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2026–27 FPL: Top Picks for Gameweek 1

The new Premier League season begins with Arsenal facing 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. As the deadline nears, excitement and uncertainty grow among mini-leagues worldwide.

Goalkeepers to Consider

Goalkeeper selection in FPL often splits into two approaches: picking one reliable starter paired with a cheap backup or rotating two affordable goalkeepers with favorable fixtures. For Gameweek 1, the favored duo is Antonín Kinský (£4.5m), Tottenham Hotspur’s first-choice keeper, and Brighton’s dependable Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m). Choosing who starts GW1 is tricky since Kinský plays Brentford away, while Verbruggen hosts Aston Villa.

Defensive Options

After Arsenal's defensive stars saw price increases, attention shifts to teammates like Riccardo Calafiori (£5.5m), whose attacking threat was clear with a goal in the Community Shield. Although his playing time isn’t guaranteed due to competition from Piero Hincapié, alternatives like Cristhian Mosquera (£5.5m) or Ben White (£5.5m) could see regular starts because of injuries.

Harry Maguire (£5.0m) offers value through goal potential, defensive points, and favorable early matches against Hull City and Ipswich Town. Nottingham Forest’s new wing-back system under Oliver Glasner makes Ola Aina (£4.5m) an appealing pick despite some tough fixtures later. Sunderland’s Trai Hume (£4.5m) stands out as well, showing versatility by playing on the wing in preseason and scoring in consecutive friendlies.

For budget enablers, Issa Diop (£4.0m) is a good short-term choice for GW1 but faces tough opponents like Manchester United and Liverpool soon after, limiting his longer-term appeal.

Midfield Must-Haves

Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) remains indispensable following a stellar 235-point campaign last year. Despite missing penalties in preseason, he’s a top candidate for captaincy early on. Doubling up on Manchester United attackers makes sense with Bryan Mbeumo (£8.0m), who is expected to play striker due to Benjamin Šeško’s injury. Mbeumo has impressed in preseason, scoring and assisting regularly.

Dominik Szoboszlai (£7.0m) might drop deeper next season but still handles set pieces and delivers consistent defensive contributions. He’s a nailed starter for Liverpool under Andoni Iraola. Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye (£6.0m) offers penalty duties and a solid 128-point tally from last season. Brighton’s Pascal Groß (£5.5m) is a creative force likely to see ample minutes under Fabian Hürzeler.

Forwards to Target

Erling Haaland (£15.5m) commands attention despite a quiet Community Shield. He often shines at season start, and with manageable opening fixtures, remains a top pick. Chelsea’s João Pedro (£7.5m) looks like a bargain after seven preseason goals and benefits from not being involved in European competitions this term. Leeds’ Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) is a solid option, having contributed significantly during preseason and last season.

Other intriguing forwards priced around £6.0m include Brian Brobbey, Igor Jesus, and Evanilson, but Calvert-Lewin stands out for his consistent involvement.

Sports Illustrated’s Recommended 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)

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