The Premier League season is finally here, and FPL managers are gearing up for a strong start. Picking the right players from the first gameweek can make a big difference over the course of the season. While some managers focus on proven stars, others look for in-form mids and budget-friendly options to maximize points.
This guide highlights key goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards who could deliver returns early on, along with captaincy picks and tips to help you hit the ground running.
GW1 DEADLINE: Friday 15th August 18:30pm (BST)
Goalkeepers
Caoimhin Kelleher (£4.5m): Brentford’s first-choice keeper starts the season with a favourable fixture and is already proving popular among managers looking for a budget option. He is a reliable source of save points, and with the new defensive contribution rule, a strong keeper like Kelleher becomes even more valuable as his defenders could also pick up extra points.
Matz Sels (£5.0m): Nottingham Forest’s first-choice keeper is a solid option for those willing to invest slightly more. While his fixtures are not the easiest, his shot-stopping ability means he can still deliver consistent save points. He is a pick for managers who value reliability over fixture runs.
Robert Sanchez, Chelsea (£5.0m): Chelsea’s goalkeeper gives managers access to a top-six defence at a reasonable price. The Blues are expected to tighten up under their new system, and Sánchez should benefit from both clean sheets and the new defensive contribution points. With a decent start to the season in terms of fixtures, he is an appealing pick for those looking for a balance of security and potential returns.
Defenders
Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool (£6.0m): The Liverpool captain is a perennial FPL favorite. With clean sheet potential and an attacking threat from set pieces, he is a standout premium defender. With the new defensive contribution points, a player like Van Dijk, who is known for his clearances and interceptions, becomes even more of a valuable asset.
Cristian Romero, Tottenham (£4.5m): Under a new manager known for defensive solidity, the Spurs defender offers excellent value. He can be a reliable budget option and has the added bonus of occasional attacking contributions from set pieces.
Ezri Konsa, Aston Villa (£4.5m): Next up is a centre-back not known for his goals, but Aston Villa’s Konsa is cheap and has superb early fixtures that rotate well with other popular picks. He faces Sunderland, Burnley, Fulham, Brentford and Everton. Aston Villa has a good run of early fixtures, and Konsa provides a solid, budget-friendly route into their defense.
Midfielders
Eberechi Eze, Crystal Palace (£7.5m): Eze looks like a strong mid-priced pick at £7.5m, with the quality to turn games in Crystal Palace’s favour. There’s talk of a summer move, but he remains a key figure for the Eagles. Last season, he delivered a personal best of 16 goal contributions and was instrumental in their FA Cup triumph.
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool (£14.5m): The FPL king remains the most owned and reliable premium asset. With a home game against Bournemouth, he is the top captaincy candidate and a must-have for many managers. His role as a penalty taker and primary attacking outlet makes him a constant threat for big points.
Cole Palmer, Chelsea (£10.5m): Palmer is the most popular player in FPL right now, and it’s not hard to see why. With Crystal Palace visiting Stamford Bridge, he’s likely to be at the heart of everything Chelsea do going forward. He can score, he can create, and with the new assist rules in play, his chances of racking up points look even better.
Florian Wirtz, Liverpool (£8.5m): Liverpool’s summer signing has already shown glimpses of his quality in preseason, combining creativity with a real goal threat. Playing in an advanced role for a team that’s expected to score plenty, he looks like a smart pick at his price and could deliver right from the start.
Forwards
Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool (£8.5m): Ekitike arrives at Liverpool after a promising spell in the Bundesliga, showing a knack for getting into dangerous areas. Under Arne Slot, he could feature through the middle with top-quality support around him. If he secures regular starts and improves his finishing, he has the potential to offer great value.
Joao Pedro, Chelsea (£7.5m): Joao Pedro showed plenty of promise at Brighton last season, and since joining Chelsea, he has hit the ground running. He played a key role in their FIFA Club World Cup triumph and has carried that momentum into an impressive pre-season. With Chelsea now looking a much stronger, more settled side after several transfer windows of rebuilding, Joao Pedro could prove to be a smart, long-term pick for FPL managers this season.
Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal (£9.0m): After an outstanding season at Sporting, Gyokeres joins Arsenal with an impressive scoring record. His experience from the penalty spot could see him involved in set-piece duties, offering an alternative route into Arsenal’s attack. That said, with a challenging early fixture list and limited pre-season involvement, it might be wise to wait and see how he settles before investing.
Erling Haaland, Manchester City (£14.5m): Last season was considered quiet for Haaland, yet he still scored 22 goals and set up three more. He’s the main man in City’s attack and more than capable of another huge return, especially with a strong squad and a kind start to the season. His lower ownership makes him an intriguing option.
Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa (£9.0m): Watkins has been a consistent performer in FPL, hitting double figures for goals in every Premier League campaign so far. He combines scoring with creativity and may also take penalties. With Aston Villa enjoying a favourable start to the season and Watkins finding the net five times in pre-season, he looks like a reliable pick from the outset.
Captaincy Picks
Mohamed Salah: A proven Gameweek 1 specialist who rarely blanks in opening fixtures. Liverpool’s talisman combines a high goal threat with assist potential, making him one of the safest armband options.
Erling Haaland: Manchester City’s goal machine needs little introduction. Even against tougher opposition, his finishing ability and positioning mean he’s always capable of delivering double-digit returns.
Ollie Watkins: Comes into the season in fine form and has a promising opening fixture. His involvement in both scoring and assisting makes him a well-rounded captaincy option for those seeking an alternative to the premium picks.
Tip: In the first week, captain a player who is both in form and has a favourable fixture. Avoid risky punts, steady points early on will set you up for a strong start.
Final thought
Gameweek 1 is about building a solid foundation rather than chasing explosive one-week punts. Focus on secure starters, strong fixtures, and players with proven ability. Keep an eye on late team news, lock in your captain, and enter the season ready to adapt.
Written by Destiny Eromosele
INMR FOOTBALL 
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