The new Fantasy Premier League season is upon us, and the excitement is palpable. With the first deadline fast approaching, managers everywhere are fine-tuning their squads, wrestling with last-minute injuries, and analyzing pre-season form. At Baji999, we’ve consulted with top FPL minds to bring you a comprehensive guide to navigating the crucial opening gameweek. You can’t win the title now, but a poor start can create a mountain to climb. Let’s ensure your team is set for success.
The Non-Negotiable Must-Own Assets
Every successful FPL squad needs a solid foundation. According to our experts, certain players are simply essential for Gameweek 1.
Holly Shand, a renowned FPL analyst, is unequivocal about her top picks. “Erling Haaland has to be in there,” she states, emphasizing his sky-high ownership and the likelihood of him being the default captain choice for millions. She also highlights Bukayo Saka‘s attractive opening fixtures and set-piece dominance, including penalties. Rounding out her “untouchables” list is Marcus Rashford, who boasts two favorable home matches in the first three gameweeks, reminding us that only Haaland outscored him in home FPL points last season.
Echoing this sentiment, Sam from FPL Family agrees on Haaland’s indispensability. “I am surprised to see him only in 86 per cent of teams,” Sam notes, pointing to the Manchester City striker’s record-breaking previous campaign. Sam also advocates for Saka and a Manchester United asset, either Rashford or Bruno Fernandes, due to their strong pre-seasons and schedules. A forward-thinking tip from Sam is to consider Ben Chilwell from the start, preparing for Chelsea’s promising run from Gameweek 2 onwards.
Navigating the Tough Decisions and Calculated Risks
Team selection is never straightforward, and this season presents unique dilemmas. For Sam, the biggest headache revolves around Harry Kane. “With uncertainty around his future it is difficult to know whether he will still be a Spurs player on Deadline Day,” Sam explains. However, after witnessing Kane’s four-goal demolition of Shakhtar Donetsk, the allure is strong, even if it means sacrificing Mohamed Salah. Holly Shand’s challenge lies in the crowded £6.5m midfielder bracket, where talents like Bryan Mbeumo, Kaoru Mitoma, and Eberechi Eze are vying for a spot, with Mbeumo getting her nod based on fixtures.
When it comes to high-risk, high-reward picks, our experts have different approaches. Holly is going all-in on Mohamed Salah, fitting the Egyptian king into her squad despite it requiring compromises elsewhere. “He has a great record of fantasy hauls in Gameweek 1,” she argues, backed by his red-hot pre-season form. Sam, on the other hand, is taking a defensive gamble by selecting William Saliba over the more popular Gabriel. Sam believes many have forgotten how pivotal Saliba was before his injury last season and is banking on a huge reward if his hunch is correct.
Is Your Team Too “Template”? Why That’s Okay
Many managers fear their squad looks too similar to everyone else’s. Our Baji999 experts advise against this worry, especially for Gameweek 1. Sam from FPL Family puts it plainly: “At the start of the season there is no such thing as too template.” The template exists because it consists of the best players with the best form and fixtures. Starting with the highest-owned assets protects you from an early points deficit if they perform. The strategy should be to have a conservative core with two or three differential picks that can be easily adjusted.
Holly Shand agrees, warning managers not to overthink. “Don’t try to be clever and back against the obvious picks just to be different,” she cautions. While having a couple of punts is enjoyable, staying with the pack in the early phases is a safe and sensible strategy. The time for bold, rogue moves will come later in the campaign as patterns emerge and new stars rise.
The Experts’ Gameweek 1 Squads Revealed
So, what do these expert strategies look like in practice? Here are the teams our analysts are lining up with for the opening fixture.
Holly Shand’s XI: Johnstone (GK); Estupinan, Gabriel, Chilwell (DEF); Saka, Rashford (VC), Salah, Mbeumo, Maddison (MID); Haaland (C), Joao Pedro (FWD). Bench: Turner, Baldock, Kabore, Mubama.
Sam from FPL Family’s XI: Onana (GK); Chilwell, Estupinan, Saliba (DEF); Saka, Fernandes, Maddison, Diaby (MID); Haaland, Kane, Joao Pedro (FWD). Bench: Areola, Beyer, Baptiste, Kabore.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah during a pre-season friendly
Looking Ahead to a Thrilling Season
Beyond the team tinkering, our experts are excited for the season ahead. Holly Shand is anticipating a return to normality after several years disrupted by global events, promising a simpler and more enjoyable FPL experience. Sam from FPL Family is buzzing about what could be a historically close title race. “I think that it could be the closest one in years with four or five teams potentially in with a chance,” Sam predicts. This competitive landscape would make FPL exceptionally dynamic, moving the focus beyond just Manchester City and Arsenal assets.
# Baji999‘s Essential FPL Gameweek 1 Guide: Must-Have Picks and Expert Strategies
Starting your FPL journey on the right foot is paramount. By focusing on the essential assets like Haaland and Saka, making informed calculated risks, and not fearing the template, you set a strong foundation for the marathon ahead. Remember, the community at Baji999 is here to support your journey every step of the way. We’d love to hear your Gameweek 1 teams and strategies—share your squads in the comments below, and let’s navigate this thrilling season together! Don’t forget to explore more in-depth analysis and tips right here on our platform.
