With FanTeam’s Fantasy EPL game for 2026/27 now open for entries ahead of a Friday 21 August kick-off, attention is turning to pricing, squad structure and the small rule differences that separate FanTeam’s Season Game from the official FPL game. Here’s an early look at where the value sits and how to approach the opening gameweeks.
The budget looks generous
FanTeam’s floor prices this year sit at £4.0m for goalkeepers and defenders, £4.5m for midfielders and £5.0m for forwards, which means a bare-bones enabler spine of six or seven players can be assembled for roughly £30-35m, leaving £65m or more to spend elsewhere in the squad. Compared directly with FPL pricing, the gap is even clearer at the top end: Haaland comes in around £3m cheaper on FanTeam, Bruno Fernandes around £1.5m cheaper, there’s a run of credible goalkeepers between £4.5m and £5m, and no defender costs more than £6.5m.
At the top of the market, Fernandes (£10.5m), Saka (£10.0m) and Semenyo (£9.5m) stand out as the clear midfield premiums, with Fernandes’ price backed up by finishing as the league’s second-highest scorer last season. Haaland sits in a bracket of his own at £12.5m, £3.5m clear of the next forward — enough that a squad built around him is a genuinely different structure to one built without him, rather than a simple like-for-like swap.
Where the early value sits
Last season’s actual returns make a strong case for spending down at the back and up front rather than the other way round: goalkeepers offered the best points-per-pound of any position, defenders came second, and forwards were the weakest performers relative to cost despite being the most expensive line on the pitch. £4.5m goalkeepers Verbruggen and Petrovic both passed 150 points last season, level with keepers priced £1.5m higher, while £4.5m defenders Mitchell and Tarkowski outscored several options above £6m. Pickford (£5.0m) remains a low-maintenance goalkeeper option, and Daniel Muñoz (£5.0m) offers rare attacking upside for a full-back after four league goals last season plus two more at the World Cup.
In midfield, Palmer, Bruno Guimarães (£7m), Sarr (£6.5m, off the back of 21 goals across all comps and an assist in 43 games last season), Buendía (£6m, with a chance of penalties) and Barnes (£6m) all look like early value relative to the two clear premiums above them. Up front, where this season looks a little more generous than usual, Osula, Muniz and Rodriguez are worth a look at £5.5m, alongside Thiago (£8m) and Jesus (£6.5m, who scored five goals in five games under Glasner last season). On price moves elsewhere, Robertson and Brobbey look worth another look having strengthened their case, while Morgan Rogers, Gyökeres and Isak look less appealing purely on a cost-to-output basis.
A scoring system worth understanding before drafting
One detail worth building a squad around: FanTeam’s scoring doesn’t include FPL-style bonus points or defensive-contribution points. Instead, points come from goals, assists, clean sheets and saves, shots on target and completing 90 minutes, which means minutes, role and goal involvement carry more weight than the tackles-and-blocks totals that inflate some defenders’ scores in the official game. Defenders whose appeal in FPL rests mainly on bonus points are worth treating with caution here, and the same logic applies to rotation risks or players easing back from injury — an auto-sub at the wrong moment can be costly over a 38-gameweek season.
That scoring shift also strengthens the case for loading up in midfield rather than attack: with no true premium beyond Bruno Fernandes, a strong five-man midfield is affordable without breaking the budget, while forwards look comparatively expensive and tend to score less efficiently under FanTeam’s rules than they do in FPL.
Formation is an open question
There’s no single right answer on structure this early. A back five (5-3-2 or 5-4-1) has an obvious appeal given how deep the defensive value runs this season, while a 3-5-2 with a budget forward held in reserve makes sense given the value emerging up front. A more contrarian 4-4-2 is also worth weighing up, on the basis that the forward pool beyond Haaland doesn’t offer much to get excited about even in a standard 3-4-3. With pre-season and fixtures still settling down, it’s worth holding off on a final decision — including on clean sheet odds — until closer to gameweek one.
Wildcard timing
FanTeam’s rules allow one wildcard between Gameweeks 1-19 and a second for Gameweeks 20-38. The conventional approach is to sit on the first wildcard until closer to the Gameweek 19 cut-off, banking transfers in the meantime. But there’s a reasonable case for going earlier than usual this season: Manchester United and Liverpool both open with favourable 2026/27 EPL fixture runs worth attacking early, and a World Cup summer has left the usual pool of pre-season information thinner than normal, with late returns and new managers still bedding in at several clubs. An early wildcard offers a way to react to whatever team news and form emerges first, rather than waiting on data that may not firm up for weeks.
General strategy notes
A handful of broader principles are worth keeping in mind across the campaign. Staying transfer-active matters more than it might seem — missing even a couple of gameweeks can undo a season, and ownership percentages are a factor that deserves more attention than most managers give them. The draft itself is best approached as a search for mispriced value rather than a straight pick of the best available players: checking for role changes, newly-nailed starters, underpriced signings and whether premium prices are actually justified will shape a squad more than reputation alone. Fixtures should generally be used to settle close calls rather than dictate the whole squad, since a strong player with a tough run can still outscore a weaker one with an easy one.
One rule specific to FanTeam’s format is worth factoring in too: the maximum of 25 entries per manager. Those running multiple entries can start several squads with a similar core and split them into different strategies further down the line, while managers with a single entry are generally better off building a solid core first rather than chasing variance from gameweek one. Either way, the biggest edge over a 38-gameweek season tends to come simply from staying engaged, since plenty of rivals stop making transfers once the top prize looks out of reach.
What’s next
Further coverage — club-by-club reviews, bargain picks, overpriced picks to avoid, draft structures and full team reveals — will follow in the build-up to kick-off on Friday 21 August. Full details of the game format, including entry tiers, prize pools and the transfer and wildcard rules, are available in our earlier FanTeam EPL 2026/27 article. For more discussion visit FISO’s FanTeam forum.
FanTeam’s EPL Season Game is open to players aged 18 and over. Please gamble responsibly.
Every fantasy football season produces a handful of players who reshape draft boards before Week 1. Training camp battles, coaching changes, and contract extensions across the league often reveal far more than last year’s statistics.
Some players simply step into larger opportunities, while others benefit from new offensive systems or improved health. Those developments can quickly change how fantasy managers evaluate their potential draft targets.
These five NFL players deserve close attention throughout the 2026 preseason because their changing roles could shape countless important fantasy draft decisions before Week 1.
1. Chris Olave (WR, New Orleans Saints)
Chris Olave enters 2026 with many of the qualities fantasy managers look for in a potential WR1. His four-year contract extension reflects the Saints’ long-term confidence, while last season offered a glimpse of his ceiling when the offense found its rhythm.
Much of that improvement came after Tyler Shough became the starting quarterback midway through the season. Olave’s production increased, his target share grew even more valuable, and a second season in Kellen Moore’s offense strengthens expectations for continued passing-game growth.
Olave already commands a significant share of the Saints’ passing game. Some fantasy managers also check NFL player props through an NFL betting hub, where they can browse game lines, player markets and other wagering options before the season begins. This sort of information can provide valuable insight into a player’s expected performance.
August practices should confirm those expectations. Continued chemistry with Shough, regular red-zone involvement and consistent downfield targets would strengthen Olave’s case as a dependable early-round fantasy receiver heading into draft season.
2. Jalen Hurts (QB, Philadelphia Eagles)
Few quarterbacks offer the combination of passing upside and rushing production that Jalen Hurts brings every week. Even so, Philadelphia’s biggest fantasy storyline this offseason may have less to do with personnel than its offensive philosophy.
Sean Mannion’s arrival as offensive coordinator has already sparked discussion about how the Eagles’ offense might evolve. Early training camp reports suggest Hurts is working under center more often, opening the door to more play-action and a varied passing attack.
The departure of A.J. Brown reshapes the offense, placing greater responsibility on DeVonta Smith and the supporting cast. Rather than lowering Hurts’ fantasy ceiling, those changes could encourage quicker decisions and a more balanced passing attack.
Preseason snaps should reveal whether those changes could become lasting trends. If Philadelphia blends improved passing efficiency with Hurts’ established rushing production, he should remain among fantasy football’s elite quarterbacks throughout the 2026 season.
3. Luther Burden III (WR, Chicago Bears)
Every fantasy season introduces a young receiver who makes the leap from intriguing prospect to weekly starter. Opportunity often drives those breakout campaigns before Week 1. Luther Burden III has a realistic chance to become that player in 2026.
Chicago’s receiving room enters the season with far more opportunity after several departures created over 100 available targets. Burden’s efficiency late last season suggested he was ready for a larger workload, making this offseason especially important for his fantasy outlook.
His fit for Ben Johnson’s offense only adds to the excitement. Johnson’s scheme creates space for receivers, highlighting Burden’s versatility and run-after-catch ability. Another offseason of development for Caleb Williams should also help stabilize the passing game.
If Burden continues earning first-team reps across multiple alignments and remains involved in designed touches throughout August, his fantasy draft stock could rise quickly before many managers have the chance to react during fantasy draft season.
4. Deebo Samuel (WR, San Francisco 49ers)
Deebo Samuel may be one of the league’s most difficult fantasy players to evaluate because his production rarely follows a conventional path. Usage often matters more than volume. His value has always depended as much on role as raw talent.
Returning to Kyle Shanahan’s offense immediately changes that conversation. Injuries across San Francisco’s receiving corps have created an opportunity for Samuel to claim a larger role, while his versatility as a receiver and runner gives the coaching staff added flexibility.
Questions about age are understandable, but familiarity between player and coach removes much of the uncertainty that typically surrounds veteran additions. Shanahan has repeatedly demonstrated how effectively he can build an offense around Samuel’s unique skill set.
Rather than focusing only on preseason statistics, watch how San Francisco deploys him. Consistent first-team usage, backfield alignments and designed touches would suggest Samuel is once again positioned to become an important fantasy contributor.
5. Jonathon Brooks (RB, Carolina Panthers)
Few players enter 2026 with more to prove than Jonathon Brooks. Consecutive ACL injuries delayed the start of his professional career, but a healthy offseason has finally created an opportunity to show why Carolina invested so heavily in him.
Training camp reports have highlighted Brooks’ explosiveness, confidence and growing readiness for a meaningful offensive role. Those signs are even more encouraging in Dave Canales’ run-focused system, where a feature back can quickly become the offensive centerpiece.
Chuba Hubbard will remain involved, but Brooks appears increasingly capable of earning a larger share of touches as the season approaches. His progress in pass protection may ultimately determine whether he becomes a situational runner or a true three-down option.
The biggest question is no longer talent but workload. Steady first-team opportunities, third-down responsibilities and goal-line usage throughout the preseason would suggest Brooks is ready to reward fantasy managers who invest before Week 1.
What Fantasy Managers Should Track Before Draft Day
Fantasy championships rarely come from simply identifying talented players. Recognizing changing roles before draft day creates an advantage. Timing matters just as much. The preseason often provides those early clues.
Keep these factors in mind throughout August:
Prioritize consistent first-team usage over isolated highlight plays,
Watch coaching decisions instead of preseason box scores,
Follow workload trends rather than single practice reports,
Monitor injury recoveries over multiple weeks,
Compare changing draft positions with evolving player roles,
Focus on repeatable opportunity rather than preseason statistics alone.
Patience often rewards fantasy managers willing to evaluate the bigger picture instead of reacting to every headline. Meaningful trends usually emerge over time.
Turning Preseason Insight Into Draft-Day Confidence
Fantasy football success often begins well before Week 1. Chris Olave, Jalen Hurts, Luther Burden III, Deebo Samuel and Jonathon Brooks each enter 2026 with changing circumstances that could elevate their fantasy production beyond current expectations.
Following training camp usage, coaching decisions and preseason trends provides a clearer picture of which players are ready to break out. That preparation helps fantasy managers approach draft day with greater confidence and make more informed decisions.
*Content reflects information available as of 31/07/2026; subject to change
The 2026/27 Fantasy Premier League season promises to be one of the most unpredictable in recent years, and few clubs have undergone as much change as Newcastle United. With a new manager at the helm, several high-profile departures, and a renewed focus on youth, the Magpies could become an excellent source of value picks for fantasy managers looking to gain an edge over the competition.
While many players will naturally gravitate towards proven stars from the traditional title challengers, Newcastle’s evolving squad may present several affordable options capable of outperforming their price tags. Those of you with an interest in online football betting will no doubt view the Toon as one of the most difficult clubs to predict ahead of next season.
A New Era Under Matthias Jaissle
It’s already been a summer of significant change at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe’s successful spell has come to an end, with Matthias Jaissle taking over managerial duties.
Jaissle has earned a reputation for developing young talent and implementing an energetic, high-pressing style of football. While adapting to a new league always presents challenges, his arrival signals a fresh direction for Newcastle both on and off the pitch.
Fantasy managers often benefit by identifying players who thrive under a new coach before their prices begin to rise, making Newcastle a team worth monitoring closely during the opening weeks of the campaign.
High-Profile Departures Create New Opportunities
Newcastle’s squad has already undergone major changes with established first-team players such as Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon departing the club.
Losing players of that quality naturally creates gaps in both the starting eleven and the squad rotation. More importantly for Fantasy Premier League managers, it opens the door for younger players to establish themselves as regular starters.
Minutes are often the most valuable commodity in fantasy football. A relatively inexpensive player guaranteed to start every week can often outperform a more expensive option who faces heavy rotation.
Newcastle’s Focus on Youth
Rather than replacing departing stars with expensive household names, Newcastle appear to be embracing a strategy centred around younger players with significant long-term potential.
This approach may not generate as many headlines, but it could create excellent fantasy opportunities.
Young players arriving from overseas leagues are often priced conservatively because they have yet to prove themselves in England. If they settle quickly, their value can increase dramatically over the course of a season.
Bazoumana Toure Could Be One to Watch
One player attracting attention is Bazoumana Toure.
Although unproven in the Premier League, he possesses the pace and attacking ability that could make him an exciting differential if he earns regular minutes under Jaissle.
Fantasy managers willing to take calculated risks often benefit from identifying emerging talents before they become popular selections across the game.
If Toure adapts quickly, he could become one of the bargains of the season.
Aladji Bamba May Offer Similar Value
Another newcomer who could appeal to fantasy managers is Aladji Bamba.
Like Toure, he arrives without Premier League experience, which is likely to keep his initial Fantasy Premier League price relatively low.
Should Bamba establish himself in Newcastle’s starting side, he may provide excellent value compared to similarly priced players at other clubs.
Keeping an eye on Newcastle’s pre-season matches and the opening fixtures should provide valuable clues about how Jaissle intends to use his younger arrivals.
William Osula Could Be the Standout Bargain
Perhaps the most intriguing option already at the club is William Osula.
The striker enjoyed a strong finish to last season and appears well placed to play a much bigger role during the upcoming campaign.
Because he has yet to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s leading forwards, his fantasy price is expected to remain considerably lower than many established strikers.
If Osula secures the starting role and continues the form he showed towards the end of last season, he could deliver exceptional value while freeing up budget elsewhere in your squad.
Finding reliable forwards at lower price points is often one of the biggest challenges in the Fantasy Premier League, making Osula a player many managers will want to monitor closely.
More Signings Could Still Arrive
Newcastle’s summer business is unlikely to be finished.
The club are expected to remain active throughout the transfer window as Jaissle continues shaping the squad to fit his preferred style of play.
New arrivals could further strengthen Newcastle’s attacking options or create additional fantasy bargains if more young players are recruited with affordable starting prices.
Equally, any further departures could increase opportunities for existing squad members to earn regular first-team football.
Patience Could Be Rewarded
Predicting which Newcastle players will emerge as fantasy stars before the season begins is difficult given the scale of change taking place at the club.
However, history shows that transitional periods often produce breakout performers who significantly outperform expectations.
Rather than immediately investing heavily, many fantasy managers may choose to monitor Newcastle during the opening few gameweeks before taking advantage of any players who establish themselves as regular starters.
Final Thoughts
Newcastle United enter the 2026/27 season with a new manager, a refreshed transfer strategy and several exciting young players looking to make their mark.
While there is naturally some uncertainty surrounding a squad in transition, that uncertainty could create outstanding value for Fantasy Premier League managers.
Bazoumana Toure and Aladji Bamba represent intriguing low-cost differentials with significant upside, while William Osula could prove to be one of the best budget forwards in the game if he builds on his impressive finish to last season.
With Newcastle also expected to remain busy in the transfer market throughout the summer, fantasy managers would be wise to keep a close eye on developments at St James’ Park before finalising their squads for the new campaign.
There are four entry-fee options available: £1, £20, £200 and £2,500 per team, with the £2,500 contest operating as the High Roller game. Each contest has its own minimum guaranteed prize pool, with prizes paid to the top 10% of entries at the end of the season.
The headline £20 Season Game has a minimum guaranteed prize pool of £65,000.
The competition begins on Friday 21 August, with Arsenal v Coventry City opening the Premier League season at 8pm. There is no late registration, so all teams must be entered before the first fixture begins.
Managers are given a £100 million budget with which to select a squad of 15 players. A summary of the game format is:
– 38 Premier League gameweeks – £100 million budget – Select a squad of 15 players – Maximum 25 entries per manager – Maximum three players from each Premier League club – One free transfer per gameweek – Unused free transfers can be carried forward without limit until the next wildcard is used – Additional transfers cost four points each – Two wildcards: one available during Gameweeks 1–19 and one during Gameweeks 20–38 – The captain scores double points – The vice-captain takes over if the captain does not start
Further articles will be published in the build-up to the start of the season. For more discussion visit FISO’s FanTeam forum.
Cryptocurrency has become a standard payment option for many online sportsbooks, giving bettors faster transfers and greater control over their funds. Among all digital assets, USDT has earned a strong reputation because it combines blockchain efficiency with price stability. Instead of worrying about sudden market swings, players can focus on managing their bankroll and placing informed wagers. As more operators embrace crypto payments, USDT has become one of the most practical solutions for sports betting in 2026.
What Is Tether (USDT) and Why Do Sports Bettors Use It?
Tether, commonly known as USDT, is a stablecoin designed to maintain a value close to one US dollar. Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, whose prices can fluctuate significantly within hours, USDT is intended to provide a consistent purchasing value. This stability makes it suitable for deposits, withdrawals, and everyday betting activity. Many operators now support multiple blockchain networks for USDT, giving users flexibility when transferring funds.
The growing popularity of Tether sports betting reflects the demand for reliable payment methods that reduce volatility. Bettors appreciate predictable balances, while sportsbooks benefit from quicker settlement times and lower processing costs. As cryptocurrency betting continues to mature, USDT sportsbook options have become widely available across licensed platforms.
How to Bet on Sports Using USDT
Using USDT for sports betting follows a straightforward process that is similar to traditional online betting, with blockchain payments replacing bank cards or e wallets. The key difference is that every transaction is completed through your digital wallet, giving you greater control over deposits and withdrawals. Following each step carefully helps avoid transfer errors and ensures your funds reach the sportsbook quickly.
Choosing a Crypto Sportsbook
Select a licensed crypto sportsbook with a transparent reputation, competitive odds, and support for USDT deposits. Review payment policies, withdrawal limits, accepted blockchain networks, and responsible gambling tools before creating an account.
Depositing USDT
Copy the deposit address generated by the sportsbook and send funds from your digital wallet using the correct blockchain network. Double check the selected network before confirming the transfer, since sending USDT through an unsupported network may result in lost funds. Most blockchain transactions are confirmed within minutes.
Placing a Bet
After your balance appears, browse the available sports markets and choose your preferred wager. Sports betting with USDT works like traditional betting, except your bankroll remains in stablecoins. Many crypto betting platform operators also provide live betting, cash out features, and detailed statistics to support informed decisions.
Withdrawing Your Winnings
Request a withdrawal to your personal wallet using the same supported network. Processing times depend on the sportsbook’s verification procedures and blockchain confirmations, although USDT withdrawals are generally faster than many traditional banking methods.
Benefits of Using USDT for Sports Betting
Stablecoins have become a preferred payment solution because they combine the speed of blockchain technology with predictable value. Many players who use platforms such as BTC game appreciate the convenience of crypto payments without exposing their betting bankroll to significant price volatility.
Fast blockchain transactions compared with many traditional payment methods.
Lower transaction fees on supported networks.
Stable value that simplifies bankroll management.
Global accessibility where cryptocurrency betting is permitted.
Greater financial privacy through digital wallet transactions.
Convenient deposits and USDT withdrawals without currency conversion.
These advantages explain why Tether betting continues to attract experienced bettors and newcomers looking for efficient sports betting payments.
Things to Consider Before Betting with Tether
Choosing the right operator is just as important as selecting the right payment method. Before opening an account, verify the platform’s license, review its security standards, confirm which blockchain networks are supported, and understand withdrawal policies. If you want to compare important platform features before registering, click here to review licensing details, payment options, and responsible gambling information provided by the sportsbook.
Verify that the sportsbook holds a recognized gambling license.
Store USDT in a secure digital wallet protected by strong authentication.
Confirm that deposit and withdrawal networks match your wallet.
Understand blockchain confirmation requirements before transferring funds.
Check whether cryptocurrency betting is legally available in your jurisdiction.
Use responsible gambling tools to maintain healthy betting habits.
Paying attention to these factors helps reduce unnecessary risks while improving the overall betting experience.
Is Tether Sports Betting Worth It in 2026?
USDT remains one of the strongest payment choices for bettors who value stability, efficiency, and global accessibility. Stablecoin betting eliminates much of the uncertainty associated with volatile cryptocurrencies while preserving the advantages of blockchain transactions. The increasing number of licensed crypto sportsbook operators supporting Tether deposits demonstrates that demand continues to grow. Players seeking reliable sports betting crypto payments, faster transfers, and practical bankroll management are likely to find betting with cryptocurrency more convenient than ever.
Conclusion
USDT has established itself as a dependable payment method for modern online sportsbook users. Its stable value, efficient blockchain transactions, and broad industry support make sports betting with USDT an attractive option for players who want speed without unnecessary volatility. Selecting a licensed platform, securing your digital wallet, and understanding network requirements remain essential. For bettors looking for practical cryptocurrency betting solutions in 2026, Tether continues to offer a balanced combination of convenience, security, and financial stability.
FanTeam’s Fantasy World Cup 2026 game has now concluded, with the winning entry collecting 609.7 points (10 points ahead of 2nd) and the circa £23,500 first prize. FanTeam’s game are 18+ only – please play responsibly. BeGambleAware. T&Cs apply. For more discussion, team planning and strategy chat, visit FISO’s FanTeam Forum.
The champion did not dominate every individual round. Their Gameweek ranks ranged from 56th to 5,446th, while the final round produced a comparatively modest 52.8 points. Instead, the victory was built on strong early planning, aggressive use of transfers, generally successful captaincy and a willingness to concentrate heavily on the teams most likely to progress deep into the tournament.
The winning manager began with a relatively balanced group-stage squad, moved decisively towards France, Argentina and Brazil in the early knockout rounds, and then loaded up on Spain and England as the available player pool became smaller.
The full journey provides several useful lessons for future short-format fantasy tournaments.
For more of FISO’s World Cup 2026 coverage, including the original country targets, expected starting line-ups and tournament fantasy articles, visit the FISO World Cup archive.
The winner’s Gameweek record
Gameweek
Points
Gameweek rank
Transfers
Captain
GW1
88.4
1,555
0
Haaland
GW2
105.1
195
2
Mbappé
GW3
63.7
5,446
2
Messi
GW4
97.6
56
2
Messi
GW5
74.9
276
3
Messi
GW6
56.7
1,187
4
Mbappé
GW7
70.5
96
4
Kane
GW8
52.8
813
6
Messi
The team accumulated:
88.4 points after GW1
193.5 after GW2
257.2 after GW3
354.8 after GW4
429.7 after GW5
486.4 after GW6
556.9 after GW7
609.7 after GW8
The outstanding rounds were GW2, GW4 and GW7, when the team recorded three top-200 Gameweek finishes.
GW1: Haaland captaincy provides the perfect platform
The initial squad was built around popular players from Germany, Spain, Colombia and Norway.
The starting XI was:
Vargas
Muñoz, Mojica, Laporte, Cucurella
Wirtz, Musiala, McTominay
Havertz, Haaland, Oyarzabal
The bench contained Shobeir, Salah, Gabriel and Boudaoui.
The decisive call was captaining Erling Haaland. His 30.2 captain points accounted for more than one-third of the team’s 88.4 total.
Germany’s favourable opening fixture was covered through Wirtz, Musiala and Havertz, who collectively contributed 24.9 points. The double Spain defence of Laporte and Cucurella added 13.2 despite Spain’s frustrating opening draw.
Although Oyarzabal returned only 3.4 and Mojica 1.3, the strong captaincy score gave the team a very competitive start.
The team finished GW1 ranked 1,555th for the round. That was not spectacular in isolation, but it established a strong base without requiring any points deductions for additional transfers.
GW2: Two transfers and a 105-point explosion
The first major tactical success came in GW2.
The manager made two transfers and also used the squad more effectively, promoting Gabriel and Salah from the GW1 bench.
The starting attack became:
Mbappé, Haaland, Oyarzabal
while the midfield included:
Guimarães, Salah, Musiala
The captaincy moved from Haaland to Kylian Mbappé, who returned 21.4 points with the armband. Haaland remained in the side as vice-captain and scored 11.7, while Oyarzabal responded to his GW1 blank with 12.7.
The defensive unit was also excellent:
Muñoz – 12.3
Cucurella – 9.9
Laporte – 9.3
Gabriel – 6.3
Vargas – 6.8
The result was the winner’s highest Gameweek score of the tournament: 105.1 points and a Gameweek rank of 195.
This round showed the value of owning a playable bench. Gabriel and Salah were not disposable budget fillers. Both were ready to enter the XI when their fixtures improved.
GW3: Benching Haaland and moving to Messi
GW3 was the weakest group-stage round, but it also demonstrated the manager’s willingness to make bold decisions.
Haaland was benched for Norway’s difficult meeting with France, while Lionel Messi entered the starting XI and received the captaincy.
The team also started Shobeir ahead of Vargas and brought Ashour into midfield alongside Messi, Guimarães and Salah.
Messi scored 12.6 as captain, while Guimarães returned 10.3 and Shobeir 7.5. Mbappé added 9.1 as vice-captain.
The defensive double-up on Spain continued to return steadily, with Laporte and Cucurella both scoring 6.3.
However, Muñoz, Salah and Ashour combined for only three points, and Oyarzabal returned 2.3. The final total was 63.7, producing a Gameweek rank of 5,446.
It was the team’s lowest ranking of the group stage, but the manager avoided a major captaincy failure and remained well placed for the knockout rounds.
GW4: The wildcard-style reshaping pays off
The first knockout Gameweek produced another major score.
The manager moved towards players from the leading contenders, with the starting attack and midfield containing:
Messi, Vinicius Junior, Mbappé, Haaland and Oyarzabal.
Messi retained the captaincy and returned 19.2 points. Oyarzabal scored 12.1, while Cucurella delivered 12.3 from defence.
Mojica also rewarded his return to the XI with 6.9, and the remaining defenders all produced between 5.3 and 6.3.
The only major disappointment was Vinicius Junior, who scored 4.1, but the strength of the defensive unit and another successful Messi captaincy helped the team reach 97.6 points.
That was enough for a Gameweek rank of 56, the winner’s best weekly ranking of the competition.
The lesson was clear: once the knockout stages begin, fantasy managers cannot remain loyal to the original group-stage structure. The eventual champion was prepared to alter formation and redistribute funds towards the countries most likely to survive.
GW5: France and Spain become the core
By GW5, the manager was increasingly building around France and Spain.
Upamecano joined Laporte and Cucurella in defence, while the midfield contained:
Messi, Vinicius Junior, Dembélé
with:
Mbappé, Oyarzabal
in attack.
Messi was captained for the third successive round and returned 19.4 points. Mbappé added 8.5 as vice-captain, while goalkeeper Vargas scored seven.
The defensive five all returned at least six points:
Muñoz – 6.0
Mojica – 6.0
Upamecano – 6.3
Laporte – 6.3
Cucurella – 6.3
The attacking players were less productive. Vinicius, Dembélé and Oyarzabal combined for only 9.1 points, but the captaincy and defensive stability carried the team to 74.9 points and a Gameweek rank of 276.
This was another important feature of the winning strategy. The team did not depend entirely on attackers. Reliable defensive returns repeatedly protected the overall score when expensive forwards blanked.
GW6: Preparing for the quarter-finals
The available player pool had now contracted significantly, and the manager responded by using four transfers.
England defenders Guehi and O’Reilly entered the side alongside Pickford, while Gordon joined Messi and Dembélé in midfield.
The formation contained five defenders:
Guehi, Upamecano, Laporte, Cucurella, O’Reilly
with Mbappé and Oyarzabal as the only forwards.
Mbappé was given the captaincy and scored 15.4. Dembélé returned 9.3 and Upamecano 6.9, but England’s defensive trio managed only 7.5 points between them.
Messi, who had been the captain for the previous three rounds, returned six as vice-captain.
The team scored 56.7 and ranked 1,187th for the round. It was not a standout week, but the manager had successfully moved away from eliminated players and maintained a full starting XI.
That became increasingly difficult as the tournament progressed.
GW7: A huge commitment to Spain
The semi-final round produced one of the boldest tactical moves of the winning campaign.
The manager started five Spain defenders and goalkeepers:
Simón, Porro, Laporte, Cucurella, Cubarsí
England’s O’Reilly completed a five-man defence.
Further forward, the team included:
Messi, Gordon, Dembélé, Kane, Oyarzabal
The decision to concentrate so heavily on Spain was rewarded. Pedro Porro scored 12.3, Simón 7.8, Laporte and Cubarsí 6.3 each, and Cucurella 5.3.
England and Argentina were covered through Kane, Gordon and Messi, although the captaincy was less successful. Kane scored only 5.4 after receiving the armband, while vice-captain Messi returned 9.3.
Despite that captaincy miss, the strength of the Spain defence and Gordon’s 8.3 carried the team to 70.5 points and a Gameweek rank of 96.
This was arguably the most important tactical round of the tournament.
The manager did not attempt to spread defensive risk evenly across all four semi-finalists. They made a strong call on Spain and backed it with multiple selections.
In short-format games, correctly identifying the team most likely to keep a clean sheet can be more valuable than attempting to cover every possible outcome.
GW8: Six transfers for the final
The final Gameweek required another major rebuild.
Six transfers were made, and the winner committed even more strongly to Spain:
Simón
Porro, Laporte, Cucurella, Cubarsí
Olmo, Yamal, Oyarzabal
Argentina were represented by:
Messi, Enzo Fernández, Álvarez
Messi received the captaincy for the fifth time in six rounds, with Yamal as vice-captain.
The final produced few major attacking returns. Messi scored eight as captain, Yamal 4.8, Olmo 3.4, Álvarez three and Oyarzabal 2.4.
However, the Spain defence again provided a stable floor:
Simón – 6.0
Porro – 6.0
Laporte – 6.6
Cucurella – 6.0
Cubarsí – 6.6
That defensive block contributed 31.2 points, comfortably more than half of the final 52.8 total.
The Gameweek rank of 813 was not exceptional, but by then the accumulated advantage was enough. The team completed the competition with 609.7 points and first place out of 13,948 entries.
The winning captaincy strategy
Captaincy contributed heavily to the final result.
Gameweek
Captain
Captain score
GW1
Haaland
30.2
GW2
Mbappé
21.4
GW3
Messi
12.6
GW4
Messi
19.2
GW5
Messi
19.4
GW6
Mbappé
15.4
GW7
Kane
5.4
GW8
Messi
8.0
The eight captains returned a combined 131.6 points.
The first six selections were particularly strong. Haaland, Mbappé and Messi provided repeated double-digit captain scores, giving the team a major advantage before the semi-final and final rounds.
The manager also changed captain regularly rather than remaining permanently attached to one premium player. Haaland was used for the opening fixture, Mbappé was targeted twice in favourable rounds, and Messi became the main captain from GW3 onwards.
Only the Kane selection in GW7 was a clear miss.
Smart use of transfers
The winner used had following transfer usage:
GW1 – 0
GW2 – 2
GW3 – 2
GW4 – 2
GW5 – 3
GW6 – 4
GW7 – 4
GW8 – 6
That is 23 transfers across the tournament with the wildcard only used for GW8 to gain 2 extra free transfers.
The winner used relatively few transfers during the group stage, when a 15-man squad could still provide useful rotation. Once the knockout rounds began, transfer use increased sharply.
By the final, six changes were required (using the wildcard) to remove eliminated players and target the last two countries.
This is how transfers should generally be used in a tournament game:
Begin with a squad capable of handling the group stage.
Avoid unnecessary early moves.
Increase transfer aggression as countries are eliminated.
Concentrate funds and squad places on teams expected to progress.
Do not be afraid to abandon highly owned players when their fixtures deteriorate.
The importance of defensive concentration
The winner’s most distinctive tactic was the heavy investment in defence.
The group stage featured combinations from Spain, Colombia and Brazil. Later, the team progressively moved towards Spain.
By GW7, five Spain defensive assets were in the starting XI. By GW8, Spain supplied the goalkeeper and all four starting defenders.
This strategy produced a strong floor even when the attacking players disappointed.
Across the final Gameweek, the Spain goalkeeper and defenders scored 31.2 of the team’s 52.8 points. Without that defensive block, the final round would have been far more dangerous.
Many fantasy managers naturally focus on premium attackers, but knockout football often produces tighter matches and fewer goals. Defenders from the strongest surviving countries can become increasingly valuable as the tournament progresses.
Trusting Oyarzabal through the blanks
Another notable decision was the continued faith in Mikel Oyarzabal.
He scored only 3.4 in GW1 and 2.3 in GW3, yet remained a regular part of the squad.
That patience was rewarded with:
12.7 in GW2
12.1 in GW4
6.3 in GW7
He was not always the highest-scoring forward, but his secure role for a country expected to reach the latter stages made him valuable throughout the competition.
The winner did not simply chase the previous week’s points. They also retained players whose role, fixture and progression prospects remained strong.
What future tournament fantasy managers can learn
Several principles stand out from the winning entry.
Start with a playable squad
The GW1 bench contained Salah and Gabriel, who were both promoted for GW2. The manager had genuine alternatives rather than four unusable minimum-priced players.
Captain the fixture, not the reputation
Haaland, Mbappé and Messi were all used at different points. Captaincy followed the tournament schedule rather than remaining fixed on one star.
Use transfers more aggressively later
Only six transfers were used across the first four rounds. Four, four and six were then used in the final three Gameweeks as elimination reduced the player pool.
Back strong defences heavily
The Spain defensive concentration in GW7 and GW8 was a major differential and helped protect the team from attacking blanks.
Accept that not every round will be perfect
The winner ranked 5,446th in GW3 and 1,187th in GW6. Winning the competition did not require eight outstanding weekly finishes.
What mattered was avoiding disastrous rounds, producing several major spikes and remaining ahead across the full tournament.
Final thoughts
The winning FanTeam World Cup 2026 entry was not built around one spectacular differential or a single lucky captaincy call.
The manager started with a balanced group-stage squad, correctly backed Haaland and Mbappé early, moved to Messi at the right time, increased transfer activity as elimination began and eventually concentrated heavily on Spain’s defence.
The team achieved three top-200 Gameweek finishes, collected 131.6 captain points and finished with 609.7 points.
Most importantly, it adapted.
That ability to move from a broad group-stage structure to a highly concentrated knockout squad was the defining feature of the £23,500-winning campaign.
With a £20 entry fee, a guaranteed minimum £65,000 prize pool and prizes paid to the top 15% of entrants, the competition has quickly become one of the most attractive paid fantasy football contests available.
Unlike weekly games or short tournaments, this contest runs across the entire 38-Gameweek Premier League season, rewarding managers who can successfully navigate fixture swings, injuries, transfers and chip strategy over nine months.
Competition Summary
Entry fee: £20
Guaranteed minimum prize pool: £65,000
Season-long competition (38 Gameweeks)
Top 15% of teams win prizes
Maximum 25 entries per manager
For experienced fantasy managers, the ability to enter multiple teams also opens up interesting strategic possibilities, allowing different squad structures and captaincy approaches.
Squad Rules
Managers receive a £100 million budget to build an 15-man squad including 4 substitutes.
Key squad rules include:
Maximum three players from each Premier League club.
Captain scores double points.
Vice-captain scores double points if the captain doesn’t play.
Three outfield substitutes.
One substitute goalkeeper.
The captaincy rule remains one of the biggest weekly decisions and can often determine whether a Gameweek is merely good or truly exceptional.
Transfer Strategy Is More Flexible Than FPL
Apart from the prize fund, one of FanTeam’s differences from the official FPL game is its transfer system.
Managers receive:
One free transfer every Gameweek.
Unused transfers can be saved.
Up to 37 free transfers can be banked during the season.
Additional transfers cost four points each.
Being able to accumulate transfers creates opportunities to completely reshape squads around fixture swings without spending points. Transfers also usefully remain provisional until the Gameweek deadline, allowing managers to react to late injury news and expected starting line-ups.
Two Wildcards
Managers receive two Wildcards.
Wildcard 1:
Available after the GW1 deadline.
Must be used before the GW19 deadline.
Wildcard 2:
Available after the GW19 deadline.
Must be used before the GW38 deadline.
Activating a Wildcard resets all previously saved free transfers back to zero, making timing even more important.
Premium Players by Club
Below are the highest-priced player from each Premier League club based on the opening FanTeam player list.
Club
Player
Position
Price
Arsenal
Bukayo Saka
Midfielder
£10.0m
Aston Villa
Morgan Rogers
Midfielder
£9.0m
Brighton
Yankuba Minteh
Midfielder
£6.5m
Bournemouth
Eli Kroupi
Forward
£7.0m
Brentford
Igor Thiago
Forward
£8.0m
Chelsea
João Pedro
Forward
£9.0m
Coventry City
Brandon Thomas-Asante
Midfielder
£6.0m
Crystal Palace
Ismaïla Sarr
Midfielder
£6.5m
Everton
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Midfielder
£7.0m
Fulham
Alex Iwobi
Midfielder
£6.0m
Hull City
Oliver McBurnie
Forward
£5.5m
Ipswich Town
Jaden Philogene
Midfielder
£5.5m
Leeds United
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Forward
£7.0m
Liverpool
Alexander Isak
Forward
£9.0m
Manchester City
Erling Haaland
Forward
£12.5m
Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes
Midfielder
£10.5m
Newcastle United
Bruno Guimarães
Midfielder
£7.0m
Nottingham Forest
Morgan Gibbs-White
Midfielder
£8.0m
Sunderland
Enzo Le Fée
Midfielder
£6.0m
Tottenham Hotspur
Richarlison
Forward
£7.5m
Prices taken from the opening FanTeam 2026/27 player list.
Planning for the Long Haul
Because the competition lasts the full season, managers need to think differently than they would in a weekly or monthly contest.
Important factors include:
Targeting fixture swings rather than individual Gameweeks.
Making the most of saved free transfers.
Timing both Wildcards around major fixture changes.
Planning captaincy several weeks ahead.
Balancing premium stars with value-for-money enablers.
Consider 2 or 3 defenders (incl goalie) from one or two clubs i.e. block defences.
Beware of players with World Cup fatigue and injuries
As we’ve seen from analysing the 2025/26 season, the highest-ranked teams are rarely built solely around the most expensive players. The best managers usually combine elite premiums such as Erling Haaland, Bruno Fernandes and Bukayo Saka with outstanding value picks from the lower price brackets, enabling them to spend as close as possible to the full £100m budget while maximising total points.
Final Thoughts
FanTeam continues to offer one of the most compelling alternatives to the official FPL game. The ability to save transfers, enter multiple teams and compete for a guaranteed £65,000 prize pool creates a different strategic challenge that many experienced fantasy managers enjoy.
Whether you’re entering a single carefully planned team or using multiple entries to explore different strategies, success will almost certainly come down to long-term planning, identifying value before everyone else, and making the most of those crucial transfer windows over the 38-Gameweek season.
Welcome to the FISO Article Archive. Since 2015, FISO has published more than 1,500 articles covering fantasy football, Premier League and Champions League analysis, major sporting events, sports betting, gaming, technology and other sports-related topics.
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This archive contains 98 articles published on FISO during 2026. The collection includes fantasy football content, Premier League and Champions League analysis, major sporting events, sports betting, gaming features, guest contributions and other sports-related topics.
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This archive contains 139 articles published on FISO during 2025. The collection includes fantasy football content, Premier League and Champions League analysis, major sporting events, sports betting, gaming features, guest contributions and other sports-related topics.
The articles are grouped by month and retained as part of FISO’s historical publishing archive. Some information, statistics, offers and opinions may reflect the position at the original publication date.
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