FPL
FPL: GW1 Stars, Transfer Trends and GW2 Targets
The 2025/26 Fantasy Premier League season kicked off with a bang. We had explosive hauls, gut-wrenching heartbreaks, and the usual dose of VAR controversy to keep us on our toes. Managers are already moving fast in the transfer market. Let’s break it all down, from standout performers to early transfer trends, and look ahead to Gameweek 2.
The Stars of Gameweek 1
It was Sunderland who stole the show on their Premier League return, beating West Ham 3-0 in front of a rocking home crowd. Centre-back Dan Ballard topped the FPL charts with 17 points, thanks to a goal, clean sheet, bonus points, and hitting the new defensive contributions threshold. At just £4.5m, he’s already looking like a gift from the FPL gods.
Elsewhere, it was the weekend of the braces. Antoine Semenyo scored twice against Liverpool, becoming one of the first price risers of the season. He was joined by Erling Haaland, Richarlison, and Chris Wood in the two-goal club.
- Haaland: Topped the table for xG (2.01) with three big chances – no surprise, business as usual.
- Wood: Two shots, two goals. Classic Chris Wood efficiency.
- Richarlison: Bagged a brace against Burnley, including an overhead kick. His gametime could come under threat once Solanke regains fitness, but he’s made his case.
Other haulers included Tijjani Reijnders (10 points), Hugo Ekitike (11), and Mohammed Kudus (10) , all popular picks who delivered right away.
When FPL Dreams Turn Sour
Not everyone started with fireworks. Aston Villa’s attack was flat, posting the lowest xG (0.2) of any team this weekend. Ollie Watkins, highly backed after a strong pre-season, was starved of chances as Villa failed to impress against Newcastle.
Defensively, Villa owners were hit even harder. Ezri Konsa (20% ownership) saw red after hauling down Anthony Gordon, ending on just 3 points and now suspended for Gameweek 2.
Meanwhile, Matt Doherty of Wolves recorded the first negative score of the season. A yellow card and four goals conceded left him on -1. Ouch.
Heartbreakers & Late Wipeouts
Gameweek 1 also brought familiar pain for FPL managers.
- Eberechi Eze thought he had scored a free-kick at Stamford Bridge, only for VAR to rule it out due to Guehi’s positioning in the wall. Classic early-season heartbreak.
- Forest defenders were cruising to a clean sheet until a 78th-minute Brentford penalty wiped it away.
- Brighton defenders suffered even worse, conceding in the 96th minute against Fulham.
- And to twist the knife, Bruno Fernandes fell just one defensive contribution short of extra points.
These moments remind us why FPL can be as brutal as it is beautiful.
Things You Might Have Missed
Gameweek 1 had a few sneaky details that slipped under the radar:
- Anthony Gordon led the league with 7 shots, playing up front in Isak’s absence.
- Virgil van Dijk hit a ridiculous 21 defensive contributions – more than double the threshold.
- Rayan Aït-Nouri played a hybrid CB role vs City and snuck extra defensive points.
- Spurs creativity was on display: Kudus and Pedro Porro ranked among the top four for crosses.
- Promoted Sunderland only managed 0.7 xG despite scoring three – their finishing clinical, but sustainability a concern.
Transfer Trends
The biggest story of the week is Tijjani Reijnders. Over 700k managers have brought him in already, sending his price up to £5.6m with ownership reaching 27% so far.
The Dutchman’s popularity has triggered a reshuffle across squads. Here’s who’s making way:
- Florian Wirtz → The biggest casualty, sold by over 330k managers after blanking.
- Elliot Anderson → Despite better xGI than Reijnders, he’s being binned by Reijnders buyers. Could be a move managers regret.
- Omar Marmoush → Victim of Pep roulette, but owners are rolling the dice on another City mid instead.
- Even Cole Palmer is being sold by some! Despite his ownership above 60% and a home fixture next, panic has crept in.
Reijnders looks like a strong enabler, but there are shades of a knee-jerk here.
Form Forwards
Both Richarlison and Wood are hot transfer targets.
Statistically, Richarlison edges it with more shots, more shots in the box, and higher xG. His ceiling looks higher, but Solanke’s return may complicate his minutes. Wood, meanwhile, is nailed and clinical. With both Spurs and Forest sitting top for attack difficulty ratings over the next six fixtures, managers can’t go too wrong with either.
Looking Ahead to Gameweek 2
- Sunderland assets like Ballard are already proving value, though sustainability is a question.
- Villa attackers have excellent fixtures despite a poor opening. Patience with Watkins could pay off.
- Anthony Gordon is a genuine out-of-position gem if Isak remains sidelined.
- Richarlison vs Wood is shaping up to be the big budget forward debate of the week.
Transfers are flying, but remember: one week doesn’t define a season. Sometimes the best move is no move at all.
Final Thoughts
Gameweek 1 reminded us of everything we love (and hate) about FPL. Haulers came through, heartbreakers crushed us, and the transfer market is already buzzing with knee-jerks. But if there’s one truth in FPL, it’s this: staying patient often pays.
Now it’s time to get ahead of the pack. Download the We Play FPL app today, track transfers, plan your moves, compare players, and get AI-powered predictions to keep your team one step ahead.
May your arrows be green. Happy managing!
FPL
FPL team names to consider as preparations begin for 2026-27
Managers are already turning to 2026-27 FPL planning, starting with the team name choice.
The World Cup brought a brief pause after a demanding Fantasy Premier League campaign, but attention is already turning to 2026-27.
For managers, the first step is not selecting a squad, but settling on the name that sits above it. That part of the process has always carried its own importance. Since the game began, choosing a clever, pun-driven team name has been part of the routine, and for many managers it remains one of the most familiar and enjoyable decisions before the season starts.
With another campaign on the horizon, the focus returns to the usual build-up. Drafting a roster can wait. Before line-ups, transfers and early planning come the words that will identify the team throughout the season.
That tradition has endured because it gives Fantasy Premier League a character of its own. The right name can be a small detail, but it is one of the first choices managers make and one of the few that does not depend on form, fixtures or selection headaches. In a game shaped by constant decisions, it is a rare early call that can be made without stress.
As preparation for 2026-27 begins, managers will once again look for something smart, playful and memorable. The roster may change week to week, but the team name is where the season’s identity often starts.
Here are the FPL team names managers can consider ahead of the 2026–27 campaign.
Arsenal
- Old Havertz Kai Hard
- Shiver Me Timbers
- Eze Come Eze Go
- Quantum of Tzolis
- Livin Saliba Loca
- Saka Potatoes
Aston Villa
- Me Myself Unai
- Lord of the Mings
- McGinn and Tonic
- Pau Patrol
- Behind Emery Lines
Bournemouth
- Saving Private Rayan
- Evanilson Almighty
- Battle of Toth
- Guns N Rose
Brentford
- Dango Unchained
- 50 Schades of Grey
- Milambo No. 5
- Kayode Parfum
Brighton & Hove Albion
- Uptown Dunk
- Now I’m a Baleba
- Minteh Wonderland
- Gross Misconduct
- Mitomachondria
Chelsea
- Jolly Rogers
- Tosin and Turning
- Back of the Neto
- Reece’s Set Pieces
- Vote for Pedro
- Sega Emegha Drive
Coventry City
- ThrowTheKitchingSink
- Simms Card
- Haji Go Lucky
- Frank You Lampard
Crystal Palace
- Hakuna Mateta
- Lerma Driver
- Sarr Sarr Binks
- Pino Grigio
Everton
- Backstreet Moyes
- For Beto or Worse
- Escape From Alcaraz
- Me Myself Ndiaye
- Rock N Rohl
Fulham
- Iwobi Wan Kenobi
- Berge King
- The Bernd Leno Show
- Silent Bobb
Hull City
- Hit The Targett
- Belloumi Burger
- Egan to Please
- Millar’s Crossing
Ipswich Town
- PhilogenesNotMyLover
- Femme Fatawu
- Burns Baby Burns
- Greaves Lightnin’
Leeds United
- Tiki-Tanaka
- Stach of Cash
- Farke the Bus
- How Nmecha Mother
Liverpool
- Alisson Wonderland
- Wirtz Team Name Ever
- Frimp My Ride
- Endo The World
- LoveTheWaySzoboszlai
Manchester City
- Peaky Reijnders
- Champagne Khusanova
- Count Doku
- HaalandGlobetrotters
- GvardiolsOfTheGalaxy
- Beef Cherki
Manchester United
- Yoro Wizard Harry
- Afternoon De Ligt
- Stairway to Heaven
- Bruno Dos Tres
- Shut the Dorgu
Newcastle United
- Botman Begins
- DontLookBackInElanga
- Wissa of Oz
- Sonny and Schar
- Swedish Howe’s Mafia
Nottingham Forest
- Matz Sels Sea Shells
- MacAwoniyi Cheese
- Super Murillo Galaxy
- Wood I Lie to You?
Sunderland
- Through the Roefs
- Moves Like Xhaka
- Le Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum
- Talbi or Not Talbi
Tottenham Hotspur
- Los Porro Hermanos
- MaddisonSquareGarden
- What the Van Hecke?
- Return of the Djedi
- Gray’s Anatomy
The squad may change from one gameweek to the next, but the team name can remain part of a manager’s identity for the entire campaign.
Whether the choice is built around a favourite player, a club reference or a deliberately painful pun, selecting the name is where the new FPL season begins.
Arsenal
FPL Gameweek 35: Priority Picks and Value Options
GW35 FPL essentials: Raya, Darlow, Bruno, Haaland and budget defenders to boost your squad this wk.
With four gameweeks left, Gameweek 35 demands careful moves. Managers still chasing mini-league gains should prioritise reliable returns and inexpensive enablers that free funds for captains in the final stretch.
Goalkeepers: David Raya (£6.0m) remains the standout option among keepers after a 10-point haul last weekend and offers value alongside Arsenal’s defence. Fulham have blanked in four of their last six league games, making a home clean sheet plausible. At the other end of the budget spectrum, Karl Darlow (£3.9m) has accrued 24 points across his last five games and faces relegated Burnley at home, serving as a low-cost enabler. For managers planning ahead to double Gameweek 36, Dean Henderson (£5.1m) is an alternative given Crystal Palace’s two fixtures next round, despite a tricky away match with Bournemouth this Sunday.
Defenders: Gabriel (£7.2m) is a must, while Nico O’Reilly (£5.1m) has become increasingly attractive for managers preparing for City’s double in the next round; he has returned 27 points from his past three fixtures and faces low-scoring Everton away on Monday. Crystal Palace options include Jaydee Canvot (£4.5m) and Chris Richards (£4.4m) as budget routes into their backline, and Daniel Muñoz (£5.8m) offers more attacking upside after scoring in the defeat at Liverpool. Leeds defensive targets such as James Justin (£3.9m), Jayden Bogle (£4.4m) and Pascal Struijk (£4.3m) are also useful given a favourable fixture.
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (£10.4m) stands alone as the essential midfield pick; he is chasing the Premier League assist record for a single season and has delivered returns in each of his past seven matches, even ahead of Manchester United’s home game with Liverpool. Other options highlighted are Eberechi Eze (£7.2m), who made an impact after being brought off the bench in Europe, Rayan Cherki (£6.5m) with 23 points across his last three matches, Ismaïla Sarr (£6.3m) ahead of a double, Noah Okafor (£5.6m) despite a slight injury concern, and Enzo Fernández (£6.5m) under Calum McFarlane.
Forwards: Erling Haaland (£14.5m) is essential following recent goalscoring exploits. Support options include Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.7m), who could benefit from Burnley’s struggles after Scott Parker’s dismissal, and Jarrod Bowen (£7.8m), who has produced 24 points across his past two home games for West Ham ahead of a trip to Brentford.
Arsenal
FPL Gameweek 34: Reliable Picks and Budget Options for the Decision Week
GW34 FPL guide: key goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and forwards to consider. and captain choices
Gameweek 34 brings fresh headaches for Fantasy Premier League managers after an eventful double gameweek. Several clubs are blanking, but there remain clear options across all positions for those setting their squads.
Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, Burnley, Chelsea, Leeds United and Manchester City do not play this gameweek, narrowing choices for many managers. Among goalkeepers, Arsenal’s David Raya (£6.0m) stands out. He faces an out-of-form Newcastle United at the Emirates on Saturday, remains the highest-scoring stopper and has kept two clean sheets in his last four despite Arsenal’s slump. At the other end of the budget scale, Robin Roefs (£4.8m) has impressed in his Sunderland debut season and offers a favourable fixture against relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest at home; he returned 11 points in his most recent home match.
Liverpool’s goalkeeper situation has opened an intriguing enabler route. Freddie Woodman (£3.9m) is poised to make his first Premier League start against Crystal Palace at Anfield after injuries to Alisson and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Defensive coverage can be provided by proven performers. Virgil van Dijk (£6.2m) has delivered 58 points across his last eight matches and remains a goal threat following his late winner against Everton. Arsenal defensive assets also merit consideration, notably Gabriel (£7.1m) who has seven goal involvements this season and will target a clean sheet against Newcastle. Jurriën Timber (£6.2m) is an option if passed fit.
In midfield, Tottenham’s Pedro Porro (£5.1m) looks lively after a 10-point return last weekend and has a favourable trip to relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers while operating in a more attacking role under Roberto De Zerbi. Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes (£10.3m) continues to matter; he reached 18 assists for the season last time out and remains central to United’s remaining fixtures. Casemiro (£5.7m) and Matheus Cunha (£8.0m) provide cheaper United routes.
Other midfield and attacking choices include Mohamed Salah (£14.0m), who looked lively and scored at Everton, Dominik Szoboszlai (£7.1m), Harry Wilson (£6.0m), Morgan Rogers (£7.4m) and Morgan Gibbs-White (£7.5m) after his hat trick and 20-point haul. Xavi Simons (£6.5m) impressed with a goal and assist versus Brighton. In attack, Ollie Watkins (£8.7m) has six goals in his last five matches across all competitions and Jarrod Bowen (£7.7m) has amassed 41 points across his past five home games for West Ham and remains their primary threat against Everton at home.
These selections use only fixtures and performances relevant to Gameweek 34 and reflect the available options ahead of deadlines this weekend.
