Sam FPL’s Early Week Ultimate Guide: Who to Start, Avoid and Rotate!

By Sam FPL

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Who to target, avoid and rotate?

 

Top Teams to Consider for Gameweeks 1–6:

1. Chelsea (strong attacking fixtures):

• The blues have arguably one of the best runs of fixtures during the opening game weeks this season and owning at least one of their assets is a must. Palmer gained popularity due to this attractive fixture and I don’t mind doubling up with Pedro alongside him.

 

2. Aston Villa (avoids top opposition early):

• Watkins, Rogers and even Konsa should benefit from this easy run during the period between GW1-7

 

3. Tottenham (comfortable opener, decent midterm):

• Under the new management of T. Frank Spurs should bounce back and deliver during this easy run. I recommend owning one of Solanke or Kuddus. Their backline is tempting, and I may target Udogie or Van de Ven.

 

4. Nottingham Forrest:

• Apart from ARS in GW4, Forrest has very easy fixtures and faces 2 of the promoted sides which makes Wood a very attractive pick for this run. Aina, Williams and Sels should be your defensive picks to consider for only 5.0m

 

Toughest Fixtures:

Arsenal:

• Apart from LEE in GW2, They have one of the toughest schedule during the opening GWs of the season. They’re a strong side and can get decent performance in such tough games but I believe it’s going to be low ceiling picks. Only one pick from ARS will be more than enough.

 

Man United:

• GW1 is going to be too early for Cunha and Mbeumo to bring them in our drafts. They have tough schedule and will need some time to adapt to the new system. I recommend waiting and watching them during this period.

 

Brentford:

• Brentford lost their Manager T. Frank and their talisman. Moreover, Wissa asks to leave. Keith Andrews, previously Brentford’s set-piece coach, took charge, succeeding Frank and will face NFO, AVL and CHE in opening 4 GWs.

 

Bournemouth defense:

• Bournemouth have let go two main starters in central and left defense—Huijsen and Kerkez—raising serious questions about how the club will rebuild that back line. Zabarnyi remains, but with interest from PSG, he may be the next to leave. I don’t think they will be solid enough to target against LIV, TOT, BHA, NEW.

 

Promoted teams:

• The newly promoted Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland should suffer at the start of the campaign and will need time to adapt to the premier league. I don’t recommend loading up on them. One 4.0m def is enough to get on your bench.

 

Defensive rotation pairs:

 

Everton & Palace (Mykolenko £5.0 & Guéhi £4.5):

• Everton kept 12 clean sheets last season and are reliable at the back. In Gameweek 1 they travel to the newly promoted Leeds. Palace has one of the proven defenses in PL and always deliver in easy fixtures.

 

Spurs & N. Forrest (Aina/N. Williams £5.0 & Udogie £4.5):

• Because of Spurs poor performance last year, defenders like Micky van de Ven could remain priced at £4.5m. With Ange and his defensive high line now gone, Spurs will hope for greater defensive stability under Thomas Frank who moved over from Brentford, signing a three-year deal.
• Nottingham Forest were impressive in 2024/25, with 13 clean sheets which was only 1 behind Liverpool (14).

 

Man United & West Ham (Mazraoui £5.0 & Wan-Bissaka £4.5m):

• Despite being frustrating last year Man United could return in easy fixtures. Westham has improved during the final weeks and Bissaka was impressive by his performance at both sides of the pitch.

 

Everton & West Ham (Mykolenko £5.om & Wan Bissaka £4.5m):

 

Captains’ combination:

 

Salah and Palmer / Salah and Marmoush:

• If you own Salah without Haaland, I think Palmer or Marmoush should offer good alternative when he faces NEW(A) or ARS(H) in GW2-3

 

Haaland and Isak / Haaland and Solanke:

• If you preferred Haaland to Salah then Isak or Solanke will be your captain alternatives when City faces United or Arsenal in GW4/5

 

 

Last updated: 29/07

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