Captaincy is the biggest single decision of every gameweek — double points double the pain when you get it wrong. Our Captain Picks module scores every candidate for Risk (availability, minutes security, fixture) and Upside (attacking output plus fixture ease), both 0–100. With 2026/27 fixtures loaded, here is the GW1 board.
The GW1 shortlist
- Bruno Fernandes (MUN) — risk 8, upside 89. The standout: the game’s only 90-rated player, away at promoted Hull. The safest pair of hands for the armband.
- Haaland (MCI) — risk 15, upside 78. Bournemouth at home; the ceiling king opens in front of his own fans.
- Szoboszlai (LIV) — risk 15, upside 78. Liverpool’s best-rated player starts the league’s kindest run.
- Semenyo (MCI) — risk 15, upside 78. Same fixture as Haaland at nearly half the price.
- Enzo (CHE) — risk 15, upside 79. Fulham away; the differential of the five.
Our rule of thumb
In GW1 the floor matters as much as the ceiling: settled role, secure minutes, kind fixture. Bruno ticks every box. The board updates automatically as news lands — check the Captain Picks page on deadline morning, Friday 21 August.
Research and data analysis supported by AI (our own rating engine); reviewed and edited by the author. Ratings update hourly — check the live AI Player Rankings.