Top Fantasy Premier League Picks for Gameweek 1 in 2026–27 Season

Opening Match and Deadline

The new Premier League season kicks off with Arsenal hosting Coventry City on Friday, August 21. Fantasy Premier League managers must finalize their squads by 6:30 p.m. BST (1:30 p.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. PT) that day. The countdown is on, bringing a mix of excitement and anxiety to fans worldwide.

Goalkeepers

When choosing goalkeepers, two main strategies exist: sticking with a dependable starter plus a cheap backup who rarely plays, or rotating two budget-friendly keepers with favorable fixtures. The latter seems more practical for the start of the campaign.

• Antonín Kinský (£4.5m) has claimed the starting spot at Tottenham Hotspur and faces Brentford away in Gameweek 1.
• Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m) from Brighton & Hove Albion offers reliability and hosts Aston Villa in the opener.

Choosing between these two starters for the first gameweek poses a tough decision.

Defenders

Riccardo Calafiori (£5.5m) stands out among Arsenal defenders after scoring in the recent Community Shield, showcasing his attacking threat. However, competition for minutes from Piero Hincapié (£5.5m) means his place isn’t guaranteed. Alternatives like Cristhian Mosquera (£5.5m) and Ben White (£5.5m) are also solid due to injuries in Arsenal’s defense.

Harry Maguire (£5.0m) remains a strong pick for Manchester United with early matches against newly promoted sides Hull City and Ipswich Town offering good chances for points.

At Nottingham Forest, under new coach Oliver Glasner, Ola Aina (£4.5m) could thrive in a wing-back role, starting with a home game against Leeds United.

Trai Hume (£4.5m) at Sunderland impresses, having scored twice in preseason while playing further forward. His opening fixtures against Ipswich and Fulham look promising.

Issa Diop (£4.0m) from Ipswich is a cheap option for the bench in Gameweek 1 but faces tough upcoming matches against Manchester United and Liverpool, making him less viable beyond the opener.

Midfielders

Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m), Manchester United’s captain, is indispensable and a strong candidate for captaincy in the first two weeks despite missing penalties in preseason. Last season’s 235 points underline his value.

With consecutive games versus promoted clubs, doubling up on United’s attack feels smart. Bryan Mbeumo (£8.0m) is expected to start as a striker due to teammate Benjamin Šeško’s injury and has been prolific in preseason.

Dominik Szoboszlai (£7.0m) of Liverpool might play deeper but handles set pieces and penalties, especially now that Mohamed Salah has departed. He is a consistent starter expected to play full matches.

Iliman Ndiaye (£6.0m) of Everton looks promising with penalty duties and an opening fixture against Crystal Palace, who have struggled recently.

Pascal Groß (£5.5m) is Brighton’s creative hub under Fabian Hürzeler and should accumulate minutes and points.

Forwards

Erling Haaland (£15.5m) remains the top forward choice despite a subdued Community Shield performance. His start against Bournemouth at home, followed by Palace away and Coventry at home, makes him hard to ignore even with his record price.

João Pedro (£7.5m) of Chelsea has scored seven goals in preseason and, without European distractions next season, should thrive under Xabi Alonso’s attack-minded approach.

Leeds’ Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) offers excellent value with solid preseason form and 14 league goals last year. Other affordable forwards like Brian Brobbey, Igor Jesus, and Evanilson are worth watching but Calvert-Lewin stands out.

Sports Illustrated’s FPL Squad for Gameweek 1

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