The new EFL season is almost here, and that means it’s time to get serious about your Fantasy EFL squad. Here is our guide to master the game.
Since the game’s creation last year, the official Fantasy EFL game has really caught on with fans across all 72 clubs. It’s competitive, it’s accessible, and it’s got just enough twists to keep even the most seasoned fantasy managers on their toes.
The 2025/26 edition is live and ready for you to pick your first squad. Whether you’re new to it or a returning player, this is the perfect moment to plan for the first few gameweeks.
This guide will walk you through how the game works, early strategy tips, how to approach formations, manage the club-use limit, and a set of general hints that will help you build an edge over your rivals. If you want to give yourself the best chance of topping your mini-league, read on.
How Fantasy EFL Works
Fantasy EFL has a distinctive format compared to the big-budget Premier League versions. Here, you’re picking a small-sided team each week: seven players and two clubs.
Your team must follow one of three formations:
- 1–2–2–2
- 1–2–3–1
- 1–3–2–1
There’s no price cap or budget to manage. Instead, the main constraint is the five-use club cap. You can only pick any individual club five times across the whole season. So you can’t just pick a dominant team every week and cruise to victory.
Each week you’ll pick your seven players (maximum of two per club), choose a captain (double points), and a vice-captain (back-up if your captain doesn’t play). You also have unlimited transfers before the weekly deadline, which is a big advantage over traditional fantasy formats.
Finally, there are two chips to use during the season:
- One Club: Lets you pick three players from a single club for one week.
- Max Captain: Automatically doubles the points of whoever scores the most in your team that week.
These chips are best saved for key moments like double-gameweeks or when you’re convinced a team has an exceptional fixture.
Planning Your Season: The Five-Use Club Limit
The biggest strategic wrinkle in Fantasy EFL is managing that five-use cap for each club. It completely changes how you think about team selection.
If you burn all five uses of a top team in the first ten gameweeks, you’re locked out for the rest of the season, just when double-gameweeks and easy runs often arrive. But if you hold them back forever, you risk leaving points on the table early.
Most strong managers try to strike a balance: don’t waste uses in tough fixtures, but don’t be too stingy when you see a week with huge potential. Mapping out a rough plan for your club uses over the season can really help.
Unlimited Transfers: Play Aggressively
One of the game’s best features is unlimited transfers before the weekly deadline. This is your chance to be flexible and aggressive.
The EFL is notorious for rotation, congested fixtures, and late injury news. Don’t be loyal to underperformers. If someone’s form dips, they get dropped from your seven. Likewise, if you see an opportunity to stack players for one good fixture, you can do it without worrying about transfer costs.
Basically, Fantasy EFL rewards managers who keep an eye on the news, watch the form tables, and make changes without hesitation.
Best Formations to Use Early
With just seven players each week, your formation choice is actually quite meaningful.
- 1–2–3–1: Excellent if midfielders are performing well. Midfielders often score for goals, assists, and bonus points.
- 1–2–2–2: Best if you want to capitalise on strong forwards. Two strikers can rack up big scores in the right fixtures.
- 1–3–2–1: A solid defensive approach if you see clean sheet potential or attacking defenders in form.
Early in the season, games can be more open as teams find their rhythm. Many managers start with attacking formations to chase goals, then adjust as defences settle in.
General Strategy Tips for Fantasy EFL
Since there’s no budget limit, this game isn’t about balancing star players with bargain picks. It’s about using your club caps wisely, reading the fixtures, and making the most of your weekly flexibility. Here are some key principles:
- Study the Fixtures
Fixtures are everything. There’s no salary cap stopping you from stacking players from weaker divisions if they have plum fixtures. Always think one or two weeks ahead. - Manage Club Uses Carefully
Those five uses go fast. Don’t waste them in average weeks. Plan out roughly when you want to use top teams, and save uses for likely double-gameweeks or periods when the schedule is soft. - Don’t Fear the Lower Leagues
All 72 clubs count the same. League One and League Two often feature consistent scorers who are nailed-on every week. Using these clubs early or when you want to save Championship uses can be a smart move. - Maximise Captaincy
Your captain doubles their points, so pick someone who’s nailed-on to start and involved in set pieces or goals. Your vice-captain is your safety net. - Chip Strategy Matters
One Club and Max Captain can swing entire mini-leagues. Don’t waste them in average weeks. They shine during double-gameweeks or when a team has a truly favourable single fixture. Always plan for them in advance. - Be Flexible
Because you have unlimited transfers, you can respond quickly to form, injuries, and rotation. Check line-up news, follow team updates, and be willing to change your entire seven from week to week. - Avoid Overthinking It
It’s easy to get caught up in complicated plans for the whole season. Remember: you can adapt every week. Don’t pass up obvious strong options out of fear of running out of club uses too quickly. Just have a plan to spread them out sensibly.
Join The EFL Hub Mini-League
If you’re looking for a bit of extra competition (and some bragging rights), we’d love you to join The EFL Hub’s own official Fantasy EFL mini-league this season.
It’s free, open to all readers, and a great way to see how you stack up against fellow EFL obsessives.
To join, just use the link below or enter our league code:
- League Link: https://fantasy.efl.com/leagues/join/7ZRY8SEF
- League Code: 7ZRY8SEF
Come and test your Fantasy EFL skills with us!
Final Thoughts
Fantasy EFL 2025/26 promises another brilliant season of big scores, tricky club-management decisions, and dramatic weekly swings. The format is easy to learn but rewards those who think a step ahead.
If you want to get an early edge, focus on fixtures, balance your club usage, make the most of your chips, and don’t be afraid to rotate your entire squad each week. Avoid burning through top teams too soon, keep an eye on the schedule, and remember that every club in the EFL can be a source of points.
Sign up, build your first seven, join The EFL Hub league, and get ready for what should be one of the most fun and competitive fantasy seasons yet.
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