Should you pick players from promoted teams in FPL?

Picking players from newly promoted teams can uncover hidden gems and budget-friendly assets that give FPL managers an edge. History shows that integrating the right promoted players can boost your squad value – and your rank – early on. However, promoted teams often face steep challenges in the Premier League. In fact, over the last two seasons, all 6 promoted clubs failed to survive their first year. These promoted sides averaged just 20.8 points in the Premier League, indicating how tough the transition has become. Typically, these teams score far fewer goals and concede many more in the top flight than they did in the Championship.

So why bother with promoted players? Because within these teams lie undervalued FPL picks – from talismanic forwards on penalties to cheap, nailed defenders. Serious FPL managers who analyze promoted sides early can capitalize on budget starters and form players before their bandwagon begins. This guide provides a comprehensive deep dive into the three teams promoted for 2025/26 – Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland – examining their stats, style, and standout players to help you make informed picks before Gameweek 1. You’ll gain context on historical performance patterns (promoted teams’ average goals, clean sheets, survival odds) and actionable insights on which assets could shine or struggle in the Premier League. By understanding these teams now, you can build a squad that’s one step ahead of the competition when the new season kicks off.

Who are the 2025/26 promoted teams in FPL and what are their playing styles?

Leeds United

How will Leeds United perform in the Premier League for FPL 2025/26?

A historically big club (last in the PL in 2022/23), Leeds bounced back to the Premier League at the second attempt under German manager Daniel Farke. They won the 2024/25 Championship title dramatically on the final day, finishing 1st with 100 points (sealed on goal difference). Leeds were an attacking juggernaut in the Championship, leading the league with 95 goals. Their return to the top flight comes after just a one-year absence, and the squad has a mix of Premier League experience and youthful talent.

What is Daniel Farke's system at Leeds United and how does it impact FPL?

Farke, a two-time Championship winner with Norwich, favors an attacking, possession-based 4-2-3-1 system. Under his guidance, Leeds excelled in dominating games – they averaged 61.5% possession and had the highest field tilt (64.7%) in the league, reflecting how much of the play stayed in the opponent’s half. Farke’s Leeds pressed aggressively: they led the Championship in counter-pressing intensity metrics (Gegenpressing Intensity ~54.8%), indicating a high press that quickly swarms the opposition after losing the ball. In practice, that meant Leeds allowed the fewest shots (308) and boasted the best expected goals against (xGA) at just 29.6. Farke’s tactical DNA is front-foot football – his team emphasizes quick transitions, fluid attacking rotations, and winning the ball high up the pitch. This yielded not only goals but also a solid defense (only 30 conceded). Farke has Premier League experience (he knows the harsh lessons from Norwich’s relegations), so he may temper Leeds’ gung-ho approach slightly in tougher matches. Still, expect Leeds to remain an attack-minded side that will try to impose their style even against stronger opponents. Multiple players mentioned Farke’s focus on playing out from the back and coordinated pressing triggers. His Championship Manager of the Year award in 2024/25 reflects how well he executed this philosophy with Leeds. For FPL managers, a Farke team usually means plenty of goals (for and against) and the potential for budget attackers to flourish in an offense-heavy system.

Which Leeds United players should you consider for FPL in 2025/26?

Leeds under Farke preferred a 4-2-3-1 with Joël Piroe as the central striker and a dynamic trio behind him. Piroe was the focal point, scoring 19 league goals, but Leeds’ attack was remarkably multi-faceted. Seven different players scored 5+ goals (tied Championship record), showing goals can come from all over the pitch. Wingers Daniel James (12 goals, 9 assists) and Manor Solomon (10 goals, 12 assists) provided pace and creativity out wide. Solomon’s 12 assists were 4th-highest in the league and he often cut inside to play make. Brenden Aaronson and Wilfried Gnonto chipped in 9 goals each, typically operating in attacking midfield/wing roles. At full-back, Junior Firpo (10 assists) bombed forward to support attacks. This tactical setup means Leeds can attack from multiple angles – through wingers, overlapping full-backs, or the striker dropping deep. Defensively, center-backs Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk anchored a high line, and keeper Illan Meslier was proactive in sweeping behind (Meslier kept 21 clean sheets). Notably, Leeds excelled at winning the ball back quickly; their Passes Allowed Per Defensive Action (PPDA) was among the lowest (i.e. most intense press) in the league. In summary, Leeds’ identity is a high-press, high-possession attacking team under Farke.

For FPL, this suggests their attackers could offer value (due to chance volume) but defenders might be occasionally exposed if the press is broken (watch for how they handle Premier League counter-attacks). Still, the Championship evidence points to a team that creates “bucket-loads” of chances (their season xG was 89.1, second only to Barcelona in all of Europe), and Farke will trust his attacking philosophy in the top flight.

Burnley

What makes Burnley a strong defensive option for FPL in 2025/26?

Burnley yo-yo straight back up after relegation in 2023/24, finishing 2nd in the Championship (100 points, only behind Leeds on goal difference). This immediate return was achieved under new head coach Scott Parker, who claimed the third promotion of his young managerial career. Burnley were incredibly hard to beat – they lost just 2 of 46 matches – and in doing so became the first English side ever to hit 100+ points and not win the title. Historically a defensively stout club (from the Sean Dyche era), Burnley leaned on an all-time great defense: they conceded just 16 goals all season, the best defensive record ever in a 46-game English league campaign. That rock-solid foundation propelled the Clarets back to the Premier League after just one year down.

How does Scott Parker's tactics at Burnley affect FPL prospects?

Parker’s approach is more pragmatic and defense-oriented. Unlike Leeds, Burnley did not play all-out attack – in fact, offensively they were modest (third-highest scorers with 69 goals, but often grinding out wins). Parker typically sets up in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 with a structured midfield and emphasis on shape. His Fulham and Bournemouth sides in past PL stints were known for cautious build-up and prioritizing a solid defensive shape, and we saw a similar ethos at Burnley.

In the Championship, Burnley’s style was about controlling games without over-committing: they averaged a healthy 56.5% possession but were selective in their attacking moves. They actually ranked only mid-table for shots and xG per game, indicating a lack of offensive fireworks. Instead, Parker drilled Burnley into an ultra-compact defensive unit. Their pressing intensity was moderate – Burnley’s PPDA was ~11.5, an intermediate press. They didn’t press as high or as often as Leeds; rather, they kept a well-organized mid-block and forced opponents into wide or low-quality chances. This is evidenced by their xGA of 39.1 (2nd-best in Championship) and the ridiculously low 16 actual goals conceded, meaning they overachieved defensively by a wide margin. That overachievement was in part due to excellent goalkeeping (more on that soon).

Tactically, expect Parker to maintain a focus on defensive solidity and patience in attack in the Premier League. He has learned from past top-flight campaigns that going gung-ho can backfire. Burnley likely will continue with a balanced approach – pressing in spurts (their Gegenpress Efficiency was good, ranked 2nd) but largely relying on a tight back line, and looking to capitalize on set-pieces or moments of quality up front.

For FPL, a Parker team might not score loads of goals, but their defenders and keeper could be valuable if they can carry over any of that resilience.

Who are the best Burnley picks for FPL 2025/26 - attackers or defenders?

Burnley’s identity in 2024/25 was defense-first and ruthlessly efficient in attack. Their defensive record speaks for itself: only 16 goals against and 29 clean sheets by goalkeeper James Trafford (a Championship record). The center-back pairing (often CJ Egan-Riley and Maxime Estève) provided youthful athleticism and consistency, and full-backs like Connor Roberts contributed on both ends (Roberts had 2 goals, 7 assists). Burnley allowed few clear chances; even when they did, Trafford’s shot-stopping was immense – his post-shot xG minus goals allowed was +11.8, one of the highest ever in the Championship (in other words, he saved about 12 more goals than an average keeper might expect). This suggests Burnley’s defensive stats were somewhat padded by an extraordinary GK performance. It will be interesting to see if Trafford (a young England prospect) can replicate that form against Premier League finishers.

Offensively, Burnley weren’t chance creators extraordinaire (their season xG was only 57.5, 10th in the league). But they finished chances at an elite level, scoring 69 goals. The standout was attacking midfielder Josh Brownhill, who reinvented himself as a goal-scoring #10. He scored 18 goals (from just ~9.9 xG), overperforming by +8 goals – the 4th-highest overperformance in all European leagues. Brownhill often arrived late in the box or struck from distance; he also took penalties for Burnley, contributing to his tally. Supporting him, on-loan forward Zian Flemming added 12 goals (now a permanent signing), and winger Jaidon Anthony chipped in 8 goals and 7 assists. Parker’s Burnley thus exhibited a clinical edge: they didn’t create tons of chances, but when they did, players like Brownhill and Flemming buried them.

Tactically, Burnley’s key trait was their defensive compactness – they often funneled opponents wide and were dominant in aerial duels and set-piece defense. In fact, they conceded the fewest open-play goals per 90 of any team. Their pressing (while not as relentless as Leeds) was coordinated; they ranked 3rd in Gegenpressing Intensity, showing that when they lost the ball, they could counter-press effectively for short bursts.

Overall, Burnley enter 2025/26 as a team likely to sit a bit deeper, rely on organization, and try to steal goals via efficient finishing. FPL managers might find value in their defense (if priced kindly) and in Brownhill as an under-£7m midfielder with set-piece duties – though one must be cautious about regression to the mean in his goal output if his xG remains low.

Sunderland

Can Sunderland survive in the Premier League and offer FPL value in 2025/26?

Sunderland clinched promotion by winning the Championship playoff final, marking their return to the Premier League after an 8-year absence. They finished 4th in the league on 76 points before coming through the playoffs. This achievement surprised many, as the Black Cats had only been back in the Championship for two seasons after a spell in League One. Under Régis Le Bris – a French coach brought in from FC Lorient in 2024 – Sunderland built a youthful, energetic side that surpassed expectations. Le Bris’s appointment was somewhat unconventional, but it paid off: Sunderland were excellent over the first half of the season (9 wins in first 12 games) and did just enough despite a late dip in form to secure 4th place. They then edged Coventry in the playoff semi and defeated Sheffield United 2-1 at Wembley to claim the final promotion spot. This is Sunderland’s fifth Premier League promotion and potentially a new era after a decade of turbulence.

What is Regis Le Bris' playing style and how will it translate to FPL?

Le Bris brings a continental tactical approach with an emphasis on technical play and youth development. At Lorient he was known for fluid formations and encouraging attacking football, but also showed pragmatism given Sunderland’s squad. In 2024/25, Sunderland did not dominate possession like Leeds or Burnley – they averaged just 49.1% possession (12th in the league). Le Bris often set them up in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-1-1, focusing on compact defending and quick counter-attacks. The team was content to let opponents have the ball at times, then break with pace and dribbling. Notably, Sunderland led the Championship in dribbles per 90 minutes, reflecting Le Bris’s encouragement of his attackers to take on opponents one-on-one. Their style saw them rank high in fast-break goals; they were among the upper ranks for xG generated from counter-attacks.

On the defensive side, Le Bris had them organized in a mid-block – Sunderland’s PPDA (~12.8) was mid-table, meaning they didn’t press extremely high. Instead, they kept their defensive shape and picked moments to press or trap (their pressing was not very efficient by advanced metrics, ranking low in disrupting opponent build-up). Importantly, Sunderland were robust at the back for a 4th-placed team: 44 goals conceded was 4th-best in the Championship, and their xGA (49) was also 4th-best. This suggests a balanced approach – they weren’t as tight as Burnley or Leeds, but still above average defensively.

Le Bris essentially struck a balance between cautious and bold tactics: solid defensive organization coupled with bursts of attacking flair through individual skill. In the Premier League, we can expect Sunderland to embrace an underdog counter-attacking role. Le Bris will likely set them up to be hard to break down, while using the speed and dribbling of his young forwards on the break. FPL-wise, this could mean their defenders might rack up decent appearance points (if they maintain solidity) and their attackers could be streaky (big returns in some open games, blanks in others).

Who are Sunderland's FPL sleeper picks for the 2025/26 season?

Sunderland’s team was one of the youngest in the Championship – their captain Luke O’Nien was only 25 and was the oldest starter in the playoff final. This youthfulness translated to energy and dribbling skill. The Black Cats were top of the league in dribbles, with attacking midfielders like Abdoullah Ba, Isaac Lihadji, or loanee Eliézer Mayenda constantly running at defenders.

Offensively, they scored 58 goals (only 9th-best attack) from roughly 58.1 xG – a solid but not spectacular output. The primary goal threat was Wilson Isidor, a French striker signed from Zenit St. Petersburg. Isidor provided 13 league goals and 2 assists, leading the team. He offered pace in behind and clinical finishing. Another name to note is Eliézer Mayenda (a young forward from Spain); he tallied 10 goals and 5 assists, often coming alive late in games. Sunderland did struggle at times to score – only Isidor hit double-digit goals in the league (Mayenda reached 10 including playoffs), and no one else managed more than 7 or 8. This reliance on one main scorer could be a concern in the Premier League if Isidor has off days or gets injured. Creative duties fell largely to Patrick Roberts, a winger who notched 7 assists. Roberts, a former Man City prospect, was integral in chance creation with his dribbling and crossing from the right flank. In central midfield, captain Luke O’Nien and Dan Neil provided industry and ball recovery, though they weren’t big FPL contributors.

Defensively, Dan Ballard (ex-Arsenal academy) was a rock at center-back when fit – commanding in the air and a leader at the back. Right-back Trai Hume had a standout season, known for his adventurous runs and solid defending; he was highlighted as a threat on the right flank. Sunderland’s defense was adept at handling crosses and set pieces (perhaps due to Ballard’s aerial ability), and they allowed relatively few clear-cut chances in open play. One concern is squad depth: Le Bris leaned on a core of players and a few key loanees (e.g. midfielder Enzo Le Fée on loan added creativity). They will need reinforcements for the Premier League, but as things stand, their trait is a hard-working unit with flashes of individual brilliance.

For FPL managers, Sunderland might offer some cheap differentials – perhaps a dribbling winger or a budget defender – but it’s wise to monitor how their youthful squad adapts to the top flight’s level.

Which promoted teams had the best attacking stats ahead of FPL 2025/26?

Why do Championship attacking stats matter for FPL? Because they indicate which teams and players have momentum and might carry confidence into the Premier League. Metrics like Expected Goals (xG) measure chance quality – a high xG means a team consistently created good opportunities, which bodes well for goal output. Shots per 90 tell us about volume: players who shoot a lot could rack up goals or at least bonus points (and are likely focal points of their teams). Key passes (chances created) highlight who the playmakers are – potential assist magnets and bonus point darlings. By reviewing these metrics for Leeds, Burnley, and Sunderland, we can gauge their offensive style and identify standout individuals who could translate into FPL points. Below is a breakdown of each promoted team’s attacking numbers from 2024/25 and what they mean going forward:

Why Leeds United's attack could deliver big FPL returns in 2025/26

Leeds were an absolute attacking powerhouse in the Championship. They scored 95 goals (most in the league, and in fact the highest of any club across England’s top four divisions last season). Their team xG was 89.1, meaning their chances were worth about 89 expected goals – remarkably, Leeds actually outperformed that, scoring roughly 6 more than xG, indicating clinical finishing. For context, Leeds’ xG tally was the 2nd-highest of any club in Europe last year (only Barcelona had higher). This underscores how many opportunities Leeds created. They averaged roughly 16.5 shots per game, by far the most in the Championship (they registered 759 shots total). The wealth of attacking talent meant chances came from everywhere. Striker Joël Piroe led with 19 goals, but Leeds weren’t a one-man team. Seven players scored 5 or more goals – showing a multitude of scorers. Key individuals included winger Daniel James (12 goals, often cutting in to shoot) and loanee winger Manor Solomon (10 goals). Even midfielder Brenden Aaronson and forward Wilfried Gnonto chipped in 9 each. In terms of key passes/assists, Leeds again had multiple sources. Manor Solomon topped the charts with 12 assists (4th in the league), while left-back Junior Firpo (10 assists) and Daniel James (9 assists) were also in the top ten assist providers. Four Leeds players were among the Championship’s top 25 for assists – indicating a very balanced creative output.

This bodes well for FPL because it means Leeds’ attack is not easily shut down by focusing on one player. They can score via crosses from wide, through balls from midfield, individual dribbles (Gnonto/James), or set-piece routines. One thing to note: Leeds under Farke also rarely parked the bus even when ahead – they kept pushing for goals (hence the high shot counts). For FPL managers, Leeds attackers are enticing: Piroe as a clinical finisher, James as a pacey winger who shoots often (and could be classified as a midfielder in FPL, boosting his appeal), and even someone like Crysencio Summerville (if he gets minutes) who had 5 goals, 5 assists could be a cheap punt. The only caution is how these numbers hold up against Premier League defenses. Still, the sheer volume of chances Leeds created (over 2 xG per game) suggests they won’t be shy in attack, making their offensive assets promising for a newly promoted side.

Should you trust Burnley's attackers for FPL or avoid the trap?

Burnley scored 69 goals in 2024/25, the third highest in the Championship. However, their underlying numbers tell a different story: their total xG was only 57.5, ranking around 10th in the league. In other words, Burnley outperformed their expected goals by over +11, indicating extreme finishing efficiency. They did not create as many chances as some promotion rivals (for comparison, Coventry City had ~70 xG without promotion). Burnley also averaged fewer shots (they were mid-table in shots per 90) – they weren’t peppering the goal like Leeds. Instead, they often won games with a handful of chances taken clinically.

The poster boy for this was Josh Brownhill. A central midfielder by trade, Brownhill was pushed into an advanced role and ended up with 18 goals and 6 assists. His goals came from just ~9.9 xG, meaning he scored about 8 more than expected – one of the most clinical seasons on record (for context, that +8.1 goals-xG was comparable to elite finishers like Patrik Schick and Viktor Gyökeres in recent years). Brownhill scored a variety: long-range strikes, late runs onto cutbacks, and converting 4 penalties. It’s worth questioning whether such overperformance is sustainable – FPL managers might be wary that regression could hit Brownhill, especially against better defenses.

Beyond him, Burnley’s next top scorer was Zian Flemming with 12 goals. Flemming (now permanently signed) often played as a second striker or attacking mid; he too overperformed a bit, but not as dramatically.

Winger Jaidon Anthony added 8 goals and 7 assists, showing he can both score and create. Anthony’s 7 assists actually led Burnley; he was involved in set-pieces and put in a lot of crosses, making him a notable chance creator. Interestingly, Burnley only had two players in the league’s top 25 assist chart (Anthony and perhaps Brownhill with 6), reflecting their lower chance volume.

Key pass leaders: Anthony and Brownhill were primary creators (each with ~6-7 assists). Full-back Connor Roberts also contributed 5+ assists (often from long throws or crosses).

In summary, Burnley’s attack was about quality over quantity. They might not batter teams with 20 shots, but they were very good at making their few shots count. Going into the Premier League, this is a double-edged sword: on one hand, having clinical finishers is great (if chances are at a premium in the PL, a player like Brownhill who can score from nowhere is valuable). On the other hand, if Burnley’s chance creation doesn’t increase, they could find goals hard to come by against stronger defenses (and you can’t always rely on 30-yard screamers or 40% conversion rates).

For FPL managers, this suggests caution – Burnley attackers might have sporadic returns. One or two could emerge (Brownhill potentially re-classified as a mid with goal threat is intriguing), but don’t expect an abundance of options. It’s also possible Parker adapts to try and create more chances; maybe Nathan Tella (if he returns from loan) or a new striker could boost their shot counts. But based on 2024/25, Burnley’s attack was the least prolific of the promoted trio in underlying terms. Keep an eye on whether their overperformance regresses – if, say, Brownhill’s finishing normalizes, Burnley could struggle for goals early on.

Is Sunderland's attack good enough for FPL consideration in 2025/26?

Sunderland scored 58 goals in the league, which was only 9th-best in the Championship. Their xG was ~58.1, virtually identical to goals scored (so they performed exactly as expected). This indicates that Sunderland didn’t have anomalous finishing – they scored about what the quality of their chances suggested. In terms of style, Sunderland’s attack was notable for dribbling and long-range shooting.

As mentioned, they led the league in dribbles per game, highlighting players like Patrick Roberts and Abdoullah Ba who frequently took on defenders. They also weren’t afraid to shoot from distance: Sunderland averaged 3.0 shots from outside the box per game, and scored 10 goals from outside the area – a high conversion for long shots. This could point to some spectacular goals (and maybe unsustainable ones).

Their main source of goals was Wilson Isidor with 13. He was essentially the lone striker who stretched defenses with pace. Next was Eliézer Mayenda with 10 (a young forward who often came off the bench or rotated in). No one else scored more than 7. This relative lack of multiple doubledigit scorers shows Sunderland spread goals thinly. Only Isidor hit double figures in league play (Mayenda’s 10 might include playoffs). That reliance on one primary striker is a contrast to Leeds’ multitude of scorers.

On the creativity front, the leading assister was Patrick Roberts with 7 assists. He was central to Sunderland’s chance creation, cutting in from the right wing onto his left foot to play through-balls or curl crosses. Jack Clarke (if he stays – he was a key player in 2023/24 and had some assists early on) and Isaac Maja (in midfield) also contributed a few assists each, but overall Sunderland had fewer players racking up high assist totals.

Statistically, Sunderland were mid-table in key passes and completed the fewest passes among the promoted teams (their total passes were ~16,606, rank 12th). This tells us their games often saw the opponent control possession, and Sunderland would rely on moments of transition. Notably, one area they did rank strongly was goals from high turnovers – they were effective when forcing mistakes and quickly converting them. They also showed a knack for set-pieces at times, but it wasn’t a huge factor (no Sunderland player scored more than 2 headers). Heading into the Premier League, Sunderland’s attacking outlook is that of a classic counter-attacking side. They may not score in bunches, but players like Roberts or Isidor could grab the odd goal on the break or via individual brilliance.

For FPL, it means we should temper expectations: a Sunderland forward might be a decent third striker in your squad for a cheap price, but expecting consistent returns is risky. Keep an eye in pre-season if Le Bris brings in more firepower or if someone like Enzo Le Fée (who had 5 assists on loan from Lorient) becomes a creative hub – that could elevate their output. As it stands, Sunderland’s attack is the least potent of the three promoted sides by numbers, but sometimes these playoff teams surprise (think Huddersfield 2017 or Luton’s Morris in early 2023/24). It’s wise to watch their opening fixtures to see if they can create enough chances at the higher level.

Figure: Goals scored vs Expected Goals (xG) in 2024/25 Championship – Leeds were prolific and slightly overperformed their xG, Burnley massively outperformed a modest xG, Sunderland scored roughly as expected. This highlights Leeds’ high chance creation and Burnley’s clinical finishing.

To summarize attacking metrics: Leeds’ offense was historically good, with loads of shots and a variety of scorers – a positive sign that some of their attackers can deliver in FPL (they won’t be shy in front of goal). Burnley’s attack was efficient but underlaid by mediocre chance numbers, suggesting caution – they may need to create more to find goals in the PL. Sunderland’s attack was the least prolific, relying on a couple of young forwards and counter-attacks; they’ll likely be the lowest-scoring of the trio in the Premier League, so attacking picks there should be limited to maybe one differential.

Which promoted team has the best defense for clean sheets in FPL 2025/26?

Defensive statistics can reveal how likely promoted teams are to keep clean sheets and which defenders or goalkeepers could be useful FPL assets. Key metrics include Expected Goals Against (xGA) – a measure of defensive solidity (lower xGA means you allowed few quality chances) – and PPDA (Passes Per Defensive Action) – a measure of pressing intensity (lower PPDA indicates high press, while higher PPDA suggests a passive defense). We also consider specific areas like set-piece vulnerability (did they concede from a lot of corners/free-kicks?) and aerial success, since Premier League sides will test newcomers in the air. Here’s how each promoted team fared defensively in 2024/25 and what it could mean for FPL:

Can Leeds keep clean sheets in the Premier League this season?

It might surprise some, given Leeds’ free-scoring image, but they also had an excellent defense in the Championship. Leeds conceded only 30 goals in 46 games. This was the second-best defensive record in the league (and actually the third-best ever in Championship history). Importantly, Leeds’ defensive performance was backed up by underlying numbers: their xGA was 29.6, virtually identical to actual goals conceded. This indicates that Leeds’ defense was no fluke – they genuinely allowed very few quality chances. How did they achieve this? Much credit goes to their relentless pressing and possession. With Daniel Farke’s side averaging 61% possession, opponents simply didn’t have the ball enough to threaten often. When opponents did have the ball, Leeds’ high press smothered them – Leeds often won possession back quickly. Their exact PPDA isn’t listed, but given they ranked 1st in “Gegenpressing Intensity”, we infer Leeds had one of the tightest presses (likely a PPDA in the ~8-9 range). In practical terms, they allowed the fewest shots in the league (just 308 total against them). They also led the league in interceptions and challenges in the opposition half, reflecting how they defended from the front. The flipside of such a style can be vulnerability to quick counter-attacks if the press is broken. Indeed, the only slight defensive weakness Leeds showed was on the counter: they were not top in xG conceded from counters (a stat where they were behind a couple of teams). A few times, an over-committed Leeds got hit on the break. In FPL terms, Leeds defenders might occasionally concede in games where they dominate but get caught out once – think of how Liverpool’s high line works. But overall, Leeds looks the most promising for clean sheets among the promoted teams. Illan Meslier in goal kept 21 clean sheets (joint-second in the league) and had an xG prevented roughly equal to 0 (meaning he performed as expected – solid but not needing heroics thanks to the defense limiting chances). The back four of Ayling/Rodon/Struijk/Firpo was consistent and effective. They were decent in the air and only conceded 3 goals from set-pieces all season. Set-piece vulnerability: Leeds did not show any glaring weakness here – having taller defenders like Struijk and Rodon helped. They also conceded very few headed goals. Aerial duels: won a majority, though in the Premier League they might face bigger strikers. One stat: Leeds were second in the league for percentage of crosses won defensively, indicating good aerial defending. All told, Leeds’ defensive metrics suggest a team that could translate to a mid-table PL defense if they stick to their style (comparable to how Sheffield Utd came up in 2019 and kept 13 clean sheets). FPL managers should keep an eye on Leeds defensive assets: a £4.5m Meslier could be gold for save points + occasional clean sheets, and a wing-back like Firpo (if he retains a starting spot) offers assist potential (10 assists last year) 1 on top of clean sheet potential. The main caveat: will Leeds adjust their high line in the Premier League? If they become more pragmatic, they might lose some of that defensive edge or take time to calibrate. But based on the Championship, Leeds had an all-round excellent defense with high pressing – a recipe that, if executed well, can stifle many opponents.

Is Burnley's defense too good to ignore in FPL 2025/26?

Burnley’s defensive numbers were eye-popping: 16 goals conceded in 46 games. That is a mere 0.35 goals per game – the best ever in an English league season (beating a West Brom 2002 record of 29 goals conceded) 2 . They kept 29 clean sheets, as mentioned, and at one point went over 10 games without conceding a goal. It’s worth noting that Burnley’s xGA was 39.1 – which, while second-best in the league, was much higher than 16. In fact, Burnley’s defense overperformed by about 23 goals (!). Two implications: (1) Burnley did concede some chances (xGA 39 suggests roughly an xGA of 0.85 per game, still very good but not as otherworldly as 16 goals implies), and (2) an incredible combination of defensive last-ditch efforts and goalkeeping kept the ball out far more than expected. As discussed, keeper James Trafford had a PSxG-GA of +11.8 (meaning he personally “saved” almost 12 goals by outperforming average shot stopping). Additionally, defenders were often throwing bodies in the way – Burnley led the league in blocked shots. For FPL, this raises the question: can Burnley remain so airtight against far better attackers? It’s unlikely they replicate a 16 GA season (that would be a PL record by miles!). In fact, some regression is almost guaranteed – if their xGA in the PL is, say, 50, they won’t concede only 20 goals; more likely they concede 50+ unless Trafford has a Lev Yashin season. That said, Burnley’s underlying defensive strengths still make them intriguing. Tactically, Burnley played a defensive 4-3-3 with a disciplined midfield shield (Josh Cullen and Jack Cork often sat deep). They were extremely compact: they allowed the fewest shots on target and were fantastic at forcing opponents into low-quality areas. Burnley conceded just 6 open-play goals all season, an astounding stat.

Most goals they conceded were from the odd set-piece or penalty. Indeed, if Burnley had any kryptonite, it might be set-pieces: of the 16 goals, a handful came from corners or free-kick scrambles. This could be something to watch – Premier League teams might target them with aerial barrages. Burnley’s defense isn’t especially tall (center-back Jordan Beyer is under 6ft, as is Egan Riley). In the Championship it wasn’t exploited much, but in the PL they could face difficulties against, say, Everton’s Tarkowski or West Ham’s Souček on set plays. PPDA and pressing: Burnley’s PPDA was ~11.5, indicating a mid-intensity press. They didn’t hound as high as Leeds; instead they often dropped into a strong shape, then pressed when opponents reached certain triggers (like into midfield). Their press efficiency wasn’t top-notch (they ranked among the worst for disrupting opponent buildup), which suggests they sometimes let teams have harmless possession at the back. This conservative pressing could continue in the PL, where Parker may be content to let big teams have the ball and just focus on a resilient low block. Burnley’s defensive solidity was also shown in metrics like high turnovers conceded – they were rarely caught out in possession, meaning fewer counter-attacks against them. For FPL managers, Burnley’s defensive players could be valuable budget picks if priced around £4.5. The concern is whether the overperformance normalizes – conceding 16 from 39 xGA is an outlier. If Burnley concede closer to their xGA rate in the PL, they might let in ~1.5 goals per game, which would limit clean sheets. However, the positive spin: even an xGA of 39 was second-best, so Burnley were structurally very good. If Parker can maintain a similar structure, Burnley could still be one of the better defensive teams among the bottom half. Clean sheets in the Premier League might be around 8-10 for them if things go well (for comparison, in 2022/23, the best promoted defense was Nottingham Forest with 8 clean sheets). Key players like Connor Roberts (a marauding right-back who also contributes to attack) might get FPL attention. But arguably the star is James Trafford in goal – he kept 29 clean sheets and could rack up save points even if clean sheets dip. His heroics won’t entirely carry over (facing the likes of Mo Salah will be different than League One loanees), but if he’s a £4.5 GK, he’s certainly on the radar. To sum up: Burnley’s defensive metrics were record-settingly good (0.35 GA per game!), but expect regression. They will still base their survival bid on defense, so their defenders and keeper are definitely worth monitoring for bargain picks.

Is Sunderland's defense reliable enough for FPL budgets in 2025/26?

Sunderland conceded 44 goals in the Championship, which was the 4th-fewest in the division. Their xGA was about 49, also 4th-best. This points to a solid but not elite defense at that level. They kept a decent number of clean sheets (I believe around 14). Sunderland’s defensive style under Le Bris was more passive than Leeds/Burnley. Their PPDA was ~12.8 (mid-table), meaning they allowed opponents to make passes and didn’t press aggressively until the ball neared their defensive block. They ranked mid-pack in most defensive metrics: tackles, interceptions, fouls. Essentially, Sunderland defended in a medium block, staying organized and relying on their shape. One notable strength was how they handled certain scenarios: Sunderland were among the “upper-mid” ranks at limiting xG from set pieces, counter-attacks, and high turnovers. That implies a balanced defense without glaring weak spots – they weren’t easily exposed on counters (important for a team that doesn’t dominate possession) and they were reasonably good on set-piece defense. Center-back Dan Ballard was key here; he’s strong in the air and marshaled the backline when fit. Alongside him, Luke O’Nien often filled in at CB or DM, bringing leadership. Set-piece vulnerability: Sunderland did concede some headed goals, but not an alarming number. Their keepers (Anthony Patterson primarily) were decent, though not particularly tested compared to others (Patterson had around 100 saves, mid-table for keepers). The area Sunderland might struggle with in the Premier League is simply the step-up in class; their defensive numbers were good in the Championship but not transcendent like Burnley’s. A 49 xGA in the Champ could easily translate to, say, 60-65 xGA in the PL (just as a hypothetical), which would likely put them near the relegation zone defensively. Another factor: Sunderland’s squad was very young, and young defenders can be error-prone under pressure. We may see some mistakes forced by Premier League pressing that Championship opponents didn’t manage. Also, Sunderland tended to cede possession (they averaged <50% possession), which means they often had to soak up pressure. In many Championship games, they were comfortable doing so, but in the Premier League, that can become wave after wave of attacks to fend off. On the positive side, Sunderland’s defensive approach might actually suit being underdogs – they won’t be bothered by letting the opponent have the ball, and they have practice staying compact. For FPL, I’d be a bit cautious with Sunderland defense. They might get some clean sheets at home against lower-half teams if they grind out 0-0 or 1-0 results, but it’s hard to see them keeping out the stronger attacks. Their goalkeeper (likely Patterson, if he remains first choice) could accumulate save points – in some games Sunderland could face 20+ shots, which gives save opportunity. A defender like Trai Hume might be interesting since he gets forward (could nick an assist or goal and is a fan favorite), but overall, Sunderland’s defensive assets project as budget enablers at best (e.g. a £4.0 or £4.5 bench option who you play occasionally). One bright spot: because Sunderland were 4th-best defense in the Champ, they’re arguably better at the back than many playoff-promoted sides of recent years. They conceded fewer goals than Luton (2023) or Fulham (2022) did in their promotion years. Historical pattern suggests playoff winners often struggle defensively in the PL (e.g., Brentford being a recent exception). If Sunderland can buck that trend and remain organized, there might be value in, say, a 4.5 Sunderland defender who scores the odd goal (O’Nien scored a couple last year from set pieces). But initially, it’s wise to wait and see – let them demonstrate some resilience in the opening fixtures before investing heavily. Their metrics show a competent Championship defense, which likely translates to a bottom-six Premier League defense.

Figure: Goals Conceded vs Expected Goals Against (xGA) in 2024/25 – Burnley’s actual goals conceded (16) was far below their xGA (39), indicating overperformance (thanks to an in-form keeper) . Leeds conceded about as expected (30 vs 29.6 xGA), while Sunderland’s goals against (44) slightly underperformed their xGA (49). This suggests Burnley might regress defensively, Leeds’ defense was genuinely tight, and Sunderland were solid but allowed more chances.

In summary on defense: Leeds have the makings of a mid-table defense (aggressive press, low xGA) which could yield clean sheets if they adjust well – their defenders might punch above the typical promoted team, though they’ll face more counter-attacking threats in the PL. Burnley had a legendary Championship defense but with signs of overachievement – they will likely come back to earth, yet still could be the best defensive unit of the three if their organization holds; consider their assets for value, but don’t expect 16 GA again. Sunderland were decent defensively but not remarkable – they’ll probably be under the cosh in many games, making their defensive assets more about saves and the odd clean sheet vs fellow strugglers. For FPL, that means prioritizing Leeds/Burnley defenders (especially at £4.5) over Sunderland, unless preseason suggests otherwise.

What do historical trends say about promoted players in FPL?

It’s one thing to analyze the promoted teams themselves, but it’s equally important to zoom out and look at how promoted teams generally perform in the Premier League. Past trends can temper our expectations and guide our strategy (e.g., don’t overload on promoted players unless evidence strongly suggests they’ll thrive). Let’s break down a few historical patterns from the last 5+ seasons regarding promoted clubs, focusing on goal scorers, clean sheets, and standout FPL picks:

Top Championship scorers vs Premier League output

Often a star in the second tier comes up with huge hype – but do they deliver? The record is mixed. In recent years, we’ve seen some success stories: Patrick Bamford scored 16 Championship goals in 2019/20 and then exploded for 17 goals, 7 assists in the 2020/21 Premier League, becoming an FPL sensation at £5.5 that year. Ivan Toney scored a whopping 33 in the 2020/21 Championship; in 2021/22 he managed a respectable 12 goals in the Premier League (and went on to 20 in his second PL season). Teemu Pukki scored 29 in the 2018/19 Championship and followed with 11 goals in PL 2019/20, famously starting with a hat-trick in August. These examples (Bamford, Toney, Pukki) show that a top Championship striker can provide good value, especially if priced kindly (all were under £6.5 in those seasons). On the flip side, many Championship hotshots struggle in the top flight: Aleksandar Mitrović had an absurd 43 goals in 2021/22 Champ but “only” 14 goals in 2022/23 PL (still good, but injuries and suspensions cut him short). Emiliano Buendía notched 15 goals, 16 assists as a midfielder for Norwich in 2020/21, but managed just 4 goals, 6 assists for Aston Villa in 21/22. And some, like Dwight Gayle or Cameron Jerome, have been prolific in the second tier only to flop in the Premier League. The pattern generally is: if the player is young or on an upward trajectory (Bamford, Toney), they often carry confidence and form into the PL. If the player is a known quantity who’s yo-yoed before, be wary. For 2025/26, the relevant question is: who are the Bamfords and Toneys among Leeds, Burnley, Sunderland? Joël Piroe could be one – at 24, with 4 consecutive 20-goal seasons across PSV/ Swansea/Leeds, he has the pedigree to succeed (and Leeds will likely give him service). If priced around £6.5-7m, he could be a budget forward gem. Josh Brownhill, however, might be more like a Buendía case – he had never scored more than 2 in a Premier League season before, so his 18-goal Champ spree might regress; caution if FPL prices him above £6m (also note he’s a midfielder in FPL likely, which helps for extra clean sheet point). Wilson Isidor is a wild card – young and untested in England, but sometimes those players adapt well. Given his relatively modest Champ output (13 goals) and Sunderland’s weaker attack, he might be more of a 5-8 goal striker in the PL. History suggests usually one promoted striker emerges as a viable FPL asset (in 22/23 it was Mitrović, in 21/22 Toney, in 20/21 Bamford and Watkins from Villa). Piroe stands out as the leading candidate for that role from this cohort, with maybe Brownhill or a Leeds winger like Daniel James as an outsider if Leeds score freely.

Clean sheet averages and defensive trends

Promoted teams are generally not defensive gold mines in FPL, but there are exceptions. On average, promoted teams that survive tend to keep around 7-10 clean sheets in their first PL season. For instance, Sheffield United (2019/20) kept 13, Leeds (2020/21) kept 12, while Brentford (2021/22) kept 9. Those that struggle, like Norwich or Watford in recent years, often keep only 5 or fewer. The pattern from the past couple of seasons has been rough: in 2022/23, no promoted team kept more than 8 clean sheets; in 2023/24, all three promoted teams were relegated and clean sheets were scarce (Burnley managed 4, Luton 5, Sheffield Utd 4). This underscores the growing gap in quality. However, looking at our three teams: Burnley’s defensive record suggests they could aim for 8-10 clean sheets if they adjust well (their style is similar to Sheffield Utd’s in 19/20). Leeds might be a bit more open, but even open teams like 20/21 Leeds can hit around 10 clean sheets if things click. Sunderland, being the playoff team, are likeliest to struggle for shutouts – perhaps in the 5-6 range if things go okay. As FPL managers, a sound strategy is usually to have a £4.5 defender or keeper from a promoted team in your squad (for rotation and bench depth), but not to double up or over-invest until they prove themselves. Historical data shows that automatically promoted teams often fare better defensively than playoff winners. It’s also interesting that automatically promoted clubs (1st and 2nd) have a slightly better survival rate historically than playoff winners – they tend to have more stable squads and higher quality, which translates to more clean sheets and points. Over the last 5 years, about 60% of automatically promoted clubs survived their first season, whereas playoff winners more often go straight back down. So in 2025/26, Leeds and Burnley might be the “safer” source of FPL defenders.

Survival rates and early-season reliability

As mentioned, the trend lately has been brutal – each of the last six teams promoted in 2023 and 2024 were relegated immediately. This is unprecedented and a warning sign: there is a risk all three could struggle (though Leeds and Burnley look stronger on paper than last year’s trio). The implication for FPL is you don’t want to overcommit to promoted players in your GW1 team. Usually, one or two will prove good value, but it’s wise to start with at most 1 player from these teams in your XI (maybe one attacker or a keeper). Keep others on your watchlist until we see how they handle the step up. Often promoted teams can have a “new season bounce” in the first few weeks (think Huddersfield starting 2017/18 with consecutive clean sheets, or Pukki hitting 6 goals in August 2019). Savvy FPL managers can ride that wave but should be ready to jump off if/when form regresses. A common strategy: use a promoted attacker as a short-term punt with a plan to transfer out around GW4-5 if fixtures turn or performance dips.

Previous promoted FPL gems

It’s worth recalling some specific success stories as inspiration (and template) for what to look for:

Forward talismans

We discussed Bamford (2020/21, 194 FPL points) and Toney (2021/22, 139 points) – both were focal strikers on pens. This year’s comparable could be Piroe or maybe Patrick Bamford himself if he regains form and starts (and is, say, £5.5-6.0). Teemu Pukki (2019/20) started with a bang due to being Norwich’s main man. Lesson: The nailed starting striker who is on penalties and plays 90 regularly is usually the best bet from promoted sides. Check who will take penalties: for Leeds it might be Piroe or Bamford; for Burnley, Brownhill took them last year; for Sunderland, maybe Patrick Roberts or a new signing. If Brownhill is on pens and listed as a mid, that’s an FPL gem in waiting if Burnley can win a few.

Creative midfielders

In 2020/21, Stuart Dallas (listed defender but played mid) and Raphinha were excellent from Leeds; in 2022/23 Andreas Pereira was a £4.5 mid revelation at Fulham. Among this year’s crop, we might have someone like Daniel James (if mid, ~£5.5) who could provide steady assists, or even a dark horse like Enzo Le Fée at Sunderland (a skilled playmaker, if he’s on set pieces and priced low).

Budget defenders

A promoted team defender can sometimes become a set-and-forget 4.0 or 4.5 if they surprise (e.g., Sheffield Utd’s John Lundstram was a 4.0 defender playing midfield in 19/20 and became “Lord Lundstram” with 144 points!). Not expecting a repeat, but keep an eye on players playing out of position – one example could be Pascal Struijk for Leeds, who sometimes shifted into defensive midfield and scored 4 goals; if he’s a defender in FPL at 4.5, he has goal threat. Also watch Burnley’s wing-backs – Vitinho or Charlie Taylor – if any are classified as defenders but play as wingbacks. History shows one bargain defender often emerges by mid-season (last year it was maybe Neco Williams early on, though he fizzled).

Goalkeepers

Promoted keepers usually rack up saves. In 2018/19, Neil Etheridge (Cardiff) was a top 5 GK with penalty saves and 10 clean sheets. In 2019/20, Dean Henderson (Sheff Utd) was excellent with 13 CS. In 2022/23, Bernd Leno (Fulham) offered value with many saves. For 2025/26, Meslier and Trafford stand out – both could get 100+ saves over the season and if they hit 8-10 clean sheets, they’ll be in contention for 130+ FPL points, which is great for a £4.5 GK. The cautionary tale is Illan Meslier 2022/23 – he made saves but Leeds kept few clean sheets, limiting his points. So aim for the keeper of the promoted team that looks most defensively solid. Based on stats, Burnley had the best defense, but Meslier has more Premier League experience (and more save point potential if Leeds face more shots than Burnley). It might even come down to fixtures rotation – sometimes pairing a promoted GK with another 4.5 can yield a good home/away or good/bad fixture rotation.

In essence, history teaches us to be optimistic but measured: usually one striker and one defender/ keeper from the promoted sides will become great value picks, while others will disappoint. The key is identifying the right ones (e.g., the talismanic forward who will play every minute and the team with the most robust defense to invest in the keeper or a full-back). Also, plan exit strategies – if a promoted asset starts hot (price rises, etc.), enjoy the points but don’t be afraid to sell when fixtures stiffen or if the underlying numbers drop. Past promoted teams often start fearless, then hit a rough patch in mid-season. Monitoring stats like xG, xGA in the first 5-6 PL games for these teams will tell us if they’re punching above their weight or not. Being early to jump on a Bamford or Mitrović can make your season; hanging on too long to a failing asset can hurt. Use the lessons of history – but also be ready to ride the new trends these particular teams might set.

Who are the best budget and mid-priced FPL picks from promoted teams?

Based on the Championship performances and historical precedent, we can sketch out which players from Leeds, Burnley, and Sunderland are likely to provide FPL value at various price points. It’s important to consider how FPL might price these players: many will be budget-friendly, but a few could be mid-range due to past Premier League experience or high ownership. Below are recommendations categorized as Premium (above £7.0m), Mid-priced (£5.0m – £7.0m), and Budget Enablers (under £5.0m) from the promoted teams:

Premium ( £7.0m)

Generally, promoted squads don’t have many (or any) players priced this high initially, unless it’s a known name. However, one or two could sneak into the £7.0–£7.5 bracket: - Joël Piroe (Leeds, Forward) – Projected £7.0m. Piroe is a proven scorer with 19 goals last season and back-to-back 20+ goal seasons in the Championship. He’s likely to lead the line for an attacking Leeds side. Importantly, Piroe could be on penalties (he took some at Swansea and with Bamford’s status uncertain, he’s a candidate). If FPL price him around £7.0m, he could replicate what Ivan Toney did two seasons ago. He’s got the all-round game – decent assist numbers too (7 assists last year) – to be a reliable FPL forward. While £7m isn’t “premium” by overall FPL standards, it might be the top price among these teams. If Bamford is fit and firing, he could challenge Piroe for minutes, but Piroe’s scoring rate should make him Leeds’ main man. Think of him as the Mitrović/Toney of this cohort – capable of 10-15 Premier League goals, which would be gold for his price. - Jack Harrison or Wilfried Gnonto (Leeds, Midfielder) – Around £7.0m if listed. Harrison (if he stays after his loan) has prior PL pedigree (18 goal contributions in 2021/22). Gnonto is a young talent who might be priced cheaper (~£6.0m) actually, but if any Leeds midfielder comes in at 7.0 it could be Harrison due to past performance. Monitor this: if Harrison is £6.5 or £7.0 and nailed in Farke’s XI, he could be a sneaky premium-ish asset with goals and assists in him. Gnonto likely stays mid-priced. It’s worth noting FPL sometimes hikes prices of popular promoted attackers – e.g., Ismaïla Sarr was £6.0-6.5 when Watford came up. So someone like Daniel James could even come in at £6.5 given his PL experience at Man U and Leeds previously (he had 12 goals, 9 assists last year). James might not hit £7.0, but around £6.5 he’s borderline mid/premium tier. - No clear premium from Burnley or Sunderland. Burnley’s highest scorer Brownhill is unlikely to be priced above £6.5 (he was £5.0 in past PL seasons as a defensive mid, so FPL towers might put him £6.0-6.5 now). Their forward line is by committee – someone like Zian Flemming might come £5.5-6.0. Sunderland likewise have no big-name – Isidor maybe £5.5 or £6.0 at most. Thus, most “premium” interest lies in Leeds assets who have some hype and PL background.

Mid-Priced (£5.0m – £7.0m)

This is where many of the appealing promoted assets will fall. These players can fill your squad’s mid-tier slots and often punch above their price if they adapt well. - Josh Brownhill (Burnley, Midfielder) – Projected ~£6.0m. Brownhill’s transformation into an attacking midfielder yielded 18 goals, 6 assists. He’s almost certain to be reclassified from a budget 5.0 DM to a ~£6.0 attacking mid in FPL. He should also retain penalties for Burnley (he scored 4/4 pens last season). As a mid-priced mid, Brownhill has a lot going for him: set-piece duties (some corners, direct free-kicks), 90-minute security (club vicecaptain, very fit), and goal threat from open play arriving late. There is a risk Burnley won’t score as freely, but even if he gets say 7-8 goals, a £6.0 midfielder with pens is great value. He’s comparable to how Jesse Lingard was a mid-priced surprise in 2020/21. - Daniel James (Leeds, Midfielder) – ~£6.0m. James quietly had an excellent Championship season (12g, 9a) and his pace on the wing will be a key outlet for Leeds in the PL. He has prior experience with Man Utd (which might inflate his price a tad). If around £6.0m, he’s a viable mid-priced pick for those wanting Leeds coverage but can’t afford Piroe. James will likely contribute both goals and assists; he also tends to play a lot of minutes due to his work rate (Farke trusted him often). The one caveat: rotation on the wings is possible (Leeds also have Summerville, Sinisterra, Gnonto). But James’ direct speed could be Farke’s weapon of choice in many matches. - Wilfried Gnonto (Leeds, Forward/Mid) – £5.5-6.5m. If classified as a forward, Gnonto might come in around £6.0; as a mid, perhaps £6.5. He’s a tricky one – huge talent, 9 goals last year, but not guaranteed to start every game. Still, Gnonto has the x-factor; he could emerge akin to how Eberechi Eze did for Palace. Probably more of a wait-and-see, but keep him on the radar if he locks down a starting spot. - Patrick Roberts (Sunderland, Midfielder) – ~£5.5m. Roberts led Sunderland in assists (7) and is a creative hub on the right wing. He also may be on some set pieces. At £5.5 he’d be a budget-mid, but I list him here as he could even be £6.0 given his past City connections. In FPL, Roberts would be a differential pick – likely low ownership – but he has the potential to deliver steady trickle of assists and the odd goal. The question is whether Sunderland can score enough; Roberts might get a lot of 2-pointers in 0-1 losses. He’s more one to monitor for form. If Sunderland start scoring, he’ll probably be involved. - Anass Zaroury or Luca Koleosho (Burnley, Midfielder) – ~£5.5-6.0m. Burnley’s wingers like Zaroury (7 goals in 22/23, didn’t play full 24/25) or the young Koleosho could be interesting mid-priced punts. Parker rotates wide men, but whoever nails down a spot could be an FPL budget gem. This is speculative – check Burnley’s lineup trends. Jaidon Anthony if he’s a mid at £5.5 could be a shout given 8g,7a last year. - Defenders in the £5.0-5.5 bracket: It’s possible FPL prices a couple of promoted defenders at £5.0 if they think they’re attacking threats. For instance, Junior Firpo (Leeds) got 10 assists 1 – if FPL takes note, they might put him £5.0. Firpo is known for cards/ injuries, so proceed with caution, but 10 assists as a defender is Robertson-like creativity. Another could be Connor Roberts (Burnley) – he had 2 goals, 7 assists across comps and is a nailed right-back who overlaps well. If Burnley are expected to keep some clean sheets, Roberts at £5.0 could be similar to a Matt Lowton pick from past Burnley PL days, with added assist potential. Generally, though, I’d expect most promoted defs to be £4.5; only consider a £5.0 one if they have strong attacking output. Keepers could be mid-priced: If, say, Meslier is £5.0 (due to his rep), he’d be mid-priced – but that would deter many managers. Likely they’ll be £4.5. So mid-price in defense maybe not heavily populated by these teams. Perhaps Charlie Taylor if he’s still on some set pieces (just thinking of past seasons, he sometimes took corners) – but again likely 4.5. - Illan Meslier (Leeds, Goalkeeper) – £4.5-5.0m. If any promoted GK gets bumped to 5.0, it could be Meslier, simply because he’s a known name and Leeds have a big fan following. Assuming he’s £4.5 (which is more probable), he’s actually a budget category, but I’ll mention him here: Meslier made 21 clean sheets and 100+ saves last year – a dream combo if repeated. His previous PL stints saw lots of saves but few clean sheets; under Farke, that could change. Meslier could easily end up a top-5 GK if Leeds are midtable. So keep him in mid-price consideration if by chance FPL overpriced him to 5.0 (then the calculus changes a bit, as there are 5.0 Ederson/Ramsdale types to consider). - James Trafford (Burnley, Goalkeeper) – £4.5m. He should be £4.5. As the league’s clean sheet leader, he’ll draw attention. I put him in mid because he’s arguably as good an option as some 5.0s. Trafford will get a lot of save opportunities and if Burnley can manage ~8 clean sheets, he’ll tick along nicely. He’s also known for penalty-saving ability (he saved a pen in the Euro U21 final). At 4.5, either he or Meslier might be the set-and-forget GK many managers choose.

Budget Enablers (< £5.0m)

These are the cheap fillers who can provide value beyond their price. Promoted teams often supply a few 4.5 starters and possibly a 4.0 gem. - Ethan Ampadu (Leeds, Midfielder) – £4.5m. Ampadu played almost every minute as a defensive midfielder for Leeds. He won’t get many attacking returns (1 goal last year), but he’s exactly the kind of 2-pointer reliable that FPL managers like as bench fodder. Ampadu might chip in the occasional assist from a deep pass, but primarily he’s a guaranteed starter (if Leeds don’t sign new mids) who could be your first bench and cover injuries/cards in your squad. Think of him like Harrison Reed or Pierre Lees-Melou in past seasons – low ceiling but safe. - Luke O’Nien (Sunderland, Defender) – £4.5m. O’Nien is Sunderland’s captain and an interesting FPL prospect. Though listed as a defender, he sometimes steps into midfield. Last season he had a couple of goals and can take the odd direct free-kick. If any Sunderland player is going to be a John Lundstram-lite, it might be O’Nien (assuming FPL classify him as a defender, which they likely will since he played CB a lot). At 4.5, he’s a benchable option who has a chance of returns here and there. Plus he’s nailed – he’ll play wherever needed (versatility is a plus for minutes). - Dara O’Shea or Jordan Beyer (Burnley, Defender) – £4.5m. Burnley’s center-backs don’t have huge attacking threat, but one of them could be a solid 4.5 pick for clean sheet potential. O’Shea (if he starts) might have slight goal threat from set pieces (he scored a few for West Brom in the past). Beyer was a mainstay last season. Whomever Parker chooses as first-choice CBs could churn out 90-minute appearances and occasional 6-pointers. Not exciting, but serviceable. If CJ Egan-Riley somehow nails a spot (he did but now left on loan, per the lowdown text that he departed), he’d be one too. But likely it’s O’Shea (new signing) and Beyer/Esteve rotating. - Pascal Struijk (Leeds, Defender) – £4.5m. Struijk has Premier League experience and pops up with a few goals (he scored 4 in 2021/22). He’s a threat on set pieces. If he starts (competing with Liam Cooper and others), he’s arguably the best 4.5 defender from Leeds to pick: he’s young, improving, and has that attacking upside. Keep an eye on Farke’s backline – Struijk was vice-captain and played a lot last year, so chances are he’s in the XI. If so, he’s a great cheap way into Leeds’ defense. Another Leeds defender, Joe Rodon, would also be 4.5 and had a goal or two – but Struijk tends to be more dangerous on corners. - Trai Hume (Sunderland, Defender) – £4.5m. Hume is a right-back who got forward well (contributed a couple of assists and was a menace on overlaps). If Sunderland manage some clean sheets, Hume could get bonus (full-backs often rack up tackles/ interceptions). For 4.5, he’s a low-risk pick if you need a defender to complete your squad. Admittedly, Sunderland CS might be rare, but when they do, Hume could be in the BPS mix. Keep in mind Sunderland’s fixtures – if they have a nice home game vs a lower side, Hume could be a viable start that week. - Pierre Ekwah or Dan Neil (Sunderland, Midfield) – £4.5m. Both were regular CMs for Sunderland. Ekwah has a long shot on him (scored a brace in one game), Neil is more the passer. They will be 2-point mavens, but if you need a 4.5 mid who plays, they fit the bill. Alternatively, Josh Cullen (Burnley, £5.0m) – he’s more 5.0, but he’s a deep-lying playmaker who will get 90 minutes and occasionally an assist. 5.0 might be slightly high for his output though. - 4.0m prospects: These are the lottery tickets. It’s possible we get a £4.0 defender who starts – maybe a full-back due to injury or a promoted youth. For instance, Charlie Taylor (Burnley) might be 4.0 if FPL think he’s out of favor, but he could find his way into the team. Or Leo Hjelde (Leeds) if injuries strike. We won’t know until closer to the season – keep an eye on pre-season lineups for any £4.0 defender consistently starting (last year Luton’s Kabore ended up starting some games as a 4.0). It’s also possible one of these teams’ keepers is 4.0 as a backup and then an injury thrusts them in – but that’s unpredictable. In general, among outfielders, no obvious 4.0 stands out right now, since most starters are well-known. But sometimes FPL misprices a newly transferred player – for instance, if Sunderland buy a defender after prices are set, he might come in at 4.0 and then start. Just something to watch.

In selecting from these price tiers, balance is key. You likely don’t want more than one mid-priced and one budget from promoted teams in your initial squad (e.g., you might take Piroe (mid-price) and Ampadu (budget) as a combo). Premium-priced assets from these sides, if any, should prove themselves first unless you’re very confident (like Mitrović was an obvious talisman in 22/23). Use the mid-priced guys as enablers with upside – Brownhill, James, etc. – and the budget guys to fill the cracks – Ampadu, Struijk, etc., who can surprise with the odd haul. By structuring your team with a couple of these value picks, you free funds for heavy hitters while still having coverage from the promoted teams’ potential. And remember, the waiver wire (transfers) is your friend: if one of these assets flops or a better one emerges (say a Sunderland striker hits form out of nowhere), be ready to swap. Flexibility will let you ride the hot hand among the promoted crop as the season unfolds.

Which promoted players are nailed starters for FPL 2025/26?

When evaluating promoted players (or any FPL assets), it’s crucial to consider minutes security – or how “nailed” a player is. A £4.5 gem is worthless if he’s benched half the time, and a star striker can only score if he’s on the pitch. Below, we outline which promoted players are ironclad starters and which carry rotation or substitution risk. We’ll also touch on early ownership trends (which players FPL managers are flocking to in pre-season drafts), as these can inform our decisions – high ownership “shield” picks vs low-owned differentials.

Minutes Security Matrix: (🏆 = very nailed 90-min player,  = rotation risk or likely sub-off, ⏱ = usually starts but might get subbed early or rotated occasionally)

Leeds United:

• 🏆 Illan Meslier – As the goalkeeper, he’s 100% nailed (played all 46 games). Only scenario he misses is injury.

• 🏆 Luke Ayling – Club vice-captain, started 44 games at right-back. Farke relied on his experience. Barring a new signing, Ayling should play 80-90 mins most weeks (occasionally subbed late due to age).

• 🏆 Pascal Struijk – Played 45 games, either at CB or LB. He’s young and one of Farke’s key defenders. Expect him to start the majority of matches.

• 🏆 Ethan Ampadu – Featured in all 46 games, rarely subbed. In midfield he’s the anchor; minutes are very secure.

• 🏆 Joël Piroe – As lead striker, he started nearly every game after joining, and is usually a 90-minute player (he’s not often subbed because Leeds don’t have a like-for-like better finisher). If fit, he’ll play close to full matches.

• ⏱ Daniel James – He started most games (around 40) but due to his play style, he might get subbed off ~70’ often (which happened quite a bit). He’s generally first-choice on the wing, but with Leeds’ depth out wide (Gnonto, Summerville) he could occasionally be rotated. Still, likely to start 80% of games.

• ⏱ Manor Solomon – Provided he stays (was on loan), if he were there, he rotated a little with others. But we know he got 10 goals, 12 assists with plenty of minutes. However, being a loanee last year, this might not apply if he’s not at Leeds this season (he returned to Spurs). So instead, look at someone like Crysencio Summerville: Summerville started about half the games, often alternating with James/Gnonto. He is a rotation risk ( ) – might start one week, bench the next.

• Wilfried Gnonto – Similar to Summerville, Gnonto’s minutes were in flux, especially with some off-field rumors and competition. He started around 20 games. In PL, Farke might pick and choose his games. He’ll get minutes but not guaranteed start each week.

• Patrick Bamford – If he stays, his minutes are uncertain due to injury record and Piroe’s presence. He might share time, or even play together occasionally, but likely he’s second fiddle to Piroe now. Bamford could see sub appearances or spot starts if Piroe needs rest.

• Luis Sinisterra – Hard to fit everyone; Sinisterra has talent but injuries and form meant he only had ~18 starts. He’s a rotation risk unless he forces his way in.

• ⏱ Junior Firpo – When fit, he’s first-choice left-back and had 10 assists 1 , but he does have injury issues and sometimes gets subbed (or suspended – he had discipline issues). If he’s healthy and not suspended, he usually starts (he did 30+ starts). But keep in mind his injuries (minutes risk from fitness).

• ⏱ Liam Cooper – Club captain, but Farke often preferred Struijk/Rodon. Cooper will play some games, but he’s aging and had injuries. So he’s not fully nailed (maybe 50-60% starts).

Ownership insight: Expect Leeds assets to be popular. Early drafts often include Piroe due to his scoring and moderate price – he could be, say, ~15-20% owned by GW1 if priced kindly. Meslier also could attract 10%+ ownership as a rotating GK. Brownhill might be similarly popular (we’ll discuss him in Burnley, but Leeds don’t have an equivalent mid-priced mid besides Harrison/James). Gnonto could be a high-owned 5.5 attacker if preseason hype picks up – casuals know his name. Also, the Leeds name value may drive ownership a bit (some might triple up out of optimism; e.g., a Leeds fan might own Piroe, James, Meslier). But generally, watch for Piroe’s ownership – he could be one of the top 3 most-owned forwards if people fancy Leeds to score.

Burnley:

• 🏆 James Trafford – As the keeper, he’s as nailed as it gets (played all matches). Expect 38 starts barring injury.

• 🏆 Connor Roberts – First-choice right-back, started 40+ games. Rarely subbed because of his stamina. He’s integral on that flank. Lock for 80-90 minutes most games.

• 🏆 Jordan Beyer – He started virtually every game at CB when fit. Likely to continue as a mainstay. Probably paired with new signing O’Shea or another, but Beyer’s minutes feel secure.

• 🏆 Josh Brownhill – The talisman in midfield, he was usually only subbed if the game was won. 18 goals suggests he’s pivotal. Parker will want him on the pitch as much as possible – plus he’s vicecaptain. Expect nearly every start and lots of 90s (he’s also on pens, can’t sub your pen taker too early!).

• 🏆 Josh Cullen – The midfield metronome, played almost every minute as the holding mid. He’s Parker’s trusted engine (Parker even signed him previously). Zero rotation risk unless injured.

• 🏆 Dara O’Shea – Brought in to replace departed Egan-Riley, O’Shea presumably will start at CB. He was West Brom’s captain, so likely to play every minute now at Burnley. (We assume because Burnley’s lowdown mentions him being a head coach Parker signing). If some reason he’s benched initially, adjust, but high chance he’s nailed.

• ⏱ Zian Flemming – He was on loan but now permanent. He often played as second striker or CAM. He started a lot but occasionally rotated with other forwards. He should see plenty of starts, though with Brownhill and possibly new forwards, his minutes might be around 70 per game and maybe rested now and then in busy spells. Parker might shuffle front 3 sometimes. So moderate security.

• ⏱ Jaidon Anthony – Now permanent, he split starts with other wide players. Some games he’d play 90, other games off the bench. Parker may rotate wingers depending on opposition. So while he contributed 15 G/A, his minutes are not guaranteed every week. Probably a ~60 minute starter in maybe 2/3 of games.

• Manuel Benson / Anass Zaroury – These two shared lots of minutes in 22/23 (Benson was key in champ previously, Zaroury as well). Last year injuries hampered them. If fit, they add to rotation up front. Parker has 4-5 players for 3 attacking slots (Flemming, Foster, Amdouni (if he stays), Brownhill (if he’s not deeper), etc.). So expect rotation among the front line. That’s why Brownhill as a mid has more security since he can drop into mid 3 if needed; the others might be more hot-swapped.

• Lyle Foster – He started season as striker but then got injured/banned. If he is in favor, he could share striker duty. We need to see if Parker signs a new #9. At the moment, no Burnley striker is 100% nailed because they had a “goals by committee” approach. Foster, A. Amdouni (if around), and even Brownhill at false nine sometimes. So any pure forward in Burnley (aside from maybe Flemming as shadow striker) is rotation-prone.

• ⏱ Vitinho / Charlie Taylor – Left-back was rotated. Vitinho is more attacking, Taylor more defensive. Parker might change based on opponent. That suggests neither is fully nailed – maybe 60/40 split. Keep an eye in pre-season who’s favored. Could be a spot to avoid in FPL until clarity.

Ownership insight: Burnley assets might be slightly less hyped than Leeds, but Brownhill could be a popular pick (he’ll catch eyes with 18 goals in the Championship and a likely mid-range price). He could easily be 15-20% owned if the FPL community spreads the word about him being on pens and OOP. Trafford is another – many will gravitate to a £4.5 GK from a team that conceded only 16 goals. I foresee Trafford being one of the top owned 4.5 keepers (maybe 10-15% range). Roberts or a Burnley defender might have modest ownership (5-10%) for those targeting defensive rotation – historically Burnley defenders were staples. But since there are multiple promoted defenses, that ownership may spread (some choose Leeds def, some Burnley). A player like Flemming or Anthony likely will be low-owned (<5%) as punts. Among casuals, Burnley being known as “defensive” might actually make people shy from their attackers. Brownhill aside, I don’t expect huge ownership on Burnley forwards initially – which can make them great differentials if they perform. Summing up: Brownhill and Trafford are the ones to watch in the template teams.

Sunderland:

• 🏆 Anthony Patterson – The young keeper played almost all games. They might sign an experienced backup, but Patterson should be #1 and thus nailed for starts unless form drops drastically.

• 🏆 Luke O’Nien – Captain, and Le Bris values his leadership. He started whenever fit (often at CB). Even if he sometimes shifts position, he’ll be on the pitch. Very secure for minutes, though occasionally subbed late if they need a more attacking push (since he’s versatile, they rarely sub him).

• 🏆 Dan Neil – The midfield ever-present, he started 44+ games. Key connector in midfield, so he’s a nailed 90-min player most matches.

• 🏆 Trai Hume – Nailed at right-back; he started the majority of matches and only came off if chasing a game for an attacker. His minutes are very safe given his form and lack of competition (unless they recruit someone).

• 🏆 Dan Ballard – When fit, Ballard starts (he’s arguably their best pure defender). He did have some injuries last year, but whenever available he played 90. If his fitness holds, he’s nailed at CB.

• ⏱ Patrick Roberts – Roberts was usually in the XI (started ~38 games). But sometimes he’s subbed off around 70’ due to high work rate or tactical shifts. He’s fairly nailed to start because he’s their creative spark, but might not always go the full 90 (could be withdrawn for a defensive sub if they’re leading, etc.).

• ⏱ Jack Clarke – Clarke (if he stays, there were rumors) is a winger who started most games on the left. If he’s around, he’d be similarly secure to Roberts – likely to start, possibly subbed off in second halves. However, unclear if he’s part of squad in PL (some expect him to be sold). If not Clarke, Isaac Lihadji or Jewison Bennette rotated there; neither nailed.

• Eliézer Mayenda – Young forward who often came on as sub or started if formation allowed two strikers. He got 10 goals, so he’ll be in the mix. But with Le Bris’s usual one-striker system, Mayenda might frequently be the bench impact player behind Isidor. So while he’ll get minutes, I’d categorize as rotation risk (unless they play 4-4-2, which they rarely did).

• Wilson Isidor – One might think the main striker is nailed, but interestingly Isidor did get rotated a little (18 starts, some sub apps) since he joined in Jan. They managed his minutes possibly due to fitness. I suspect he’ll be first-choice #9, but he could be subbed off around 60-70’ often if chasing a game (for Mayenda) or if fatigued. So I put him as rotation risk mainly because Le Bris could also try different tactics (maybe he’ll sometimes start Mayenda with Isidor benched for rest, especially in busy periods). In general, Isidor should lead the line more often than not – so maybe ⏱ – but I wouldn’t call him 100% nailed like Piroe or others.

• Alex Pritchard / Adil Aouchiche – These attacking mids rotated in the #10 role or off the striker. Neither was a guaranteed starter by season’s end. So not reliable for minutes.

• Defensive midfield (Ekwah/O’Nien if he’s in mid) – If Ballard is fit, O’Nien sometimes played DM, pushing Ekwah out. If Ballard injured, O’Nien to CB and Ekwah in. So Ekwah’s starts were about half. He’s not nailed due to that.

Ownership insight: Sunderland players will likely be the least owned of the three teams. They have smaller fanbase representation in FPL and their stats aren’t as flashy. Early adopters might consider Patrick Roberts as a £5.5 mid punt – he could be 5% owned or less, a differential. Isidor as a 3rd striker might appeal to some at ~£5.5 – he could see 3-5% ownership. Their defenders (Hume, O’Nien) will likely be very low-owned (maybe 1-3%) since most will opt for Leeds/Burnley defense over Sunderland initially. Patterson could get a few picks as a second GK in rotation, but most will choose higher pedigree ones. So, Sunderland assets will be mostly differentials. This means if you believe in one (like Roberts or Isidor) and they perform, you could gain big on the field. Conversely, there’s no shield pick here – you won’t be hurt by not owning any Sunderland player, since none projects to be highly owned.

Minutes vs Rotation Summary

In general, we see that Leeds and Burnley have a core of 5-6 nailed players each, whereas Sunderland perhaps 4-5 nailed. Leeds’ rotation mainly in wing positions, Burnley in attacking spots, Sunderland in some forward/midfield areas. Knowing this, as an FPL manager you’d want to gravitate towards the nailed core for reliability. For example, Brownhill and Piroe not only have high output potential but also top minutes security – ideal FPL picks. Meanwhile, someone like Gnonto or Mayenda might have upside but could frustrate with benchings.

Early Ownership patterns: If we had actual game data, we’d share percentages, but logically:

• Most owned promoted player could be a keeper (Trafford or Meslier) because managers love a 4.5 GK from a decent defense. Expect one of them to be 20%+ owned.

• Brownhill might creep into 10-15% if the community hypes him up enough.

• Piroe could be 10%+ among forwards because after Haaland, many look for mid-priced strikers.

• Others likely under the radar, meaning if you identify a gem (say Roberts or James) early and they fire, you gain rank on the masses.

One should differentiate between template shield picks (the ones many will own, so you may want to cover to not miss out) and differentials. It appears Trafford/Meslier and Piroe could be template-ish. Brownhill might be as well if enough content creators push him. Conversely, Sunderland players and some Leeds/ Burnley wingers will be differentials. Use this info in your risk management: if you’re chasing mini-league leads, maybe go differential; if you’re consolidating, maybe go with the safe nailed picks.

Finally, as a guiding principle: favor nailedness in your initial squad. You can take a punt on a rotation risk later once you have more info, but at the start, minutes = points. A flashy player who might only get 20 minutes cameo is not ideal in GW1 squads. So lean towards the 🏆 and ⏱ players mentioned, and be cautious with the  unless you have a good bench to cover surprise non-starts.

To help visualize, here’s a simplified matrix of a few key players (Minutes played in Championship last season vs. likelihood of rotation in PL):

             Player (Team)                          Champ Minutes            Nailed?             Rotation Risk

(Champ Minutes are approximate total minutes out of 4140 possible; 4140 indicates ever-present. “Nailed?” is a qualitative assessment for PL start likelihood.)

As you can see, the players with the highest Champ minutes (e.g., Meslier, Brownhill, Roberts) are the ones likely to be most secure in PL lineups as well. Use this as a guide: high Champ appearance count often correlates with manager trust and fitness durability, which bodes well for their PL usage. Meanwhile, someone who only played half the minutes (due to rotation or injury) might face similar issues in the PL.

Early Ownership Tips

If you notice certain promoted assets’ ownership skyrocketing (we’ll know when the game launches and people share teams), consider how that affects you. A highly-owned cheap player (like a 4.5 defender from Burnley if any) you don’t have could hurt if they do well. If in doubt and the player is nailed, it’s often fine to join the herd (e.g., if 25% of managers own Trafford and you think Burnley will do okay defensively, you might just pick him to avoid missing out on what many peers get). Conversely, a highly-owned player who you suspect will bust (maybe a forward who you think won’t get minutes), you could fade them and gain if you’re right. Early ownership is sometimes driven by hype rather than reason, so do apply your own judgment.

In conclusion, understanding which promoted players are safe 90-minute options and which are rotation risks helps you build a more reliable FPL squad. Aim to start the season with those “safe starter” types from these teams (the likes of Meslier, Roberts, Brownhill, etc.) in your XI or squad, and be careful with the shiny but risky names – you can always transfer in a Gnonto or Mayenda later if they secure a spot. Use the early weeks to observe lineups and adjust – flexibility is key. With the minutes-risk matrix in mind, you’ll avoid frustrating no-shows and surprise benchings that can derail the best-laid plans.

How to build an FPL squad using the best promoted players in 2025/26

Promoted players can be the secret weapons in your FPL squad – those undervalued gems who outperform their price and give you an early season boost. By thoroughly researching Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland now, you’ve gained a strategic edge that many casual managers will overlook. Let’s recap the key takeaways and final tips for leveraging these insights into a successful FPL start:

1. Promoted teams offer budget-friendly upside: As we’ve seen, Leeds’ attack is full of potential bargains (a 19-goal striker in Piroe, creative wingers like James and possibly a £4.5 starter like Ampadu). Burnley’s defensive stalwarts (Trafford, Roberts) and a midfield talisman Brownhill could deliver consistent returns at low prices. These players enable you to save money while still scoring points, allowing more cash for premium big-hitters elsewhere. A well-chosen promoted asset or two can free up the budget to afford that extra premium (think Haaland + Salah combos) without sacrificing team balance.

2. Don’t overcommit – balance is ideal: Historically, it’s rare for all three promoted teams to excel. The safe play is to limit yourself to 1 or 2 promoted players in your GW1 XI. For example, you might start with Meslier in goal and Brownhill in midfield. That gives you exposure to their potential without overly depending on unproven PL performers. Remember, they have great stats in the Championship – some regression in the Premier League is likely. By all means, ride the upside (a la Bamford 2020 or Mitrović 2022), but also hedge your bets. If you’re very confident, you could start with three (maybe one from each team to spread risk), but going beyond that (like a full triple-up from one promoted side) is usually too risky for GW1. You can always bring in more if they show they can cut it – it’s easier to add a performing promoted player than to remove three underperformers you over-invested in.

3. Use early-season form as a barometer: Watch closely how these teams start the campaign. Often, a promoted team will either hit the ground running with momentum or struggle immediately. If, say, Leeds come flying out scoring 3 goals a game in August, you might even consider doubling up (maybe adding a second Leeds attacker for a short-term burst). Conversely, if Burnley can’t find the net by GW3, it might be time to cut bait on their attackers and perhaps focus only on their defensive assets. The key is to remain flexible. We’ve identified who should do well, but the Premier League can spring surprises. Keep tracking those xG/xGA numbers for these teams; if they indicate different patterns (e.g., Sunderland suddenly creating tons of chances with a new tactic), be ready to adjust your plan.

4. Know when to jump off: Promoted assets can be great value, but fixtures and form will dictate how long to hold. Typically, if a promoted player overperforms early, their price rises – that’s wonderful, but also be aware of tougher fixture swings. For instance, maybe you start with Brownhill for Burnley’s kind opening fixtures, but by Gameweek 6 their schedule turns nightmarish (facing City, Liverpool, etc.). A strategic FPL manager would plan to sell a promoted asset before a bad fixture run, cashing in their points and value gained. Similarly, if a promoted team has a historically poor second half of the season (fitness, depth issues), you might offload by the time chips like Wildcard 2 come into play. Essentially, treat many promoted assets as short-to-medium term picks rather than season keepers, unless they prove otherwise like some past examples (e.g., if Piroe is scoring 15 goals by February, he’s no longer “just a promoted player” – he’s a season-keeper caliber).

5. Ideal number to start GW1: A common question – how many promoted players should you start with? There’s no one-size answer, but generally 1 or 2 in the first XI, maybe 1 on the bench is a balanced approach. For instance, start Brownhill and Meslier, and have a 4.5 defender like Struijk as your first sub. This way, you benefit if they do well, but you’re not sunk if, say, Leeds concede 4 on opening day. Having a promoted player on the bench (who is nailed) is also a smart tactic – they are cheap enablers who can come in if one of your main XI misses out. Just ensure that bench player is indeed reliable for minutes (e.g., Ampadu or O’Nien).

6. Timing is everything: Often, the best time to double down on promoted assets is early if their confidence is high and fixtures are favorable. Conversely, be wary around the winter period – promoted teams sometimes fade as squad depth issues and fatigue catch up (e.g., fast start then tail off). Use your eye test and data: if a promoted team is consistently outmatched by GW5 (low xG, high xGA every game), it might be wise to avoid their players entirely until they show life, even if they’re cheap. Patience is good, but stubbornly holding a non-performing £5.5 striker because “he was great in the Championship” can hurt your season. Don’t be afraid to admit a mis-judgment and pivot – the beauty of FPL is the transfer market is always there to fine-tune your squad.

7. Keep tracking the stats we discussed: This blog gave you baseline numbers (goals, xG, etc.) from 2024/25. Once the season starts, continue tracking these teams’ stats with the same rigor. Maybe Leeds’ xG remains high in the Prem (that would confirm their attackers are still worth it) or maybe Burnley’s xGA skyrockets (a sign to drop their defenders). By continuously comparing their Championship benchmarks to Premier League reality, you can judge whether their style is translating. We will likely provide follow-up articles mid-season to see how the promoted sides are faring statistically – stay tuned. But you, as a manager, should also keep an eye on sources like Understat or FBRef for up-to-date metrics.

8. Final encouragement & call to action: You’ve armed yourself with a deep understanding of these new teams. That’s a big tactical advantage over “casual” managers who might pick players just by name or last year’s FPL points. Use that! If your analysis tells you Brownhill is a better pick than some popular £6.0 mid from an established team, have the courage of your convictions. Often, a wellresearched promoted gem can outscore a middling player from a mid-table PL club (and usually at a fraction of the cost). By integrating a couple of these gems, you can build a squad with strength in depth, which is crucial especially if rotation bites early or if big hitters misfire.

To wrap up, building a winning FPL squad with promoted players is about striking the right balance between risk and reward. Target the “must-haves” who combine stats, security, and value – those are your Brownhills and Piroes – and keep the others on a short leash via your watchlist.

Best of luck as you finalize your Gameweek 1 squad! By betting on the right under-£6.0 stars now, you could be celebrating a hefty rank boost when they deliver those unexpected hauls. Stay flexible, stay informed, and may your promoted picks be the next Bamford/Toney-esque success stories of the 2025/26 season. Here’s to unearthing the next budget hero – and to you gaining the advantage on mini-league rivals who underestimated the Championship’s class of 2025. Happy squad building and enjoy the season!

(Stay tuned for more FPL articles – we’ll be analyzing fixture swings, chip strategies, and more in the coming weeks. And if you found this deep dive useful, do share it with fellow managers. Together, let’s conquer the new season armed with knowledge and confidence.)