Chelsea FC Fan Media: FPL Tips for the 2025/26 Season

You’ve seen the headlines: Chelsea’s squad is one of the most valuable young squads in Premier League history, with a low average age. But raw value doesn’t automatically translate into FPL points. The 2025/26 season is shaping up to be a rollercoaster at Stamford Bridge, with a new interim manager, a squad packed with talent, and a fixture list that could make or break your fantasy season. Whether you’re a seasoned FPL manager or a Chelsea fan looking to balance loyalty with logic, this guide will help you navigate the Blues’ assets with confidence.

1. Start with the Fixture Schedule

Before you even look at player stats, pull up the Premier League 2025/26 fixture schedule for Chelsea once it's released. The first six gameweeks are crucial for identifying when to buy or avoid Chelsea players.

Key fixture blocks to note:

Gameweeks 1–4: Chelsea could face two top-six sides from last season. If you’re considering a Chelsea attacker, check if they start against weaker opposition early on.
Gameweeks 7–10: A potentially favorable run against mid-table teams—this could be your window to load up on Chelsea assets.
Gameweeks 15–18: Possible back-to-back matches against title contenders. Plan your transfers around this period.

Action step: Mark these blocks on your calendar once fixtures are confirmed. Use the fixture schedule to decide when to wildcard or use your free hit.

2. Analyze the Squad: Who’s Actually Playing?

Chelsea’s squad depth is both a blessing and a curse for FPL. With over 30 senior players, rotation is a real risk under interim manager Calum Macfarland, who took over in April 2026 after a turbulent season. Macfarland has favored a 4-2-3-1 formation, but he’s not afraid to shuffle the pack.

First-team regulars (as of pre-season 2025/26):

Position	Player	Likely Role	FPL Potential
GK	Robert Sánchez	First-choice goalkeeper	Low—Chelsea defense is inconsistent
DEF	Levi Colwill	Left center-back	Medium—set-piece threat, but clean sheets are rare
DEF	Reece James	Right-back (when fit)	High—attacking returns, but injury-prone
MID	Cole Palmer	Central attacking midfielder	Very high—penalty taker, creative hub
MID	Enzo Fernández	Deep-lying playmaker	Medium—occasional goals, but not explosive
MID	Moisés Caicedo	Defensive midfielder	Low—limited attacking output
FWD	Liam Delap	Striker	High—physical, clinical finisher
FWD	João Pedro	Second striker/wide forward	High—versatile, good for assists

Action step: Watch pre-season friendlies and press conferences. Macfarland’s team selection in the first two gameweeks will reveal his preferred XI. Don’t invest heavily until you see a consistent pattern.

3. Cole Palmer: The Must-Have or Trap?

Cole Palmer was Chelsea’s standout player in 2024/25, with strong goal and assist contributions in the Premier League. He’s the penalty taker, the set-piece specialist, and the player who unlocks defenses. In FPL, he’s priced like a premium mid, but his returns justify it.

Why he’s a must-have:

Penalty duty: Chelsea win a lot of penalties—Palmer is the designated taker.
Creativity: He’s involved in most attacking moves. Even when Chelsea struggle, Palmer gets chances.
Fixture-proof: He scores against both weak and strong sides.

The risk:

Rotation: If Macfarland rotates for European or cup matches, Palmer might be rested in less critical league games.
Injury history: Palmer has been durable so far, but heavy minutes could catch up.

Action step: Start the season with Palmer in your squad. If he’s not delivering by Gameweek 4, consider downgrading to free up funds. For a deeper dive, check our Cole Palmer profile stats.

4. The Forwards: Delap vs. João Pedro

Chelsea’s attack is a puzzle. Liam Delap, reportedly signed from Manchester City, is a physical striker who thrives on crosses and through balls. João Pedro, reportedly brought in from Brighton, is more of a false nine who drops deep to link play.

Who to pick for FPL:

Liam Delap: If Chelsea play with a target man, Delap could be your guy. He’s clinical in the box and could be good for goals if he stays fit.
João Pedro: He’s cheaper and offers more assists. If Chelsea’s midfield creates chances, Pedro will be on the end of them.

The catch: Macfarland might rotate them based on the opposition. Against physical defenses, Delap might start. Against high lines, Pedro could get the nod.

Action step: Consider Delap for the first six gameweeks, then reassess. If Pedro starts scoring, switch to him as a budget enabler.

5. Defenders and Goalkeepers: Proceed with Caution

Chelsea’s defense was leaky in 2024/25, keeping relatively few clean sheets in the league. Robert Sánchez is the starting goalkeeper, but he’s prone to mistakes. Reece James is the only defender worth considering for FPL—he gets assists and the occasional goal, but his injury record is a red flag.

Defender rankings for FPL:

Reece James – High ceiling, low floor due to injuries.
Levi Colwill – Set-piece threat, but Chelsea’s defense isn’t reliable.
Malo Gusto – Backup to James; only buy if James is injured.

Action step: Avoid Chelsea defenders unless you’re using them as a cheap enabler. If you must, pick James and have a strong bench option for when he’s out.

6. Midfield Enablers: Enzo and Caicedo

Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo are priced like budget mids, but their output is inconsistent. Enzo scored some goals in 2024/25, but most came from set pieces. Caicedo is a defensive shield—don’t expect goals or assists.

When to consider them:

Enzo: If Chelsea have a favorable fixture run and he’s on set pieces, he’s a decent fifth midfielder.
Caicedo: Only for draft leagues or if you need a cheap bench filler.

Action step: Leave both out of your starting XI. Use them only as rotation options or in deep fantasy formats.

7. The Wildcard: Estevão and Garnacho

Estevão Willian (nicknamed Messinho) and Alejandro Garnacho are exciting young talents, but they’re rotation risks. Estevão, reportedly signed from Palmeiras, is a dribbler who can play on either wing. Garnacho, reportedly acquired from Manchester United, is a direct runner with an eye for goal.

FPL potential:

Estevão: High risk, high reward. If he nails a starting spot, he could be the next Palmer.
Garnacho: Proven in the Premier League, but he’s competing with Pedro Neto and others for minutes.

Action step: Monitor their minutes in the first few gameweeks. If either starts three consecutive matches, bring them in as a differential.

8. Final Checklist: Your Chelsea FPL Strategy

Here’s a step-by-step plan to maximize Chelsea assets in your FPL team:

Start with Cole Palmer – He’s your only must-have Chelsea player.
Consider Liam Delap – If he’s starting, he could be a strong third forward.
Avoid Chelsea defenders – Unless you’re desperate for a cheap option.
Monitor the fixture schedule – Plan transfers around favorable blocks.
Watch pre-season and press conferences – Macfarland’s team selection is key.
Use the wildcard wisely – Don’t chase Chelsea players if the team is underperforming.
Bench Enzo and Caicedo – They’re not FPL assets unless you’re in a deep league.
Stay flexible – Chelsea’s squad is young and volatile. Be ready to pivot.

Summary: Chelsea’s 2025/26 squad is a fantasy manager’s dream and nightmare. The attacking talent is undeniable, but rotation and defensive instability make it a puzzle. Stick with Cole Palmer as your foundation, take calculated risks on Delap or João Pedro, and avoid the defense until you see clean sheets. For more context on the squad, check our squad profiles for 2025/26 or the FA Cup final preview against Man City. Good luck—you’ll need it.