The biggest strategic split is still whether to start with Erling Haaland or pivot budget into a stronger all-round squad. Across the selected creators, Haaland remains the default captaincy anchor for some, but several now see Bruno Fernandes as the better immediate captain or even a viable cover for the first two gameweeks if Haaland’s minutes look limited. That disagreement is real, but it is not universal anti-Haaland sentiment: the more common framing is conditional, based on minutes, with a no-Haaland opening only justified if the rest of the squad materially improves.

Chip strategy is the other major fault line. There is meaningful support for an early Bench Boost, but the exact timing varies: some favour Gameweek 1, some Gameweek 2, and others prefer holding flexibility for Gameweeks 4-7 or wildcarding later once fixture swings and role clarity improve. The common thread is that early chip usage is being tied to squad depth and goalkeeper rotation rather than as a standalone default.

In squad building, the strongest creator consensus is around value in defence and attack: João Pedro is repeatedly treated as underpriced and central to many forward templates, while cheap/medium defenders such as Joe Rodon, Kinsky, Ajer, Ballard, Maguire, and several Arsenal defenders are heavily discussed. Arsenal defence, in particular, is the most recurrent team-specific theme, but creators disagree on whether to stack premium security or spread into cheaper, higher-upside variants. Liverpool and Manchester United also feature as short-term attacking targets, but with notable caution around defensive clean sheets and rotation risk in several premium slots.