The start of a new season is always something special. Even the most pessimistic fan’s heart is full of hope. The thought This will be our year is in everyone’s mind. This is no different for FPL managers. However, in order to achieve that, many changes are made to the FPL squad. In fact, it has probably been dissected countless times in most cases. Someone who seemed essential before might seem like the worst player in history now. On the other hand, a cheap 4.0 unit player appears to be better than Messi all of a sudden. In the end, one is seen frantically making changes five minutes before the deadline on Friday. This Fantasy Premier League gameweek one preview looks forward to the new season with some tips for FPL managers. Perhaps, one might be able to avoid making those last-minute dashes onto the FPL website.
Fantasy Premier League Gameweek One Picks
As discussed in the club-specific previews, it is important to focus on the first six gameweeks while building your squad. It is always better to plan ahead. Don’t forget, one only gets one free transfer every gameweek. Better planning would reduce the number of hits needed throughout the season.
Goalkeepers
There are two popular ways to go about picking the two keepers. One could pick a premium keeper like Alisson or Ederson (£6.0) and pair him with someone like David Button (£4.0). Then, there are some who will pick two 4.5 unit keepers and rotate them according to the fixtures. Mathew Ryan, Tom Heaton, and Nick Pope are the most popular keepers at that range. Both approaches could work. Managers should ideally decide on their strategy on gameweek one itself.
Defenders
This season, things are more difficult with the price hikes of FPL darlings Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.0). FPL managers need to balance their squads with some cheapos at 4 or 4.5 units in order to fit even one of them in.
It is advisable to pick at least four defenders who should start every week. Virgil van Dijk (£6.5) is the most popular pick at this stage with over 47% ownership. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.5) was a wonderful pick last season but costs a lot more now. Manchester United‘s new-look defence might take time to gell so one should be a bit cautious. Lucas Digne (£6.0) and Seamus Coleman (£5.5) have a great set of fixtures to start with. Manchester City defenders are also good bets but might be prone to rotation. Consider Oleksandr Zinchenko and John Stones (£5.5) if Aymeric Laporte (£6.5) or Kyle Walker (£6.0) aren’t affordable.
In order to fit the premium defenders in, every FPL manager will need to pick some cheapos. John Lundstram (£4.0) could be a great enabler. He has played in midfield for Sheffield United in the preseason matches. Burnley defenders have been great in the last few seasons. Ben Gibson (£4.0) could be great if he starts. A few decent picks are available at 4.5 units. Finding the real gem from them would be tough.
Midfielders
Mohamed Salah (£12.5), Raheem Sterling (£12.0), and Bernardo Silva (£8.0) are the three most popular picks at this stage. It will probably be difficult to fit them in but Salah and Sterling should be there. Manchester City and Liverpool have decent fixtures to start the season as well. Kevin De Bruyne (£9.5) could have a big season after missing large chunks of last season.
Gylfi Sigurdsson (£8.0) and Richarlison (£8.0) have great early fixtures and should be considered.
Leicester City have three really nice options to look at in Ayoze Pérez (£6.5), James Maddison (£7.0), and Youri Tielemans (£6.5). All three could do well.
Ryan Fraser (£7.5) is a bit expensive this season but has great fixtures to start the season with.
Crystal Palace have not looked too good in pre-season. In fact, they lost 0-4 at home to Hertha Berlin in their last match. Almost 25% FPL managers have picked Wilfried Zaha, who has not played a single minute in pre-season. He is probably better avoided at this stage.
Leander Dendoncker (£4.5) is probably the best enabler as he has seen plenty of minutes for Wolves in pre-season.
Strikers
Callum Wilson (£8.0) is a wonderful pick for the first two gameweeks. His strike partner Joshua King (£6.5) is also a decent option if you are struggling with funds.
Harry Kane (£11.0) should be the first choice captain this week, playing at home to a promoted side. However, his record in August is probably making FPL managers a bit reluctant. Kane broke his August hoodoo after 1065 minutes last season.
Diogo Jota (£6.5) has had a great pre-season and should be considered strongly.
Roberto Firmino (£9.5) is playing Norwich City at home and should be in more FPL teams. However, most might prioritize other Liverpool assets. Still, Firmino should do well. One might consider a one week punt on Divock Origi (£5.5) as well.
Jamie Vardy (£9.0) should flourish under Brendan Rodgers and a strong midfield supporting him.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0) is a decent option as well but would be a gamble considering his price and tricky early fixtures for Arsenal.
Best Fantasy Premier League 2019/20 Gameweek One Captaincy Picks
Mohamed Salah (£12.5), Raheem Sterling (£12.0) and Harry Kane (£11.0).
Top Picks
- Raheem Sterling (12.0)
- Mohamed Salah (£12.5)
- Harry Kane (£11.0)
- Callum Wilson (£8.0)
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.0)
- Nick Pope (4.5)
- Andrew Robertson (£7.0)
- Lucas Digne (£6.0)
- Ryan Fraser (£7.5)
- Ayoze Pérez (£6.5)
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