The 2026/27 season kicks off on Friday 21 August (18:30 UK). Here’s what our AI ratings say to prioritise before the GW1 deadline.
The one non-negotiable
Bruno Fernandes (MUN, £12.0) is the only Strong Buy in the game right now — rated 90, our top-rated player overall. If you can fit a premium midfielder, he’s the pick.
Captain
Erling Haaland (MCI, £15.5, rating 89) is the safe armband to start the season. Bruno Fernandes is the differential captain if you want to be brave.
Best value in midfield
Szoboszlai (LIV, £7.0) and Semenyo (MCI, £8.5) both hit rating 89 — outstanding points per million. Mbeumo (MUN, £8.0) and Gibbs-White (NFO, £8.0) round out the value picks at 88.
Budget enablers
At the back, Marc Guéhi (MCI, £6.0, rating 88) is the standout cheap defender, with Senesi (TOT, £6.0) close behind. Up top, Calvert-Lewin (LEE, £6.0) is a rare £6.0 forward worth starting. In goal, Kelleher (BRE, £5.0) is the top-rated budget keeper.
Differentials (under 5% owned)
Dewsbury-Hall (EVE, £6.5, 4.1% owned, rating 87) and Gakpo (LIV, £7.0, 3.4% owned, rating 86) are the highest-rated low-owned punts if you want to climb your mini-league early.
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Our ratings are generated by an AI model from official FPL data and refreshed every gameweek.