Fantasy Premier League Tips: Which Chelsea Players to Pick in 2025/26

So you're staring at your FPL draft, and Chelsea's squad looks like a puzzle box wrapped in a riddle. On paper, they've got one of the most expensive young squads in the Premier League. In reality, they've had a season that's been... let's call it "eventful." Multiple managers, a European trophy, but also that frustrating inconsistency in the league.

The question isn't whether to pick Chelsea players. It's which ones, and when. Let me walk you through the checklist.

1. Start with Cole Palmer — But Manage Expectations

Cole Palmer is the obvious headline. Last season, he delivered goals and assists in the Premier League, and he's Chelsea's creative heartbeat. Under the current interim setup, Palmer has been given even more freedom to drift between the lines.

What to check before picking him:

• Is he on penalties? (Reports suggest he's a designated taker.)
• Is he playing as a No. 10 or on the wing? (He's more dangerous centrally.)
• Are there any injury concerns? (He's been durable, but monitor press conferences.)

The catch: Palmer's price will be premium—likely in the 8.5–9.5 million range. He's a season-keeper, but don't expect 20+ goals. Think of him as a consistent contributor with occasional explosive hauls.

Verdict: Must-have for your midfield, but only if you can afford him without wrecking your budget.

2. Enzo Fernandez: The Budget Midfield Option

Enzo Fernandez scored goals last season—a career-best. Under the current setup, he's been pushed further forward, playing as a box-to-box midfielder rather than a deep-lying playmaker. That change has unlocked his goal-scoring potential.

What to check before picking him:

• Is he starting regularly? (He's been a fixture under the current manager.)
• Is he on set pieces? (He shares corners and free kicks with Palmer.)
• What's his price? (Likely 6.0–7.0 million—good value for a midfielder who gets forward.)

The risk: Enzo's assists aren't elite—he had a modest tally last season. He's a goal-scoring midfielder, not a creator. If you need assists, look elsewhere.

Verdict: Solid fifth midfielder or rotation option. Pick him for the goals, not the creativity.

3. Moises Caicedo: Avoid for FPL

I know, I know—he's a high-profile midfielder. But for FPL purposes, Caicedo is a trap. He plays as the defensive pivot, breaking up play and recycling possession. His stats last season were modest. Not terrible, but not worth the 5.5–6.0 million price tag.

What to check before picking him:

• Is he on any set pieces? (No.)
• Does he get forward? (Rarely.)
• Is he a captaincy option? (Absolutely not.)

Verdict: Only pick him if you're desperate for a cheap enabler who plays every week. Even then, there are better options.

4. Liam Delap: The Differential Striker

Liam Delap joined Chelsea this season, and he's been a revelation. The young striker has brought physicality, pace, and a clinical edge to Chelsea's attack. Under the current manager, he's been the focal point, leading the line with energy and intelligence.

What to check before picking him:

• Is he starting? (He's been the first-choice striker since his arrival.)
• Is he on penalties? (No—Palmer takes them.)
• What's his price? (Likely 7.0–8.0 million—undervalued for a starting striker at a top club.)

The upside: Delap is a differential. Not many FPL managers will have him in their squads initially. If he hits form, you'll gain serious rank.

The downside: He's unproven at Premier League level over a full season. There's risk.

Verdict: High-risk, high-reward. If you're feeling adventurous, he's your guy.

5. Joao Pedro: The Versatile Forward

Joao Pedro arrived from Brighton with a reputation for versatility. He can play as a striker, a second striker, or even out wide. Under the current manager, he's been used as a roaming forward, drifting into pockets of space and linking play.

What to check before picking him:

• Is he starting? (He's been rotated with Delap and Garnacho.)
• Is he on penalties? (No.)
• What's his position? (He's listed as a forward, but plays more like a midfielder.)

The risk: Rotation. The manager likes to shuffle his attack, and Pedro could be benched for tough away games.

Verdict: Wait and see. If he becomes a guaranteed starter, he's worth 6.5–7.5 million. Until then, avoid.

6. Alejandro Garnacho: The Explosive Winger

Garnacho brings flair, pace, and directness to Chelsea's attack. He's been used primarily on the left wing, cutting inside onto his right foot. His stats last season were modest, but his underlying numbers suggest more is coming.

What to check before picking him:

• Is he starting? (He's been a regular under the current manager.)
• Is he on set pieces? (No.)
• Is he a captaincy option? (Only in very favorable fixtures.)

The upside: Garnacho is capable of explosive hauls—think big points in a single gameweek. He's a streaky player, though.

The downside: Streaky. He can go several games without a return.

Verdict: Good for a punt during favorable fixtures. Don't hold him through tough runs.

7. Pedro Neto: The Assist Machine

Pedro Neto has been Chelsea's most consistent creator this season. He's registered assists in the Premier League, and his crossing from the right wing has been a key weapon. Under the current manager, he's been given license to stay wide and deliver.

What to check before picking him:

• Is he starting? (Yes—he's been an automatic pick.)
• Is he on set pieces? (He takes some corners.)
• What's his price? (Likely 6.5–7.5 million—good value for a creator.)

The risk: Neto doesn't score many goals—just a few last season. He's a pure assist merchant.

Verdict: Strong pick if you need assists. Pair him with a goal-scoring forward for maximum returns.

8. Chelsea Defenders: Proceed with Caution

Chelsea's defense has been inconsistent. Goalkeepers have shared duties, and the backline has rotated heavily. Several defenders have started games, but clean sheets have been rare.

What to check before picking a Chelsea defender:

• Is Reece James fit? (He's been injury-prone. Only pick him when he's playing regularly.)
• Is Colwill a guaranteed starter? (Yes, but he's not a goal threat.)
• Are Chelsea likely to keep clean sheets? (Check their upcoming fixtures—they're better at home.)

Best option: Cucurella at around 5.0 million—he gets forward and creates chances. But even he's not a reliable clean sheet source.

Verdict: Avoid Chelsea defenders unless you're chasing a differential. There are better options at other clubs.

Quick Reference Table

Final Checklist

Before you hit "confirm" on your FPL squad, run through this:

1. Have you picked Cole Palmer? If not, why? He's the safest Chelsea asset.
2. Are you avoiding Caicedo? Good. Don't be tempted by his price tag.
3. Are you considering Enzo? He's a solid fifth midfielder.
4. Are you looking at Delap or Garnacho? Only if you're chasing differentials.
5. Are you picking Chelsea defenders? Only during favorable home fixtures.
6. Have you checked the fixture list? Chelsea's schedule matters—they're better against weaker sides.
7. Are you monitoring press conferences? The manager rotates, especially in attack.

Chelsea's squad is young, talented, and unpredictable. That makes them both exciting and frustrating for FPL. Pick your spots, don't overcommit, and remember: sometimes the best Chelsea pick is the one you leave on your bench.

For more analysis on specific players, check out our profiles on Trevoh Chalobah and Enzo Fernandez. And for broader Chelsea coverage, visit The Shed End Review.

Good luck with your FPL season. You'll need it.