The Countdown ends — the 2025/26 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season starts, and managers around the world are deciding their teams ahead of the Gameweek 1 deadline.
Whether you’re aiming for overall rank glory or simply want bragging rights in your mini-leagues, making the right choices early on can set the tone for your entire season.
Here’s everything you need to know before locking in your Gameweek 1 team.
Gameweek 1 Deadline
The first deadline of the season is 18:30, Friday, August 15 (TODAY). Make sure to confirm your squad and captain selections before the timer runs out.
Most Popular FPL Picks
Unsurprisingly, certain players have already emerged as template picks among FPL managers:
Cole Palmer – 62.2% ownership
Joao Pedro – 56.2%
Mohamed Salah – 53.9%
Florian Wirtz – 35.0%
Martin Dúbravka – 32.6%
With Palmer and Salah both heavily backed, the big question is whether to stick with the crowd or go against the grain with bold differentials.
High-Owned Players Carrying Flags
Managers should be cautious with two popular assets:
Caoimhin Kelleher (14.3%)
Morgan Rogers (9.4%)
Both are flagged and may not feature, leaving FPL teams exposed if alternatives aren’t lined up.
Captaincy Candidates
Captaincy decisions often make or break a Gameweek, and three names stand out:
Mohamed Salah – 7.6 predicted points
Erling Haaland – 5.5 predicted points
Ollie Watkins – 5.1 predicted points
Salah leads the projections, but Haaland remains a safe bet with his consistency. For those chasing early rank gains, Watkins offers a differential option.
Should You Bench Boost in Gameweek 1?
The temptation to hit the Bench Boost chip straight away is strong, but most experienced FPL managers recommend holding off until Gameweek 2. Early chips often backfire, and waiting for better fixture swings or double Gameweeks could maximize returns.
Top 10 Must-Have Players
Elite managers have highlighted 10 players who should form the backbone of any Gameweek 1 team. Alongside obvious names like Salah and Palmer, expect to see clever inclusions from mid-price and budget brackets that balance the squad for the long haul.
Differential Picks for Gameweek 1
Differentials are crucial to outscore rivals. From undervalued midfielders to bargain defenders at £4.5m, these hidden gems could provide the edge needed to surge ahead in mini-leagues.
Position-by-Position Breakdown
Budget Defenders (£4.5m options): Vital for rotating benches.
Mid-Priced Defenders: Reliable starters who offer attacking threat.
Premium Midfielders: Salah and others remain season-defining assets.
Forwards (£7.5m range): Strong value compared to premium strikers.
With over 9 million managers worldwide playing FPL, the smallest decisions can mean the difference between climbing your mini-league table or falling behind early. Stick to the essentials, trust form and fixtures, and don’t be afraid to back a differential when the opportunity arises.
The new FPL season is here — set your squad, pick your captain, and get ready for the first points battle of 2025/26.
