As we approach the mid‑season mark of the 2025/26 Fantasy Premier League campaign, managers are beginning to separate the top performers from the rest. With a congested fixture list, rotation risks, and the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) window, now is the perfect time to evaluate your squad. This update highlights the season’s best performers, identifies under-the-radar value picks, and flags players who may miss games due to AFCON duty.

Top Performers This Season

Premium Performers

• Erling Haaland (Manchester City) continues to dominate as the standout premium pick. He has been a consistent source of points, with multiple goals and assists contributing to his high FPL totals. His ability to score in almost every fixture makes him the default captaincy option for many managers. Despite his high price, his consistent returns justify his selection week after week.
• Phil Foden (Manchester City) has emerged as a strong premium midfield option. After a slower start to the season, Foden has hit top form, registering multiple double-digit hauls over the past few game weeks. His central role in City’s attacking play, coupled with his eye for goal and assists, makes him a strong pick for managers looking for a premium midfielder with explosive potential.

Other Key Contributors

• Igor Thiago (Brentford) has been a standout among non-premium forwards. He offers both goals and assists at a fraction of the cost of elite forwards, making him a reliable source of points for managers seeking value in the striker position.
• Jean‑Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace) continues to deliver solid returns in the mid-price bracket. He has shown consistency in both starting games and contributing to goals, providing managers with a strong mid-tier attacking option.
• Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth) has impressed as a budget-friendly attacking option. His consistent minutes and regular returns relative to his price make him a fixture-proof choice, ideal for managers looking for differentials.

Value Picks and Hidden Gems

Mid-Range Strengths

• Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth) remains a highly effective mid-range option, offering the attacking potential of more expensive forwards without the financial strain. His role in Bournemouth’s attack ensures he is heavily involved in goal-scoring opportunities.
• João Pedro (Chelsea) has also been productive as a mid-range forward, contributing both goals and assists. While his returns have fluctuated, his central role in Chelsea’s attack ensures he remains a viable option for FPL managers.

Budget and Differential Options

• Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth) is a standout budget defender, providing clean sheets and occasional attacking returns. His regular starts make him a reliable fixture in squads with limited funds.
• Jaidon Anthony (Burnley) and Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea) are both low-cost midfielders who offer potential returns while keeping your budget flexible. Their consistent minutes and attacking involvement make them useful squad members.

Planning Around AFCON Absences

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, will disrupt Premier League squads and FPL plans. Managers should prepare for the absence of key players who will miss approximately six rounds of fixtures.

Notable players likely to be involved in AFCON include:

• Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United / Cameroon) – A key attacking option, whose absence could leave a gap in goal-scoring potential. Managers may need to find short-term cover during his absence.
• Omar Marmoush (Manchester City / Egypt) and Rayan Ait-Nouri (Aston Villa / Algeria) – Both may be absent for multiple game weeks, affecting mid-tier and rotation options.

Some players may remain available despite injury or squad changes, offering opportunities for managers to exploit these differentials during the AFCON period.

Final Considerations

With the festive schedule approaching and AFCON soon to interrupt Premier League play, careful planning is essential. Prioritize in-form premium picks like Haaland and Foden while balancing your squad with mid-tier contributors who provide strong returns relative to cost. Prepare to rotate or bench African internationals during their absence to maintain squad momentum.

Tactical transfers ahead of the break, targeting budget defenders or differential attackers, can help preserve or improve your rank. A balanced and adaptable squad is crucial as this season continues to unfold, and managers who plan effectively during this period are likely to gain an advantage in the weeks ahead.