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Fantasy Premier League tips 2025/26: FPL midfielders to sign


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Your complete guide to Fantasy Premier League midfielders you should sign in 2025/26.

Fantasy Premier League Tips: Best Midfielders for the 2025-26 Season
As the 2025-26 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season kicks off, midfielders remain the heartbeat of any successful squad. These players often deliver the perfect blend of goals, assists, creativity, and bonus points, making them essential for racking up those all-important fantasy points. With the Premier League evolving—new signings, tactical shifts, and emerging talents—choosing the right midfielders can make or break your campaign. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the top picks across various price brackets, highlighting their strengths, potential risks, and why they deserve a spot in your starting XI. Whether you're a seasoned FPL manager or a newcomer, these recommendations are designed to help you navigate the midfield minefield and maximize your points haul.
Starting with the premium midfielders, those priced at £10m and above, these are the elite options who can single-handedly win you gameweeks. Leading the pack is Mohamed Salah of Liverpool, priced at around £12.5m. Salah's consistency is legendary; even in a transitional season for Liverpool under a new manager, his ability to score from open play, penalties, and set pieces makes him a must-have. Last season, he notched over 200 points, and with Liverpool's attacking prowess intact, expect him to challenge for the Golden Boot once again. His high ownership means he's a differential risk if you skip him, but his ceiling is unmatched. Close behind is Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City, at £11.0m. De Bruyne's vision and passing range are unparalleled, and with Erling Haaland as his primary outlet, assists are almost guaranteed. Injury concerns have plagued him in recent years, but if he stays fit, he could eclipse 250 points. City's dominance in possession-heavy games ensures consistent returns, making him a premium staple.
Don't overlook Bukayo Saka of Arsenal, valued at £10.5m. Saka's versatility—cutting inside from the right, taking set pieces, and contributing defensively—adds layers to his appeal. Arsenal's title challenge will see him involved in plenty of goals, and his penalty duties boost his reliability. For those seeking a wildcard, Phil Foden, also from City at £10.0m, offers explosive potential. His ability to play centrally or wide, combined with Pep Guardiola's rotation, can be a double-edged sword, but when he's on form, he's a points machine.
Moving to the mid-price midfielders, ranging from £7.0m to £9.5m, this bracket offers excellent value and the chance to balance your budget for big hitters elsewhere. Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United, at £9.0m, is a standout. As United's captain and penalty taker, his creativity shines through assists and long-range efforts. Despite the team's inconsistencies, Fernandes often delivers in big matches, making him a reliable option for double gameweeks. James Maddison from Tottenham, priced at £8.5m, is another gem. Under Ange Postecoglou's high-pressing system, Maddison's flair and dead-ball expertise could see him return to his Leicester City form, where he regularly hit double figures in goals and assists.
Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace, at £7.5m, represents fantastic value. His dribbling skills and free-kick prowess make him a differential pick, especially with Palace's improved squad depth. If he avoids injuries, Eze could be this season's breakout star. Similarly, Martin Ødegaard from Arsenal at £8.0m brings captain-like qualities with his precise passing and occasional goals. Arsenal's set-piece routines favor him, and his underlying stats suggest consistent points even in low-scoring games.
For budget-conscious managers, the bargain midfielders under £7.0m are where you find hidden gems to enable premium forwards or defenders. Cole Palmer of Chelsea, at £6.5m, is a revelation. After his stellar previous campaign, Palmer's composure on penalties and eye for goal make him underpriced. Chelsea's attacking rebuild under a new coach could amplify his output. Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest, priced at £6.0m, is another to watch. His energy in midfield, combined with Forest's counter-attacking style, often leads to assists and the odd goal. He's a great enabler for squads needing depth.
Emile Smith Rowe, now at Fulham after his Arsenal move, at £5.5m, offers upside. His technical ability and goal threat from midfield could flourish in a less pressured environment. For even cheaper options, consider Jacob Murphy of Newcastle at £5.0m. With Newcastle's European aspirations, Murphy's wing play and crossing ability provide assists on a budget. Don't forget about enablers like Ross Barkley at Luton Town (£4.5m), who might surprise with his experience and set-piece involvement if Luton avoid relegation battles.
Strategically, building your midfield requires balance. Aim for a mix of goal scorers (like Salah), assist kings (De Bruyne), and value picks (Palmer) to cover various fixtures. Consider fixtures: early-season easy runs for teams like Manchester City and Arsenal make their midfielders prime for captaincy. Rotation is key—have at least one bench option to handle injuries or rests. Also, monitor pre-season form and international tournaments, as fatigue could impact stars like Saka post-Euros.
Emerging trends for 2025-26 include a rise in attacking midfielders benefiting from tactical shifts, such as more teams employing a 4-2-3-1 formation, which emphasizes creative number 10s. Players like Fernandes and Maddison thrive here. Additionally, with VAR refinements, expect more penalties, favoring takers like Salah and Palmer.
Risks abound: injuries to key players like De Bruyne can derail plans, so have backups ready. Team form matters—midfielders from struggling sides, even talented ones like Eze, might underperform if goals dry up. Budget allocation is crucial; splurging on three premiums might leave your defense exposed.
In summary, the 2025-26 FPL midfield landscape is rich with options. Prioritize Salah and De Bruyne for reliability, sprinkle in value like Palmer and Eze for differentials, and always adapt to in-season changes via transfers. With careful selection, your midfield can propel you up the rankings. Remember, FPL is as much about patience as it is about picks—stick to your strategy, and the points will follow. This season promises excitement, so draft wisely and enjoy the ride.
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Read the Full Radio Times Article at:
[ https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sport/football/fantasy-premier-league-tips-2025-26-fpl-midfielders/ ]