Results and observations updated: 27 July 2026
The first major round of Premier League friendlies has produced goals, injuries and early tactical clues.
Latest results
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Arsenal vs MK Dons | 3-0 |
| Bromley vs Crystal Palace | 3-0 |
| Fulham vs Norwich | 0-2 |
| Hull vs Konyaspor | 3-0 |
| Leeds vs Wrexham | 2-3 |
| Liverpool vs Sunderland | 4-2 |
| Rosenborg vs Manchester United | 0-5 |
| Tottenham vs Auckland | 2-0 |
| St Pauli vs Bournemouth | 1-4 |
Friendly scores should not be treated as league predictions. Team strength, minutes and tactical roles matter more.
Early pre-season winners
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno produced one of the standout early moments with a volley in Manchester United's 5-0 win.
United begin against Hull and Ipswich, so a strong pre-season supports an already convincing Gameweek 1 case.
Watchlist status: Strong rise.
Dominik Szoboszlai
Szoboszlai scored as Liverpool beat Sunderland 4-2.
His £7.0m price and Liverpool's opening fixtures make his tactical role one of the most important pre-season questions.
He becomes especially attractive when he plays close to the forward, takes penalties or direct free kicks and avoids a deeper role.
Watchlist status: Rising, role still required.
Enzo Le Fée
Le Fée scored a memorable long-range goal for Sunderland.
Sunderland begin away to Ipswich before hosting Fulham. His value comes from creativity and possible set pieces rather than one friendly goal.
Watchlist status: Differential watch.
Joshua Zirkzee
Zirkzee was among Manchester United's attacking winners.
The performance improves his pre-season standing but does not guarantee a league start because United have several attacking options.
Watchlist status: Football winner, FPL minutes risk.
Hull's defence
Hull kept a clean sheet in a 3-0 win.
Charlie Hughes is particularly interesting as a minimum-price defender because his defensive-action numbers could support contribution points.
The Gameweek 1 fixture against Manchester United makes him a bench option rather than a starting pick.
Bournemouth's attack
Bournemouth scored four against St Pauli.
Junior Kroupi's midfield classification and attacking role remain interesting, but Bournemouth start away to Manchester City.
Early fallers and warnings
Crystal Palace defence
Palace lost 3-0 to Bromley.
One early friendly should not remove Muñoz, Mitchell or Henderson from consideration, but a new manager means last season's defensive structure may not continue unchanged.
Fulham assets
Fulham lost 2-0 to Norwich.
The club is adjusting under a new manager, while the opening match against Chelsea reduces immediate appeal.
Temporary starters
Several players are starting because World Cup internationals remain absent.
A cheap player can perform well in July and lose his place in August.
Current pre-season watchlist
| Category | Player or team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Premium winner | Bruno Fernandes | Role, fixtures and friendly performance |
| Mid-price riser | Szoboszlai | Goal, price and Liverpool fixtures |
| Differential | Enzo Le Fée | Set-piece potential and early fixtures |
| Rotation risk | Zirkzee | Strong performance but major competition |
| Budget defence | Hull | Minimum-price starting candidates |
| Schedule warning | Bournemouth | Difficult opening fixtures |
| Defensive warning | Crystal Palace | New manager and poor friendly result |
| Team to avoid early | Fulham | Tactical uncertainty |
What to track next
- Which players repeat their starts
- Who reaches 60 to 75 minutes
- Who takes penalties and corners
- Which World Cup players return
- Which budget players lose their temporary places
- Which formations become consistent
Follow availability through OneFPL Injury News and compare players in the OneFPL Player Lab.
OneFPL verdict
Bruno is the strongest early winner.
Szoboszlai and Le Fée have improved their appeal, but both need tactical confirmation. Zirkzee remains a watchlist player rather than a safe pick.
FAQ
Do friendly goals matter?
Yes, when they confirm a secure role or advanced position. They matter less when the player is covering for an absent international.
Which friendly is most important?
The final major friendly normally provides the best Gameweek 1 lineup clue.
Should I transfer every riser into my draft?
No. Maintain a watchlist and act only when several positive signals agree.
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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