Kicking off the Premier League (EPL) season is always a thrill, and Matchday 1 of the 2025/26 campaign is no exception.
Whether you’re a seasoned manager or a newbie, picking the right players can set the tone for your season. Let’s dive into some top player picks and strategies to help you start strong, with a sprinkle of advice to keep you grounded.
First up, Mohamed Salah is your go-to man. The Liverpool star has a knack for shining in opening fixtures, with nine goals in eight Gameweek 1 matches since his Premier League return. Last season, he led the league in shots (130), big chances created (27), and Expected Goals (xG) at 46. Liverpool’s attacking prowess, with 86 goals and a league-high xG of 91.19, makes Salah a no-brainer against Bournemouth, who conceded 46 goals last term. He’s projected to score 6.7 points, and honestly, it’s hard to argue with that.
If you’re looking for a forward who delivers, Erling Haaland is your guy. Even in what some called a “disappointing” season, the Manchester City striker bagged 22 goals, with 40 big chances and an xG of 23.50 in just 2741 minutes. City’s attacking stats—72 goals and 111 big chances—speak for themselves. Facing Wolves, who let in 69 goals last season, Haaland’s 5.1-point projection feels like it could be an underestimate.
For a midfield gem under £8.5m, Kaoru Mitoma from Brighton is a fantastic differential. Injuries limited him to 2607 minutes last season, yet he still racked up 145 FPL points, leading Brighton in big chances (20) and xG (10.64). Brighton’s 66 goals last season show their attacking intent, and with Fulham—third for Expected Goals Conceded—visiting, Mitoma’s 3.3-point projection could be a steal.
Up front, Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood is worth a look. He smashed 200 FPL points last season, second only among forwards, with 57 shots in the box and an xG of 15.02. Forest’s kind opening fixtures and Brentford’s leaky defense (57 goals conceded) make Wood’s 4.8-point projection tempting. He’s the kind of pick that could quietly boost your rank.
This season’s Premier League rule changes add some spice. Defenders now get +2 points for hitting 10 clearances, blocks, interceptions, or tackles in a game, while midfielders and forwards need 12 of those plus ball recoveries for the same bonus. You’ve also got double the chips—two Free Hits, Bench Boosts, and Triple Captains for the first half of the season. Plus, you can make up to five free transfers before the Africa Cup of Nations in Gameweek 16. It’s a lot to take in, but it opens up exciting possibilities.
Artificial Intelligence can be your secret weapon. Tools like Hub AI crunch mountains of data to predict player points, factoring in the new scoring rules. You can even upload a screenshot of your draft team for instant feedback or get tailored transfer suggestions. It’s like having a wise friend who’s obsessed with stats but doesn’t ramble.
For Gameweek 1, keep it simple. Stick with proven players like Salah or Bruno Fernandes, who play full minutes, take set-pieces, or have favorable fixtures. New signings can be tempting, but they often need time to settle. I’ve learned the hard way that chasing the shiny new toy can backfire.
Patience is your best friend in Premier League. Don’t rush transfers early in the week, especially if you’re fuming after a bad game. Price changes matter early on, but they shouldn’t dictate your moves. Trust your gut over the crowd’s noise, and plan a few weeks ahead. With extra chips this season, some managers are eyeing an early Bench Boost, but don’t feel pressured to follow suit. Play your game.
At the end of the day, Premier League is about fun. One rough gameweek won’t ruin your season, so don’t let it get you down. Pick your team, tweak it thoughtfully, and enjoy the ride. Here’s to a cracking start to the 2025/26 season!
Premier League Time Table: 2025-26 XLSX
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