FPL 2025-26: Four Key Strategies for Optimal Squad Structure
Explore four expert-approved strategies for structuring your Fantasy Premier League 2025-26 squad, from budget-balanced lineups to premium-heavy attacks.
With £100m and 15 squad spots, building your FPL team can feel overwhelming.
As Fantasy Premier League managers worldwide switch formations and shuffle Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland in and out, our experts—Pras, FPL Heisenberg, Gianni Buttice, and Holly Shand—present four proven squad-structure strategies.
Remember, the first deadline is Friday 15 August at 18:30 BST. Tune into our live Q&A with Pras at 15:30 for last-minute advice.
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The No Salah, No Haaland Strategy
By leaving out Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland, you free up funds to build a balanced 3-4-3 squad. This approach relies on mid-priced stars like Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka, who offer similar upside without the hefty price tags.
The bench includes budget options—Martin Dubravka, Granit Xhaka, Gabriel Gudmundsson, and Reinildo—while your starting seven consist of consistent point-scorers with no clear weak link.
The Week 1 Bench Boost Strategy
Playing your Bench Boost chip in the opening gameweek allows you to Wildcard and Bench Boost simultaneously, a unique opportunity early in the season. If an injury hits before the Friday deadline, simply swap the affected player and field your ideal 15.
Early season weekends have fewer midweek fixtures, reducing rotation risks and making it easier to find 15 fit starters. With the Bench Boost out of the way, you can avoid scrambling to fix your bench later.
The Big-Hitter with Cheap Defense Strategy
This strategy packs six premium attackers into your squad, covering the Premier League’s top offenses. While it sacrifices a bit in defense, pairing budget-friendly defenders on rotation can keep your backline viable.
Key signings include talismans who play 90 minutes, take set-pieces, and carry form from the pre-season, ensuring that your front line consistently delivers.
The Salah and Haaland Strategy
Investing in both Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland (28.5% of your budget) can pay off given their strong season openers. Neither has ever blanked in gameweek one—Salah averages 12.25 points and Haaland 11.
Including Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson (£5.5m) as a budget enabler adds defensive contribution points alongside eight goal involvements last season, making this high-powered attack affordable.
Choosing the right structure—whether balanced, early-chip, big-hitter-focused, or full-power attack—can set you apart in FPL’s opening weeks and position you for consistent success.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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