Bundesliga Fantasy First Draft

In this article we take a look at a Bundesliga Fantasy first draft. Our expert and regular contributor @FPLGunnersaurus shares his first draft, explains some of the rationale behind his picks and what could change before the season starts.

Our experts Bundesliga Fantasy first draft could be hugely enlightening for readers. Knowing how one of the best managers in the game is going to set up for the new season could help bring clarity to player picks and more.

First Draft

Note: Considering that we get unlimited transfers between MD2 and MD3 due to the first international break I am only setting my squad up for two weeks. I am also pumping all of my funds into my starting XI with 1m non-playing bench fodder filling up my bench. This is because at the moment it does not look like we will have any cheap starting players as we have done in previous seasons, unless pre-season throws up some gems. Six of my first XI will be staying for MD2 having favourable fixtures in both games whilst five will be moved out ahead of MD2 to those with a tastier looking tie. Draft Squad (3-4-3 formation)

Goalkeeper

Labrović (5m / FCA) – The Croatian goalkeeper could be our cheapest starting shot stopper this season. Last season’s number one Dahmen has been out injured for three months and has also looked inconsistent. Labrović has yet to start pre-season due to visa issues but should play in the upcoming friendlies. Fixtures at home to Bremen and away at Heidenheim start off Augsburg’s campaign.

Defenders

Grimaldo (20m / B04) – Do I really need to say anything about this man? He was the first person ever to break the 500pts barrier in Bundesliga Fantasy last season and was instrumental in leading Leverkusen to an invincible title winning season. Fixture proof are the two words I would use for Spanish star. Leverkusen travel to Gladbach first up in a local derby.

Raum (15m / RBL) – Raum finally delivered at Leipzig last season with two goals and eight assists. He also supplied 141 crosses from open play, for which points are now scored for if successful, which was a whopping 42 more than Honorat in second place. Leipzig host Bochum on MD1.

Kadeřábek (10m / TSG) – Another full back with a nice opening fixture to kick off with as Hoffenheim host newly promoted Holstein Kiel on MD1. The Czech defender scored three and supplied four assists last season. He was also third for crosses from open play. He will be a one week pick for me only as I transfer him out ahead of MD2.

Midfielders

Musiala (20m / FCB) – In the battle of the 20m midfielders I have selected Musiala over Wirtz for the opening two fixtures of the Bundesliga campaign. With an away tie at Wolfsburg and a home tie against Freiburg I just favour the Bayern star more. I also think Musiala’s ceiling is a lot higher given the goal threat he possesses.

Olmo (16m / RBL) – Given recent news Olmo could be replaced with Simons who may be returning for a second loan spell, however until that news is confirmed Olmo is great value at 16m. Fresh off a starring role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph I expect him to be in full flow in a MD1 tie against Bochum. After suffering a spell of injures Olmo looks back to his best.

Brandt (14m / BVB) – Brandt would admit himself he did not have the best of seasons last time out. He did suffer with a nasty illness however which he said affected his form. Despite this he was the league’s joint second assist leader with 11 assists. With a home tie against Frankfurt first up followed by a trip to Bremen Brandt Brandt could shine.

Irvine (9m / STP) – St. Pauli’s club captain and Aussie star Irvine makes my first XI taking up the budget enabler role. Irvine registered 15 attacking returns for last seasons 2. Bundesliga winners showing how influential he is for them. St. Pauli have favourable fixtures to begin with hosting Heidenheim and then travelling to Union Berlin on MD2.

Forwards

Openda (15m / RBL) – How the admins at Bundesliga Fantasy HQ have only valued Openda at 15m is beyond me. In the golden boot race he came third last season yet despite only scoring four fewer than new Dortmund signing Guirassy he is valued at 4m less. A gift for managers then looking for a premium forward and whose Leipzig side host a Bochum side on MD1 who escaped relegation last season by the skin of their teeth.

Malen (12m / BVB) – When looking for a cheaper forward I would be happy to hold for two matchdays I settled on the Dutch winger. Despite all the news stories every season about whether he will stay or go it currently looks like he will continue in the famous black and yellow shirt. Malen scored an impressive 13 goals last season with eight of those coming after the winter break. Die Schwarzgelben host Frankfurt first up. In the prior three home meetings against the Eagles Dortmund have won all three with an aggregate scoreline of 12-3.

Kramarić (10m / TSG) – As with Openda I feel like Kramarić has been underpriced especially considering his form at the back end of last season. In his last seven games last season he returned seven goals and four assists which was a huge boost for any fantasy managers who picked him up for that run. With an opening game against newly promoted Kiel this feels like too good an opportunity to miss out on.

Bench – GK – Philipp (1m / TSG), DEF – Theuerkauf (1m / HDH), Smolčić (1m – SGE) & MID – Keller (1m – HDH)