Week 1 Official FPL Player Picks

You’ve had the World Cup fantasy patch ripped off your arm, and for a brief moment, fantasy withdrawal symptoms threatened to wreak havoc on your life. But wait, the return of the FPL is upon us. The rush and the high that come with anticipating Friday’s kickoff is exhilarating. Many are at this moment tinkering with reckless abandon. Life is good once more.

With less than 48 hours to go, it’s time to finalize your opening week roster.

In the past week we have provided you with the new season watchlist or the players that we deem mandatory for the opening few weeks. However, today we will focus on players to invest in specifically for game week 1.

Let’s get to the selections that should get our season off to a proper start.

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Keepers

David De Gea (£6.0, Manchester United v. Leicester)

We kick things off with the top scoring goalkeeper of last season, at home to a team that lost its best player.

Asmir Begovic (£4.5, Bournemouth v. Cardiff)

I’ll probably have a defensive player in my own team every week from whichever team faces Cardiff.

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Defenders

Tim Ream (£4.5, Fulham v. Crystal Palace)

The American! Should partner Alfie Mawson this season at the heart of the Cottagers defense.

Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.5, Chelsea at Huddersfield)

A new position this season under Maurizio Sarri? Should deliver many crosses into the box.

Virgil van Dijk (£6.0, Liverpool v. West Ham)

A player we can expect to add goals to his game this season. Has improved Jurgen Klopp’s team since his world record transfer.

Ryan Bertrand (£5.0, Southampton v. Burnley)

Five assists in each of the previous two seasons is a target Bertrand should be trying to better, Mark Hughes needs his big players to produce to avoid another relegation scrap.

Ben Davies (£6.0, Tottenham at Newcastle)

Could be big in the opening weeks until World Cup players get back into the lineup.

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Midfielders

Pedro (£6.5, Chelsea at Huddersfield)

Showed flashes in preseason and should be a starter in the early weeks.

Diogo Jota (£6.5, Wolverhampton v. Everton)

Will the goals flow in the big league? Let’s hop aboard the train early and find out.

Mo Salah (£13.0, Liverpool v. West Ham)

Captain! Too early for me to go against the grain and pick Mane or a different Liverpool player.

Riyad Mahrez (£9.0, Manchester City at Arsenal)

In the community shield, he looked like he always belonged in a City jersey. Mahrez is a good differential from the many expected Sergio Aguero owners.

Alexis Sanchez (£10.5, Manchester United v. Leicester)

I doubt Lukaku starts this one, so Sanchez may have the chance to lead the line.

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Forwards

Joshua King (£6.5, Bournemouth v. Cardiff)

Netted goals during preseason, good fixture to begin the season. Should have a bounce back year, he’s in my team.

Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.5, Fulham v. Crystal Palace)

Another budget striker... If you go with an expensive midfield look no further than the Serbian to bolster your attack.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0, Arsenal v. Manchester City)

Possibly the toughest inclusion in the picks, but after two Liverpool and Man City players let’s leave out Roberto Firmino and Sergio Aguero. Aubameyang can score goals against any opposition, including the defending champions.

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What do you think? I’ve tried to include players for all budgets. Are some of these players reflected in your present rosters? Or are your plans completely different? Let me know in the comments. Wishing every one of you great FPL success in the season ahead.

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