POSITIONAL RANKINGS 2018/19: FPL Gameweek 1
With so many transfer trends and varying levels of form impacting the strategies of FPL players around the world, ahead of each Gameweek we will be providing our top ten selections in each position (GK, DEF, MID, FOR) for standalone rounds of games. Our player selections will be based purely on our opinion of those players on our watchlist any given week, with may positively sway FPL or Draft players with their own thoughts and decisions heading in to a Gameweek. All aboard.
Fantasy Premier League: Gameweek 1 Deadline
For the 2016/17 Premier League season, the FPL deadline will be one hour before the commencement of the week's first game. The Premier League website lists each FPL deadline, you can always ask on social media, and you can also view a real time countdown on our Weekly Hype page.
FPL Gameweek 1: Goalkeeper Selections
The return of the FPL this season sees the Goalkeeper position in hot debate. Do you go big with David de Gea (the set and forget model) or do you go for cheaper options with save point potential and positive fixtures? De Gea (29.5% ownership) takes top spot this week as a defensively minded Man Untied side kickstart the season on Friday at home to Leicester.
1) David de Gea (MUN) - £6.0m - vs. Leicester (H):
Man United's defensive gem is the most selected keeper heading into GW1 and has a winnable fixture in the form of Leicester. 10 bonus points last season offers hope that de Gea can serve a purpose on a quiet afternoon.
2) Alisson (LIV) - £5.5m - vs. West Ham (H):
The missing link at the back for Liverpool is an accomplished ball player that will aid Liverpool's attack, as well as hoping to secure precious clean sheets. FPL tipsters in our recent Forecast have tipped the Reds to do well defensively this season, and this could see Alisson thrive on the opening day against a new-look West Ham side.
3) Ben Foster (WAT) - £4.5m - vs. Brighton (H):
Offering value and huge save points potential, Foster is the go-to choice for FPL players that are seeking value. Brighton have added to their attack, but this shouldn't dissuade suitors of Watford's decent opening fixtures.
4) Hugo Lloris (TOT) - £5.5m - vs. Newcastle (a):
Newcastle only scored twice in pre-season and it appears as if Hugo Lloris will be walking straight back in to Spurs's strarting lineup against a side with added names in attack - Muto and Rondon. Couple this with a GW2 home fixture against Fulham, and we could be looking at an early pace setter.
5) Rui Patricio (WOL) - £4.5m - vs. Everton (H):
An accomplished and commanding shot-stopper will be needed when Wolves host Everton in their Premier League return. Patricio should provide a calm to the storm in the evening kick-off on Saturday. Oh yeah, and did we forget to mention that Patricio loves a penalty save?
6) Jordan Pickford (EVE) - £5.0m - vs. Wolves (a):
Everton have been late dealers in the transfer window, signing Bernard, Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes. This should build confidence in trusting Pickford - a save points magnet - as the foundation of your FPL team. Patricio gets bragging points ahead of Pickford due to home favour.
7) Asmir Begovic (BOU) - £4.5m - vs. Cardiff (H):
Bournemouth's number one has the supposed 'easiest' fixture of the season when Cardiff visit the Vitality, and is a decent differential pick for the week. That alone is more than enough to have Begovic command 7th in our rankings.
8) Alex McCarthy (SOU) - £4.5m - vs. Burnley (H):
All signs are leading to Alex McCarthy starting the season as Southampton's first-choice keeper, and will face a Burnley side fresh off a trip to Turkey on Thursday night. FPL players love the idea of going against teams with Europa League hangover.
9) Joe Hart (BUR) - £4.5m - vs. Southampton (a):
England international Hart made his first competitive start for Burnley in their Europa League game against İstanbul Başakşehir in Turkey. Hart is the easiest route in to Burnley's defence to open the season, so is worth a punt if you fancy Burnley to be match-sharp at St Mary's on Sunday.
10) Ederson (MCI) - £5.5m - vs. Arsenal (a):
Lastly, we round off our selections by backing a popular Man City asset, and will most likely be doing so for much of the season, barring City's visit to Anfield. Ederson won't be active when it comes to save points, but City are always capable of victory, so we'll probably get sick of writing the Brazilian's name every week.
FPL Gameweek 1: Defender Selections
Liverpool host West Ham on Sundy with FPL players picking or choosing between Andrew Robertson or Virgil van Dijk. Realistically, only one can make Fantasy squads due to the neccessity of having a pairing or Mane/Salah/Firmino, but both are top of defensive contention this week.
1) Andrew Robertson (LIV) - £6.0mil – vs. West Ham (H)
The Scotsman has embedded himself into Jürgen Klopp’s plans since his move from Hull City last season, and his displays were nothing short of spectacular. Without debate Robertson was the standout left-back for the Reds last season, and with Liverpool storming into the season with a full-strength team expect Robertson to have the chance for high defensive and offensive fantasy returns.
2) Virgil van Dijk (LIV) - £6.0mil – vs. West Ham (H)
Just behind his fellow Red is the solid Dutchman, van Dijk is integral to Liverpool’s defensive line and has added a calming aura to the whole club. West Ham have been dominated by Liverpool and if the predictions are to be believed, that trend would continue. Virgil is only behind Robertson due to a lower probability of attacking returns.
3) Ben Davies (TOT) - £6.0mil – vs. Newcastle (A)
With Wales sitting out the World Cup in Russia, Ben Davies has continued as Spurs main left back going into the season. Newcastle are in turmoil in all aspects of the club and it could be an easy three points for the North London club, and Davies, like Robertson, has potential at both ends of the pitch.
4) Benjamin Mendy (MCI) - £6.0mil – vs. Arsenal (A)
Full-backs are all the rage in going into GW1 and that continues with Man City’s World Cup winning Frenchman, Benjamin Mendy. City are still a juggernaut going forward and we’d be fools to ignore their potential. Mendy is locked into his position after recovering from his injury.
5) Patrick van Aanholt (CRY) - £5.5mil – vs. Fulham (A)
Bombing down the left-flank, and new FPL heartthrob, the second Dutchman on our list also has his own FPL league…The League of Doing Bits. We are rewarding van Aanholt with a slot in the top five, and if he can kick on from his league form at the second half of last season it could be a stellar year for him. After all, it is only Fulham, a promoted team, on the opening day.
6) Davinson Sanchez (TOT) - £6.0mil – vs. Newcastle (A)
An away fixture to Newcastle in their current form and turmoil could be the easiest game of the season. Spurs could replicate the opening day from last season, and Sanchez could just be a passenger for the ride.
7) Cesar Azpilicueta (CHE) - £6.5mil – vs. Huddersfield (A)
We can’t have a power ranking without featuring one, but two, Chelsea defenders. We all know that Azpilicueta is a bonus points magnet, and with a potential shift to be a more conventional right-back, he could be in more advanced positions. Chelsea travel to Huddersfield which shouldn’t cause too many problems for new the Spaniard.
8) Marcos Alonso (CHE) - £6.5mil – vs. Huddersfield (A)
Speaking of Spaniards, the second Chelsea defender on our list is Cesar’s fellow countryman Marcos Alonso. The left-back will no doubt be on set pieces and has goals in his locker, but you could very easily rotate the Spaniards positions and still be comfortable with selecting either one for your fantasy teams.
9) Mamadou Sakho (CRY) - £5.0mil – vs. Fulham (A)
Bonus points follow Sakho wherever he goes, and his ability to orchestrate a stubborn defence saw Roy Hodgson revitalize the Eagles on their journey into the top half from the relegation zone last season. There are few better defenders on their day than Sakho, and we’ll repeat. It is only Fulham on the opening day.
10) Luke Shaw (MUN) - £5.0mil – vs. Leicester (H)
Rounding out the list is a ‘budget’ option in the top ten, a Man United defender who won’t break the bank to have in your team. Starting the season in the bright lights at Old Trafford the visiting Foxes have shipped out their magic magician to United’s city rivals. Jamie Vardy isn’t fit, and Jose Mourinho appears to have stopped fat shaming the English defender and has given him a chance to start the season.
FPL Gameweek 1: Midfielder Selections
The new season starts with familiar faces dominating FPL attention, especially in midfield. Mohamed Salah's £13.0 million price has deterred nobody, with the Egyptian's stock higher than ever. A supporting cast sees Man City's midfield, and Sadio Mane, fight for attention.
1) Mohamad Salah (LIV) - £13.0mil – vs. West Ham (H)
The Egyptian King is the most in-demand player the FPL has ever seen, and the Premier League couldn’t have handed everyone a more favourable fixture for Salah to shine at his brightest. We’re surprised that the Egyptian doesn’t have one hundred percent ownership.
2) Sadio Mane (LIV) - £9.5mil – vs. West Ham (H)
Part of the Reds three-pronged attack, the Senegalese forward tore West Ham apart in both fixtures last season and has been on fire in pre-season. With Liverpool reaching new gears Mane could be unstoppable on the opening day.
3) Leroy Sane (MCI) - £9.5mil – vs. Arsenal (A)
Can we not include the man who could have saved Germany’s World Cup? It has a feeling of destiny to it that the winger will make a statement on the opening day to remind everyone of his talent, and exactly what Germany was missing in the summer. Arsenal are still a big question mark, but Man City aren’t.
4) Riyad Mahrez (MCI) - £9.0mil – vs. Arsenal (A)
City’s record signing adds even more depth to Pep’s already heavyweight attack. Mahrez has troubled Arsenal before and we believe that his magic can undo the spell that Unai Emery has cast on Arsenal since his arrival.
5) Bernardo Silva (MCI) - £7.5mil – vs. Arsenal (A)
Pep Guardiola has stated that Bernardo will play against Arsenal, and he has been busy on the right side of midfield after Portugal crashed out of the World Cup. We really don’t need to keep explaining the value of Man City midfielders.
6) Christian Eriksen (TOT) - £9.5mil – vs. Newcastle (A)
The Dane loves playing Newcastle, he always knows how to sneak past the Toon. We must include Eriksen due to his raw talent and ability to pick a pass between the lines of a packed defence. Kane may be blind in August, but that doesn’t mean Eriksen will be.
7) Alexis Sanchez (MUN) - £10.5mil – vs. Leicester (H)
The Chilean is our differential captain this week and he has found good form for Man United during the off-season. Without having an international tournament and a full pre-season under his belt he could be one of the most overlooked options of the weekend.
8) Richarlison (EVE) - £6.5mil – vs. Wolves (A)
Everton spent a fortune on acquiring the Brazilian midfielder, and without his influence in pre-season the Toffees would have little-to-nothing going for them in the summer games.
9) Pascal Groß (BHA) - £7.0mil – vs. Watford (A)
The German midfielder is a surprise addition to the power rankings, but he is looked over this gameweek after an incredible season last year. Watford and Brighton could be in a game where it could swing either way, and with Pascal pulling the strings he could be the quality to cause one of the surprises of the weekend. He is a bonus point magnet too, even when he doesn’t do anything.
10) Gini Wijnaldum (LIV) - £5.5mil – vs. Liverpool (H)
Starting with a Liverpool midfielder, we end with a Liverpool midfielder. Wijnaldum has scored in the past two consecutive games in pre-season for the Reds, and with a budget price and a guaranteed starting place in the team on the opening day the Dutchman is an underrated option against the Hammers. Also, Gini loves a home goal.
FPL Gameweek 1: Forward Selections
The new season opens with Sergio Aguero as the emerging Forward of choice. An ie-cold brace against Chelsea in the Community Shield puts him in good stead for an away day at Arsenal, with Unai Emery set to take charge of his first competitive game for The Gunners.
1) Sergio Aguero (MCI) - £11.5m - Arsenal (a):
The Community Shield continues to have Aguero's stock rise in the FPL, and with 28.5% ownership is becoming a clear favourite amongst players, and it is not surprising given that Man City are expected to win the league again this season. An away day at Arsenal isn't detracting many.
2) Roberto Firmino (LIV) - £9.5m - West Ham (H):
If there was ever a partner for Aguero in your FPL teams this week, it is Firmino. The Brazilian scored and assisted in Liverpool's last pre-season game against Torino, with the front three looking dynamic. Firmino is a bonus points magnet compared to Mane, so will win that battle as the duo are the same price.
3) Josh King (BOU) - £6.5m - Cardiff (H):
Good pre-season. Good opening fixture. Bournemouth are a little erratic when it comes to finding form, but the potential is there for Josh King to ruin Cardiff's return to the Premier League. With Stanislas out and Defoe an unlikely starter, King will be on penalty duty if it comes to it.
4) Wilfried Zaha (CRY) - £7.0m - Fulham (a):
Rumoured lineups suggest that Zaha, who played a large portion as a Forward last season, will start on the left-wing. Will be interesting to see how this dynamic works. Fulham is the ideal test for the popular Ivorian.
5) Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ARS) - £11.0m - Man City (H):
Despite two incredibly difficult opening fixtures, Auba appears fixture-proof and could put a damper of Benjamin Mendy's opening day potential. Auba's record over the past few years suggest he'll be in this this most weeks, if not all.
6) Alexsander Mitrovic (FUL) - £6.5m - Crystal Palace (H):
As a weary-headed Newcastle fan writes these words, envy and sadness fills my heart that Mitrovic is no longer a Magpie. The Serb gave his all for the club, though had a mean streak and didn't fit into Rafa's pressing style. Mitro's a perfect fit for Fulham and could ruffle some feathers against a Palace side who aren't nailed on at the back.
7) Andre Gray (WAT) - £6.0m - Brighton (H):
Gray's been a consistency performer in pre-season for Watford and opens the season against a Brighton side who still might lack goals. Gray looks assured to start up top for the Hornets, maybe in a pairing with Deeney, so some unexpected points could be on the table.
8) Raúl Jiménez (WOL) - £5.5m - Everton (H):
The perfect paperweight Forward for your teams is Raul Jimenez. Is Wolves get off to a good start this season, Jimenez will become a very popular player. Could lineup against Phil Jagielka on Saturday evening, so we wouldn't rule out a debut goal.
9) Cenk Tosun (EVE) - £7.0m - Wolves (a):
Everton have recuited well this summer, which should provide ammunition for Cenk Tosun in attack. Marco Silva's made it clear that Tosun is his number one in attack, and a fully fit Sigurdsson could cause Wolves hearts a few worries with his pin-point delivery to the target man.
10) Alvaro Morata (CHE) - £9.0m - Huddersfield (a):
At the risk of losing all credibility, we opted for a favourable fixture. Alvaro Morata's stock can't get any lower, so cue Drake's music because he starts at the bottom (which, as we end on, is more than Harry Kane has managed to do this week).
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All aboard.
