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The wait is finally over.
The Premier League has returned, and along with it comes Fantasy Premier League—the wildly popular fantasy game enjoyed by over 10 million players across the globe.
New to FPL? The concept is straightforward: you manage a virtual team composed of real Premier League players, who accumulate points based on their performances in actual matches. Each gameweek, you can make transfers, adjust your starting lineup, deploy special chips and refine your approach, all with the goal of finishing the season ahead of everyone else—whether you're chasing official prizes or just looking to beat your mates.
If you're a returning manager, you know how this works. But whether you're brand new or a seasoned FPL pro, Gameweek 1 still raises the same familiar questions: Which players deserve a spot in your squad? Who offers the best value for money? And, crucially, who should be handed the captain's armband?
Here's our essential guide to giving your FPL campaign the strongest possible start.
Best FPL Players for Gameweek 1
Gameweek 1 is always among the most difficult to predict. New arrivals are still finding their feet, promoted sides are adapting to top-flight football, some players may be shaking off summer rust, while others could be carrying fatigue from a grueling 2026 World Cup.
With every manager eager to hit the ground running, there's no shortage of uncertainty—but several players stand out as particularly attractive options heading into the opening round.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City, £15.5 million)
At £15.5 million, Erling Haaland is far from a budget pick, but his track record makes him one of the most dependable premium selections in FPL.
The Norwegian has topped the overall FPL scoring charts in two of the past four seasons, including last year, when his relentless finishing once again made him one of the game's most consistent point-scorers.
Haaland also has a tendency to hit the ground running at the start of seasons, and following a productive World Cup campaign with Norway, he should arrive in the new season brimming with confidence.
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, £12 million)
Another top-tier option, Bruno Fernandes is almost impossible to overlook after a sensational 2025–26 season.
The Manchester United skipper shattered the Premier League's single-season assist record, racking up an astonishing 24 fantasy assists. His playmaking was exceptional, topping the league for key passes with 136 and big chances created with 33.
Add in his influence from set pieces and penalty duties, and Fernandes provides multiple avenues to FPL returns—making his £12 million asking price far easier to stomach.
João Pedro (Chelsea, £7.5 million)
At £7.5 million, João Pedro could be one of the standout value picks of the opening week.
The Chelsea attacker has held the same price despite a brilliant debut season at Stamford Bridge, in which he netted 15 goals and chipped in with nine assists.
There's plenty to be excited about heading into the new campaign as well. Chelsea have no European football to contend with, a fresh and exciting manager has taken the reins, and Pedro should thrive with an increasingly impressive squad around him.
He also missed out on Brazil's World Cup squad, giving him a full summer to rest and recharge, while his preseason performances have been eye-catching: six goals and counting.
Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest, £8 million)
Morgan Gibbs-White is hardly a bargain at £8 million, but following his outstanding 2025–26 campaign, he's well worth serious consideration.
The Nottingham Forest midfielder was the top-scoring FPL midfielder last season, netting 15 times and finishing with 19 goal contributions in total.
His central role in Forest's attacking play makes him a compelling option heading into GW1, particularly for managers seeking a premium midfielder beyond the usual headline names.
Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City, £8.5 million)
Semenyo heads into the new season as one of the most appealing midfield picks in FPL, having finished second among midfielders last campaign with 202 points.
His preseason showings have only added to his allure. Under new boss Enzo Maresca, Semenyo has already laid on five assists, hinting that he could play a prominent role in Manchester City's attack right from the off.
At £8.5 million, he also provides a more affordable entry point into the same attack as Haaland. Combining the two could prove to be a highly effective strategy.
FPL Gameweek 1: Who to Captain
On occasion, the captaincy call is refreshingly straightforward: Erling Haaland is the clear frontrunner.
The Manchester City striker was by far the most popular captain choice throughout last season, and his opening fixture makes the decision even more compelling.
City take on Bournemouth, a side that has undergone considerable upheaval over the summer. Andoni Iraola has left the club, while key centre-back Marcos Senesi has also departed for Tottenham, leaving the Cherries with a fair amount of rebuilding ahead of them.
Haaland also boasts an impressive recent record against Bournemouth, having scored four times in his last four encounters with them across all competitions.
For Gameweek 1, there are very few safer armband choices available.
Players to Avoid for FPL Gameweek 1
For every player who looks like a smart Gameweek 1 selection, there are others who come with notable concerns attached.
Whether it's doubts over fitness, an unclear role in the team, a tough early fixture run or a price that leaves little margin for error, here are three players we'd think twice about picking from the start.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, £9.5 million)
Bukayo Saka would ordinarily be among the first names considered for any FPL squad, but Gameweek 1 may be a different matter entirely.
The Arsenal wide man featured deep into the 2026 World Cup and may require extra recovery time before he's ready for competitive football. There's also a lingering concern over an Achilles issue, which could further cloud his availability for the opening weekend.
At £9.5 million, that's a significant outlay for a player whose fitness remains in doubt.
Enzo Fernández (Chelsea, £7 million)
Enzo Fernández is a tricky one to assess. His 157 FPL points last season and relatively affordable £7 million price point make him an enticing prospect—but now probably isn't the right moment to take the plunge.
A late return from the summer could push back his involvement at the start of the season, while reported interest from Man City and Real Madrid introduces further uncertainty around his future at the club.
There's also a question mark over how he'll slot into Xabi Alonso's midfield setup, especially with Chelsea bolstering their attacking options through the signing of Morgan Rogers this summer.
Our recommendation? Sit tight for now.
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FPL Gameweek 1 Deadline
The Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 1 deadline falls on Friday, Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m. BST, giving managers until the evening before the 2026–27 Premier League season kicks off to lock in their squads.