FPL Price Shockers: Elite XI Managers Reveal Who's Overpriced, Underpriced & Locked In

Fantasy Premier League 2025/26 is live, and player prices are causing a stir. To cut through the noise, we asked three of our Elite XI: Team Reveal managers—each with seven top 10k finishes—for their expert takes on which players are overpriced, underpriced, and essential for Gameweek 1.

These managers are the best of the best, and you can see their first drafts now over on the Elite XI: Team Reveal page.

Let’s get into their insights.

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😬 Overpriced FPL Players According to the Elite Managers

Mark Mansfield didn’t hold back:

"I'm sad to say £9.0m feels a bit steep for Bruno Fernandes unless United do a total 180... Mo Salah – it's too much surely... surely... surely??”

He also questioned the viability of defenders like Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Milenković, and Murillo at £5.5m:

“It feels hard to make that stretch regardless of rule changes.”

James Cooper also commented on premium picks:

“If Haaland had been at least £1.0m less than Salah, there would’ve been a real dilemma... At £14.0m, I’m not sure he’ll be in anywhere near as many teams.”

Using the Opta Heatmaps comparison feature to analyse their 2024/25 stats per 90 minutes, we can see that Salah only narrowly trails Haaland in goal-scoring metrics. As a midfielder, he also benefits from an extra point per goal. However, his creative numbers are far superior. This supports Cooper’s view that a £0.5m gap between the two is justified.

Cooper also called out Jordan Pickford:

“Nobody will have Pickford at £5.5m... he would’ve been in the conversation at £5.0m.”

Walter Randazzo, on the other hand, was more measured:

“Yeah, I’m not sure I can see anyone definitely overpriced, to be honest.”

🔥 Which FPL Players are Underpriced?

Mansfield was full of praise for Dominic Solanke (£7.5m):

“Solanke is a very solid £7.5m. With Thomas Frank at the helm, he could be closer to an £8.5m asset in the fullness of time.”

He also likes the value of Phil Foden (with KDB gone) and Georginio Rutter:

“He’s PL quality... it’s a good price.”

Cooper highlighted Cole Palmer and Florian Wirtz:

“You could have added £1.0m to either without anyone batting an eyelid.”

He also called out Guehi at £4.5m as a surprise bargain.

Randazzo agreed:

“Wirtz is underpriced. Kudus at Spurs and Joao Pedro at Chelsea could also be interesting.”

🛡️ Best £4.5m FPL Defenders to Target

All three managers offered names to consider:

Mansfield backed Ian Maatsen:

“Expected more last season. If he gets starts, there will be returns.”

Randazzo picked a few familiar faces:

“Wan-Bissaka, Konsa, and maybe Guehi depending on what happens with Konaté. Udogie and De Cuyper could also be interesting.”

As shown in the Opta Stats Sandbox tool, no defender priced at £4.5m or less recorded more FPL assists than Wan-Bissaka (6) last season. He also chipped in with two goals — a tally only bettered by Huijsen, Keane, and Guehi among defenders in the same price bracket.

Cooper likes Konsa and De Cuyper in the budget defender price range:

“I think Konsa will prove to be good value, as might new addition De Cuyper at Brighton.”

Want to see who actually makes their squads? You can view all their first drafts now on the Elite XI: Team Reveal page.

✅ Early FPL Gameweek 1 Locks?

When it comes to confirmed Gameweek 1 picks, most are still tinkering—but a few names emerged:

Mansfield:
“Hard to see past Solanke... but I don't see any others I'd absolutely hang my hat on.”

Randazzo:

“Probably only Salah at the moment. Not making the same mistake as last season by going without him.”

Cooper:

“It completely depends on chip strategy... if I went for an early Bench Boost and Wildcard, I’d pick a very different squad than if I planned for a long open stretch.”

💡 Why the Elite XI Insights Matter

These aren’t just casual takes. Every one of these managers has at least 7 finishes inside the top 10k, and their strategies could shape the meta before the season even kicks off.

Want to know who makes the cut in their final drafts?

👉 Get full access to their teams now with the Elite XI: Team Reveal tool – and follow their transfers all season long.

Get ready for the 2025/26 season – unlock Premium Plus for just £1, but hurry, this offer is limited!