FanTeam EPL Final Sprint Strategy: The Two-Club Clean Sheet Stack

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In our fantasy EPL Sprint article on Tuesday we highlighted the idea behind the Fanteam EPL Final Sprint, a mini-season fantasy contest starting in Gameweek 30 on 14th March 2026, covering the last nine Premier League Gameweeks (GW30–GW38) of the 2025/26 campaign. Yesterday we focussed on planning your FanTeam EPL Sprint team selection to help you grab a share of the £20,000 minimum guaranteed prize pool. Today we publish another article on selecting teams based on doubling up the defenders/GK.

FanTeam’s game is 18+ BeGambleAware T&Cs apply. For more discussion go to FISO’s FanTeam Forum. FISO was founded over 25 years ago in 2000 and is the longest-running UK fantasy sports online community – Independent, community-driven fantasy football analysis since before FPL existed!

First a reminder of the rules:

How the Final Sprint Works

The format is designed to keep the game fast-moving and tactical across the nine Gameweeks. Below is an example of how you might select your team within the £85m budget when focussing on maximising Clean Sheet points and plan your 3 weekly transfers.

One tactic that works particularly well in short formats is the two-club clean sheet stack. Instead of spreading the goalkeeper and defenders across several clubs, you concentrate them into two teams. If either club keeps a clean sheet, multiple players in your squad score points simultaneously.

For this Sprint, the strongest structure is to start with a Liverpool and Brentford defensive stack and later pivot into an Aston Villa and Chelsea stack once the fixture swing arrives after Gameweek 33.

What is a two-club clean sheet stack?

A typical fantasy team might have a goalkeeper from one club and three defenders from three other clubs. That spreads risk but limits upside. If one team keeps a clean sheet, only one player benefits.

With a two-club stack the structure looks like this:

Goalkeeper – Brentford
Defender – Brentford
Defender – Liverpool
Defender – Liverpool

If Brentford keep a clean sheet, two players return points. If Liverpool keep one, two more players return points. In a short nine-Gameweek contest that kind of concentrated scoring potential can create large swings in weekly scores.

Why Liverpool and Brentford first?

The opening Sprint fixtures strongly favour Liverpool and Brentford.

Liverpool begin with Tottenham at home in GW30. Spurs are currently bottom of the six-match Premier League form table and struggling for consistency. Liverpool then face Fulham at home and Everton away, both perfectly reasonable defensive fixtures.

Brentford also begin the Sprint with a favourable run. Their early matches include Burnley away, Bournemouth at home, Everton away and Fulham at home. That gives them several opportunities for clean sheets in the opening weeks.

The key point is that these good fixtures overlap. That means there are several consecutive rounds where your defensive stack has the potential to deliver double returns.

Liverpool and Brentford £85m stack squad

The following squad fits within the £85m budget with a Liverpool and Brentford defensive stack.

Goalkeeper
Kelleher (BRE) £4.7m

Defenders
van Dijk (LIV) £5.8m
Konaté (LIV) £5.4m
Ajer (BRE) £4.4m

Midfielders
Palmer (CHE) £10.8m
Fernandes (MUN) £8.6m
Rogers (AV) £7.7m
Semenyo (MCI) £7.5m

Forwards
Haaland (MCI) £13.4m
Ekitiké (LIV) £8.2m
João Pedro (CHE) £7.6m

Total cost: £84.1m

This structure provides the Liverpool and Brentford clean sheet stack while still including the key attacking players with strong form and captaincy potential.

Why this squad works for the early Sprint

There are three main strengths to this build.

First, it targets the best early clean sheet run in the fixture grid by stacking Liverpool and Brentford.

Second, it still provides elite attacking options. Haaland, Palmer and Fernandes offer strong captaincy choices every week.

Third, it manages the GW31 Arsenal and Manchester City blank reasonably well. Haaland and Semenyo are the only players affected, and with three transfers available every Gameweek it is fairly easy to move around them temporarily.

Why pivot to Aston Villa and Chelsea later?

After Gameweek 33 the defensive fixture landscape changes.

Aston Villa move into a particularly favourable run that includes West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Sunderland, Fulham, Tottenham and Burnley. Several of those matches offer realistic clean sheet potential.

Chelsea also have a number of attractive fixtures later in the Sprint, including matches against Nottingham Forest, Tottenham and Sunderland.

That makes Aston Villa and Chelsea the most appealing defensive pairing for the middle and later stages of the mini-season.

Aston Villa and Chelsea £85m stack squad

The following squad illustrates the later-stage version of the two-club clean sheet stack.

Goalkeeper
Martínez (AV) £5.1m

Defenders
Cash (AV) £5.4m
James (CHE) £5.7m
Chalobah (CHE) £5.3m

Midfielders
Palmer (CHE) £10.8m
Fernandes (MUN) £8.6m
Semenyo (MCI) £7.5m
Mac Allister (LIV) £5.8m

Forwards
Haaland (MCI) £13.4m
Watkins (AV) £9.2m
Ekitiké (LIV) £8.2m

Total cost: £85.0m

This squad uses a true two-club defensive stack. Martínez and Cash benefit from Aston Villa clean sheets, while James and Chalobah benefit from Chelsea clean sheets.

How to make the transition

Because the FanTeam format allows three transfers every week, switching between defensive stacks is straightforward.

A typical transition around Gameweek 34 could look like this:

Kelleher → Martínez
Konaté → Cash
Ajer → James

Within a single Gameweek the defensive structure shifts completely from Liverpool and Brentford to Aston Villa and Chelsea.

Captaincy strategy

Even with a defensive stacking approach, captaincy should focus on the highest-ceiling attackers.

Strong options throughout the Sprint include:

Haaland
Palmer
Fernandes
Semenyo

Captaining attackers from different teams than your defensive stack also helps balance risk.

Why the tactic works in the Sprint

The two-club clean sheet stack is particularly suited to the FanTeam Sprint format.

The contest is short, so chasing upside matters more than long-term balance. Transfers are plentiful, allowing managers to adjust quickly when fixture runs change. Clean sheet points stack quickly, so a single defensive result can produce a large score swing. And because fixture swings occur across the run-in, the ability to pivot between defensive pairings becomes a real advantage.

Final thoughts

In a nine-Gameweek mini-season the key to success is identifying where points can spike rather than simply aiming for consistency.

Starting with a Liverpool and Brentford clean sheet stack targets the strongest early defensive fixtures. Later in the run-in, moving to an Aston Villa and Chelsea stack allows managers to continue exploiting the fixture grid as it evolves.

Team Selection Planning for FanTeam’s £20k EPL Sprint

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In our fantasy EPL Sprint article yesterday we highlighted the idea behind the Fanteam EPL Final Sprint, a mini-season fantasy contest starting in Gameweek 30 on 14th March 2026, covering the last nine Premier League Gameweeks (GW30–GW38) of the 2025/26 campaign. Today we focus on planning your team selection to help you grab a share of the £20,000 minimum guaranteed prize pool. Tomorrow we will publish another article on selecting teams based on doubling up the defenders/GK.

FanTeam’s game is 18+ BeGambleAware T&Cs apply. For more discussion go to FISO’s FanTeam Forum. FISO was founded over 25 years ago in 2000 and is the longest-running UK fantasy sports online community – Independent, community-driven fantasy football analysis since before FPL existed!

First a reminder of the rules:

How the Final Sprint Works

The format is designed to keep the game fast-moving and tactical across the nine Gameweeks. Below is an example of how you might select your team within the £85m budget and plan your transfers:

Possible FanTeam EPL Sprint starting team (GW30)

Bernd Leno – Fulham – GK – £4.7m
Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool – DEF – £5.8m
Trevoh Chalobah – Chelsea – DEF – £5.3m
Hill – Bournemouth – DEF – £4.1m
Bruno Fernandes – Man Utd – MID – £8.6m
Cole Palmer – Chelsea – MID – £10.8m
Semenyo – Man City – MID – £7.5m
Morgan Rogers – Aston Villa – MID – £7.7m
Erling Haaland – Man City – FWD – £13.4m
Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa – FWD – £9.2m
João Pedro – Chelsea – FWD – £7.6m

Total: £84.7m

Why this team

This squad is trying to do two things at once:

  1. Maximise GW30 points
  2. Avoid getting trapped by the GW31 Arsenal/Man City blank

That’s why it has:

  • only 2 Man City players
  • 0 Arsenal players at the start
  • heavy investment in Chelsea, Villa, Liverpool and Man Utd
  • one budget Bournemouth defender to keep money free for premiums

Core strengths of this squad

  • Haaland still has the best potential single-player ceiling in the game.
  • Palmer and João Pedro are both elite recent-form picks and Chelsea’s run is very usable.
  • Bruno Fernandes combines strong total points with a very playable run.
  • Watkins and Rogers give you Villa exposure without overcommitting to the tougher late fixtures.
  • Virgil could be one of the best defender picks because he combines strong total points, strong recent form and a solid fixture run.
  • Leno is a cheap, reliable goalkeeper with a decent short-term schedule.

Why not to start with Arsenal

Arsenal do have a strong run overall, but they blank in GW31, and with only 11 players in the FanTeam format, every blank really matters.

Because there are no transfer carryovers, you do not gain anything by sitting on too many blanking assets early. It is cleaner to:

  • start with no Arsenal
  • exploit Haaland and Semenyo in GW30 (away to West Ham)
  • then use transfers in GW31
  • and reintroduce Arsenal after the blank

That is a better Sprint-game structure than forcing Arsenal in from the beginning.

GW30 captaincy

Captain: Haaland (away at West Ham)
Vice-captain: Palmer (home to Newcastle)

That gives you:

  • a high upside player in the game as captain
  • a strong vice-captain with a high recent-form profile and secure role

GW31 transfer plan

This is the key week because Man City blank and Arsenal blank.

Your starting team only has 2 blankers:

  • Haaland
  • Semenyo

That is manageable with 1 spare transfer for injury/suspension.

Recommended GW31 transfers

1. Haaland ➜ Ekitiké
Liverpool have a good short-term run and Ekitiké gives you an active forward immediately.

2. Semenyo ➜ Alex Iwobi
Fulham’s GW31 fixture is attractive and Iwobi’s recent form is strong for the price.

3. Hill ➜ Kristoffer Ajer
Brentford’s run from GW31 onwards is very useful and this improves the defence without breaking the budget.

That would leave you with a GW31 team of:

  • Leno
  • Virgil
  • Chalobah
  • Ajer
  • Fernandes
  • Palmer
  • Rogers
  • Iwobi
  • Watkins
  • João Pedro
  • Ekitiké

This avoids the blank cleanly and uses all 3 free transfers without taking hits.

Wildcard plan

Best Wildcard timing: GW32? Or GW34?

GW32 could be a clean point to use the Wildcard because:

  • the Arsenal and Man City blank is gone
  • you can immediately rebuild around the best GW32–38 runs
  • you still have 7 Gameweeks left to exploit the new squad

Do not use the Wildcard in GW30 or GW31 unless injury chaos forces it. Also consider keeping it available until you know if there will be more blank or double GWs – such as in GW34 due to FA Cup matches.

What the GW32 Wildcard should target

Looking at the FDR, the clubs you may most want to load up on from GW32 onward may be:

  • Arsenal
  • Man City
  • Liverpool
  • Man Utd
  • Brentford
  • Aston Villa

Why

Arsenal
After the blank they get: BOU, MCI, NEW, FUL, WHU, BUR, CRY
The key stretch is especially good from GW35–GW37.

Man City
After the blank they still offer elite upside with: CHE, ARS, BUR, EVE, BRE, BOU, AV
There are enough green fixtures in there to justify bringing Haaland back quickly.

Liverpool
FUL, EVE, CRY, MUN, CHE, AV, BRE
Excellent home matches and a strong balanced run on a team striving for Champions League qualification again.

Man Utd
LEE, CHE, BRE, LIV, SUN, NFO, BHA
Leeds, Brentford, Sunderland and Forest all stand out.

Brentford
EVE, FUL, MUN, WHU, MCI, CRY, LIV
Great value club for with 4 easy and 3 hard fixtures..

Aston Villa
NFO, SUN, FUL, TOT, BUR, LIV, MCI
There is a very good stretch from GW32–GW36.

Suggested GW32 Wildcard core

Your Wildcard spine may look something like:

  • Gabriel or Timber
  • Haaland
  • Semenyo
  • Bruno Fernandes
  • Virgil
  • Watkins
  • Rogers
  • Palmer
  • João Pedro
  • one or two Brentford value picks
  • one or two extra Arsenal slots

You do not need to commit to the exact GW32 team now, but the structure could be:

  • 3 Arsenal
  • 2 Man City
  • 2 Liverpool
  • 1–2 Man Utd
  • 1–2 Villa
  • 1–2 Brentford/Chelsea

Simple week-by-week Sprint plan

GW30

Attack upside immediately.
Captain Haaland?

GW31

Use the 3 free transfers to remove the City blankers and improve one weak slot.

GW32

Wildcard into Arsenal + City + Liverpool + Brentford + United.

GW33–GW38

Use the weekly 3 transfers aggressively.
Because transfers do not roll, there is no reason to play cautiously.
Treat each week as a short sprint inside the bigger sprint.

Why this approach gives you a strong chance

This plan avoids the two biggest mistakes in this format:

  • loading up on blanking players too early
  • holding the Wildcard too long (although check what will happen in GW34 due to FA Cup matches)

It gives you:

  • a strong GW30 starting XI
  • a simple GW31 escape route
  • a powerful GW32 reset
  • and a clear route into the best fixture runs for the final seven Gameweeks

Fanteam £20k EPL Final Sprint: A New Fantasy Season for the Run-In

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For some Fantasy EPL managers, the final weeks of the Premier League season are when the drama really begins. Title races, European qualification battles and relegation fights combine to create unpredictable but exciting football. Many Fantasy Managers however will have lost interest during the season as their team(s) lag further behind the overall leaders so will be looking for ways to keep their interest high.

That is exactly the idea behind the Fanteam EPL Final Sprint, a mini-season fantasy contest covering the last nine Premier League Gameweeks (GW30–GW38) of the 2025/26 campaign. With a £20,000 minimum guaranteed prize pool, the Final Sprint effectively gives managers a brand-new season starting in Gameweek 30 on 14th March 2026. Even if your season-long fantasy teams have faded, this format offers a fresh opportunity to compete. FanTeam’s game is 18+ BeGambleAware T&Cs apply.

Check out our next FanTeam EPL Sprint article looking at a team selection process and transfer planning.

How the Final Sprint Works

The format is designed to keep the game fast-moving and tactical across the nine Gameweeks.

Key rules include:

  • £85M Budget to pick 11 players
  • Maximum 3 players per Premier League club
  • 3 transfers per Gameweek (extra transfers cost 4 points)
  • 1 Wildcard available at any point
  • Captain scores 2x points
  • Safety Net system replaces non-starting players automatically

The Safety Net feature is particularly useful during the chaotic end of the season when rotation becomes common. If one of your players does not start, they will be automatically replaced by a player from the same club and position of equal or lower value (assuming there is one playing).

With nine Gameweeks only, aggressive transfer strategies and fixture targeting become crucial.

Fixture Planning: Target the Run-In

The final stretch of the season often rewards managers who plan ahead. Looking at the fixture difficulty ratings from GW30 to GW38, several of the Premier League’s biggest clubs stand out as key targets.

Below are the run-ins for the current top six sides — Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool — with the more favourable fixtures highlighted.

Arsenal

GW30: Everton (H)
GW31: —
GW32: Bournemouth (H)
GW33: Manchester City (A)
GW34: Newcastle (H)
GW35: Fulham (H)
GW36: West Ham (A)
GW37: Burnley (H)
GW38: Crystal Palace (A)

Arsenal’s run-in becomes particularly attractive from GW35 onwards.

Key easier fixtures

  • Everton (H)
  • Bournemouth (H)
  • Fulham (H)
  • West Ham (A)
  • Burnley (H)
  • Crystal Palace (A)

The late sequence of Fulham, West Ham, Burnley and Palace could be particularly profitable for Arsenal attackers.

Manchester City

GW30: West Ham (A)
GW31: —
GW32: Chelsea (A)
GW33: Arsenal (H)
GW34: Burnley (A)
GW35: Everton (A)
GW36: Brentford (H)
GW37: Bournemouth (A)
GW38: Aston Villa (H)

City’s fixtures are mixed early but open up significantly in the middle of the run-in.

Key easier fixtures

  • West Ham (A)
  • Burnley (A)
  • Everton (A)
  • Brentford (H)
  • Bournemouth (A)

Those five fixtures could produce strong attacking returns, particularly for City’s forwards and attacking midfielders.

Manchester United

GW30: Aston Villa (H)
GW31: Bournemouth (A)
GW32: Leeds (H)
GW33: Chelsea (A)
GW34: Brentford (H)
GW35: Liverpool (H)
GW36: Sunderland (A)
GW37: Nottingham Forest (H)
GW38: Brighton (A)

United’s run-in contains several favourable attacking fixtures.

Key easier fixtures

  • Bournemouth (A)
  • Leeds (H)
  • Brentford (H)
  • Sunderland (A)
  • Nottingham Forest (H)

The late double of Sunderland and Forest could be especially appealing for managers chasing points.

Aston Villa

GW30: Manchester United (A)
GW31: West Ham (H)
GW32: Nottingham Forest (A)
GW33: Sunderland (H)
GW34: Fulham (A)
GW35: Tottenham (H)
GW36: Burnley (A)
GW37: Liverpool (H)
GW38: Manchester City (A)

Villa have several favourable home fixtures and a key stretch in the middle of the run-in.

Key easier fixtures

  • West Ham (H)
  • Nottingham Forest (A)
  • Sunderland (H)
  • Fulham (A)
  • Burnley (A)

The Forest–Sunderland sequence around GW32–33 stands out as a particularly strong opportunity.

Chelsea

GW30: Newcastle (H)
GW31: Everton (A)
GW32: Manchester City (H)
GW33: Manchester United (H)
GW34: Brighton (A)
GW35: Nottingham Forest (H)
GW36: Liverpool (A)
GW37: Tottenham (H)
GW38: Sunderland (A)

Chelsea’s run includes a few difficult matches, but also some standout opportunities.

Key easier fixtures

  • Everton (A)
  • Brighton (A)
  • Nottingham Forest (H)
  • Sunderland (A)

The GW35–GW38 stretch could reward Chelsea attacking investments.

Liverpool

GW30: Tottenham (H)
GW31: Brighton (A)
GW32: Fulham (H)
GW33: Everton (A)
GW34: Crystal Palace (H)
GW35: Manchester United (A)
GW36: Chelsea (H)
GW37: Aston Villa (A)
GW38: Brentford (H)

Liverpool’s mid-run sequence looks particularly appealing.

Key easier fixtures

  • Fulham (H)
  • Everton (A)
  • Crystal Palace (H)
  • Brentford (H)

The Fulham–Everton–Palace stretch could be one of the best three-Gameweek runs for attacking returns.

Why the Final Sprint Is Different

The EPL Final Sprint rewards aggressive planning.

Because the game only lasts nine Gameweeks, the usual long-term caution of season-long fantasy football disappears. Managers can:

  • target short fixture runs
  • rotate players quickly
  • use the Wildcard strategically
  • attack captaincy opportunities

With only 11 players in the squad, each decision carries more impact.

The Perfect Fantasy Run-In

The closing weeks of the Premier League season are famous for drama. Teams fighting for the title, Champions League places or survival often produce open, high-scoring games.

That volatility is exactly what makes the Fanteam EPL Final Sprint exciting.

Instead of simply watching the run-in unfold, managers can build a brand-new fantasy team and compete for a share of the £20,000 prize pool.

Nine Gameweeks.
A fresh squad.
And the Premier League run-in still to play.

For fantasy managers, the season isn’t over yet — it’s just starting again. For more discussion go to FISO’s FanTeam Forum. FISO was founded over 25 years ago in 2000 and is the longest-running UK fantasy sports online community – Independent, community-driven fantasy football analysis since before FPL existed!

Fantasy F1 – No-Sprint “Melbourne-style” Simulation F1 Race weekend with 6 DNFs

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With the 2026 season about to begin on 7th March 2026, we ran another “Simulation F1 Race” weekend but this time without the Sprint (there isn’t one at Melbourne) and with 6 retirements (DNFs) from the weaker teams. Below is how our projected F1 Race weekend unfolded — and how FISO’s 5 suggested Fantasy Formula 1 squads scored under FanTeam Fantasy F1 scoring system

Scenario setup

“Least reliable constructors” used for DNFs (4) – so ‘non-chaos’ retirements

  • Aston Martin
  • Cadillac
  • Williams
  • Audi

6 DNF drivers (from those 4 constructors)

  • Aston Martin: Alonso (DNF), Stroll (DNF)
  • Cadillac: Perez (DNF), Bottas (DNF)
  • Williams: Sainz (DNF)
  • Audi: Bortoleto (DNF)

Assumptions (same Fantasy F1 scoring logic as before):

  • Only Race Qualifying + Race count (no Sprint components).
  • DNF/DSQ = -5 race points.
  • Teammate DNF bonus = +2 (race) for the teammate who finishes.
  • Team duel points still apply (DNF is effectively last in the duel, capped).
  • Race position gain uses finishing position vs qualifying position.
  • Bonuses kept:
    • Russell: Fastest Lap +2 and Double (Win+FL) +1
    • Norris: Driver of the Day +1
    • Mercedes constructor: Fastest pit stop +2

A) Simulation results (no sprint)

Race Qualifying (unchanged)

1 Leclerc
2 Russell
3 Norris
4 Verstappen
5 Piastri
6 Hamilton
7 Antonelli
8 Hadjar
9 Gasly
10 Bearman
11 Sainz
12 Lawson
13 Albon
14 Ocon
15 Alonso
16 Hulkenberg
17 Bortoleto
18 Lindblad
19 Colapinto
20 Stroll
21 Perez
22 Bottas

Simulation F1 Race (with 6 DNFs)

1 Russell (Fastest Lap + Double)
2 Leclerc
3 Verstappen
4 Norris (DOTD)
5 Piastri
6 Hamilton
7 Antonelli
8 Hadjar
9 Gasly
10 Bearman
11 Lawson
12 Albon (+ teammate DNF bonus)
13 Ocon
14 Hulkenberg (+ teammate DNF bonus)
15 Lindblad
16 Colapinto
17 Sainz (DNF)
18 Alonso (DNF)
19 Bortoleto (DNF)
20 Stroll (DNF)
21 Perez (DNF)
22 Bottas (DNF)

B) Re-scored the 5 squads (Quali + Race only, with DNFs)

(Still applying Captain x1.25 and Underdog x1.25)

Team 1 – Mercedes Core

Russell (C), Leclerc, Gasly, Bearman, Hulkenberg (UD) + Mercedes

  • Underdog: Hulkenberg
    ✅ Total: 218.90

Team 2 – Verstappen Aggression

Verstappen (C), Piastri, Gasly, Lawson, Bottas (UD) + Ferrari

  • Underdog: Bottas (DNF, negative total hurts badly)
    ✅ Total: 144.88

Team 3 – Ferrari Double Stack

Leclerc (C), Hamilton, Albon, Bearman, Colapinto (UD) + Mercedes

  • Underdog: Colapinto
    ✅ Total: 161.45

Team 4 – McLaren Momentum

Norris (C), Piastri, Gasly, Hulkenberg, Perez (UD) + Alpine

  • Underdog: Perez (DNF, negative total hurts)
    ✅ Total: 133.68

Team 5 – Constructor Maximiser

Russell (C), Piastri, Gasly, Lawson, Colapinto (UD) + Ferrari

  • Underdog: Colapinto
    ✅ Total: 177.88

Ranking

  1. Team 1 — 218.90
  2. Team 5 — 177.88
  3. Team 3 — 161.45
  4. Team 2 — 144.88
  5. Team 4 — 133.68

Big takeaway: squads with Perez/Bottas as auto-underdog get smashed when those drivers DNF.

C) Optimal squad in this DNF scenario (Quali + Race only)

Brute-forcing all legal squads (5 drivers + 1 constructor, ≤105M, max 2 per team) using this updated DNF weekend results in:

✅ Best projected total

Drivers: Russell, Leclerc, Gasly, Bearman, Lawson
Constructor: Mercedes
Captain: Russell
Underdog: Lawson (cheapest driver at 13M)
Cost: 103.5M
✅ Score: 222.90

This stays optimal because:

  • Russell + Leclerc remain the two biggest drivers
  • Gasly/Bearman are still elite midfield scorers
  • Lawson is a non-negative cheapest driver, so the Underdog multiplier isn’t wasted
  • Mercedes constructor benefits strongly (front-running + pit-stop bonus)

Next-best alternatives (for context)

  • Russell, Leclerc, Hamilton, Gasly, Hulkenberg + McLaren constructor (105.0M) → 222.80
  • Same optimal 5 drivers but Ferrari constructor (102.0M) → 220.90

FanTeam’s Fantasy Formula One game starts 7th March 2026. FISO was founded over 25 years ago in 2000 and is the longest-running UK fantasy sports online community – Independent, community-driven fantasy football analysis since before FPL existed! For more discussion have a look at FISO’s F1 Forum.

Simulation F1 Race Weekend: Full Results & Fantasy Points Breakdown

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With the 2026 season about to begin on 7th March 2026, we ran a full “Simulation F1 Race” weekend (but excluded any DNF results so no crashes/retirements/DQs in this simulation) including:

  • Sprint Qualifying
  • Sprint
  • Race Qualifying
  • Simulation F1 Race

Below is how our projected F1 Race & Sprint weekend unfolded — and how FISO’s 5 suggested Fantasy Formula 1 squads scored under FanTeam Fantasy F1 scoring system. Note that the 2026 F1 Sprint calendar includes six venues—Shanghai, Miami, Silverstone, Montreal, Zandvoort and Singapore but Melbourne, the 1st race, is not among them. This simulation however includes a Sprint race (which Melbourne won’t).

Sprint Qualifying – Full Grid

1 Russell
2 Leclerc
3 Norris
4 Verstappen
5 Piastri
6 Hamilton
7 Antonelli
8 Hadjar
9 Gasly
10 Bearman
11 Sainz
12 Lawson
13 Albon
14 Ocon
15 Alonso
16 Hulkenberg
17 Bortoleto
18 Lindblad
19 Colapinto
20 Stroll
21 Perez
22 Bottas

Sprint – Full Results

1 Verstappen
2 Norris
3 Russell
4 Leclerc
5 Piastri
6 Hamilton
7 Antonelli
8 Hadjar
9 Gasly
10 Bearman
11 Sainz
12 Albon
13 Lawson
14 Ocon
15 Alonso
16 Hulkenberg
17 Bortoleto
18 Lindblad
19 Colapinto
20 Stroll
21 Perez
22 Bottas

Sprint DOTD (Driver of the Day): Norris

Race Qualifying – Full Grid

1 Leclerc
2 Russell
3 Norris
4 Verstappen
5 Piastri
6 Hamilton
7 Antonelli
8 Hadjar
9 Gasly
10 Bearman
11 Sainz
12 Lawson
13 Albon
14 Ocon
15 Alonso
16 Hulkenberg
17 Bortoleto
18 Lindblad
19 Colapinto
20 Stroll
21 Perez
22 Bottas

Simulation F1 Race – Full Results

1 Russell (Fastest Lap + Double)
2 Leclerc
3 Verstappen
4 Norris (DOTD)
5 Piastri
6 Hamilton
7 Antonelli
8 Hadjar
9 Gasly
10 Bearman
11 Sainz
12 Lawson
13 Albon
14 Ocon
15 Alonso
16 Hulkenberg
17 Bortoleto
18 Lindblad
19 Colapinto
20 Stroll
21 Perez
22 Bottas

Full Fantasy Driver Points

(Combined across all four sessions)

Russell – 99.3
Leclerc – 86.4
Verstappen – 82.1
Norris – 76.7
Piastri – 60.7
Hamilton – 53.7
Antonelli – 47.7
Gasly – 47.5
Hadjar – 42.9
Bearman – 41.5
Sainz – 25.2
Lawson – 24.2
Albon – 22.6
Ocon – 16.7
Alonso – 14.7
Hulkenberg – 11.7
Bortoleto – 10.1
Lindblad – 9.3
Colapinto – 3.8
Stroll – 0.5
Perez – -4.5
Bottas – -6.0

Constructor Fantasy Points

Ferrari – 21.5
Mercedes – 20.0
McLaren – 19.5
Red Bull – 16.0
Haas – 12.0
Williams – 10.5
Alpine – 10.0
Aston Martin – 10.0
Racing Bulls – 10.0
Audi – 10.0
Cadillac – 10.0

Fantasy Squad Scores

1️⃣ Mercedes Core – 334.16
2️⃣ Constructor Maximiser – 282.78
3️⃣ Ferrari Double Stack – 250.55
4️⃣ Verstappen Aggression – 249.03
5️⃣ McLaren Momentum – 220.15

🏆 Team 1 – Mercedes Core

Drivers

  • Russell (C): 99.3 ×1.25 = 124.13
  • Leclerc: 86.40
  • Gasly: 47.50
  • Bearman: 41.50
  • Hulkenberg (UD): 11.7 ×1.25 = 14.63

Constructor

  • Mercedes: 20.00

TOTAL: 334.16 pts

🔥 Team 2 – Verstappen Aggression

  • Verstappen (C): 82.1 ×1.25 = 102.63
  • Piastri: 60.70
  • Gasly: 47.50
  • Lawson: 24.20
  • Bottas (UD): -6.0 ×1.25 = -7.50
  • Ferrari Constructor: 21.50

TOTAL: 249.03 pts

Bottas as automatic underdog severely damages this build.

🟥 Team 3 – Ferrari Double Stack

  • Leclerc (C): 86.4 ×1.25 = 108.00
  • Hamilton: 53.70
  • Albon: 22.60
  • Bearman: 41.50
  • Colapinto (UD): 3.8 ×1.25 = 4.75
  • Mercedes Constructor: 20.00

TOTAL: 250.55 pts

🟠 Team 4 – McLaren Momentum

  • Norris (C): 76.7 ×1.25 = 95.88
  • Piastri: 60.70
  • Gasly: 47.50
  • Hulkenberg: 11.70
  • Perez (UD): -4.5 ×1.25 = -5.63
  • Alpine Constructor: 10.00

TOTAL: 220.15 pts

🟢 Team 5 – Constructor Maximiser

  • Russell (C): 99.3 ×1.25 = 124.13
  • Piastri: 60.70
  • Gasly: 47.50
  • Lawson: 24.20
  • Colapinto (UD): 3.8 ×1.25 = 4.75
  • Ferrari Constructor: 21.50

TOTAL: 282.78 pts

Full Breakdown of Points from the “Simulation F1 Race” scenario (all drivers + constructors)

Included in the points below

  • Sprint Qualifying + Sprint + Race Qualifying + Simulation F1 Race
  • Team-duel points each session
  • Sprint position gain (vs Sprint Qualifying)
  • Race position gain (vs Race Qualifying)
  • Bonuses assumed:
    • Sprint DOTD: Norris
    • Race DOTD: Norris
    • Race Fastest Lap + Double (Win+FL): Russell
    • Race fastest pit stop (constructor): Mercedes
  • No DNFs/DSQs (so no -5 / -2.5 penalties)

Driver points (all 22)

DriverTeamSprint QualifyingSprintRace QualifyingSimulation F1 RaceTotal
RussellMercedes21.015.617.545.299.3
LeclercFerrari17.313.721.034.486.4
VerstappenRed Bull14.321.314.332.282.1
NorrisMcLaren15.417.715.428.276.7
PiastriMcLaren12.111.912.124.660.7
HamiltonFerrari11.711.211.719.153.7
AntonelliMercedes9.19.19.120.447.7
GaslyAlpine8.78.58.721.647.5
HadjarRed Bull7.97.77.919.442.9
BearmanHaas7.37.27.319.741.5
SainzWilliams5.25.04.810.225.2
LawsonRacing Bulls4.64.05.010.624.2
AlbonWilliams4.24.84.69.022.6
OconHaas3.13.53.17.016.7
AlonsoAston Martin2.82.92.86.214.7
HulkenbergAudi2.12.52.15.011.7
BortoletoAudi2.12.11.74.210.1
LindbladRacing Bulls1.71.71.74.29.3
ColapintoAlpine0.60.60.62.03.8
StrollAston Martin0.10.10.10.20.5
PerezCadillac-0.9-0.9-0.9-1.8-4.5
BottasCadillac-1.4-1.4-1.4-1.8-6.0

Constructor points (all 11)

ConstructorSprint QualifyingSprintRace QualifyingSimulation F1 RaceTotal
Ferrari4.53.54.59.021.5
Mercedes3.53.03.510.020.0
McLaren4.04.54.07.019.5
Red Bull3.04.03.06.016.0
Haas2.52.02.55.012.0
Williams2.02.52.04.010.5
Aston Martin2.02.02.04.010.0
Alpine2.02.02.04.010.0
Racing Bulls2.02.02.04.010.0
Audi2.02.02.04.010.0
Cadillac2.02.02.04.010.0

Key Fantasy Takeaways

  • Russell captaincy dominated due to win + FL + duel wins.
  • Cheap underdogs can be dangerous if they finish P21–P22.
  • Constructor scoring is significant but cannot carry weak underdog picks.
  • Double Mercedes/Ferrari exposure appears safest early-season strategy.

Value Analysis

Using the Simulation F1 Race model totals above, you can then optimise for:

  • ✅ Maximum total projected points
  • ✅ Within 105M budget
  • ✅ Max 2 per team
  • ✅ 5 drivers + 1 constructor
  • ✅ Smart Captain (1.25x)
  • ✅ Smart Underdog (1.25x cheapest driver)

Step 1 – Value Analysis (Points per Million)

Using the simulation totals:

DriverPricePointsPts/M
Russell3099.33.31
Leclerc23.586.43.68
Verstappen2982.12.83
Norris2876.72.74
Piastri25.560.72.38
Hamilton2253.72.44
Antonelli26.547.71.80
Gasly15.547.53.06
Hadjar20.542.92.09
Bearman1441.52.96
Lawson1324.21.86
Sainz1825.21.40
Albon1722.61.33
Hulkenberg711.71.67
Colapinto63.80.63
Perez5-4.5-0.90
Bottas4.5-6.0-1.33

Best value drivers

  • Leclerc (elite efficiency)
  • Russell (elite ceiling)
  • Gasly (midfield value)
  • Bearman (cheap consistent scorer)

Underdog Strategy

We want:

  • Cheapest driver not scoring negative
  • Avoid Perez/Bottas
  • Hulkenberg (7M) is safest cheap option

Step 2 – Best Constructor Value

ConstructorPricePointsPts/M
Ferrari621.53.58
Mercedes7.5202.67
McLaren719.52.79
Red Bull5.5162.91

👉 Ferrari is best value constructor in this model.

For more discussion have a look at FISO’s F1 Forum.

FanTeam Fantasy F1 2026 – Potential Squads

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Based on the overall budget, driver and constructor prices and the points scoring matrix, FISO chooses 5 potential teams for FanTeam’s Fantasy Formula One game that starts 7th March 2026. FISO was founded over 25 years ago in 2000 and is the longest-running UK fantasy sports online community – Independent, community-driven fantasy football analysis since before FPL existed!

🔎 Strategic Takeaways

  1. Race points dominate → You need at least one likely race winner.
  2. DNFs are brutal (-5 race, -2.5 sprint) → Avoid unreliable packages.
  3. Team duel + teammate DNF bonuses matter → Clear No.1 drivers are valuable.
  4. Constructor scoring is strong (per car finished + team rank + pit stop) → Cheap but reliable constructors are powerful.
  5. Underdog auto 1.25x → Cheapest driver selection is very important.
  6. Captain 1.25x → Put it on a likely podium/consistent finisher.

Based on the F1 2026 competitive order we published (Mercedes/Ferrari slightly ahead, McLaren & Red Bull close), here are five different viable builds.

All are within the constraints:

  • Max 105M
  • Max 2 per team
  • 5 Drivers + 1 Constructor

🏆 TEAM 1 – “Mercedes Core Build”

Balanced + Reliable

Drivers

  • George Russell (30M) – Captain
  • Charles Leclerc (23.5M)
  • Pierre Gasly (15.5M)
  • Oliver Bearman (14M)
  • Nico Hulkenberg (7M) → Underdog

Constructor

  • Mercedes (7.5M)

Total: 97.5M

Why this works

  • Russell likely strong across all 4 scoring sessions.
  • Leclerc gives win upside.
  • Gasly/Bearman solid midfield duel winners.
  • Hulkenberg cheap but reliable for Underdog multiplier.
  • Mercedes constructor likely strong team ranking + double finish.

Safe, high-floor build.

🔥 TEAM 2 – “Verstappen Aggression”

Ceiling Play

Drivers

  • Max Verstappen (29M) – Captain
  • Oscar Piastri (25.5M)
  • Pierre Gasly (15.5M)
  • Liam Lawson (13M)
  • Valtteri Bottas (4.5M) → Underdog

Constructor

  • Ferrari (6M)

Total: 93.5M

Why this works

  • Verstappen can dominate race + fastest lap.
  • Piastri strong qualifier and sprint scorer.
  • Gasly reliable.
  • Bottas cheap underdog (position gain potential).
  • Ferrari constructor strong race finisher potential.

High upside if Red Bull nails energy deployment.

🟥 TEAM 3 – “Ferrari Double Stack”

Front-Row Heavy

Drivers

  • Charles Leclerc (23.5M) – Captain
  • Lewis Hamilton (22M)
  • Alex Albon (17M)
  • Oliver Bearman (14M)
  • Franco Colapinto (6M) → Underdog

Constructor

  • Mercedes (7.5M)

Total: 90M

Why this works

  • Ferrari likely strong qualifiers (big points in Sprint Quali & Quali).
  • Albon strong teammate duel vs Sainz.
  • Colapinto cheap and low DNF risk.
  • Mercedes constructor for stability.

If Ferrari win Melbourne, this flies.

🟠 TEAM 4 – “McLaren Momentum”

Champions Build

Drivers

  • Lando Norris (28M) – Captain
  • Oscar Piastri (25.5M)
  • Pierre Gasly (15.5M)
  • Nico Hulkenberg (7M)
  • Sergio Perez (5M) → Underdog

Constructor

  • Alpine (4M)

Total: 85M

Why this works

  • Double McLaren driver stack.
  • Norris strong in all formats.
  • Piastri excellent qualifier.
  • Gasly consistent.
  • Cheap Alpine constructor if they finish both cars.

Risk: If McLaren are only P3/P4 team, ceiling drops.

🟢 TEAM 5 – “Constructor Maximiser”

Leverage Team Scoring

Drivers

  • George Russell (30M) – Captain
  • Oscar Piastri (25.5M)
  • Pierre Gasly (15.5M)
  • Liam Lawson (13M)
  • Franco Colapinto (6M) → Underdog

Constructor

  • Ferrari (6M)

Total: 96M

Why this works

  • Russell captain consistency.
  • Ferrari constructor likely strong pit stop + team rank.
  • Gasly/Lawson good duel upside.
  • Cheap underdog again reduces DNF exposure.

Balanced + constructor-focused scoring.

🧠 How We Rank These for Melbourne

Based on testing + expected reliability:

1️⃣ Team 1 (Mercedes Core) – Safest
2️⃣ Team 5 (Constructor Maximiser)
3️⃣ Team 2 (Verstappen Aggression)
4️⃣ Team 3 (Ferrari Double Stack)
5️⃣ Team 4 (McLaren Momentum – highest variance)

💡 Advanced Strategy Note

Because you get:

  • 1 free transfer per week
  • Can roll 2 transfers

You may want:

  • Safe balanced team for GW1
  • Save transfer if no major shock
  • Attack Sprint weekends harder

Also — avoid:

  • Aston Martin drivers early (reliability risk = DNF penalties)
  • Cadillac constructor (low team rank potential)

Next we’ll look at the scores each of the above 5 FanTeam Fantasy F1 teams would get from a simulated race weekend results. For more discussion have a look at FISO’s F1 Forum

Fantasy F1 2026 Season Preview: Ranking the Grid Ahead of Melbourne

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Formula One begins a new era in Melbourne this weekend 7th March 2026, and after the most radical regulation change in years, the competitive order is anything but straightforward. Pre-season testing in Bahrain rarely tells the full story, yet when you examine long-run pace, mileage totals, engine behaviour and paddock consensus together, a reasonably clear hierarchy begins to emerge.

The 2026 cars are smaller, less aero-dependent and far more reliant on hybrid energy management. That shift has altered the competitive picture — and perhaps the balance of power.

Below is how FISO thinks the field appears ranked (in reverse order) heading into the Australian Grand Prix. FISO was founded over 25 years ago in 2000 and is the longest-running UK fantasy sports online community – Independent, community-driven fantasy football analysis since before FPL existed!

FanTeam’s Fantasy F1 season game will add to the excitement of following F1 with a minimum £8,000 prize pool on offer – the game rules are below.

11. Cadillac

The new American entry arrives with realistic expectations. Using a Ferrari power unit has given them a stable foundation, and importantly they avoided the catastrophic reliability issues that can derail debut campaigns. However, outright pace was consistently at the bottom of the timing sheets.

With experienced hands in the cockpit, the priority this season is development rather than results. If they can close the gap steadily and avoid embarrassment, year one will be considered a success.

10. Aston Martin

No team endured a more worrying pre-season.

This was meant to be the beginning of a bold new chapter: works Honda power, a state-of-the-art factory, and the technical direction of Adrian Newey. Instead, reliability troubles, limited mileage and reports of significant power-unit deficiencies dominated their winter.

Energy recovery — crucial under the new hybrid-heavy rules — appears to be a particular weakness. The car also looked difficult in slow corners and unpredictable on longer runs. For Fernando Alonso, entering the final year of his deal, this is not the scenario he would have wanted.

There is potential within the structure, but in the short term Aston Martin look vulnerable.

9. Audi

Audi’s full works entry was always going to involve a steep learning curve. Yet simply arriving with a functioning in-house engine and completing substantial mileage is an achievement under these regulations.

They were not spectacular in testing, but they were tidy, methodical and relatively trouble-free. In a tightly packed midfield, that consistency could translate into points early in the year.

Long term, Audi’s ambitions are far greater. For now, stability is their victory.

8. Williams

Williams targeted 2026 as their opportunity to move forward decisively. Early indications suggest that step may not have materialised — at least not yet.

Reports of excess weight and limited downforce are concerning under a regulation set where efficiency is paramount. Mileage was lower than hoped, and race simulations did not hint at a breakthrough.

The Mercedes power unit provides a solid base, and their driver pairing is strong. But heading into Melbourne, Williams appear to be reacting rather than attacking.

7. Racing Bulls

Racing Bulls quietly impressed across both test weeks. They logged strong mileage and demonstrated respectable long-run pace relative to their midfield rivals.

Energy deployment — a defining feature of 2026 — appears well managed, even if peak speed is still some way off the leading quartet. In what could become a three-way scrap for upper-midfield honours, they look competitive and well prepared.

6. Alpine

Alpine sacrificed much of last season to focus on this rules reset, and early signs suggest that gamble may pay off.

Switching to Mercedes power has given them a clear step forward in efficiency and reliability. Race simulations placed them roughly a second per lap behind the top four — not close enough to challenge for wins, but firmly at the head of the midfield.

If development continues at this trajectory, Alpine could regularly threaten the fringes of the podium battle.

5. Haas

Haas were one of the quiet winners of testing. Their mileage was among the highest of any team, suggesting strong reliability and preparation.

While one-lap pace did not grab headlines, their consistency across longer runs hints at a car that may outperform expectations once racing begins. In a season where energy management and reliability will be critical, that foundation could prove valuable.

They look best placed to capitalise if any of the leading teams stumble.

4. Red Bull

Red Bull enter 2026 in unfamiliar territory — no longer undisputed benchmark, but still very much in contention.

Their new in-house power unit appears competitive in terms of energy deployment, which may prove decisive at circuits where battery management becomes a limiting factor. Long-run data suggested parity with McLaren.

They may not have dominated testing, but they were far from troubled. And when you possess a driver capable of extracting more than the car theoretically offers, you can never discount them.

3. McLaren

The reigning champions have adopted a cautious tone, openly suggesting that Ferrari and Mercedes may hold a slight advantage. Whether that is realism or gamesmanship remains to be seen.

McLaren were not running the latest specification of Mercedes power unit during testing, so an incremental gain is expected in Melbourne. Their race pace simulations were consistent and competitive, even if not headline-grabbing.

They remain firmly in the fight — and are unlikely to relinquish their status easily.

2. Ferrari

Ferrari ended testing with the fastest single lap and one of the strongest race simulations. More encouraging than the headline time was their balance across long runs.

Innovative aerodynamic ideas suggest confidence within the design department, and their car appeared particularly sharp in initial acceleration phases.

Ferrari have teased before and faded when it mattered. But this time, the data aligns with the optimism. If reliability holds, they look like genuine title contenders.

1. Mercedes

Mercedes top the pre-Melbourne rankings by the narrowest of margins.

They completed more mileage than any rival and adapted smoothly to the energy-heavy demands of the new power units. Although they did not post the absolute fastest single lap, their long-run performance in both test weeks was consistently strong.

There were reliability hiccups, but overall the impression was of a team comfortable with the regulations and possibly holding pace in reserve.

With energy management shaping the competitive landscape, Mercedes appear best prepared to exploit the nuances of this new era.

The Bigger Picture

The 2026 regulations place unprecedented emphasis on hybrid deployment and battery management. Drivers will lift and coast more, modulate throttle application differently, and carefully choose where to spend electrical energy.

Starts could also prove unpredictable, given the complexity of turbo and battery synchronisation. However, testing suggests that initial fears of chaos may have been exaggerated.

Visually, the cars remain spectacular — sliding more through corners and demanding greater precision from drivers. For purists, the increased strategy around energy usage may take adjustment. But on-track competition at the front looks closer than it has in years.

A four-team fight appears likely: Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull separated by fine margins. Behind them (and probably by at least 1 second per lap), a tightly bunched midfield could produce surprises most weekends.

Testing offers clues. Melbourne will provide answers. For more discussion have a look at FISO’s F1 Forum.

Champions League Knockouts 2026: All Roads Lead to Europe’s Major Stage

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After a gruelling and thrilling league phase that concluded in late January, the UEFA Champions League now turns its full attention to the knockout rounds — a stage every club dreams of but few get to enjoy. This season’s format, part of UEFA’s expanded 36-team league structure, means that 24 teams have reached the knockout phase. Of those, the top eight clubs from the league standings received automatic qualification to the Round of 16, while the next 16 teams compete in the two-legged knockout play-offs starting 17–18 February 2026. Victors from those ties will join the automatic qualifiers in the Round of 16, setting the stage for football’s most intense tactical battles.

FanTeam’s flagship fantasy Champions League KO contest is NOW OPEN!

⚽ £25,000 Guaranteed Prize Pool
💰 £20 Entry – Take your fantasy team from the round of 16 all the way to the final!
📅 Starts 17th Feb at 17:45 GMT

🌟 9 Gameweeks, 2 Wildcards, Weekly Transfers – Rules in the image below.

Think you’ve got what it takes to manage your squad through two-legged ties and claim UCL glory? General T&Cs apply. 18+. UK only. Please play responsibly.

🔥 Satellites are live and kick off tonight with Leeds vs Forest – grab your seat at a discount!
🎁 And don’t miss FanTeam’s Daily Freeroll, also running on tonight’s game.

Automatic Round of 16 Entrants: Europe’s Elite Take a Break

Under the new system, finishing inside the top eight in the league phase table grants immediate passage to the Round of 16 — a significant advantage both emotionally and logistically, allowing teams to rest and prepare while 16 others battle it out in February. These eight automatic qualifiers are:

  • Arsenal
  • Bayern Munich
  • Liverpool
  • Tottenham Hotspur
  • Barcelona
  • Chelsea
  • Sporting CP
  • Manchester City

This group mixes historic European giants like Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City with clubs who have been reinvigorated in recent seasons such as Arsenal and Tottenham. Their direct qualification means fewer fixtures and fresher legs come the March stages, often key in a competition where margins are tiny.

From a fantasy football perspective, these teams boast several compelling assets:

  1. Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – A creative fulcrum who has been both goal creator and scorer throughout the campaign, with a knack for big-moment contributions.
  2. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – A consistent source of attacking returns with pace, goals and assists, particularly on European nights.
  3. Phil Foden (Manchester City) – If fit and selected, Foden’s goal contributions and involvement in key moments make him a premium asset.
  4. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich) – The German international winger remains one of Europe’s most exciting offensive talents, capable of tipping tight ties with moments of individual brilliance.

The Play-Offs: Fight for a Round of 16 Spot

While the top eight were rewarded with a bye, the following 16 clubs now face one more hurdle to extend their European journey. These teams will contest two-legged play-off ties on 17–18 February and 24–25 February 2026:

Seeded sides:

  • Real Madrid
  • Inter Milan
  • Paris Saint‑Germain
  • Newcastle United
  • Juventus
  • Atlético Madrid
  • Atalanta
  • Bayer Leverkusen

Unseeded sides:

  • Borussia Dortmund
  • Olympiacos
  • Club Brugge
  • Galatasaray
  • Monaco
  • Qarabağ
  • Bodø/Glimt
  • Benfica

This list features a dramatic blend of historical powerhouses and hungry challengers. Clubs like Real Madrid, PSG and Inter will be desperate to overturn league phase stutters and stamp their authority, while emerging teams such as Bodø/Glimt and Qarabağ bring unpredictable flair to the mix.

Fantasy Players to Watch in the Play-Offs

The play-offs not only are decisive for Round of 16 spots, but they also give managers valuable fantasy targets across two legs in February:

From Play-Off Contenders

  1. Kylian Mbappé – Paris Saint-Germain
    Mbappé has been sensational this season, scoring heavily in the league phase with explosive numbers and consistent goal threat — he’s also the competition’s leading scorer.
  2. Vinícius Jr – Real Madrid
    Though not always the top scorer, Vinícius combines flair, dribbling and direct goal contributions that can earn big game returns and swings in fantasy points.
  3. Harvey Barnes – Newcastle United
    With Antony Gordon likely missing for a while with a hamstring injury, Barnes can come in with a blend of goals and assists and his form provides an intriguing differential at a time when many top assets are well-owned.
  4. Domenico Berardi – Atalanta / or potential standout from Leverkusen
    While Atalanta’s squad features several contributors, expect creative drivers like Berardi or Leverkusen’s attacking talent to be involved in goals during these decisive ties.

From Automatic Qualifiers

  1. Semenyo – Manchester City
    On occasions when Pep Guardiola rotates, Semenyo’s direct involvement in goals and his attacking positioning make him a highly valuable fantasy asset and his January purchase qualifies him to now appear for City.
  2. Erling Haaland – Manchester City
    Never far from goal, Haaland remains a must-pick for many fantasy formats given his consistent scoring and high xG output.
  3. Declan Rice – Arsenal
    Rice’s creative role and ability to earn direct returns make him a fixture in many fantasy teams.
  4. Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal
    Martinelli’s pace, goals and consistency lend him huge appeal, especially with Arsenal’s strong momentum as automatic qualifiers.

What’s Next

With the knockout play-offs kicking off on 17 February 2026, champions, challengers and underdogs alike enter one of the most dramatic phases of the football season. The winners of these eight ties will be revealed by 25 February, setting up a refreshed Round of 16 by late March.

From traditional giants seeking redemption to emerging talents looking for European breakthroughs, and a host of elite fantasy players poised to make an impact, the Champions League knockout phase promises drama, narrative and unforgettable football on the road to 30 May 2026 — the final at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest. FanTeam’s UCL KO game adds to the interest in following the matches. For more discussion on FanTeam Fantasy Games check out FISO’s FanTeam Forum.

FanTeam Champions League Tues 20th Jan 2026

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The Champions League group stage returns this week for the penultimate round of games, with qualification and top spots still up for grabs and FanTeam are running a £4.5k pool Fantasy Game to keep you involved.

The UEFA Champions League enters Matchday 7 of 8, a pivotal stage in the league phase where qualification places, seeding, and survival hopes are all on the line. With just two rounds remaining, margins are tight and every point matters as Europe’s elite resume continental action after the winter break.

Early Kick-off (not part of FanTeam game)

The evening begins with Kairat vs Club Brugge (15:30).
Club Brugge arrive as favourites, boasting greater European pedigree and a more consistent league-phase campaign. Kairat, however, have shown resilience at home and will look to frustrate their visitors, knowing that defeat could effectively end their qualification hopes.

Heavyweight in Action (not part of FanTeam game)

One of the standout fixtures sees **Bodø/Glimt host Manchester City (17:45). City, perennial Champions League contenders, will aim to assert control early against an adventurous Bodø/Glimt side that thrives on intensity and quick transitions in Arctic conditions. While City’s technical superiority is clear, Bodø/Glimt’s home atmosphere and fearless approach make this a potential banana skin.

Evening Blockbusters – just these matches are in the FanTeam game

At 20:00, several high-profile clashes take place simultaneously:

  • Villarreal vs Ajax
    A classic European matchup between two clubs known for youth development and fluid attacking football. Villarreal’s organisation contrasts with Ajax’s pressing style, and this fixture could be decisive in determining who advances automatically.
  • Tottenham Hotspur vs Borussia Dortmund
    Arguably the tie of the night. Spurs will look to impose tempo at home, but Dortmund’s pace and counter-attacking threat make them dangerous opponents. Both sides are targeting a top-eight finish to avoid the playoff round.
  • Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen
    Leverkusen arrive in strong form and are among the competition’s most cohesive sides. Olympiacos, traditionally strong at home, will need a disciplined defensive display to stay in contention.
  • Sporting CP vs Paris Saint-Germain
    PSG’s attacking quality meets Sporting’s structured, energetic midfield. This fixture could prove decisive in the race for automatic qualification, with PSG expected to dominate possession but Sporting dangerous on the break.
  • Inter Milan vs Arsenal
    A heavyweight clash between two defensively solid teams. Inter’s experience and tactical discipline will test Arsenal’s youthful energy and pressing game in what promises to be a tense, high-quality contest.
  • Real Madrid vs Monaco
    Real Madrid, synonymous with Champions League success, host an ambitious Monaco side hoping to spring a surprise. Madrid’s depth and big-game mentality make them favourites, but Monaco’s pace could trouble them if chances arise.

What’s at Stake

With only one more matchday to follow, Matchday 7 is about positioning. Automatic qualification, playoff avoidance, and pride are all on the line. Expect tactical caution early, rising intensity as results elsewhere become clear, and the kind of drama that defines Champions League football.

European nights are back — and the road to the knockout rounds is narrowing fast.