FPL 2025-26: Dominate Gameweek 1 with This Ultimate Squad Selection

The 2025–26 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) has been active for multiple weeks as both experienced and newcomer managers construct their squads for the upcoming season.

FPL participants have already evaluated the initial fixture schedule, player valuations and fresh acquisitions, with numerous team drafts being tested as anxiety builds before Gameweek 1—starting Friday, 15 August with Liverpool hosting Bournemouth.

The fresh FPL campaign consistently brings restless nights for committed managers, who will certainly be agonizing over each choice and, naturally, the effects of updated regulation modifications.

Considering this, here is Sports Illustrated's optimal FPL squad for Gameweek 1 and the weeks ahead.

Goalkeepers

Nottingham Forest significantly excelled with their defensive displays while securing European qualification last campaign and Matz Sels (£5.0m) was crucial to their solidity. He ranked as the second-best value selection in FPL after accumulating 150 total points, and he enjoys a favorable early fixture schedule from which he can capitalize in 2025–26.

Forest haven't shown particular promise in pre-season from an offensive perspective, but they have secured five clean sheets from seven total friendlies—all resulting in scoreless draws. Forest encounter Brentford (H), Crystal Palace (A), West Ham United (H), Arsenal (A), Burnley (A) and Sunderland (H) in their opening six matches, with Sels expected to achieve at least several clean sheets during that sequence.

FPL participants celebrated when Martin Dúbravka (£4.0m) transferred from Newcastle United to Burnley, with the Slovakian goalkeeper now featured in most squads due to his affordable price. He faces injury concerns for Gameweek 1 but should remain in your roster as he's expected to start in upcoming fixtures.

Defence

Multiple attractive choices exist among premium defenders but we've selected Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk (£6.0m). Despite his disappointing performance in the recent Community Shield, the Dutch defender is a guaranteed starter for the Reds and possesses significant attacking potential from set pieces. Regulation updates for the coming season also reward players for defensive actions, with Van Dijk positioned to benefit.

FPL managers typically require at least one Arsenal defender or goalkeeper for success but their challenging early fixture schedule means they're not essential for the opening gameweeks. The same applies to Manchester City, though Rayan Aït-Nouri (£6.0m) presents an attractive option.

It might be wiser to invest modestly in defense initially and several excellent choices exist at budget-friendly prices. Neco Williams (£5.0m) could capitalize on Forest's favorable early schedule, while Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa (£4.5m) represents a reliable selection. He netted twice last season and is another who should gain from this term's regulation changes.

With Pervis Estupiñán departing to AC Milan, summer acquisition Maxim De Cuyper (£4.5m) appears set to be Brighton's primary left-back at the season's start given Ferdi Kadıoğlu's injury concerns. The Belgian has recorded nine goals and 17 assists over his previous two campaigns with Club Brugge.

While numerous budget £4.0m options exist in defense, particularly among promoted teams, Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven (£4.5m) is too valuable to overlook. He's an excellent rotation choice and has returned to full fitness following an injury-plagued 2024–25 season.

Midfield

After breaking his own record for most points in a single FPL season during 2024–25, it's unsurprising that Mohamed Salah (£14.5m) earns a place in our squad. Despite his substantial price tag, the Egyptian remains an essential selection following his incredible 344-point total during Liverpool's Premier League championship run last season.

Following Chelsea's FIFA Club World Cup victory, it seems necessary to include at least one offensive player from Enzo Maresca's team. Cole Palmer (£10.5m) is the clear choice despite his cost, with the Chelsea midfielder being the top points scorer in 2023–24 and gradually returning to peak form. The fact that the Blues avoid any team that finished in the top seven last season until facing Liverpool in Gameweek 7 makes him even more attractive.

Liverpool's record acquisition Florian Wirtz (£8.5m) is a favored selection but may require time to adapt to new surroundings, with the consistently dependable Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m) in our team instead. Regardless of Manchester United's struggles, the Portuguese midfielder consistently performs, and he should excel with Bryan Mbeumo (£8.0m), Matheus Cunha (£8.0m) and Benjamin Šeško (£7.5m) supporting him this season.

Having invested heavily in three premium midfielders, we must be more conservative elsewhere. However, excellent value remains available in two summer signings, with Tottenham Hotspur's Mohammed Kudus (£6.5m) potentially proving a bargain. Should he recapture his 2023–24 form, he may become an essential selection long-term.

Everton have invested significantly in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (£5.0m) and are quietly assembling an impressive squad under David Moyes. The former Chelsea midfielder offers attacking potential and defensive strength, making him an outstanding budget midfielder.

Attack

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins (£9.0m) has been a consistent points provider across multiple FPL seasons and the England striker will spearhead the attack again for the Midlands club in 2025–26. He's netted 15 or more goals during the past three campaigns and will probably achieve that mark again next term, with a promising early schedule enhancing Watkins's attractiveness.

João Pedro (£7.5m), similar to new teammate Palmer, could begin the season strongly given Chelsea's advantageous early fixtures, and the Brazilian has made an immediate impact since joining west London. He scored three times for the Blues during their FIFA Club World Cup triumph and has continued scoring in both pre-season matches against Bayer Leverkusen and Milan.

With limited remaining budget, our third forward selection is also a Chelsea player—technically speaking. Marc Guiu (£4.5m) has joined Sunderland on loan from the Blues and will compete for playing time this season. Given he's likely to be our third-choice substitute most weeks, even brief appearances from the bench will be appreciated.

Sports Illustrated's FPL Squad for Gameweek 1