No idea how to set up your FPL team for the start of the season? We’ve got you covered with the optimal Gameweek 1 team according to AI, and there’s no Erling Haaland!
Read on to see the optimal FPL team for the opening week, player by player.
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GKP/DEF: David Raya & Gabriel vs Coventry City (H)
David Raya gets the nod between the sticks after keeping 19 clean sheets last season, with Arsenal the favourites to keep a shut-out in Gameweek 1 as promoted Coventry City visit the Emirates. Gabriel’s price increases by £2 million for this campaign, but with only Erling Haaland and Bruno Fernandes out-performing his fantasy points last season, it’s justified.
DEF: Harry Maguire & Luke Shaw vs Hull City (A)
Manchester United are second favourites for a clean sheet on the opening weekend as they travel to Yorkshire to face Championship play-off winners Hull City. They kept six shut-outs in 17 games under Michael Carrick last season, with Harry Maguire producing a goal in their final pre-season game. They are both friendly on fantasy budgets at £5m and £4.5m.
DEF: Virgil Van Dijk vs Newcastle United (A)
Liverpool are always among the most consistent defences in the Premier League. I don’t expect that to change under Andoni Iraola, after his Bournemouth side kept 11 clean sheets last season. Virgil Van Dijk justifies his £6.5m price tag given his routes to points, with an impressive six goals in 2025/26. Plus, he had defensive contribution points in 15 appearances.
MID: Bruno Fernandes vs Hull City (A)
Bruno Fernandes completes a Man United triple up for Gameweek 1. With Ipswich Town visiting Old Trafford in Gameweek 2, he’s set to be among the best captain picks for the start of the campaign. He has the routes to points given his set piece responsibility, including penalties, despite missing two spot-kicks during pre-season.
MID: Enzo Le Fee vs Ipswich Town (A)
Sunderland midfielder Enzo Le Fee comes in at a budget friendly £6m. For starters, he has an enticing opening fixture against promoted Ipswich Town. He may add penalties to his appeal this season, along with involvement in their other set pieces. Le Fee produced 11 attacking returns for the Black Cats last campaign, with defensive contributions on eight occasions.
MID/FWD: Cole Palmer & Joao Pedro vs Fulham (A)
It is all change at Chelsea under Xabi Alonso, with Cole Palmer expected to play as part of a midfield two behind Joao Pedro. Penalties and a full pre-season supports Palmer’s appeal with Pedro in red hot form ahead of the campaign. He has produced seven goals and two assists across their preparations, sitting in over 55% of fantasy teams.
MID/FWD: Dominik Szbolszlai & Alexander Isak vs Newcastle United (A)
Momentum is gathering for Liverpool assets ahead of this new campaign with an exciting opener away at Isak’s former employers Newcastle. The Toon, meanwhile, are in transition following the departure of Eddie Howe. You’d expect one of this pair to be on penalties following the departure of Mohamed Salah, with Dominik Szoboszlai carrying the threat from free-kicks.
Here’s the optimal team in full, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) a worthy first substitute in the 4-4-2 formation. The optimal team will change constantly through the week as more information arises. Check the current version as a Fantasy Football Hub member.
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