The super computer did it’s thing on Friday and we now know the fixtures for FPL Season 2026/27. There are more options than ever in the game, and we’re not even half way through the World Cup yet, but it’s never too early to get a head start on the competition by having a look at the best FPL teams and FPL fixtures to target for season ahead.
Manchester City
Manchester City look the number one team to target for the early part of the FPL season. On the opening weekend they face Bournemouth, who have changed manager and lost Marcos Senesi at the back. They then travel to currently managerless Crystal Palace before facing newly promoted Coventry at home. They do face Manchester United and Liverpool away, but in between those fixtures it’s Sunderland and Ipswich at home. If there’s one team to target, City are the ones to focus on.
Erling Haaland has already shown he’s in form at the World Cup, and there’s nothing to suggest he won’t feature heavily for Enzo Maresca. Rayan Cherki was one of the signings of the season and should benefit from a full season under his belt, while Nico O’Reilly will continue to play at the back, but has a midfielder’s attributes and loves to get forward. Phil Foden may be a cheaper option this season, and could get a new lease of life under a new manager, so he’s one to keep an eye on once the prices are published by FPL.
Top picks: Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, Nico O’Reilly
One to watch: Phil Foden
Manchester United
City’s neighbours are the next team on the list as they face two newly promoted teams in the first two games of the season. First up it’s play-off winners Hull before Ipswich travel to Old Trafford in GW2. They then travel to Everton before hosting the first Manchester derby of the season, two tricky games, but are one of not too many clubs that will have continuity next season, with Michael Carrick at the helm.
Bruno Fernandes will obviously continue to be a hugely popular FPL asset, but there’s also Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire, who will benefit from a summer off having not been to the World Cup, and both were reliable options for the Red Devils at the back end of last term. Senne Lammens will benefit from a full season under his belt, and he could be a set and forget goalkeeper until you play your first wildcard.
Top picks: Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, Harry Maguire
One to watch: Senne Lammens
Nottingham Forest
Every team needs some value enablers for the start of FPL Season 2026/27 has to be Nottingham Forest. Vitor Pereira got a nice tune out of the players at the end of last campaign and they ended up surviving comfortably. Europe and a huge turnover of players took it’s toll on Forest last year and a steadier summer and sole domestic focus should see for a better season ahead. They face Leeds, Coventry, Crystal Palace and Ipswich in the first eight gameweeks, so I think they’re a good team to have at least two assets from at the start.
The man of the season was easily Morgan Gibbs-White, the English midfielder and Forest captain finished with a flourish and I was amazed not to see him go to the World Cup, I expect him to be in the 8.5m bracket this season, but that can still provide value. At the back Neco Williams and Nikola Milenkovic will continue to be solid options, while Igor Jesus should come on strongly after an encouraging season.
Top picks: Morgan Gibbs-White, Neco Williams, Nikola Milenkovic
One to watch: Igor Jesus
Brighton & Hove Albion
Another value enabling team for the start of FPL Season 2026/27 is Brighton. The Seagulls look set for a summer of stability with Fabian Hurzeler remaining at the helm and, Carlos Baleba aside, no major departures expected. Kaoru Mitoma’s injury will be a blow but Brighton’s recruitment is superb so we can expect some strong signings to supplement a good squad. The fixtures turn after gameweek seven, but up until then Hurzeler’s men have four home fixtures and a trip to Coventry, amongst others, so look set for a good start.
Of their best assets, full backs Maxim De Cuyper and Ferdi Kadiglou will improve for their first full campaigns in the Premier League first team, while Pascal Gros was a strong asset in midfield following his return to the club in January. Charalampos Kostoulas is another who will benefit from a full season under his belt after a big money move in 2025.
Top picks: Maxim De Cuyper, Ferdi Kadiglou, Pascal Gros
One to watch: Charalampos Kostoulas
Check back next week as we provide more pointers for the FPL season ahead and check out our FPL Golden Rules here.