If you follow the Premier League, you already know how fast things change. A player who looks average in August can turn into your best asset by February. That’s what makes picking the right EPL fantasy players so important, and so tricky.
This list combines two key data points: average Sofascore rating (which measures overall performance across every match) and goals scored this season. Both matter. A high rating shows consistency, while goals show direct fantasy value. The players who appear in both conversations are the ones you should be building your team around.
Here’s who’s worth your spot in 2026.
How we built this list
We pulled data from Sofascore’s average player ratings for the 2025/26 EPL season and cross-referenced them with the season’s top goal scorers. A player who rates highly but rarely scores might be less valuable in fantasy football than a forward with a lower rating but 15 goals to his name. We’ve factored in both.
If you’re new to how fantasy football scoring works, the fantasy points system breaks down exactly how players earn you points on matchday.
Top 15 EPL fantasy players in 2025/26
1. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) | Rating: 7.54
Bruno is the highest-rated outfield player in the Premier League this season according to Sofascore, and it’s easy to see why. He’s involved in almost everything United do going forward, regularly picking up goals, assists, and key passes. As captain of his club, he gets the ball in dangerous areas more than almost anyone else in the league.
Fantasy verdict: A strong pick for midfield. His involvement in set pieces and his habit of taking penalties make him a consistent point scorer.
2. Declan Rice (Arsenal) | Rating: 7.49
Rice has transformed into one of the best midfielders in Europe since joining Arsenal. His rating of 7.49 reflects how dominant he’s been this season, winning the ball back, driving forward, and chipping in with goals. He scored 9 goals this season, making him a rare defensive midfielder with genuine attacking returns.
Fantasy verdict: Midfielders who score goals are gold in fantasy football. Rice gives you the best of both.
3. Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle) | Rating: 7.49 | Goals: 9
Guimarães matches Rice on rating and goals, which tells you everything. He’s been Newcastle’s engine all season, scoring 9 goals from midfield. For a central midfielder, that’s exceptional output.
Fantasy verdict: One of the most underrated picks in fantasy football this season. Newcastle’s style of play runs through him, and the goals keep coming.
4. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) | Rating: 7.43 | Goals: 22
Haaland leads the Premier League scoring charts with 22 goals. That’s not a typo. He’s more than 4 goals ahead of the next top scorer. His Sofascore rating of 7.43 doesn’t fully capture how dominant he’s been because he’s the kind of forward who scores and does very little else, but in fantasy football, goals are everything for a striker.
Fantasy verdict: If you’re not picking Haaland as your captain in a good week, you need a strong reason why.
5. Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton) | Rating: 7.32
Van Hecke is the surprise name on this list. Brighton’s centre-back has been outstanding this season, recording a 7.32 average rating. As a defender, his fantasy value comes from clean sheets and occasional attacking contributions from set pieces.
Fantasy verdict: A smart budget pick if you need points from the back. Brighton’s defensive structure gives him clean sheet potential week to week.
6. Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) | Rating: 7.31
Gabriel has been a wall at the back for Arsenal this season. His 7.31 rating reflects how dominant he’s been in the air and in one-on-one situations. Arsenal have one of the better defensive records in the league, which means clean sheet points are available.
Fantasy verdict: If Arsenal are playing a weaker side, Gabriel is worth starting. He also scores from corners, which adds to his value.
7. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) | Rating: 7.30
Van Dijk remains one of the best defenders in the league. His 7.30 rating this season shows he hasn’t dropped off. Liverpool’s defensive improvement under their current setup makes them even more valuable from a clean sheet standpoint.
Fantasy verdict: A reliable defender pick. You know what you’re getting with Van Dijk. Consistency and clean sheet potential.
8. Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen on loan / Sunderland) | Rating: 7.30
Xhaka continues to put in disciplined performances and earns strong ratings for his work rate and passing efficiency. His ability to cover ground and contribute in both phases makes him a consistent performer.
Fantasy verdict: Not the flashiest pick, but his consistency makes him reliable.
9. Marc Guéhi (Manchester City) | Rating: 7.30
Guéhi moved to City and has settled in well, earning a 7.30 average rating. Playing behind a strong midfield gives him the security to focus on defending and occasionally push forward.
Fantasy verdict: City’s defensive solidity makes him a solid clean sheet candidate, especially in favourable fixtures.
10. Igor Thiago (Brentford) | Rating: Goals: 18
Igor Thiago is the second-highest scorer in the Premier League this season with 18 goals, and he deserves way more attention than he gets in fantasy circles. Brentford’s style of play is direct and physical, and Thiago thrives in it. If you’ve been sleeping on him, this is your wake-up call.
Fantasy verdict: 18 goals from a Brentford striker at a fraction of the price of the top forwards. He’s arguably the best value pick in the entire league right now.
11. Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) | Goals: 14
Semenyo has hit the ground running since his move to City. 14 goals from a wide midfielder is an excellent return, and playing in Pep’s system means he’ll keep getting chances. His pace and directness make him a constant threat.
Fantasy verdict: A great differential pick. Not everyone will have him, but his goal return justifies the selection.
12. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) | Rating: 7.24
Saka has been Arsenal’s best player for two seasons running, and this year is no different. His 7.24 average rating places him in the top 15 in the league, and his ability to score, assist, and create consistently makes him a fantasy essential. He also takes some of Arsenal’s set pieces and penalties.
Fantasy verdict: One of the safest picks in EPL fantasy. Saka gives you goals, assists, and high ratings in the same package.
13. João Pedro (Chelsea) | Goals: 11
João Pedro has become a key player for Chelsea this season, scoring 11 goals. He’s direct, confident in front of the goal, and gets into the right positions. Chelsea’s attacking setup gets him enough chances to be relevant every matchday.
Fantasy verdict: A reliable mid-price forward option. His goal tally makes him worth considering, especially against weaker defences.
14. Hugo Ekitiké (Liverpool) | Goals: 11
Ekitiké has made an immediate impact at Liverpool with 11 goals. His movement and finishing have impressed, and playing in Liverpool’s high-press system means he’s involved in plenty of attacking moments.
Fantasy verdict: A good pick if Liverpool has a favourable fixture. His potential is high, and he’s still finding his feet, which could mean even more goals as the season progresses.
15. Harry Wilson (Fulham) | Rating: 7.18 | Goals: 9
Wilson has been excellent for Fulham this season, picking up a 7.18 rating and contributing 9 goals from midfield. He’s one of those players who consistently does the right things without getting the headlines.
Fantasy verdict: A strong budget midfielder. His output from outside the big clubs makes him a great differential.
How to use this list for your fantasy team
Now that you have the data, the next step is putting it to work. Here’s how to think about building your squad:
- Haaland is your first name on the team sheet. 22 goals this season speak for themselves. Build around him.
- Add Rice or Guimarães in midfield if you want a midfielder who actually scores, not just one who passes around the box.
- Igor Thiago is your value pick up front. 18 goals from a Brentford striker at a lower price point than the premium forwards. Most people aren’t picking him yet, which means more points for you.
- Go with Gabriel or Van Hecke at the back when you need clean sheet points without spending big on defence.
Ratings show you who is performing. Goals show you who is scoring. The players who show up in both categories are the ones you want in your starting XI every matchday.
Put your knowledge to work on FantasyFi
Reading about the best EPL players is one thing. Turning that knowledge into cash is another, and that’s exactly what FantasyFi lets you do.
FantasyFi is a fantasy football platform built for African football fans. You pick 11 players, choose your Captain and Vice Captain, and compete in contests where you can win Naira straight to your bank account or mobile money. Your Captain earns 2x points, your Vice Captain earns 1.5x, so picking the right players in those slots can make or break your week.
The platform covers Premier League matches and other top European leagues. For every upcoming match, there are multiple contest types to join:
- Hot Contests with prize pools running into hundreds of thousands of Naira
- Mega Contests for bigger prize pools with more spots
- Head-to-Head for one-on-one competition if you want to test your picks against a single opponent
Depositing and withdrawing is in Naira, directly to your bank account. No conversions, no stress.
If you want to understand exactly how players earn you points on matchday, the fantasy points system guide breaks it all down. New to the platform? The how to play guide walks you through picking your squad and joining your first contest in a few simple steps.
The next Premier League matchday is already live. Head to the fantasy football lobby, pick your team from the players on this list, and see what you can win.
Ratings data: Sofascore 2025/26 EPL Average Ratings. Goals data: Sofascore 2025/26 EPL Top Scorers.