Bundesliga Fantasy Matchday 1 Top Picks
Our Bundesliga Fantasy Matchday 1 Top Picks are here as the new 2025/26 season kicks off, giving managers the first chance to chase big points. With fresh transfers, exciting new talents, and some standout fixtures to target, picking the right players early can set the tone for your campaign.
In this article, @Big4FPL breaks down the best options across all positions and highlights the top picks to consider for Matchday 1.
The Bundesliga is back on Friday! After months of not having to worry if my defender pick has won a load of duals or midfielder played 50 passes to rack up the points, we’re back and I’m back with my weekly picks.
Two seasons ago I finished just outside the top 100, whilst last season I finished 43rd. So, on that trajectory there’s no pressure but to aim for a top 25 finish this season!
Firstly, those familiar with the Bundesliga know that the week prior to the season starting is the first round of the Cup competition. I’ve noted a few players below from last weekend’s performances that could make it into our matchday 1 teams:
Dženan Pejčinović– 3m
In some niches of the Bundesliga fantasy community, Pejcinovic is being talked up as a “must- have”. Although I wouldn’t go quite that far, his hattrick at the weekend certainly added to this tag and in a game where strikers haven’t always been worth investing in, 3m is a very kind price.
Note that there is still uncertainty on his starting spot. But, with Amoura linked more and more with a move to Portugal, he certainly seems worth an early punt.
Johan Manzambi– 5.4m
The 1m darling from the end of last season got a chance to play in a more advanced role at the weekend. Freiburg have a lot of options, but I’m expecting the talented Swiss international to get the nod this weekend and deliver more of what he delivered at the end of last season.
Lovro Majer – 7.4m
Wolfsburg flattered to deceive last season in the second half. However, Majer was injured for the majority. The weekend game provided evidence that the man will be on penalties. Add in his creative output and he seems a solid shout for a mid-priced midfielder.
Filippo Mané – 1m
Coming in at the cheapest possible price point and for a side as solid as Dortmund means Mane has to be on the radar. There’s a little uncertainty for the weekend if both Ryerson and Couto are fit as to whether he will 100% play. But, as it stands he seems destined for another 90mins, as he did so in the cup.
Top Picks
We only have two matchdays before we get an unlimited transfer window. Added with the five transfers we can use or lose in-between, it means we can really attack the first two games without too much repercussion.
We still don’t know how the price changes will be calculated. But, I have picked out the Bundesliga Fantasy Matchday 1 Top Picks in each position:
Defenders
Kevin Diks – 6.3m
A penalty taking defender? Count me in. Diks is an injury doubt so potentially this is a no-go. But, if confirmed fit then we’ve seen from the pre-season games that Diks should have penalty duties whilst Kleindeist recovers from injury. Add in a matchday 1 fixture vs a newly promoted side and a name that lends itself great to Fantasy team names and it’s hard to look past Diks!
Maximilian Mittelstädt – 17.8m
Premium defenders seem tough to fit in this year, with plenty of cheaper options such as Tah offering similar output. That being said, Mittelstadt was a dependable option last season and perhaps an easy star player shout amidst the uncertainty of other options. Stuttgart looked good vs Bayern in the Super Cup. So, I expect them to be back to the team that should be fighting for UCL spots.
Signing up to premium for just £1 per month gives you access to both team reveals and much more for both FPL and UCL Fantasy this season!
Midfielders
Kevin Stöger – 11.3m
Prior to his move to Gladbach, Stoger was a Bundesliga fantasy legend – consistently scoring high floors with his ability to dictate the game at Bochum. Last season he wasn’t really a main part of the starting XI, rarely getting the full 90 minutes, but over preseason he seems to have established himself in the team.
Ibrahim Maza – 5.8m
Perhaps a bit of a punt for matchday 1 given uncertainties including; Leverkusen losing key players, new manager in Ten Hag and seemingly not playing amazing in pre-season – Maza lit up the match at the weekend and is seen as the long-term Wirtz replacement…a lot of pressure comes with that tag. But, if he can even deliver 50% of that tag then we’re in for a bargain at this price tag.
Forwards
Serhou Guirassy – 19.3m
Perhaps an obvious choice to start the season, but currently at only 24% ownership, Guirassy offers more upside than any striker other than Kane. His premium price reflects this upside. However, with strikers rebalanced from a point scoring perspective and Dortmund starting with two strong fixtures, I’m backing the main man to start the season with a bang.
Nick Woltemade – 13.1m
Earlier in the summer it looked like a move to Bayern was a certainty, after his strong showing for Germany’s youth team. Woltemade was made for this point scoring system as his height and physicality lends itself to players who win aerial duals. Thus with a boost in the system from this aspect should mean he maintains a high floor, with an even higher ceiling.
