Last updated: 26 July 2026
These are provisional Gameweek 1 lineups based on current squads, early friendlies and expected tactical roles.
They should not be treated as confirmed teams. Several World Cup players are still returning, the transfer window remains open and new managers are testing different systems.
The final update should be completed after the last friendlies and pre-match press conferences.
Arsenal
Predicted XI: Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Ødegaard, Zubimendi; Madueke, Eze, Martinelli; Gyökeres.
Main FPL question: William Saliba's injury increases the importance of Arsenal's centre-back selection. Gabriel and Raya remain the safest defensive routes.
Aston Villa
Predicted XI: Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Kamara, Lindelöf; McGinn, Buendía, Barkley; Watkins.
Main FPL question: Villa have changed significantly during the summer. Watkins remains the clearest attacking option, while the midfield roles need more evidence.
Bournemouth
Predicted XI: Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Diakité, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Tavernier, Kroupi, Rayan; Evanilson.
Main FPL question: Kroupi's midfield classification is attractive, but Bournemouth open away to Manchester City and have one of the toughest early schedules.
Brentford
Predicted XI: Kelleher; Kayode, Van den Berg, Collins, Lewis-Potter; Yarmolyuk, Janelt; Dango Ouattara, Jensen, Schade; Thiago.
Main FPL question: Thiago is the standout attacker, while Kelleher offers saves and bonus potential. The attacking midfield roles remain competitive.
Brighton
Predicted XI: Verbruggen; Kadioglu, Vuskovic, Dunk, De Cuyper; Baleba, Groß; Gómez, Hinshelwood, Minteh; Welbeck.
Main FPL question: Verbruggen is a strong £4.5m goalkeeper candidate. The centre-back and left-sided attacking positions are less secure.
Chelsea
Predicted XI: Sánchez; Gusto, Tosin, Colwill, Hato; Lavia, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Gittens; João Pedro.
Main FPL question: Palmer and João Pedro have strong potential, but Alonso's system and Chelsea's depth can create rotation across the supporting roles.
Coventry City
Predicted XI: Dovin; Van Ewijk, Amenda, Thomas, Dasilva; Grimes, Onyeka; Sakamoto, Rudoni, Tchaouna; Haji Wright.
Main FPL question: Bobby Thomas and Van Ewijk are budget options, but Coventry begin away to Arsenal. Haji Wright is the main attacking player to monitor.
Crystal Palace
Predicted XI: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Muñoz, Kamada, Wharton, Mitchell; Sarr, Pino; Strand Larsen.
Main FPL question: The wing-back roles remain attractive, but the new manager's shape must be confirmed before investing heavily in Palace's defence.
Everton
Predicted XI: Pickford; O'Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; Röhl, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Beto.
Main FPL question: Pickford and Tarkowski offer secure minutes. Dewsbury-Hall has a stronger attacking ceiling, subject to his exact role.
Fulham
Predicted XI: Leno; Castagne, Cuenca, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Bobb, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Muniz.
Main FPL question: Robinson remains the most established defender, while the attacking positions are being reorganised under a new manager.
Hull City
Predicted XI: Butland; Coyle, Hughes, Ajayi, Giles; Gyabi, Slater; Belloumi, Ömür, Millar; McBurnie.
Main FPL question: Charlie Hughes could become a minimum-price defensive-contribution option. Hull's first match against Manchester United is difficult.
Ipswich Town
Predicted XI: Alex Palmer; Johnson, Kipré, Greaves, Davis; Matusiwa, Núñez; Philogene, Szmodics, Clarke; Hirst.
Main FPL question: Leif Davis remains the highest-upside defender through attacking involvement and possible set pieces. The central-forward position needs confirmation.
Leeds United
Predicted XI: Lucas Perri; Rodon, Bijol, Justin; Bogle, Stach, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Aaronson; Calvert-Lewin.
Main FPL question: Calvert-Lewin offers penalties and a central role. Ampadu can benefit from defensive contributions, while the formation may change.
Liverpool
Predicted XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.
Main FPL question: Isak's minutes look secure while Ekitiké is unavailable. Szoboszlai's position and the new penalty order could create major value.
Manchester City
Predicted XI: Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Khusanov, Rúben Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Reijnders; Semenyo, Foden, Doku; Haaland.
Main FPL question: Haaland is the secure premium. Every other City player needs pre-season evidence because the squad and system have changed under Maresca.
Manchester United
Predicted XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martínez, Shaw; Mount, Mainoo; Amad, Bruno Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo.
Main FPL question: Bruno is the safest attacker. Mbeumo, Cunha and Amad all have good opening fixtures but compete for the most advanced roles.
Newcastle United
Predicted XI: Pope; Livramento, Thiaw, Botman, Lewis Hall; Bruno Guimarães, Miley; Barnes, Willock, Jacob Ramsey; Osula.
Main FPL question: Osula is a budget-forward candidate if he retains the central position. Lewis Hall and Bruno Guimarães offer more secure minutes.
Nottingham Forest
Predicted XI: Sels; Jair, Milenkovic, Murillo, Aina; Nicolás Domínguez, Sangaré; Neco Williams, Hutchinson, Gibbs-White; Wood.
Main FPL question: Gibbs-White is the outstanding pick because the new 3-4-2-1 can keep him close to the striker. Forest also have good early fixtures.
Sunderland
Predicted XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Hume, Le Fée, Angulo; Brobbey.
Main FPL question: Le Fée has set-piece and creative potential. Mukiele and Roefs offer defensive value, but European football may increase rotation later.
Tottenham Hotspur
Predicted XI: Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Gallagher; Kudus, Maddison, Tel; Solanke.
Main FPL question: Porro and Solanke offer clear FPL upside. Kinsky should not be selected until Tottenham's goalkeeper hierarchy is confirmed.
The safest expected starters
The strongest minutes profiles currently include:
- Haaland
- Bruno Fernandes
- Gabriel
- Raya
- Van Dijk
- Isak, when fit
- Watkins
- Gibbs-White
- Pickford
- Tarkowski
- Thiago
These players can still be injured or rested, but they face less competition than many similarly priced alternatives.
The main position battles
The most important battles to monitor are:
- Tottenham goalkeeper
- Manchester City defenders and wide attackers
- Chelsea wing-backs and supporting attackers
- Arsenal's wide positions
- Liverpool's attacking midfield roles
- Newcastle's front line
- Leeds' formation
- Promoted-club centre-forwards
FAQ
When should I trust a predicted Gameweek 1 lineup?
After the final major friendly and the manager's press conference. Earlier predictions remain vulnerable to transfers and late World Cup returns.
Should I avoid every player with competition?
No. Premium players can still justify some rotation risk, but cheap players should normally offer secure minutes.
How many minutes risks can an opening FPL squad carry?
One or two calculated risks are manageable. Several uncertain starters combined with a weak bench create unnecessary danger.
OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
OneFPL analysis. OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
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