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2026–27 FPL: Optimal Squad for Gameweek 1

The Premier League season kicks off with Arsenal facing Coventry City on Friday, August 21. Fantasy Premier League (FPL) 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 tough decisions surround team selections worldwide.

Goalkeepers

Choosing goalkeepers often splits managers into two groups. One opts for a reliable starter paired with a low-cost backup who rarely features. Arsenal's David Raya (£6.0m) fits the set-and-forget mold. The other approach involves rotating two budget goalkeepers with favorable fixtures. The popular choice is Tottenham Hotspur's Antonín Kinský (£4.5m), recently confirmed as first-choice, alongside Brighton & Hove Albion’s dependable Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m). For Gameweek 1, Kinský faces Brentford away, while Verbruggen hosts Aston Villa, making the starting keeper decision tricky.

Defenders

Riccardo Calafiori (£5.5m) stands out for his attacking threat, having scored in the Community Shield. Arsenal’s defense remains strong, but with Gabriel’s price rise to £8.0m, managers lean toward teammates like Calafiori. Minutes are uncertain due to competition from Piero Hincapié (£5.5m), which might lead some to select Cristhian Mosquera (£5.5m) or Ben White (£5.5m), both expected starters because of injuries.

Harry Maguire (£5.0m) offers goal-scoring chances and defensive strength early in the season against Hull City (A) and Ipswich Town (H). To balance premium attackers, managers often compromise in defense. Ola Aina (£4.5m) could play an advanced role at Nottingham Forest under new coach Oliver Glasner, starting with a home match versus Leeds United. Sunderland's Trai Hume (£4.5m) impresses after playing wing roles in preseason, scoring in consecutive friendlies, with games against Ipswich (A) and Fulham (H).

For budget enablers, Issa Diop (£4.0m) from Ipswich is valuable for Gameweek 1, although tougher matches follow against Manchester United (A) and Liverpool (H), making him less ideal for subsequent weeks.

Midfielders

Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) is indispensable and a prime captain pick for the first two weeks. Despite missing penalties in preseason, his consistency over the last season with 235 points secures his spot. Doubling up on Manchester United attackers seems wise given their early fixtures against promoted teams.

Bryan Mbeumo (£8.0m) is expected to start upfront due to Benjamin Šeško’s injury. He has impressed with three goals and one assist in preseason and earned 148 points last season.

Dominik Szoboszlai (£7.0m), Liverpool’s Player of the Season, may operate deeper but holds set-piece duties, possibly including penalties following Mohamed Salah’s departure. He’s a fixture at midfield with strong defensive contributions.

Iliman Ndiaye (£6.0m) from Everton is cheaper than anticipated and likely to take penalties. He begins the season against Crystal Palace (H), a team struggling under new management.

Pascal Groß (£5.5m) should play regularly at Brighton, acting as a key creator under Fabian Hürzeler, having gained 78 points from 19 games last season.

Forwards

Erling Haaland (£15.5m) remains the top striker despite a subdued Community Shield. His early-season form is usually outstanding, and with matches against Bournemouth (H), Crystal Palace (A), and Coventry (H), he’s essential.

João Pedro (£7.5m) looks like a bargain. Scoring seven preseason goals under Xabi Alonso and free from European distractions, he netted 15 league goals last year and should thrive in a more attack-focused Chelsea side.

A group of affordable forwards includes Brian Brobbey (£6.0m), Igor Jesus (£6.0m), and Evanilson (£6.0m). Yet, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) stands out with five goal involvements in preseason and 14 league goals last campaign.

Sports Illustrated’s Recommended FPL Squad for Gameweek 1

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

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