Finding an advantage in Fantasy Premier League is not always about owning the biggest names. While premium players attract most of the attention, cheaper options can offer excellent value when their performances exceed expectations. The 2026/27 season has provided opportunities to look beyond the usual template and consider players who may have been overlooked before the campaign began. Identifying these picks before their popularity grows could help managers gain an advantage over their mini league rivals.
Marcus Tavernier, Bournemouth
Marcus Tavernier is an interesting option for anyone looking to move away from the usual midfield choices. His role at Bournemouth gives him opportunities to get involved in attacks, rather than simply sitting deeper and helping build play. That makes him worth considering for managers who want a less obvious route to attacking returns. His appeal will depend on how regularly he starts and whether Bournemouth continue to create chances, but he is the sort of player who could be overlooked while attention remains on more established names.
Luke Vušković, Brighton
Defenders are usually picked for their clean sheet potential, but there is more to consider when choosing who to bring into your FPL team. Vušković could offer an extra threat from set pieces, giving him a chance to pick up points at the other end of the pitch. For managers looking to save money in defence, that attacking potential makes him an interesting option. Much will depend on how regularly he plays, but he is worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses.
Maxim De Cuyper, Brighton
An attacking defender can be a useful addition to an FPL squad, particularly when he is regularly involved in his team's forward play. Maxim De Cuyper has attracted interest because of what he can offer going forward at Brighton. Getting into advanced positions gives him opportunities to create chances and contribute to goals, while his defensive position leaves the door open for clean sheet points too. Of course, attacking involvement does not always lead to returns, so his value will depend on how consistently he gets into those positions and how much game time he receives.
Pascal Groß, Brighton
Pascal Groß may not have the same excitement surrounding him as a young player breaking into the first team, but experience can count for plenty in FPL. His ability to pick out passes and create chances makes him an option for managers who want something different from the usual goal-scoring midfielders. Set pieces can also provide opportunities to collect assists. The main question is how much he will play, particularly when fixtures begin to come thick and fast. If his minutes are reliable, he could offer an alternative to more expensive midfield options.
Jayden Bogle, Leeds United
Finding a dependable defender without spending too much can make a real difference when building an FPL squad. Jayden Bogle is worth a look because his involvement going forward gives him another route to points beyond clean sheets. A cheaper defender who contributes in attack can free up funds for premium players elsewhere, which is often where managers want to spend the bulk of their budget. The challenge is working out whether those attacking contributions can continue. Rather than focusing on a short run of results, managers should consider his minutes and how often he gets into promising positions.
Evanilson, Bournemouth
For managers searching for a forward outside the usual FPL template, Evanilson is worth considering. Playing for Bournemouth gives him the opportunity to contribute to an attack that can create chances, although his appeal ultimately comes down to how often he gets into scoring positions and takes those opportunities. Some managers also look at Premier League betting markets, such as anytime goalscorer odds, as a rough indication of how likely a forward is to find the net in a given week. A less popular forward can be particularly useful in a mini league, where finding returns that your rivals do not own can help you gain ground.
Kevin Schade, Brentford
Kevin Schade offers something different from the more conventional midfield picks. His pace allows him to run in behind defences, and his willingness to attack space gives him opportunities to get into dangerous areas. Those qualities can be useful in FPL, where midfielders who regularly arrive near the penalty area have the potential to deliver attacking returns. The question is whether he can do it often enough to justify a place in your squad. Managers should look at his starting role and the quality of Brentford's upcoming fixtures before deciding whether he is worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
There is no guarantee that an underrated player will become a successful FPL pick, and that uncertainty is part of what makes the game so difficult. The key is to look beyond ownership and recent returns, paying attention to how regularly a player starts and the role he has within his team. Spotting that difference early can make all the difference over a long season.