With Fantasy Premier League (FPL) almost underway for 2025/26, we’re hearing from our panel of guest writers.
Here, Zophar – who usually hosts a weekly Q&A session for us – talks about the big FPL decisions that he’s still going back and forth on.
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What is Zophar still debating with one week to go?
Instead of my Q&A article – which returns next week – I’m going to put forth a few questions that remain in my mind, going into the final weekend of pre-season friendlies.
Morgan Rogers’ fitness
FPL pre-season: Rogers injury + Malen scores again
A mainstay in almost all of my FPL drafts, Morgan Rogers (£7.0m) played the most minutes of any Aston Villa outfield player last season. Another European campaign is coming for them, so I want someone I can rely upon.
However, he limped off with an ankle injury just a few minutes after coming on against Roma. Although the latest news suggests that Unai Emery is “hopeful” he might make the Newcastle United opener, Rogers probably won’t be featuring in either of this weekend’s friendlies.
If there remains positivity that he’ll get the all-clear, do I still take a chance on someone who has an ongoing injury issue? Because I really don’t like any of the other alternatives at that price point, or many below it.
Do I want to invest in Spurs?
FPL notes: Why Porro was benched, in-form Chelsea, Martin sacked
A kind Tottenham Hotspur fixture run has us looking at their defensive and attacking assets. But Dominic Solanke (£7.5m) is still to be seen after his ankle injury and missed the Bayern Munich friendly.
He might still play in the UEFA Super Cup next Wednesday, but again, I don’t like taking these risks. His issue could flare up at any point.
James Maddison’s (£7.0m) long-term injury delivers a huge blow to Spurs. I don’t think they have anyone who can play that position, knowing that Dejan Kulusevski (£6.5m) is also sidelined.
Pedro Porro (£5.5m) will likely be given more license to operate in a playmaking role and should get more set-pieces during the England international’s absence. While not cheap, he’s also been faring well for defensive contribution (DC) points in friendlies.
It should be noted that Mohammed Kudus (£6.5m) has also taken a few set-pieces. But how fluid in general will the Spurs attack be?
How much Liverpool?
FPL notes: Ekitike debut, Wirtz goal + 1
I watched the Reds’ latest friendly against Athletic Club and, although I had seen plenty of Florian Wirtz (£8.5m) in the Champions League, I was absolutely floored by his performance. He could have had a brace on the day, constantly turning up in very central penalty area positions.
The German might have been underpriced and I think he could be an absolute gift. Do I ignore him just because I already have Mohamed Salah (£14.5m)?
There is also the Alexander Isak (£10.5m) question. By grabbing those two and Virgil van Dijk (£6.0m), I’d be locking myself out of Isak if – and it’s a big if – he does end up transferring to them.
An attacking treble up feels like too much, but they’re all perfectly good assets in their own right. It’s not something I’m opposed to. Van Dijk is also arguably the best premium defensive pick.
Ignore Man City at my peril
3pm team news: Haaland + De Bruyne start, Marmoush a sub
The earlier Club World Cup has limited Manchester City’s pre-season outings and caused them to slip under the FPL radar.
But I expect Pep Guardiola’s side to be much better this season, and Erling Haaland (£14.0m) has a history of stunning starts.
I’ve been calming myself down by looking at their fixture run because it’s not amongst the best. Still, I expect them to be better than each of those opponents. That being said, no Haaland fixture brings huge captaincy potential until Gameweek 6, and, given that I’m reluctant to go without Salah, it would need Cole Palmer (£10.5m) to make way.
The Chelsea star also has some decent captaincy fixtures himself, so I am loath to make that sacrifice.
At the back, I think Rayan Ait-Nouri (£6.0m) will be an attacking monster and start the majority of their games. If I start without any defender at that price, moving over to him will be tricky.
How sharp will Chelsea be?
Best £7.5m+ forwards for FPL 2025/26
We’ve just learnt that Levi Colwill (£5.0m) will miss a significant part of the season with an ACL injury. Along with Marc Cucurella (£6.0m), he was the backbone of Chelsea’s defensive unit and helped in their build-up as well. He’ll be sorely missed and the absence puts me off Chelsea’s defence entirely.
Palmer’s performance in the Club World Cup final has restored some faith in him, and I think a bromance is brewing with Joao Pedro (£7.5m). While there is a risk that the Brazilian will share minutes with Liam Delap (£6.5m), I think he’s too good to be left out of the starting lineup and will be in more of them than we think.
That being said, I think the lack of pre-season makes going with both Palmer and Joao Pedro a bit excessive.
Sticky Toffees
FPL Gameweek 21 differentials: Ndiaye, Paqueta + Savinho
Everton are notorious for starting seasons poorly and I think they’ll need an adaptation period at their new stadium too.
Iliman Ndiaye (£6.5m) is in my current draft, but it’s the attacking position I feel least confident about, by far. He does tick several boxes, though: minutes, penalties and good DC potential.
Am I overthinking it? Do I take even more money out of my defence and make him Eberechi Eze (£7.5m) instead? This week’s transfer speculation around Ndiaye is slightly concerning.
What is Zophar still debating with one week to go?