After a summer filled with World Cup action, the Premier League is back. The 2026/27 campaign kicks off on Friday, August 21, when defending champions Arsenal host newly promoted Coventry City at Emirates Stadium.
For managers searching for the best player picks for Gameweek 1, locked-in starting lineups can be tough to finalize.
Below is a detailed, balanced template designed to give your squad an immediate fast start in player picks for GW1 of the 26/27 season.
Goalkeeper
Kinsky (Tottenham Hotspur) – 4.5m
Following a squad reshuffle at Spurs, Kinsky has stepped into the starting spot with an improved defensive line in front of him. Having produced a series of impressive shot-stopping performances throughout pre-season, he looks like a locked-in value play. Hosting a tricky fixture against Brentford on opening weekend, his 4.5m price tag makes him one of the best player picks for Gameweek 1 between the posts.
Defenders
Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal) – 5.5m
With Gabriel’s price rising out of reach for many budget-conscious managers, Calafiori provides a prime route into the league’s top defense. Facing newly promoted Coventry City at home in the season opener, Arsenal boasts massive clean-sheet odds. Calafiori combines defensive points potential with significant attacking threat down the left flank, making him a cornerstone option among GW1 FPL player picks.
Harry Maguire (Manchester United) – 5.0m
Maguire remains a massive aerial threat on set pieces and a solid option for defensive baseline points. Manchester United kicks off their campaign against newly promoted Hull City. Given the fixture matchup, Maguire offers high clean-sheet potential alongside an anytime goal threat, standing out as a dependable selection for player picks for GW1 of the 26/27 season.
Anel Muharemovic (Leeds United) – 5.0m
A fresh signing for Leeds United after posting an impressive 10.86 defensive actions per 90 minutes in Serie A last season, Muharemovic enters FPL as a high-floor pick. Leeds travels to face Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 1. If you are seeking a low-ownership differential who accumulates baseline points effortlessly, he is a dark horse choice for your opening team.
Midfielders
Pascal Groß (Brighton & Hove Albion) – 5.5m
Groß continues to be the central hub of Brighton’s setup and retains penalty duties. Brighton begins their campaign at home against Aston Villa. Priced at a modest 5.5m, his combination of set-piece delivery, chance creation, and penalty duties makes him an incredible budget enabler when selecting GW1 FPL player picks.
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) – 12.0m
Coming off a record-breaking assist campaign, Bruno Fernandes enters the season as the most expensive midfielder in FPL. Manchester United opens against Hull City, giving the United captain the ultimate fixture to produce a double-digit haul right out of the gate. For managers looking to captain a midfielder in Gameweek 1, Bruno is an absolute premium set-and-forget asset.
Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) – 7.0m
Operating in his natural central midfield role for Liverpool, Szoboszlai provides consistent attacking coverage alongside a high defensive work rate. Liverpool travels to face Newcastle in their opener. Taking corner kicks and possessing elite long-range shooting threat, Szoboszlai is a well-rounded pick in the mid-priced midfielder bracket.
Christos Tzolis (Arsenal) – 6.5m
Arsenal’s new attacking signing caught fire in pre-season with six goal contributions. Facing Coventry City on opening night, Tzolis offers an explosive route into Arsenal’s attack at a lower price point than the template picks. He stands out as a differential pick among player picks for GW1 of the 26/27 season.
Forwards
João Pedro (Chelsea) – 7.5m
João Pedro was Chelsea’s standout star during pre-season, recording over seven goal contributions in five matches. Chelsea visits Fulham on opening weekend—a side that struggled defensively during their summer warm-ups. Given his current form and central role in Chelsea’s attack, Pedro is a top-tier candidate for your forward line.
Brian Brobbey (Sunderland) – 6.0m
Coming off an impressive World Cup campaign with the Netherlands and a goal in his final pre-season match, Brobbey enters the new season as a standout budget forward. Sunderland, who escaped relegation last season to finish in a European spot, opens away against newly promoted Ipswich Town. Possessing physical presence and decent attacking threat, Brobbey is a top bargain option at just 6.0m for those seeking value up front.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – 15.5m
The premier forward in world football and the most expensive asset in FPL history remains a near-mandatory lock. Manchester City hosts Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium in Gameweek 1. With Mohamed Salah no longer an option in FPL, building a team without Haaland is a massive rank risk. Expect his ownership to climb above 50% before the deadline.
Drafting the right squad for the opening deadline requires balancing premium captains with reliable budget enablers. By anchoring your squad with proven producers like Bruno Fernandes and Erling Haaland while sprinkling in form differentials like João Pedro and Christos Tzolis, you set your team up for success.
What does your Gameweek 1 draft look like? Who are you trusting with the captain’s armband for the opening deadline? Drop your thoughts, team screenshots, and hot takes in the comments below!