFENDERS
Wolves assets proved popular among our panel, with Rodrigo Gomes topping the defender shortlists of two experts.
Despite being classified as a defender in Fantasy EFL, Gomes has regularly featured on the wing. That advanced role immediately boosts his attacking potential and, against Blackburn Rovers, gives him multiple routes to points.
Huddersfield Town’s fixture also caught the eye. They host an AFC Wimbledon side who finished 19th last season, making Jack Whatmough a popular defensive pick. Wing-back Lasse Sørensen also received a vote from our panel.
MIDFIELDERS
It should come as little surprise that Lewis Wing not only makes our team but also takes the captaincy.
Reading’s penalty-taker averaged an impressive 7.8 points per match last season, making him one of the most reliable Fantasy EFL assets around.
Our experts were also keen on Sebastian Berhalter alongside him. The midfielder delivered 10 attacking returns in just 14 MLS appearances last season and has since registered assists in back-to-back matches for Middlesbrough, who many expect to challenge for promotion.
FORWARDS
All four experts selected Will Lankshear, so we’re doubling up on the Middlesbrough attack against newly promoted Lincoln City.
The Imps were dominant in League One last season but now face a significant step up in quality. Lankshear could be well placed to capitalise, having led the line and scored against Wrexham in the cup recently.
Expectations around Exeter City are low heading into the new campaign, while an opening trip to promotion hopefuls Grimsby Town looks particularly challenging.
Leading the Grimsby attack is Andy Cook, who heads into Gameweek 1 in excellent form after scoring four goals during pre-season.
TEAM PICKS
Middlesbrough were selected by three of the four panellists, making them an obvious inclusion. A home meeting with newly promoted Lincoln City looks like an excellent opportunity to start their 2026/27 campaign strongly.
The same applies to Huddersfield Town, who host AFC Wimbledon. Most of our panel are backing the Terriers to produce a strong overall performance, with that confidence also reflected by their defensive assets featuring prominently among the Scout Picks.
