2026–27 Fantasy Premier League: Optimal Squad for Gameweek 1

The new Premier League season kicks off on Friday, August 21, with Arsenal hosting Coventry City. Fantasy Premier League managers must finalize their squads by 6:30 p.m. BST (1:30 p.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. PT) that day. With the deadline fast approaching, there's a mix of excitement and anxiety in mini-leagues worldwide.

Managers face tough choices, from premium picks to budget enablers. Here's Sports Illustrated’s recommended squad for Gameweek 1 and the early part of the season.

Goalkeepers

Goalkeeper strategy varies. Some choose a consistent starter paired with a cheap bench option, while others rotate cheaper keepers based on fixtures. For this season, Antonín Kinský (£4.5m), now Tottenham's first-choice, pairs well with Brighton's dependable Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m).

Choosing who starts Gameweek 1 is tricky: Kinský faces Brentford away, while Verbruggen hosts Aston Villa.

Defenders

Riccardo Calafiori (£5.5m) stands out for his attacking threat, highlighted by a goal in the recent Community Shield. Arsenal's defense is strong, but the price rise for Gabriel (£8.0m) means managers look more towards teammates like Calafiori or alternatives such as Cristhian Mosquera (£5.5m) and Ben White (£5.5m), both expected starters due to injuries.

Harry Maguire (£5.0m) offers goal threat and defensive points against favorable early fixtures Hull City (A) and Ipswich Town (H). Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina (£4.5m) could deliver from an advanced wing-back role with a home opener versus Leeds United.

Trai Hume (£4.5m) at Sunderland is notable; he's been playing on the wing in preseason and scored consecutively in friendlies. Ipswich signing Issa Diop (£4.0m) serves as a budget enabler for Gameweek 1 but faces tough opponents in subsequent weeks.

Midfielders

Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) remains indispensable after scoring 235 points last season. Despite missing penalties in preseason, he’s a strong captain candidate for the opening weeks. Doubling up on Manchester United’s attack feels wise, with Bryan Mbeumo (£8.0m) stepping in as a striker due to Benjamin Šeško's injury; he boasts solid preseason form and 148 points from last season.

Dominik Szoboszlai (£7.0m) plays deeper but handles set pieces and penalties following Mohamed Salah’s departure. He’s a defensive contribution machine and guaranteed starter. Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye (£6.0m) is a cheaper option likely on penalties, facing a struggling Crystal Palace in the opener.

Pascal Groß (£5.5m) should get regular minutes at Brighton and finished last season strongly with 78 points in 19 games.

Forwards

Erling Haaland (£15.5m) is pricey but remains essential. His form at the start of seasons rarely dips, and upcoming matches against Bournemouth, Palace, and Coventry are favorable.

João Pedro (£7.5m) impressed in preseason with seven goals under Xabi Alonso. Chelsea’s lack of European competition should help him flourish after 15 league goals last term.

Among affordable forwards, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) stands out with five goal involvements in preseason and 14 league goals last season. Other budget options include Brian Brobbey, Igor Jesus, and Evanilson, all priced at £6.0m.

Sports Illustrated’s Recommended FPL Squad for Gameweek 1

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