With the new FPL season knocking on the door, setting up your Gameweek 1 squad requires balancing premium heavy-hitters with crucial budget value. Here is your complete breakdown of essential strategy, top player targets, and captaincy options.
Key Strategy Points for GW1
Structure Around “The Big Three”: Combining Erling Haaland (£15.5m), Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m), and Gabriel (£8.0m) costs £35.5m. To make it work, rely on cheap £4.0m bench defenders from promoted sides.
Target Opening Fixture Runs: Manchester City and Arsenal lead the fixture difficulty ratings, while Manchester United face a high-upside start with matches against promoted teams.
Budget Enablers Are Essential: With premium pricing tighter than ever, early form picks like Igor Jesus (£6.0m) and Pascal Gross (£5.5m) free up vital funds.
Top Player Targets by Position
| Position | Player | Team | Price | Why Target? |
| GK | Gianluigi Donnarumma | Man City | £5.5m | Solid coverage for the best defense on opening fixtures. |
| DEF | Gabriel | Arsenal | £8.0m | Elite aerial threat and set-piece monster. |
| DEF | Riccardo Calafiori | Arsenal | £5.5m | Strong value route into Arsenal’s defensive double-up. |
| MID | Bruno Fernandes | Man Utd | £12.0m | Primary creator and penalty taker with elite early fixtures. |
| MID | Bryan Mbeumo | Man Utd | £8.0m | In fine pre-season form playing as a central forward. |
| MID | Pascal Gross | Brighton | £5.5m | Great budget differential with penalty duties. |
| FWD | Erling Haaland | Man City | £15.5m | Must-have captaincy engine for GW1, GW3, and GW5. |
| FWD | Joao Pedro | Chelsea | £7.5m | Key focal point at a competitive mid-tier price point. |
| FWD | Igor Jesus | Nott’m Forest | £6.0m | 4 goals in 4 pre-season matches heading into kind home fixtures. |
Captaincy Picks for Gameweek 1
👑 Erling Haaland (£15.5m): The default armband choice for GW1 with Man City holding an elite opening fixture.
🎯 Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m): Top differential captain if you want to target Manchester United’s opening clash against promoted opposition.
