I’ve given you my team with a long-term view factored in, but now it’s time to focus solely on FPL Gameweek 1, so for those looking to make a fast start this season, here are the key players to focus on for the start of an enthralling campaign.
FPL Gameweek 1 Target Fixtures & Players
Arsenal (vs Coventry, home)
The champions start at home to a newly promoted side in Coventry, so clearly there needs to be a triple up for the Gunners here. They were on fire in the Community Shield with a number of standout performers.
- Ben White (5.5m) – Marauding right-back looks set to start the season with Jurrien Timber still out injured, provides a good option into the Arsenal backline.
- Ricardo Calafiori (5.5m) – Scorer of the opening goal in the Community Shield and scored the winner against Manchester United on the opening day last season. Defensive and attacking contributions very possible from the Italian.
- Martin Odegaard (6.5m) – Norwegian Odegaard looked back to his best against City, and he’ll be looking to make a statement this campaign.
- Kai Havertz (7.5m) – Another Community Shield scorer, Havertz had a decent World Cup and also scored in the Champions League Final, so he’s a man in form.
Manchester United (vs Hull, away)
Michael Carrick’s side travel to newly-promoted Hull, who are favourites to go straight back down. It’s a tough test for the new boys as they face a United side who’ll be looking to make a fast start to the season against two of the new sides.
- Senne Lammens (5.0m) – Surprising to see Lammens in at 5.0m, looks a solid option for the long-term in the goalkeeper position.
- Luke Shaw (4.5m) – Shaw played every game for United last season and is a good value route into their defence.
- Bryan Mbeumo (8.0m) – No World Cup for Mbeumo this summer means he should be fresh and likely to play up front in this one.
- Bruno Fernandes (12.0m) – A gem of an FPL asset, don’t make the mistake of being put off by the price tag, he’ll be worth every penny.
Manchester City (vs Bournemouth, home)
City start life without Pep Guardiola at home to Bournemouth in what looks an attractive game on paper. City have a relatively settled side and while may take some time to find their groove, they’re a strong target for the start of this season.
- Josko Gvardiol (5.5m) – Gvardiol has been talked about favourably by Enzo Maresca and got into some promising attacking positions against Arsenal.
- Elliott Anderson (6.5m) – Anderson is a defensive contribution magnet and will be a stalwart of this City side given his transfer fee.
- Erling Haaland (15.5m) – The greatest FPL striker of all time? Possibly. Go without the Norwegian at your peril.
Chelsea (vs Fulham, away)
Another of the ‘big-six’ clubs to focus on for this week are Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea, he takes on his Real Madrid successor Alvaro Arbeloa in this West London derby, but the Blues have a few good-looking assets for this one.
- Levi Colwill (5.0m) – Looks likely to form part of a back-three for Alonso’s side. He’s a threat from set pieces and should get his fair share of defensive contributions.
- Morgan Rogers (7.5m) – Just favoured to his old mate Cole Palmer on value grounds. Rogers scored on debut against Real Sociedad and takes his place on the target list here.
- Joao Pedro (7.5m) – Chelsea’s most in-form player, how Brazil missed him at the World Cup, their loss could be the Blues’ gain as he looks to build on an excellent first season at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool (vs Newcastle, away)
Liverpool, another side with a new manager, head to Newcastle who look to have had a miserable summer. The Reds may take time to gel under Andoni Iraola, but they should win the opener to ease the early nerves somewhat.
- Milos Kerkez (5.5m) – A cheaper alternative to Virgil van Dijk in the Liverpool backline.
- Dominik Szoboszlai (7.0m) – In nearly half of FPL squads and looks a good value asset for the long-term.
- Florian Wirtz (7.5m) – This is a slight gamble but Wirtz has been playing in his favoured no.10 position in pre-season, which could be key to a better second season on Merseyside.
FPL Gameweek 1 Captain Picks
Erling Haaland (C) – The Man City striker always hits the ground running and despite his disappointing performance against Arsenal in the Community Shield, he’s favoured to get back on track at home to Bournemouth.
Bruno Fernandes (VC) – Reliable option as the vice captain in the unlikely event that Haaland doesn’t play.
Worth a Punt
Andy Robertson (4.5m) – If you need budget defenders you could do a lot worse than consider Tottenham new man Andy Robertson. An FPL gem over the years, he’ll bring commitment and attacking thrust down Spurs’ left hand side.
Ola Aina (4.5m) – Another 4.5m defender, Aina will have plenty of license to get forward under Oliver Glasner, as Forest have a nice run to start the campaign
Harrison Armstrong (5.0m) – Not too many budget midfielders this season, but Harrison Armstrong has been starting for Everton in pre-season, and the Toffees host Crystal Palace on the opening weekend.
Diego Gomez (5.0m) – Not sure why Gomez is just 2.9% owned. Seems by far the best 5.0m midfield option in the game
Emersonn (5.5m) – Not many sub-6m striker options worth looking at this year, but Emersonn starts the campaign with a nice home fixture at home to Sunderland. The big-money signing will look to hit the ground running for Ipswich.
FPL Gameweek 1 Team
GK: Lammens (5.0m)
DEF: Calafiori (5.5m), Colwill (5.0m), Robertson (4.5m), Gvardiol (5.5m)
MID: Odegaard (6.5m), Fernandes (12.0m), Rogers (7.5m)
FWD: Haaland (15.5m), Havertz (7.5m), Joao Pedro (7.5m)
SUBS: Palmer (4.0m), Aina (4.5m), Gomez (5.0m), Hemmings (4.5m)