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Tzolis and Sangare could be key to your midfield

Will you become a champion like Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta? (Photograph by Kin Cheung/AP)

The Premier League returns this afternoon and with it comes the start of the RG Fantasy League competition.

The Royal Gazette is again teaming up with BermudAir to provide a host of fantastic prizes for Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso wannabes and it has never been more easier to be in with a chance of winning.

All you have to do is visit the RG Fantasy League page and follow the prompts to receive a code to grant you access to the competition.

Last year’s winner, 73-year-old Louise Payne, picked up $6,000 of BermudAir tickets, with another $4,000 split between the runner-up and third-place finishers.

You have until 2.30pm, an hour and a half before champions Arsenal kick off the season at home to Coventry City, to register your teams for free.

Fantasy managers have several difficult decisions to make before they register their initial squad. Here are a few players to consider going into Week 1.

Defenders

Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal, £5.5 million) – First four games: Coventry City (h), Aston Villa (a), Chelsea (h), Sunderland (a)

Italian Calafiori looks likely to be the first choice left back for the Gunners. His Community Shield goal provided the perfect platform to enjoy a well-rounded start, and the North London team have the perfect run.

Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace, £4.5 million) – First four: Everton (a), Manchester City (h), Fulham (a), Ipswich Town (h)

Budget defender Tyrick Mitchell is even more intriguing this season, thanks in large part to the appointment of new manager Pierre Sage, though he plays the same formation as outgoing coach Oliver Glasner. Anticipate early attacking output from the left wingback.

Tarik Muharemovic (Leeds United, £5 million) – First four: Nottingham Forest (a), Brentford (h), Brighton and Hove Albion (a), Newcastle United (h)

The Bosnian, signed from Sassuolo, impressed at the World Cup and German coach Daniel Farke liked the prospects. He will come forward for set pieces, and his bicycle kick against Augsburg in the last preseason game shows his threat. The 25-year-old could be a shrewd mid-priced asset.

Midfielders

Bruno Fernandes (Man United, £12 million) – First four: Hull City (a), Ipswich Town (h), Everton (a), Manchester City (h)

Bruno Fernandes showed his full repertoire of creativity in the record-breaking season, especially since the turn of the year. The Red Devils open with two promoted sides, so anticipate the Portuguese getting at least two contributions early on. He is the most-owned midfielder, with just under half of players selecting the United captain.

Mamadou Sangare (Brentford, £5.5 million) – First four: Tottenham Hotspur (h), Leeds United (a), Sunderland (h), Bournemouth (a)

Managers looking for value have the perfect player in Bees’ new recruit Sangare, who averaged 14 defensive contributions (clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles) per 90min at French side Lens in the last campaign. The Malian also stepped up with seven goal involvements, so you get the full package at a perfect price.

Christos Tzolis (Arsenal, £6.5 million)

Arsenal have acquired another amazing talent in the left wing position, this time one of the most effective attackers in Europe. Greek rising star Tzolis registered 51 contributions (22 goals and 29 assists) across all competitions for Club Brugge last season. He may not be a regular starter if the Gunners purchase another forward, but his speed and IQ makes him dangerous either way.

Attackers

Joao Pedro (Chelsea, £7.5 million) – First four: Fulham (a), Brighton (h), Arsenal (a), Hull City (h)

Chelsea have appointed legendary former midfielder Xabi Alonso as they look to recover from a turbulent last campaign, and have made some big moves this summer. One man that will surely benefit from such moves, and Alonso system, is Brazilian forward Joao Pedro. He will surely better his total of 15 league goals having service from new recruit Morgan Rogers and a rejuvenated Cole Palmer behind him.

Erling Haaland (Manchester City, £15.5 million) – First four: Bournemouth (h), Crystal Palace (a), Coventry City (h), Manchester United (a)

Haaland scored seven times for Norway at his first World Cup, thus he might be a regular captain choice for all those using multiple premium players this season. Players should specifically target the Coventry game, in Week 3, as their first worthy moment to captain him.

Brian Brobbey (Sunderland, £6 million) – First four: Ipswich Town (a), Fulham (h), Brentford (a), Arsenal (h)

The Dutchman will certainly want to improve on his seven league goals last campaign after enjoying a successful tournament in the US with three goals. The Black Cats have solid fixtures in the first three weeks.

The verdict: This Premier League season is unique with nine new faces in the dugouts, and two of the three promoted clubs making serious moves to the tune of over £100 million total spend. Fantasy experts advise between two and three premium players, with most only starting with Bruno and Haaland. Most experts tend to use their wild card around the Fall international break.

Happy playing everyone, and think about a catchy team name, if you haven’t already registered!

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Published August 21, 2026 at 7:53 am (Updated August 21, 2026 at 8:33 am)

Tzolis and Sangare could be key to your midfield

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