Dominate Gameweek 1: Build Your Ultimate 2026–27 FPL Squad Now!

After weeks of adjustments, constantly shifting drafts and captaincy headaches, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers must lock in their Gameweek 1 squads this Friday.

Arsenal vs. Coventry City kicks off the new campaign on Aug. 21, with rosters needing to be confirmed by 6:30 p.m. BST (1:30 p.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. PT). As the deadline draws closer, the familiar mix of anticipation and anxiety spreads through mini-leagues around the world.

There are several key decisions managers must navigate before the opening round gets underway, from top premium selections to vital budget-friendly options. Unfortunately, the clock is ticking.

With that in mind, here's some guidance. This is Sports Illustrated's recommended FPL squad for GW1 and the weeks ahead.

Goalkeepers

There are several approaches when it comes to picking a goalkeeper in FPL. One is the set-and-forget method, which means selecting one reliable, fixture-proof keeper alongside a cheap £4.0m bench option who rarely features. Arsenal's David Raya (£6.0m) is the top choice for this approach.

However, another method involves rotating two budget stoppers with favorable alternating fixtures, and that's arguably the smarter way to begin the season.

The most popular pairing at the moment is undoubtedly Tottenham Hotspur's Antonín Kinský (£4.5m), now the club's undisputed number one, alongside the dependable Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m) of Brighton & Hove Albion.

Deciding who starts in GW1 is tricky, though, with Kinský up against Brentford (A) and Verbruggen hosting Aston Villa (H).

Defenders

Following a significant price increase heading into the new season, fan-favorite 2025–26 defender Arsenal's Gabriel (£8.0m) is no longer a guaranteed selection. Managers are instead looking to his teammates in the league's most solid backline, with left back Riccardo Calafiori (£5.5m) emerging as the standout pick thanks to his attacking threat—highlighted by a goal in last weekend's Community Shield.

Of course, the Italian's playing time isn't assured with Piero Hincapié (£5.5m) waiting in the wings, which could steer managers toward Cristhian Mosquera (£5.5m) or Ben White (£5.5m), both of whom are set to feature in GW1 and beyond due to injury concerns in Mikel Arteta's defense.

To accommodate premium midfielders and forwards—more on those shortly—compromises must be made at the back. That said, Manchester United center back Harry Maguire (£5.0m) is a superb option given his goal threat, defensive contribution (DefCon) potential and favorable early schedule. Matches against newly-promoted Hull City (A) and Ipswich Town (H) open his campaign.

Nottingham Forest defenders weren't particularly appealing last season, but the addition of Oliver Glasner brings fresh value. The Austrian manager will deploy wing-backs at the City Ground, making Ola Aina (£4.5m) an attractive pick in a more advanced position. An opener against Leeds United (H) looks promising, even if the fixtures get harder afterward.

There are several other tempting budget options, but Trai Hume (£4.5m) stands out at Sunderland. Opening with Ipswich (A) and Fulham (H), the fullback has been operating on the wing during preseason, even netting in back-to-back friendlies against Lens and Rennes.

Bench boosting in GW1 or GW2 is a widely-used strategy, meaning many managers will require guaranteed starters. Ipswich summer recruit Issa Diop (£4.0m) is an excellent enabler for the opening week, though he becomes less viable in GW2 and GW3 when he faces Man Utd (A) and Liverpool (H).

Midfielders

After racking up 235 points last season, Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) is an absolute must-have—and a strong armband candidate for both GW1 and GW2. The assist specialist may have squandered two penalties in preseason, but he will still rack up consistent points next season through a stream of goal contributions.

With back-to-back games against promoted sides, doubling up on United attacking assets feels like the right call. Bryan Mbeumo (£8.0m) is well-valued and is expected to lead the line under Michael Carrick following an injury to Benjamin Šeško (£7.0m). He's bagged three goals and one assist in preseason, while also delivering 148 points last term.

Liverpool should be an exciting proposition under Andoni Iraola, and the club's standout 2025–26 player is the obvious pick. Dominik Szoboszlai (£7.0m) may operate in a deeper position next season, but he handles set-piece duties—potentially including penalties with Mohamed Salah departed—and is a reliable DefCon asset. The midfielder is a guaranteed starter and should complete 90 minutes each week.

Our remaining midfield picks are less high-profile but still compelling. Everton's Iliman Ndiaye (£6.0m) is priced lower than many anticipated, is expected to take penalties, and accumulated 128 points last season. He faces Crystal Palace (H) in GW1—a side under new management that has struggled during preseason.

Brighton's Pascal Groß (£5.5m) should see plenty of action next season and is one of the key creative forces under Fabian Hürzeler. He wrapped up last season with 78 points from 19 appearances.

Forwards

A disappointing Community Shield showing shouldn't put managers off selecting Erling Haaland (£15.5m). The Manchester City forward consistently hits the ground running at the start of seasons, and that looks set to continue under Enzo Maresca. With Bournemouth (H) first up, followed by Palace (A) and Coventry (H), the Norwegian remains an absolute essential despite his record price.

Those opting against Haaland will be sweating in GW1, as will those who overlook Chelsea striker João Pedro (£7.5m). After netting seven goals in preseason under new manager Xabi Alonso, and with Chelsea absent from European competition next season, the Brazilian represents outstanding value at his starting price. He scored 15 Premier League goals last term and should thrive in a more attack-oriented system.

There is no shortage of attractively-priced forwards this season, with Brian Brobbey (£6.0m), Igor Jesus (£6.0m) and Evanilson (£6.0m) all worth considering. However, Leeds United's Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) is arguably the pick of the bunch, with the England international registering five goal involvements in preseason and 14 league goals last campaign.

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Sports Illustrated's FPL Squad for Gameweek 1