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2026–27 FPL: Top Picks for Gameweek 1

The new Premier League season opens with Arsenal facing Coventry City on Friday, August 21. Fantasy Premier League managers must lock their squads by 6:30 p.m. BST (1:30 p.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. PT) that day. With the deadline approaching fast, managers everywhere feel the mix of excitement and uncertainty.

Goalkeepers

Choosing goalkeepers in FPL brings different approaches. One is to pick a reliable starter who plays most games, paired with a cheap £4.0m backup who rarely features. Arsenal’s David Raya (£6.0m) fits well for those wanting stability.

Yet, a rotation strategy between two affordable keepers with opposite fixtures seems smarter early on. The popular duo includes Tottenham's first-choice Antonín Kinský (£4.5m) and Brighton’s dependable Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m). Deciding who starts Gameweek 1 is tricky since Kinský faces Brentford away, while Verbruggen hosts Aston Villa.

Defenders

After price rises, Arsenal’s Gabriel (£8.0m) is less automatic than before. Instead, attention turns to teammates like left-back Riccardo Calafiori (£5.5m), who impressed with a goal in the Community Shield and offers attacking upside.

Calafiori’s playing time isn't guaranteed due to competition from Piero Hincapié (£5.5m), pushing some managers toward alternatives like Cristhian Mosquera (£5.5m) or Ben White (£5.5m), who should start given injuries in Arteta’s defense.

Harry Maguire (£5.0m) provides value with scoring threat and defensive potential, especially with Hull City (A) and Ipswich Town (H) at the start. Nottingham Forest's Ola Aina (£4.5m) could shine in a more advanced role under Oliver Glasner, starting at home versus Leeds United.

Sunderland's Trai Hume (£4.5m) impresses as a wing-back option, having scored in consecutive friendlies and facing Ipswich (A) and Fulham (H) early. Ipswich newcomer Issa Diop (£4.0m) is an ideal budget pick for Gameweek 1 but struggles against Man Utd and Liverpool soon after.

Midfielders

Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) remains a must-have following his 235 points last season. Despite missing penalties in preseason, he should bring consistent returns and is a prime captain choice for the opening weeks.

With matches against newly promoted sides, doubling up on Manchester United attackers makes sense. Bryan Mbeumo (£8.0m) is a bargain, expected to lead the line due to Benjamin Šeško's injury, boasting three preseason goals and 148 points last year.

Dominik Szoboszlai (£7.0m) will likely play deeper but takes set pieces, including potential penalties after Mohamed Salah's departure. A nailed-on starter, he’s expected to play full matches regularly.

Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye (£6.0m) is cheaper than anticipated and could handle penalties, facing a struggling Crystal Palace at home in Gameweek 1. Brighton’s Pascal Groß (£5.5m) will feature heavily and was a key creator last season with 78 points from 19 appearances.

Forwards

Erling Haaland (£15.5m) remains the top forward pick despite a quiet Community Shield. Starting with Bournemouth at home, followed by Palace and Coventry, the Norwegian striker usually begins seasons strong, making him worth his record price.

João Pedro (£7.5m) is a solid alternative for those skipping Haaland. After seven preseason goals under new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso and no European distractions, he looks set for a productive season following 15 league goals last term.

Leeds' Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) stands out among mid-priced forwards, contributing five goal involvements in preseason and 14 league goals last season. Other intriguing options include Brian Brobbey, Igor Jesus, and Evanilson, each priced around £6.0m.

Sports Illustrated’s Recommended FPL Squad for Gameweek 1

  • GK: Antonín Kinský (TOT) - £4.5m - Brentford (A)
  • GK: Bart Verbruggen (BHA) - £4.5m - Aston Villa (H)
  • DEF: Riccardo Calafiori (ARS) - £5.5m - Coventry (H)
  • DEF: Harry Maguire (MUN) - £5.0m - Hull (A)
  • DEF: Ola Aina (NFO) - £4.5m - Leeds (H)
  • DEF: Trai Hume (SUN) - £4.5m - Ipswich (A)
  • DEF: Issa Diop (IPS) - £4.0m - Sunderland (H)
  • MID: Bruno Fernandes (MUN) - £12.0m - Hull (A)
  • MID: Bryan Mbeumo (MUN) - £8.0m - Hull (A)
  • MID: Dominik Szoboszlai (LIV) - £7.0m - Newcastle (A)
  • MID: Iliman Ndiaye (EVE) - £6.0m - Crystal Palace (H)
  • MID: Pascal Groß (BHA) - £5.5m - Aston Villa (H)
  • FOR: Erling Haaland (MCI) - £15.5m - Bournemouth (H)
  • FOR: João Pedro (CHE) - £7.5m - Fulham (A)
  • FOR: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (LEE) - £6.0m - Nottingham Forest (A)

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