The 2026/27 campaign is just around the corner for the English Premier League, putting one of the greatest competitions in the world back at center stage. The opening fixture kicks the season off on August 21, which means the clock is ticking before Fantasy Premier League lineups lock for the first time.
In this series, we’re taking a look at some of the top picks at each position for FPL this season. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top midfielders you’re going to want in your FPL squads heading into Gameweek 1.
Best Fantasy Premier League midfielder picks
Ryan Gravenberch, Liverpool (£6.0m)
What if I told you that one of last season’s top-25 midfielders is available at a price point that ranks 53rd with only 2.0% rostership? Ryan Gravenberch posted 4.0 PTS/GM last year with five goals and five assists, which were both new career-high marks over his three seasons in the Premier League. He also amassed a whopping 298 DC, or roughly nine per 90 minutes – he’s very active defensively, which is a major plus for a midfielder given how the game’s meta has shifted. Plus, he made 34 starts and should remain largely nailed heading into the new season. Now, there is some concern about overperformance given that he had an xGI of just 4.15, so it’s possible there’s some regression from his involvements. However, an improved defense should help Liverpool and it’s quite possible Gravenberch sees more than the nine clean sheets from last year, which may balance the points somewhat even if scoring dries up slightly. Regardless, there’s a lot to like about him as a safe option that doesn’t break the bank at £6.0m, and the early fixtures are quite solid with Ipswich Town and Fulham in Gameweek 3 and 4.
Cole Palmer, Chelsea (£9.5m)
Yes, I’m falling for the Cole Palmer trap again this year. Last season felt pretty miserable for the former superstar as he consistently disappointed managers and came at a very high price tag following a stellar 2024-25. However, even amidst the struggles and various knocks he picked up, he still averaged 4.4 PTS/GM. He started just 24 games but that was largely due to his injuries, and he nearly crossed 2,000 minutes played on the year. In that span, he scored 10 goals and picked up a pair of assists for 12 total goal involvements, about in line with a 13.04 xGI. Yes, he fell far short of the 25 and 33 involvements of the prior two campaigns, but the context of his health and some shaky form from his club at times while competing in European competition were also important factors, plus he should remain on penalties. In his last two healthy seasons, he produced 214 and 244 points over the full campaign – it’s not unreasonable to believe he can cross the 200-point threshold this year. Xabi Alonso is the new bench boss at Chelsea and the club invested a ton of cash in additional help like Morgan Rogers. With the team no longer competing in Europe this year potentially allowing him to stay healthier, Palmer is an upside pick even at his hefty price tag and brings an interesting risk-reward element at 10.6% rostership for managers on the fence about the game’s other premiums.
Pascal Groß, Brighton & Hove Albion (£5.5m)
A little bit of a cheaper option than our other two players, Pascal Groß is a great budget pick to consider this season. Brighton has experienced quite a bit of turnover in the squad, but has been a top-10 club in recent years and plays plenty of competitive football. Groß played on the southern coast for seven years before departing in 2024, but returned to Brighton last season in the January window. He received something of a hero’s welcome and saw 18 starts with one goal and six assists, averaging 4.1 PTS/GM with 10 bonus points as well. He’s not a scoring threat in most contexts, but the midfielder is a clinical passer whose presence clearly makes those he shares the pitch with better – just look at how the club turned things around after his arrival and was one of the hottest units in the Prem between February and April. Plus, he’s likely on penalties again following the departure of Danny Welbeck. Is the 12.4% roster percentage just a smidge high for a guy who was a sleeper? Sure, but he’s a great way to get attacking returns along with a piece of a club that had a very strong defense down the stretch – there’s a smidge of clean sheet upside while also saving some salary.
Elliot Anderson, Manchester City (£6.5m)
I don’t entirely get why Elliot Anderson is rostered in just 9.4% of squads, to be frank. The argument makes sense – people think he won’t be able to repeat a 70.0% DEFCON hit rate from last year since unlike Nottingham Forest, Manchester City will play in possession for much of its matches. There’s also the uncertainty of his role with a new club that’s also under new management following the departure of Pep Guardiola and hiring of Enzo Maresca. What this team looks like and who gets major minutes is anyone’s guess, at least to an extent. Still, DEFCON is the new meta for defenders, and if midfielders can provide high rates of it as well, that’s a major edge. Anderson averaged 4.7 PTS/GM last year at Forest despite scoring just four goals with five assists, overperforming his 7.73 xGI. He did record 10 clean sheets, too. The goal involvements may not tick up, but the clean sheet tally very well could. Beyond that, Anderson’s calling card was a staggering 13.8 DC per start, most among midfielders at this price point. If he can come anywhere close to that with his new teammates – in a better situation, at that – Anderson could seriously pay off at £6.5m. Critics be damned, he’s not leaving my squad until proven otherwise since he proved he can produce like a borderline-elite FPL asset even without staggering scoring marks.
