As we kick off the 2026/27 Premier League season, it’s time for FPL managers to lock in their opening squads. The deadline for Fantasy Football Matchweek 1 is Friday, August 21, 18:30 BST.
Here are some FPL tips to help you make informed decisions for your first squad of the new campaign.
Fantasy Football Matchweek 1 Fixtures
All times BST
Friday 21 August
- Arsenal vs Coventry City (20:00)
Saturday 22 August
- Hull City vs Manchester United (12:30)
- Everton vs Crystal Palace (15:00)
- Ipswich Town vs Sunderland (15:00)
- Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United (15:00)
- Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur (17:30)
Sunday 23 August
- Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa (14:00)
- Manchester City vs Bournemouth (14:00)
- Newcastle United vs Liverpool (16:30)
Monday 24 August
- Fulham vs Chelsea (20:00)
Injury Updates, Suspensions and Key Team News
Reigning champions Arsenal open the season at home to newly promoted Coventry without William Saliba (back) and Jurrien Timber (groin). Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are fit and expected to be involved. Summer signing Bruno Guimaraes is a doubt after coming off in the Community Shield with a knock.
Manchester United travel to Hull while Manuel Ugarte remains a long-term absentee (knee). Matthijs de Ligt is back in training but not ready. Mason Mount is a major doubt. Benjamin Sesko has returned to training and is a minor doubt.
Manchester City host Bournemouth without Jeremy Doku (calf). Erling Haaland is available.
Chelsea are without Wesley Fofana (suspended for the first two Gameweeks). Fulham miss Joachim Andersen (suspended). Bournemouth are without Ryan Christie (suspended).
Other notes: Several players returning from World Cup duty are being carefully managed for minutes. Always check the final pre-match press conferences closer to the deadline for the latest updates ahead of Fantasy Football Matchweek 1.
Must-Have FPL Picks
Arsenal’s home opener against Coventry is one of the best fixtures of the weekend.
With Saliba and Timber missing, Gabriel (£8.0m), Riccardo Calafiori (£5.5m) and Cristhian Mosquera (£5.5m) are strong defensive options. Bukayo Saka (£9.5m) and Declan Rice (£7.5m) are fit and attractive for the attacking returns.
Manchester United face newly promoted Hull City. Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) remains a premium must-have after his outstanding 2025/26 season. Bryan Mbeumo (£8.0m) is another strong United pick and should benefit from the favourable fixture.
Manchester City host Bournemouth. Erling Haaland (£15.5m) is the standout premium forward and the most popular pick in the game. Antoine Semenyo (£8.5m) is a solid midfield option around him.
Other strong Gameweek 1 options include Joao Pedro (£7.5m) at Chelsea (away at Fulham), Dominik Szoboszlai (£7.0m) at Liverpool, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) at Leeds, and value enablers such as Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m) or Pascal Groß (£5.5m) at Brighton.
These FPL tips should help you prioritise the right assets for Fantasy Football Matchweek 1.
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FPL Captaincy Picks
Erling Haaland (Man City vs Bournemouth)
Bruno Fernandes (Hull City vs Man Utd)
Bukayo Saka or Gabriel (Arsenal vs Coventry)
These FPL tips on captaincy remain crucial for maximising points in Fantasy Football Matchweek 1.
Strategic Considerations
Monitor the final press conferences closely – last-minute fitness updates and confirmed starting XIs can still shift decisions before the 18:30 BST deadline.
Fantasy Football Matchweek 1 is about building a solid foundation rather than chasing every differential. Prioritise players with high expected minutes and favourable fixtures. Leave a little flexibility in your budget for early price rises and late transfer window business.
By staying updated on the latest news and being strategic with your opening squad and captaincy choice, you can start the 2026/27 season strongly and set yourself up for a competitive rank.
Apply these FPL tips carefully, and you’ll be well placed for Fantasy Football Matchweek 1 and beyond.
Good luck!
