The Essential Gameweek 1 Checklist
Before the deadline, work through these essential final checks:
Press Conference Scan: Double-check late manager news for unexpected injuries, late transfer completions, or fitness doubts.
Captain & Vice-Captain Lock: Ensure your armband is secured on your top option (e.g., Erling Haaland) and that your vice-captain is a guaranteed starter in case of a late withdrawal.
15 Starting Minutes: Verify that every player on your bench is a regular starter or guaranteed substitute to avoid dead spots on your squad.
Auto-Substitution Logic: Confirm your starting formation is valid (minimum 1 goalkeeper, 3 defenders, 2 midfielders, 1 forward) so auto-subs trigger properly if a starter misses out.
Final Save: Confirm your team saved properly well before the server rush.
Setting Your Bench Order
When configuring your sub bench (Bench 1, 2, and 3), rank outfield players by projected points and fixture difficulty while keeping system rules in mind:
| Bench Position | Role | Recommended Profile | Strategic Rationale |
| Bench 1 | Primary Auto-Sub | First choice defender or attacking enabler with a strong fixture | Enters the team first if any starter fails to play a single minute. |
| Bench 2 | Secondary Cover | Dependable £5.0m midfielder or starting £4.5m defender | Provides reliable appearance points if multiple starters are rotated or rested. |
| Bench 3 | Pure Enabler | Budget £4.0m defender or £4.5m bench fodder | Lowest priority sub used solely to release funds for starter upgrades. |
Common Deadline Pitfalls to Avoid
Over-Index on Pre-Season Form: Pre-season friendlies can be misleading regarding tactics, roles, and starter guarantees. Focus on proven Premier League minutes.
Misordering Substitutes: Placing a £4.0m bench fodder player in the Bench 1 slot risks losing points if a key starter is ruled out unexpectedly.
Chasing Last-Minute Hits: Avoid taking unnecessary point deductions before Gameweek 1 unless forced by late injury news.
